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Brides Checklist

09/29/2011 12:26:00

Brides Checklist

12 – 18 months

_____ Purchase Engagement Rings

_____ Take Engagement Photos

_____ Send Engagement Announcement to Newspaper

_____ Send Engagement Announcement by email to friends

_____ Set Wedding Budget

_____ Set Wedding Date

_____ Decide type of Wedding ( Informal or Formal)

_____ Interview Wedding Consultants

_____ Determine number of guest to be invited

_____ Select Ceremony Site

_____ Select Reception Site

_____ Choose Caterer

_____ Choose Photographer

_____ Choose Videographer

6 – 12 months

_____ Final Selection on Wedding Rings

_____ Open joint bank accounts

_____ Take dancing lessons for first dance if you wish (start practicing)

_____ Choose and order Wedding Gown

_____ Reserve Limousine/ Wedding Transportation

_____ Choose color theme for wedding

_____ Choose bridal party

_____ Select Bridesmaid Dresses

_____ Plan details of decorations ( Balloons, Flowers)

_____ Select Florist

_____ Select Musicians ( Live Band, DJ, Harpist)

_____ Select Officiant (Pastor, Judge) for wedding ceremony

_____ Select Hair & Make-up Artist

_____ Shop for Trousseau & Going away attire

_____ Select Baker (Wedding Cake)

4 – 6 months

_____ Consult with Attorneys ( Prenuptial Agreement and other legal matters)

_____ Select Bridal Registry items

_____ Select Music for Wedding Ceremony and Reception

_____ Reserve rental equipment if needed

_____ Prepare accommodations for Out of Town Guest

_____ Plan Bridal Shower Party

_____ Plan Bridesmaid luncheon

_____ Purchase Veil and Bridal Accessories – See Bridal Accessories Checklist

_____ Purchase gifts for Bridal Party – See Gift Ideas

_____ Make appointment for practice session for Hair & Make-up

_____ Order Wedding Favors

_____ Review plans for Wedding Ceremony & Reception

_____ Have Mothers choose their own dresses

_____ Make Honeymoon Plans

2 – 3 months

_____ Pick-up wedding rings – make sure they fit and are engraved correctly

_____ If changing your name – Order name change kit – See Name Change Checklist

_____ Update Immunization for out of country travel

_____ Send out Invitations to Out of Town Guest

_____ Make out a photographer ‘s Checklist – See Photographers Checklist

_____ Purchase Gifts for each other

_____ Apply for Marriage License

_____ Address & Send out Invitations

_____ Select & Coordinate Wedding Ceremony Program

_____ Appoint Guestbook Attendants for Wedding Ceremony & Reception

_____ Confirm Out of Town Guest accommodations

_____ Get your Hair Trimmed

_____ Confirm & Finalize details with Florist

_____ Confirm Rehearsal Program Officiant

_____ Confirm Guest count with Caterer/Restaurant

_____ Final Fitting for Bridesmaids Dresses & Wedding Gown

_____ Select Tux Styles for Groomsmen & Fathers

_____ Finalize Wedding Day Schedule (Itinerary)

_____ Confirm Transportation Schedule

_____ Reserve restaurant for rehearsal dinner

_____ Have Bridal Shower

_____ Have Bachelor Party (Groom)

_____ Change mailing address if moving

_____ Have Formal Wedding Portrait taken

_____ Review Checklist for Wedding Day Ceremony & Reception

_____ Make reservations for Bridesmaids luncheon

_____ Complete Trousseau shopping

_____ Purchase Floater Insurance for wedding gifts (if necessary)

_____Hire security for wedding reception (if necessary)

1 Month

_____ Call guests that have not yet RSVP'd

_____ Get your teeth cleaned/whiten

_____ Confirm honeymoon plans & pick-up airline tickets

_____ Assign Wedding day helpers

_____ Keep track of gifts received and start on thank you notes

_____ Arrange for a professional to preserve and heirloom your Gown & Bouquet

_____ Pick-up Bridesmaids Dresses & Wedding Gown (Already Pressed)

_____ Start seating arrangement & prepare seating name cards

_____ Confirm final details with Florist

_____ Confirm final details with Photographer

_____ Confirm final details with Officiant

_____ Confirm final details with Videographer

_____ Confirm final details with Baker

_____ Confirm final details with Restaurant/Caterer

_____ Confirm final details with Coordinator

_____ Confirm final details for Wedding Transportation

_____ Confirm final details with Bridal party

_____ Confirm final details with Wedding Helpers

_____ Confirm final details with Rental Equipment Company

_____ Confirm final details with Musicians

_____ Double Check Attire and Accessories for Bridal Party & Yourself

_____ Confirm schedule for Hair & Make-up Artist

_____ Plan and create Wedding Day Itinerary (15 minute interval)

_____ Get a Facial

1 Week

