Are you looking forward to having the white wedding of your dreams? A white wedding is simply a traditional church wedding where the bride gets to wear a formal white dress. If you are planning a Ghana white wedding, here are 10 things you need to know about or do in preparation for the big day.
1. Decide on the church.
- Your choice of church should be determined by your denomination or your parents’ denomination. It should have ample seating for your guests, should be secure, and have ample parking. The church administration should also be clear on how long you can use the premises, and whether they allow wedding receptions. They should also let you know how much décor you can set up in and around the church.
2. Choose your pastor
- Next on the list of 10 things you need to know about a Ghana white wedding is that you need to choose the pastor who will conduct your wedding. It’s a good idea to choose someone who knows you both well enough to want to check on you long after the actual wedding day.
3. Pick a date
- Picking a date for a white wedding involves the church, the minister, and you, of course! Find out if the church is free on your preferred date, and then consult the minister to know if he or she is free on the same day. After this, set a rehearsal date a few days before the wedding where the minister will take you through a few important details for the wedding day like standing position, sitting position, etc.
4. Choose a reception venue
- Once you decide on a church, think about whether you want to have your reception at the same place, or if you want to move to a different venue. If you prefer to stay, find out if the church has an outdoor space or a hall you can use, and for how long you can use it. If you prefer to go somewhere else, let it be accessible for all your guests and not too far from the church.
5. Marriage requirements
- Do you need a marriage license? Is there a fee to be paid to the church for the use of the premises? Does the church require that you do premarital counselling before the wedding day? Get all those details sorted out before the wedding day so that on the day you can relax and have fun.
6. The Wedding Program
- Before you print out the program, ask the minister or pastor to take a look and make suggestions, as there may be a way that he or she would prefer the program to run. At this point, find out if there are any protocols to be observed, e.g. a church elder’s speech or a speech from a representative of the women’s fellowship.
7. Gifts for the church
- Some churches require that any couple who weds in their church must bring a gift as a sign of appreciation. Make sure you know exactly what to bring and at what point you are expected to present it.
8. Budget
- Out of the 10 things you need to know when planning a Ghana white wedding, one of the most important is that you must have a budget. This budget should include décor for the church and reception, the minister’s fee, the church premises rental fee, and the gifts for the church.
9. Work out the guest list for church
- After you get to know what the church seating capacity is, start working on your guest list. A guest list works if the church is small, or if the reception venue is a bit far off and you would like most of your guests to go there instead. Either way, expect a few gatecrashers at the church ceremony.
10. Get a white dress
- A white wedding needs a bride in a white dress! Start shopping for one as soon as you decide that you want to have a white wedding. Just remember that the church may be a little conservative, so put that into consideration as you choose your dress.
These 10 things you need to know when planning a Ghana white wedding will help greatly with your wedding arrangements. Good luck!