By SUZANNE BONNER
For the first time ever, a website has been designed especially for Latter-day Saint couples who are trying to plan their weddings. LDSWeddings.com was created by Ryan and Lori Sanders after they underwent a frenzied two-month engagement.
Most wedding plans are based on a 12 month period, but BYU couples don’t follow that trend, said Ryan Sanders, 23, a senior from Boise, Idaho, majoring in communication studies. In response, Ryan and Lori researched and designed two-month, four-month and six-month wedding plans.
“The main goal of this site is to remove the stress around planning a wedding so the couple can enjoy that special time,” Ryan Sanders said.
The wedding planners provide checklists to remind couples to carry out important details, such as scheduling a temple time and arranging for a photographer, at the beginning of the engagement. As the engagements continue, the checklists include other significant details, such as changing addresses with the post office and providing the caterer with a final guest count.
“(LDSWeddings.com) is really informative — there are lists for everything you need,” said Aryn Kirkendoll, 19, a friend of Lori’s from Las Vegas, Nev.
Another feature LDSWeddings.com includes is a page full of creative bridal shower ideas. Bridal shower themes include “Pantry Paradise,” which is designed to fill the bride’s pantry, and “Around the World,” where each guest is asked to bring a gift that corresponds with a country.
The “Now What?” feature explains what needs to be done after the couple is married. Having utilities hooked up to the new home and finding out what ward you and your spouse will be attending are just a few of the items listed on this page. Links to the U.S. Postal Service, the Social Security office and Department of Motor Vehicles nearest you are available from this site to provide easy-access for couples to make necessary changes.
“The next two weeks after you’re married, you’re planning all over again,” said Lori Sanders, 21, a junior from Fort Wayne, Ind., majoring in theater education.
A business directory lists wedding services such as local photographers, caterers and bridal shops, along with these businesses’ phone numbers and addresses. The directory mainly includes businesses in the Utah Valley as far as Logan, but in the near future, the Sanders hope to extend the coverage.
David Sanders, a financial planner from Boise, Idaho, wrote “Money Matters” to be placed on LDSWeddings.com. “Money Matters” is an article that gives sound advice on financial planning to newlyweds, and includes tips to remember to pay the Lord and obtain life insurance.
LDSWeddings.com also has a temple directory so couples can easily locate the address and phone number of the temple they plan to get married in.
Although this website was launched barely a week ago, Ryan and Lori Sanders are already making future plans to add to the website. The Sanders hope to extend the business directory to cover more area than just Utah County, as well as adding a housing guide. Currently, the Sanders are working on package deals for honeymoons.
“When we were engaged, there was no one place to find the information we needed. That’s what this site is designed to do,” Ryan Sanders said.