_____ Final Guest count with Caterer/Restaurant

_____ Arrange for Postal Office to hold or forward your email during your honeymoon

_____ Relax – take a long leisurely bath

_____ Re-confirm with Travel Agent or Airlines

_____ Review all seating arrangement with ushers and helpers

_____ Pack for Honeymoon Trip

_____ Arrange for Bridal Party, Parents & Family and Photographer and Videographer to all meet at a designated location (when taking pictures prior to the Wedding ceremony)

1 – 2 Days

_____ Get a Manicure & Pedicure

_____ Get a Massage

_____ Attend Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

_____ Pick-up Rental Tux for Groomsmen (Groom or Bestman)

_____ Prepare Final payment in individual envelopes for each Professional

Wedding Day

_____ Nice long bath or shower - Relax

_____ Go to Hair & Make-up appointment

_____ Get Dressed

_____ Have Fun – It’s your Wedding Day!

8 Questions You Must Ask a Wedding Professional Before Booking Them

04/01/2011 00:56:00

8 Questions You Must Ask a Wedding Professional Before Booking Them

Hiring the right team is critical to planning your dream wedding…and it can also be quite stressful.

How do you find the right match for you? How do you know who to trust? Where do you go for advice?

First of all, this is not an easy task and it’s totally normal for couples to feel overwhelmed, frustrated or confused.

It’s not like you plan a wedding every day! This is all probably brand new to you, so be patient with yourself.

A few tips to finding the right ones for you…

Do Your Homework. You’ll get much more out of a meeting or conversation with a wedding professional if you do a little background homework first.

Spend some time on the internet or talking to friends who’ve recently been married. Find out the average prices in your area and what services are available. Get an idea of what you like and don’t like. Wedding websites and chat rooms can be a great resource. This way when you meet with a wedding professional you’ll be able to ask better questions and have an idea of what to look out for.

Meet With Them. An in person meeting is the best way to interview a potential wedding vendor. It lets you get the full experience of their personality, style and professionalism. If that’s not possible, have a phone conversation.

Ask Questions. There are no stupid questions! Make sure you get clear, specific answers to your questions. If you aren't sure what something means, ask them to clarify. Keep asking questions until you completely understand.

If a wedding vendor has a problem with you asking questions, they probably aren’t the one for you. The best wedding professionals are patient, understanding and take the time to help you make the best choices for your wedding.

Listen.Don’t just hear the words they say, really listen.Watch the vendor’s body language.Are they confident and comfortable with their response?Do they look and sound nervous?Do you get a “funny feeling” about them?Take all the sights, sounds and feelings into account along with their responses; if your gut tells you something isn’t right, it probably isn’t.
Check References. Portfolios are hand-picked to show off the best work, but they may not represent the “average” wedding performance. Videos are edited for the optimum presentation. But real referrals from satisfied clients are hard to fake.

Call up both client and professional references. Ask questions and use those listening skills. Even if they give a rave review, you’ll often be able to “read between the lines” if there were any issues or problems.

Ask around and search the internet for reviews. Check the Better Business Bureau for any outstanding complaints against the business. Weigh all of this information into your choices.

