How to Plan a Virginia Beach Wedding
Whether you are planning a destination wedding or live in the area, Virginia Beach, Virginia offers couples a variety of romantic settings for their special day, such as miles of public beaches, numerous city parks, gardens, chapels, resorts and historical plantation homes. There's a venue to fit the simplest private beach wedding to the most lavish affair. When you begin to plan a Virginia Beach wedding you may want to consider a "green" wedding, as the city is committed to eco-friendly practices and offers many facilities to help you plan it.
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Instructions
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Get a notebook to keep all of your wedding planning information in. By staying organized, you'll know where to find everything and will be less stressed. Keep notes regarding various venues and vendors as well as wedding contracts in the notebook.
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Plan a meeting with everyone who will be contributing to the wedding budget and set a budget.
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Take a trip to Virginia Beach and visit possible venues for your wedding. If you are having a destination wedding, you may want to stay at a hotel or resort that you are considering getting married at. Choices include renting a beach house on a quiet beach in Sandbridge or at the north end, which is secluded and hidden from the resort areas.
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Choose a venue for the wedding and reception sites. This could be a quiet chapel, a public beach, a museum or a historical site such as the Adam Thoroughgood house which was built around 1680 and is one of the oldest brick homes in America. Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and the Virginia Beach Convention Center are green-certified wedding venues.
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Check with the city to see if you are required to obtain any special permits for your wedding location.
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Select a wedding date and mail save-the-date cards, especially if you are planning a destination wedding in Virginia Beach.
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Meet with wedding officiants and hire one who meets your requirements, whether you are having a religious or civil ceremony.
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Interview wedding vendors such as a florist, photographer, videographer, caterer, entertainment and wedding coordinators. You will want vendors who are familiar with Virginia Beach and preferably have their business there. Ask for references. The Virginia Beach Visitors site has a list of vendors that you can choose from.
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Apply for a marriage license in Virginia. All persons getting married in the state must have a Virginia marriage license.
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Choose a wedding dress and wedding attire for the attendants.
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Mail wedding invitations 30 to 45 days prior to the wedding.
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Finalize details of the wedding and make wedding programs.
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Tips & Warnings
Delegate tasks to family and friends. If the ceremony is outside, have a backup plan in case of bad weather.Wedding vendors can be interviewed over the phone if you are planning a destination wedding. Get written contracts from all vendors so that they are legally binding. Weddings are prohibited on the boardwalk.
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- Photo Credit Beach Wedding image by Michael Wuelfrath from Fotolia.com
