Wedding Planner 2024 by The Post Journal

February 2024

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of TABLE CONTENTS

How to Take the Hectic Out of Your Wedding Day

Wedding Planning Timeline

Time-Honored Wedding Traditions

Questions to Ask When Vetting Wedding Vendors

Options Abound When Shopping for Wedding Reception Venues

Catering Worksheet

Time Management Tips for Your Wedding Day

Floral Checklist

Dig Into These Wedding Cake Options

Cake Worksheet

Justice and Love Are in the Air at The Jackson Center

The Responsibilities of Bridal Party Members

Pointers for Post-Wedding Brunch

7 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

How to Find the Right Officiant for Your Wedding

Can Anyone Be a Wedding Officiant?

Honeymoon Planning Pointers

What to Know When Picking a Wedding Reception Menu

The Benefits to Hosting a Wedding Ceremony and Reception at the Same Venue

How to Find Your Wedding Florist

Simple Tips to Plan a Fun and Relaxing Cocktail Hour

Marquise Bridal Boutique

Wedding Day Transportation Options

Clever Ways to Invite People to Be In Your Wedding Party

Popular Wedding Photography Packages

How to Tip Wedding Reception Staff

Wedding Budget Checklist

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HOW TO TAKE THE HECTIC OUT OF YOUR

Wedding Day

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Weddings are among the most complex events many people will ever plan. Couples often try to go the extra mile in an effort to make the day memorable for themselves and their guests. That pressure can make a wedding day feel a little frenzied. Thankfully, there are various ways to ensure the vibe of the big day is happy and not hectic.

Hire a wedding planner/coordinator

Leaving the nitty gritty to a professional wedding planner takes a lot of pressure off of couples. The renowned wedding resource The Knot says wedding planners are clued into everything there is to know about a wedding and they can be tapped to take care of just about anything on couples’ to-do list.

Consider a package deal

All-inclusive resorts are popular vacation spots because variables like entertainment, lodging, food, drinks, and more is all taken care of, leaving vacationers with little to do other than show up and relax. Couples can

apply that same approach on their wedding day. Host the ceremony and reception at the same site, which takes the potentially problematic issue of getting guests to and fro out of the equation. Some venues may even provide in-house vendors like photographers and florists. Such vendors’ familiarity with the venue reduces the risk of surprises that can derail wedding day schedules.

Pick your priorities

Avoid getting bogged down on a million details by making a list of your priorities when planning. Couples can revisit this list a couple of days before their wedding so they remember what’s most important to them on the big day. This refresher can ensure couples don’t get too concerned if minor issues arise during their big day, helping them remain calm and keeping a focus on all the fun to be had during the day.

It’s easy for couples to feel a little overwhelmed on their wedding day. Some simple strategies can take the hectic out of couples’ wedding day and ensure they keep their focus on one another and their loved ones.

Photo Courtesy of Priceless Studios

Wedding Planning Timeline

Follow these industry-recommended benchmarks to help keep wedding plans on track and running smoothly:

12 MONTHS in ADVANCE

• Establish your budget

• Hire a wedding planner (optional)

• Pick a wedding date

• Book ceremony and reception venues

11 MONTHS in ADVANCE

• Decide on wedding colors and overall design

• Begin creating a preliminary guest list

• Choose your wedding party

10 MONTHS in ADVANCE

• Hire a photographer/videographer, florist, and if needed, a caterer

• Start shopping for a wedding gown, ask how long it will take for the gown to arrive for alterations, and schedule your fittings in advance

9 MONTHS in ADVANCE

• Make arrangements for reception and ceremony music

• Book a wedding officiant if needed

• Start shopping for bridesmaid dresses

• Book hotel room blocks if you are expecting out-of-town guests, so you can include this information on your save-the-date cards

8 MONTHS in ADVANCE

• Begin planning your reception menu

• Start creating your gift registries

• Finalize your guest list and send save-the-date cards

7 MONTHS in ADVANCE

• Choose a cake vendor and schedule your tasting

• Begin making honeymoon plans, including passport applications or renewals if needed

6 MONTHS in ADVANCE

• Order invitations if you plan to address and assemble them yourself

• Book a makeup artist, including a trial appointment

• Book a hairstylist, including a trial appointment

• Make party rental arrangements if needed

5 MONTHS in ADVANCE

• Book wedding transportation and any other remaining vendors

• Choose groomsmen attire and give them a deadline for fittings and orders

• Purchase bridal accessories like a veil or headpiece, shoes and undergarments

4 MONTHS in ADVANCE

• Attend your wedding gown fitting

• Send out wedding invitations

3 MONTHS in ADVANCE

• Choose wedding favors

• Shop for wedding rings

2 MONTHS in

• Secure your wedding license

• Purchase wedding party gifts

• Have a second gown fitting, and ensure a final fitting is scheduled just prior to your wedding

Finally, as your wedding date approaches, check in with all vendors for final payments and to ensure they are on schedule. Notify the reception hall of the final guest count, finalize song selections with your band or DJ, and get ready to enjoy your big day!

Wedding Traditions

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Weddings are special events that celebrate two individuals’ love for one another. Weddings bring together friends and family to witness couples share vows and devote their lives to each other.

Wedding guests recognize that certain components are commonplace in ceremonies and receptions. Perhaps you were once a ring bearer or caught the bouquet? There’s a rich history behind the traditions that feature prominently at many weddings. Here’s a look at traditions past and present and the meaning behind these customs.

Marriage

The custom of marriage can be traced back thousands of years to when hunters and gatherers started coming together to form societies and farm land. In order to ensure the success of communities, couplings were developed to produce offspring and maintain households.

Tie the knot

Getting married is sometimes referred to as “tying the knot.” This stems from the custom of “handfasting,” which is a common practice among various cultures around the world, and notably in ancient Rome. The bride and groom’s hands are tied together for the duration of the ceremony, not to be released until the wedding is made official. This isn’t something you see too often at modern weddings, but can be something unique couples may want to consider.

Photo Courtesy of Priceless Studios

Bridal bouquet

A bouquet of beautiful flowers is held by the bride on her wedding day. Roses, orchids, peonies, and other fragrant blooms are often included, but in ancient times brides’ bouquets were likely made of herbs. According to the resource Minted Weddings, these aromatic herbs were used to ward off evil spirits.

Veil

Evil spirits also were the basis for the wearing of bridal veils, as they were utilized to hide brides from these miscreants. Veils now are more style than substance.

Bridesmaids

In ancient Rome, bridesmaids were tasked with protecting the bride. They wore the same dresses as the bride to confuse evil spirits from finding the soon-to-be-betrothed and cursing her. Today’s bridesmaids are less decoy and more helper. They may wear similar dresses to the bride and one another, but they aren’t trying to fool any spirits.

