Tag Archives: wedding planning checklist

14Apr2011

Checking it off the list! 10 Things to remember when arranging and attending bridal gown fittings

Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 4: Part 1

You have four months to go before the big day, and now is the time to make sure your dream wedding dress fits like a dream!

Fitting Wedding Gown checklist

5 questions to ask when scheduling your gown fittings:

1. Are there additional charges for plus sizes, rush orders, special colors, etc.?

2. What is the policy on cancelations?

3. What are the bustling charges? (Bustling is what keeps the dress off the floor after the ceremony.)

4. What are the fitting charges?

5. What are the charges for headpiece alterations?

 

5 things to remember during your gown fittings:

1. If the store you purchased your gown from doesn’t do alterations, they should have recommendations of places they work with regularly.

2. Plan for 2-4 gown fittings.

3. Bring undergarments and shoes to the second fitting and on.

4. Remember, alterations can be expensive. Fewer alterations will be easier on your budget.

5. With that in mind, don’t sacrifice comfort to save money! Make sure your dress fits well and let the seamstress know if anything doesn’t feel or look right.

 

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24Mar2011

Checking it off the list! It’s time to plan for hair and beauty treatments.

Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 3: Part 7

 

What’s the next most important thing to the wedding gown? The perfect hairstyle to match! Your wedding is your time to shine, and your bridesmaids get to look fabulous as well. Now is the time to start thinking about what to do with hair, makeup and nails.

Hairstyle ideas
(Photography from GetMarried.com)

 

Six Months Prior

• Start browsing wedding and glamour catalogs and tear out pictures of hairstyles you’d like to experiment with before the wedding.

• Start chatting with bridesmaids about what they would like to do for hair and beauty. You may want to ask each bridesmaid the following questions:

Do you want to have your hair professionally done?

How about makeup?

Nails?

Do you have recommendations for beauty salons?

• Get stylish totes as bridal party gifts for the bridesmaids. Totes are great for carrying necessities on the big day.

• Start researching potential salons. Ask for recommendations from friends and family. (Look into cosmetology schools and training institutes for great beauty services at low prices.)

• Experiment with colors and cuts.

• Make sure you start a daily skin care routine to help you get that wedding day glow!

• If you want to tone up for the big day, now is the time to start exercising if you haven’t already.

One to Two Months Prior

• Choose a stylist and start experimenting with the hairstyle ideas you have. Remember to bring your veil.

• Choose a makeup artist and do a trial run, or do a department-store counter makeover. Then you can purchase what you need and practice for the big day.

• Make appointments. We recommend doing this at least two months prior to your wedding date.

• Get eyebrows waxed.

• Start moisturizing regularly.

• Cut back on tea and coffee and brush with a whitening toothpaste for an extra beautiful smile.

Two Weeks Prior

• Eat right, drink lots of water and exercise to feel good and look great.

• Get a final haircut, trim and/or color touch-up.

• Do a final wedding-day hair trial.

One Week Prior

• Avoid salty snacks and alcohol.

• Get a bikini wax and eyebrow shaping.

• Facial! So relaxing and gives you that final touch of natural beauty.

 

One Day Before

• Drink water!

• Deep-condition for silky, shiny hair.

• Get a professional manicure and pedicure.

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05Feb2011

Checking it off the list! Great Bridal Shower Ideas

Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 3: Part 6

ABB-ClassicShowerWeb

What you need for a Classic Bridal Shower:

The classic bridal shower is timeless. It works for any bride and we’re certain you’ll be able to pull off a beautiful party for a budget-friendly price.

 

Start by having guests sign in with the Umbrella Bridal Shower Guest Book. Guest books make great keepsakes for the bride. Transform some of the guest book pages into pre-made scrapbook pages for the bride to add photos and other memorabilia from the shower.

 

Continue the theme with Personalized Napkins featuring the Umbrella Shower design or Bridal Shower design. (Estimate two napkins per guest.)

