Magic Forums

I know how I cast a circle, but Im looking to do something a little different this time and am curious what everyone else does to see which parts are nessicary or at least widely accepted, and which parts seem to be up to the caster preference. For example i really like candles to line out my circle, it helps me visualize, but are they required? probably not. so from beginning to end what does everyone think the MINIMAL circle would be?
I personally(and again i want everyones opinions) would include
the 4 elements and directions
clearing the space
Dedicating the space
closing the space

like I said that is rather minimal, what do others feel about this?