THE BROOKINGS REGISTER
Wedding PLANNER 2021
THE BROOKINGS REGISTER
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Wedding PLANNER 2021
Married! YOU’RE GETTING
Where to start?
USE THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST TO HELP PLAN YOUR PERFECT DAY
12 OR MORE MONTHS BEFORE
9–12 MONTHS BEFORE CON’T.
o Determine potential dates and times for your wedding.
o Book your live entertainment or DJ.
o Decide on the size, formality and setting o Create a wedding and engagement budget. o Reserve the locations for your wedding and reception. o Meet with and book your wedding officiant or clergy. o Choose your wedding party and confirm the participants. o Choose your wedding rings. o Draw up an initial guest list. o Organize your engagement party.
9–12 MONTHS BEFORE o Order your wedding dress and attendants’ attire.
o Reserve your florist. o Order your wedding cake. o Reserve any rental items from the rental company. o Register your gift choices at your favourite stores. o Research accommodation for out-of-town guests. o Plan your honeymoon.
6–9 MONTHS BEFORE o Decide on your menu. o Reserve the musicians and soloist for your ceremony. o Reserve your limousine service. o Order your invitations and any other stationery. o Order wedding favors for your guests.
o Book your photographer and videographer.
o Choose outfits for mother of the bride and mother of the groom.
o Reserve a caterer.
o Check marriage license requirement
o Arrange for decor, chair covers and linens. THE BROOKINGS REGISTER
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3–6 MONTHS BEFORE
1 WEEK BEFORE
o Finalize your guest list.
o Finalize seating plan.
o Choose the reader for your ceremony.
o Determine the order for the procession.
o Finalize your order with the florist.
o Have your rehearsal.
o Reserve the men’s wedding attire.
o Confirm accommodation reservations.
o Make an appointment with your hairdress
o Pick up the attire for the groomsmen. o Confirm the final numbers with the caterer.
2 MONTHS BEFORE
o Confirm details with the limousine company.
o Mail the invitations.
o Deliver your marriage license to the officiant.
o Decide on your wedding vows or compose your own.
o Draw up a seating arrangement for the reception and write out the place cards.
o Finalize the reception menus.
o Choose someone to hand out the bombonieres or wedding favours.
o Confirm the wedding details with the musicians and clergy or officiant. o Have the programs printed. o Purchase gifts for parents and attendants. o Make appointments for nails and make-up. o Schedule final dress fitting.
1 MONTH BEFORE
o Choose someone to return any rented items after the wedding. o Write any checks required for the wedding day. o Pack for your honeymoon
ON THE DAY o Give the wedding bands to the best man.
o Apply for a marriage licence.
o Give the best man any cheques that need to be given out that day.
o Plan the rehearsal dinner.
o Present the attendants and parents with their gifts.
o Meet with photographer and videographer.
o Relax and enjoy your special day!
2 WEEKS BEFORE
AFTER THE WEDDING
o Have a party for the attendants.
o Make a gift list and send out your thank-you notes.
o Draft the speeches.
o Send thank-you letters to suppliers and attendants.
o Finalize reception details.
o If you are changing your name, you can purchase a kit to make the job easy.
o Call any guests who have not replied. o Meet with your hairdresser and make-up artist for consultation. o Deliver song lists to musicians or playlists to disc jockey. o Confirm honeymoon reservations.
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Wedding PLANNER 2021
o Arrange for cleaning and preservation of your gown.
know? DID YOU
Flowers can have sentimental value, particularly those received as gifts or those that were part of momentous occasions, like weddings. Fresh flowers have finite life spans unless measures are taken to preserve the blooms. The flower experts at ProFlowers say pressing flowers can preserve them for years to come. While flower lovers can invest in a flower press, other heavy objects also can be effective at pressing flowers. Start by choosing flowers that are either still in bud form or are freshly bloomed. Dry the flowers out as quickly as possible to prevent browning. Place the flower between two pieces of white, nontextured paper. Then place all within the pages of a book. Depending on the size of the book, you may be able to press more than one flower at a time. Place other books on top to weigh down the book with the flowers inside. Change the moisture blotting sheets every few days. After two to three
weeks, the flowers will be completely dry and flat. Remove the flowers carefully using tweezers or fingertips. Store the fresh flowers in a cool, dry place or consider framing them in a shadow box.
