Dos and Do Nots
Do - Spend some time with your spouse checking out the places you want to register and making lists of the items you really do need.
Do not - Just add a toaster oven you know you won’t use so guests will have enough of a selection.
Do - Register at more than one store. There is no hard and fast rule that says you have to register at one location only.
Do not - Choosing items that are really expensive because you know you won’t be able to afford them in the first year of marriage isn’t fair to your guests. Instead, choose a wider price range selection.
Do - Discuss your options with different stores, online sites and even handmade facilities. You’ll be surprised by how many places feature registries this day.
Do Not - Feel limited to asking for only household goods. If you are already set up in your house and don’t need a lot, ask for some things you ‘might’ like to have or even items like movies, CDs and more.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Planning for the Venue
Planning a wedding always begins when the question is popped. Most people know the type of wedding they would like to have, but when you add another person’s dreams, aspirations and religious feelings it can require some discussion. The couple are an important part of planning a wedding and whether it’s the parents of the bride or the groom or a wedding planner, the wishes of the couple have to be taken into account. This is especially true of the type of ceremony that the couple decides on.
Determining whether the wedding will be a religious, civil or other type of ceremony will play a part in determining the venue. The couple usually has an idea of where they want to have the wedding. Your job as the wedding planner will be to contact the venue and verify all information with regard to booking it for the day in question. Be sure to have a standard contract available that you use for negotiating a venue. At bare minimum you will need confirmation on the following:
- Contact Person?
- Location of Utilities?
- In-house staff?
- Clean-up responsibility? Yours? Theirs?
- Parking?
- Entrance?
- Dressing Room?
- Fees?
- Rehearsal availability?
- Piano? Organ?
- Rules about Photography (specifically in Churches)
You will want to confirm a booking of the venues at least three to four months ahead of time. In many cases, it’s better to settle on the venue in the first hours of planning wedding because much of the rest of the planning will center on the location. Planning a wedding is like setting up dominoes, each decision helps you make another one. The first domino is the question, the second domino is the type of ceremony and the third domino is choosing the venue and it continues from there.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Timeline
Wedding planning is arduous. The proof is in the details and if you want to keep track of the details you’ll need a wedding planning checklist. If you hire a wedding planner, he or she will have his or her own wedding planning checklist to go over. In the meanwhile, please find a sample wedding timeline below to help your wedding planning. If you are setting up your own portfolio for wedding planning, this wedding planning checklist should go at the very front of every wedding planned in order to verify that you are getting everything done and checked off in a timely manner.
Timeline:
12 Months Before:
- Book Ceremony Venue
- Book Reception Venue
- Determine and Book Liability Insurance
10-11 Months Before:
- Book Caterer
- Book Musicians
- Book Photographer
- Book Videographer
8-9 Months Before:
- Book Florist
- Book Cake Designer/Baker
- Book Transportation
6-7 Months Before:
- Book Rentals (i.e. chairs/tables etc as needed)
- Review All Vendor Contracts, Update Timeline
5 Months Before:
- Order invitations etc.
- Order Flowers
- Provide Music/Requests to Musicians
4 Months Before:
- Meet with Caterer for food tasting (w/Bride & Groom)
- Order Wedding Cake
3 Months Before:
- Have Bride Book her Beauty Appointments for hair, makeup etc.
- Provide Caterer with menu and beverage selections
- Have Bride/Groom meet Officiant to review ceremony
- Verify with Printer that Invitations, etc are ready
2 Months Before:
- Contact all book vendors to confirm arrangements
- Pay any balances to booked vendors
- Prepare information sheets for bridal party and vendors
1 Month Before:
- Provide photographer with list of desired photos
- Provide guidance for videographer
- Confirm Music and Arrangements with Musicians
- Confirm transportation
- Confirm flower orders with florist
- Confirm rental requirements
- Confirm drop off times
2 Weeks Before:
o Confirm With All Vendors One More Time
1 Week Before:
- Make sure Caterer has final RSVP numbers for reception
- Make sure vendor bills are collected to make final payment
Day Before:
o Oversee the decoration of the ceremony and reception venue
Day Of:
- Oversee and coordinate with all vendors
- Pay Vendors their Final Checks
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Make Your Own Wedding Favors
Making your own wedding favors are a frugal way to create charming gift favors for your wedding guests without breaking your budget. Wedding favors do not have to be complex to be attractive and useful. Homemade wedding favors also have a certain charm to them and they can be very unique, because you cannot buy them anywhere.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Planning a Wedding Should Be Fun
Congratulations, you’re planning a wedding. You may hire some to help out with partial planning of a wedding, complete planning and co-ordination of the wedding or coordination on the day of the service only. Wedding planning revolves around one singular event: the ceremony. There is a great deal of pre-planning and post-planning related to arranging the vendors, the dresses, the tuxes, the site and the reception. Yet all of these components are directly related to the central focus that is the actual ceremony.
Weddings are a symphony of organized chaos with the wedding planner in the role of conductor. There is a great deal to planning a wedding and the following is just a sampling of what you need to plan a wedding whether you are the wedding planner, the bride, and the mother of the bride or some combination thereof:
- Ongoing Communication with the Bride and Groom
- Budget Planning
- Schedules, Timelines and Checklists
- Selection and booking of venues for wedding and reception
- Selecting and booking of the minister or justice of the peace
- Planning theme and style of the wedding
- Coordinating design, ordering and mailing of invitations
- Coordinating selection of wedding attire and accessories
- Coordinating or Providing vendors (florist, caterer, photographer, musician, beautician, hair stylists)
- Negotiating and reviewing all contracts
- Assistance with marriage license
- Itinerary planning
- Ceremony planning
- Rehearsal oversight
- Direction of processional and attendant duties
- Planning the reception
- Wedding Day gift coordination
- On-hand coordination on the day of the wedding
One thing that people seem to forget in all the chaos and pressure and stress of planning a wedding. Planning a wedding is a lot of fun. It can be fun for the bride and it can be fun for the wedding planner. Take your time and have fun with the process of planning a wedding.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
What's Expected of the Wedding Party?
There are a multitude of duties that bridesmaids, groomsmen, maids of honor and best men are usually expected to fulfill. It's a good idea for the bride and groom to identify their needs to the wedding party prior to the wedding. This can help your attendants to help you fulfill your wedding expectations.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Invitation Kits
There are all different kinds of supplies in a variety of colors, styles and price ranges for wedding invitations. If you are interested in creating your own wedding invitations, talk to artistic friends and family about helping you to create the wedding invitation you’d like.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Creating Personal Traditions: Writing Your Own Wedding Vows
Writing your own wedding vows may suit your personal wedding style, but it can be a bit of a daunting task to begin with. If you are trying to write your own vows, don’t let the task overwhelm you or intimidate you. Writing your own vows should begin and end with how you feel, not what others are expecting. If you are creating your own wedding ceremony and style and you want to write your own vows, here are a few questions to consider in creating the vows you want to make.
- When and where did you first meet?
- What was the state of your life before the two of you met?
- At what point did you realize you were in love? Describe the feeling.
- What inspires you about your loved one?
- What life goals and dreams do you share?
- What have you learned from each other?
- What qualities make your love unique? What qualities will keep it strong?
- How has your view of the world changed since you fell in love?
- What do you most look forward to about life with this person?
- What are some special moments in your relationship? Use them all, even the sad times as well as the happy, moving, or profound.
- What happened the day you asked her to marry you? How did you feel?
Reading the vows you have written yourself during your wedding ceremony can be one of the most romantic things you’ve ever done. It’s the kind of thing that really helps you create your own personal wedding style. Writing your own vows is a kind of personal touch that cannot be replicated by any other style of vow.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Sending the Wedding Invitations
Timing is everything and nowhere is that truer than when you are planning a wedding. Wedding invitations are critical to wedding planning not just for the bride and groom but also for the wedding guests. The wedding invitation itself serves a dual purpose. It’s first purpose is to announce the wedding plans of the couple sending it out. The second purpose is to provide the guests with a wedding planning tool of their own.
Wedding invitations provide the date, time and location of the wedding. It will also alert the guest to the type of apparel that may expected from the formal to the informal. A wedding invitation to a beach wedding will indicate a different type of clothing than one might wear to a formal Catholic wedding ceremony in a grand old cathedral. Because the wedding invitation provides so much information and the couple needs the RSVPs returned from the guests to confirm how many are coming – you might say the wedding invitation is the lynch pin that makes the wedding possible.
With that in mind, you should send out the wedding invitations no later than 12 weeks prior to the wedding. If your wedding invitations are ready, you should send them out 16 weeks prior to the wedding. 8 weeks prior to the wedding contact the guests you have not received RSVPs from. Most vendors will require a final count 4 to 6 weeks prior to the wedding, so this gives you and your guests the perfect window to coordinate their schedules with your plans.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
The Maid of Honor - Her Role and Duties
The maid of honor is considered a position of honor; pardon the pun, in your wedding party. A bride will typically ask a close female friend or relative to fulfill this position. In some cases, the mother or daughter of the bride will be asked to serve as maid of honor. (It’s worth noting, however, that if the woman you ask to fulfill this position is married, she should be called your Matron of Honor).
The Maid of Honor has a variety of typical responsibilities. Her primary part is to be the leader of the support for the bride. She will coordinate the bridesmaids to make sure they make it to their fittings, pick up their dresses on time as well as arranging for any pre-wedding grooming preparations like hair, make-up and nails. The Maid of Honor will also be responsible for making the arrangements for the bachelorette party.
During the wedding, the maid of honor will help the bride with pretty much everything. She will adjust her train, hold the groom’s rings, hold the bride’s flowers during the ceremony and sign the marriage certificate as an official witness of the wedding. A word to the wise, don’t let the maid of honor schedule any kind of night before the wedding party – the best thing for the prospective bride (and groom for that matter) is a good night’s sleep.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
The Etiquette of Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitation etiquette requires that the invitation be worded as an invitation from the bride’s parents to the wedding of their daughter, her full name to the name of the groom, the son of the groom’s parents name to be held at a certain time on a certain day.
"Your RSVP is graciously requested and the envelope has been enclosed."
Wedding invitation etiquette suggests that you include a pre-paid postage stamped envelope with the RSVP card in order to facilitate the return of the invitations in a timely manner.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Centerpieces on a budget
A wedding centerpiece makes the table. It costs a pretty penny to include an elaborate floral display for each table however, especially if you're having a large wedding. How can you get around the cost and still have a stunning display?
Instead of visiting the florist, try this: visit your local garden or home center and purchase several flats of annuals or perennials in colors matching that of your wedding party. Purchase enough small plastic or terra cotta pots for each plant. Spray paint the pots in gold or silver, or wrap in elegant, metallic foil. Each pot gets a plant or two. This can also be done with tree seedlings.
Group potted blooms together at each table to make a wedding centerpiece. You may need to play around to find a suitable design. If you purchase enough so that each couple can take one home, you'll have favors as well!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Exchanging Rings and Vows
When a couple exchanges rings it is typical for them to do so with their ceremony wedding vows. Some couples want to write their own ceremony wedding vows and others want to find vows that reflect their thoughts. Ceremony wedding vows can be long and elaborate or short and sweet. They do not need to be one or the other. Here are a few sample ceremony wedding vows that may or may not be what you are looking for:
- This ring is a token of my love. I marry you with this ring and with all that I am.
- I give this ring as my gift to you. Wear it and think of me and know that I love you.
- I give you this ring in God’s name, as a symbol of all that we have shared and promised.
- This ring is a token of my love, my fidelity and of the unending circle of our lives for yesterday, today and tomorrow.
- I pledge to you all that I am and will ever be. With this ring, I am gladly yours and you are mine.
- This ring is a symbol of our love, our faith and our commitment to each other.
- Please take this ring as a token of my love, my trust and my unending desire to be with you for all the days of our lives.
- I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
- With this ring, I thee wed and I do bestow upon thee all the treasures of my heart, my mind and my hands.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Describe Your Wedding Photography for Your Photographer
When you meet with your wedding photographer, you will have a lot to talk about. There will be many different moments happening before, during and after the wedding. Wedding photography is part photojournalism and part portraiture. You want your wedding photographer to be prepared for the unexpected. During your interview with them, you want to ask them about their style; their background and their experience.
