The Organized Bride by Sol Oreña

by E X C L U S I V E L Y W E D D I N G S

Welcome

to the Organized Bride by E X C L U S I V E LY W E D D I N G S

You’re engaged! It is a very exciting time in your life, but when you think about planning your dream wedding you may be thinking, “What now?... Where do I start?” Don’t worry! We know that planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with the Organized Bride you will have a guide to help you through all phases of your wedding planning. We have answers to your questions and tips to guide you along the way. With its easy-to-follow timeline, The Organized Bride will have you planning your dream wedding like a pro in no time. Enjoy this wonderful time in your life, knowing that you’re the bride who’s organized and in control.

Table Of Contents Budget & Checklists

page 4

Flowers & Bouquets

page 10

Invitations & Wedding Stationery

page 14

Music & Entertainment

page 20

Photo & Video

page 24

Ceremony Site & Officiant

page 28

Wedding Reception

page 32

Wedding Wardrobe

page 38

page 3

You’ve got the ring, now what? Sometimes, the hardest part of wedding planning is just getting started! First, start with the big picture then work your way through the details. Take some time to brainstorm ideas. Save photos from magazines or websites that give you the same feeling you want your guests to experience on your big day. Clip swatches when you see colors that speak to you. This inspiration will help you with smaller decisions later in the process.

Here are 5 tips to get you started on your wedding planning journey.

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Choose a wedding date. The wedding date is the most important wedding-related decision you will make. The date you choose for your wedding can have a significant impact on the price and availability of many of your wedding vendors.

Decide on a wedding style (and then choose your colors). This will help you choose a venue. For example, if you want a garden wedding theme, there is no need to even look at large ballrooms! It will also help as you choose your wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses. Having a clear vision of the style of wedding you want will give clarity to other decisions.

Decide on a budget. Sit down with your fiancé and others who are helping pay for the wedding, and determine how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. Call a few potential vendors to get estimates for flowers, music, etc. to help create a realistic budget.

Make a first draft of your guest list. Because your budget is set, you will know if the list needs to be cut. (See page 19 for more ideas on how to develop you guest list.)

Gather a team to help you. People such as a wedding planner, friends, bridesmaids and family who are great at throwing the most memorable events can be extremely helpful as you plan the wedding of your dreams.

Budgets & Checklists Documenting wedding expenses is critical to staying within your budget. Our checklists and tips will keep you on track!

Budget Breakdown Guide

page 5

Budget Worksheet

page 6

Countdown Calendar

page 7

Brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shopping List

page 9

page 5

Budget Breakdown Guide When creating your wedding budget you will likely have to consider ways to cut certain costs so that you can add others. Take time to consider what areas of your wedding are most important to you to be sure that they are included in your budget. The planning guide below will help you with key items to be included. This can be filled in from the start or you can add to it as you complete the Budget Worksheet on page 6.

Category

Estimates

Wedding reception (site, rentals, food, etc)

Wedding dress and formal wear

Flowers and décor

Photo and video

Music and entertainment

Invitations and guest details

Ceremony site and officiant

$ Total Budget

Budget Breakdown The pie chart below represents how couples typically break down the various wedding expenses. This is not necessarily how you will want to do it, but it will help serve as a guideline. 50% Wedding reception 10% Wedding dress and formal wear 10% Flowers and décor 10% Photo and video 10% Music and entertainment

Tip Create a comparison chart to compare fees when selecting vendors.

5% Invitations and guest details 5% Ceremony site and officiant

page 6

Budget Worksheet E S T I M AT E D C O S T

AC TUAL COST

Bridal Attire

W H O PAY S

E S T I M AT E D C O S T

AC TUAL COST

W H O PAY S

Photography

Gown

Wedding

Headpiece

Engagement

Undergarments

Videography

Garter(s)

Total

Shoes

Accessories

Stationery

Hair

Save the Dates

Make-up

Invitations

Ring

Calligraphy

Total

Thank You Notes

Postage

Programs

Groom’s Attire Formal Wear

Place Cards

Shoes

Menus

Accessories

Total

Ring

Total

Ceremony

Reception

Total

Bridesmaids

Groomsmen

Host/Hostesses

Parents

Total

Ceremony Site Usage Fee

Officiant

Accessories

Music

Total

Reception Site Usage Fee

Food

Bartenders/Waiters $

Setup/Cleanup

Alcohol

Toasting flutes/ Serving set

Wedding Cake

Groom’s Cake

Flowers

Gifts

Miscellaneous Bridal Consultant $

Rehearsal Dinner

Transportation

Rental Costs

Total

Music

Favors

Grand Total

Total

page 7

Countdown Calendar Planning a wedding can seem like a daunting task. Our Countdown Calendar is a checklist meant to keep you on track and is based on a yearlong engagement. If you have longer than a year, get big things out of the way first (like your venue and photographer), and if you have a shorter engagement, you will still get it all done with the help of The Organized Bride; you will just have more items to check off your list in the beginning. Prioritizing is key!

