Wedding Tip of the Week

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THIS WEEKS TIP

When you receive your RSVP card back, you may not be able to read the name on the card.  To remedy this, simply number your guest list and the back of your RSVP card.  When you get it back, you can match up the number with your guest list!

 

PREVIOUS TIPS

When planning your wedding, keep in mind that all the details matter.  The "moments" you, and your vendors create will be remembered by you and your guests for years to come.  Consider putting your own personal spin on as much of the wedding as you can.  Anytime your personality comes shining through is a time that will be a special memory. 
     ~Brought to you by Maddox Entertainment - Celebrate Your Day...  Your Way!

 

For the rehearsal dinner, a formal sit down dinner at a restaurant is always a great option.  Some restaurants have private rooms you can use for little or no charge.  If you have a private room, ask the restaurant to set up a table of hors d'oeuvres.  Plan the first hour of the rehearsal dinner as a cocktail "hour" where your guests can walk around a mingle with each other, and the two of you, before dinner begins.
     ~Brought to you by Smith Row Food & Spirits.

 

A candy buffet is a great new and unique idea you can use at your wedding.  Candy buffets are fun and colorful, plus all it takes is a table with old fashioned glass candy jars, scoops, and bulk candy.  Coordinate with your wedding colors and provide bags or boxes so your guests can take some home.

 

Be specific about what you want when speaking to vendors and service providers, including the absolute do's and don'ts.  Make sure your agreement with them is in writing and signed.  Follow-up with your vendors a few days before your wedding to verify their services.  Find out if they have directions to the site and a contact phone number for the site in case of a delay.  Keep all vendor phone numbers with you or your personal attendant at all times in case you need to contact them on the big day.

 

There are a multitude of duties that bridesmaids, groomsmen, maids of honor and best men are usually expected to handle.  It's a good idea for the bride and groom to identify their needs to the wedding party prior to the wedding.  This can help your attendants to help you fulfill your wedding expectations.

 

When you meet with your wedding photographer, you will have a lot to talk about.  Make sure you block off at least an hour so everything can get covered. There will be many moments before, during, and after the wedding that you will want to have captured in your photos.  Make sure you describe to the photographer exactly what you want out of your Wedding Photography.  During your interview with them, you want to ask about their style and their experience.
     ~Brought to you by Parker Portraits... Simply Beautiful

 

Your wedding cake design should mesh with your own personal taste and style.  It should also fit the theme and menu of your reception.  Hold off on making your final cake design until after you have picked the reception hall, colors, decor, menu and style of dress you will be wearing. 
     ~Brought to you by Icing on the Cake... Unique Cakes Designed Especially For You!

 

Make sure you're prepared for emergencies on your big day; take along a purse or bag containing items such as Band-Aids, clear nail polish, needle and thread, aspirin, an extra pair of hose, and other things that might be helpful in a pinch.  Give them to a bridesmaid to keep for you

 

If you plan to have an outdoor wedding,  you home to have a nice day, but what is your backup plan if the weather doesn't cooperate?  Be sure to include "rain cards" with your invitations to notify your guests of an alternate location in case it does rain.  Be prepared... Don't let those rain drops bring you tear drops.

 

If you and your fiancé are both uninterested in participating in bachelor and bachelorette parties, why not consider a combined "thank-you" event for your wedding attendants?  Traditionally held for the bridesmaids as a Bridesmaid Luncheon, this event is a special time that focuses on love, support and friendship provided by the bridal party during preparations and throughout the wedding.

 

At your reception, display a basket of touch-up items in the Lounge areas.  In the men's room provide combs, safety pins, as shoe buffer, tissue, and breath mints.  For the ladies have small cosmetic items such as mascara, cover-up, lipstick, powder, body spray, tissue, combs, hairspray, a sewing kit, and breath mints.  Remember a small floral arrangement or planted basket.  Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
     ~Brought to you by Harrison Lake Country Club - Where Golf & Dining is a Pleasure

 

The number of couples getting married goes way down in the winter.  November thru March aren't big wedding months and you'll likely spend less money if you get married during the off-season.

 

Saturdays are the most expensive time to rent banquet halls or other facilities.  Most other vendors charge a premium price as well.  Consider having your wedding on a Friday evening or even a Sunday afternoon if the place you choose is booked up or you'd like to save some money.

 

It's important to get a floor plan for your reception hall or room.  Be sure the layout includes the correct number of tables, the bar, dance floor, DJ table, cake table, gift table, place card table, food stations, etc.  This information will help you in planning the decorations, setting up the table arrangements and organizing the flow of the reception.

 

A photo montage video is a great addition to any rehearsal dinner or wedding reception.  When selecting the photos to use in our video, be sure to select photos that elicit an emotional response.  Whether it's the groom's mullet in 8th grade or grandma who's no longer with us, each photo should make your guests laugh, feel good, or tear up.
     ~Brought to you by Memory DVDs - Treasured Photographs To Memorable Videos

 

You wedding and reception may be the most personal event you plan!  Choose your vendors based on how well they can add to your enjoyment and relieve you of much of the stress.  Experienced vendors can give you tips on many areas of your special day - not just their own area of expertise.  USE THEM!!  Also, make sure your vendors communicate with each other to coordinate your day!
     ~Brought to you by Audio Magic! Entertainment - Professional Service with a Personal Touch

 

Be sure to register for gifts early.  Once your friends and family know your wedding date, they will start looking for your gifts.  So, to make sure you get what you want, don't wait until the last minute to register.  And don't forget to register at SEVERAL places.  Not everyone may have certain retail locations near them.  Online registries are very convenient.  You should also give your guest many gift options to choose from, and don't forget to register for items of different prices.  You don't know what your guest's budgets might be, or who might be going together to purchase a gift.
     ~Brought to you by The Pampered Chef Consultant Susan Stier - Cook Up A Lifetime of Memories

 

One of the most expensive parts of your wedding will be the reception. Make sure you know about all of the charges. Your professional caterer should provide you with an itemized contract with ALL costs included. This should include the pricing for service staff, cake cutting, china and buffet linens. Don't let the final bill be an unhappy surprise.
     ~Brought to you by Lemley's Catering - In Good Taste Since 1968

 

Make sure your DJ or band offers personalization.  If you want your personality to come through at your reception then don’t choose entertainment that only does things one way and never adds any personal touches.  If you don’t want a McWedding combo #2, then don’t order one.  Personalizing your wedding will make it more memorable for you and your guests.
    ~ Brought to you by Maddox Entertainment - Celebrate Your Day.... 
Your Way!!!