You want a wedding photographer who watches the people around them. You want wedding photography that comes from being unobtrusive where they catch not only the key wedding moments, but also the moments of deep connection between the bride, the groom, the family members and other guests.
Imagine, standing in the vestibule of the Church while the Bride is waiting with her father for their cue. They aren’t saying anything with words, but Dad brushes her cheek with his knuckles, ever so lightly and her eyes shimmer with tears. The corners of her mouth turn up just ever so slightly and her father’s face softens as well. That is the shot you want in your wedding photography. Be sure to give your wedding photographer clear details of the wedding location, venue, theme and most of all – what you want to see.
Take the time to talk to your wedding photographer during the interview and during the wedding planning. If it helps, write down what you want your wedding album to look like before you meet with the photographer in order to give them clear directions. Remember, however, that while the wedding photographer is a professional, it’s still your wedding.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Traditional Wedding Photography
Wedding photography before, during and after the service is a part of setting up the wedding album. While some wedding photographers will only focus on the traditional elements and others want to experiment with them, it’s very important to understand the ‘expectations’ of a typical album. Many can be taken before the ceremony or after. Some couples even schedule a day just for these posed shots on a day separated from the wedding. The scheduling decision will be purely between the couple and the wedding photographer:
Traditional Wedding Shots:
Bridal Shots - Bride alone – close up, three-quarters and full length
- Bride with mom
- Bride with dad
- Bride with both parents
- Just the parents
- Bride with grandparents
- Bride with siblings
- Bride with family
- Bride with each bridesmaid
- Bride with flower girls
- Bride with bridesmaids and flower girls
Groom Shots - Groom alone – close up, three-quarters and full length
- Groom with mom
- Groom with dad
- Groom with both parents
- Just the parents
- Groom with grandparents
- Groom with siblings
- Groom with family
Bride and Groom - Bride and Groom with each set of parents
- Bride and groom with each immediate family and each set of grandparents
- Bride and Groom with various aunts/uncles as family chooses
- Bride and Groom with the Minister/Rabbi/Service Conductor
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Lighting, Location & Love
The basic elements for planning your wedding reception and reception decorations will be determined by the location you select. Some of the reception decorations will also be based on the type of food and serving you choose. Planning the reception decorations is all a part of the details of planning the wedding reception.
Wedding receptions have six basic elements in their planning:
- Location
- Physical Comforts
- Reception decorations
- Catering
- Music
- Dancing
These elements come into play based on the reception location, especially if you are planning a wedding in a place where it’s a blank slate. Some locations already have their environmental décor that will play a part in the reception decorations and you need to take that into account with your planning. There are many ways to take care of your decorations including rentals. Renting some of the accessories can save you money.
The ambience of your reception decorations includes your:
- Lighting
- Place settings
- Drapes
- Flowers
- Balloons
The lighting choices can be as simple as twinkle lights and votive candles. Your place settings can be simple or elaborate. The drapes can be made of tulle, gossamer or silk. Your flowers can match those at the wedding or be individual to the reception itself. Balloons offer a fanciful touch to the decorations.
There are so many options that you can explore with your reception decorations that the list could be endless. Decide on a venue, decide on a theme and then let that help you choose the overall look and feel you are going for with your reception decorations. You can add shallow bowls of water with candles floating in them. You can mix and match your wine goblets. You can transform candles with wrapped ribbons. Go crazy when you plan your reception decorations and create the perfect venue to celebrate your first few hours as newlyweds.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Music is a Universal Language
Wedding ceremony music is about communicating in a language that everyone can understand. From the comforting tones of the wedding march to the salutations and hymns sung during ceremonies celebrating love, relationships and their commitment to a higher divinity, music serves multiple purposes.
The wedding ceremony music is important to the theme of the wedding and the location. During your wedding planning, always check with the ceremony location about their rules for music. While you will be choosing a song for your wedding reception, the song that you and your fiancé will dance your first dance to, you can also use recorded music during your ceremony.
Looking for a romantic song for your wedding? Want to make the ideal mix tape or burn the greatest romantic CD for your evening with spouse? Want a great song to request of the DJ so you can slow dance? Here are fifteen romantic song suggestions.
- Breathe - Faith Hill
- Can't Help Falling in Love With You - Elvis Presley
- Endless Love - Lionel Richie
- From This Moment On - Shania Twain and Bryan White
- Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart
- Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman - Bryan Adams
- I'll Be - Edwin McCain
- I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
- Something - The Beatles
- Take My Breath Away - Berlin
- You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
- Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
- Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
- When I Fall in Love - Natalie Cole / Nat King Cole
- Woman - John Lennon
- The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
- Love of My Life - Dave Matthews and Carlos Santana
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Gifts for the Wedding Party
Typically wedding gifts are designed around the idea of setting up a new home and that the bride and groom need staples to get their new joint home set up. But there are few typical rules applied to the gifts that the bridal couple bestows on their wedding attendants. Wedding party attendants do not expect gifts, but they are an important part of the core support that a couple receives in the months before and during their wedding. Here are a few suggestions to help you out in selecting wedding attendant gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen. The maid of honor and best man should receive separate, more intimate gifts that can be exchanged between friends.
Wedding Attendant Gift Suggestions for Groomsmen:
- Cufflinks
- Watches
- Engraved Pocket Knives
- Monogrammed Money Clips
- Specialized Key Chains
- Personalized Coffee Mugs
Wedding Attendant Gift Suggestions for Bridesmaids:
- Bracelets (Engraved or Not)
- Watches
- Charm or Charm Bracelet or Both
- Hair Combs
- Specialized Key Chains
- Personalized Coffee Mugs
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cheap Wedding Decorations
If you're a bride on a budget, you might be interested in learning where to find cheap wedding decorations.
Did you know your local dollar store yields an amazing assortment of items that can be used to decorate your ceremony and reception area? Go ahead and take a look around, you might be pleasantly surprised at what you’ll find. Behold some of the items found in the aisles of the dollar store:
• Candles
• Fabric
• Silk Flowers
• Baskets
• Plastic pearls and other jewels
• Table Cloths
• Potpourri
• Vases
• Picture frames
• Ribbon
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Reception Timelines
Looking for some ideas on how to plan the timeline for your wedding reception? Here is a sample timeline that works for a 4-hour planned reception. You can adjust it as needed to mesh with your own timeframes. The average wedding reception lasts about three hours when a served meal is included. A buffet wedding reception may last a little less than that.
Sample Wedding Reception Timeline:
- 0-30 Minutes - Pictures take of the wedding party; guests begin arriving at the wedding reception location. Drinks are available and music should be playing as a part of the backdrop for the guests to mingle and enjoy.
- 30-90 Minutes – Guests are invited to sign the guest book and are shown to their seats if seating chart is dictated. The wedding party arrives at the reception and if a receiving line is planned for, that also begins
- 60-120 Minutes – Guests will be seated for the dinner or the buffet is opened. The wedding party is served first, traditionally they must also go through the buffet line first as well. Wine and champagne may be served and the toasts begin, traditionally beginning with the best man
- 120-180 Minutes – The first dance begins and the cutting of the cake. If food courses are being served, they should be winding down. Other traditional dances are done including father/daughter and mother/son dances
- 180-240 Minutes – The last hour of the reception, the meal is wound down and the bouquet is tossed along with the garter. The bride and groom are sent off to their honeymoon.
- 240- 270 Minutes - The reception wines down with the parents of the bride and the groom seeing guests off before the reception ends formally
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Save the Date - Inviting Others to Your Reception
Wedding planning includes issuing invitations to your wedding, including information on the reception that is to follow. But you can issue separate reception invitations, specifically if you are planning a small wedding ceremony with a larger reception. However, whether you are sending out just wedding invitations with the reception to follow noted on them or a separate reception invitation, here are a few tips to help your reception guests to remember the date.
Reception Invitations :
- Can be sent with a Save the Date magnet and your wedding date, wedding time and reception time detailed on them. Including those along with your invitation is a great and convenient way to help your guests remember the date
- Can be a card with an engagement picture of the two of you to use as your reception invitation, you can include all the pertinent data about the reception
- Should include any required dress, the type of meal to be served and even reference to the theme if that’s important
- Can inspire the perfect wedding favor either with the save the date magnets or creating couple photo magnets
- Can be sent separately or as an inclusion with the wedding invitation
- Are important if you are inviting guests only to the reception and not to the wedding and it’s important to note that one the reception invitation
Invitation Wording:
A sample of your reception invitation wording may be:
GUEST NAME, your presence is requested at the Reception of BRIDE & GROOM’s married name to be held at TIME, DATE and PLACE. The newlyweds will be married in a private, intimate ceremony and look forward to your presence at sharing our celebration with us.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
The Best Man in Your Wedding Party
A best man is someone the groom chooses to stand up for him and to be his main support during the ceremony and the weeks leading up to it. He may choose his brother, his best friend, his father or even his son. The best man will handle carrying the bride’s ring during the ceremony, he’s in charge of making sure the groom gets to his fittings, picks up the suit and is dressed and on time for his ceremony on the day of the wedding.
The best man is also in charge of the bachelor party. The bachelor party is a considerable event in the year of celebration leading up to the wedding ceremony. The best man will handle the standard organization of the bachelor party including location, events and invitees. The best man will also give a toast during the reception and he will sign the marriage license as one of the two official witnesses to the marriage ceremony.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Reception Costs
The average wedding will cost a couple about $22,000. Of that money, over 50% will be spent on the wedding reception. The wedding reception is the largest expense of the wedding planning and it’s the one area where you can actually save a great deal of money by employing a few frugal measures in your reception planning.
Trim back your wedding reception costs by involving friends and family in the wedding buffet planning. Take a trip to a Sam’s Warehouse or a Costco Club to pick up quantities of finger foods. While some receptions may offer a full meal service, many guests will be just as content with a buffet of finger foods that they can carry around on small plates while they mingle and talk.
The wedding reception buffet can also help to eliminate planned seating and create a more intimate environment for wedding guests. Your wedding reception may host plates of vegetables, pinwheels, large blocks of cheese, crackers and even a variety of cheesecake platters. Other great finger foods that will taste great and offer your wedding reception guests options include:
- Stuffed Pizza Bread
- Quiches
- Egg rolls
- Vegetable platters
- Chicken fingers
- Barbecue Wings
- Cubed fruits
Providing your own catering and setting up this type of buffet is a great way for the newlyweds to conserve their wedding budget, but at the same time provide a great atmosphere for their wedding guests. So go fancy or go casual, but go frugal.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Rehearsal Dinner Invitees
When hosting a rehearsal dinner for the bride and the groom, the immediate wedding party should be invited. This includes the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, the ushers, the parents, and the grandparents of the bride. Don't forget to include the ring bearer and the flower girl and parents of both.
The minister and his or her spouse should be invited for the rehearsal dinner also. If you have a personal attendant, who is often a close friend or family member but is not a bridesmaid, she should also be invited to attend.
Other participants of the wedding may also be included. These are entirely up to the couple. Examples of who are optional are as follows: vocalist, scripture readers, guest book attendants and gift attendant.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Plan for the Reception When Considering Your Wedding Budget
A typical wedding with fifty guests can cost about $15,000 and that when it has been budgeted. Fifty percent of your wedding costs will be invested in the reception. Receptions are where the couple cut their cake, take their first dance and generally celebrate their nuptials. The venue, food, drinks, music, flowers and photography are all just facets of the reception. So sit down with your lists and get ready to mark all the things you absolutely want to have at your wedding and then pay attention to these rules to trim back the cost.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Party Guide
The wedding party includes the bride, the groom, the attendants and the parents of the bride and groom. For bridesmaids and groomsmen alike, there is some helpful instructions you can provide them with during the wedding planning. If you hire a wedding planner, they may provide you with a tip sheet or sheets for your wedding attendants. If you plan your own wedding, the following tips should come in handy for both you and your wedding party:
- Be sure to attend all fittings for the dresses and suits to avoid any surprises on the big day.
