Wedding Planning - Part V
By Michael RussellIn this fifth of a series of articles about planning your wedding we're going to pick up with ordering any special equipment.Every wedding is going to be different. Therefor each wedding is going to have different items that will be needed. At this time you should go over the list of any special items that will be needed such as arch, floral pillars, etc. If you're not sure of something, ask. The last thing you want is to arrive at your ceremony and find that something you need isn't there.We now come up to 2 months before your big day. These are the things that should be done around this time.First thing is to inform your clergyman about the details of your ceremony. Make sure he is comfortable with what you want to do, especially the wedding vows. Make him aware of any special music you're planning to have at the ceremony. The last thing you want is for your clergyman to be standing up there with you and not knowing what's going to happen next.Start keeping a gift diary and write thank you notes as gifts arrive. Yes, some people will send you gifts early, most likely because they can't attend. So start keeping tabs on what has come in. Doing this as they arrive saves you from going crazy with this all at once.Next you have to fine tune your guest list. This is where the final cuts are made. It's a painful process but it has to be done. Hopefully, even though invitations haven't been mailed yet, you will have received word from some people that they will not be able to attend. This will make the process of fine tuning the list a little easier.Around this time you should start planning your rehearsal dinner. Make sure you leave nothing to chance here. You want to make sure that after the rehearsal itself the dinner will actually be there and ready.Select the gifts that you're going to be giving to the members of your wedding party. You don't have to go overboard here, unless you can afford to, but don't be cheap about it. These people after all are a big part of your day and you should treat them as such. Give them something that they'll remember.A lot of people forget about this but around this time you're going to have to make moving arrangements, unless you're planning on living with your parents. Somehow that is probably not your first choice. Make sure you have a place to live when you get back from your honeymoon.Around this time is when you have your final gown fitting and final portrait sitting. You're not going to get a second chance at this so make sure the gown fits just right and you're totally please with how your portrait is coming.In the next article in this series we're going to pick up with what to do starting 1 month before the big day.Michael RussellYour Independent guide to WeddingsArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Wedding Planning - Part IV
By Michael RussellIn this fourth of a series of articles about planning your wedding we're going to pick up with planning your reception.As important as the actual ceremony is, it is the reception that your guests are really looking forward to. You want the entire thing planned just so, right from the opening toasts to the first dance to the entertainment. You want this to be a night that people are going to go home from with a big smile on their face. So give your reception very careful thought.Next you have to choose a florist. This shouldn't be a big job. It's hard to ruin floral arrangements but you do want to pick a florist that has a good reputation. Do a little research on this one.After that you're going to want to actually make your honeymoon reservations. You want to do this about 5 months in advance so that you have the best chance of getting the reservation that you want. This way if there is a problem you have plenty of time to make alternate plans.Around this time you want to make your final selection on a caterer. He is going to need time to plan for the day so don't wait any longer than 5 months before the date itself. Make sure you are very specific about what you want and what you are looking to spend.You'll also want to confirm the delivery of the bridal gown at this time. The last thing you want is for your wedding day to come and not to have your gown.Then you'll want to make a date to have your bridal portrait done. Nobody really likes sitting for these things but you'll appreciate it years after the day itself. Pick a day where you're not rushed doing other things. Make sure you get yourself fixed up prior to the portrait.Around this time you'll also want to order your wedding cake. You may want to go traditional with this (the 2 or 3 tier thing) or do something different. Just remember, the cake has to be big enough to feed the number of people that are going to be there.You'll also have to arrange transportation for the whole bridal party to the ceremony and from the ceremony to the reception. The last thing you want is to be wondering where everybody is. Aside from this being traditional it also leaves less chance for your wedding party not showing at your wedding.The next thing you're going to have to do is go over the details of your reception with the caterer and hotel manager. You don't want there to be any miscommunications on this. Everyone needs to know exactly what is being done and when, from the moment everyone arrives to the moment the bride and groom take off for their honeymoon. Leave nothing to chance here.In the next article in this series we're going to pick up with renting any special equipment you're going to need for that day such as arch, floral pillars, etc.Michael RussellYour Independent guide to WeddingsArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Wedding Planning - Part III