6 to 12 Months Before the Wedding

3 to 6 months before the wedding

Announce your engagement and send out Save the Dates to spread the word!

Meet with the officiant to discuss any counseling that is required, and details of the ceremony and rehearsal.

Get organized! Use your Organized Bride to stay prepared.

Choose the music for the ceremony and reception (make a playlist or gather ideas from the internet).

Have engagement pictures taken. Discuss the budget with the groom and both families. Estimate costs so you know what to expect. Research and book the ceremony and reception sites and your officiant. Select your wedding party, as well as other important friends and family who will play a role. Make and finalize your guest list. Interview and sign contracts with vendors, such as the photographer, baker, florist, caterer, and DJ or band. Pick your colors and theme. Select gown and schedule fittings.

Order invitations and decide if you are hiring a calligrapher or addressing yourself. Make honeymoon plans and reservations. Make hotel reservations for the wedding night. Block off rooms at a nearby hotel for out-of-town guests. Check marriage license requirements for your state. Choose and order wedding rings. Select wedding accessories (unity candles, guest book, ring pillow, favors, etc). Finalize floral arrangements. Register for gifts.

Select bridesmaids’ attire.

2 to 3 Months Before the Wedding

4 to 6 Weeks Before the Wedding

Address the invitations or send them off to be addressed.

Have your wedding portrait done.

Visit formal wear specialist and pick groomsmen’s attire.

Write thank you notes as gifts start to arrive.

Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon.

Have programs printed for the ceremony.

Help with rehearsal dinner plans.

Have your final dress fitting (bring shoes, undergarments and any accessories you will wear).

Finalize reception menu. Arrange transportation from the ceremony to the reception for the wedding party. Finalize rentals such as tables and chairs for the reception and transportation. Send wedding invitations out at the two month mark. Make any beauty appointments needed, such as hair and makeup trial-runs.

Finalize the ceremony and reception timeline. Purchase gifts for parents, attendants and each other. Order the wedding cake and the groom’s cake. Make welcome bags for out-of-town guests including items such as: a note, water bottles, treats and fun things to do around your city and directions to the ceremony and reception site.

page 8

Countdown Calendar 7 Days Before the Wedding

1 Day before the Wedding

Have gown delivered/or picked up and have it pressed or steamed.

Greet out-of-town guests as they arrive or have someone meet them at the airport.

Clarify details with wedding party: accommodations, transportation and the schedule of wedding events.

Get your manicure and pedicure.

Confirm rehearsal dinner arrangements.

Give marriage license to officiant. Pack everything for the ceremony and night of the wedding.

Have the groom help you write as many thank you notes as possible. Secure marriage license with the groom. Give a musthave list to the photographer. Deliver welcome bags to the hotel for out-of-town-guests.

Attend the bridesmaids’ luncheon. Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Give gifts to attendants at rehearsal dinner. Exchange gifts with the groom. Get a good night’s rest!

Wedding Day

Post Wedding

Present parents and your groom with heartfelt notes.

Return tuxedo rentals

Give wedding rings to the best man and maid of honor.

Freeze the top layer of your cake for your one year wedding anniversary.

Appoint someone to answer any questions the wedding coordinator may have throughout the day. Have someone place the honeymoon or overnight luggage in the getaway vehicle. Designate someone to handle final payments and tips. Remember to eat and stay hydrated throughout the day - even if this means assigning someone to remind you to do so.

Send thank you notes. Take a trip to your local Social Security Office with signed and filed marriage license to get a new Social Security Card. Visit your local DMV to legally change your name and receive a new license or ID card. Update, bank, credit, utility, insurance, information, etc.

Relax and enjoy your day!

Tip Requirements vary by state for procedures relating to your marriage license and legal name change. Make sure to check them before attempting to update your information.

page 9

Bride’s Shopping List Bride’s Attire & Accessories

Reception

Bridal gown

Cake knife and server

Bridal headpiece/Veil Garter

Cake top

Send off attire

Toasting flutes

Handkerchief

Favors

Jewelry

Personalized matches

Lucky sixpence for shoe

Personalized napkins

Purse

Place card holders

Reception shoes

Place cards/table assignment cards Bubbles, confetti, or rice for departure

Honeymoon Attire Accessories

Decorations for car

Cosmetics

Wedding Stationery

Jewelry

Save the dates

Lingerie

Invitations

Luggage

Reception cards

Perfume

Response cards

Clothes

Thank you notes

Ceremony

Gifts

Aisle runner

Attendants

Flower girl basket

Children in the wedding party

Ring bearer pillow

Father (bride’s)

Ring pouches

Father (groom’s)

Rings

Groom

Guest book and pen

Mother (bride’s)

Unity candle or sand ceremony set

Mother (groom’s)

Wedding programs

Grandmothers

Flowers & Bouquets Choosing the perfect flowers to use in bouquets and for flower arrangements is an important part of creating your wedding atmosphere. To help make the decision-making process more simple, we suggest asking your florist to recommend the most gorgeous, in-season, flowers for your wedding day. Use the following section for tips on different types of flowers by season, budget-friendly alternatives, and also to jot down details about floral arrangements when speaking with your florist.

