Wedding Guide

Don’t Forget Items

For your table counts include guest tables, cake, presents, appetizers, buffet and the bar needs.

You may want to order extra linens to double drape some tables.

A box for your cake top and also for leftover cake.

For outside weddings bring:

Some extra water

A first aid kit for nicks and scratches

Garbage cans and bags

Lanterns/torches/flashlights

Bug spray

Candles

You may also want to do up some decorations to place by the tent spikes to help avoid accidental trips.

Decorations

The mood of a reception, party, or gathering is determined by the theme of decorations. The initial reaction to the array of decorations sets the mood. Professional decorators and supply houses should be willing to listen to what you have in mind, give suggestions, and even demonstrate your theme for you.

Balloons can be used to decorate the dance floor, create arches over the head table and doorways, and can be formed into canopies, ceiling sculptures and clusters. Balloon and/or flower bouquets make wonderful centerpieces and are a fun way to complete a color scheme.

Disposable cameras placed throughout the reception hall will provide guests with loads of fun and you with a more complete collection of candid guest shots and reception follies.

Have your bouquet and bridesmaids flowers placed on the cake table or throughout the reception area for an extra decorating touch.

Cake Cutting Guide

To cut oval tiers, move in two inches from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1-in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2-in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.

To cut round tiers, move in two inches from the tiers outer edge; cut a circle and then slice 1-in. pieces within the circle. Now move in another 2-in., cut another circle, slice 1-in. pieces and so on until the tier is completely cut. The center core of each tier and the smaller top tier can be cut into halves, 4ths, 6ths and 8ths depending on size.

Cut petal-shaped tiers similar to round tiers as diagram shows.

Cut hexagon tiers similar to round tiers.

To cut heart-shaped tiers, divide the tiers vertically into halves, quarters, sixths or eighths. Within rows, slice one inch pieces of cake.

To cut square tiers, move in 2-in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1-in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2-in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.

Be sure there are boxes provided for cake top and leftovers.

Important Bride Guide Notes

When you are hiring professionals for the wedding:

Get written receipts of all of your transactions. This will be proof of your order and down-payment, if any.

Carefully read all contracts before you sign them. Make sure you understand all the fees mentioned.

Keep all receipts, confirmation letters, etc., together in the same place so that nothing will be lost or misplaced.

Make a master list of phone numbers of the people and businesses involved in your wedding.

What should you register for? Start with things you‘ll need for everyday, special occasions, and holidays. Start in one room of the house such as the kitchen or dining room, and move on to other rooms in your home (bathroom, bedroom, living room, guest room, garage, garden, etc.). Register in a variety of price ranges from the college budget to larger group gifts to accommodate all your guests. Discussing the decorating plans and color themes in advance will make the registry process much easier and more enjoyable.

Registry is not just for the bride to decide. National registries report that about 70% of the registry is done by the couple together. Many brides are surprised at the attention to detail and craftsmanship that their grooms will contribute to the selection process. Grooms will also find sections on the registry forms for the tools and toys they’d like to receive for the new household.

When you are ready to register, be sure to schedule an appointment with the registry department. The advice and guidance of a professional can eliminate a lot of guesswork, save you time, and prevent you from having to retrace steps later to retrieve forgotten information or serial numbers.

How do you let people know where you are registered, and that by registering, you have indicated your preference of gifts? Discreetly! Do NOT list your registry on an invitation. Let family and friends spread the word for you. As gifts start arriving, it is a good idea to update the store registry on gifts received, to help prevent duplication.

Registry can be utilized for the wedding and shower alike, not only for the bride but also for the groom. Why should the bride have all the fun of a shower? A tool party for the groom can be part of a crafty best mans planning for the bachelor party.

With the growing numbers of second marriages, older brides and grooms, and brides and grooms living on their own with established households before marrying, registering at specialty shops such as hardware, music, gardening stores or art galleries is becoming more common practice. With the craftsmanship and artistry available in Northern Michigan, bridal couples should take advantage of the art that abounds.

If a favorite store or gallery doesnt offer a registry, you might ask family and friends to also suggest a gift certificate at a certain retailer when providing registry information.

9-18 Months

Choose the kind of wedding you will have, date and time.

Discuss the budget, and who will pay for what.

Consider hiring a wedding coordinator.

Make arrangements with the officiant.

Reserve the wedding and reception locations.

Select your wedding dress, veil and accessories.

Choose the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and honored roles.

Have formal black/white photo sitting for announcements.

Send announcements of your engagement to your fiancs and your local and hometown newspapers.

Meet with the florist, photographer, caterer, videographer, and D.J. or entertainment to discuss budgets and options.

Discuss the guest list with fianc and families.

Contact rental coordinator for equipment reservations.

Discuss honeymoon and reservations. (Traditionally the groom makes all the honeymoon arrangements.)

Arrange for time off work if necessary.

Buy a wedding planner and envelopes to store brochures and notes. Develop record-keeping system for invitations, gifts, and thank-you notes.

Order dress and accessories.

Order bridesmaids dresses, shoes and accessories.

6-9 Months

Plan reception music.

Plan new living arrangements and home furnishings.

Select and register wedding gifts and patterns.

Select color scheme.

Contact mens formalwear specialist for mens attire.

Have parents select attire.

Order invitations, announcements, programs, napkins, matchbooks, and personal stationery.

Arrange for physical examinations, dental appointments.

Order unity candles (fancy ones can take six months).

3-6 Months

Choose and order wedding bands and engraving.

Order wedding and grooms cakes.

Check state/county marriage license requirements.

Plan ceremony, reception, menus, master of ceremonies, music, and timetables.

Plan rehearsal dinner, and bridesmaids luncheon.

Complete guest list, address and mail invitations.

Make arrangements for lodging information for out-of-town guests.

