Popular Wedding Questions and Answers
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1. Question: What are the most popular months to have a wedding?
2. Question: How much should the engagement ring cost?
3. Question: How long does the engagement last?
4. Question: What are the best places to get married?
5. Question: How big should my wedding be?
6. Question: How much does a wedding cost?
7. Question: Who should perform the wedding ceremony?
8. Question: How is the wedding for a second marriage different from my first wedding?
9. Question: How can I get rid of pre-wedding stress?
10. Question: Do I have to change my last name to his?
11. Question: What should I do when people disagree about my wedding plans?

Question: What are the most popular months to have a wedding?

Answer: You won't be surprised when I tell you that 35% of all weddings take place in the summer. 29% of weddings are held in the spring, 23% in the fall and 13% in the winter. June is the most popular month for weddings; 10.8% of all weddings are held in June. But August is next favorite as a wedding month, and May, July, September and October are almost as popular. Actually, January, at 4.7%, is the only month without its share of weddings.

Did you know that over 2.4 million weddings are performed every year in the United States? And here are some interesting facts. The average age of the bride is 26 years old. The average age of the groom is 28 years.

Question: How much should the engagement ring cost?

Answer: 85% of all guys bring a ring with them when they propose. The most popular engagement ring is a diamond of about 1.4 carats with a round cut, set in white gold. The princess cut for the engagement diamond is almost as popular. On average, they say that the engagement ring costs $4,976, but I just can't believe that number. Feel free to spend less.

Question: How long does the engagement last?

Answer: The average engagement lasts 17 months.

Question: What are the best places to get married?

Answer: Look at what other brides chose. Destination weddings were 12%. Outdoor weddings were 35%. Church weddings are 53%. 22% of all weddings take place in a hotel or country club. These numbers add up to more than 100%, because outdoor weddings can be held at any venue.

Question: How big should my wedding be?

Answer: Do you measure your wedding by the guest count or by the size of the budget? The average wedding has 173 guests.

Question: How much does a wedding cost?

Answer: You can get married at the courthouse for the cost of the marriage license and the blood test. If you want a big wedding blowout, the sky is the limit. What is important is that you set a budget for the wedding that is within your means. I never recommend going into debt to pay for a wedding. You don't want to start married life under a financial cloud. Here's how to allocate your money for the expenses of a typical wedding. Plan on spending 50% of the budget for the reception and food, 10% for photography and video, 10% for flowers, 10% for entertainment, 10% for clothing, 2% for invitations and 8% for everything else.

Question: Who should perform the wedding ceremony?

Answer: You can use a licensed Minister or Pastor of any denomination, a Priest, Rabbi, Imam, Judge, Magistrate, Notary Public, Justice of the Peace, City Mayor, State Governor, Clerk of Court. The celebrant must hold a legal license to perform your ceremony. Contrary to popular opinion, the captain of the cruise ship cannot perform your marriage.

Question: How is the wedding for a second marriage different from my first wedding?

Answer: For your second marriage, the wedding doesn't have to be smaller, or less formal. You can wear white again if you choose. Sometimes the bride and groom don't need or want a lot of gifts. If you or your intended have children, you should definitely give them a role to play in the wedding. Perhaps the children can light the unity candle, or give the bride away.

Actually, only one thing is essential for your second marriage when there are children in the family. You need to have a prenuptial agreement, so that the children are provided for in the event a parent dies. Without a prenuptial agreement, your assets will probably pass entirely to your new spouse.

Question: How can I get rid of pre-wedding stress?

Answer: Every task is easier if you have help. Give yourself enough time to do the planning. Set up a budget and a schedule with a time-table. Delegate responsibilities. Rely on your sweetie, your family and your bridesmaids for help. Make the big decisions first, like the date, the number of guests, the venue, the budget and your colors, and stick with them. When things go wrong, shrug it off and choose the next best alternative. As long as you've found the perfect love, you can accept imperfection and uncertainty in other things.

Question: Do I have to change my last name to his?

Answer: Of course not. Traditionally brides took the last name of their husband, but today things are different. Talk it over with your spouse. Decide what will be the last name of any children. If you do change your name after the wedding, remember to notify the Social Security office and your insurance company. Also change the name on your driver's license and your apartment lease.

Question: What should I do when people disagree about my wedding plans?

Answer: If family members are adamantly opposed to your plans, do what big companies do: Call in an arbitrator, like another family member to help. Pick your battles carefully, and compromise often. The family who is paying for the wedding affair expects you to respect their wishes. Hold fast to your dreams, but don't sweat the small things.

I wish you a day full of romance and memories as you plan your wedding.

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Wedding Questions and Answers