Times have changed and today more than ever, we are creating more creative and unique ways to say, “I do”. When on the topic of planning the perfect wedding day, even though there are so many variables and controversial opinions out there, I personally see five major groups of Wedding styles, which I am going to elaborate on in this blog. What was trending last decade or even last year may not be relevant this year and please note that my view does not mean the only truth out there.

Ok, so today, we will be going over formal, informal, religious, themed and destination Weddings style, their differences, and similarities and who they are for. Depending on the budget on hand and personal vision, one must take the time to determine which wedding style resonates with their personality, bank account and their vision very early in the planning phase. As always, the size of our Wedding is not taken in consideration here since the mentioned styles can be either small (a.k.a elopement and micro-Weddings) with an average between 3 to 25 attendees, medium with an average between 25 to 100 attendees or large with 100 attendees or more. Keep in mind any of the mentioned Wedding Styles can be mixed match or altered to fit our vision. For example, a small-size wedding can still be formal, informal, religious, themed or a destination wedding.

FORMAL WEDDINGS

Formal Weddings are the most commercialized type of wedding and typically includes elaborately decorated venues, ceremony, and reception. Formal Weddings are time consuming, requires meticulous planning, coordination, staffing and execution. In addition to the Bride and Groom, often the following parties are involved, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, a venue, a staff, an Officiant, a flower company, a DJ, a Photographer, a Videographer, a Catering Company, a Flower girl, a Ring Bearer, sparklers (bubbles are growing popularity today) to finish the day and event insurance. Yes, all Wedding should have insurance, just in case the unwanted happens. Formal Weddings can be held at a variety of locations since the focus here is rather on beauty, elegance, details, decoration, unison, perfection, ideal dream day, fairy tales feeling and romance. For the dreamer, romantic and traditional believer couples, formal Weddings are a perfect selection to document their special day.

INFORMAL WEDDINGS

Informal Weddings are the opposite of Formal Weddings and typically may include minimal decoration, venues, ceremony, and reception. Informal Weddings may still be time consuming and require meticulous planning, however, adopt a more creative, fun, unique, and relax approach. In addition to the Bride and Groom, the parties mentioned in the Formal Wedding section may or may not be involved depending on the unique vision and creative route selected. For example guest may not dress to the selected theme or colors and be given the freedom to dress as they please; the venue may be slightly decorated or not decorated at all; the ring bearer may be a family pet; a band or soloist may replace the DJ; a Photobooth may be selected instead of a Photographer; color themes and palette may not be selected; the conventional Wedding agenda sequence may not be followed; specific family traditions or customs may be added to the agenda and the location may vary from a backyard to a resort. Informal Weddings can be held anywhere, since the focus here is on creativity, expression, personality, and fun. Informal Weddings are unpredictable and unique, which keeps everyone entertained, engaged, and expecting the unexpected.

RELIGIOUS WEDDINGS

Religious Wedding are less common, however offer many benefits such as a pre-set agenda, decoration, clothing choices, locations, approved themes, set durations, determined participants, etc… Depending on the religion, guest and participants may or may not be allowed to witness certain moments. It is important to let guest and participants know which sections of the Wedding is available and weather or not photos and videos are permitted. Religious Wedding are less time consuming since it often they follow a framework that has been already tested and involves a religious community. Often many aspects of the Wedding are handled by members of that religious community, which helps tremendously in the planning, coordination, staffing and execution phases. It is best to consult with religious community leader to determine how to proceed with a specific ceremony and be familiar with what to expect. Religious Weddings are for couples who prioritize spiritual connections with higher powers and rooted belief values.

THEMED WEDDINGS

Themed Wedding has become a thing and is evolving at a super-fast rate. From DIY Weddings to professionally organized Weddings, there are so many options to go with and directions to choose. From a simple color palette theme to a full-blown well-thought-out theme, one can go with either of the following styles, Rustic, Industrial, Modern, Retro, Vintage, Movie title (for example Marvel vs DCU, Matrix, Star Wars, Beetle Juice, Cartoons etc), Music genre (Hip Hop, Punk, Rock-and-roll etc.), generational (50s, 70s, 80s, 90s etc.) and many more themes I cannot list. The sky is truly the limit here and when combined with either a formal or informal signature, Themed Wedding can create a unique, fun, and entertaining experience for everyone. Themed Weddings also have the option to follow either the conventional Wedding agenda or a unique agenda that matches the selected theme. Themed Weddings are for couples with super creative minds, outgoing personalities who love to explore different ideas and concepts.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Out of all mentioned Wedding types, Destination Weddings are some of the most planning heavy types. Not only Destination Weddings include everything other Wedding groups have, but they also may have to account for travel plans, international laws, restrictions, requirements, and at times visas and customs. Destination Wedding are usually held at remote locations such as vineyards, barns, farms, mountains, exotic places such as beaches, resorts, cruises etc. Since the focus here is on the location and all the benefits it offers, the Wedding party mentioned in the formal Weddings’ group section may or may not be included. The Wedding agenda may also be altered and new activities such as scuba diving, rock climbing, kayaking, sky diving etc, and locations such as caves, skyscrapers, canyons, dams, and waterfalls may be added to fit the destination. Destination Weddings are the perfect balance between romance and fun for the active and adventurous couple.

I hope you enjoy this read and it helps you have an idea on which Wedding Style matches your personality, budget, and vision. Feel free to comment below and share your ideas or suggestions on other major groups of Wedding styles. Thank you for stopping by and see you in the next blog. www.AntonioMedinaPhotography.com www.CidadeVisualArts.com Follow me on INSTAGRAM @CidadeVisualArts @AntonioMedinaPhotography

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