- If jewelry and accessories are coordinated, do not add or subtract anything without consulting the bride and groom.
- Pregnancies happen, be sure to let the bride know as soon as possible, especially if it means alterations to the dress or plans.
- Destination weddings automatically require additional costs for travel and lodging, be sure to discuss this.
- Bridesmaids and Groomsmen are expected to cover their own expenses; if this is an issue, please discuss it BEFORE finalizing plans.
- If readings, singing or other additions are planned for the ceremony, be sure to clear the selection with bride and groom to avoid any unpleasant surprises
- Guests of the bridesmaids and groomsmen are usually okay, but it’s always good to clear questionable additions with the bride and groom.
- Punctuality and attention to detail are the key words to success as a wedding attendant.
- If you have questions or concerns, don’t wait until the last minute to discuss them.
- Unforeseen events and emergencies happen – accept that and work with the bridal couple in the event of unforeseen events.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cut Costs with Your Wedding Cake
You can expect that your cost for a wedding cake will start around $3.00 per slice on traditional cakes. Depending on how many guests you are expecting (the average wedding is usually 200 guests), cost for the wedding cake will be about $600 to $1,000.
There are ways that you can cut your wedding cake costs. While many wedding cakes are works of art in their own right, the cake itself is part of the ritual feeding that the bride and groom do during the wedding reception. The cake is then cut and served to the guests as a ritual sharing of the couple’s future bounty. But to save costs on wedding cakes can provide couples with more options in their wedding planning especially if they are not in love with the idea of the awe inspiring work of art. Here are some suggestions:
- Order a smaller cake for the art and have a similar cake made sheet style for serving to the guests
- Create mini wedding cakes cupcake style, you can even create a unique tower of wedding cupcakes that can be quite exquisite
- Order a smaller cake for the wedding party and offer a dessert bar with pastries and more so guests have other options than the wedding cake
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Questions for your Baker
If you hire a wedding planner to take care of the details, don’t skimp on asking them about wedding cake details. Before you begin ordering wedding cakes, take the time to do the research and get the answers to your questions. These questions can also help you decide on a baker.
- Ask for a Tasting – you want to try both the various types of cake and frosting. You are looking for flavor combinations and more. Some bakers will provide you with small sample cakes of your chosen cake flavors
- Ask about Customizing – Does the baker make custom designed cakes from either a photo or you own hand drawn pictures? This is only important if you want a customized cake design.
- Ask to see their Portfolio – Most professional bakers will have a portfolio featuring every cake they have ever designed or made, ask to see them to get a feel for the types of cakes they’ve made
- Ask about their Cake Preparation times – Many bakers will bake and decorate your cake days ahead of your wedding, but you don’t want it done more than 10 days and no less than 2 days before
- Ask about delivery and set up – Does the baker deliver and set up the cake for you on the big day. If they don’t, you need to discuss the pick up and set up with the catering service
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
An Intimate Wedding Ceremony
There is a lot to be said for an intimate wedding ceremony. Remember that the proposal was often done in quiet intimacy and will be filled with a gravitas that few other ceremonies related to marriage are going to accomplish. The wedding ceremony traditionally is about bringing the families together, but the truth is that some couples do not want to bring their families together for their wedding ceremony.
If you choose to go the route of the private wedding ceremony, you might consider this sample announcement to help calm the upset emotions from family or friends not invited to the actually ceremony.
Sample Announcement:
We invite you to take a moment on April 5th at 5:00 p.m. to say a prayer, a blessing or simply to observe a moment of silence as we, the bride and the groom, commit ourselves to one another and to walking the path of life together. In privacy and intimacy, we will make our commitment because our marriage is about joining our lives.
When you see us before, you will know us, as we were - individual and singular.
We invite you to join us at the Omni Hotel in the private dining room for a celebration dinner at 7 p.m. In lieu of any gifts, we ask that you instead make a donation to charity in our names as a couple that we will have become. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, your kindness and your devotion.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Cake Etiquette
There is a protocol to the handling, cutting and serving of wedding cakes. This is hardly surprising because just about everything in a traditional wedding is governed by etiquette and protocol. Many couples, no matter how formal or informal the wedding is, most wedding couples try to observe wedding cake protocol. Protocol for wedding cakes includes the following:
- The cake should always be displayed at the reception on a beautifully decorated table. It should be in front of the bride’s table and set so that while it’s is on display it does not block a view of the head table. An ornamental knife should be placed on the table.
- Protocol demands that the cake must be cut at the right time in the reception. For informal ceremonies and receptions this means serving it after the guests have been received and toasts have been given. For formal ceremonies it should be served after the main dinner.
- An announcement that the cake is to be cut should always precede the actual cutting of the cake, this allows mingling guests to view the ceremony.
- The bride should hold the knife in her right hand and the groom should stand slightly behind her with his right hand covering hers to make the cut, the first slice should be fed by the groom to the bride and the second bite should be offered by the bride to the groom.
- After the cutting of the cake and the first bites, a family member or member of the catering staff should cut the serving slices.
- The cake should be served with coffee or the beverage of the guest’s choice, guests should also be offered the opportunity to box up their piece in a gift box to take home
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Take Care of Your Wedding Photographer
In addition to paying your photographer the general fee for your wedding photos, it's a good idea to feed your wedding photographer if they are shooting pictures of the reception as well. For the majority of wedding photographers, they book one wedding per day. This allows them the time to travel to the wedding location, set up, and take pictures before, during and after the ceremony. They will also then transport their equipment to the reception to capture key moments during the reception for your wedding album.
Not only will you be providing nurishment for your wedding photographer, your wedding photography will benefit because your photographer is going to linger longer during the reception. The additional cost of a plate or allowing the wedding photographer to serve his or herself at the buffet is not enough to be concerned about.
Client Tip: Plan an extra plate for the wedding
photographers and any assistants they may have with them at your
reception. This gives them the option of eating and drinking without
being obtrusive at the wedding reception. If you are planning a buffet
reception, it’s usually good to let the photographer and his or her
assistant know they are more than welcome to a plate. You can even set
up a quiet table in a corner of the reception for staff and wedding
vendors to be able to sit and eat. If you are serving a plate dinner,
then ask the photographer ahead of time what they prefer from the menu
and plan accordingly.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Memory Book Wedding Photography
There are key moments in every wedding that you want to have documented by the wedding photography, but you may or may not want your wedding photography to resemble traditional images. One of the best ways for a bride to figure out how to request the wedding photography she wants is to visualize the story book she wants to look at in a few years.
One way to help a bride visualize their wedding photography is to sit down and write out a memory book while visualizing the pictures that could go there. Make notes in the margins of the pages. Write down things like: “Mom’s smiling, but you can see the tears in her eyes.” Or “Cindy looks great in the dress, but what is she looking at?” Go for the funny lines, go for the sentimental and go for your own personality. These are the lines that you want to be able to show to your wedding photographer.
Think of them as a road map to your own book of memories. There plenty of important ceremony moments that your wedding photography will capture, but you can give the photographer tips on how you want those images to look and the shots he or she should be looking for:
Important Ceremony Moments:
§ Procession (Bride/Father; Close Up of Bride’s Mother, Close up of Groom waiting)
§ The passing of the Bride’s hand from the father to the mother
§ Profile Shot of Bride and Groom in front of the Minister as the ceremony Begins
§ Exchange of Vows/Rings
§ The Kiss
§ The Presentation
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Make Your Own Wedding Favors
Weddings can be very expensive. Whether you do all the planning yourself, including making the food for the reception, hosting the wedding in your home or yard and setting up the floral arrangements yourself, you are going to be spending money. The more guests you have, the more expensive the wedding will be. One of the ways you can save money at your wedding is to make your own wedding favors.
Homemade wedding favors can include such charming ideas as the votive candle holder. These are very simple and yet look classical in their setting on the guest tables. If you like chocolate, you can wander through the craft stores and find a series of different things that you can place your chocolates in such as glass slippers.
Another popular idea for homemade wedding favors is bottles of decorative sand. While this may not sound like much of a favor, consider the fact that the wedding favor should reflect some aspect of the wedding. If the wedding is as beach ceremony and the reception is hosted with decorations of seashells and ocean themes, a bottle of decorative sand is the ideal. That's the beauty of making your own wedding favors, they can tell the story you want them to tell and accent the theme you want it to accent.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Favor Ideas for Your Wedding
Wedding favor ideas are a part of the décor, a part of the theme and they are entities unto themselves. So if you are looking for some wedding favor ideas, let’s talk about the options that are out there such as:
- Bookmarks
- Silver Pieces
- Crystal Pieces
- Picture Frames
- Jordan Almonds
- Boxes of Mints
- Boxes of Chocolates
- Hershey’s Chocolates
- Champagne Flutes
- Favor Boxes
- Gourmet Coffee
- Specialty Teas
- Organza Bags
- Tulle Bags
- Lace Bags
You can create your own wedding favors. You can look for wedding favor ideas on the Internet. You can get suggestions for wedding favors from your family, your husband to be’s family and even your wedding planner. You can design your wedding favor ideas from the time of the year, the holidays closest to the wedding and even where you are getting married.
Destination weddings offer some of the more interesting wedding favor ideas. A wedding in wine country for example might suggest a small wine bottle as a wedding favor. A wedding at Disney World might suggest a Disney themed wedding favor like a glass slipper. A wedding at Christmas time might inspire small Christmas presents containing candies or nuts.
You can discover wedding favor ideas everywhere and in every part of the wedding itself. Discover your wedding favor ideas in the design of your wedding, the time of the year or the season.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Father/Daughter Dance
The Father/Daughter dance is typically one of the most special dances of the evening. This dance symbolizes the daughter having one last special moment with her father, dancing to a song that has special meaning to their relationship.
Typically, a daughter chooses the song that she wishes to dance with her father to during the Father/Daughter dance. However, it is always nice to get some input from Dad when deciding on the song. Generally though, the final decision often comes down to the daughter.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
What's Expected of the Wedding Party?
When you ask someone to be an attendant at your wedding, do they know what it is you expect? It’s always best to clearly define your expectations for your attendants when you are asking them to be a part of your wedding. For example, many bridesmaids are expected to purchase their own dresses. If you are asking someone who cannot afford to purchase their own dress, then you need to work out these types of details. If the groomsmen are going to be required to rent tuxedos, then you are going to want to try and have all of them rent their tuxedos from the same shop in order to ensure matching styles and colors.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Order of the Wedding Service
The usual order of service for the wedding reception order of events is as follows: * The Bride and Groom are welcomed by the Master of Ceremonies just prior to the service of the meal. * The cake cutting often takes place immediately after the wedding couple finish their main course. The appropriate pictures are taken at this time, giving the caterer time to prepare the cake for the guests. * After the meal is finished by all present, the Master of Ceremonies again gets the ball rolling. Typically they initiate the first toast and then introduce each member of the wedding party by name. * The first toast is usually offered to the Bride. This is often done by a brother or someone close to the groom. * Next, the parents welcome all of the guests (usually if the brides parents are hosting they will be first to speak or vice versa). They should welcome by name all of the guests that have traveled long distances to attend. They will then welcome their new "child" to the family. * The other parents will then offer a "responsal" toast and give their own words of welcome. * The best man is usually next to offer a toast and if the toast to the bride was omitted initially, he will offer it now. * Someone will next speak on behalf of the bride, typically her sister or maid of honor. This toast is usually presented to the couple. * If a toast to the bridesmaids was not offered by the best man, usually one of the groomsmen will offer it now. * Just prior to the grooms speech, any one else with a special salutation will rise and offer their words. * The final speaker is usually the groom, but it is becoming more common for both the bride and groom to speak. They usually thank all for coming and offer a toast to their parents. * The Master of Ceremonies will then close and announce the festivities of dancing and music. * The first dance is a solo by the bride and groom. * Then each will dance with their parent. * About an hour into the dancing is typically when the garter ceremony and the tossing of the bouquet takes place. * Prior to the departure of the bride and groom, the Master of Ceremonies will usually offer one final toast.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Greeting Your Guests
When you´re deciding how you want to greet your guests, you have two basic options: receiving line or walking around to all of the tables at the reception.
