Are you in the process of organizing a Mormon wedding? Here's what you should keep in mind while setting up your budget: Traditions, Expenses, Venues, Officiants, among other things. Typically, the Groom bears the brunt of the wedding costs, however, there are additional financial considerations to take into account. Should you opt for a traditional Mormon wedding, anticipate your expenses to surpass initial estimates. Notably, fees for officiants can add up quite a bit, which is something you'll want to factor into your planning early on.
Traditions
A wedding is a special occasion, and a Mormon ceremony is a special one, too. In a traditional Mormon wedding, the bride and groom kneel at an altar in a sealing room, where a priest or "sealer" imparts marriage advice. The priest or sealer personalizes and sanctifies the sealing ordinance. In addition to being an important ritual, a Mormon wedding is also a sacred experience, so photographs are not permitted.
The traditional LDS wedding differs from the traditional American wedding because of the young age of marriage and different financial resources. It's important to understand the differences and how the two cultures differ in their wedding budgets. For example, in traditional American culture, there are guidelines and "Who Pays For What" rules for paying for the wedding. LDS couples are generally responsible for covering wedding expenses. The bride's family traditionally hosts an Engagement party to introduce both sides of the family, as well as to establish the image and tradition of their families.
Besides the vows, other LDS practices differ in the amount of money they spend on different aspects of the wedding. Flowers, for example, are not cheap. In addition, LDS engagements are shorter than the norm. The bride should begin searching for a wedding dress months in advance. Finding the perfect dress can take months, and alterations may be necessary. If she doesn't have a wedding dress yet, her friends and family should help her buy one.
The reception costs vary wildly. A Mormon wedding can be held in a temple cultural hall or a 5-star hotel ballroom. The cost of this occasion usually rises as the number of guests increases and the number of extras is increased. The traditional wedding ceremony has many components, including a traditional wedding ring ceremony. A traditional Mormon wedding ceremony typically includes a bride and groom exchanging rings, vows, and their first kiss.
Costs
The cost of a Mormon wedding may seem very high at first glance. Many LDS brides feel pressured to have the perfect wedding. But, the reality is that not everyone can afford a wedding as dreamy as theirs. Instead of feeling pressured to overspend, make a budget for the wedding day. Setting a budget will help you control your spending, especially if your families are assisting you with the costs.
In a Mormon wedding, the couple must have a temple-recognized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As of 2020, there are about 230 Mormon temples worldwide. This can be costly, especially if the couple waits until later in life. Temple sealings are also difficult to arrange and often require the couples to travel long distances to get there. You'll need to reserve the room, have proof of church membership, and have a marriage license ready before the wedding date to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
If your daughter and new husband are Latter-day Saints, the costs of a Mormon wedding may seem prohibitive. But if they are not, the ceremony can still be a beautiful occasion for the two of you. Mormon weddings have their own unique traditions and customs, so it's important to understand the rules and regulations before making a final decision on your wedding plans. If you're not sure what to expect, consider this guide.
Although Mormon weddings differ from other weddings in their structure, many of the traditions are similar. They're all about joining two people in love. You can expect to spend less on the ceremony, including the reception. You'll also have to spend less on your wedding attire. Unlike other weddings, a Mormon wedding will also be less formal. The bride and groom will likely wear modest dresses instead of formal tuxedos and suits.
Locations
Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a large event, there are many places to host a Latter-day Saint wedding reception. Backyards, cultural halls, and local ballrooms are staples of this style of wedding. Art galleries, hotels, and restaurants also make great wedding locations. Before making your final decision, consider the cost and atmosphere of each location. If your wedding is set outside, you'll need to have a back-up plan for inclement weather.
Traditionally, the cost of weddings can skyrocket. LDS Brides often feel pressure to have the wedding of their dreams, but most of us simply can't afford it. To avoid a wedding that costs more than you can afford, create a budget. By setting a budget, you'll be better able to monitor your expenses, especially if your family is helping out. A Mormon wedding budget is a great way to control your wedding budget.
You can borrow decorations from friends who have recently married. Similarly, if you're using a borrowed space for your reception, consider borrowing some of them for decoration. In general, LDS weddings cost less than other weddings, especially those that take place at younger ages. A study by the Salt Lake Tribune revealed that LDS weddings are also lower in cost per guest, which might be due to a lack of alcohol in the wedding.
Besides the traditional Western wedding, you can also choose an unconventional ceremony. A Mormon wedding can be very intimate, and you can invite members of the Church of Jesus Christ and non-Mormon friends and family to attend the ceremony. You can also have non-Mormon friends and family wait outside the temple and welcome the newlyweds afterward. If you have a large wedding party, you can opt to rent a hall outside the temple.
Officiant fees
Officiant fees are one of the most expensive expenses in a Mormon wedding. Although the ceremony is free of charge, the couple must still pay for the officiant and marriage license. The groom pays for his wedding clothes, but the bride and his family pay for his outfit. The newlyweds then split the honeymoon expenses between themselves, and it is the bride's responsibility to make sure that everything is perfect for her new husband.
The cost of an outside wedding officiant varies, ranging from $350 to more than $880. While most weddings have a free officiant, the cost of an outside officiant will likely be higher. Outside wedding officiants don't have to attend the reception, and they may have travel costs. Some outside wedding officiants may be a justice of the peace, retired judge, or notary.
In addition to wedding licenses, wedding officiants are often responsible for arranging the ceremony. They have to handle the license and ensure that it is returned promptly. They may not attend a rehearsal. Some officiants may provide their own wireless microphones or speakers, but they still require a small fee for purchase and maintenance. In addition to these expenses, wedding officiants also have to cover their business expenses.
Officiant fees can range from $200 to $450 depending on the location and type of ceremony. You can save money on the officiant by searching online for reviews. However, you need to keep in mind that the fees vary from officiant to officiant and can be tied into the cost of hosting the wedding. The cost of hiring an officiant varies from city to city, and may depend on how many times the officiant will travel to your location. It is possible that the officiant will charge you extra for traveling to the location and rehearsal for the wedding.
Gift giving
There are some tips for gift giving that are appropriate for a Mormon wedding. First, choose what price range you want to spend on your gift. For a boy, engraved keepsake boxes and wooden crosses are suitable gifts. For a girl, angel snow globes and small bracelets are appropriate presents. When in doubt, look for items that have a value of $75 or more. A gift can be either a physical or a virtual one.
The new couple will need magazines about the LDS Church, and a subscription to one is a wonderful gift. While managing magazine subscriptions is not necessarily on the wedding day to-do list, it's a thoughtful gift for a newlywed couple. In addition to a meaningful gift, it will help the new couple keep organized their family history. It's a good idea to purchase a gift subscription to an LDS Church magazine or newspaper.
LDS weddings may have less lavish receptions than a typical church wedding. However, the reception may be held in a cultural hall or reception center. Often, the reception will include a small snack for guests, which they can enjoy at their leisure. In addition, the music may not be what you're used to, and the officiant will be dressed in a suit. While you can send a gift, consider the venue and the reception.
If you're wondering what type of gift to buy for a Mormon wedding, make sure to remember to register for a Mormon couple. While LDS couples register for gifts, they are also welcome to receive gifts from non-LDS marriage registries. Mormon wedding receptions usually have a designated gift collector, either a child or an adult. If you can afford to spend more than a few thousand dollars, you can give a gift that the bride and groom can use.
