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Wedding Kit
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Contents I/ LET’S GET IT STARTED.........................................2 SET A TIMETABLE....................................................2 CHOOSE A DATE.....................................................3 CHOOSE THE RIGHT VENUE...................................4 SPREAD THE WORLD..............................................4 THE GUEST LIST MADE EASY..................................5 SELECTING YOUR BRIDAL PARTY...........................6 MAKING IT OFFICIAL...............................................6 BEST DRESSED LIST – A HIS & HER GUIDE............8 FOR HER.................................................................8 HER STYLE GUIDE...................................................8 GROOMS ATTIRE GUIDE........................................10 HIS STYLE GUIDE..................................................10 VENDOR SELECTION SAVVIES -MEET THE BEST. .................................................11 A ROUSING RECEPTION.......................................12 TIPS FOR THE TAKING..........................................12
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I/ First
SET A TIMETABLE AS WITH ANY LARGE UNDERTAKING, YOU SHOULD START WITH THE BIG PICTURE AND THEN WORK YOUR WAY DOWN TO THE DETAILS. SO DON’T START TRYING ON DRESSES, SAMPLING BITES OF CAKE, OR BOOKING A BAND QUITE YET. THE FOLLOWING ARE BIG PICTURE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT NEED FINALIZING BEFORE THE SMALL AND DETAILED ELEMENTS CAN BE SELECTED.
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BEFORE I DO 15 TO 9 MONTHS PRIOR – MONTH: - Set up your budget (The national average cost of a wedding is $35K) - Pick your wedding party - Start your guest list (Make a head count database with columns for contact info, RSVPs, gifts, etc.) - Reserve your date, think about the rooms needed for the attendants, how many… - Book your officiant - Research photographers, bands, florists, and caterers
8 MONTHS PRIOR - MONTH: -
Hire the photographer and the videographer >only ours? Book the entertainment Meet caterers Purchase a dress (Do not forget to schedule time for three fittings at least) Reserve a block of hotels rooms for out-of-town guests (Pick three hotels at different price points) Register (Sign up at a minimum of three retailers)
7 TO 6 MONTHS PRIOR - MONTH: - Select and purchase invitations - Start planning a honeymoon (Make sure your passports are up-to-date) - Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses (Allow for at least 6 months for the dresses to be ordered and sized) - Send save-the-date cards - Book a florist - Arrange transportation
5 TO 4 MONTHS PRIOR - MONTH: -
Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues Select and order the cake Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fittings Schedule hair and make-up artists Choose your music (Keep a running list of what you want and do not want played) Send your guest list to the host of your shower
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3 MONTHS PRIOR - MONTH: - Finalize the menu and flowers (Food and flowers are affected by season, do not forget to check the availability) - Order favors, if desired - Make a list of the people giving toasts - Schedule your second fitting - Purchase the rings - Send your event schedule to the vendors
2 MONTHS PRIOR - MONTH: -
Touch base again with vendors Meet with photographer (Discuss specific shots and walk through the venue) Review the play list with the band or DJ Send out the invitations (Rule of thumb is to mail invites 6 to 8 weeks before the ceremony) Submit a newspaper wedding announcement Enjoy a bachelorette party Purchase your undergarments
1 MONTH PRIOR - MONTH: -
Enter RSVPs into your guest-list database Get your marriage license (The process can take up to 6 days) > THAI PROCEDURES Mail the rehearsal-dinner invitations Schedule your last fitting Send out as many final payments as you can Assign seating Purchase bridesmaids’ gifts Write vows, if necessary Get hair cut and colored, if desired
WEEK OF THE WEDDING -
Reconfirm arrival times with vendors Delegate small wedding-day tasks Send a timeline to the bridal party Pick up your dress Break in your shoes Pack for your honeymoon
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Pick your
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THINK ABOUT THE SEASON Even if you have your perfect wedding season in mind, remember that every season has downsides: Summers can be hot and sticky in formal clothing, winters can be rainy or snowing, and often times spring and fall are unpredictable. There is no magic day of the year where weather is perfect, so be sure to consider the season you enjoy most. Low season from xxx to xxx Beach set up possible from xxx to xxx? But also prices High-low season
CONSIDER LOCAL EVENTS There may be events you’ve never discovered that could make your wedding day much more complicated and stressful. Consult an events calendar to see what is going on around your target date. However, here are the most famous events and holidays occurring every year in Thailand: Songkran‌
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DON’T ASK FOR ADVICE It’s okay to consult your key guests for potential scheduling conflicts before you choose your wedding date, but do not stress about making sure every person on your guest list is available. Weddings rarely have perfect attendance –things always come up. Focus on the date you want, your guests will adjust their schedule accordingly.
