It's not easy to plan a wedding, especially when it comes to the ceremony. While you should be fantasising about the moment you say, "I do," you'll be wading through plenty of other logical issues, such as where to seat your separated parents or whether or not to include a male friend in your bridal party. Thankfully, our wedding experts can help you through these and other issues.

Questions often asked, answered

Is it possible to have a small ceremony yet a large reception?

Guests are more likely to attend both the ceremony and the reception, but they understand if they aren't invited. However, we advise that if you're planning a big reception and a small ceremony, you should invite people in groups, such as cousins, siblings, team members, and so on. You should not exclude anyone from these groups unless you are certain that doing so is justified. In that circumstance, you should always contact and confirm your decision with a heartfelt statement. Otherwise, the consequences could last a lifetime.

In addition, wedding invitations should state that the recipient is exclusively invited to the reception.

Can I take a pre-reception break?

You can take your formal photos and still make it to your cocktail hour if there is a short break between the wedding ceremony and reception. If a "short" break means hours, your guests may be sitting around twiddling their thumbs. Keep the break under an hour if you're not asking them to change fully. Transferring from the ceremony place to the reception venue could take up some of that time.

Invite guests to a hospitality suite, either in the hotel or at the venue, where they can get a small refreshment, such as tea and cookies, to keep them from going to a random coffee shop or bar to pass time (the worst!). If everything is taking place at the same time, consider extending the cocktail hour so that visitors can socialise while you relax.

Is it necessary for me to have a wedding party?

A wedding party is a wonderful way to remember your friends and family, it is by no means the only option. Bridesmaids were traditionally called to serve as decoys for the bride, dressing up as the bride to ward off evil spirits. The wedding party has morphed into the VIPs, who are also tasked with supporting the soon-to-be-weds because those problems don't frequently arise these days.

However, you should think about who you'd like to honour on your special day. You can always invite additional loved ones in the procession, such as grandparents and siblings if you don't wish to host a wedding party.

Can your dog participate in your wedding party?

We've seen dogs, cats, llamas, and even turtles help their owners in saying "I do." However, you should check with your venue beforehand. If the wedding is held in a religious institution, make sure to ask the officiant if bringing a puppy is permitted.

Also, be honest with yourself about how your dog behaves to large groups. Is Fido laid-back, or will he jump up and lick all your guests? Will your pet sit calmly throughout the ceremony or dash out in search of the appetisers? Will he interrupt your vows with bark or cause an accident on your train? Go for it if the answers seem reasonable.

Is it necessary for me to wear a dress on my wedding day?

First and foremost, let go of the assumption that you must wear a dress. It's not necessary to wear a traditional dress just because it's traditional. Designers have also got the signal that strapless lace ball gowns aren't the only way to go, so seek exquisite pantsuits and jumpsuits at local wedding boutiques and online. You can even go completely personalised and create your own bridal suit.

I’m having a beach wedding, can I wear heels?

Heels work great with a dress or a stylish pantsuit. They elongate your figure and improve your posture, which is ideal for photos. Sand and heels, on the other hand, are a nightmare waiting to happen. Could you imagine being unable to attend your first dance due to a twisted ankle? For pictures on solid ground, wear stilettos, then change into stylish flats or bejewelled sandals for the walk down the aisle. Plus, you came to the beach for a reason, and we're sure you're looking forward to feeling the sand between your toes. Let us help you as a wedding shoe shopping guide.

Hope this blog helped you in getting answers to some questions related to your wedding party. For your wedding shoes, you can trust us blindfolded!