Question & Answer
What you forgot to ask and needed to investigate
Question
We're planning to have a huge wedding party. What are some options for the processional that won't take as much time as the standard two-by-two march?
Answer
Scrap Noah's plan and send more than two folks down the aisle at a time. For example, let's say you have eight groomsmen and eight bridesmaids in your wedding party. The best man will probably already be at the altar keeping watch over your groom. That leaves 15 people to march down the aisle (and you, of course!). One groomsman could escort two bridesmaids, followed by one bridesmaid sandwiched between two groomsmen and so on. By sending folks down in rows of three, five marches later you're done. Also, if you have an uneven number of guys and gals, not to worry. Send as many as possible down in groups of three, and the rest can walk in groups of two or solo if necessary. Another way to speed things up a bit is to instruct your marchers to follow a little more closely behind each other instead of putting the requisite half-an-aisle-length between them. Bonus tip: The tempo of the processional song can influence how quickly people walk down the aisle. Consider keeping things a little livelier for your wedding party and then slowing things down when it's your turn to hit the road.
Question
I don't want to put my single gals on display for the bouquet toss. What are my options?
Answer
Why not turn the tables and coax all the single men to take their chances? Granted, they may not elbow each other out of the way with the same fervor, but it would certainly make for some funny photos. Or have your DJ or bandleader ask the crowd whom they think has traveled the greatest distance to attend your wedding. Then narrow this group down to the person who actually did cover the most miles, and present that jet-setter with your bouquet. Another idea is to invite all married couples to the dance floor. Then have the DJ ask everyone who's been married for more than five years to continue dancing and for everyone else to stop. Then have him ask the people who've been married for ten years to keep dancing, and dismiss everyone else. Continue until you eventually identify the longest-lasting duo and flower them with love!
Question
Will a holiday-weekend wedding deter guests from coming?
Answer
Throwing a wedding over a holiday weekend can be very tempting. Hey, you get an extra day off to either tack on to your honeymoon or to chill out before or after the festivities. The key to maximizing your guest count at a holiday weekend event is to offer your friends and relatives an action-packed lineup in addition to your wedding. If you're marrying over the Fourth of July, add a big ole BBQ and fireworks to the activity roster. That way, guests won't feel as if they're missing out on their regular holiday fun; instead, they'll be getting your wedding as a bonus. It's also a good idea to do a little research to find out what's happening around the area: While you're busy with last-minute details, your guests can take in some local attractions. And don't forget to send out save-the-date cards well in advance of mailing the invites. The sooner guests know about your fun-filled holiday-weekend celebration, the better chance they will be able to attend.