CONSIDER YOUR VENUE If you already have a venue in mind, particularly one in high demand or at a lower price point, your target date might not be available. Many venues book up well in advance, and you will need to be open to the dates they have available. On the flip side, if date is more important than venue, realize that you will have to be flexible on both location and vendors.
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Choose th
FINDING THE PERFECT VE BUT IT IS POSSIBLE. HERE TO HELP YOU CHOSE
he right
ENUE ISN’T EASY, E ARE A FEW TIPS E A VENDOR:
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CEREMONY AND RECEPTION IN ONE Often times, couples get married in one location and host the reception at a different venue. Having one venue for both ceremony and reception poses a lot of advantages. It simplifies planning, one location for flowers, decorations and photography. Also, one venue is a win for guests. They won’t have to figure out transportation, directions and parking to multiple places, and instead can enjoy cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony.
UNCOVER ALL COSTS Price everything out. Some venues include tables, chairs, and linens while others do not. A full service venue may cost more upfront than a venue with rental costs, but the fees will add up in the end. In addition, some venues claim budget flexibility and surprise you with fees and hidden charges after planning is well underway. For many circumstances, the full service venue could be the better option.
MEET US Take time to meet some of the staff members at your venue, from the sales staff down to the wait staff. Venues with supportive staff will help set up your wedding and solve any issues that may arise. The value a strong staff brings to your event is often unrecognized, but can make a major difference in your wedding day experience. Insist on the 5* service we provide, the diversity of the venues we can offer… Define our USP
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Spread the world
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SAVE THE DATES COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CAN WE SEND ELECTRONIC SAVE-THEDATES? It’s better to send paper correspondence for the formal announcement of your wedding day, especially for older relatives and friends. Email invitations are better suited for bachelorette parties and after wedding lunches.
WHEN SHOULD WE SEND THEM? Six months prior to the ceremony. Eight months if it is a destination wedding
WHAT NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED? Your save-the-date should definitely include your and you fiancé’s names, wedding date, location (a city is helpful if you have not booked the venue yet), and a notice of formal invitation to follow.
WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THEM? Only the people you are absolutely positive you want at your special day.
DO WE HAVE TO SEND SAVE THE DATES? You do not have to do anything, but save-the-dates are common.
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INVITATIONS MUST-DOS Send Invitations at least six-eight weeks before your wedding. Twelve weeks if it is a destination wedding. Here is what you must include: • Your names, date time and location • Reception information • An RSVP with clear return date and prepaid postage for returning // PHONE TO CONFIRM • Mailing envelop
THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT MUST-DOS, BUT RATHER NICE-TO-DOS: • • • • •
Addresses of the important venues Map Accommodation information Itinerary for the weekend Website information: www.theslatephuket.com
u G e h T Ma
t is L t y es u Eas e d a
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START BY CREATING A DREAM LIST anyone and everyone you could possible want at your wedding. When you start separating the yeses from the maybes to the nos do not erase any names! Instead, use color-coded tabs in case you have extra space and need to pull people from the maybe list. If you are struggling with your parents about who they get to invite, particularly those that have contributed financially, consider these two common ways to split the guest list:
1. COUPLE GETS HALF, EACH SET OF PARENTS GETS A QUARTER 2. SPLIT UP LIST INTO EQUAL THIRDS
Budget and venue size will affect the number of guests you can invite. Each guest will increase the number of plates, chairs, table settings, favors, and how much cake you need. It is better to keep your numbers on the conservative side and if you have extra space you can always invite a few more people. Plus-ones are a common issue when planning the guest list. Here are a few tips to keep your guests and budget happy • IF A FRIEND OR RELATIVE IS MARRIED, INVITE THE SPOUSE • IF THE GUEST HAS BEEN IN A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP, INVITE THE PARTNER • IF A GUEST HAS BEEN IN A SHORT RELATIONSHIP, DO NOT OFFER THE PLUS ONE • SINGLE GUEST, DO NOT OFFER THE PLUS ONE.