If you have one, you don´t need the other. The point of doing either is to make sure you say "Thank You" to all of your guests for coming to your wedding.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Men at Arms - Groomsmen Gifts
Choosing your groomsmen gifts will take a little forethought. You may want to choose groomsmen gifts that are reflective of the things you enjoy doing together.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Planning A Wedding Reception
A few days before your wedding, make follow-up calls to each vendor to make sure that they know when and where they need to show up to keep the wedding reception order of events. Ask if they need directions to the church/reception area. Take a list of all vendor phone numbers with you to your ceremony in case you need to call if a vendor doesn´t show.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Proper Invitation Wording
Finding the proper wording for wedding invitations can be complicated, and there are many different wordings that you can choose from. It's great that you want to include your parents' names on the wedding invitation even though they are not hosting the party. When the bride and groom are hosting the wedding, but wish to include the names of their parents, the proper wording is as follows:
Mary Bride,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bride
and
Doug Groom,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Groom
Request the honor of your presence…etc.
Since your fiancé's mother has passed away, proper etiquette would have you leave her name off of the wedding invitation.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Outdoor Weddings
If you plan to have an outdoor wedding, you hope to have a nice day but what is your backup plan if the weather doesn´t cooperate?
Be sure to include "rain cards" with your invitations to notify your guests of an alternate location in case it does rain.
Be prepared... Don´t let those rain drops bring you tear drops.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Interviewing Your Wedding Photographer
When you are planning a wedding, you need to capture the moments and that means hiring a wedding photographer. There are many ways to locate a wedding photographer, including recommendations from friends and families or letting your fingers do the walking either via an Internet search or in the Yellow Pages. But when it comes to interviewing your wedding photographer, there are a few things you definitely want to know.
First and foremost, don't walk into your interview with the photographer blind. Do your homework. In 2006, 2,271,343 weddings are estimated to occur in the United States. That's nearly 3 million opportunities for wedding photographers in the United States alone. In the United Kingdom and France, the number of weddings expected to take place will reach a combined 2 million opportunities. The average wedding will cost around $26,100 U.S. with market value of items associated with weddings, such photographs, reaching over 59 billion dollars U.S.
A standard photo package in the United States for a wedding would include up to 7 hours of coverage, unlimited number of images, videography, online proofs and 35 to 70 matte or glossy finish prints in varying sizes. The average cost for this standard package is about $2400 U.S. An elite or premium package would include another photographer, more time, specialized sessions with the bride or groom for a portrait layout and a higher number of prints at $3600 U.S.
Knowing these basic facts can help you to know what it is you're looking for when you begin the interview.
- Are you actually interviewing the photographer who will be at the wedding or their corporate representative?
- Do they have samples of wedding photography they have done before?
- Do their samples of wedding photography include the types of images you have in mind?
- What is the minimum pricing package?
- What is included in the package?
- Do they offer digital packages?
- Do they include video or is that separate?
- Do they work with assistants? Will they be available for the rehearsal dinner?
- What is their booking schedule? (This is important, you don't want your photographer booking another wedding that is too close to yours on the same day)
- What is their standard method of working?
- Are they willing to listen to your input?
- What contingencies and guarantees do they offer?
- How soon after the wedding will you be able to see the proofs? (2-4 weeks is normal)
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Seating 101
Traditionally the head table features the bride and groom in the middle; you can go with either the best man next to the bride and the maid of honor next to the groom (and then boy-girl down both sides), or you can put all the girls on one side and all the guys on the other. If you don´t want to have one big table, you don´t have to---you can have the bride, groom, maid of honor and her date, and best man and his date at one smaller table, and the rest of the attendants and their dates at another table. It´s up to you! The parents, siblings, and grandparents of both couples sit at the table that´s closest to the head table.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Opportunities for Shots at the Reception
You’ll be able to get interesting shots during the dancing, too. Watch for the children and the older members of the family dancing. Those provide absolutely charming memories. Photographs during the reception should rarely if ever be posed. This is a time when wedding photographers take pictures of the newlyweds having fun whether they are stuffing cake into each other’s faces or going for a twirl on the dance floor.
Ask the wedding photographer to take detail pictures. Have them capture the exterior and interior of a location, especially one that’s remarkable for itself such as a bed and breakfast or old style country inn or even a Disney World Resort feature. Have the wedding photographer take pictures of the decorations, the cake placement, and the band – the atmosphere of the reception. In fact, the creative opportunities at the reception are endless. You can use many of the shots taken at the reception for more than just your memory book and wedding albums, but also for thank you cards, Christmas Cards and more.
Challenge your wedding photographer to explore their creativity during the reception. Take advantage of the fact that family members and friends, old and new, near and far have all come together to celebrate your wedding. Imagine a picture of your mother-in-law with your oldest friend and another that captures your younger brother in conversation with your great Uncle Milton, every family has a dozen stories and the creative wedding photographer will find all of those and more to tell in the candid shots they capture at your wedding reception.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cheap Wedding Favors Are Another Way of Saying Frugal
Cheap wedding favors means frugal and inexpensive, and not burdensome to your budget wedding favors. With the rising cost of weddings it behooves brides and grooms to look for ways to cut back on their expenses. So just as expensive doesn’t mean great class or great taste, cheap doesn’t mean classless or tasteless.
Popular options for wedding favors that are also cheap are sachet favors made from lace or tulle. Candy, nuts and mints are great for putting in the center of the lace or tulle and then tying it together with ribbon makes a lovely accented wedding favor. You can find the lace, tulle and ribbon in fabric stores where you can purchase the items by the yard.
You can also create cheap wedding favors by avoiding item purchases that carry the word wedding or marriage on them. For example, buy in bulk from a party or grocery store or even a Sam’s Wholesale Club rather than purchasing from a wedding shop. Bulk purchases actually reduce the amount of cost per individual item and when you buy from a standard party store, you can find any number of items that make up a charming wedding favor without excess expense.
The best part of cheap wedding favors is that they don’t necessarily look cheap. They don’t carry a price tag. They don’t advertise your investment. They advertise your love and faith in each other and your guests. Beauty doesn’t require a price tag and don’t knock cheap as meaning bad, cheap wedding favors offers you more wedding budget wiggle room for things like the menu and the entertainment.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Giving Directions
Write up the directions to your church, to the reception, to the rehersal dinner and then drive them yourself. Make sure you put in distances between landmarks, and make those landmarks very easy ones. "The big brick elementary school" is much preferable to "the tree that looks like a bear". Make sure the streets, lights and buildings that you refer to are actually still in existence. Remember too, that your guests may be travelling in the dark, in unfamiliar areas. Giving a time reference is good too: "the church is approximately 15 minutes from the reception". Include any special directions for parking (if you´re in a public park for instance), and clear up anything that may be confusing. A confused guest is not a happy one.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
´Downtime´
It´s important that you make every effort to keep the amount of time between the wedding and the reception as short as possible. If there are several hours between the two, then your guests (especially those from out of town) are going to be left at loose ends for something to do. If you can´t work around having some downtime, then be sure to have something planned for your guests, either a cocktail hour at the reception venue, or open your home to out-of-town relatives and friends.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Keep the Band Fed
Ask your caterer or catering hall to set up a simple cold buffet for the band (sandwiches, salads and cold drinks) that can be accessible to them all night long. This way, they aren´t at the mercy of the kitchen, and your guests are not at the mercy of the band´s stomachs. Everyone is happy, and it should cost you less than feeding them an entire wedding meal (which, if they are doing their job, they will have no time to sit and enjoy...)
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Photography at the Reception
Receptions are as important as the wedding for both traditional and candid shots. The photographer will need to be prepared to move to the reception following the couples’ shots with the bride, groom and family after the wedding ceremony. If the reception is located in a different place from the ceremony, many photographers will need an assistant to help get the equipment broken down and moved to the reception area.
While wedding ceremonies might be typical, receptions are usually anything but. They range from long, boring affairs where people are hungry and impatient, but traditionally the party doesn’t start until the bride and groom arrive. They can also be rousing parties with lots of action. Expect the unexpected and let wedding photographer know what shots at the reception are the most important.
You’ll want to make sure you get a few of the following traditional reception activities in key shots:
- Arrival
- Cutting the Cake
- Cake Feeding
- The Toasts
- First Dance
- The Car
The cake and the dance are very important moments, both from the breaking of bread together to the absolute romance. Watch for the children and the older members of the family dancing. Those provide absolutely charming memories. Watch for reaction shots, full lengths of the couple and close-ups of their faces as well as those who are guests at the wedding.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
budget helper
http://www.blissweddings.com/library/weddingbdgt.asp
this is and interactive budget helper.... it will be very useful to brides and grooms planning on a budget.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cheap Chairs
Reception venues don´t always have the nicest-looking chairs; I´ve seen wedding consultants have fabric coverings made to fit the backs, but that can be expensive. Try using tulle instead---it´s cheap and lends a nice airiness to the reception.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Dresssing Up the Room
To fill up a room that´s larger than you need, consider renting shrubs and large potted plants to help fill up space. You can also dim the lights and add small white lights to help make a larger room feel more cozy and intimate.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Duties for the Mother of the Groom
It is often difficult to know what the duties and responsibilities of the mother of the groom entails.
Her first duty upon hearing of the engagement is to contact the bride's family and introduce herself and her family. If they live too far to get together for the first meeting, a friendly letter will be fine.
If there will be a meeting, either make reservations at a nice but cozy restaurant (not too upscale, you really don't know what the bride's family prefers) or a meal at your home. Your son and future daughter-in-law may enjoy attending this meeting but it is not a necessity.
Another duty for the mother of the groom is to make sure the bride has a guest list of people to invite to the wedding among the groom's friends and relatives. The groom's mother should find out the total number of guests so that she will not be suggesting too many invitations.
Etiquette suggests that the groom's mother choose a dress to complement the colors of the dress of the mother of the bride. The length is determined by the length the bride's mother chooses. Do not match the color of the dress of the bride's mother, however, just complement.
If you have guests coming to your son's wedding from out of town, you will be taking care of the reservations to make sure they have a place to stay.
After many of the details are out of the way and the wedding is about to happen, it will be your family (parents of the groom) who will host a rehearsal dinner. The type of meal and venue will be your choice.
At the wedding, your official duty will be to help greet guests in the receiving line.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Invitations 101: Hosted by the Couple
If the couple is hosting their own wedding, the invitation wording is as follows:
The honor of your presence
is requested at the marriage of
Ms. Amy Lynn Jones
to
Mr. Gary Raphael Gray
Monday, the fifteenth of June
at three o´clock
Galbreath Chapel
Athens, Ohio
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Invitations 101: Hosted by Parents
If your wedding is being hosted by (read: mostly paid for by) the parents of the bride or groom, the invitation format reads as follows:
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jones
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Amy Lynn
to
Gary Raphael Gray
Monday, the fifteenth of June
at eleven o´clock
Galbreath Chapel
Athens, Ohio
If you want to include the names of both sets of parents, the wording would be
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jones
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Amy Lynn
to
Gary Raphael Gray
son of
Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Gray
Monday, the fifteenth of June
at eleven o´clock
Galbreath Chapel
Athens, Ohio
If both sets of parents are hosting, the wording is as follows:
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jones
and
Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Gray
request the honor of your presence
the marriage of their children
Amy Lynn
and
Gary Raphael
Monday, the fifteenth of June
at eleven o´clock
Galbreath Chapel
Athens, Ohio
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Bridal Inspiration - Wedding Guest Favors
When you were a little girl and dreaming of the wedding you would someday have, you likely dreamed about the white dress, the long walk down the aisle and the fairytale kiss when you were pronounced husband and wife. Chances are that you didn’t include dreaming about the wedding guest favors that would decorate the tables of your reception. In fact, when you began your wedding planning – those wedding guest favors were likely not even on the first page of the list of things you were thinking about doing or the questions you needed to answer with regard to the planning.