Floral Worksheet

page 11

Flowers by Season

page 12

Floral Inspiration

page 13

page 11

Floral Worksheet Florist

Groom’s Boutonnière

Company Name

Type of flowers

Contact

Cost $

Address Phone

Groomsmen’s Boutonnières

Email Deposit required $ Delivery date/time/location

Bride’s Bouquet Type of flowers Cost $

Attendant Bouquet Type of flowers

Final payment due $

Type of flowers Cost $

Father’s Boutonnières Type of flowers Cost $

Ceremony Altar decorations

Cost $ Pew decorations

Flower Girls

Other décor

Type of flowers

Ceremony flower total (record on pg.6)

Cost $

Reception

Mothers

Head table

Type of flowers

Centerpieces @$

Cost $

Room décor

Grandmothers

Bride’s toss bouquet

Type of flowers Cost $

each

Reception flower total (record on pg. 6) $

Grand Total

(record on pg. 6)

page 12

Flowers by Season

Spring

Summer

Daffodils

Queen Anne’s Lace

Asters

Hydrangeas

Stock

Apple Blossoms

Lilies

Buttercups

Irises

Sunflowers

Cherry Blossoms

Lilacs

Calla Lilies

Jacob’s Ladder

Sweet William

Dogwood

Lilies of the Valley

Dahlias

Larkspurs

Zinnias

Hyacinths

Peonies

Daisies

Pansies

Irises

Tulips

Delphiniums

Roses

Larkspurs

Sweet Peas

Geraniums

Shasta Daisies

Fall

Winter

Asters

Amaryllis

Chrysanthemums

Camellias

Dried Hydrangeas

Forget-me-nots

Gerber Daisies

Jasmine

Marigolds

Poinsettias

Roses

Violets

Statice Zinnias

Available Anytime

Longest Lasting

Baby’s Breath, Carnations, Gardenias, Ivy, Orchids, Roses, Snapdragons, Stephanotis

Baby’s Breath, Carnations, Daisies, Roses, Delphiniums, Ivy, Lilies, Stephanotis

page 13

Floral Inspiration Once you have a vision in mind for your wedding day, place inspirational photos of your favorite flowers here.

Tip Consider bouquet charms and wraps when planning your bridal bouquet; they become special keepsakes after the wedding day.

Invitations & Wedding Stationery For many brides, choosing the perfect wedding invitation and stationery is almost as important as finding the dress. It is a great way to introduce your guests to the style of your wedding and give them a preview of what to expect. Request samples from vendors, so you can see and feel the printing and paper quality. Our invitation guide will direct you through wording styles, the purpose of each accessory card, proper assembly, and a timeline to keep you on track.

Sample Tracker and Budget Sheet

page 15

Wedding Stationery Components and Timeline

page 16

Assembling and Addressing

page 17

Invitation and Guest List Tips

page 19

page 15

Invitation Sample Tracker & Budget Sheet Invitation Samples

Save the Dates

Sample 1

Style #

Lettering Style

Company Name

Paper color

Ink color

Style #/design name

Quantity:

Sample ordered

Save the date cards

Sample received

Sample 2

Envelopes

Total Cost

Company Name

(record on pg. 6)

Style #/design name Sample ordered

Sample received

Ordered

Received

Wedding Programs

Sample 3 Company Name

Style #

Lettering Style

Style #/design name

Paper color

Ink color

Sample ordered

Sample received

Quantity:

Total Cost

Sample 4

(record on pg. 6)

Company Name Ordered

Style #/design name Sample ordered

Received

Sample received

Informal/Thank You Notes Sample 5 Company Name Style #/design name

Style #

Lettering Style

Paper color

Ink color

Quantity:

Sample ordered

Sample received

Total Cost

(record on pg. 6)

Invitation Samples Style #

Lettering Style

Paper color

Ink color

Ordered

Received

Calligrapher

Inner envelope lining color Quantity: Invitations

Name

Inner envelopes

Address

Outer envelopes

Phone/Email

Reception cards Response cards

Total Cost

(record on pg. 6)

Total Cost

(record on pg. 6)

Postage

@ $.

each = $

(record on pg. 6)

page 16

Wedding Stationery 101 Stationery Components The Invitation informs your guests of the date, time, location and hosts of your wedding. Invitations are normally mailed four to six weeks before your wedding date. The Outer Envelope is the mailing envelope and includes the full name and mailing address of your guest(s). The Outer Envelope Flap can be pre-printed with the return address. The Inner Envelope holds your invitation and all enclosure cards. It may be lined or unlined. Your guests’ names are written, using their titles and surnames only. The Response Card is a convenient way for your guests to RSVP while providing you with timely information on how many guests to expect. The Response Card Envelope is normally pre-printed with the hosts’ address and it is proper to include postage stamps for your guests.