 

Small White Favor Boxes make excellent favors when personalized with the same design as featured on your napkins. Fill them with your choice of treats.

 

Check out Netting for Favors and fill the netting circles with Scented Lavender Blossoms for a cute air freshener favor.

 

ABB-SweetLoveShowerWeb

What you need for a “Sweet Love” Bridal Shower:

We love this theme because it’s creative, fun and simple. You can add extra details for a more elaborate theme or just keep it easy. Either way, it will be a fabulous bridal shower.

 

Start by having guests sign in with the White Guest Book. Again, guest books make great keepsakes for the bride, especially with pre-made scrapbooked pages.

 

Continue the theme with Personalized Napkins featuring the Intertwined Hearts design or Love/Heart design. (Estimate two napkins per guest.) $20 per 100.

 

Heart-Shaped Favor Boxes are perfect “Sweet Love” favors when personalized with the same design as featured on your napkins and filled with treats.

 

Cookie Cutter Favors are also a great idea. You can create recipe cards printed with favorite cookie recipes and attach them to the cookie cutters (or check out our professionally printed Cookie Cutter Cards).

 

Place some cheap glass jars from your local dollar store along the tables, and fill them with Wedding Candy Hearts for a sweet centerpiece and even sweeter treat.

 

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03Feb2011

Checking it off the list! Great Bachelorette Party Ideas

Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 3: Part 6

 

Every maid or matron of honor needs to consider the bride’s style. Is she up for an all-out Bachelorette bash? Or is she more of a low-key kind of gal? We’ve got options for both!

Bachelorette Party supplies

 

What you need for a true Bachelorette Bash:

Get ready to party with the gals, and make sure the bride has some extra special flair for the occasion!

 

Start the evening off with the proper decorations. A Bachelorette Banner and coordinating Bachelorette Balloons should do the trick!

 

The Bachelorette T-Shirt and Shot Glass Set makes for a fun evening and is sure to gather some interesting advice for the bride.

 

Going out on the town? Make sure your ride is as dressed for the occasion as you girls! The Bachelorette Car Kit comes with lots of fun goodies to add to your car.

 

cheap bachelorette party supplies

 

Try this idea for a low-key Bachelorette party:

Host a wine and chocolates Bachelorette party. It’s classy, it’s romantic, and it’s oh-so-tasty!

 

Decorate with our Wedding Tissue Bells available in wine (perfect!). Check out our Table Covers and Table Skirts in wine, white and chocolate — all great colors for the occasion. Add some draping Tulle and white lights for a classy, beautiful touch.

 

Fill Personalized White Favor Boxes with chocolates (each favor box fits four chocolates beautifully). Better yet, make your own fudge! You can make lots of fudge for cheap.

 

For an alternative to favor boxes, order Mini Personalized Candy Bar Wrappers. You pick up the chocolate, we provide the wrapper and you’ve a got a cute and clever favor that fits perfectly with your theme.

 

Finish the theme off right with Personalized Wine Bottle Labels. Whether you’re choosing the wine or guests are bringing bottles to share, our wine labels are easy to apply and they’re a fun addition to any wine party! (Tip: Give extra labels to the bride. She’ll love using them after the shower.)

 

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24Jan2011

Checking it off the list! Choosing the right men’s formal wear for your wedding.

Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 3: Part 5

 

Is “wedding dress” the first thing that comes to mind when you think wedding attire? Probably, and we fully support that! But you want your future hubby (and his groomsmen) to look super handsome as well.

2105-misc-miscellaneous

Photography by Arden Photography via GetMarried.com

Here’s a quick guide to the different styles of men’s formal wear to help you decide which one best fits your wedding.

 

Daytime or Evening Wedding, Casual

Style: You’ve got options! Suit with collared shirt and dress pants, blazer with khakis or just a collared shirt and dress pants is quite sharp. Linen shirt and pants for anything beachside looks great!

Colors: Light colors are the most popular for casual weddings, but black dress pants do look nice for indoor, evening weddings. Collared shirts are often white or ivory to coordinate with the bride’s wedding dress, but you can choose any color you like.