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VIRTUAL VENDORS AN OPTION for couples planning unique weddings Normal took on an entirely new connotation in 2020. As the world reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the globe had to adjust how they live their lives. The way people work, attend school and eat their meals changed seemingly overnight, as did the way couples tie the knot. Engaged couples planning to get married in 2020 and 2021 faced and continue to face unique challenges. According to the online wedding resource WeddingWire, in 2020 roughly 450,000 weddings were scheduled to take place between March and May in the United States. Social distancing guidelines and fluctuating virus rates led many couples to get married in small ceremonies with only a handful of people on hand to witness them say “I do” in person. Virtual ceremonies shared through conferencing apps like Zoom soon became the new “normal,” but planning such events can be just as difficult as planning more traditional affairs. Thankfully, couples can work with an assortment of virtual
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Wedding PLANNER 2021
vendors as they confront the challenges of planning weddings during the pandemic. The online resource SimplyEloped was initially created to provide couples with an alternative to traditional weddings and all the stress and difficulty that comes with planning such affairs. The service offers advice on everything to planning small ceremonies featuring 20 guests or less to coordinating photography, videography and floral arrangements. Similarly, the online resource Wedfuly assists couples with the planning of virtual weddings, helping to coordinate guests on as many as 1,000 devices. Couples tying the knot during the pandemic may need to confront some unique challenges en route to saying “I do.” Relying on the services of virtual vendors can help such couples overcome these challenges and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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THE TOP 7 WEDDING COLORS OF 2021 and How to Use Them –from The Knot These wedding color trends prove that bold palettes are back in a big way.
If you’re recently engaged (or if you’ve had to reschedule your wedding and want to switch up your original plans), these trending wedding colors for 2021 are bound to inspire your color palette selection. Thanks to industry experts, we got a first look at the new wedding colors you can expect to see everywhere throughout the next year, from attire to floral arrangements and beyond. “Lilac, pinks, corals, and even orange will be the key colors, but not in a traditional form,” says Nora Sheils of Bridal Bliss in Portland, Oregon. “Instead, we will see them washed out providing a softer, sophisticated feel. Texture will also be important, as we see layers of blooms and greenery replicated in the use of mixed linens, paper goods and even the serving vessels.” As a result of the uncertainty and challenges brought on by the pandemic, couples are turning to lighter, mood-boosting hues and going back to the basics for their 2021 wedding colors.
LIGHT BLUE As one of the most classic wedding colors, blue is always a staple in many couples’ palettes and aesthetics. But dark hues, like navy and sapphire, will be less present as lighter blue tones rise in popularity for wedding colors in 2021. Periwinkle, powder blue, cornflower, and French blue are just a few examples. The one exception for dark blues? Accent colors. “We are seeing more colorful palettes, bringing in black as a main color as a nice contrast, as well as more navy being used,” says Valarie Falvey of Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design in Cleveland, Ohio.
GREEN Expect to see green tones everywhere in 2021, from actual greenery to color palettes that feature green as a primary or accent color. In recent years, green has
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become extremely popular thanks to the tropical wedding theme trend, but as one of the top wedding colors of 2021, green will take on a much more eclectic—and almost retro—vibe. Mid-range greens, such as olive, pistachio, avocado, and matcha (like the tea!) will bring a cool ‘70s look to your wedding aesthetic.
THROWBACK BRIGHTS Calling all ‘80s and ‘90s kids: this unique wedding color palette is a game-changer if you’re looking for something that’s entirely unexpected (with a hint of nostalgia). Fuchsia, yellow, teal, bright red, and cobalt are some of the new wedding colors you can expect to see everywhere in 2021. But rather than choosing just one of these as your wedding color, the trend will be to use a combination of them, resulting in a palette that’s bold and non-traditional. According to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average age of couples getting married right now is 32, so it’s no surprise that these throwback colors are grabbing millennials’ attention.
LILAC AND LAVENDER Pale purple hues are making a comeback as some of the most in-demand wedding colors for 2021. But unlike the ethereal wedding color trends of years past (looking at you, blush), these aren’t your average pastels. The goal here will be to use nu-
merous pastel colors together for maximum impact— think Taylor Swift circa Lover, with lilac and lavender being used alongside colors like pale yellow, bubblegum pink and mint green. The end result: a pastel rainbow effect that’s completely whimsical and fun, which is what we all need in a post-COVID society, right?
