When preparing for a wedding within the LDS faith, it's crucial to adhere to specific etiquette rules. These guidelines cover everything from engagement celebrations, the issuance of invitations, financial contributions, to choosing venues for both the ceremony and reception. This manual is designed to assist you in navigating every step of your wedding preparation, including organizing engagement festivities, distributing invitations, and managing your registry. Additionally, it will provide you with insights on managing the reception smoothly. Below are practical advice and recommendations to ensure your wedding is as enjoyable as can be.
Engagement parties
The proper engagement party etiquette requires a large space, so that the couple can personally greet all of their guests. Guests are eager to see the happy couple, so make sure they're treated as such. Thank them for their time and efforts by preparing delicious food and giving them thoughtful gifts, like a small bottle of Champagne. Guests should also receive a handwritten note of thanks for attending the party.
Traditionally, the bride's parents will host the engagement party. But friends and relatives can also host the party. It is customary for the bride and groom's families to throw an engagement party to introduce their respective families. In this tradition, only family members who will be involved in the wedding are invited to the engagement party. While the bride's parents can host the party, they are expected to give the first invitation, so that guests feel special.
As the engagement party kicks off many celebrations before the wedding, it is important to follow wedding etiquette to avoid awkward situations. The following etiquette guide will help you host a great engagement party. If you are planning to throw one, remember to adhere to the state's gathering rules and common sense. You may also want to consider whether the engagement party will be held in the bride's hometown.
The best way to handle the invitations is to make sure that they are formal or casual. The style of engagement party should depend on the couple, and the number of guests. While a formal invitation is appropriate for a wedding, a more casual one may be appropriate for a casual affair. In either case, it's important to send out as many invitations as possible. If the wedding is a casual affair, an e-vite will do just fine.
Invitations
There are a few important LDS wedding invitation etiquette considerations. First, the bride and groom want their guests to know where to find the temple. This is an important consideration, as the Mormon culture values community and encourages "the more the merrier" attitudes. In addition, Mormon weddings are private, so guests should respect the bride and groom's wishes. Here are some tips to help make sure your invitations are well-received:
Wordings for the invitations can vary from simple to elaborate, depending on the bride's preference. Since the invitation is the first impression that people will get from your wedding, it's important to choose the right wordings. If your guests aren't sure what you want them to read, consider the theme of your wedding before choosing a wording. This will guide your selection of cards, as well as the wedding day itself.
Invitations are often the least important part of a ceremony preparation, aside from tuxedo and dress. LDS wedding invitations are no exception, so choose a design that matches the ceremony and the couple's personalities. You can browse through hundreds of invitation designs on the internet, or use services like Pinterest or Instagram to find the perfect invitation. Regardless of the style of your LDS wedding invitation, make sure to make a memorable first impression on your guests.
While LDS wedding celebrations are often unstructured, traditional etiquette for responding to the invitation is largely ignored. It is important to wear modest clothing that covers the neck and knees. While you may feel comfortable wearing a bare chest, you should also refrain from wearing any visible tattoos, as these are not allowed. If you're planning on attending an LDS wedding, make sure to dress in business attire and avoid alcohol.
Payment formula
The Groom and Bride pay for wedding expenses. But what is the correct payment formula? How much should the Groom pay and how much should the Bride pay? It is the custom in every culture to split the costs, but the payment formula for LDs is complicated. The correct formula depends on several factors, including the gender and the number of guests. But if the wedding is to be conducted in an aristocratic manner, the Groom should be responsible for the payment of wedding expenses.
Locations for reception
Almost every LDS wedding includes a reception. This is the time for friends and family to wish the newlyweds well and celebrate their union. Mormon wedding receptions are held immediately following the wedding ceremony, but sometimes they're postponed until a month or two later. Some LDS couples have several open houses to accommodate their many guests. Locations for receptions may also be split into two or more separate events, such as a temple sealing.
Some LDS venues can be found at home, including backyards and local ballrooms. Other popular choices include museums, art galleries, restaurants, dinner cruises, and hotels. Be sure to check the venue's etiquette before choosing a location. If you're having a reception in a temple, make sure the space is accessible by the bride and groom.
While LDS weddings typically take place in a temple, it's important to remember that photography is not allowed on the temple grounds. The bride and groom should be prepared to wait outside of the temple for the ceremony to take place without having their portraits taken. However, be aware that the temple grounds are busy and packed with other people, especially on Saturdays. If possible, you can schedule your ceremony at an afternoon sealing appointment. You'll have less people around and more options for taking portraits.
Ring ceremony
Mormon doctrine calls for the ring ceremony to take place outside of the temple, although the couple may decide to have a larger reception elsewhere. For the sake of simplicity, the ring ceremony can be conducted at a country club or backyard garden. The couple may invite their non-Mormon guests to attend, and a pamphlet explaining the rules is often included with the invitations. In addition, the couple may choose to hold the ring ceremony at the same time as the reception.
In the past, it was common for couples to exchange rings in the temple after the wedding ceremony, which created a great deal of heartache for mixed-faith families. Aubri Alvarez, a church convert, said that her mother cried outside the Albuquerque temple, but the reception after the wedding mellowed the blow for her family. But this rule has changed. While a ring ceremony is still customary, it is not required in a LDS temple wedding.
Latter-day Saints may choose to exchange their rings after the temple sealing. This is more appropriate than starting a new life together in debt. However, religious weddings may not allow the bride or groom to change the script. Hence, it is recommended to choose a ring that matches the dress style of the bride and groom. It will also be a perfect symbol of a lasting marriage and a lifetime together.
The ring ceremony in LDS wedding etiquty is similar to a traditional wedding, except for the fact that a Mormon couple is unlikely to invite non-Mormons to the event. It is not uncommon for a couple to choose to have the ceremony outside of a Temple, so that their family members can attend. As with any other wedding, the ring ceremony involves the exchange of rings and vows. Finally, the couple shares a kiss and celebrate their new life together.