By Michael RussellIn this third of a series of articles about planning your wedding we're going to pick up with picking your brides maids.Picking your brides maids and maid of honor can be an agonizing task, either because you have way too many best friends or not enough of them. In many cases feelings are hurt and it's unavoidable. You have to go with what's in your heart and hope for the best. Hopefully if your friends are really your friends they will understand your decision. This same advice also goes for the groom picking his best man and ushers.The next thing you need to do is pick a destination for your honeymoon. Again, this is something that you both should agree on. Your choice is of course going to be limited by your budget but there are plenty of beautiful places to go that don't cost an arm and a leg. Just keep in mind that this is going to be a honeymoon that you're going to want to remember for a long time.After that you want to start looking for a caterer. This is one area where you don't want to skimp and want references. The meal you feed your guests and yourself is going to leave a lasting impression with everyone if it's bad. You want people walking away from their meal saying how great it was. A great caterer won't be cheap but doesn't have to be expensive either if you choose a meal that isn't lobster tail and filet mignon.The last thing that needs to be done 1 year before the actual date is to set a date for ordering dresses for the brides maids and tuxedos for the best man and ushers. You want everyone to look their best in the wedding party. Not just you and the groom. One thing to keep in mind here is that this is YOUR wedding. So regardless of what your brides maids want to wear it is your choice. They will understand.The next items on the list should be done about 5 months before the actual wedding day.The first thing is to finalize your guest list. This is where you have to do your last cuts or additions. It's nice to be able to invite the whole world but sometimes that is just not practical. Now is the time when you have to bite the bullet. After you've done this you'll need to order invitations and announcements. Agree on this with your groom. After all, his family and friends are going to be attending as well. Invitations don't have to be flashy. Sometimes simple is better.You'll also have to order personal stationary and thank you notes to send to all your guests for the gifts they gave you. It is a nice added touch to keep track of each gift so you can write a personal note to each person. This is always appreciated.In the next article in this series we will pick up with planning your reception.Michael RussellYour Independent guide to WeddingsArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Wedding Planning - Part II
By Michael RussellIn this second of a series of articles about planning your wedding we're going to pick up with setting a time and place.The next thing you need to do is set a time and location for several events, the wedding rehearsal, the wedding ceremony itself and the reception.The wedding rehearsal is usually held a day or two before the actual wedding and in many cases there is a small dinner afterwards. This doesn't have to be anything too fancy as it will only be the members of your wedding party. An early evening rehearsal is usually best.As for the time of the ceremony, that all depends on what you have planned for afterwards. If you're planning on having a dinner at a hall then an early afternoon ceremony is probably best. You have to take into consideration how far from the ceremony location the dining hall is. If it's a long ride then be sure to leave extra time for your guests to arrive.As for the reception, this can be pretty much anytime within limits of course. The dining hall may have other things booked before or after your reception or may have a set closing time. Not all halls are open all night. You probably don't want to have your reception too late because it is a good bet that your guests are going to be quite hungry by the time they get there.The next thing you have to do is choose a professional photographer. Your wedding day is very special and you're going to want photos that you'll look back on for years to come. Choosing a bad photographer may not ruin the day itself, though it can if he's rude, clumsy and obnoxious, but it certainly can ruin a lot of the memories afterwards.Next comes the task of shopping for a wedding gown. Remember that several fittings are probably going to be needed. During this time try not to gain or lose too much weight. If you are pregnant, then take this into consideration when ordering the gown and try to determine what size will be needed by the time the wedding day comes unless you have picked a date that is more than 9 months away, which you should have done. At least 1 year planning is strongly suggested.After that you're going to have to get prices for flowers and music. Decide on the kind of flowers you want and also can afford based on the budget you have set. As for wedding bands, they're not cheap. The top ones cost a pretty penny. You may want to sacrifice a little bit of musicianship for economy.The next item is to register with a gift registry and make your guests aware of who you're registered with. This will make their picking out gifts for you a lot easier and take the guesswork out of the process.In the next article in this series we're going to pick up with selecting brides maids.Michael RussellYour Independent guide to WeddingsArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
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