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You probably won’t be needing everything on this list, but we’ve included everything we could think of just in case!

Wedding Parties Amount Budgeted Who Pays

Engagement party $___________ ___________

Bridesmaids luncheon $___________ ___________

Rehearsal dinner $___________ ___________

Out-of-town guests brunch $___________ ___________

Wedding Coordinator $___________ ___________

Stationery
Invitations $___________ ___________

Announcements $___________ ___________

Thank-you cards $___________ ___________

Reply cards $___________ ___________

At-home cards $___________ ___________

Stamps $___________ ___________

Maps, program, calligraphy, etc. $___________ ___________

Bridal Attire
Wedding dress $___________ ___________

Headpiece and veil $___________ ___________

Shoes $___________ ___________

Accessories (gloves, jewelry, etc.) $___________ ___________

Dresses for other wedding parties $___________ ___________

Undergarments $___________ ___________

Hairdresser $___________ ___________

Trousseau $___________ ___________

Alterations $___________ ___________

Photo/Videography
Formal portraits $___________ ___________

Engagement $___________ ___________

Wedding and reception $___________ ___________

Wedding album $___________ ___________

Parents albums $___________ ___________

Extra prints $___________ ___________

Videography of wedding and wedding parties $___________ ___________

Flowers
Ceremony arrangements, garlands $___________ ___________

Brides bouquet $___________ ___________

Grooms boutonniere $___________ ___________

Bridesmaids/groomsmen $___________ ___________

Mothers corsages $___________ ___________

Reception arrangements $___________ ___________

Reception Amount Budgeted Who Pays

Food/Caterer $___________ ___________

Drink/Bartender $___________ ___________

Wedding Cake/Grooms Cake $___________ ___________

Rental of facility $___________ ___________

Rental of tablewares, furniture, tents $___________ ___________

Place cards $___________ ___________

Tips and fees to food servers, doormen, coat check, valet parkers, restrooms, etc. $___________ ___________

Decorations $___________ ___________

Music
Ceremony (organist, soloists, choir, other musicians) $___________ ___________

Reception (band, D.J., pianist) $___________ ___________

Transportation
Limousine/Carriage $___________ ___________

Parking $___________ ___________

Gifts
For your groom (optional) $___________ ___________

Maid/matron of honor $___________ ___________

Bridesmaids $___________ ___________

A gift to your parents (optional) $___________ ___________

Your grooms ring (not optional) $___________ ___________

Fees
Church/synagogue/other location $___________ ___________

Officiant/officiant assistants $___________ ___________

Attendants accessories/rentals $___________ ___________

Odds and Ends
Guest favors $___________ ___________

Birdseed or confetti packets $___________ ___________

Monogrammed napkins $___________ ___________

Hotel accommodations $___________ ___________

Guest book and pen $___________ ___________

Garter $___________ ___________

Honeymoon
Transportation $___________ ___________

Accommodations $___________ ___________

Fun Money $___________ ___________

When you make your time-table, (1) schedule each event and (2) plan enough time for it. The following chart will help you with the essentials; the spaces between each item will let you add the things that will be different for your wedding (you might get dressed at church instead of at home, etc.) Make sure your photographer, caterer, baker, florist and musicians, know your time-table and that they approve any last minute changes.

1. Getting up/breakfast

2. Dressing

3. Leaving for the ceremony

4. Photos before the ceremony

5. Parents and guests arrive

6. Wedding Ceremony begins

7. Receiving Line

8. Formal group photos (wedding party)

9. Leaving for the reception

10. Cocktail Hour (before couple arrives)

11. Arriving at the reception

12. Toast by Best Man (and others)

13. Reception Meal

14. Cake Cutting

15. Bridal Dance

16. Dancing

17. Bride and Groom change clothes

18. Bride and Groom leave reception

19. Reception ends

If you are going to change clothes at the reception,make sure someone will take care of the gown and tuxedo.

BEFORE YOUR TRIP: Decide which destination you can realistically afford. Start saving money each week, to accumulate funds gradually.

ON YOUR TRIP: Keep a record to help stay within your budget. If you spend less than planned, use the money for some splurges.

EXPENSES TRANSPORTATION:

Major Transportation
(air, ship, car): $
Airport limo: $
Tips: $
Gas: $
Tolls: $
Rental Car $
Taxis: $
Total Transportation: $

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Basic rate: $
Tips: $
Extra services $
(laundry, hairdresser, etc.): $
Total Accommodations: $
SHOPPING (gifts): $
MEALS (per couple):
Breakfast:
$_____ per day x_____ days $
Lunch: $_____ per day x_____ days $
Dinner: $_____ per day x_____ days $
Total Meals: $

ENTERTAINMENT:
Sports equipment rentals: $
Theater/Concerts: $
Admission Fees (sight seeing, attractions, museums, etc.): $
Nightclubs/Discos: $
Total Entertainment: $

EXTRA:
Snacks/liquor: $
Total Extra: $
TOTAL EXPENDITURES: $

Choosing the perfect gift for your bridal party and your betrothed can be a joyous experience if you keep the recipients likes and personalities in mind as you make your selections. Give a gift that you would like to receive. Choose something that is meaningful and unique. After all, these gifts are an expression of your gratitude to the people who will gather together to celebrate your special day. Make sure theyre packaged beautifully, then present them with love. Your gifts and memories of your wedding will be cherished for a lifetime.

