The Advantages of Buying a HomeOwning a home helps build a solid financial foundation for your marriage. Your once-a-month rent payment is no longer cash flowing into someone else’s pocket. With each mortgage payment you are "buying" something tangible, building up equity. The longer you own your home, the greater your equity. Homeownership makes a difference. When you live in a neighborhood or building that is primarily owner-occupied, your neighbors, like you, are willing to invest more of their time, money and efforts to improve their property.

Consequently, the value of your property increases. A home is an investment that helps you hedge against inflation. Although not all homes appreciate at the same rate and some years are better than others, real estate has historically kept pace with and has usually appreciated faster than inflation. Interest, property taxes and certain energy efficiency improvements can be deducted from your income tax.

Your first dance as a married couple usually kicks off the reception. This very sentimental moment can become a choreographed event that includes the father-of-the-bride, family members, your wedding party and guests. Have fun spinning tradition. The first dance can be as simple or as orchestrated as you like.

Dancing begins after dessert is served if you have a "seated" dinner. During afternoon weddings, it can begin before the wedding party is seated. If a buffet is served, brides and grooms may start dancing as soon as they finish greeting their guests.

Can’t dance? Learn. Visit a professional studio and look for an introductory course that lets you sample the studio’s teaching style. They can even choreograph your first dance. The first dance is one tradition you may wish to spin, but you won’t want to skip.

Material difference

With modern bridal fashions, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the choice of fabrics for your wedding dress.

From luxurious silk and satin to delicate taffeta and chiffon, designers are incorporating a diverse range of fabrics in their creations, leaving today’s bride with a bounty of options.

Fabrics are chosen first and foremost for their beauty and the role they play in the design of the dress, but they are also chosen for their versatility, wearability, and comfort for the length of time they are to be worn and the weather they will be worn in. Many of the newer fabrics include fibers that help a dress maintain its shape and style through a long day.

Sometimes a wedding reception just isn’t possible the same day as the ceremony. Couples that spontaneously elope or choose an exotic locale for their vows still may want to share their joy with friends and family who just couldn’t witness the ceremony in person.

Oftentimes, a bride and groom come from places thousands of miles apart and choose to marry in a far-flung location leaving many guests unable to attend the festivities. An open-house reception days, weeks, or maybe even months after the ceremony is a great way to celebrate with those unable to be present on your actual wedding day.