Here are 8 Must Ask Questions to ask ALL your potential wedding professionals before booking:

1. How many weddings do you do per year? How much experience do you have?

This is an extremely important question. Ideally, your wedding professional should have ample experience specifically with weddings. Not only will they be more skilled in their craft, this also makes them a valuable source of information and ensures that your wedding day goes smoothly.

How much do you cost?

Price is often relative, especially when you factor in experience, reputation and expert skill.

Generally, the most talented professionals have a higher price tag because they are worth it.

3. How much is the deposit?

What specifically is included in that cost?

Because packages often vary, it’s likely that you won’t be able to compare one vendor exactly to the next without doing a little figuring.

The lowest cost isn’t necessarily the best deal; some higher quotes include services that you have to pay extra for in other packages.

Make sure you take this into account.

What happens if I cancel? What happens if you cancel?

Find out if your deposit is refundable under any conditions.

Does the wedding professional have a back up plan if something happens to them?

Do you use a contract?

If the answer is No, RUN!

A contract is designed to protect both you and the wedding professional.

Don’t settle for a verbal agreement that won’t hold up in court.

Are there any additional fees?

Taxes, service charges and travel fees can add up quickly.

Make sure you understand exactly what is included and if there are any other fees you’ll have to pay.

This should be clearly defined in your contract.

Do you carry liability insurance?

The answer you’re looking for here is Yes.

This protects you in case an unfortunate accident should occur on your wedding day.

It’s also a sign that this is a reputable business, since most “fly by night” operations don’t invest in insurance.

If chosen wisely, with the right wedding vendors you get expert help and advice…for free!

10 Tips for Combating Wedding Stress!

03/30/2011 03:14:00

10 Tips for Combating Wedding Stress!

Many times, brides and grooms experience different kinds of stress. Brides are usually more emotional about the wedding plans and grooms can be more concerned about, or “stressed out” about money. Whether you are a bride or a groom, it is a time where all kinds of stress can manifest itself. Here are a few tips:

Expect that there will be stress in planning your wedding. Why? There are a lot of decisions to be made, many details to be worked out, and others may want, or try to influence you. That is not bad or wrong; it just requires that you and your fiancé be aware of what is really happening. Try to respond to issues and avoid reacting to things.

One of the greatest challenges facing brides and grooms is their feelings of wanting to satisfy everyone. There are so many people involved - family, friends and relatives. Setting realistic expectations is very important.

Don’t expect perfection. Expect a “terrific” day. Setting expectations that are too high will create stress and lead to frustration, and then more stress.

Feeling stressed about certain elements of the wedding such as, saying your wedding vows or your first dance? Then, visualize the event. Spend some quiet time alone, relax and really visualize in your mind the events going smoothly. Does this exercise several times a day if you need to!

One of the best ways to combat stress is to exercise. When things start getting out of control - STOP. Take a break and go to the gym or go for a brisk walk.

10 Tips for Combating Wedding Stress!

There are always some people (relatives or friends) that know how to “push your buttons”. When you are feeling very stressed… be sure to stay away from or at least limit your time with these people.

Wedding planning can cause a great deal of stress between the bride and the groom. Individually, they should be aware of their thresholds for stress, and how much stress they can handle in a given time period. If you notice that one of you is nearing your “threshold”, then take a short break from your wedding planning and does something fun together.

Parents can also experience wedding stress as their children get married and leave “the nest”. This is commonly referred to as “separation anxiety”. It can be a time of great anxiety for the parents which can then create stress and highly emotional issues for the bride and groom. Being aware of what is happening, REALLY happening, is a big part of dealing and managing stress.

Time pressure can cause a great deal of stress. Don’t try and do everything yourself. Delegate as much as you can to others. Use the Internet.

Are you and your fiancé arguing more than normal? Realize that this is normal because you are spending more time on wedding planning versus spending time on your relationship. That’s why it is so important to take time away from wedding planning and spend time with each other. A romantic dinner, a bike ride—whatever you both like to do together (just don’t discuss the wedding plans!)