If you have a creative theme for your wedding, be creative with your gifts as well. Make the gift a keepsake by monogramming it with your names and wedding date.

Traditional gift suggestions include:

For Grooms Attendants  Silver key chain, crystal paper weight, engraved silver accessory box, sterling engraved pocket knife, sterling money clip.

For Brides Attendants  Pearl earrings, crystal box or vase, silver compact, crystal picture frame, jewelry box, crystal ring holder, or a small crystal, china, or silver clock.

Whatever the gift, be it traditional or an original piece of art from your favorite artist, give it from the heart as a token of love and appreciation.

Asking the following questions will help you to decide which DJ you’re most confident with:

How much experience does the DJ have?

Does the DJ have a professional/proper appearance?

Does the DJ have a tentative format as to what order the events of the reception should occur?

What kind of sound and lighting does the DJ carry?

Will dinner music be included in the DJs price?

Will the DJ set-up before your guests arrive free-of-charge?

Do you feel confident with the way the DJ presents himself/herself?

Will the DJ meet with you personally before your wedding date?

Ready, Camera, Action

When evaluating sample videos, ask yourself these questions:

Is the picture clear? Images should not appear grainy or out of focus.

How does the tape sound? The vows should be as easy to hear as if you were standing beside the couple.

Is the camera steady? Pans and zooms should be smooth.

Are the colors correct and vibrant? The pictures should not look muddy.

Make sure the videographer is able to preview the ceremony site to plot where to place cameras and microphones to capture pictures and sound without obstruction, whether at the rehearsal or before the ceremony itself.

Arrange for music to be played

1. While the guests are being seated before the ceremony.

2. During the processional.

3. At the brides entrance.

4. During the ceremony, additional music or a vocal solo at this time are optional.

5. When the bride and groom walk back down the aisle.

6. As the guests leave the ceremony.

7. As background during the receiving period.

8. As background during dinner.

9. For the bride and grooms first dance.

10. For the brides dance with her father.

11. For bridal party.

12. For general dancing.

13. Bouquet toss.

14. Garter toss.

Generally, both applicants must apply in person together, but there may be exceptions to this requirement.

You can obtain a license at the County where at least one applicants resides. The license can then be used in any of Michigans 83 counties. NOTE: Out-of-state applicants must apply in the county they will be married.

Both applicants must be at 18 years old. Applicants 16-17 years old must have parental consent, a certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate, and a valid drivers license.

The following original I.D. is required: A birth certificate, drivers license, or state ID for both applicants.

If either applicant has been married before, you may be required to bring Proof of Dissolution.

While no medical exam is required, the county clerk will provide health information when the license is applied for.

There is generally a 3-day waiting period but check with your specific county.

Once the unsigned license is issued it is valid for 33 days from and including the date of application.

The cost of a license is $20.00 for in-state residents and $30.00 for out-of-state residents, payable at time of application.

SPECIAL NOTE: The parent or guardian must be present to sign the consent form for those between 16 & 18 years of age.

Each countys requirements may vary slightly. Please call the County Clerks office in the county you live in and will be married in to verify exact requirements.

For more county information visit www.marriagelicenses.com

After All
Always & Forever
As Time Goes By
Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
Chances Are
I Finally Found Someone
Forever and Ever, Amen
Have I Told You Lately
Here and Now
Ice Cream
Ill Be There For You
I Could Fall in Love
In Your Eyes
I Swear
It Had To Be You
Ill Always Love You
Just The Way You Are
Lets Stay Together
Now and Forever
Only You
Our Love is Here to Stay
Promise
True Companion
Truly, Madly, Deeply
To Make You Feel My Love
When I Fall In Love
Youre All I Need To Get By
Youre The Inspiration
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
You Give Good Love
You Send Me

Selecting the right band for your wedding reception is crucial to the success of the event. Music is the glue that holds everything together and sets the mood for your reception. Selection of the right band can be a challenge. The quality of bands varies just as the quality of bakers, florists and photographers do. The following should provide you with some tools to help you select your band:

Is the band made up of dedicated, experienced professionals? Will they tailor their performance to fit the musical tastes of your family and guests?

How is their reputation, and will they supply references?

What is the bands uniform (formal, semi-formal or casual)?

Is their equipment Hi-Tech or State-of-the-Art?

Be leery of tapes and videos you may be presented. Audio and visual materials date quickly and are one dimensional. They can be altered to enhance the sound. Ask if the members in the tape are still the samePersonnel changes could make for a completely different band than what you thought you were hiring.

Music fees are determined by the size of the band (number of musicians), length of engagement, experience, and the amount of original music you request to be prepared for you.

Get it in writing!!! Reputable professionals will require a written agreement specifying all terms and fees (for the artists and your protection), and a retainer to reserve your date.

–Larry Wojcik