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THEY’RE YOUR RIGHT-HAND; THEY’RE YOUR GO-TO. HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING DAY FRONT LINE. 1. START WITH SIBLINGS: even if you are not close to your fiancés sister, or your fiancé is not close with your brother - siblings are going to be around forever. Chances are you will become closer over the years and it will be nice to look back and see family in the wedding party. 2. BREAK GENDER ROLES: you do not have to have ladies on one side and guys on the other. If your good friend is male, or your fiancé has a close female friend, including a bridesman or a groomswoman is a great option. 3. YOU CAN HAVE TWO MAIDS OF HONOR OR TWO BEST MEN: There is no rule forbidding you from having the two women you are closest with by your side on your wedding day. To avoid fighting over the various honors and duties like who gets to hold the bouquet, stand right beside you, sign the license, and so on, just have them roll dice. Don’t forget about selecting flower girls, ring bears, ushers, and even family or friends who you want to be a part of the ceremony. The teenagers that are a little to young for your bridal party make great ushers or could pass out a wedding program. Close friends and relatives could take part in ceremony readings or even playing music.
Selecting your bridal party
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Making it Official THE MUST HAVE TO GET YOUR WEDDING LICENSE
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DO YOU HAVE EVERYTHING IN LINE OBTAIN YOUR LICENSE? HERE ARE THE FIVE MUST-HAVES TO AVOID OFFCIALLY GETTING MARRIED A FEW DAYS AFTER YOUR CEREMONY.
1. TWO DAYS: In some states you need to secure your marriage license at least 72 hours before your wedding. Don’t apply to early; marriage licenses expire between 30 and 90 days.
2. YOUR FIANCÉ: In the majority of states you have to apply together, in person.
3. VALID ID: Some states only require your license or passport, while others require a birth certificate.
4. PROOF YOU ARE NOT MARRIED: If you have wed in the past, you will need a divorce decree or a death certificate to prove the marriage ended legally.
5. THE RIGHT FORM OF PAYMENT: Cash? Check? Credit Card? Know which forms are accepted.
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HOW TO CHANGE YOUR NAME IN FIVE STEPS 1. GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE 2. CHANGE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD 3. GET A NEW DRIVERS LICENSE 4. CHANGE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT 5. CONSIDER THE ODDS AND ENDS • Transferring Over Airline Miles • Insurance Companies • Payroll • Voter’s Registration Don’t overwhelm yourself by changing everything at once. Start with your marriage license and work your way down the list. Try to complete one step a week and you will be done before you know it!
WEDDING IN THAILAND: - To complete an XXX to marry at the embassy - Translate documents into Thai by an authorized translation service - Send the documents to the resort 3 business days before the wedding date - Resort arrange local government official to attend the wedding on the day and legally register marriage - Translate all documents to English by the Foreign Ministry in Bangkok
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Best dressed List A HIS & HER GUIDE
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FOR HER BUYING A DRESS Have a price in mind: Don’t bother with dress out of your price range. It would be a nightmare to fall in love with an expensive dress. Instead focus on the amazing dresses in your price point. This will prevent a complete budget rework and a lot of stress. Let the salon make recommendations: Not every dress looks good on the hanger. If the salesperson shows you a dress, try it. After all this is their job. Keep an open mind, and your perfect wedding dress could be an unexpected one! Buy a dress that fits now: Even if you are planning on losing a few pounds before your wedding, your body type will not completely change. It is a lot easier and less expensive to take a gown in rather than try to expand a dress. Timeless elegance: Trendy wedding dresses might not stand the test of time. Take a look through your parents wedding photos for evidence. Consider timeless designs that will look good today and 100 years from now
DRESS FITTINGS Do not expect your wedding dress to fit perfectly, it just doesn’t happen. Plan on having at least two fittings.
FIRST FITTING: • Six weeks prior to your wedding • Bring actual wedding shoes and undergarments
FINAL FITTING: • Two weeks prior to your wedding • Bring some bridesmaids for a dress how-to tutorial.