Tossing rice

Rice and grains were long regarded as signs of prosperity and fertility, according to the gifting company Personal Creations. Therefore, couples were showered with rice to ensure their good fortune. Consumption of uncooked rice has been proven to be detrimental to some wildlife, so rice has now been widely replaced with bubbles or birdseed.

Cutting the cake

At the reception, many couples link hands and make the first cut in their wedding cakes. Wedding Wire says it’s a tradition that around 80 percent of wedding couples partake in. It is believed this tradition symbolizes the couple’s first official task performed together, and marks the promise to support and take care of one another throughout the marriage. However, in the past, brides were responsible for cutting the wedding cake alone and distributed slices to guests to aid in fertility, according to BakingNook.com.

Weddings are full of traditions with interesting histories.

A Beautiful Lakeview Venue For Your Shower, Rehearsal Dinner, Ceremony or Reception

The Clarion Hotel is the perfect location for your special day. Situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, the Clarion has customizable packages with a catering menu that includes Steelbound beverage selections to meet all your wedding party needs. Our experienced Banquet Coordinator will show you every option available for your wedding day and beyond.

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN VETTING

Wedding Vendors

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The process of planning a wedding involves the coordination of many different components, including people. It can be stressful and it can be exciting. Chances are the couple-to-be will be handling conversations with vendors they may have never worked with before.

It may be tempting to simply sign on the dotted line when hiring wedding vendors and hope for the best. But the process can prove more fruitful when couples prepare for it by compiling a list of questions designed to ensure they know what they’re getting before they enter into a contract.

Is the date available?

The most important question to ask is whether the vendor is available on the day you have chosen to get married. The house of worship or place where you will be exchanging vows should be set first, and then additional vendors can be interviewed to confirm their availability and the scope of their services.

How long have you been in business?

How long a company has been in business, and more importantly how much experience they have with weddings, can be a telling detail. Experience is not always indicative of ability, but vendors with long track records of success may prove easy to work with.

Are you insured?

Check if the vendor is insured. It can be a risky proposition to work with vendors who are not insured.

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Will you be on site to oversee things?

From florists to private caterers to specialty performers, it is acceptable to ask vendors if they will be there the day of the wedding to manage things or if it will be a third party or another representative. Confirm all pertinent details, including who will be there on the day of the wedding, in advance.

What is your payment schedule and cancellation policy?

Understand how the vendor expects to be paid. Many businesses require a deposit up front to book the date. Some may want payment in full a week or so before the wedding day. Others may enable you to make monthly payments for a set period of time. Ask how the vendor handles cancellations, and whether any deposit or portion of the money already paid will be refunded. When is the last possible date for making changes?

Know how long you have to make any changes to your plans, colors, music choices, or other details.

Are there any additional fees?

It’s important to determine if gratuity, travel, overtime charges, cleaning fees, or any other charges are included in the contract or if it leaves room for additional expenses.

Is mine your only wedding that day? How do you handie conflicts?

Figure out if the vendor handles just one wedding per day or if they have staff to cover multiple weddings on a given date. Do prices differ depending on time of day, month or year?

Certain dates are busier than others. Find out if the vendor charges a premium for holidays or particular times of the year.

Couples are urged to exercise due diligence and ensure contracts with vendors specify all details before signing on the dotted line.

OPTIONS ABOUND WHEN SHOPPING FOR

Wedding Reception Venues

Awedding ceremony is a joyous occasion couples will remember forever. As couples walk down the aisle after making their union official, the focus then shifts to the reception, where a fun-filled night of food, laughter and dancing awaits.

One in five couples had their wedding receptions at banquet halls

Nothing can trump the ceremony in terms of meaningful moments, but wedding receptions tend to last far longer. That’s why couples devote so much effort to finding the right reception venue. As couples get to work on planning their post-ceremony party, they can consider a wide range of reception venue options.

Banquet hall

Banquet halls are perhaps the most traditional option for hosting wedding receptions. They’re also among the most popular, as the The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study found that one in five couples had their wedding receptions at banquet halls. There’s no end to the options available to couples who want to host their receptions at banquet halls, which run the gamut from more intimate venues to larger sites that can host hundreds of guests. Some banquet halls offer various rooms and even different styles of rooms, from traditional to modern, all at one site. Because banquet halls are designed to host special occasions like weddings, couples may find they are an espe-

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cially planner-friendly option.

Beach venue

Beach reception venues are not limited to coastal communities. Though oceanfront venues are an option for couples who live on a coast or those opting for destination weddings, even landlocked locales have beach venues along rivers and lakes. When considering a beach venue, couples should inquire about contingency locations should Mother Nature not cooperate come the big day.

Boat/yacht

Keeping with a water theme, couples may want to look into celebrating on a boat or yacht. This option can make for an especially memorable and unique experience, but it’s important to keep guests in mind before booking a boat or yacht for your reception. Some guests, such as aging relatives or loved ones with young children (at home or at the reception), may want to attend the reception but not stay for its duration, which is not an option on a boat or yacht. Others may be hesitant due to seasickness or another preexisting medical condition. If no such issues are likely to present, couples may find it hard to beat the ambiance of a reception aboard a boat or yacht.

Campgrounds

The Knot reports a surge in the popularity of campground receptions in recent years. A campground reception can be ideal for couples who love the great outdoors and prefer a less formal and more fun-focused reception. This option may require a little extra coordinating on couples’ part, as they will likely need to supply all of the food and beverages and may even need to arrange for guests to safely access the venue. There’s no shortage of locations for couples to host their wedding receptions. Each venue is unique, and couples can undoubtedly find a facility that has what they’re looking for.

Photo Courtesy of Priceless Studios

Caterer/Restaurant:

Address:

CateringWorksheet

Contact Person:

Phone: E-Mail:

Reception Date: Time:

Last Date/Head Count:

Total Headcount: Cost/Person:

Reception Location: Room Reserved: Set-Up Time:

Space for Entertainment: Dance Floor: No. of Staff:

Total Cost: Deposit Due Date: Check No. Balance Due/Date:

COST WORKSHEET

Hors d’oeuvres

Lunch/Dinner

Dessert

Cake

Cake Cut Fees

Nonalcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic Beverages

Coffee/Tea

Linens

Decorations

Taxes

Gratuities

Overtime Charges

Total Food

• Plated and buffet options available

• On-site ceremony options

• Can accommodate up to 185 guests

• Private tasting for couple

• Complimentary cake cutting

• Tables, chairs, glassware

• Linens - black or white

• Spacious dance floor

• Discounted room blocks

• Complimentary one-night stay for couple on wedding night

As any married couple can attest, a wedding day has a tendency to fly by. Couples have much to do on the day they tie the knot, which can make the day feel like a whirlwind.

