Wedding Planner 2017 by Brookings Register

2017

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

Contents Checklist & Timeline Table of

..........................................

................................................................................................................................................

................................................................ 6-12

Budget 2017 Color Trends Embrace the Season #married Forms

.............................................................. 13-20

.............................................................. 22-27

.................................................................. 28

.................................................................. 29

.................................................................. 30

Cover photo provided by Choke Cherry Photography & Design Studio.

Photo by Choke Cherry Photography & Design Studio

2017

4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

The Brookings Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Timeline 12+ months before 8-10 months before Checklist &

................................................

.........................................................................................................................................

DATE: ______________________________

• Draw up a budget and establish your top priorities—where to save/where to splurge.

• Shop for and order your gown. • Decide what type of entertainment you want.

• Start an inspiration folder. Browse bridal blogs and magazines to identify your style.

• Consider hiring a wedding consultant. • Pick a wedding date and time. Select several options, then check with your venus, officiant and important guests before finalizing.

• Start planning the guest list. • Choose your wedding party

• Contact rental companies if you need to rent anything for the ceremony or reception, such as chairs, tables and a tent.

6-8 months before DATE: ______________________________ • Book ceremony musicians.

• Research and book your wedding professionals. Interview vendors: photographer, videographer, reception band or DJ, and florist.

• Research a wedding insurance. • Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.

• Order bridesmaid dresses. • Start planning honeymoon. • Have gown fitting. • Send save-the-date cards. Good idea if you're marrying during the holiday season or having a destination wedding.

• Register for gifts. TIMELINE CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

2017

6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

2017

8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

4-6 months before DATE: ______________________________ • Attend pre-wedding counseling, if required.

• Rent the men's formalwear. • Hire wedding day transport: limousines, party bus other cars.

2 months before DATE: ______________________________

• Shop for and order invitations and wedding rings.

• Mail your invitations.

• Shop for formalwear.

• Write your vows.

• Renew or get passports, if necessary.

• Purchase gifts for parents, attendants and each other.

• Research, interview and book a cake designer.

• Book your stylist and try out wedding day hairstyles.

3 months before

• Book a makeup artist and go for a trial run.

DATE: ______________________________ • Order wedding cake.

TIMELINE CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Photo by Choke Cherry Photography & Design Studio

2017

1 month before

2 weeks before

1 week before

DATE: ______________________________

• Apply for a marriage license.

• Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet sent a response.

• Give reception site/caterer final guest head count.

• Have final gown fitting. Bring your maid of honor along to learn how to bustle your dress. Have the dress pressed and bring it home.

• Call all bridesmaids. Make sure they have their gowns ready for the wedding.

• Make last-minute adjustments with vendors.

• Deliver must-have shot lists to your photographer and videographer. Include who should be in formal portraits and determine when portraits will be taken.

• Deliver final song list to your DJ or bandleader. Include special song requests and songs you don't want played.

Include vendors, such as the photographer or band members, who will expect a meal.

• Plan reception seating chart. • Print place and table cards, or finalize list with the calligrapher. • Call all wedding vendors and confirm arrangements. • Groom: Get your hair trimmed.

• Create a wedding program. • Order and plan in-room welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

• Bride: Get your last pre-wedding haircut and color.

• Attend bachelor/ette parties. TIMELINE CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Photo by Choke Cherry Photography & Design Studio

2-3 days before DATE: ______________________________ • Bride: Have your gown pressed or steamed if needed. • Groom: Go for fitting and pick up your formalwear. • Groom: Ask the best man to make sure all groomsmen attend fittings and pick up their outfits. • Determine wedding party positions during the ceremony and the order of the party in the processional and recessional. • Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer and/or reception site manager. • Reconfirm final details with all vendors. Discuss any necessary last-minute substitutions.

Day before DATE: ______________________________ • Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding. • Write checks and/or talk to wedding hosts about any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception. TIMELINE CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

2017

12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

Night before

Day of

Post wedding

DATE: ______________________________

• Rehearse ceremony.

• Present parents and each other with gifts.

• Prearrange for someone to return any rentals.

• Give wedding bands to the best man and maid of honor to hold during the ceremony.

• Preplan for attendants to take the bride's gown for cleaning and return the groom's tux to the rental shop.

Meet with wedding party, ceremony readers, immediate family and your officiant at the ceremony site to rehearse and iron out the details.