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HER STYLE GUIDE Remember Pinterest is not a wedding consultant. You have already said yes to the dress, so what’s next? A lot more goes into the final look than the wedding gown; fittings, accessories, and shoes. And don’t forget about the groom –it’s his day too. Not to worry we broke down the dress lingo with a few tips to achieve the stylish wedding you envision.
PRESERVATION Your dress looks beautiful now, but after the wedding that may not be the case. Even if your dress still looks pristine after the reception, invisible stains are lurking. Stains from many substances including white wine appear months after they were created. Be sure to get your beautiful gown professionally cleaned to prevent clear stains from turning brown.
DRESS FITTING Do not expect your wedding dress to fit perfectly, it just doesn’t happen. Plan your first fitting appointment six weeks prior to your wedding. Make sure to bring your actual wedding shoes and undergarments. There is no way for a dress to be alerted flawlessly without them. For the second fitting, bring whoever is going to be helping you get in the dress for a how-to-tutorial.
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TRADITIONAL THAI DRESS SOME TIPS TO CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT DRESS… 1- KNOW YOUR MORPHOLOGY
HOURGLASS OR MORPHOLOGY X OR 8: YOU HAVE SHOULDERS AS WIDE HIPS. A tight dress, short one mermaid cut, lady … almost any type of dress suits you. The only exception, straight cut dresses or those too loose. Why? Why hide your curves and will not let you show off great body. Maybe you small chest, opt for a large front or back neckline; It will give a more modern and sensual look.
COLUMN OR MORPHOLOGY H: YOUR SHOULDERS, WAIST AND HIPS ARE ALIGNED. Since you do not have too pronounced waist, you should opt for mark it with a wide belt, a sash or a tie. The veil can also be your ally in this case. As for shoes, better to opt for heels that planes. What you should avoid wearing a sheath dress is too tight, because you will not favor too. And if you are one of the most daring, you can also try to wear a white tuxedo or a tulle svkirt with volume and a jacket with a lace bra underneath.
OVAL OR MORPHOLOGY O: YOU’RE GENEROUS CURVES SPREAD HARMONIOUSLY. Either an empire waist dress, to extend and refine your silhouette, or one trapezoid, which widening from hips.
MORPHOLOGY INVERTED TRIANGLE OR V: YOUR SHOULDERS ARE WIDER THAN YOUR HIPS. To get the most out of your legs and conceal your chest and back, try to wear 3/4 sleeves or long sleeves. The short version of the dress, type 60, will be ideal. It is suitable for both civil and religious marriage, so if you like you can not go wrong. But if you really like are the long dresses, classic cut, as worn Charlene of Monaco, or the Bohemian court are made for you.
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TRIANGLE OR MORPHOLOGY A: YOU HAVE THE SHOULDERS WIDER THAN HIPS. In this type of silhouette it is common to have little chest. If this is your case, we recommend a dress empire waist with a top set with ornaments, and the bottom of fluid fabric. In order to improve the part of your shoulders, we recommend spaghetti straps or short sleeves decorated with ruffles. With little chest you can afford a corset but on the contrary have enough chest, we recommend that your dress has a modest neckline. If you complexed your arms, we have the solution: a stole, a jacket or a 3/4 sleeves. If you dislike is your belly, try to change the classic bra set by a body. It will shape your body shaping and flattening the belly.
Ty Dr pes mos ess of sha t c es, pes om the mo n 26
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Jew Sh oes
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Grooms attire Guide
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TUX OR SUIT? If you have planned for a black-tie event, a tuxedo is a must. Besides this, a classic suit is the correct attire. If you are concerned about appearing too casual, a three-piece suit could be a great option.
CHOICE OF COLOR Wedding suits do not always have to be black. Slim, dark-colored suits look great on all body types. Try the darkest gray or navy for a sleek look. In the summer lighter greys look great in pictures.
IN THE DETAILS The smaller details are your chance to have some fun with your attire. Start with the wedding color pallet and choose socks and a pocket square with a fun pattern. Yours should stand out from the rest of the groomsmen. Also, don’t forget about cu_ links. Your shirt should feature a traditional French cuff, which means cu_ links are key.
