We’re a 50/50 split between dog-people and cat-people here at AMM, but one thing that we all agree on is that there is most definitely a place for pets in wedding ceremonies. If you’re a pet person, you’ll know that your fur baby  is part of the package deal. They are an important part of your life, so it makes sense that they would have a role in your wedding day. Plus, you know the photos will be adorable...

But weddings can be loud, unfamiliar, and distracting, especially for your pup, so it’s important to prepare properly. 

We asked around the office, and the following tips represent the combined both pet-ownership and wedding ceremony planning experience of the staff here at AMM. 

 ...(continued)

Here’s the scenario. The wedding is still a ways off -- because you’re a smart couple, and you’re starting the ceremony planning early -- and you realize that the Bride’s mother’s Catholicism needs to be indulged. She’s old-school, and these sorts of things really matter to her. Further complicating matters, neither of you are religious, and the last thing you want is a wedding ceremony that feels like Catholic mass. 

How do you make everyone happy?

Last month, we published an article about how to create a wedding ceremony that reflects the religious values of the couple and surprise, surprise, it was all about communication. Now, we want to unpack that idea a bit more by looking at non-religious couples with religious families....(continued)

A recent wedding industry survey by WeddingWire found that most couples choose their wedding officiant, on average, about three months before their wedding. Based on that same survey, the wedding officiant was among the last of the “vendors” chosen, with only transportation ranking lower.   
 
Are you seriously choosing your florist before the person that will make or break your wedding ceremony?
 
This finding exposes one of the biggest oversights in wedding planning: the most important part of the wedding experience gets the least preparation. That’s like starting to study for a test the night before. Don’t make that mistake!

 ...(continued)

When AMM Minister Christopher Dexheimer was asked to officiate his brother’s wedding, it was a joyous conclusion to a story with a dark beginning. That story began when the bride and groom both – unbeknownst to each other -- checked into Sierra Tucson, a psychiatric hospital and treatment center for those dealing with substance abuse. 

Well… truth be told, this is also about the start of a beautiful story, since that same psychiatric hospital set the stage for a relationship that blossomed between Alba Hancock and Robbie Dexheimer. ...(continued)

We recently received an email from a bride who was planning her ceremony and wanted to walk down the aisle alone, and asking for our advice. Since it wasn’t the first time we’ve been asked that question, we figured this is a discussion worth having here on American Weddings, so here goes. We’re always interested in hearing from you, so make sure to follow us on social media and tell us about your experiences! 
 
Dear AMM, 

I’m not very close to my father, and we never had much of a relationship, to be totally honest. And while I could have someone else walk me down the aisle, I would rather just walk by myself. I've always been an independent sort of person, and I see this as a statement of my autonomy. Is this common, and what should I keep in mind if I go this route? -- Shelby in Albuquerque  
 
Hi Shelby, ...(continued)