The Purple Book: A Guide to Colorado Springs Weddings and Receptions

Pick the Style For Your Wedding

By Conrad Smith, editor of The Purple Book

One of the first decisions you should make is the style of your ceremony and reception.
This will dictate how strongly you adhere to traditional etiquette, how you shape your
budget and the kinds of costs you are willing to incur to produce the wedding you've
always dreamed of. You can choose a style of wedding such as those listed below or
perhaps a hybrid of two or more categories. Since this is your wedding, you have the
freedom to select the style that fits you best.

If you make this one of your first decisions, you will be more focused and spend less
time chasing bunny trails thus saving time, energy and money for the things you truly want.

Formal Traditional:

This style of wedding will strictly follow the etiquette books. It is usually larger both in
size of the wedding party and number of guests. This wedding features more elaborate
decorations and attire for both the wedding and the reception.

Semi-Formal Traditional:

This style maintains most traditions but is less elaborate and more flexible. It usually f
eatures a smaller wedding party and guest list.

Informal:

This style usually has a simpler ceremony, with less emphasis on the traditional aspects.
These are frequently weddings held at home or outdoors.

Ethnic:

This style takes into account the ancestral heritage, and the religious and cultural
background of the bride and groom. These weddings can range from a strict,
detailed adherence to the couple's ethnic traditions to an inclusion of only a few
of those traditions in an effort to honor their respective backgrounds.

Historical Period:

These weddings look to the past as a means to celebrate the future of the couple.
Some examples of this style are: Roaring Twenties, Big Bands Romance,
Renaissance, Victorian, and Western.

Theme:

These often reflect a common interest that the bride and groom share.
Examples of some themes are: Nautical or Cruise Themes, Murder
Mystery Themes, Circus Themes, or a Cinderella Theme.

Steps to Take
Step One:
Pick your style

Step Two:
Prioritize what is most important to you

Step Three:
Set your budget based on your priorities

Example 1: Semi-Formal/Traditional Wedding held in a Church

Example 2: Informal Wedding held at Reception Location