Nobody’s got all the answers. We all need advice. Hope this will be of some help.
- Smitty
- How can I relieve wedding planning stress?
Day tripping together, whether for a few hours or a whole day is a wonderful way to escape the rigors of planning your wedding. A simple day trip will help you remember why you´re going through all of the hassle of planning a wedding. Every bride we´ve spoken with felt as though she was sometimes alone during the planning. Every groom felt that sometimes he was left behind. Taking a "day off" together where you don´t obsess over details is a perfect way to regain the energy you need to get to the finish line together
- Who should pay for a wedding?
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.
- What should I do when planning my wedding?
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.
- How can I save money on my wedding?
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.
- What should I make sure is in my contracts?
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.
- How can I budget my wedding?
a) Find out who will be paying for your wedding and how much they can afford. You should establish your "bottom-line" first.
b) 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.
c) Now get actual estimates. Get at least three for each item and put them on a budget spreadsheet.
d) 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.
e) 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!
f) 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.
- How can I keep my wedding plans realistic?
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.
- What are the best man´s duties?
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!
- What are an usher´s duties?
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).
- How can I include my bridesmaids in my planning?
It´s a good idea to get your bridesmaids together well before the wedding and ideally, before you select dresses. Often maids won´t all know each other and going out to lunch, brunch or dinner will give them a chance to meet before the wedding.
- What should I do for a bachelorette/Bachelor party?,br>As maid of honor, join forces with the best man to combine the bachelor and bachelorette parties into a stag and doe party. It can be catered or to cut costs formatted as a potluck.
This is especially helpful to raise money for couples that are feeling the wedding pinch. Sell tickets, or include games to help raise money, but leave the "dancing girls" out. Make it a cash bar and enlist family and friends as wait and bar staff.
- What kind of transportation should I use for my wedding?
Ft Myers Limousine
- What should I know about a videographer before hiring them?
Visit at least three wedding videographers and compare not only price but also their sample videos. Check references and talk to previous clients to get the real nitty gritty on their service.
- How can I afford wedding photography?
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.
- How do I do wedding event planning?
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:
- 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:
- Oversee the decoration of the ceremony and reception venue
Day Of:
- Oversee and coordinate with all vendors
- Pay Vendors their Final Checks
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