PAPAYA ORANGE You can think of this wedding color as an updated and punchier version of coral or peach. It’s slightly more saturated than its pastel counterparts, but it isn’t as bold as a rust or tangerine orange, making it much easier to incorporate into a variety of wedding aesthetics.
NEUTRALS Minimalistic yet bohemian neutrals are here to stay as wedding colors for 2021. Earth tones, like taupe, ivory and dusty rose, are especially in-demand for bridesmaid dresses, says Brooke Avishay of Orange Blossom Special Events in Encino, California. But these soft hues will continue to be extremely popular for wedding decor, stationery and floral arrangements throughout the coming months. Our take? Many couples are looking for wedding colors that evoke a calming, chic vibe, and neutrals perfectly fit the bill.
YELLOW Yellow is coming in hot as one of the new wedding colors for couples in search of a palette that doesn’t feel overdone or bland. Vibrant, sunny yellow is the particular shade we have our eye on for 2021, and it doesn’t take much of this color to make an impact. Its versatility might surprise you—prepare to see it popping up everywhere, from summer beach weddings to romantic outdoor fall celebrations. THE BROOKINGS REGISTER
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Wedding PLANNER 2021
3 TOOLS FOR KEEPING WEDDING GUESTS INFORMED Weddings give couples an opportunity to share the joy of joining their lives together with a host of friends and family members. Guests liven up the party and help make the celebration that much more memorable. According to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the United States hosts 131 people. Data indicates this number has been slowly decreasing over the years, after the average wedding size reached an all-time high of 153 in 2007. No matter how big or how small the guest list, keeping guests informed of what’s happening regarding the upcoming nuptials is a courtesy couples can provide. Couples can explore various avenues for keeping guests informed and ensuring they’ll be able to take part in the festivities.
SAVE-THE-DATE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Save-the-date announcements have become an increasingly popular component of wedding planning. Instead of waiting on the wedding invitation, which traditionally arrives one or two months prior to the wedding itself, save-the-date cards provide guests with an advanced advertisement of the celebration to come. According to the photo and invitation specialists at Shutterfly, it’s customary to send save-the-date notes around six months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, which will require extra travel plans, an eight- to 12-month advance can be helpful. Save-the-date cards generally have basic information, including the wedding date and the venue. Many will feature a photo of the couple as well. If you’re planning on sending save-the-date announcements, coordinate with your photographer to have a photo taken exclusively for these cards.
WEDDING WEBSITE
Couples are increasingly embracing technology as they plan their weddings. Brides magazine states that, during the typical 15-month engagement period, 48 percent of couples will launch a wedding website. A wedding website is a versatile tool that can help answer questions that guests may have. The website can spell out specifics, including dress code, whether children are invited, the names of wedding party participants, overnight accommodations, transportation providers, and even restaurants near the hotel for a quick bite between ceremony and reception. Wedding websites also can be used as fun ways to keep guests engaged. “Throwback Thursday” photos or funny memories and anecdotes can be included.
VIDEO CONFERENCING APPS
As the world continues to adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing applications like Facetime, Zoom and Microsoft Teams enable people involved in the planning process to routinely “gather” and go over details about the wedding, helping to limit in-person meetings as much as possible. These apps also can prove invaluable when conferring with wedding vendors, such as florists or musicians. You also can schedule smaller meetings with specific guests who may be playing key roles in the wedding, such as those giving speeches, doing readings, escorting guests, or serving in other capacities. Certain resources can help couples keep guests informed about what’s to come in regard to their weddings. THE BROOKINGS REGISTER
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THE EVOLUTION OF WEDDING FAVORS Wedding favors have changed — and in many cases for the better. Favors have evolved from the inexpensive trinkets purchased in bulk into more personalized mementos that guests can cherish. Today’s couples are interested in customizing their weddings and offering guests something meaningful, or at the very least, edible, so that favors don’t immediately get relegated to the trash can. According to Heather Jones of Wente Vineyards in California, favors have moved from “goodie bags” toward items that are experimental and fun. Wedding planners from across the country offer these wedding favor trends that couples may want to incorporate into their own celebrations.
for free drinks at a nearby brewery, a tour of a local attraction while guests are in town or a group excursion for guests attending a destination wedding can be fun and will help guests create lasting memories.