Purchase gifts for attendants and groom.

Plan reception seating if necessary.

Pre hairstyle

Spring

Tulips – The favorite flower of spring. Available in parrot and traditional shapes in a variety of colors and bi-colors.

Lily of the Valley – Fragrant, tiny white bell shape flowers on a slender, short stem.

Hyacinth – Very fragrant, tubular bell shaped blooms clustered on a robust stem.

Narcissus – Daffodils, in yellow, orange, white and bi-colors, some fragrant & some not. A true sign of spring.

Lilacs – Fragrant, lavender and purple tiny star shape blooms, clustered on a woody stem creating a cone shape bloom.

Summer

Hydrangea – A popular garden shrub bloom. Large ball shape blooms in blues, pinks, green & jewel fall tones.

Dahlias – Dramatic, round pom pom bloom, a variety of vibrant colors.

Fall

Sunset Leucadendron – Rust/burgundy colored leaves that create a protea shaped bloom.

Pepper Berries – Grape like cluster of mauve pink berries, with delicate weeping foliage.

Safflower – Thistle like orange blooms with multiple blooms per stem.

Chrysanthemums – Available in large showy blooms & sprays of small blooms. Winter

Star of Bethlehem – White star like blooms on a sturdy allium type stem.

Ranaunculus – Small, delicate, papery flowers.

Freesia – Fragrant, popular bell shaped blooms on a arched stem.

Stephanotis – Waxy, white, gardenia scented, small star shaped blooms. Often used in Bridal bouquets.

Tips to Know Before You Go

DO take the page from the magazine with the picture of the dress you want into a bridal shop. Note the magazine name and issue date on the page.

DON’T order a dress that you have not actually seen.

DO inquire about the alteration policy. Most stores charge for this because employing an expert seamstress/tailor is an additional cost for them. Custom fitting is as important as the style of the gown.

DON’T rush to accept an all-inclusive price (free headpiece, petticoat), because the level of service is often reduced by the amount of extras promised. Beware of incredible deals.

DO use a credit card when paying your deposit. If the dress is not delivered or there are problems, the bank that issued the card can be contacted to issue a refund.

DON’T buy at a hotel sale unless the sponsor has a bridal shop in town. Traveling shows are cash and carry. You have no way to reach the seller and no recourse if you’re not happy with the dress.

DO set a budget. The cost of a wedding dress averages between $700-$800, but can range from $300-$2,500. Know how much you are willing to spend, and be prepared to buy if you find your dream dress. Most salons require a 50% non-refundable deposit.

DON’T bring children along. Take this time for yourself.

DO start looking early! Most stores recommend that you order your dress no less than 16 weeks before your wedding to allow time for custom ordering and fitting.

DON’T bring more than two bridesmaids or friends shopping with you. Too many opinions will only cause confusion and controversy. Pick one trusted adviser.

DO check the manufacturers size charts for each dress with your measurements in hand. Select the size closest to your largest measurement  its easier to take in a dress than to enlarge it.

 Gather your lists of invitees before you order the invitations.

Order at least 25 more invitations and envelopes than you think you will need (to cover mistakes in addressing, re-mailing to a current address, to cover last-minute must haves). Its much more expensive to re-order than to order more than you need at the beginning.

Type/print the list of names with the appropriate titles: Mr., Mrs., Dr., Ms., Reverend, Captain, Lieutenant, Rabbi, Fr., Messrs., Honorable, etc.

If a widow: Mrs. John Smith; If divorced: Mrs. Susan Smith.

For children over 18 and living at home, they receive their own invitation or are listed separately on their parents: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith Ms. Melissa Smith

If inviting two people sharing a home or living together, or a married couple with different names, use both full names: Dr. Susan Davis Mr. James Rosser

If inviting children under 18, their individual names (or, and Family) are listed below their parents names on the inside envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Smith Sue, Bret and Mike

If you are graciously inviting single people to bring a guest, this appears on the inside envelope: Mrs. Smith and Guest; Mr. Jurgen and Guest.

When purchasing postage for the outer envelopes, take a fully stuffed envelope (invitation, inner envelope, response card/envelope, reception card, map, etc.) to the post office. Correct postage is determined by weight and size. If sending different enclosures to differing groups of people, take an example of each. Remember, postage to foreign countries is higher. And, if you are sending invitations to other countries, do not pre-stamp the response envelope. U.S. postage can only be used for mail originating in the U.S., territories or through the armed services.

If youve ordered thank you notes for your wedding gifts with the names of the bride and groom, you can write, seal and stamp the thank you note as the gift is received, but do not send out before the actual marriage ceremony is performed. (Writing the thank yous as gifts are received is much easier than doing them all at once. Just mail them after the wedding or on your return from your honeymoon.)

Set up a card file, loose-leaf notebook, or computer program with:

Response Shower
Gift/Thank You Wedding Gift/Thank You
Y/N #
(What?) Sent? (What?) Sent?
Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Think about what makes your relationship with the bride and groom so special: the way you met, your shared interests. Is there an anecdote or sentiment that sums it all up?

If you could make one wish of happiness for the newlywed couple, what would it be?

Pick one message for the toast: love, commitment, relationships, friendship, etc.

Keep your message brief 1-5 minutes should be sufficient.

Speak loudly and clearly, and remember that everyone in the room shares your sentiments and feelings.

This is a chance to say some things that mean a lot to you about people you care about.

Write a speech to practice, speak it out loud so you can hear how it sounds. Practice it often to become familiar with it.

Its the waiting thats most likely to make you nervous, remind yourself of that and that this is the warmest audience you will ever have.

While youre sitting, repeat your first line to yourself so when you get to your feet and the room goes silent you will be ready with the line youve been repeating. Youll find the rest just follows.