Certain skills can come in especially handy on a wedding day, and the ability to manage time is certainly one of them. As their big day draws closer, couples can employ these time management tips to slow the day down a little bit.

Maintaining and distributing a schedule of the day’s events, including hair appointments, can help engaged couples keep their wedding day timeline on track.

• Create and distribute a schedule. A schedule can ensure the happy couple and all members of the bridal party know when and where they need to be at certain times during the day. Include all pertinent information on the schedule, including when and where hair and makeup appointments begin, when transportation to and from the ceremony and reception site will arrive and, of course, the start time for the ceremony. A printed copy can help, but a digital copy sent via text or email can guarantee the schedule is accessible via smartphone at all times during the day.

• Collaborate with your photographer in advance of your wedding day. Couples can streamline wedding day photography sessions by collaborating with their photographer in advance. During these sessions, identify the bridal party shots you want to take and then create a schedule of photos so all party members know where they need to be and when. Some couples choose to schedule bridal party photoshoots before the ceremony, while others prefer theirs after the couple has made it official. Regardless of which option couples prefer, schedule these photos so no time is wasted finding bridal party members.

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• Don’t forget to set aside time to eat. Anything can derail a wedding day schedule if it’s forgotten when couples devise their initial plan for how the day will unfold. Couples might be less inclined to forget hair and makeup appointments and photo sessions because such components are integral to wedding planning. But couples should not forget to leave time for themselves and their bridal party to eat. Schedule a breakfast for all bridal party members (separate ones if couples insist on avoiding each other until the ceremony) to ensure no one sleeps in and throws off the day’s timeline. Include time to eat lunch if the ceremony is in late afternoon or early evening. If you forget to schedule time to eat, the timeline will almost certainly be thrown off when everyone gets hungry and requires some sustenance.

• Go over schedules with your vendors. In the weeks prior to your wedding, reach out to your vendors to confirm the day’s timeline. Do this prior to handing out a schedule to your bridal party so no one is confused if any last-minute changes are made.

Couples have much to manage on their wedding days. Perhaps no component is more important to manage effectively than time.

ORDER OF MOOSE 1382

Style

BRIDAL BOUQUET

Floral Checklist

GROOMSMEN BOUTONNIERES

Quantity

BRIDESMAID’S BOUQUETS

Quantity

Kinds of Flowers

Quantity

MAID OF HONOR’S BOUQUETS

Style

Kinds of Flowers Color

MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS

Quantity

Kinds of Flowers Color

Quantity

CEREMONY FLOWERS

CENTERPIECE FLOWERS

PEW MARKERS

GROOM’S BOUTONNIERE

Style

Kinds

OTHER RENTAL ITEMS

Wedding Cake Options DIG INTO THESE

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Awedding gives couples a chance to shine and celebrate their love for one another. Naturally, all eyes are on the happy couple on their wedding day, and that means brides and grooms want to look their best. For those planning to wear makeup, relying on a skilled makeup artist can make a big difference in how couples look in videos and photographs.

Professional makeup artists will be acquainted with techniques that can enhance individuals’ looks on their wedding day. Makeup artists recognize which products to use to ensure a flawless face lasts all day. This person also can take the pressure off the bride having to do makeup herself, meaning the bride can sit back and relax for a half hour or more and enjoy being pampered. Techniques like lash applications, contouring and highlighting require skill, and skilled makeup professionals are well-trained in these areas. When shopping around for makeup artists, couples with limited knowledge of what to expect can look for certain factors to help them make the most informed decision.

Professional products

There may be a stark difference between cosmetics and beauty products purchased at the drug store and the professional-grade items used by makeup artists. Professional products have been engineered for specific applications. They tend to be long-wearing and luxurious. Look for a makeup artist who uses top-notch brands.

Trial application

A bride’s vision and the makeup artist’s vision may not be one and the same. Only after a trial application can you determine if the makeup artist is able to deliver the look you desire. It’s important for a bride-to-be to go to the trial appointment with an open mind and reserve judgment until the application is complete. A professional can make suggestions on a color palette and products that will complement skin tone and needs.

Masters ‘striking’ but ‘natural’

Many brides desire natural looks on their wedding days, but fail to understand that this is one of the most photographed moments in their lives. High-definition cameras and lighting can affect how makeup appears in film and in photographs, as well as what a complexion and pores will look like. Taking photos during the trial appointment will help you see what you will look like in pictures, which may be different from how makeup appears when looking in the mirror. Chances are a bride will need to be much more made up than she thinks when asking for natural. A qualified artist can strike a balance between natural and photo-ready.

Touch-ups

Some makeup artists are willing to be available for a short time before the start of the reception. This gives them the opportunity to touch-up makeup if needed after the ceremony when most of the posed photos are taken. Also, adjustments can be made at this time if a bride wants a “nighttime” look.

A makeup artist can help couples look their best during their weddings, making them a worthy investment of time and money.

Photo Courtesy of

Jackson Center JUSTICE AND LOVE ARE IN THE AIR AT THE

Courtesy of robert H. JaCkson Center

“ Read” annotates the last message you sent, followed by a long delay, and yet your phone refuses to buzz in response.

Torture for the text-age, forlorn victim of love.

But even more that 110 years ago, faltering communications were still an anxiety-producing part of romance. Only thing that has changed are the channels and the price of a stamp.

Jackson biographer, John Q. Barrett writes in his blog, TheJacksonList.com, “In fall 1911, Robert H. Jackson, a nineteen-year-old high school graduate with a year of law office training in Jamestown, New York, enrolled as a senior at Albany Law School. During that academic year, law student Jackson studied intensely and earned top grades. He also met Irene Alice Gerhardt, a twenty-one-year-old government secretary.”

A matchmaking contrivance of a classmate that winter brought Jackson ice skating at Albany’s Washington Park Lake knowing the classmate’s cousin, Irene Gerhardt, would also be there. Irene and Robert skated and hit it off. “Soon they were attending weekend dances, and that June she was his guest at his Albany Law School commencement,” says Barrett.

After graduation in 1913, Jackson moved back to Jamestown, passed the bar, and sought to establish his practice, as well as a long-distance-relationship. However, by 1914 twoway communication dried up.

A distressed, but always eloquent writer, Robert put pen to paper and composed “Self-convicted.”

Once on a time there lived a philosopher, One of your sage and cynical kind, Two doctrines he cherished which perfectly suited His unsentimental, satirical mind.