• Bring unity candle, aisle runner, or other ceremony accessories to the site. • Give your marriage license to your officiant. • Attend rehearsal dinner. • Present attendants with gifts at the rehearsal dinner.

• Give best man the officiant's fee envelope, to be handed off after the ceremony.

• Write and send thank-you notes to gift-bearing guests and vendors who were especially helpful.

• Introduce your reception site manager to your consultant or maid of honor for questions or problems during the reception. • Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer's contact so he/she knows who's who.

2017

14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

Budget Apparel Wedding

............................................

......................................................................................................................................................

Estimated

Actual

Stationary

Gown

Invitations

Shoes

(RSVP cards,Map/Direction cards)

Jewelry

Save the date

Headpiece/veil

Postage

Bridesmaid dresses

Thank You notes

Bridesmaid accessories

Wedding programs

Bridesmaid shoes

Address labels

Tux

Estimated

Actual

Estimated

Actual

Total Stationary

Groomsmen tuxes Garter

Photo/Video

Alterations

Rings

Total Apparel

Bridal portraits Estimated

Actual

Reception

Wedding bands

Ceremony

Engagement ring

Photo albums

Engraving

Engagement portraits Total Rings

Total Photo/Video

Photo by Choke Cherry Photography & Design Studio

Reception

Estimated

Actual

Location fee Caterer Food Musician Wedding cake Groom's cake Cake knife Cake decorations Table decorations Other decorations Linens Tables Chairs Guest book Entertainment Gratuities Total Reception

2017

16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

Flowers

Estimated

Actual

Ceremony

Brides bouquet

Clergy

Bridesmaids bouquets

Location fee

Corsages

Chair/pew rental

BoutonniĂ¨re

Guest book/pen

Centerpieces

Ring bearer pillow

Altarpiece

Flower girl basket

Pew/chair bows

Unity candle

Throw away bouquet

Aisle runner

Flower girls' flowers

Ushers Total Flowers

Estimated

Actual

Estimated

Actual

Gratuity Transportation

Miscellaneous Marriage license

Total Ceremony Estimated

Actual

Manicure/pedicure

Gifts & Favors

Make-up

Attendant gifts

Wedding planner/organizer

Gift for fiancee

Consultant/coordinator

Favors

Hairdresser

Total Miscellaneous

Total Gifts & Favors

2017

18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

uB dget Basics

For many couples, a wedding is the first major event they have ever had to plan and execute. It also might be the first time they have prepared and followed a budget, which is no small feat.

SET PRIORITIES The equation for creating a wedding budget is seemingly simple: Think about what type of wedding you want, think about what type of wedding you can afford, and hope that those two images align as much as possible. While it is easy to witness other couples’ weddings or view endless stylized photos on Pinterest and feel like there is a standard to which you must adhere, most couples that go over budget spend beyond their means because of assumptions they made and hidden costs.

The entire day is important to you. It’s your wedding day. But if you had to pick three things that you would rather not compromise on, what would they be? Write them down. Now let the stress of everything else go. Knowing what your priorities are and being on the same page as your spouse will help keep you both accountable.

HAVE THE TALK As uncomfortable as it is to talk about money, it is necessary for creating and maintaining a successful

budget. You don’t want to be in a position where you thought your parents were going to contribute a certain amount toward your wedding, only to find out that they are contributing much less, or not at all.

CONSTANTLY REEVALUATE It is also important to realize that the categories you create in your budget exist to help guide you but are not set in stone numbers. Regularly evaluating your budget keeps you on top of what things are actually costing you and allows you to reallocate funds as necessary.

2017

20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Color

rT ends 2017

Photo by Choke Cherry Photography & Design Studio

2017

22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

........................

Cranberry, Orange, Ivory

...................................................................................

........................

Mauve & Gray

..................................................................................................................

2017

24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

........................

Natural, White, Green

.........................................................................................

2017

26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

........................

Peach, Gold, Green

...................................................................................................

e the Embrac

Season Let’s face it, while spring brings with it all the charms of colorful flowers and warmer days, it is also notorious for its unpredictable weather patterns. It could (and will) rain when you least expect it. Instead of fretting over inclement weather, use these four tips to embrace the season.

Photo by Choke Cherry Photography & Design Studio

door ceremony or reception, understand if a backup location is provided or if that responsibility falls on you. If you are planning on having live music, check with your band. Some musicians feel uncomfortable playing near rain because of what the dampness might do to their instruments and equipment.