The Reception Card is used when the wedding ceremony and the reception are at different locations. The Accessory Card is a way to inform your guests of special details, such as directions, accommodations, and your wedding website. Table Numbers & Place Cards direct each guest at your reception to his/her assigned table or place at a table. The Informal Note Card is used as your personal stationery for thank you notes. It can be printed with your name or monogram on the front. The Informal Note Card Envelope flap can be pre-printed with your return address. A Wedding Program describes the order of service for your ceremony, which is especially helpful for guests of a different faith. It also identifies the wedding party and other wedding participants by name.

Outer Envelope Table

Table Numbers & Place Cards

Inner Envelope

Response Card

Wedding Program

R.S.V.P Your response is required by

Welcome to the Wedding of

The Ceremony PRELUDE | PROCESSIONAL | READING #1 EXCHANGE OF VOWS | RING EXCHANGE READING #2 | CHARGE OF MARRIAGE

Reception

Accesory Card

Love is

IN THE AIR

Reception Card

Let 's Celebrate!

Informal Note Card

Accesory Card

Invitation

Stationery Timeline 6 or more months ahead

4-6 months ahead

6-8 more months ahead

Order thank you notes with your maiden name, monogram, or “Thank You” to acknowledge gifts received before the wedding. Thank you notes with your new name or initial are to be used for your personal correspondence after the wedding.

Search ExclusivelyWeddings.com for invitations and order FREE samples to see and feel the quality of the paper and printing. Order wedding invitations and announcements. Make sure to purchase a proof to ensure your invitation is perfect before printing. Also order response cards, reception cards, and accessory cards. Consider hotel information for out-of-town guests.

Take a completely assembled invitation to your local Post Office to weigh for proper postage. Extra large or square shaped envelopes often require extra postage, even if it is a normal weight. Mail completely assembled invitations. Allow eight weeks for international mailings.

page 17

Assembling and Addressing the Invitations Assembly Instructions

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Wedding stationery is assembled in order of size, starting with the invitation. If you have a folded invitation, enclosure cards are stacked on top of the invitation, not inside.

Place the reception card on top of the invitation.

Next, place the envelope for the response card face down on the reception card.

The response card is slipped beneath the flap of the reply envelope. If you have any other enclosures, add them to the stack face up in order of their size.

Insert the invitations into the inner envelope with the lettering facing the back of the envelope. You can be assured the envelope is correctly assembled if you can read the invitation wording without turning it when removed with your right hand.

Finally, put the inner envelope into the outer envelope. The front of the inner envelope faces the back of the outer envelope.

page 18

Etiquette for Addressing Envelopes Instructions It is no longer a hard-and-fast rule that middle names be included on the outer envelope. When it’s time to address envelopes, remember that poor penmanship can spoil the entire look of your invitation. Many brides hire a professional calligrapher to address the envelopes.Resist the temptation to use computer-generated labels which would distract from the formality of your invitations. Many people only use a middle initial, and they may be addressed that way on your invitation. Abbreviations, however, are not used except in the case of “Mr.,”, “Mrs.”, “Dr.”, or “Lt.” combined with “Colonel,” etc. Where street numbers were once written out, it’s now perfectly acceptable to use numerals for ease in postal delivery, and to utilize the two-letter abbreviations for states.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones 1201 North Main S t. Chicago, IL 12345

Outer Envelope

Although full names appear on the outer envelope, the inner envelope should be addressed simply, “Mr. and Mrs. Jones”. Young children’s names should appear on both the inner and outer envelopes beneath their parents’ names. Children over 18 should receive their own wedding invitation.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones

Instead of writing “and guest” on the outer envelopes, obtain the names of live-ins, fiancés and significant others and mail them a separate invitation. Inner Envelope

Tip Order 25 extra invitations and envelopes for any last-minute additions to your guest list and for mistakes on addressing envelopes.

page 19

Invitation & Guest List Tips Invitation Tips Nothing is a more regal proclamation of your love than an elegant wedding invitation. It’s also the first glimpse guests will have into your wedding style or theme. Keep the following tips in mind as you choose every element of your wedding stationery. Spell out words such as Doctor, Junior and Avenue on your invitation, as well as middle names. Use the joining words “and” on a line by itself, only when joining the bride’s and groom’s names. Send a save the date card if you would like your guests to reserve your wedding date far in advance. Create a wedding website with information on your engagement, the bridal party, directions, accommodations, registry information, and photos. It is a fun way for your guests to be more involved before the wedding.