The First of these notions, simply preposterous, Defying all precedents, customs and rules, Was this, that (except those pertaining to business), “All letters are written by Women and Fools”! Most of these letters are silly, romantic, Puerile, morbid, flatly inane, “A mere piece of paper” (maxim the Second) Who would wish for, or value it, if he were sane?

Now, across the big state there dwelt a fair maiden, And unto this stoic(?) she sometimes would write Such letters of helpfulness, hope and affection, As only such dear, gentle hearts can indite.

And it happened that once these “mere pieces of paper” Met with delay as letters will do,—

A week passed—a fortnight—now look at our cynic— How spiritless, silent, and bluer than blue!

A night letter sped, a “long distance” followed*, The wires fairly hummed, (now where is his hobby?) “Dear, what can have happened to your precious letters! I miss them. Please write.

Yours distractedly, Bobby—

[*An off-hour, thus lower-rate, telegram. He also uncharacteristically and impractically utilized expensive long-distance before sending this poem in the mail.]

Did it work? A springtime wedding at St. Peter’s Protestant Episcopal Church was held in 1916, they had two children, maintained a happy marriage by all accounts, while professionally, Jackson received five federal appointments, including to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Throughout their thirty-eight-year marriage, on occasions when one was away from home, each Jackson continued to send the other letters, cards and, on occasion, poems. And they saved them,” says Barrett.

Bobby and Irene were married until his death in 1954 at the age of 62.

The Robert H. Jackson Center is dedicated to advancing the legacy of Robert H. Jackson and our vision of a global society where the universal principles of equality, fairness and justice prevail… but that doesn’t mean we don’t know a little something about love, too. The Center itself, with its Kent Mansion eloquence, and spacious banquet room have played host to weddings, wedding receptions, bridal photos, and rehearsal dinners.

To learn more about how our rental spaces can work for your function, as well as the important contributions of Robert H. Jackson, please visit the Center from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday at 305 East 4th Street in Jamestown, NY or online at roberthjackson.org. Read more from John Q. Barrett at TheJacksonList.com.

In the meantime, we encourage you to write something to someone special in your life. Whether poem or prose, to let them know how important they are. Send a text, email, or better yet a hand-written, first-class letter!

From their ﬁrst mee,ng through married life, Robert and Irene Jackson enjoyed ice

From their first meeting through married life, Robert and Irene Jackson enjoyed ice skating together. Robert H. Jackson Center archive photo

Bridal Party Members THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF

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Acouple’s wedding day is one they will never forget. Guests’ focus is squarely on the happy couple on the day they’re set to make their union official. However, happy couples are not the only ones with important roles to play during a wedding.

Being asked to be in a bridal party is a unique honor. With that honor comes responsibility, as each person in a bridal party can do their own part to ensure a couple’s wedding day is a success.

Maid or matron of honor

A maid of honor and matron of honor perform the same functions. The terms are simply unique because a maid of honor refers to a person who has not yet gotten married, while the term matron of honor is used for a person who has gotten married. Brides also may choose a man to serve as man of honor. Whatever title is appropriate, the person who serves in this capacity will help the bride plan the wedding, including being there to offer insight when shopping for a wedding dress. This person also may coordinate the bachelorette party and periodically speak with bridesmaids to ensure everyone is on schedule. The maid of honor will typically give a bridal toast during the reception.

continued

Photo Courtesy of Priceless Studios

Best man

Don’t let the title fool you, as many couples now choose to have a best woman. Like the maid of honor, the best man may be asked to help with wedding planning and is typically tasked with organizing the bachelor party and toasting the groom during the reception. The best man also can help to ensure groomsmen are on schedule with tuxedo fittings.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen

Bridesmaids stand beside the bride during the wedding ceremony. They can help with planning and help to resolve any last-minute issues that may arise on the big day, such as a vendor arriving late.

Groomsmen stand next to the groom during the ceremony and may be asked to help the best man plan the bachelor party. Both bridesmaids and groomsmen also may be asked to help host events leading up to the big day, such as a shower or engagement party.

Ring bearer/flower girl

The roles of ring bearer and flower girl are typically filled by young relatives of the couple, such as nieces, nephews or young cousins. The flower girl walks down the aisle in advance of the bride, spreading pedals as she goes. The ring bearer carries the wedding rings down the aisle.

Parents

If they choose to do so, parents of the happy couple can help to pay for the wedding. The custom of the bride’s parents paying the entire bill has largely fallen by the wayside, as many modern couples now pay for their own weddings. Parents can offer to pay for the engagement party and/or rehearsal dinner, but such generosity is not expected of them.

Serving in a wedding party is a unique and humbling honor. The roles of each person in the party vary, and party members who want to do their best for the couple can study up on their responsibilities in advance of the big day.

Private Rentals at the Jackson Center

Photo Courtesy of Priceless Studios

Post-Wedding Brunch POINTERS FOR

Apost-wedding brunch is a nice way to wrap up a wedding weekend and gives a newly married couple a chance to spend more time with close friends and family, particularly if the couple isn’t immediately leaving for the honeymoon. A brunch is the perfect way to send guests on their way with a few extra hugs and full bellies.

A brunch is not a necessity by any means, but it is a nice gesture and a good way to wrap up a wedding weekend. Couples who plan on hosting brunches can consider these tips.

• Delegate: The happy couple already has a lot of details on their plate to ensure the wedding occurs with minimal hiccups. A parent or member of the bridal party may want to take on the task of planning the brunch to alleviate stress on the newly betrothed.

• Funding: There are no hard rules about who will pay for the brunch, but typically it is the person who hosts it. Couples may want to set aside funds in their budgets for the brunch, or parents of the couple may want to contribute.

• Timing: Seeing as it likely was a late evening prior, the brunch should occur as late as possible in the morning, with 11 a.m. or noon a good start time so everyone has a chance to sleep in and recuperate.

• Ease: The brunch planner should make it easy on himself or herself by finding a venue that is close by. Sometimes that venue may be a lodging location if the couple arranged for overnight accommodations. For example, if overnight guests stayed at a hotel near the reception site, that hotel may have a small conference or party room where brunch can be held. The brunch planner can work with the hotel staff to cater the brunch; otherwise, find a nearby restaurant that specializes in breakfast or brunch foods that is convenient to most.

• Invites: For those with big budgets, anyone can be invited to the wedding brunch, but it may be more manageable if it is restricted to only close friends and family, or only those who opted for the overnight wedding accommodations.

• Gifts: There is no need to offer another favor at the wedding brunch. However, if any favors from the wedding were left behind, they can be displayed at the brunch in case any guests forgot to take theirs.

• Duration: A 2- to 21⁄2-hour brunch is sufficient.

