Planning a wedding and customs

In short: In Germany a wedding legally consists of the civil ceremony; a church or secular ceremony is possible in addition. Many customs accompany the day.

In more detail: Only the civil ceremony makes the marriage legally valid.

In detail

• Registry office: Register with birth certificate and ID, often book months ahead.
• Surname: Decision about a shared name, double name or separate names.
• Customs: Pre-wedding party, cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet, white dress.
• Budget: Venue, catering and clothing are the biggest items (reisebudget-planen).
• Guests: Plan invitations and seating early.
• Marriage contract: Regulates assets and support in case of separation (testament-schreiben-und-erbfolge).
• International: Customs differ greatly between cultures.