• Contact the clergy and get the date on the church calendar before making any other plans, such as ordering invitations or hiring a vendor.

• Ask for the church policy as some churches do not allow secular music, pew bows, excessive decorations, etc.

• The clergy of the church has final authority, so do not argue with him/her.

• Contact your officiate to confirm plans for the rehearsal as well as the wedding.

• Both the clergy and spouse are invited to the rehearsal dinner.

• Satin bows on every pew, with flowers and bows on the reserved pews, make a nice statement.

• Be it a guitar or a violin, music can set the tempo and recognize the personal preferences of the couple.

• Honoring a deceased parent or grandparent can be tastefully done by dedicating a song to their memory. The dedication is noted in the wedding program. Or, flowers may be placed where the person would have been seated. A picture of the deceased person may be placed in the entrance hall, along with a bouquet of flowers.

• Add a color, reading or special music that reflects the ethnic culture of those involved.

• If using an aisle cloth, be sure it is made of a sturdy fabric and has weights to hold down both ends. Avoid paper runners, which are difficult to walk on, especially if you are wearing heels.

• Walk down the aisle in dignity. It is not a 20-yard dash! Take your escort's right arm. Stand up straight and walk toward the most important moment in your life.