ACCESSORIZE TRUST YOUR VENDORS … Wedding vendors are skilled professionals, and it is very likely that your wedding is not their first. This means they understand the unpredictability of the weather and have had to deal with the issues that arise because of it. They understand that this day is one you will remember forever, and they would rather be remembered as a venue or florist that took the stress out of your day rather than having added to it.

… BUT NOT TOO MUCH Just because they are skilled professionals doesn’t mean you should trust that they will all offer the same level of service. Make sure you read the fine print in each vendor contract to understand their approach to handling inclement weather. If you are having an out-

Planning for rain opens the door for colorful accessories. Purchase matching umbrellas for you and your spouse — or just one large one to share. Rain boots in a cheerful color will brighten any dreary day, even becoming conversation-starters or show-stealers during picture time.

USE THE RAIN The rain can be a great prop, and you have the chance to capture amazing photos you wouldn’t have the opportunity to capture on a sunny day. Most wedding photographers have had to deal with rainy weddings before and are skilled at using the rain as a backdrop. Don’t be afraid to get wet. The tuxes are rented. The dress will be laundered. Embracing your day for what it is will only add to its beauty.

2017

28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

e d i r r a #m Creating a personalized hashtag is the hottest new trend to hit weddings and can be a great way to gather photos from your special day — especially moments that you may have missed. No idea where to begin? Just keep in mind that the ultimate goal is usability: You want people to use it so you can see the photos. There are several wedding hashtag generators out there, Weddinghashtagwall.com and weddingwire.com are two such sites.

Our parents put disposable cameras on every reception table; we have Instagram.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Start with some combination of your names: First, last, nicknames, initials. Capitalizing the beginning of each word in your hashtag keeps the message clear and helps people distinguish what you are saying (for example, #MeagenandCarter). Bonus: It doesn’t matter if your guests capitalize every word. It will work either way.

HAVE FUN WITH IT Play with turns of phrase, idioms and alliteration! Think: #ForeverYoung, #WeberWedding, #Happily EverAllard. After you think you have a few you really like, check and see if

others have used them. Chances are you won’t be the first couple to use #MeantToBe. Hashtags are public, and depending on how popular your favorite one is, you might not want to have to wade through hundreds of photos of other people’s weddings to find yours.

ADVERTISE IT Once you’ve successfully chosen your hashtag, spread the word. Make sure it is prominently displayed on your wedding website and save the dates. It should also appear in multiple locations at your reception. Make sure your guests don’t have to search too hard, and your wedding hashtag will be a social media hit.

t n e m e g a eng cement

Announ

–––––––––––––––– SPOUSE A NAME

Only actual photos and emailed photos will be accepted. Please list all names exactly as they are to appear in the paper e.g. Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, John and Jane Doe or John Doe and the late Jane Doe. Information can be e-mailed to dkott@brookingsregister.com.

■ YES

■ NO PHOTO INCLUDED

–––––––––––––––– SPOUSE B NAME

–––––––––––––––––––––––– CITY, STATE

––––––––––––––––

wedding cement

Announ

PHOTO

■ YES

■ NO

––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––– CITY, STATE

ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY

––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EDUCATION AND OCCUPATION SPOUSE A

–––––––––––––––––––––––– CEREMONY LOCATION

–––––––––––––––––––––––– CITY, STATE

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EDUCATION AND OCCUPATION SPOUSE B

––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEDDING DATE AND LOCATION (if known)

–––––––––––––––––––––––– CITY, STATE

We may have questions. Please provide us with contact information in case we need to reach you to clarify submission information:

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BRIDESMAIDS (NAME, CITY, STATE & RELATIONSHIP)

SPOUSE A PARENTS

–––––––––––––––––––––––– CITY, STATE

SPOUSE B PARENTS

–––––––––––––––––––––––– CITY, STATE

■ Couple ■ Spouse A Parents ■ Spouse B Parents ■ Both

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CONTACT NUMBER AND/OR EMAIL ADDRESS

SPOUSE A NAME

DATE OF WEDDING

SPOUSE A PARENTS

SPOUSE B NAME

CLERGYMAN/WHO PRESIDED

SPOUSE B PARENTS

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GROOMSMEN (NAME, CITY, STATE & RELATIONSHIP) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FLOWER GIRL/RING BEARER ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– RECEPTION ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEDDING TRIP We may have questions. Please provide us with contact information in case we need to reach you to clarify submission information:

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CONTACT NUMBER AND/OR EMAIL ADDRESS

2017

30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding Planner

2017