WEDDING NOTES™ - Prepare Your Itinerary

It's hard to believe but it's finally here!  Your wedding day.   You've been knee deep in plans for what seems like months, but you've done it right.  You've kept flawless notes on all decisions you've made.  You've checked and double checked vendors, your guest count is in and all systems are go.  The one final thing you really must do is lay out your Wedding Day Itinerary.  Who is doing what, where and when?

Here are some suggestions for creating that itinerary.

• ·         Begin with the start times you know.  You know when the ceremony is to start and you know when the reception is scheduled.  Plug those times in and work forward and backward as you fill in the schedule.

• ·         Confirm those set up and start times with each of your vendors.

• ·         Schedule departure and arrival times for each venue being sure to include estimated travel times.

• ·         Schedule any pre-ceremony events like hair, makeup and photo sessions.

• ·         If yours is a formal reception, confirm and review the timing for the formalities planned - the grand entrance, toasts, first dance, cake cutting etc. with the location manager and the music or master of ceremonies you've engaged.

• ·         Double check with the florist on delivery and set up times you've arranged.  Make sure they have given you back up phone numbers in case of emergency.

• ·         Make sure that every vendor has contact names and phone numbers for you, or your parents and/or the reception hosts.

• ·         Make sure that you have contact names and phone numbers for each and every vendor servicing your wedding.  Note their appointed delivery times and places and entrust this information to your personal attendant, or wedding coordinator.

• ·         Make sure that the photographer(s) with whom you've contracted know where they are to be and at what time.  Get their mobile phone numbers so you can maintain contact with them before and during the events.  Make sure they have a copy of the names of those people you want in family photos.  If the photographer doesn't have an assistant, ask one of your cousins or close friends to act in that capacity.

• ·         RELAX - you've done your best.  You've covered all bases.  Enjoy your day.  It is the first day of the rest of your life together.

WEDDING NOTES™ - Gown Questions

The bridal gown is the most important piece of clothing most women will ever purchase.  For some, the task becomes all consuming and can go on for weeks.  Other bride-to-be go to one store whose reputation they know, try on a few different looks and settle on THE DRESS in one visit.  Whatever your shopping style, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

• ·         Have a strong sense of the degree of formality you want your wedding to have.  That will drive your gown selection.

• ·         Plan to start shopping for your wedding gown around 6-8 months in advance of your date.  This should also sufficient time for making your selection, getting it ordered, and arranging for any alterations that may ultimately be required.

• ·         Order it no later than 6 months before the wedding.  Since it sets the tone of the ceremony, it will be good to have that decision made.  You can then proceed with bridesmaid and mothers gowns.  You'll have swatches for the florist too.

• ·         When you go gown shopping wear proper undergarments, shoes in the height you plan to wear and any family heirloom jewelry that is a "must wear" for you.

• ·         Do not be tempted to invite every woman you know to go gown shopping with you.  Descending on a bridal shop with a dozen of your "near and dear" is a huge mistake.  Take your mom and maybe one good friend whose opinion you value.  This is a personal decision - not a gang vote.  Besides, what bride wants the world to know about her dress before she walks down the aisle in it?

• ·         Be open to the use of color in wedding gowns.  Ivory tones are spectacular on certain complexions and pale blush or pastel trims can make your gown choice truly unique.

• ·         Why might I need alterations?  Virtually every gown will require some adjustment to insure a perfect fit.  You may need hem length adjustments or neckline tucks.  Some modest changes can make your gown uniquely yours.  Plan ahead.

• ·         Work with your consultant.  She knows her merchandise very well and can be a helpful advisor as she shows you various styles and silhouettes.  She knows her business and her business is helping you have the gown you want for your wedding day.

WEDDING NOTES™ - What Makes a Wedding Semi Formal? Informal?

These are the traditional guidelines for a semiformal wedding.  As with the term formal, knowing the guidelines helps to influence all other planning decisions.  But know also, that many brides combine these guidelines and some use the "menu" approach and take one from column A and one from column B.  Today's couples are truly more focused on how they want their wedding to look and be remembered.

With that in mind, understand that today's couples are also focused on creating an event that is unique to them and as such may pick and choose from the traditional guidelines.

If you are planning a semi formal wedding, you will likely follow these guidelines.

• ·         The ceremony will be held in a church, synagogue, private home or outdoors.

• ·         The reception will be held at a ceremony location, a club, garden, restaurant, hotel or home.

• ·         There will be fewer than 100 guests

• ·         Invitations may be printed with traditional or personalized wording.

• ·         The bride will wear a floor-length or cocktail-length gown with a veil or hat.

• ·         The groom will wear a tuxedo or suit and tie.  HIs attendants will match.

• ·         Bride and groom each have between one and three attendants.

• ·         Bridesmaids wear matching gowns the same length as the bride.

• ·         Guests wear evening or business dress.

• ·         Reception meal can be anything from a sit-down dinner to buffet or light refreshments

• ·         Live music or disc jockey

• ·         Modest or scaled- down floral arrangements and event design.

If you are planning an informal wedding, the following guidelines will be helpful.

• ·         Daytime ceremonies held at a home, community center, hotel or in judge's chambers

• ·         Fewer than 50 guests

• ·         Printed or hand-written invitations with personalized wording.

• ·         The bride will wear a simple gown, suit or cocktail-length dress with no veil or train.

• ·         The groom will wear a dark business suit and tie.

• ·         Bride and groom each have one attendant

• ·         Maid of honor wears a street-length dress and best man wears a suit and tie.

• ·         Reception usually held at a home, ceremony site, or a restaurant.

• ·         A simple meal or light refreshments are served.

• ·         Floral designs are simple and understated.

WEDDING NOTES™ - What Makes a Wedding Semi Formal? Informal?

These are the traditional guidelines for a semiformal wedding.  As with the term formal, knowing the guidelines helps to influence all other planning decisions.  But know also, that many brides combine these guidelines and some use the "menu" approach and take one from column A and one from column B.  Today's couples are truly more focused on how they want their wedding to look and be remembered.

With that in mind, understand that today's couples are also focused on creating an event that is unique to them and as such may pick and choose from the traditional guidelines.

If you are planning a semi formal wedding, you will likely follow these guidelines.

• ·         The ceremony will be held in a church, synagogue, private home or outdoors.

• ·         The reception will be held at a ceremony location, a club, garden, restaurant, hotel or home.

• ·         There will be fewer than 100 guests

• ·         Invitations may be printed with traditional or personalized wording.

• ·         The bride will wear a floor-length or cocktail-length gown with a veil or hat.

• ·         The groom will wear a tuxedo or suit and tie.  HIs attendants will match.

• ·         Bride and groom each have between one and three attendants.

• ·         Bridesmaids wear matching gowns the same length as the bride.

• ·         Guests wear evening or business dress.

• ·         Reception meal can be anything from a sit-down dinner to buffet or light refreshments

• ·         Live music or disc jockey

• ·         Modest or scaled- down floral arrangements and event design.

If you are planning an informal wedding, the following guidelines will be helpful.

• ·         Daytime ceremonies held at a home, community center, hotel or in judge's chambers

• ·         Fewer than 50 guests

• ·         Printed or hand-written invitations with personalized wording.

• ·         The bride will wear a simple gown, suit or cocktail-length dress with no veil or train.

• ·         The groom will wear a dark business suit and tie.

• ·         Bride and groom each have one attendant

• ·         Maid of honor wears a street-length dress and best man wears a suit and tie.

• ·         Reception usually held at a home, ceremony site, or a restaurant.

• ·         A simple meal or light refreshments are served.

• ·         Floral designs are simple and understated.