January 2006

I Do? Right now!

Learn how to plan a whirlwind wedding in seven short days.

By Loukia Borrell

A custom-made dress or something off the rack? A formal church or a relaxed, outdoor venue? Professional photography or snapshots taken by guests? When it comes to weddings, it’s all about decisions, decisions and more decisions. But no one says you’re obligated to spend months upon months stressing over every small detail. It’s not always about the “wow factor,” and plenty of brides would prefer to say “I do” without the fanfare.

Here’s how to create a simple and stress-free affair in just seven days. (Yes, it is possible.)

MONDAY

• Get the marriage license at city hall. Typically, you can walk right in, and in some cities you can even be married on the spot. (See box for details)

• Line up someone to perform the ceremony. When you get a marriage license, ask for a list of marriage commissioners. Other options include calling your minister, searching the local Yellow Pages under “Wedding Chapels” for a list of officiants or checking online. One website to consider is the National Association of Wedding Officiants at www.nawoonline.com.

• Ask if there are special requirements. Some ministers will ask you to have premarital counseling before he or she will perform a ceremony.

TUESDAY

• Figure out where you will get married. Look for places that have natural beauty and don’t need decorations. Stay away from popular wedding venues, as they probably will be booked. Places to consider include your home, a beach, a restaurant, a flower garden or a park.

• Decide on your guest list, and keep it tight. The main consideration here is how many people you will be able to call on short notice and whether or not you are having a reception at a restaurant. For a reception at home, invite no more than 50 people; if you are going out to eat, keep it under 25. Enlist a few friends to call everyone.

• If you plan to host your guests at home, keep the food simple. Plan a champagne cocktail party or lunch. Order food from a restaurant or catering company, and transfer it to attractive platters. If you can find a baker, see if something can be prepared that will take less time than a cake, like cupcakes, pies or doughnuts. Make lunch or dinner reservations if you are going to a restaurant. Make hotel reservations for a weekend getaway.

• If you can find a stylist with an opening Saturday morning, make an appointment. Otherwise, spend some time today practicing at home with hair and makeup. If you have a friend who is good with styling, ask for some tips.

WEDNESDAY

• Spend the day looking for a wedding dress. Look at area bridal shops, and find a dress you can buy that won’t need alterations or have to be brought in from another location. Also check the special occasion dresses at larger department stores or boutiques. Keep shoes and accessories simple. A suit is fine for the groom, with olive or black working well in the winter and khaki or seersucker a better choice for a summer event. If you plan to marry on the beach, a bathing suit with a cover-up works for the bride, while the groom can wear nice shorts and a loose-fitting, collared shirt.

• While you are out shopping, buy your wedding rings.

• Continue to work on details regarding the ceremony and reception.

THURSDAY

• Think about flowers. One option is to make your own bridal bouquet. Search online for do-it-yourself tips; three good websites are www.michaels.com, www.brides.com and www.theknot.com. Or see if there is something in your yard you can bind with a satin ribbon. Good choices include roses, tulips, hydrangeas, gardenias, narcissus and daffodils. You also can visit a flower market the morning of your wedding and pick out a bouquet and boutonniere.

• Continue to finalize wedding and reception details and your attire for the big day.

FRIDAY

• Write your vows. Take some quiet time, and think about what you want to say to each other.

• Order announcement cards to send out after the ceremony. Buy film and disposable cameras for your guests to enjoy, and charge up the camcorder.

• Pack your bags.

• Double check details regarding the wedding, reception and a weekend escape.

• Get plenty of rest.

SATURDAY

• If you are making your bouquet, do it early in the morning, or visit a flower market and buy something simple but pretty.

• Eat something before your ceremony—it will help with wedding day jitters.

• Try to relax and be prepared. This may not be a fantasy wedding, but it is special just the same—enjoy!

Though some requirements are different from city to city, the basics about a marriage license are the same across the area. There is a $30 fee, and both parties have to be at least 18 years old. The license is valid for about two months. Take a valid picture ID, preferably a driver’s license. Cash is preferred in some municipalities, while others will accept a check from a local bank. In some cities you can be married the same day, while others will provide you with a list of marriage commissioners whom you can call to schedule a ceremony. If the bride and groom are under 18, a parent’s signature is required for a marriage license. For more specific information, city-to-city, call:

Virginia Beach: 757-427-8827
Norfolk: 757-664-4380
Portsmouth: 757-393-8671
Chesapeake: 757-382-3000
Suffolk: 757-923-2251
Newport News: 757-926-8580
Hampton: 757-727-6105