Whatever the style and theme of your wedding, there's somewhere in Lincolnshire that will suit

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Whether you elect to tie the knot at home or abroad, there are seemingly a million things to consider. If you plan to marry in a church, what are the requirements? If not, where do you intend to get hitched? Is your perfect venue or setting even able to host wedding ceremonies? All these thoughts will be bouncing around any couple planning to make their vows.


Previously weddings were a serious business, and when it came to choosing the style there were only two options - the traditional ceremony in your local church or a simple but unglamorous trip to a register office. Both options are still available, of course, and the former in particular can certainly seem very special. Yet increasingly, as we're generally marrying later in life, and many couples will have lived together for some time, weddings are becoming more informal. You don't have to follow the various traditions and can design a day that really emphasises your personality (though no matter how informal you go, we wouldn't recommend Princess Beatrice-style hats as seen at last year's Royal wedding).


There are limits to this informality, of course. We've heard of those weddings with the bride and groom tying the knot mid-bungee jump or in their own back garden, but that's not possible here in Lincolnshire. That's because in other parts of the world it's the person carrying out the wedding that's licenced, and if they agree, anything goes, whereas in England it's the venue itself that requires a licence.


Ok, you may be thinking that you could simply apply for a licence for your home and host the ceremony there - but don't! That's because if a wedding licence is granted, it's on the condition that the venue is then made available to the general public to use for the duration of the licence - usually five years. So unless you're happy with a parade of strangers tying the knot in your back bedroom, think again. Also out of the question is getting married on a boat or in a marquee as the venue has to be a permanent structure.


That's not to say you can't use these for other parts of the day but the formalities will have to be completed elsewhere. Fortunately in the county there are numerous licensed venues and there's bound to be somewhere that's perfect.


The main thing to remember is to try and remain calm, any nerves or stress will never do the process any good. One thing that helps most people is to make a list, this may seem obvious, but it's surprising how much better you may feel seeing everything written down. Having it all there in black and white not only means you are prepared way in advance, but you also have the satisfaction of crossing elements off when they are planned and arranged. Equally, keeping a file with wedding stuff inside is also useful. Can't find that website with the amazing wedding favours? Struggling to remember that incredible wedding cake specialist you were told about months ago? Keep a file and it is all in one place, write down any scrap of information you think may become useful and everything will fall into place.


The biggest item on your list should be the venue and is really the first thing you should ensure is booked and in place, once you have a concrete setting in mind and booked, you can concentrate on filling it with the elements you want included to make your special day exactly that, special. If you have no idea of dimensions, setting or anything, how are you going to plan anything else?


There are a host of incredible wedding venues available for use across the county, Lincolnshire has some of the most sumptuous and elegant places to get married in the country, if not the world, whatever your taste. From the city venues of Lincoln, meaning you are getting married and celebrating in the shadow of the Cathedral, able to get an iconic landmark in your wedding photos to more rural affairs with the natural scenery helping to make your day look the best it can. City weddings obviously have their merits, cheaper accommodation for guests and excellent transport links means a lot more of your friends and family will be able to make it, but the picture postcard setting of a countryside wedding can make all the difference.


One issue can sometimes be the seating plan. You want to ensure that everyone has a great time but often the lasting memory for some guests is that they had to spend the whole day sat next to someone they couldn't stand. The aim is to ensure everyone gets to sit next to guests that they know and get along with Ð or at least have similar interests and are of similar backgrounds to ensure they'll at least have something to talk about. You may even opt to omit the traditional wedding breakfast completely and go for a buffet meal where everyone can sit where they like and eat when they're ready.


Although most problems over who sits next to who are often trifling affairs, there can be more serious issues to discuss if the parents have divorced and remarried, which can lead to worries about being seen to favour one parent over the other based on the makeup and the seating plans of the top table. The most important thing to remember is that the day is about the bride and groom, and as long as you've dealt with any situations that arrive, acted fairly and explained your decisions to those involved, it should really be up to them to behave in a sensible manner and avoid overshadowing the stars of the day.

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