Wedding guest favors are about showing appreciation for your guests - they are a token of your gratitude for having come to the wedding and sharing the day with you. So they can be as serious and solemn or as fun and carefree as you’d like to make them. You typically match your wedding guest favors to the theme of the wedding so that they will look appropriate on the table settings. For example, one couple who were marrying found out they were pregnant about six months before the ceremony, they elected to have a silver spoon with colored ribbon tied to it for their wedding guest favor.
Wedding guest favors can be simple or elegant. They can be typical or unique. They can be serious or funny. They can be practical or joking. Wedding guest favors reflect your joy, your creativity and your love for not only the person you are marrying, but for the guests who came to share in your special day. That’s where you get the inspiration for your wedding guest favors.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cocktails and Crab Cakes
If there is going to be a bit of time (an hour or more) between your wedding and your reception, it´s a good idea to have finger foods and beverages set up at the reception location for guests to nibble on while waiting for the ´real´ reception to begin. They´ll be able to mingle with other guests and won´t be starving by the time dinner starts.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Your Wedding Guests Can Be Amateur Wedding Photographers Too
Wedding photography is expensive and most couples plan at least $2,000 of their budget around the hiring of the photographer and the creating of the stills to look at - that's before you even attempt the picture package. Wedding photographers cost money and generally they are worth every penny of the investment. However, you can do more for your wedding photography than just utilizing the wedding photographer you hired.
Since your guests are often comprised of friends and family, they are more inclined towards trying to capture the odd, absurd, adorable and fun moments in the reception. Those moments that you or family may prize that a wedding photographer couldn't begin to guess at. This is the beauty of intimate friends and family capturing memorable moments on film. It also helps that getting disposable camera film developed inexpensively.
Your wedding guests can be amateur wedding photographers, too. Add a disposable indoor or outdoor camera to each place setting of your tables. You can place one for each guest or a couple per table. You can add a note to the cameras asking guests to take their own pictures and to drop them off at a designated place there at the reception.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
License to Remember
Things you´ll want to remember about getting your marriage license:
*You´ll have to show proof of your age and name with your birth certificate or other ID, such as a driver´s license.
*If you´ve been previously married, you´ll need proof of divorce, death or annulment.
*Remember to bring cash or a check to pay for the license---most offices don´t take credit cards ; )
*Sometimes you can pick up the license, and sometimes it will be mailed; be sure to ask which at your office.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Ceremony Music is Fundamental
Even in more traditional weddings, the wedding music can be altered to suit the couple’s tastes. For example, a band may play as the guests are arriving and participate in the bridal march. There may be hymns sung during the ceremony and another piece during the recessional.
Most often if a band is hired to do music during the wedding ceremony, they may very well roll over to play at the reception. The music is as important to the overall theme as the setting and ceremony type. Your choices may be limited by budgetary constraints. So it’s good to familiarize yourself with local bands especially when you are planning your wedding ceremony music.
If you have friends or family in a band, there’s a chance they may play the wedding for free or a nominal fee. Depending on the venue for the wedding, a choir might be available to perform during parts of the ceremony as the couple envisions it. It’s important to realize that your selections of music are very important to their overall enjoyment of the ceremony.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Reception Order
If some decorations for wedding receptions happen to fall apart slip a tiny roll of scotch tape in your maid of honor´s purse. Someone will have a card fall off their gift, and that little roll will help you thank the right person for the right thing.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
The Great Outdoors
Want to get married outdoors but aren´t sure where to have the ceremony? Have it at a local park, public gardens, town square or botanical garden. Take into account that if it rains, you will probably need a tent, and budget "plan B" into your finances. Some outdoor venues also have gazebos that could provide a pretty setting for your vows.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Don´t Go Overboard
It´s not a good idea to go over your budget or go into debt in order to pay off your wedding. Beginning a married life together is a difficult transition as it is, and having a debt because of your wedding only adds to the financial problems.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
A Limited Bar
This is an excellent option for alcohol: guests don´t have to pay for their own drinks, and you don´t end up with a huge bill. You decide beforehand which beverages you´re going to serve (usually a mix of wine, beer and maybe mixed drinks), and then have the bar open only during certain times (such as during the toasts and for an hour or so after dinner).
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Think Green!
To save money on your flowers, try using more greenery than blooms in your church arrangments or garlands on archways, trellises, etc. Ferns and vines are both inexpensive and easy to obtain, sometimes for free!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Figuring It In
When trying to select a venue for your reception, be sure to ask what is included in the fee. Many halls charge extra for use of linens or ´cake-cutting´ fees.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Dicker!
In general the initially quoted price for wedding services will be high. Keep this in mind and don´t be afraid to dicker. Tell them outright that you don´t intend to spend that much and you will be surprised at the accomodations they can make rather than lose a sale.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Choosing Your Wedding Cake Design
Your wedding cake design should mesh with your own personal taste and style. It should also fit in to the theme and menu of your wedding reception. Since you need to order your wedding cake and choose your wedding cake design about 3 months before the wedding, hold off on making your decision until after you have picked out the place for the reception, the décor, the colors and the style of dress you are going to be wearing.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Toasts At The Wedding Reception
Plain Champagne is not the only cocktails for a wedding reception: you could try kir royale, mimosas, or Champagne framboise (mixed with a dash of rasspberry liqueur). These alternatives are much prettier and more festive.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Oldies but Goodies for the First Dance
Do you want a classic song to play for your first dance? Check out these suggestions from artists like Frank Sinatra:
Unforgettable, Nat King Cole (and Natalie Cole)
The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra
At Last!, Etta James
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
It Had to Be You - Harry Connick Jr (and others)
Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
Come Rain or Come Shine - Billie Holliday
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
First Things First
Before you start any planning whatsoever, make sure you know your exact budget. It´s not fun to make big plans and then have to cancel them because you can´t afford them---going into your planning with a specific dollar amount in mind can save you a lot of heartache.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Who Pays for What?
Traditionally, here´s who pays for what.
Bride and family pay for church, synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.; bride´s dress, veil, accessories, and lingerie; arrangements for church and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls; all wedding photos and video; bridesmaids´ luncheon; shower; all all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music; groom´s ring; invitations, announcements, and wedding programs; and transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.
Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant´s fee; groom´s outfit; bride´s bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers; complete honeymoon; the rehearsal dinner; bachelors´ dinner; and both of the bride´s rings.
That said, no one really goes by those guidelines anymore. Many couples pay for some of the wedding themselves, or figure out the costs and divide it in half, since it´s not fair for one family to carry the bulk of the burden.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Receiving Line: Who Goes Where?
Traditionally the bride´s parents are first in the receiving line, followed by the bride and groom and then the groom´s parents. You can also include your honor attendants in the line if you want, but it´s not necessary, especially if you have a small wedding.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Simple Flowers for Weddings
Decreasing the number of types of wedding flowers in your bouquet can help decrease the cost. The larger the volume of any given flower reduces the price. The difference between the cost of a dozen roses and that of a "growers dozen" (25 roses) is much less than you would think. Most retailers carry identical quality wholesale selections that can drastically reduce the cost. Wedding quality roses cost an average of $25.00, while the same roses could be as little as $30.00 to $35.00 for a growers dozen. With savings this drastic, make sure you discuss this option with your florist.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Vendors and Budgets
To stick tight to your budget, before you meet with a vendor, get a rough idea of their price range
and don´t meet with that vendor if you know that they´re out of your price range. When you do meet with the vendor, tell them your budget up front so they can help you pick from options that will stay within your budget.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Alcohol Know-How
When you´re making arrangements for alcohol at your reception, be sure to nail down the following details. They may seem trivial but the differences can add up to a big bill or big savings:
* Will waiters fill all glasses on the tables or ask each guest first?
* Will glasses be filled all the way, halfway, or 3/4 of the way?
* Will opened bottles be left on the tables or will waiters circulate to refill glasses?
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Awesome Appetizers
If you want to save money on your reception costs, consider having an "appetizers only" reception. You can serve a mix of hot and cold hors d´oeuvres. Be careful how many you choose, too many appetizers can get expensive. Also make sure it is clear on the invitation the type of reception you are having. You don´t want your guest expecting a full meal.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Saving Money on Alcohol
Want to have something stronger than soft drinks at your wedding but are watching your pennies? Try one of these approaches:
- If you don´t have to buy your alcohol from the venue where you´re having your reception, buy your own---you´ll get it cheaper and be able to pick out what you want.
- Have a limited bar as opposed to an open bar.
- Cut back on the number of different kinds of liquor you provide---nix the mixed drinks, have champagne only for the toasting, and then serve one each of basic wines (red, white and blush) and one or two kinds of beer.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Favor Craft Ideas
Have the time and energy to make your own creative wedding favors? Try one of these ideas:
-handmade magnets with the wedding date and couple´s names
-origami animals (cranes are traditional good luck for weddings)
-beeswax candles
-handmade soap
-homemade candy or cookies
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Bridal 911
Make sure you´re prepared for emergencies on your big day: take along a purse or bag containing items such as Band-Aids, clear nail polish, needle and thread, aspirin, an extra pair of hose, and other things that might come in helpful in a pinch. Give them to a bridesmaid to keep for you.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Saturday Night Fever?
Saturday evenings are usually the most expensive times to rent banquet halls or other facilities. Consider having your wedding on a Friday evening, or during the afternoon or morning, if the place you choose is booked up.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Flowers Meanings
Want to give extra-special meaning to your bouquet? Consider the traditional meanings behind each wedding flower: Red rose - Love Yellow rose - Devotion Daisy - Purity Gardenia - Joy Orchard - Beauty Blue Violet - Constancy Forget-me-not - True Love Red Chrysanthemum - Sharing Lily of the Valley - Happiness
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Mum´s the Word
If you *really* need to save money and aren´t afraid of a little sneakiness, you can do many things (flowers, banquet halls, etc.) and without mentioning the word ´wedding´ can save a bundle. Prices go way up when flowers are ´wedding flowers´ as opposed to ´party flowers´ or ´reunion flowers.´
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Quizzing the Caterer
Hiring a caterer to provide food for your big day? Here are some questions you´ll want to ask:
- Do you cater full-time?
- Do you have any formal training?
- How long have you been a caterer?
- What is the ratio of staff to guests?
- What equipment do you provide?
- Are there extra charges for buffet servers, champagne toast, having you make the cake, cake cutting, bartenders, etc.?
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Relaxing Rehearsal Dinner
Keep your rehearsal dinner light and casual: a barbeque, clambake, pasta supper---anything non-formal that will let you chill out with your guests. If possible, have your dinner two nights ahead instead of the night before . . . you´ll have a more relaxing wedding eve, you´ll hopefully get more sleep, and you´ll have the chance to catch your breath before the big day.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Ceremony Vows - Cherokee Vows
Try these Cherokee wedding ceremony vows:
God in heaven above please protect the ones we love.
We honour all you created as we pledge our hearts and lives together. We honour mother-earth - and ask for our marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons;
We honour fire - and ask that our union be warm and glowing with love in our hearts; We honour wind - and ask we sail though life safe and calm as in our father´s arms; We honour water - to clean and soothe our relationship - that it may never thirsts for love; With all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and true happiness as we forever grow
young together. Amen."
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Ceremony Music For Wedding
Don´t know what wedding reception dance music to play for the dance with your dad? It´s always nice to play a song that has special meaning to you and Dad, but if you need some help, all of the following songs are excellent choices: Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle Daddy's Hands - Holly Dunn Thank Heaven For Little Girls - Merl Haggard The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion Have I Told You Lately? – Rod Stewart Through the Years – Kenny Rogers My Girl – Temptations Father's Eyes – Amy Grant Hero – Mariah Carey Can You Feel the Love Tonight? – Elton John Daddy's Girl – Peter Cetera Isn't She Lovely? – Stevie Wonder
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Tokens of Appreciation
Among some of the lovely options out there for bridesmaid gifts include several that are frugal and kind to your budget. The best part of these types of bridesmaids gifts is that although they are inexpensive, they are still charming and great tokens of appreciation.