 

Daytime Wedding, Semiformal

Style: Suits with nice shirts and ties in the traditional, four-in-hand knot. (image?)

Color: Navy, charcoal and gray are good colors all year-round in any climate. Khaki and white are better colors for warmer seasons and climates.

 

Daytime Wedding, Formal

If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, chances are you are not planning a formal wedding. Just in case you can pull it off though…

Style: Gray strollers (semiformal jackets cut like a tuxedo) with ties and vests or cummerbunds.

Color: Dark colors in the winter. Light colors in the summer or warm-weather climates.

 

Evening Wedding, Semiformal

Style: Tuxedos with bow ties and cummerbunds or vests, or nice dark suits. Shirts should be wing-tipped or with turned-down collars.

Colors: Black tuxedos or dark colored suits with white or ivory shirts to coordinate with the bride’s dress. Cummerbunds often coordinate with the color of the bridesmaid dresses, but aren’t required to. Note: cummerbunds, especially colored, are not a flattering look on shorter, more muscular or broad men.

 

Evening Wedding, Formal

Style: Tuxedos with ties, cummerbunds or vests. White or ivory dinner jackets are also considered evening formal wear.

Colors: Black tuxedos with white or ivory shirts and black ties, cummerbunds or vests. You may add some color to the ties and cummerbunds or vests.

 

Money-Saving Tip: When it comes to men’s formal or semi-formal wear, renting is probably your best option for saving money.

 

If you’re looking for more information on men’s formal wear, check out this great article on WeddingChannel.com:

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02Dec2010

Announcing Your Engagement in the Newspaper

Wedding Planning Checklist

6 Months Before: Section 3: Part 2

 

Engagement Photo
Announcing your engagement in local newspapers may seem like an old-fashioned tradition, but it’s actually one of the best ways to share your news with friends, family and people in the community. You can even send out the link to your engagement announcement since most newspapers post them online.  Photograph via Heather Hagge of Hagge Photography.

Wondering how it works? Here’s what you do:

Engagement announcements usually run two to three months before the wedding date so start contacting newspapers 4-6 months prior to your wedding.

Call or email the local newspapers in your hometown and your fiancé’s hometown to find out what each paper’s submission requirements are. If your parents are no longer living in your hometown, contact the newspapers in their current communities.

Most newspapers will send you a form to fill out with all the necessary details, which you will fill out and return and they will write the announcement for you. If you would like to write your own, simply ask. They may have a few guidelines for you to follow. If you do write your own, here’s an example of a standard wedding announcement for reference.

“Samantha and Alex Thompson of Grand Rapids, MN are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Katie Anne, to Sean George Anderson, son of Greta and Robert Anderson of Fridley, MN.

Katie is a graduate of Mankato West High School and the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She also holds a Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota, Twins Cities. She is employed as a financial analyst in Minneapolis, MN.
Sean is a graduate of Fridley High School and served in the U.S. Army prior to his current position at the Minneapolis Police Department.

Sean and Katie will be married on September 23, 2011.”

 

Traditionally, announcements are written as though the bride’s parents are announcing the engagement. You may modify the wording as needed.

Most newspaper engagement announcements are free and many will allow you to include a photo with your submission, but there may be a scanning fee for putting the photo online.

Check out more of our Wedding Planning Guide posts.

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04Nov2010

Checking it off the list! Finding the right wedding dress for the right price.

Section 2: Part 8

Wedding Checklist

This is it! You’ve been dreaming about the perfect wedding dress practically all your life. Now that you’re engaged, it’s no longer a dream. Unfortunately, neither is the cost.

But don’t worry! There are things you can do and places you can shop to save big on this long-awaited purchase.

