It’s time to start planning your ceremony! Whether you prefer a house of worship, a courthouse, your dream venue, or another beautiful indoor or outdoor setting, there is a wide variety of ceremony sites to choose from.
Before you start your search, discuss your style, desired features, guest count, budget, and wishlist. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, consider potential weather obstacles and ensure you have a backup plan. This is the time to determine whether you want your ceremony and reception at the same site or at different locations. Thinking through these details with your partner will help you narrow your options, decrease stress, save time, and get closer to finding your perfect venue.
Keep in mind that some locations speak for themselves and require little to no transformation, while others may need extra décor to match your desired aesthetic. Some venues offer items like tables, chairs, linens, dishes, and more, while others require those items to be rented and brought in externally. Be aware of what is available at the site you’re considering, what may still be needed, and the cost associated with those items.
There are pros and cons to any ceremony location, so weigh the venue’s amenities against your wishlist and find the one that is the best fit for you and your partner’s unique celebration.
Ceremony Considerations
- Indoor vs. Outdoor (potential weather backup plans)
- Guest Count
- Same or Different Location from Reception Venue
- Necessary Venue Amenities
- Extra Signage for Directing Guests
- Included Rentals, Décor, & Setup Policies
Caynay Photo
Ceremony Backdrops
There is a variety of styles and shapes when it comes to ceremony backdrops and installations. Check with your venue to see what may be available onsite, with local rental companies and stationers, or consider creating a custom design of your own! Depending on the desired vibe, you may also want to work with your local florist or balloon artist to adorn your backdrop or create a full, breathtaking installation.
Annika Frame Photography | Anya Kubilus Photo | Brad Ryan Photography | Brianna Kraft Photography | Caroline Cavalcante Photography | Caynay Photo | Christi Elizabeth Photography | David Weflen | Krysta Holden Photography | Larissa Marie Photography | Resler Photography | Savannah Steiger | Tara Draper Photography | The Wedding Flashers | Twig & Olive Photography | Valerie Halling Photography | Wanderlynn Photography
Ceremony Seating
Setup
When it comes to your ceremony seating, one thing to consider is the overall configuration. Stay more traditional with rows of chairs, or try something unique like a circular or semicircular arrangement or even a winding path with clusters of seating throughout a natural setting. Keep the distance you and your guests would need to walk to get to your desired location in mind, as well as the levelness and firmness of the ground if you will be outdoors.
Determine where the aisle or multiple entry points will be, where you and your partner and wedding party will enter and stand, and the guests’ viewpoint. Will you be in traditional positions up front, or will you be a central focal point with seating around you? Will your wedding party stand near you, or do you want to designate special seating for them in your setup? There are many options to consider and room to be creative. Talk to your wedding planner or event designer for ideas and suggestions, or be creative to come up with something entirely new together! Ultimately, your ceremony seating setup will depend on the number of guests you plan on attending.
Seating Options
When it comes to seating, you can choose traditional options or mix things up with benches, vintage church pews, couches, poufs, picnic blankets, hay bales, tree stumps, mismatched chair styles, and more! Consider both comfort and aesthetics when selecting ceremony seating. Whether you’re choosing something simple or more unique, it’s important to be intentional with the placement and stay consistent with your wedding vibe. See what your venue offers and compare their selection with local rental companies to find the best fit for your style and needs. Determine if you will repurpose your ceremony seating for your reception or if you need to have additional seating provided, so everything is in place ahead of time.
Anya Kubilus Photo
The Wedding Flashers
Searching for your dream wedding ceremony or reception space? Visit our preferred vendor page for more information on Madison’s best!
If you’re looking for a specific backdrop or vibe, also check out our vetted rental vendors and florists!
