Long Island is a unique yet ever expanding “tiny” enclave of NY renowned worldwide….and thus, so are Long Island weddings. Long Island is known for its rich history and Long Islanders are known for the unique flair, style and verve for living life. So, when it comes to tying the knot we go all out….and we’re not afraid to dare to be different…especially when different means hosting a one-of-a-kind eclectic affair that has that special New York WOW factor.

So, once you’ve made the big decision to take that life-altering stroll down the aisle…start your planning by making another monumental decision, defining how you’d like to get married.

That’s right…just like you, weddings have their own unique “personality” and “style” and each offers you and your guests something very distinctive and significant.

Here is a list of some of the most common All-American wedding styles to consider when stylizing your sensational celebration.

1. Customary and Traditional: The perfect “party” for the “nostalgic” and sentimental couple. This type of event boasts many facets of the weddings most of us grew up attending. There is usually a religious aspect, though there doesn’t necessarily “have” to be; the bride in white, groom in a tux….and a  carefully selected wedding party comprised of a best man, groomsmen and a ring boy as well as a maid of honor, bridesmaids and a flower girl.

2. Religious: This type of event is usually very regal and incorporates a host of customs and traditions that are steeped in faith. The ceremony is usually extremely symbolic and replete with many of the significant marriage traditions from each couples heritage and religious beliefs. Full of pomp and circumstance religious weddings tend to be rich, robust and full of meaning.

3. Black Tie: New York is known for its nightlife and for couples who want a fancy and formal fete Black Tie is THE best way to showcase and highlight a “Red Carpet” Gala. Guests as well as the couple are expected to wear the A-list best. The groom and his boys are usually dressed in a stylish black tux and bowtie (though a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers are perfectly acceptable for a summer soiree or afternoon affair), the bride  and her bridesmaids typically wear something more “formal” and even guests attend in more formal attire, men in black suits or tuxedos and ladies in black cocktail dresses or long and lavish evening gowns.

3. Military: Long Islanders are very proud of their military…and lots of brave men and women of uniform call Long Island and New York their home. What better way to honor your( soon to be) “service-driven” spouse than to commemorate their sacrifice with a military wedding.  Military weddings are, much like black tie events, full of formality and fanfare….and usually extremely “regal” in nature. They usually take place in a location, such as the West Point chapel, where the person or persons in service is/ are a member. Members forego the more “traditional” wedding attire and instead were their uniform proudly as they take that walk down the aisle… and, yes, it’s typically a moving and powerful service full of  protocol, pomp and circumstance as they couple incorporates many of the military traditions from the specific branch of service where the bride or groom belongs.

4. Destination: A “trendy” type wedding for more “contemporary” couples who want to host a more “intimate” style affair and treat, usually a smaller group of guests to an exotic event at a “vacation destination hotspot”. This type of wedding is more “fun” and less formal and gives the couple and opportunity to celebrate their love in a more relaxed, laid-back setting and atmosphere. This type of wedding also usually features many of the local (area’s) customs and traditions and is more about the “party” than the pomp and circumstance. But, there’s no reason your getaway gala can’t be grand….as many couples treat their guests to a carefully crafted celebration that features lots of “over the top” elements to make it truly one-of-a-kind, magical and memorable. Think pig roast, luau, etc.

5. Cyber Ceremonies: A totally “trendy” tradition that trends for many of today’s younger couples, or for couples who are on the second or third marriage. Sure it takes most, if not ALL of the romance out of the wedding, but It’s perhaps the perfect way to tie the knot for those who want to be financially frugal, who don’t want to draw attention to their event or who want to keep their commitment just between the two of  them. These cyber celebrations are usually void of most if not all the usual wedding customs and traditions we are use to and take place over the internet. Perhaps not a bad way to say “I Do” for couples who live far apart.

6. Elopment: A just the two of us (against the world) commitment ceremony where the happy couple decide to take their show on the road. Elopments tend to be more “romantic” and “traditional than cyber ceremonies but are usually devoid of any tradition or pomp and circumstance. This type of wedding is customarily a “secret” service held with the couple and a few key witnesses.

7. Double Ceremony: Double the fun with perhaps “half” the expenses….as two couples choose to share their special celebration and moment in the spotlight. It’s the perfect party for twins, siblings or close friends or relatives when they are engaged at the same time and  are planning to get married on or around the same time.