Use the phrase “honour of your presence” when your ceremony is to be held in a house of worship. Otherwise, use “pleasure of your company.” Include a name on your invitation (such as a stepparent) when in doubt. You won’t regret being gracious. Keep in mind that the lettering size depends on the number of lines you request and the amount of space available per your wedding invitation style. Limit the copy in your footer to one line of text. If needed, choose a separate card to provide more information to your guests.

Spell out the date and the time, as in “fifth of July” rather than “July 5”. Use “half after six” rather than “6:30”.

For help on invitation wording please visit www.ExclusivelyWeddings.com

Guest List Tips While certainly there are fixed wedding expenses such as music, reception venue, etc., there also are lots of variable costs that are determined by how many guests attend. When compiling your guest list, there are people that you “must-invite.” They include your close friends and family whom you cannot imagine having a wedding without, your bridal party and their spouses/significant others, the person officiating your ceremony and his/her spouse/partner, and parents of your flower girl and ring bearer.

Suggestions for reducing your guest list: Dates: If you are on a budget, only invite “dates” if the couple is married, living together or engaged to be married. Any other “plus ones” should be omitted from the list.

Co-workers: Inviting co-workers can cause hurt feelings if you only invite some. So, to save money and to save friendships, it may be best to leave all co-workers off the guest list.

Attendants’ Dates: If you have several bridesmaids and your groom has several groomsmen, this could mean double digits of additional guests. If you are on a strict budget, you may want to follow the same rule as above and only invite dates for attendants if they are engaged, living together or married.

Relatives: Consider limiting relatives to a particular generation, such as inviting those no farther down the family tree than first-cousins. Children: Leave children off the guest list except any children of your own and those in the wedding party.

Music & Entertainment The music during your wedding ceremony and reception should reflect your personality as a couple and should match the formality of your wedding. Times have changed and the days of only having live music and traditional wedding songs are gone. Many brides use a DJ to allow for a wider range of musical styles. The information in this section will help you when interviewing musicians and planning the music for your ceremony and reception.

Music Worksheet

page 21

Music Selections Timeline

page 22

Tips

page 23

page 21

Music Worksheet Ceremony Musicians Organist/Pianist

Soloist

Phone

Hourly rate $

Total $

Hourly rate $

Deposit required $

Balance due $

Total $

Special equipment needed

Other Instrumentalists Phone

Musicians’ attire

Email Hourly rate $

Total $

Deposit required $

Ceremony Music Total

Balance due $

(record on pg. 6)

Special equipment needed

Reception Musicians (Band, Orchestra, DJ) Name(s)

Cancellation policy

Phone

Musicians’ attire

Email Hourly rate $

Total $

Length and number of sets Length and number of breaks Deposit required $

Reception Musicians Total

(record on pg. 6)

Special Song Requests

Balance due $ Special equipment needed

1. 2. 3. 4.

Overtime charges $

Tip If marrying in a house of worship, ask about the music policy well before you begin choosing the type of music for your ceremony. Many don’t allow secular music to be played during wedding ceremonies.

Songs to Avoid 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

page 22

Music Selections Timeline Share this timeline with your wedding coordinator and musicians well before the rehearsal, so you will be in perfect harmony when it’s time to practice each element of the marriage service. The same is true for your reception musicians, including the DJ or band leader, who should be aware of your anticipated schedule of reception events. Ceremony

Reception

Prelude

Cocktail Hour

Start time

Selections

Seating of the Mothers Start time

Newlyweds’ Arrival

Selections

Start time Selections

Processional Start time

First Dance

Selections

Start time Selections

Bride’s Entrance Start time

Dancing with Parents

Selection

Start time Selections

Ceremony (Solos, Unity, Ceremony, Special prayer) Start time

Dinner Music

Selections

Start time Selections

Recessional Start time

Cake Cutting

Selections

Start time Selections

Postlude Start time

Music for Dancing

Selections

Start time End time

page 23

Tips Keep The Party Going

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Coordinate your reception lighting with the music. Soft lighting will create an atmosphere that encourages your guests to dance.

Ask the bridal party to begin dancing as soon as the introductions or meal are complete; this way your guests will be more apt to join in the fun.

Be sure a variety of musical styles are played to please every age group and taste. Older family and friends are more likely to be the first to leave so be sure to include music that they will enjoy towards the beginning of the reception.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t micro-manage your DJ or band. Communicate any styles or artists to avoid and trust their expertise to read the energy of the reception and adjust the music accordingly.