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His Style guide
PICK YOUR DRESS CODE AND USE THESE GUIDELINES IN WHATEVER WAY BEST SERVES YOUR WEDDING. THE PROGRESSION GOES FROM FORMAL TO CASUAL.
WHITE TIE
ALSO KNOWN AS: Full Dress, Formal White tie is reserved for extremely formal ceremonies. The attire consists of a white bow tie, white waistcoat, white wing-tip tuxedo shirt, button studs and cu_ links, tailcoat with black pleated tuxedo pants, and black patent leather shoes and black socks.
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
ALSO KNOWN AS: Lounge, Business Formal Black-tie optional is on the very edge of high formality. The attire consists of a white dress shirt, cuff links, a white pocket square, navy or charcoal suit, and black leather dress shoes and black socks.
CASUAL DRESS
ALSO KNOWN AS: Business Casual Although it’s casual dress, err on the side of formality. The attire consists of a collard dress shirt, blazer, dress pants or chinos, and dress shoes with staple socks. TRADITIONAL THAI SUIT
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Is there a dress
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Vendor Selection Savvies MEET THE BEST
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PICTURE PERFECT Behind every fantastic wedding is a team of top-notch vendors. Choosing the perfect wedding vendors is a huge part of planning, and most importantly, achieving your big day. Here are some considerations when selecting vendors.
CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER Couples spending countless hours and spend their hard earned money planning the perfect ceremony and reception, which only last a few hours and feels like an instant. This is why it is so important to have a professional photographer that can capture the emotions and meaningful moments for you to keep forever. Different photographers have very different styles, so before you book yours look at the photographer’s past wedding photos and see if it aligns with your vision.
OUR PHOTOGRAPHER PACKAGE + VIDEO > OUR PRICES
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IS A VIDEOGRAPHER NEEDED? Wedding videos have been around for years, and are becoming increasingly more popular.
THE QUESTION IS: SHOULD YOU HIRE A VIDEOGRAPHER? The main benefit is that you can relive your wedding in detail throughout the years and share this day with your children and grandchildren. The main drawback of hiring a videographer is the expense, which can be thousands of dollars. Also, there is no guarantee that you will like the video after it is completed. Ultimately, it is not a necessity, but can be a fun option if you prefer.
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A rousing reception CUE THE MUSIC Do doubt about it, music can make or break a reception. Ideally before you hire a DJ or band you can see them in action. If not make sure to get referrals from the past few weddings the DJ or band played. Also, be sure to make a requested list of songs that must be played, and more importantly, a do-not-play list. This way the Cotton-Eye Joe will not make an appearance at your once-in-a-lifetime event.
THE SWEET LIFE You should start your search for a wedding cake vendor early with the goal of finding a vendor 3-4 months prior to your wedding. Come prepared with magazine cutouts, a Pinterest board, and color swatches to help with the design. Also, if you are given the option, chose delivery. You do not want your groom be responsible for transporting the cake. Our Recommendations:
Tips for the taking DIY OR BUY HERE ARE A FEW FUN DIY PROJECTS TO LOOK UP THAT TAKE LESS THAN AN HOUR AND WILL HELP YOU CUT COSTS. • • • • •
Paper cone rice tossers Painted glass candles Vintage book table numbers Ring bearer’s pillow Sweets bar
HONEYMOON SENDOFF The honeymoon is the much need relaxation after months of wedding prep. Start early to get the best prices; the prime time to book is 6-8 months before departure. Keep in mind you do not have to leave for you honeymoon straight after your wedding. Give yourselves a few days to recoup so you can fully enjoy the trip. Also, try scheduling a surprise for each other to add some excitement to the vacation.
When it comes to planning your day, at least a few surprises are, of course, unavoidable. It pays to be prepared, but know that even the most thorough planning won’t make your day completely glitch free. If you are wondering whether you have missed something, here are some useful tidbits and tips.
38 THINGS TO DO Ceremony Venue Reception venue Flowers Music Musician – DJ Photographer (price hotel) Photo Prints Album (all included in the package?) Wedding Cake Reception Caterer Invitations Save-the-date cards Thank you card Programs – Menus Marriage License Wedding Dress Groom tux Bridesmaids Groomsman Dress Preservation
BUDGET
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