• Food: Brunch implies a mix of breakfast and lunch treats, which can include bagels, muffins, omelets, waffles, cold cuts, and quiches. While cocktails like mimosas or bellinis may be offered, they’re not necessary after a night of indulgence. In fact, coffee and tea may be more coveted.

A post-wedding brunch is the perfect way to wrap up a successful wedding celebration.

7 REASONS TO HIRE A

Wedding Planner

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The average cost of a wedding in 2022 in the United States came out to roughly $30,000, according to a survey of 12,000 couples compiled by wedding planning site The Knot. The survey also found New Jersey and Massachusetts topped the list of most costly states to tie the knot.

When committing to as significant a financial investment as a wedding, couples may want to do all they can to ensure their big day is a hit. There are many advantages to hiring a professional wedding planner, who can take the stress out of a process that should be fun.

1. Serves as a sounding board: Wedding planners can take couples’ ideas and turn them into reality. Seasoned planners know how to help a couple’s vision come alive.

2. Lightens the responsibility load: A wedding planner takes time-consuming responsibilities off couples’ plates. These can include scheduling appointments, dealing with vendors, conducting walk-throughs of locations, and more. This can be a big asset to couples who work full-time.

3. Offers a wealth of knowledge: A good wedding planner has years of experience handling weddings and will know which aspects will work and which may not. Also,

a wedding planner can likely handle tasks expeditiously, while couples with no experience planning a wedding may not work so quickly.

4. Helps couples save money: Knowledge and experience also comes with contacts in the industry that can help couples save money. The planner likely knows where to get the best deals, and may be privy to insider pricing and other discounts.

5. Serves as a buffer: While everyone wants weddings to be incident-free, conflicts can and do arise. A wedding planner can serve as a mediator or run interference between challenging family members or even vendors.

6. Reduces overall stress levels: There’s a measurable difference between the stress experienced by couples who don’t hire wedding planners and those who do. The main goal of a wedding is for it to be memorable and for couples and their guests to enjoy themselves. By leaving the planning to someone else, couples can arrive at the big day feeling more relaxed and ready to have fun.

7. There is an extra person around: Wedding planers can field questions or handle tipping and other tasks on the wedding day, freeing up time for couples to have fun.

Wedding planners can provide support, expertise, company, and industry contacts to make weddings go smoothly.

Right Officiant HOW TO FIND THE

FOR YOUR WEDDING

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Weddings consist of a lot of moving parts. As engaged couples plan their weddings, many become masters at multi-tasking as they try to coordinate a day that will make them happy and prove fun for their friends and family.

Deciding on a wedding officiant is one of the tasks couples will have to address in advance of the big day. There’s no shortage of officiants, from religious leaders to people who specialize in nondenominational ceremonies. As couples begin the process of looking for a wedding officiant, they can keep these strategies in mind to ensure they find the right fit for their wedding.

• Determine the location and type of ceremony you want to have. Before they begin searching for an officiant, engaged couples should discuss where they hope to get married and the type of ceremony they want to have. This may differ within the couple, as one person might prefer a religious wedding in a house of worship while the other might want a secular ceremony outdoors or in another location. The requirements to get married in a house of worship differ by faith, and restrictions may dictate who can officiate a wedding in a church, synagogue, mosque, etc. Couples are urged to learn the qualifications to get married in a house of worship before hiring a wedding officiant.

• Take your time and meet with various officiants. When the time comes to interview officiants, speak with as many as possible. The interview process can give couples a feel for what’s out there and help them identify the type of officiant they want. If a rapport develops between a couple and a particular officiant, that can make for a better ceremony.

• Consider a friend or family member. Couples have increasingly looked to friends or family members to officiate their weddings. Statistics differ considerably depending on the source, but the 2020 Brides American Wedding Study found that one in four couples are married by a friend or family member. A friend or family member serving as an officiant can lend a more personal feel to a ceremony, but couples should first confirm a loved one is willing to take on the responsibility, which will require the individual become licensed. It also may spark some nerves, so couples should confirm the person is comfortable doing so and should not pressure someone into performing the task.

• Ask around. Couples who don’t know where to begin when looking for an officiant should not hesitate to ask around. Wedding vendors, including representatives at the location where the ceremony will take place, may be willing to recommend officiants whose work has impressed them in the past. Google Reviews and other review aggregators also can offer insight into officiants and their approach to officiating weddings.

Wedding officiants play a significant role in a wedding ceremony. Finding the right officiant may require couples to carefully consider their preferences, including the style of ceremony they want.

Wedding Officiant? CAN ANYONE BE A

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Though it’s been awhile since the poll was conducted, in 2017 the data-tracking firm Wedding Report surveyed couples who had recently tied the knot, and one of the questions participants answered concerned who officiated their weddings. Roughly 25 percent of couples indicated a friend or family member had served as their wedding officiant, and that figure pales in comparison to older studies, one of which determined the number was around 40 percent. But anyone who has attended more than one wedding in recent years has likely noticed that it’s no longer unique to see laypersons officiate a wedding instead of more traditional officiants, which historically has meant clergy or other individuals with some formal affiliation with a house of worship. Though local or provincial governments may have their own unique rules and restrictions, in many places it’s easy and open to anyone to become a licensed officiant. Couples who want a friend or family member to officiate their wedding are urged to make that request well in advance of their wedding, which can assure the person has ample time to complete the licensing process.

Honeymoon PLANNING POINTERS

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Planning a wedding is a tall task, so it’s no wonder why so many couples look forward to their honeymoons. After months of planning and then saying “I Do” in front of family and friends, couples have earned a little R&R.

With so much already on engaged couples’ plates, it’s easy to overlook honeymoon planning. But finding time to plan a honeymoon can ensure the trip is one couples will cherish for the rest of their lives. The following planning pointers can help the trip go smoothly.

• Pick a passport-friendly destination. When it comes to honeymoons, couples’ options run the gamut from domestic locales to faraway destinations on the other side of the world. That suggests couples can pick anywhere within their budgets and simply book a trip. However, that’s not necessarily true. According to the U.S. State Department, many countries require that travelers have six months of validity remaining on their passports before they will issue a visa permitting them to enter. So couples should look at their passports to determine how long it is until the document expires. If the document expires within six months of their passport expiring, couples may not be able to enter the country they hope to visit. In such instances, couples should ensure they leave enough time to renew and receive their passports.

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• Utilize a travel agency. Contrary to popular belief, travel agencies are still around and remain useful resources, especially for travelers visiting a destination for the first time. Many honeymooners fit that bill, so they can benefit much from working with a travel agency. Couples tasked with planning a wedding already have a lot on their plate, so letting a travel agency take care of the honeymoon planning can ensure a memorable trip without requiring couples to do any legwork.