Consider the length of your reception and be aware of any overtime fees the DJ may charge in case things run over.

To reduce costs consider having live music only at the ceremony and a DJ during the reception.

Photo & Video Choose a photographer who wants to tell the story of your wedding with a variety of candid shots, along with traditional family and wedding party poses.

Photography and Videography Worksheet

page 25

Must-Have Photographs

page 26

Wedding Photography Q&A

page 27

page 25

Photography and Videography Worksheet Photographer

Engagement Pictures

Company name

Session date

Contact name

Location

Phone

Deposit due $

Delivery date

Photography Costs Total

(record on pg. 6)

Contract signed and received Start time

Total Cost

Balance due $

End Time

Bridal Portrait

Attire

Portrait sitting date

Number of assistants

Location

Photograph delivery date

Deposit due $

Cancellation and refund policy

Delivery date

Total Cost Events To Be Covered

Balance due $

(record on pg. 6)

Rehearsal dinner Pre-wedding preparations

Wedding Album

Ceremony

Number

Cocktail hour

Deposit due $

Reception

Delivery Date

Going away

Balance due $

Videographer

Type of Photography to be Taken

Company name Contact name

Color

Cost $

Phone

Black & white

Cost $

Number of poofs Retouching cost $ Complete package details

Total Cost

(record on pg. 6)

Contract Signed and Received Start Time

End Time

Attire Number of Assistants Video Completion Date Cancellation and Refund Policy

page 26

Must-Have Photographs Before the Ceremony Bride’s makeup and hair

Exchanging of vows

Bride getting ready

Exchanging of rings

Bride’s gown

First Kiss

Bride with mother

Newlywed’s recessional

Bride with father

Newlyweds leaving ceremony

Bride with parents Bride with honor attendant Bride with bridesmaids Bride with grandparents Bride with child attendants Bride leaving for ceremony Bride arriving at ceremony Groom dressing

After the Ceremony Newlyweds and bride’s family Newlyweds and groom’s family Newlyweds and grandparents Newlyweds and honor attendants Newlyweds and wedding party Newlyweds and officiant

Groom’s attire Groom with mother Groom with father Groom with parents Groom with honor attendant Groom with groomsmen Groom arriving at ceremony

At the Reception Newlyweds’ arrival Place card table Head table Guest tables Cake table

At the Ceremony Guests arriving Ushers escorting guests Musicians Seating of grandparents Seating of mothers Groomsmen’s processional

Toasts First dance Parent dances Candid shots of guests Musicians Cake cutting Bouquet/Garter toss Newlyweds’ departure

Bridesmaids’ processional Honor attendants

Notes

Child attendants Bride’s processional Giving away ceremony

page 27

Wedding Photography Q&A

Q A

Question What should I discuss with the photographer?

Answer You can never provide too much information. Talk about every detail of the ceremony and reception, special guests to be seated, difficult situations with divorced parents or other family members, children to be included in the wedding, etc. You’ll also want to discuss the color and fabric of your gown, which events will take place outdoors rather than indoors, and the entire timeline for each reception event. Discuss whether you desire more posed shots or more candid shots, and what type of album you envision for the finished product.

Q A

Question

Question Should I have my portrait photographed the day of the wedding or beforehand?

Answer Some brides have their formal portrait prepared a month or so before the big day so it can be displayed at the reception. Many photographers, however, suggest that there is nothing quite like the natural glow of a bride on her actual wedding day, and prefer to shoot the portrait the same day. If you decide to pose that day, have your portrait appointment scheduled for earlier that morning, either at the same site, at a beautiful outdoor venue or even at your home. That way you will be photographed with your exact hairstyle, make-up and bouquet.

Q A

Question When should photographs of the wedding party and our family be taken?

Answer To keep things moving, many couples arrange to have these more posed photographs taken before the ceremony. But if you prefer to follow tradition and not see your groom before you marry, have only the photographs with your separate families taken beforehand, and save the shots of the two of you until afterwards.

Tip

Q A

What attire should I request for the photographer and videographer?

Answer Their clothes should mirror the style of the guests’ attire as much as possible, so each will be unobtrusive and blend in with the crowd. The same is true for their assistants.

Is it rude to restrict the use of cameras by our guests at the ceremony?

Answer Not at all. You can rely on word of mouth to let guests know you prefer no cameras during the actual ceremony as extra cameras flashing can be distracting to the photographer you’ve hired to capture your day.

Question We have a situation that includes divorced parents and stepparents. How can we make sure there are no hurt feelings when it’s time for photographs?

Answer This is where diplomacy can be your best friend. To keep things stress-free, have this conversation with your parents and the photographer before the wedding so everyone knows the plan. Arrange with the photographer to photograph you two with your mother and her new husband, for example, and then allow them to join the party while you pose with your father. Everyone need not stand around in unbearable silence, waiting on their turn to smile!

