How to Plan an Informal Wedding

You want your wedding day to be special. But it doesn't have to be an extravagant, budget-busting event. With a little thought and planning, an informal wedding can be a memorable and a tailor-made delight for any couple who prefers to keep things simple. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Go to the courthouse and get your marriage license. Get the legal issues out of the way first so you can concentrate on the fun stuff. Choose an official to conduct the wedding ceremony as soon as you set your wedding date. Whether it's your own clergyman, a friend or a justice of the peace you hire, get that person on the calendar as soon as possible.

2. Invite people to your informal wedding in the simplest way possible. Depending on the amount of time you have, you can make invitations on your computer or you can invite by phone or email. If you mail invitations, make sure to plan enough time. At least two weeks notice is best when possible.

3. Think about keeping the guest list small when you plan an informal wedding. About 50 to 60 invitations would be ideal. Since not all invited guests show up for any function, you'll probably have a perfect-sized crowd.

4. Plan an informal wedding by keeping the attire simple. Especially if you choose to have an outdoor wedding, casual dress is the best choice. Limit your number of attendants and allow them to wear whatever they have that might fit with your wedding theme. An informal wedding can be in your backyard, in a park or on a beach. Be sure to let your invited guests know that the wedding is informal so they can dress accordingly.

5. Keep the food simple when you plan the reception part of your informal wedding. Consider a sheet cake instead of the traditional wedding cake. You can get a lovely decorated sheet cake for a fraction of the cost of a tiered wedding cake. It's easier to serve, too. Get party platters of mixed meats and cheeses, raw vegetable trays and chips and dip. Another simple alternative for an outdoor wedding would be grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Have ice chests handy filled with bottled water and sodas.

6. Decorate simply for your informal wedding. Flowers bought at a supermarket can be just as pretty as those ordered from a florist. For centerpieces, consider a single flower with its stem removed floating in a bowl of water. Table decorations don't have to be elaborate in order to be beautiful.