• Purchase travel insurance. The need for travel insurance has never been more apparent than in the last few years. Since the pandemic began, air travel has been a somewhat risky proposition. According to Flightaware, the first six months of 2022 featured more domestic flight cancellations in the United States than the entire 2021 calendar year combined. International travel could prove an even riskier proposition. Though the potential for cancellation should not deter couples from traveling by air for their honeymoons, the sheer volume of cancellations underscores the importance of purchasing travel insurance. Before purchasing a travel insurance policy, couples are urged to read it in its entirety to ensure it provides the protection they’re seeking.

• Plan early. With so much other work to do involving a wedding, couples can be excused for putting a honeymoon on the back-burner. But planning early can make the trip much more enjoyable. The benefits to planning early include more flights to choose room, a wider selection of rooms/lodging options at your destination, and more time to budget for the trip.

Honeymoon planning can be made simpler with a few simple strategies that also can ensure couples enjoy the trip of their dreams.

The Conewango Club Downtown Warren

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN PICKING A WEDDING Metro

Reception Menu

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Lots of details require a decision when planning a wedding. Engaged couples may or may not enjoy tending to much of the minutiae involved in wedding planning, but the reception menu is typically one popular point of interest.

When picking a wedding reception menu, couples typically get to sit down with their venue operator or caterer and take a taste test so they can decide what to include and exclude come the big night. That typically results in some happy hearts and full bellies. But there’s more to picking a reception menu than taste, and the following are some pointers couples can consider as they aim to provide a tasty meal for their wedding guests.

• Resist the urge to make the menu reflect your personal preference. Couples, particularly those footing the bill for their own weddings, may be tempted to pick exclusively foods they like for the reception. Though it’s important that couples get to enjoy their first meal together after tying the knot, it’s good to ensure that guests get to have an enjoyable meal as well. Resist any urge to let personal preferences dictate the menu, particularly if you have a restrictive diet. For example, continued on page 33

vegans need not insist everyone eat a vegan meal at the reception nor should meat lovers insist that every plate end up with some red meat on it. Diversify the menu so people with various preferences can fill up and enjoy their dinner.

• Inquire about food allergies. When inviting guests, ask them to cite any food allergies they may have when they RSVP. Many banquet halls and caterers are now accustomed to accommodating diners with food allergies, but the earlier that information is communicated, the more time couples have to pick delicious foods that won’t compromise the health of guests who must avoid certain dishes or ingredients.

• Align food with degree of formality. It’s important that couples consider the ambiance of the wedding when picking a reception menu. A pig roast might be ideal for a backyard wedding, but something more formal is called for when dining in a lavishly decorated banquet hall. Couples can keep this in mind when choosing the menu. It’s also notable that caterers tend to have a creative side, so they might be able to present certain foods in ways that match the vibe of the wedding even if those dishes would not ordinarily align with the ambiance of the reception.

• Leave the experimentation to the cocktail hour. If couples have certain exotic foods in mind, they can still serve those items but do so during the cocktail hour. Guests can simply turn down the chance to try exotic foods during the cocktail hour without going hungry. But a sit-down dinner should ensure every guest has something to fill their belly.

Picking a reception menu is a fun and filling component of wedding planning. Keeping some simple pointers in mind can help couples pick a menu everyone can enjoy.

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THE BENEFITS TO HOSTING A WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION AT THE

Same Venue

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Streamlining the wedding planning process can help couples feel relaxed and enable them to more fully enjoy their big day. Hosting a wedding ceremony and reception at the same location is one way to streamline and simplify the planning process.

According to the wedding resource Here Comes the Guide, all-in-one venues are preferred by the majority of modern engaged couples. Couples contemplating such an approach can consider the following benefits to tying the knot and hosting the reception at the same venue.

• Streamlined planning: Rather than having to coordinate with two places, all of couples’ attention can be directed to one location and working with one party coordinator. This can reduce the propensity for mix-ups.

• Ease of transport: Figuring out how to move between multiple locations and schedule hired vehicles and the like can be a chore. With one venue, guests simply arrive and are done with travel until the festivities end.

• Seamless transition: Sometimes there can be an awkward period between the ceremony and the reception. In such situations, a ceremony may end but the continued on page 35

cocktail hour is still an hour or two away. A ceremony and reception in one locale can eliminate the gap, as such venues typically begin the cocktail hour a short time after the ceremony has ended.

• Better guest attendance: Guests who may find it challenging to get to two different locations, particularly those who don’t drive or must rely on public transportation or a taxi, may find a single-location wedding more convenient.

• Outdoor ceremony: Couples who want to exchange vows outdoors often can do so when they have one wedding location because the nuptials are taking place outside of a house of worship, which may not allow for an outdoor wedding due to the sanctity of the location.

• Fewer travel worries: With a single location, it makes it much easier if inclement weather dampens the occasion because there is far less traveling involved.

Couples can keep in mind that a single-location wedding may come with some challenges. Unless the location is on the grounds of a house of worship, the wedding may lack the religious or spiritual component that some couples aspire to. Also, weather can cause issues if couples had hoped to have the ceremony outdoors and must move it into the same space as the reception as a plan B, necessitating a turnover of the room. Couples also may be limited in their photo backdrops, as there will not be two separate places where photos are taken, particularly if the wedding space is limited. Hosting a ceremony and reception at a single location can benefit couples who want to simplify and streamline their wedding planning.

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HOW TO FIND YOUR

Wedding Florist

Weddings join the lives of two loving individuals so they can share their future with one another. Various elements help make weddings both momentous and magical.

Flowers can easily help couples achieve a desired vibe, whether that’s rustic, romantic, modern, or even whimsical.

Some weddings adhere to themes that are designed to make an impression and showcase couples’ personalities. Floral arrangements are key components of wedding themes, as they help to establish ambiance at both the ceremony and reception. Flowers can easily help couples achieve a desired vibe, whether that’s rustic, romantic, modern, or even whimsical. Skilled florists may use a variety of flowers and foliage, as well as dramatic displays to help create the couple’s wedding day vision. According to an internal study from the wedding advice and planning resource The Knot, which sur-

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It is essential for couples to spend time vetting potential florists to find one who will produce their desired vision at a price that fits their budget. These guidelines can make the process go more smoothly.

• Establish your theme early on. Floral arrangements will complement and enhance other elements of the wedding, including color scheme and the wedding theme. If your wedding theme ties into a specific season, you will work with the florist to find blooms and other pieces that coordinate. For example, winter weddings with white, ice blue and silver color schemes may coordinate with white ranunculus flowers, dahlias, dusty miller foliage, and viburnum berries.