Question Should the photographer or videographer receive a tip?

Answer Both are professionals who have billed you for their services, and neither will expect an additional tip. You can acknowledge outstanding service with a special gift later on, and always send a thank you note for their role in making your wedding dream come true.

Create a hashtag guests can use on social media to commemorate your wedding day. For example, #JohnsonsInLove or #JenAndBenWedding.

Ceremony Site & Officiant To make sure your wedding ceremony flows like you have imagined, use this section to create a timeline and record details about the venue and dĂŠcor. Just remember - even if things fall a bit behind, the time you took to plan here will help minimize any stress from wedding day snafus.

Ceremony Worksheet and Timeline

page 29

Transportation Worksheet

page 30

Wedding Day Timeline

page 31

page 29

Ceremony Worksheet Ceremony Site

Accessories

Site name

Unity read candle/sand/wine

Contact name

Cost $

Address

Aisle runner

Phone/Email

Total Cost

Usage fee (record on pg. 6) $

(record on pg. 6)

Deposit due $

Balance due $

Order of Attendants

Officiant

Order of attendants for processional

Name Address Phone/Email Fee (record on pg. 6) $

Order of attendants for recessional

Date fee delivered

Engagement Pictures Date

Time

Order of attendants for altar formation

What to bring

Ceremony Timeline 1

Arrival of guests Processional bridal party first then bride

Recessional

Opening words by officiant

11 Signing of marriage license

The KISS!

Music, reading, poem, unity candle, etc. (can have as few or as many of these)

Pronouncement of marriage

Expression of intent

Closing words

Exchange of vows and rings

page 30

Transportation Worksheet Amongst all of the other details, don’t forget to determine how everyone will travel from ceremony to reception. If your ceremony and reception take place in different locations, consider providing transportation for everyone via trolleys, buses or vintage cars. Another idea is to arrange for just your attendants to travel with you to the reception. When it’s time for you to bid farewell and head to the honeymoon, make sure your chariot awaits, be it limousine, convertible, vintage car, horse-and-carriage, or water vessel.

Ceremony to Reception

Reception to Wedding Night Destination

Transportation company

Contact name

Address

Phone/Email

Date reserved

Contract received

Cost $

Deposit due $

Balance due $

Deposit due $

Cancellation policy

Pick-up time

Return time

Passengers

Mode of transportation

Total Cost

Balance due $

(record on pg. 6)

Notes

page 31

Wedding Day Timeline Fill in the blanks with the estimated time and duration of each event to help you prepare for the day of.

S tart Wake up

Tip It is a great idea to create a wedding day timeline for your bridal party to keep things flowing smoothly.

Breakfast

Hair

Makeup

Get Dressed

Photographer arrives

Photos pre-wedding with bridal party

First look photos

Line up for ceremony

Ceremony procession begins

Bridge walks down the aisle

Ceremony ends

After wedding photos

Reception

Wedding Reception Your wedding reception is the party of a lifetime, and it is also where the small details count. This may be one of the only times in your life where all of the friends and family you love are in one room together. To make it extra special, incorporate the food, music, and activities that you enjoy and share with them. This portion of the planner will help you with budget, menu planning and dĂŠcor.

Reception Worksheet

page 33

Menu Planning Worksheet

page 34

Bakery Worksheet

page 35

Rental Worksheet

page 36

Reception Timeline

page 36

page 33

Reception Worksheet Reception Site

Favors

Site name

Description

Contact name

Price $

Quantity

Address

Total Cost

Phone/Email

(record on pg. 6)

Directions

Accessories Date contract confirmed

Description

Reserved from

Total Site Usage Fee

Price $

Total Cost

Quantity $

(record on pg. 6)

Deposit required $

Tipping

Balance due $ Cancellation policy

The majority of gratuities are dispensed prior to the ceremony and reception. Be sure to ask how each vendor addresses tipping before you sign a contract. Professionals such as the consultant, photographer and florist are generally only tipped for special service. Many caterers include tipping in the total cost. Don’t forget about these for whom a tip is customary: parking attendant, coat check attendant, powder room attendant, chauffeur and bartender.