- Engraved purse mirrors are inexpensive, attractive and utterly feminine. Compact mirrors are also a very practical gift for many women. They can be engraved with a name, a monogram or even a pet name and quotes.
- Jewelry is one of the most often given bridesmaid gifts. The jewelry can be a charm, charm bracelet or even the jewelry purchased for the wedding. This can actually be a frugal choice because you will often want your bridesmaids to wear a certain kind of jewelry
- Digital photo albums are a little more expensive, but they are becoming more and more inexpensive every passing day. These are great ways to display photos in your home and they can even have a slideshow option to switch out the image on a regular basis
- Spa certificates are a nice treat for the bridesmaids to be used before or after the wedding and can prove affordable on a limited budget, as some spas will offer group deals for buying in bulk. If you’re looking for something different to give as a bridesmaid's gift, this might be the one for you.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Quickie Cost Cutters: Guest List
Looking for places to cut costs? A good place to start is the guest list---you may need to face up to the reality of having a so-so wedding with everyone and his brother invited, or the wedding you really want with fewer guests. Close friends and family are usually shoo-ins, but do you really need to invite all of your dad´s fraternity brothers from college? Unless your parents are footing the entire bill, try to keep guests to the ´must-haves.´
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Good from the Get-Go
Decide up-front, from the *very* beginning, who is going to pay for what. Make a huge master list of everything you´ll need to buy/rent and mark off which things you´re paying for, what your parents are paying for, what the groom´s family is buying, etc. There will also be things that pop up unexpectedly---decide *now* who is willing to pay for extras. It´s not always a fun task, but knowing early on who´s paying for what can eliminate uncomfortable scenes and nasty arguments later.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Enough Alcohol
If you´re having alcohol for your wedding reception, it´s recommended that you purchase approximately 1/3 more alcohol then you think you´ll use. Be sure to purchase from a distributor that will let you return unopened bottles, and inform your caterer of this.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Inexpensive Wedding Favor Ideas - Chocolate Kisses
Giving out creative wedding favors that contain Hershey´s kisses and Hershey´s Hugs kisses? Attach this poem for a sweet addition: "Hugs and kisses from the Mr. and Mrs!"
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Contemporary Country Duets for Dances
Looking for a romantic country music duet for your first dance at the reception? Any one of these beautiful songs would be a great choice:
"It´s Your Love" (Faith Hill and Tim McGraw)
"From This Moment On (Shania Twain and Bryan White)
"When I Said ´I Do´" (Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black)
"Not Too Much to Ask" (Mary Chapin Carpenter and Joe Diffie)
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Choose Well for Your Friends!
When you´re picking out bridesmaid dresses, remember that your friends are on budgets. Even if they´re absolutely gorgeous, don´t pick a gown that is going to make it difficult for them to purchase. They´re mostly likely only going to wear it once, and they´re not going to love you if you pick something that costs two hundred dollars or more, especially considering that they also have to pay for shoes, bridal shower, shower gift, wedding gift, lodging, transportation and more. Don´t forget to pick out a nice bridesmaid gift for your friends as well!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Planning Tips for Flowers
If you want to have an arch or other larger floral arrangement, try to make it do double-duty. Wedding ceremony flowers at an arch at the end of the aisle in church can also pose as decoration at the reception.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Planning A Wedding
One of the worst weddings I attended was because the bride didn´t do the wedding event planning between the wedding and reception well and was also thoughtless when it came to her guests. All of the guests were seated in the reception room at the time stated on the invitation, but it was an hour and a half later before the bridal party showed up, and by then many guests were preparing to leave. It turned out that the bridal party had been riding around in the limo the entire time. Be a thoughtful bride and remember that there are many people taking time to celebrate your marriage, and the least you can do is stick to the schedule that you´ve given them.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cutting the (Cake) Costs
If your cake budget is tight, consider eliminating some or all of the following, which usually add to the expense of the cake: fruit fillings, fondant icing, handmade sugar flowers, deep (rather than pastel) colors, unique shapes.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Checking
If you and your beloved are paying for your own wedding, or are given money but are handling the financial end (bills and such), it´s a good idea to open a separate checking account specifically to pay for wedding costs.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Food Price Know-How
Be sure to get detailed quotes from your caterer in regards to specific food items. This is especially important to remember if you´re planning for a wedding that´s more than six months away. Perishable food prices can change; be sure you´re prepared by asking these questions:
* Are you guaranteed the price on the food quote or can it change?
* Will you be charged more overall if the caterer´s cost of food increases?
* How and when would you be notified of a price increase?
* Can you make substitutions?
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Ring Bearers 101
If you´re having a ring bearer for your wedding, it´s a good idea to use fake rings on the pillow (in case they´re lost) and to sew them on so they don´t fall off.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Planning Ahead
When deciding on a cake keep the following in mind:
* How many guests?
* What´s your budget for a cake?
* How many tiers or what design?
* What colors and decorations should be included?
* What will you be using as a cake topper?
* Will the cake be the main dessert or part of a sweets table?
Bring the answers to these questions when you interview pastry chefs. Take along sketches, ideas, and pictures from magazines. Also take color samples to leave with the pastry chef.
Keep in mind: Your cake should be ordered 6-8 weeks in advance. Your pastry chef should take care of all details, including getting the cake to the reception hall and setting it up.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Reception Music
With so much attention on the father-daughter dance, wedding reception music choices for the mother-son dance are often neglected. Here are some suggestions that might work for you:
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
Have I Told You Lately? – Rod Stewart
Through the Years – Kenny Rogers
In My Life – The Beatles
You're the Inspiration – Chicago
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cutting Costs
You can have an elegant wedding at a reasonable price! Hit the stores with a pad of paper and a pen and comparison shop. Go to wedding rental stores, they carry everything from pew bows to gazebos! Remember prices are negotiable. I bought a 600.00 gown for 450.00 because I asked for a discount. Don´t be afraid to dicker.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Tipping 101
The general guidelines for tipping are as follows (note that pastors aren´t included):
Caterer or Banquet Manager: about 15% of the reception bill, or a small gift
Servers: if there is a "service charge" included in the total on your bill, then there´s no need to give an additional tip. If a service fee is not included, figure the tip according to the number of waiters ($20 per server is about right).
Coat-Room and Restroom Attendants: if they don´t receive a gratuity (check your bill), you might give them 50 cents-$1 per guest.
Bartenders: check for a service charge on the liquor bill. If there isn´t one, you can leave 10% of the total bill for the bartenders.
Limousine Drivers: If the tip is not covered in the final bill, tip about 15-20% of the total.
Musicians: optional, but usually about $20-$25 each.
Photographer: optional, but usually about $20-$25.
Hair Stylists & Makeup Artists: tip the same 15-20% you would if you were getting your hair done on any other day.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Reception Dance Music
Want to get everyone at your reception up and boogying? Try one of these popular choices for wedding reception dance music:
Celebration - Kool And The Gang
Locomotion - Little Eva/Kylie Minogue
Vogue - Madonna
We Are Family - Sister Sledge
Love Shack - B-52s
Shout- Dynetoones
YMCA - The Village People
The Twist – Chubby Checker
The Hokey Pokey
The Chicken Dance
Hand Jive – Grease Soundtrack
Everybody Have Fun – Wang Chung
1999 - Prince
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Toasts At The Wedding Reception
If your planning a wedding reception, and you´d rather not have your guests clinking their glasses to get the wedding couple to kiss, but would like to do something a little more interesting, have guests stand and sing a song that has the word ´love´ in it to make you kiss instead. You can get the ball rolling by alerting a few family members ahead of time and by placing this little poem on the tables: The bride and groom are newlyweds And we think that it has gone to their heads. So, if you clank the glasses so, We know their heads will only grow. So, instead we ask for one little thing, We request that you only sing. A line with the word ´Love´ in it. And this will make the couple kiss.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Guests First, Venue Second
Before your pick your reception location, decide on the approximate number of guests that you will invite to your reception. The room should comfortably accommodate all your guests, without being too small or too large. Many brides make the mistake of having a small reception in a large room, which makes the reception feel empty.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Send Thank You Cards in a Tinmely Manner
Wedding thank you notes should be sent out within four weeks of your return from your honeymoon. To take longer than that is disrespectful to those who attended your wedding and sent gifts. The longer it takes, the more your guests will wonder if you liked their gifts. Let them know how much their generosity means to you by sending thank you notes right away.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Final Head Count
When it comes time to give the final number of guests to your caterer, don´t forget to include meals for your DJ/band members, photographer/videographer and wedding consultant (ask them beforehand if they´d like meals). Sometimes the caterer will give you discounts for vendor meals.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Saving the Cake
If you want to save the top layer of your cake for your first wedding anniversary, be sure to package it thoroughly. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in a baggie, put the baggie in a small box (so it won´t get crushed in the freezer), wrap the box in foil and put it inside yet another freezer bag.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Greatest Love of All
"Greatest Love Of All: A Complete Wedding Album [BOX SET]"
This 3CD set encompasses everything from love songs to wedding marches and traditional music. It can take you from church to reception.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Planning A Wedding
Choosing wedding reception music for your first dance? Any one of these titles would be great: I Got You Babe, Sonny and Cher Don't Know Much, Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville I Finally Found Someone, Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams Tonight I Celebrate my Love, Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson You and I - Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle Endless Love - Lionel Richie/Diana Ross
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cutting Flower Costs
If your heart is set on a huge cascade of orchids and gardenias, find other ways to cut the overall bill.
Instead of full flower wreaths, have your flower girls or junior bridesmaids sport a delicate halo of baby´s breath. This flower is so economical that just one stem at less than a dollar can be enough to dress two wreaths! A bridal bouquet comprised of nothing but baby´s breath and a few sprigs of purple statice would also be beautiful and inexpensive.
But, if you still must have the orchids, downscale on the attendants bouquets, it´s YOUR day after all!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Planning A Simple Wedding
* Purchase dress, headpiece, shoes and accessories. By the six month mark, you should have purchased the major components of your bridal ensemble. * Start your weight maintenance program...after all, now that you´ve bought the dress, you have to fit into it. A regular "maintenance" program will also work wonders to relieve the stress of your wedding planning tips. Buy and use yoga tapes, walk your pet, take an aqua-fit class or any other fitness routine that you find relaxing. Try to do this for 20 minutes a day at least every other day. * Purchase your going away outfit. You should also purchase your wedding day lingerie as you are going to want to wear it at all of your future dress fittings.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Bouquets and Flowers for Weddings
If you´d like to use your bridesmaids´ wedding ceremony flowers and bouquets at your reception but don´t think they´d look good just lying on the table, have some simple glass vases placed on the table and set the bouquets in them.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Hosting the Dinner
Traditionally it´s the groom´s family who hosts the rehearsal dinner, but in today´s world it can be given by the bride´s family or the couple themselves as well.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Bridesmaids of Different Shapes
If you have bridesmaids of varying shapes and sizes, keep in mind that it´s unlikely there´s one dress that´s going to flatter everyone. You want everyone to look their best, right?
It´s a nice idea to pick the designer, fabric and color, then let your bridesmaids choose the cut that looks best on them. You can give them as much or little leeway as you like, but remember that a comfortable bridesmaid is a happy bridesmaid!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Budgets
In today´s society...the "ize" have it. We must prioritize, compromise and sacrifice to have a successful event that doesn´t break the bank. Afterall, you want to remember your wedding as a source of joy, not of debt.
1) Find out who will be paying for your wedding and how much they can afford. You should establish your "bottom-line" first.
2) The next step is to fill in a sample budget with "guess-timates." For example, if your bottom line is $10,000, you would allow $1,500 for photography, $600 for a dress, $500 for flowers, $300 for a cake, $300 for stationary, $5000 for reception etc.
3) Now get actual estimates. Get at least three for each item and put them on a budget spreadsheet.
4) And now the difficult part! If you are like most people..what you want and what you can afford are
two separate things. Get together with your fiance and prioritize. Figure out what are the most important elements of your wedding and put your money there.