• Bring swatches and photographs to consultations. It is easier to explain color palettes to a florist with examples in hand. Show the florist the types of arrangements you prefer and have actual fabric swatches from bridesmaid gowns or groomsmen vests so that colors can be complemented.

• Create a list of desired items. Florists may sell items a la carte or have packages of common floral pieces for wedding celebrations. Types of floral arrangements include bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, maid of honor bouquet, corsages for mothers/grandmothers, boutonnieres for groomsmen and fathers/grandfathers, flower girl headpiece, petals to sprinkle, table centerpieces, altar arrangements, pew or chair decorations, and cake decorations.

• Go easy on aroma. Tread lightly when selecting blooms that have strong aromas. They may be beautiful, but many people are sensitive to smells. Allergies also may be exacerbated by flowers with strong aromas. Discuss options with the florist before proceeding.

• Explain your budget. Research the average cost of floral arrangements and let the florist know what you can afford. This can help the florist narrow down options or make substitutions that fit your theme and your budget.

Couples can take certain steps as they choose floral arrangements for their weddings. Cost should not be the only factor in the decision, even though it is an important one.

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SIMPLE TIPS TO PLAN A FUN AND RELAXING

Cocktail Hour

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With so much on their dockets in relation to wedding planning, engaged couples can be forgiven if certain components garner less attention than others. The ceremony and reception are bound to stay on couples’ radar, but what about the time in between saying “I do” and cutting a rug on the reception room dance floor?

Cocktail hours are a great way to keep guests entertained between the ceremony and the reception. Many couples use this period to take their bridal party wedding photos, so offering guests a little food and some drinks during a cocktail hour can benefit everyone. Planning a cocktail hour is not a significant undertaking, but couples can keep a few pointers in mind as they plan this interim period between the ceremony and reception.

• Opt for an outdoor cocktail hour when possible. Couples tying the knot in spring, summer or fall at a venue with ample outdoor entertaining space can choose to host the cocktail hour outside. This reduces the likelihood that guests will feel cramped and it also sets a positive tone for the remainder of the evening. A balcony, patio or rooftop entertaining area can be great spaces for guests to mingle prior to the reception.

• Offer seating. Cocktail hours tend be stand-up affairs where guests mingle with long-lost friends or relatives while

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enjoying some light hors d’oeuvres. However, older guests or guests with small children will appreciate some seating. Couples need not ensure there’s a seat for each guest, but some strategically located high-tops and more traditional tables for guests with mobility issues can ensure anyone who needs to sit down can do so.

• Give guests something to do. If the cocktail hour will be a full hour or more, couples can consider ways to help guests pass the time. Some may be content to relax and chat with friends and family over a drink, but others may grow a little bored as the hour drags on. A photobooth or selfie station so couples can have a ready-made wedding album before the reception begins can be fun for guests. For less formal affairs, consider providing some popular outdoor games, like cornhole and bocce.

• Set a tone with music. Music can help set the tone for a cocktail hour, which is not meant to get the ball rolling on the dancing-heavy revelry to come during the reception. Some simple instrumental music, whether it’s provided by a live string quartet or pre-recorded, can establish the cocktail hour as a peaceful period to relax, chat, eat a little, and enjoy a drink before the reception begins. Reserve the dance music for when the reception hits full swing.

It’s easy to overlook the cocktail hour when planning a weeding. However, some simple tips can ensure guests enjoy the time between the ceremony and reception.

- Schedule a Tour

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Boutique MARQUISE BRIDAL

Courtesy of Marquise Bridal Boutique

Hello! My name is Ashley Whippo. Life threw me a sign to chase my dreams of becoming a bridal boutique owner. My great aunt had a bridal boutique and I loved spending time there helping out and seeing all of the gorgeous gowns, but my favorite part was seeing how beautiful the brides-to-be-were when they found the one to say YES too!

We have a need for this type of boutique to come to our community. My plan is to be the go-to location for all local and surrounding brides to come and find their dream dress. I am going to carry 2-3 designer lines within my boutique, starting with Morilee and Justin Alexander designer lines, and i’ll be offering one-on- one service to all brides to enter. I will also have a line of rental tuxedos, local jewelry lines and bridal apparel.

Marquise Bridal Boutique 117 Chautauqua Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750 585-808-2771 www.marquisebridalboutique.com awhippo01@gmail.com

WEDDING DAY

Transportation Options

Weddings involve many moving pieces that must all come together successfully for one glorious day.

Transportation is among the details that need to be sorted in advance, particularly when wedding parties and guests must move between ceremony and reception sites. It is customary for the wedding party, which tends to include a couple’s parents, to be provided a ride to both the ceremony and reception. Furthermore, couples may have to figure out what to do when the wedding is over, particularly if the reception and ceremonies are a good distance apart. Here are a few transportation options couples can consider.

Limousines

Limousines are classic modes of transportation to and from momentous events. They typically feature seating to accommodate six or more people. Limousines typically bring the wedding party to the ceremony, then wait for the duration and transport everyone to the reception. Then the cars will leave from there unless other arrangements are made.

Party bus

Many couples opt for a party bus to transport themselves and/ or their wedding parties. Party buses are larger than limousines, and as their name implies, often establish a festive atmosphere. Couples may ask their wedding party members to meet at the ceremony location, and then a party bus will take everyone to the reception location after vows are exchanged. Party buses often play music and have refreshments available. They can be entertaining on long rides.

Shuttle bus

Couples can consider providing a shuttle to and from the

airport or between other points to facilitate ease for the wedding party and guests. A shuttle can take individuals from the reception site to a nearby hotel if overnight stays have been booked. A shuttle can bring certain individuals back to the ceremony site, a transportation hub or another centralized location where they can get to their own private vehicles and back home. The couple also will need transportation home or to embark on the honeymoon, so it’s helpful to have reliable taxi service numbers or rideshare options at the ready.

Transportation is not a glamourous part of wedding planning, but it is a necessity that should be ironed out well in advance.

Clever Ways TO INVITE PEOPLE TO BE IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY

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Plenty of love and effort goes into coordinating a dream wedding. Although the happy couple garners most of the spotlight on such momentous occasions, they’re not the only ones who will feature prominently in the wedding.

The wedding party is made up of bridesmaids, groomsmen, a ring bearer, a flower girl, ushers, and other guests of honor, such as a couple’s parents. The wedding resource The Knot reports that old school etiquette once indicated there should be one groomsman and one corresponding bridesmaid for every 50 guests, although four bridesmaids and four groomsmen tends to be the average nowadays.