Caterer Company name Contact name Address Phone/Email Deposit required $ Balance due $

Notes

Hours of service: Cocktails/Hors d’oeuvres Food Food cost $

per person x

(number of guests) =

Bartenders/waiters cost $ Setup and cleanup cost $ Liquor/beer cost $ Champagne/wine cost $ Cake cutting cost $ (Record all above costs on pg. 6)

page 34

Menu Planning Worksheet Once you’ve had the pleasure of taste-testing some of your caterer’s specialties, you’ll be ready to create the perfect reception menu. Keep your notes here to have handy at every meeting, and remember that it’s best to have a few simple choices rather than an overwhelming array. One good rule for choosing hors d’oeuvres: serve three cold appetizers and two hot in warmer weather or three hot and two cold choices in cooler weather. Serving a vegetarian entrée isn’t absolutely necessary, but it’s a considerate option if you know in advance that you’ll be entertaining several vegetarians or guests with dietary concerns. The same is true if you’ve invited children to the wedding...a special menu for your youngest guests is a gracious gesture. Food Service Style Buffet

Seated Dinner

Side Dishes Cocktails

Sides

Other

Hors d’Oeuvres

Bread

Cold

Hot

Beverages

Soup/Salad Course Soup

Salad

Desserts

Entrées Cold

Hot

Buffet Stations

Vegetarian

page 35

Bakery Worksheet The sweetest of all wedding tasks, choosing the perfect baker to construct your dream dessert can be easy if you plan details ahead. Find a baker who uses only the finest and freshest ingredients, and you’ll be guaranteed a cake that tastes as wonderful as it looks. Wedding Cake

Groom’s Cake

Baker

Company name

Contact name

Address

Phone/Email

Costs

Number to serve

Cost Per slice $

Total Cost

(record on pg. 6)

Cancellation policy

Deposit required $

Description

Size

Shape

Cake flavor

Filling flavor

Frosting flavor

Cake Decorations

Cake top Cake flowers

Cake stands

Cake boxes

Cake knife and server

page 36

Rental Worksheet Once you’ve met with your wedding coordinator or catering manager, you’ll know what’s included in your package and what you’ll need to rent to make your reception an unforgettable occasion. Decorations

Rental Company Company name

Cost $

Contact name

Cost $

Address

Cost $

Phone/Email

Cost $

Contract confirmed

Linens

Total Cost $

Tablecloths

Ceremony

Color Style/Fabric

Chairs for outdoor ceremony

Total number

Cost $

Aisle runner Napkins

Cost $

Color Style/Fabric

Reception

Total number

Tent

Cost $

Place settings

Style

# of guests to be seated

Total place settings

Dance floor

Cost $

Generators for heating, cooling, and lighting Cost $

Serving pieces

Guest tables

Style

Total serving pieces

Total number

Cost $

Cake table

Cost $

Guest book table

Cost $

Total Cost

Cost $

Other

(record on pg. 6)

Notes

page 37

Reception Timeline S tart Grand entrance

First dance

Father/Daughter dance

Mother/Son dance

Opening toast

Food

Toast

Dancing

Cake cutting

Dessert

Garter/Bouquet toss

Grand exit

Finish

Wedding Wardrobe When planning your wedding wardrobe you will encounter a variety of opinions. Keep in mind the season, location, body style, and the formality of your wedding. You want everyone involved to be comfortable and able to really enjoy being a part of your day. To reduce stress, think of ideas of how you want your wedding party to look before you meet to try on wedding attire.

Bride and Groom Attire

page 39

Wedding Party Attire

page 40

page 39

Bride and Groom Attire Bride’s Attire

Groom’s Attire

Bride’s Gown

Groom’s Formal Wear

Bridal salon

Formal wear company

Contact name

Address

Phone/Email

Gown description

Formal wear description

Manufacturer

Style

Size

Style

Size

Color

Cost $

Color

Cost $

Date ordered

Delivery date

Total Cost for alterations $

Balance due $

Return due

Deposit due $

Balance due $

Promised delivery date

Jacket size Chest

Shoe size Waist

Hips

Sleeve length (nape to wrist)

Total Gown and Alterations Cost (record on pg. 6)

Sleeve length (arm inseam) Collar size

Trouser inseam

Other

Custom Fitting First fitting date Second fitting date

Total Formal Wear Cost

Final fitting date

(record on pg. 6)

Bride’s Accessories

Notes

Bride’s headpiece Manufacturer Style/Color

Cost $

Undergarments

Cost $

Garter/Toss Garter

Cost $

Jewelry

Cost $

Purse

Cost $

Shoes

Cost $

Total Bride’s Accessories Cost

(record on pg. 6)

page 40

Wedding Party Attire Bridesmaids’ Gowns

Groomsmen’s Attire

Description

Formal wear description

Manufacturer

Style number

Color

Cost $

Deposit $

Date ordered

Delivery date

Date ordered

Delivery date

Balance due $

Return date

Flower Girl Description

Ring Bearer

Manufacturer

Formal wear description

Style number

Manufacturer

Color

Cost $

Style number

Date ordered

Delivery date

Cost $

Deposit $

Date ordered

Delivery date

Balance due $

Return date

Accessories Jewelry

Cost $

Shoes

Cost $

Other

Cost $

Notes

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