5) You will be amazed at how different your ideas are from your groom-to-be´s. Get ready for your first lesson in matrimonial bliss... compromise!
6) Sadly, no matter how much you "do-it-yourself," you will probably still have to minimize in a couple of areas. A good place to start is the guest list. Also, changing the reception from dinner to a brunch or an evening cocktail party or dessert reception can take a sizeable chunk off of your reception total.
Be prepared to have an open mind and be imaginative. You should still be able to pull off the wedding of your dreams within a realistic budget!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Get it in Writing
Even if planning feels like an intimate experience with your wedding professionals, you should still insist on getting everything in writing. A respected professional should by no means be insulted. If something doesn´t go the way it should, I signed contract will give you some recourse.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Creative Wedding Favors
Want something creative that is also useful to give out as favors? Try one of these creative wedding favor ideas: inexpensive books (excellent if the bride and groom are avid readers, work in a library, etc.), seeds for rose bushes or other plants, disposable cameras, small picture frames (maybe include a photo of the couple), cookie cutters, with a recipe attached with a ribbon.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Flowers from the Grocer
If you want to save a lot of money on your wedding flowers, consider having them done by a local grocery´s floral department. Often the bouquets and arrangements will be half the cost of a regular florist´s.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Favor Craft Ideas - All Those Little Bags!
Does your wedding favor craft idea involve making dozens of little bags of Jordan almonds or other candies? Try using an empty ice cube tray to help divvy up your candy. You can even try placing the circles of tulle over the compartments and then putting the candy into it to help make tying the bags easier.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Go Get That License!
You´ll apply for your marriage license at the county clerk´s office in the state where you want to be married. In some states you have to apply in the county or town where you´re going to be married.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
DIY Bridal Bouquet
When making your own bridal bouquet, it's best to make it the morning of the wedding so that it appears as fresh as you are!
If, for some reason, you are unable to make the bridal bouquet the morning of the wedding (and let's face it, many brides have other things to do), then your best option is to use silk flowers. Silk flowers have come a long way and many brides are now opting to go with silk flowers as both a way to cut costs and preserve the bridal bouquet for a lifetime. Of course, the added bonus is that you can make your bridal bouquet long before the wedding day arrives.
Silk flowers can be bought wholesale through online retailers.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Guys Only?
If you have younger female cousins or sisters who won´t be bridesmaids/junior bridesmaids, feel free to make them ushers. Girls can be ushers, too!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Weather-Ready Ushers
Be sure to supply some ushers with big umbrellas. In case it rains, they can escort people to and from cars.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Daisy-Themed Wedding Favors and Decorations
If you love daisies and are having them as unique wedding reception decorations at your wedding, consider giving out daisy-themed favors, too. You can make your own chocolate daisies using white and yellow-tinted chocolate and molds. You can also leave a fresh or silk daisy at each place setting, along with a packet of daisy seeds. One poem many brides attach to flower-themed favors is, "He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me . . . We tied the knot!"
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Super Scheduling
If your wedding activities are going to take place over a few days, it´s a good idea to type up a schedule of what´s taking place when and where---you may want to include maps on the back. Pass them out to guests and the bridal party so everyone gets to the right place at the right time.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cheap Wedding Flowers
To cut your wedding flower costs, have the arrangements from your church or other ceremony location moved to the reception location. You´ll get double the use!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Who Pays?
Tradition rarely dictates what happens in a wedding these days. Less than 40% of weddings are paid for along traditional lines. A majority of couples are paying for their own special day with parents pitching in where they wish. Most brides say that their parents are coming up with a cash contribution towards the wedding rather than footing the bill for the entire thing.
Most couples these days plan weddings which must be financed and most of them finance it themselves. You should contribute what you wish to contribute and feel no obligation to follow anyone else´s guidelines.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Be sure that you have a nice selection of non-alcoholic beverages at your reception. Many people today are drinking less alcohol anyway, and it will also save you money. Choose ´fancy´ drinks such as sparkling or mineral water, flavored carbonated waters, ice tea, real lemonade, sparkline punch, or hot
mulled cider.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Seating for the Ceremony
Whether you´re in the church, synagogue, or outdoors, traditionally friends and family of the bride sit on the left side of the aisle and friends and family of the groom sit on the right side.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
One Usher, Two Ushers, Three Ushers, Four . .
If you´d like to have ushers to seat guests at your wedding, the general formula is one usher for every fifty guests. So if you´re inviting 100 people, you´d have two ushers; for 200 people you´d need four.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
The Toss
Need some music to spice up the garter toss? These songs will set the background perfectly:
Hot Legs - Rod Stewart
The Stripper - David Rose
The Pink Panther Theme
Whoomp There It Is - Tag Team
Legs – ZZ Top
Mission Impossible Theme
You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate
You Can Leave Your Hat On – Joe Cocker
Wild Thing – the Troggs
Do You Think I'm Sexy – Rod Stewart
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Have Your Cake
Buttercream cakes usually costs between $1.50 and $2.25 a slice. The frosting is naturally buttercream, but the layers can be any flavor except filled flavors and can be constructed to a max. of 4 layers. This type looks great decorated with spun roses and sugar flowers.
Torte Styles usually cost between $2.25 and $3.50 a slice and are typically filled cakes (black forest, lemon, etc.) and usually have a fresh cream frosting that makes stacking impossible. The layers themselves are usually the decoration and they are best displayed in a "fan" arrangement.
The most expensive and most popular wedding cakes are the fondant varieties that usually cost between $3.50 and $5.00 a slice. Fruit cake is most often used but the layers can be of any flavor. This cake is best used in layers and can stack up to about 11 layers. The weight of the fondant frosting keeps it all together. Fresh flowers or silk ribbon are the decorations of choice.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Native American Reading
You might use this Apache Wedding Prayer as a reading for your wedding:
Now you will feel no rain...
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold...
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness...
For each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two bodies...
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your togetherness...
And may your days be good and long upon the earth!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Tipping Wedding Providers
Tipping wedding consultants is not a requirement. Wedding consultants usually work for a set fee and do not expect a tip. If you feel that your consultant has gone above and beyond the call of duty, then 10% of the set fee should be more than enough.
Tipping ministers, on the other hand, is a different story. Ministers should not be given a tip directly. Rather, a donation should be made to their ministry, or organization. This ranges from $50-500 and is usually discussed when you finalize the contract.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Scriptures to Use at a Wedding - First Corinthians
A few popular scriptures to use at a wedding is First Corinthians Chapter 13; it begins "Love is patient, love is kind . . . " and describes what love is.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Open Bar
Of all the beverage options, this is the most expensive. Be prepared for a hefty bill, and for possible over-indulgers who may drink too much. Go this route only if you´ve got the funds to back it up.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Men at Arms - Groomsmen Gifts
When you are selecting your wedding party you are asking the men and women to stand up with you and to give you a hand during the wedding. The roles that groomsmen play may not be as obvious as that of the bridesmaids, but they do play a role and they should be honored as the bridesmaids are honored with groomsmen gifts.
Groomsmen Gifts Ideas: - You can purchase individual gifts for each groomsmen or you can choose a gift that covers everyone involved.
- The groomsmen gifts are meant to be tokens of appreciation, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be practical as well such as a watch and sports sunglasses
- The more technically inclined might go for a MP3 players, thumb drives or other handheld device as a useful groomsmen gifts
- Sports oriented groomsmen gifts can be as casual as a baseballs or baseball gloves
- Engraved pens, silver plated yo-yos and pocket watches are good ideas for the business oriented groomsmen
- Lighters, money clips, key chains and pocket knives are standards and work well
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Best Man 101
The duties of a best man include being an assistant to the groom and the head of the groomsmen; he also is in charge of the bachelor party, getting the groom to the church, paying the officiant, signing the marriage license, holding the rings and giving a toast at the reception. He has a lot of responsibility and its also traditional to give him a nice gift at the rehearsal dinner to say thank you for all of his hard work!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Couple Requests Cash
Many couples who are getting ready to wed would often prefer to receive cash rather than a traditional wedding gift.
Unfortunately, according to most etiquette sources a couple that requests money rather than a gift would be considered as being in poor taste.
One important note to remember, in today's world, one of the most popular gifts to give for weddings is money. Therefore, it is possible to receive enough money in gifts to pay for things such as a honeymoon. The important part is not to ask people for it!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Outdoor Wedding Receptions
If you´re on a budget, consider having your reception at a venue that is already equipped to handle such events. If you have to separately rent tables, chairs, table linens, dinnerware, glassware and flatware, the costs can add up very quickly. Often brides plan an at-home or outdoor wedding trying to save money, but after hiring waiters and renting equipment, it comes out to cost more than a inexpensive wedding reception at another location.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
What You Do There
At a rehearsal dinner, family and friends toast the couple, the bride and groom can give thank-you gifts to their attendants, and your families can get to know one another better if they haven´t spent much time together prior to the wedding.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Uses for Ushers
An usher´s responsibilities include seating guests, rolling out the aisle runner, and generally helping guests (if they need to find the bathroom, for instance).
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Planning Tips - Before the Florist
Before you go to the florist to choose your wedding flowers, decide on your colors and take a look at some samples online. There are lots of e-florists, and gardening sites that have great listings of different varieties of flowers, even bouquets. You´ll walk into the florist´s shop with a good understanding of what you want, and lots of confidence that you´ll get it!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Quickie Cost Cutters: Food
Looking for a quick way of cutting costs? Try changing the reception from dinner to a brunch, an evening cocktail party or dessert reception---it can take a sizeable chunk off of your reception total.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Go with Greenery
If your reception hall is large and you don´t have the budget to cover it in flowers, try using large potted shrubs or ficus trees, which can often be rented. Many people have their own fake ficus trees in their homes and offices---ask around, you can often borrow a dozen or more from friends and family, and they look charming decorated with tiny white lights.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Changing the Day
If you´re on a tight budget, consider having your wedding anytime but on a Saturday evening. Saturday nights are generally the most expensive when it comes to banquet halls, catering, etc. You´ll save a lot by having the wedding on another evening or even during the morning or afternoon.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Sample Wedding Ceremonies - Apache Vows
You might use this Apache Wedding Prayer as a sample wedding ceremony vow: Now you will feel no rain... For each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold... For each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness... For each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two bodies... But there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your togetherness... And may your days be good and long upon the earth! Another Apache wedding prayer might be: "Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficult and fear assail your relationship - as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives - remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight."
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Silk Wedding Flowers
To save money on wedding flowers, you may want to consider silk flowers. One bride received her custom order within 3 weeks and spent $150 for the whole wedding party including the parents.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Nice Things To Do For Wedding Guests
When planning a wedding and you have a lot of guests coming from out of town. It´s a nice idea to make up a little kit for each one containing a local map, suggestions for restaurants, etc. This will make them feel more welcome and make their stay a little easier.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Bride´s Bouquet: Who Pays?
