Planning Guide

So Much to Do...So Little Time!

Members of Hunt Country Celebrations have a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of wedding and party planning and execution. We are pleased to offer a variety of articles and guides for your information. Visit this page often as we regularly add information to this section.

Wedding Countdown

By Lynn Pirozzoli Black Horse Inn, Warrenton, VA

A wedding is a complex event to arrange. Here is some advice to help you stay organized.

Before a final date for the wedding can be set you must decide what sort of ceremony you would like and then check with the church, minister or register’s office for availability.

Booking a Reception

Spring and fall weddings are very popular and should be arranged well in advance. Many reception sites and caterers do not like to have more than one wedding on a day. Contact several locations for availability and estimates. Perhaps try a meal or schedule a tasting with various caterers to get an idea of what to expect. Caterers will provide sample menus and a list of beverages they will be able to supply. Obtain estimates and as soon as you have decided, make a firm booking.

Planning the Wedding

Organizing a wedding can be quite stressful on all those involved as everyone has strong opinions on every detail. Following is a checklist; alternatively, you may deicide to hire a bridal consultant. They can be very helpful with organizing the details, acting as a mediator throughout the planning process and making sure that everything runs smoothly on the day itself.

Soon After the Engagement

• See the minister to arrange the ceremony date and time.
• Select the reception site and caterer for the reception.
• Make a guest list and work on a budget.
• Book a photographer, videographer, musicians and rentals.
• Organize the cake or cakes if the hotel or caterer is not providing one.
• Choose your bridesmaids, best man and ushers.
• Take some dance lessons.
• Organize all your wedding attire.
• Decide on clothes for your attendants.
• Consult with and book a florist.

Three Months Before

• Register with a bridal gift registry.
• Consult with the minister and organize the details of the service.
• Finalize the guest list.
• Order invitations, personal stationary and extras for the reception (matches or napkins).
• Choose your wedding rings.
• Develop an agenda for the big day. Include activities for out of town guests including winery tours, golfing and horseback riding.
• Organize transportation to the ceremony and reception for you and your guests.
• Organize the honeymoon.
• Organize the rehearsal and dinner.

Two Months Before

• Select attendant’s gifts. Personalized gifts are always nice.
• Apply for the marriage license.
• Book hair and make-up appointments.
• Send out invitations and make a list of acceptances and refusals as they come in.

One Month Before

• Check that your fiancé has chosen ushers and has organized the rings, his clothes, the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon.
• Have a trial run at the hairdressers.
• Confirm arrangements with the florist, photographer, caterer, musicians, etc.
• Arrange for overnight accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Have a night out with your girl friends.

Two Weeks Before

• Give the final number of guests to the caterer.
• Have a final fitting of your gown and try on everything together, including your shoes and underwear.
• Give a luncheon for your attendants.

One Week Before

• Finalize all the arrangements: church or register office, cake, caterer, florist, photographer, musicians, rentals, honeymoon, rehearsal and dinner.

Requirements for a Virginia Marriage License

Out of State Officiants must apply with Faquier County
to perform a wedding there.
(Fauquier County Courthouse -- For a Marriage License Call 540 347-8610)

1.        ID Requirement: You will need to present valid photo identification such as your driver's license, military ID, state ID, or passport and a certified copy of your birth certificate.

2.        Residency Requirement: You do not have to be a resident of Virginia.

3.        Previous Marriages: Some counties may require documentation to prove a previous marriage has been dissolved either through death or divorce.

4.        Covenant Marriage Option: No.

5.        Waiting Period: No waiting period.

6.        Fees: $30. Cash only.

7.        Other Tests: None.

8.        Proxy Marriages: No.

9.        Cousin Marriages: Yes.

10.     Common Law Marriages: No.

11.     Same Sex Marriages: No.

12.     Under 18: If either of you are under 18 years of age, you must have written, notarized consent from a parent or your legal guardian.

13.     Officiants: Any ordained minister who can show proof of ordination. Marriage Commissioners,and Judges (Circuit Court, District Court, or retired) in Virginia may also perform civil weddings.

14.     Miscellaneous: License is valid for sixty (60) days.

15.     Copy of Certificate of Marriage:
Office of Vital Records and Health Statistics
State Health Department
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Phone: 804-225-5000