Having four bridesmaids and four groomsmen tends to be the average wedding party nowadays

Choosing who will be included in the wedding party requires forethought and should not be rushed. The rule of thumb is to ask roughly a year to eight months before the wedding so those asked have time to prepare. When that time comes, these fun ideas can help couples invite loved ones to be in the wedding party with style. Say it with a treat.

Remember those heart-shaped candies that come out at Valentine’s Day that are printed with various sentiments, like “Be mine”? Replicate the idea by giving prospective wedding party members cookies iced to look like tuxedos and bridesmaid gowns with a phrase like “Will you?”

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Give personalized drinkware.

Whether it’s wine glasses or flasks, have drinkware engraved with the names of who is being asked so that everyone can toast when they say yes. In the event that someone declines, that person will still have a thoughtful momento.

Make custom scratch-off cards.

This is one gamble that is likely to pay off when you present loved ones and friends with scratch-off tickets that reveal the question, “Will you be my bridesmaid/groomsman?”

Put together swag bags.

Take a page out of fashion shows or celebrity parties and package some luxury items into gift bags for those special people you want to stand by your side on your wedding day. High-end grooming products, jewelry, electronics accessories, and more can be great gifts for those who are likely to be in your wedding party.

Gift robes or T-shirts.

Plan ahead for staged and coordinated photos by purchasing matching robes or T-shirts for all the besties in the wedding party. Those who are up for having a good time will have no problem wearing the matching outfits when out for wedding-related events.

Fill balloons with confetti and messages.

Ask friends and loved ones to pop ballons to reveal your request that they be in the wedding party.

Engaged couples may have many close friends and loved ones they want to stand by their side during the wedding. There are plenty of fun ways to ask them to be part of the celebration.

Photography Packages POPULAR WEDDING

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Capturing the memorable moments of a wedding is a necessity. Hiring a talented photographer is an important component of wedding preparations. The best way to preserve a wedding day for years to come is through photographs and videography.

The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study indicates 88 percent of survey respondents hired photographers for their weddings, and the average cost for a professional photographer is around $2,600.

When couples begin to vet local photographers, they quickly will learn that many photographers bundle their services into packages. Each package will contain some standard offerings, which typically expand as the price goes up. Although each photographer will do things a little differently, here is a generalized idea of what wedding photography packages may entail.

Base photo package

The base package likely will include the services of one photographer and potentially a helper. The photographer will be available for a predetermined period of time to capture both the ceremony and the reception. This package will include an agreed upon number of edited proofs, of which the couple can choose a specific number that will be processed for viewing, sharing or printing. The photographer may sign over print rights, or you may need to use them exclusively for prints depending on the package and price. Proofs and processed photos typically are shared through an online link.

Intermediate photo package

An intermediate photo package will build on the base and will include additional services. The photographer may take photos at a set number of alternative locations. This can be advantacontinued on page 45

geous if you’d like to take photos at a nearby park or seaside location. This package also may extend how long the photographer will be with you, with some arriving early to take “getting dressed” photographs.

Intermediate packages may include a full printed and bound wedding album for the couple, and print rights to even more processed photos in an online gallery for sharing. This package also may allow couples to share the gallery with others so they can view and print their own photos.

Advanced photo package

A soup-to-nuts photography package is often the most expensive and extensive package a photographer offers. It may include an all-day commitment from the photographer and an assistant, unlimited locations for photo shoots, exclusive print rights to the couple for any photos that have been captured and processed, and other perks like extensive retouching and photo editing of photographs.

More inclusive packages also may include engagement photo sessions and even after-wedding bookings for post-honeymoon or first anniversary shoots.

In addition to online galleries and a printed wedding album, an advanced package may feature albums for parents and matted and framed portraits. If the photographer contracts with a videographer, packages also may combine photo and video services and share the digital files accordingly.

Photographers often have various packages that can accommodate couples working on budgets of various sizes.

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Wedding Reception Staff HOW TO TIP

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Couples need not feel beholden to the many traditions that have become commonplace at wedding ceremonies over the years. Such traditions can be fun ways for couples to connect their ceremonies with those of their parents’, grandparents’ and even older generations, but couples can still pick and choose which traditions, if any, they want to embrace on their wedding day.

One tradition that’s not as flexible involves tipping wedding reception staff. It’s customary to tip reception staff, as these hardworking individuals earn much of their wages through tips. Though it’s always welcome to give exceptional staff members more than the standard suggests, the following rundown, courtesy of the wedding experts at The Knot, can help couples know how much to tip wedding reception staff.

• Wedding planner: A wedding planner likely isn’t expecting a tip, as these talented professionals typically work for a predetermined fee. But The Knot estimates that around half of all couples tip their wedding planners. The standard is between 10 and 20 percent (up to $500), but couples also can consider a nonmonetary gift.

• Hairstylist/makeup artist: Gratuities are generally commonplace for hairstylists and makeup artists. Gratuities should be between 15 and 25 percent and can be given when the professionals have finished their work.

• Delivery persons and setup staff: A tip between $5 and $10 is sufficient for delivery personnel, such as the individual delivering the cake or flowers. Couples can always tip more if delivery staff are delivering more items over a lengthier period of time. For example, if the reception tables and chairs are being delivered to the reception,

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couples can tip delivery personnel a little extra.

• Officiant: Tipping officiants is not so simple. Couples who tie the knot outside a religious venue typically hire an officiant for a flat rate, and such individuals do not need to be tipped. Couples who are getting married in a house of worship may not pay their officiant directly, but a donation to the church or synagogue may be expected. Tips are not necessary in either of these examples, but couples can invite their officiant to their receptions if they so choose.

• Musicians: The standard for ceremony musicians is between $15 and $20 per musician, while reception musicians each receive around $25 to $35. A wedding DJ may be accustomed to receiving a tip between $50 and $150.

• Reception staff: A tip for reception staff is typically included in the contract, so couples should consult their contract to determine if they’ve already tipped the staff. The Knot indicates the standard tip for reception staff is between 15 and 20 percent while the maître d’ is typically tipped separately at around $200 to $300.

• Reception attendants: Attendants include bartenders, waitstaff, parking attendants, bathroom, and coatroom staff. Like the reception staff, attendants’ tips may already be included in the contract. If not, the restaurant standard of 20 percent applies to wedding receptions as well. Parking lot attendants and coatroom/bathroom attendants can be tipped at around $1 per guest.

• Transportation: Gratuities for drivers are typically included in the contract as well. If not, a tip reflecting 15 to 20 percent of the total bill is the standard.

Gratuities reward the hardworking individuals who help to make couples’ wedding days more special. Contracts should always be consulted before tipping staff, but couples also can feel free to go the extra mile when tipping exceptional staff members.