WELCOME BAGS
After a night of celebrating, some guests may want the festivities to continue, but may need some extra sustenance to make it through a few more hours. Some couples are eschewing traditional favors in lieu of making room for extra food or beverage expenses that can include after-party treats. These may run the gamut from wood-fired pizzas to food truck vendors to extra desserts. A tasty takehome option also may be given, such as fresh zeppolis or beignets, or even a personalized bottle of wine. Even if the food and drink is not consumed right away, there’s a good chance it will hit the spot when guests return to their hotel rooms. Wedding favors are changing to keep up with the times and keep guests feeling extra special.
Rather than take-home bags, welcome bags have replaced the traditional favor trinket at some weddings. Many weddings have become multi-day events that ask guests traveling from out of town to attend a wedding weekend. To help greet them and make their experience memorable, couples may fill a gift bag with items guests can use or enjoy during their stay — like a bottle of locally sourced maple syrup or some handmade soaps from a nearby shopkeeper.
EXPERIENCE GIFTS Instead of a candle or a monogrammed cake server, think of experiences to offer guests. A coupon
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Wedding PLANNER 2021
CHARITABLE DONATIONS Some couples feel that favors are wasteful and would rather set aside a portion of their wedding budgets toward giving back. In such situations, a donation to charity in guests’ names can be the way to go. Guests can vote on two favorite charities advertised on a special table at the wedding reception. The one with the most votes will get the proceeds.
LATE-NIGHT SNACKS
HONEYMOON REGISTRY
Many couples who are planning to get married have lived together during the engagement period or even longer. A Pew Research Center study found that about two-thirds of married adults who lived with their spouses before they were married say they saw cohabitation as a step toward marriage. According to Brandon Gaille Small Business & Marketing Advice, 65 percent of couples who get married live together at some point before their weddings. Individuals who live together must outfit their homes with furniture and other essentials, including kitchen supplies. That means that couples may already own traditional wedding registry gifts like kitchen and bath items and accessories. Brides- and grooms-to-be can think creatively when registering for gifts if they already have many of the items found on traditional registries. Target has partnered with HoneyFund, a free honeymoon registry and cash wedding gift registry, to allow couples to register for honeymoon travel and other experiences. Honeymoon registries can be great ways for couples who already own household items to simplify the process of gift-giving for their wedding guests.
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‘PLUS ONE’ ETIQUETTE for wedding guests Making a wedding guest list is seldom an easy task. Couples often find that many people are worthy of an invitation, which can make creating a guest list tricky for those with budgets in mind. According to data from the online wedding resource The Knot, the average wedding catering cost per guest is roughly $70. However, catering costs will vary depending on the reception venue, the number of guests, the foods chosen, and the region of the country where the wedding takes place. When creating their guest lists, couples may wonder if they have to offer all guests the option of bringing a “plus one” to the occasion. As with other wedding day etiquette questions, the plus one concept is not set in stone.
ANY GUEST WHO IS MARRIED It’s typically standard to invite a couple as a whole to the wedding, even if you’ve never met the spouse. This often comes up when inviting work friends, according to Vogue magazine. Even if you have never interacted with a coworker’s spouse, etiquette dictates that all married guests be allowed to bring their spouses along.
ANY GUEST WHO IS ENGAGED OR IS IN A SERIOUS LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP It can be challenging to know the relationship sta-
tus of everyone who will be invited to the wedding, but chances are you’ll have a good idea of those people closest to you. Include a plus one for guests who are engaged or in long-term relationships.
CONSIDER GUESTS WHO MAY NOT KNOW OTHERS Weddings often are times when childhood friends reconnect, or people who haven’t seen each other in a while come together. If there’s a good chance someone who is single and is invited to the wedding may not know anyone else there except the couple, extend a plus one as a courtesy.
INCLUDE THE WEDDING PARTY All members of the wedding party should be offered the option of bringing a date to the wedding. Apart from these guidelines, couples can establish any other rules, such as no plus ones for guests under a certain age or those who are not in serious relationships. The Knot also says it is polite to find out who the plus one will be so that wedding reception seating cards include that person’s name instead of “and guest.”