Traditionally, the bride´s parents pay for the bride´s flowers at a wedding. Flowers for weddings are seen as a personal part of the bride´s accessories and many parents (mothers especially) view buying the flowers as being a sentimental part of the wedding experience. These days wedding costs often fall along non-traditional lines, and if the couple themselves is paying for the wedding they may purchase the flowers themselves, though offering to buy at least the bride´s bouquet is a thoughtful gesture from parents.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Inexpensive Wedding Favor Ideas
Wedding favors and decorations don´t have to be large or expensive....... a simple handwritten note or typed not/poem on colored paper..... then rolled and slipped thru rings from walmart..... would be a simple and creative idea.... It would may cost about $5.00 for 100 rings and about $2.00 for paper.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Foregoing Flowers
If you´re strapped for cash, try cutting out all but the most important flowers (such as the bride´s bouquet) and using candles instead. They cost less and give weddings an incredibly romantic atmosphere.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Fabulous Frostings
Fondant icing is more expensive than buttercream icing----and while it may look very smooth and pretty, buttercream icing tastes much better than fondant.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Ax Some Appetizers
If you´re having appetizers or hor d´oeurves at your wedding, consider nixing them altogether or cutting the variety in half. People don´t notice how many kinds of appetizers there are, and between dinner and cake there´s usually enough food to skip them.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Sneaky Charges
If you are having a reception at a restaurant or catering hall, look very carefully at the extra charges that are included in your contract, and be prepared to question them. There is no need for a cake cutting charge. You will have waiters: they have nothing to do at that point in the evening but cut cake. Monster gratuities for maitre d´s fall into the same category. Actually, designated gratuities are totally out of line. The word gratuity represents a discretionary amount of money for good service: it should not be dictated to you. Tip cups on the bar are an absolute no-no. Bathroom attendents with tip baskets up are a no-no. A wedding is a hosted event, and should feel like one.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Candle Safety
If you´re lighting candles during your ceremony, be sure that there aren´t any decorative beads, ribbon or lace around the candles---they can easily catch fire.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cutting Back on Attire
If you want to save money all around on attire, have the groom and groomsmen wear their own clothing---- dark suits work well for both informal and more formal weddings.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cheaper Cake Ideas
Instead of using handmade sugar flowers or molded shapes on your cake, try substituting fresh fruit or flowers----it´s inexpensive and often just as beautiful.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Creative Cake Toppers
Don´t get stuck in that plastic figurine rut---use something unique on the top of your wedding cake. How about the porcelain or ceramic figurine from the top of your parents´ or grandparents´ cake? Fresh flowers, spun sugar designs, and marzipan figures also look great.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Packaging for Creative Wedding Favors
If you´d like to give out edible favors such as mints or Jordan almonds, try one of these inexpensive wedding favor ideas for packaging your goodies: tulle circles tied with ribbon, fabric circles tied with ribbon or rick-rack, small boxes tied with ribbon to look like a present, small glass corked bottles tied with ribbon, tiny hatboxes, Chinese take-out boxes (great for fortune cookies), cellophane bags sealed with a metallic sticker, little tin watering cans.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Event Planning
If you are hiring a dj to play wedding reception music, make sure that they will not be displaying their huge, inevitably ugly banner or signing on their equipment. This is your wedding, with an ambiance that you´ve worked hard to create. A 6 foot pink and black sign that says "Mr. Wonderful DJ"S" is not going to add anything to your well thought out plans. Be polite but firm. It´s your day, not theirs.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cutting Centerpiece Costs
Instead of using costly flower arrangments for reception centerpieces, substitute potted flowers or flowers grown in baskets lined with moss---if you plan in advance, you can even grow them yourself!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Refunds
Be sure that there are refund clauses written into all of your contracts. The clause should stipulate what the vendor will pay you if they cancel their services, and what you will get back if you cancel their services.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Proof Positive
Make certain that you understand who owns the proofs after the wedding. Many photographers retain ownership of the proofs unless it is specifically outlined in the contract that the bride and groom will keep the proofs.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Candid Style - Wedding Photographers
If you want to have a lot of great candid-style photographs of your wedding, consider hiring wedding photographers who have a background in news or journalistic photography----often they´re the best at capturing moments as they happen and not having to pose everyone in stiff-looking pictures.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Budgeting: Phase I
1) Find out who will be paying for your wedding and how much they can afford. You should establish your "bottom-line" first.
2) The next step is to fill in a sample budget with "guess-timates." For example, if your bottom line is $10,000, you would allow $1,500 for photography, $600 for a dress, $500 for flowers, $300 for a cake, $300 for stationary, $5000 for reception etc.
3) Now get actual estimates. Get at least three for each item and put them on a budget spreadsheet like in Excel.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Reception Planning
What can you do to make sure in your Wedding Reception Planning the invited guests not only RSVP but do not bring "additional" guests? Either hire a wedding coordinator or designate a non-family member not known to the guest to call and confirm before you need your final count.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Quizzing the Camera Guy
When you meet with a photographer, here are some questions you´ll want to ask:
- What packages are offered and how many photos are included in each package?
- Are the proofs yours to keep or do you have to purchase them?
- What is the cost for additional time or photos?
- How much is the deposit and when is it due?
- When is the balance due?
- Is there a travel charge?
- Are the negatives available to purchase, and if so, do you have to wait a specified time before you can purchase them?
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Who to Write the Check Out To
If the bride will be taking her husband's last name, then you can write the check out to “Mr. and Mrs. Right”. If the bride will keep her maiden name, then write both names on the check.
If you are still uncomfortable about which name you should use, ask the bride or groom. They can easily tell you whose name is preferable. Alternatively, you can give cash or a gift card to one of the stores that they are registered at.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Give Them Some Time
Try to register for wedding gifts about six months in advance of your wedding date to give friends and family ample time to buy gifts and to have a list in place before any parties or showers.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Unique Environmentally Friendly Fall Wedding Favors
Autumn flowers for weddings for the environmentally correct: crocus or tulip bulbs, wrapped in tulle, pine seedlings wrapped in burlap with raffia ties, or baby white pumpkin jack-o-lanterns.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
No Attendants?
There´s no law stating that you have to have attendants at your wedding. If you don´t want to have any, that´s your choice (and it´s a perfectly valid decision).
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Ceremony Musicians & Reception
If you´re having musicians who will be performing for your ceremony only, you´re under no obligation to invite them to your reception (unless they´re friends or close family members, of course).
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Inexpensive Photography
If your budget doesn´t allow for the cost of a professional photographer but you still want some nice pictures, consider hiring a photography student from a local college or university. The professors and directors of the photography school should be able to direct you to a promising student.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
More Disposable Camera Rhymes - Wedding Reception Photos
Here are some cute little poems to leave on notes with disposable cameras at your reception: 1) Take wedding reception photos of everyone! Maybe you´ll see something We didn´t see That we can keep as a memory! Thank you for sharing This special day with us. 2) To celebrate this special day, Pick a camera and really play. Leave it on the table when you are through, So [bride´s name] and [groom´s name] can develop the photos taken by you. 3) This camera´s been provided so We´ll have pictures of people we know. Take snaps, if you´re able of friends on your table And leave it behind when you go!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Introductions in the Receiving Line?
Q: How should my daughter, the bride, introduce my beau in the receiving line?
A: Traditionally in a receiving line, only the couple´s parents/stepparents stand with the bride and groom. If your daughter wishes your beau to also be in the receiving line, he would stand next to you. As guests go through the line, they generally just give their best wishes and say hello to each person individually; there´s no need for the bride or groom to introduce every guest to every person in the line---it´s a moment for them to bask in, not to be worrying about introducing guests to each other. If there are many guests who are not familiar with your beau, then you should be the one to introduce him however you feel comfortable: "This is my boyfriend," or "This is my friend," or "This is my beau," would all be fine.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Feed Your Photographer
Be sure to include in your reception a meal for your photographer/videographer. They will be working for you sometimes for nine or ten hours, and it´s just plain courteous to make sure they have something to eat during that long time period.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Planning A Wedding Reception
Do you have a set limit for the number of guests you can invite to the wedding? Divvy it up fairly: 1/4 for your parents, 1/4 for your fiance´s parents, 1/4 for your friends, and 1/4 for your fiance´s friends. Of course, if anyone has ´leftover´ spots they can´t fill, use them as ´overflow´ for out of town wedding guests or friends.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Photography on a Shoestring and Making Wedding Photos
Start comparative shopping early, insist on viewing samples of the photographers´ work (from more than one album). To cut costs, enlist family and friends that are shutter bugs. Place disposable cameras on the guests tables with a note requesting candid shots. This will help with making wedding photos.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Be Different! Have wedding rehearsal dinners
If you have the time, it´s always fun to have a theme for the wedding rehearsal dinners, make sure that it´s something different from the wedding theme---if the wedding´s very formal, try a cookout or a clambake for the rehearsal dinner.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Gift Management
Before your wedding, be sure to designate someone to take care of your gifts after the reception (mom and dad are a good choice). They´ll need to take them to your home or store them for you until you return from your honeymoon.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Homemade Wedding Favor Ideas - Kisses and Photos
Take a favorite photo of the couple and scan it onto a computer. Size it down to make either wallet-sized copies or smaller (we had 16 pictures per page). Then go to a craft store and buy magnetic backing (the peel-off sticky kind) and put the picture on it. We put our picture with about 6 pieces of Hershey´s kisses in a cellophane wrap that I tied with metallic ribbon. Everyone loved this inexpensive wedding favor idea and the guests appreciated the photo.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Bad Blooms
If you´re using fresh flowers on your cake, be sure to ask your florist if pesticides have been used on the blooms (you don´t want to make anyone sick!).
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cake Calamity
Getting married outside in warm weather? Be sure that your cake frosting won´t melt. Buttercream, meringue and whipped toppings will melt and slide right off the cake in warm weather. Check with your baker and ask for ´summer´ icing that won´t melt.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Finding a Wedding Registry
The easiest way to find a wedding registry is to simply ask the bride or groom, or another close family member, where they are registered.
If, for some reason, you are unable to do this, then your best bet is to check out Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, or Crate and Barrel. This are the most popular stores for wedding registries. It's highly likely that you can find a wedding registry for your friend at one of these sites. Once at the site, you can click on the “registries” section and search for the couple's name. This will take you to a link for their registry, if they have one, and you can easily make your purchase.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Not on the Invite!
It´s extremely important that you not include registry information along with the wedding invitation---it´s very tacky. It is, however, perfectly fine to include registry info. with a shower invitation, since the purpose of the shower is to give gifts.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Keeping the Cards Together
Ask your maid of honor or best man to slip a roll of scotch tape into a bag or pocket: those pesky cards can separate from their gifts in no time. And then who knows who to thank for what!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Gifts For Bridal Party
Some alternatives to wedding gifts for your mom are a gift to thank her for helping you with your wedding. A trip to a beauty salon or day spa is always nice, and is something you can do together. A trip to a museum, a day at the zoo or botanical gardens, anything that allows you to spend time together is a great idea. You could also buy her perfume, jewelry, bath and body products, or a gift suited to her hobbies. Does Mom like gardening? Get her a gift certificate for a gardening catalog, or a gardening book. Is she always baking? You could give her those gourmet cookie sheets or mixing bowls she´s always wanted. And there´s always flowers---sending a beautiful bouquet is a perfect way to say thank you.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Event Planning
If you and your spouse-to-be are having trouble with the wedding gift registries, whether it´s because you live in different cities or just can´t find the time, consider registering online. Sites such as WeddingChannel.com and theKnot.com have online registry services that let you choose from a variety of stores and products---your guests can even shop online by searching for your name in the directory!
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Grooms Wedding Party Gifts
Are you a bride looking for gifts for the groom? Try one of these ideas:
- gift certificate for a day spa massage
- beer of the month club
- a necktie
- nice wristwatch or pocketwatch
- CDs, DVDs or videotapes
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Good Stuff for Guests
Want to make sure your out of town guests stay busy during downtime? Check with your local Chamber of Commerce about obtaining packets of information about your city; often they´ll mail them out for free if you supply address labels.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Wedding Gifts For Bridal Party
Want to give bath towels for wedding gift ideas? Try this creative method of wrapping them by turning them into a ´wedding cake´:
- Start with four bath towels, four hand towels, and four washcloths.
- Fold the bath towels lengthwise, in quarters.
- Using a big safety pin, connect the folded towels end to end.
- Start at one end and roll the towels up. When you reach the end of the towel, fasten with more pins.
- Do the same thing for the hand towels and the washcloths.
- Stack the rolls of towels with the bath towels on the bottom, the hand towels in the middle, and the washcloths on top. Pin the three layers together.
- Decorate the ´cake´ with ribbons, silk flowers, etc.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Timing it Right
If you´re planning a trip to the department store to register, try and go when the store will be less busy: don´t go on a Saturday, and don´t go when the store is having a big sale.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
Cash Bars
Cash bars are not only controversial, they´re also just plain tacky. Inviting people to your wedding and then asking them to pay for their drinks is not a nice thing to do. If you can´t afford an open bar, have a limited selection of alcohol instead. If you can´t afford that, then consider nixing the alcohol altogether.
Tip Source: Wedding.LifeTips.com