Modern One Shoulder Wedding Gown from Davids Bridal Taffeta Side Drape Wedding Gown from Davids Bridal

(Photography via DavidsBridal.com)

10 Things to Remember When Wedding Dress Shopping

1. Start shopping nine to twelve months before the wedding.

2. Set your wedding gown budget, but keep it flexible. You’ll want a price range to shop within to keep you focused.

3. Begin your search for wedding dresses by paging through bridal magazines, browsing online and getting a general idea of the current trends. Get an idea of what you’re looking for so you can ask the right questions while trying on gowns.

4. Set up appointments with wedding dress shops and salons.

5. Most wedding dress shops will pair you with a consultant. Make sure this person is kind, courteous and attentive. You’ll be working with them throughout your purchase.

6. Bring close friends or family with you, but limit your entourage to three people.

7. Remember to wear a strapless bra or bustier.

8. Wear control-top pantyhose if you plan to wear them for the wedding.

9. Bring a slip just in case it’s needed.

10. Wear shoes with the heel height you want for the wedding.

Tank Chiffon Wedding Gown from Davids Bridal Halter Charmeuse Wedding Gown from Davids Bridal
(Photogragh via DavidsBridal.com)

10 Tips to Help You Save on Your Wedding Dress

1. Don’t buy on the first day out. Shop around!

2. Check your local consignment shop for used wedding dresses that are still gorgeous but way less in price.

3. Shop wholesale websites like milanoo.com for fashionable dresses at super affordable prices.

4. When shopping at wedding dress shops, try to buy off the rack for the best deal.

5. Look into white bridesmaid dresses. They’re much cheaper and often just as beautiful. 6. Consider how many alterations you will need when trying on wedding dresses. A wedding dress that needs minimal alterations can save you a lot of money.

7. Shop online sites like craig’s list or the classifieds in your local newspaper for lightly used dresses at a fraction of the cost.

8. Shop for wedding dresses in the off-season (winter and early spring).

9. If it’s possible, wear Mom’s wedding dress. Although you may need a few alterations, the meaning behind this gesture is even more beautiful than the next-to-nothing price.

10. Shop discount websites like Ann’s for wedding accessories and wedding jewelry.

 

 

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28Oct2010

Checking it off the list! Things to remember when choosing your wedding music.

Wedding Checklist / Section 2: Part 7

Choosing the right music for your wedding ceremony and wedding reception is essential to creating the right mood. Take your time considering the options and make choices that both of you are excited about. And, of course, remember these important things:

Vintage-inn-wedding-photos-barrel-room-yountville-napa-03

Photography:  wedding.johnthephotographer.com

 

Wedding Ceremony Music

• Start choosing music selections early!

• Talk with your fiancé about the styles of music you like and what you want during different points of your wedding.

• Remember to choose music for all parts of the ceremony:

Prelude — while guests are being seated

Processional — when the bridal party and bride and groom enter.

Ceremony – selections chosen for the ceremony itself.

Recessional — as the bride and groom and bridal party leave the church.

• If you are asking friends or family to play or sing at your wedding, let them know right away and work with them to decide what songs will be best.

• If you are getting married in a religious venue, make sure to have your musical selections approved.

• If you are choosing classical artists, be considerate of their needs and requirements. Harpists, for example, will often require shade to play at outdoor weddings due to the expense of the instrument.

• Most importantly, be creative! Unless your venue has certain restrictions, you can choose any music you like, from classical to R&B.

 

Wedding Reception Music

Before you start the search:

• Set your budget.

• Discuss what style of music you would like for your reception. Since most couples choose a wedding band or a DJ, we’ll be focusing on those two options. But if you’re having a cocktail reception or a Sunday luncheon, you may prefer an instrumental quartet or an a cappella group.

 

Choosing the music:

• Create a list of potential bands or DJs.

• Ask friends, family, other wedding vendors, the manager of your venue, music colleges, music labels, music publications and night clubs.

• Request audio tracks/samples of any wedding bands you’re considering.

 

Interviewing a wedding band:

• Ask if the musicians you heard in the audio samples/tracks you received are the musicians that will be playing at your wedding.

• Ask if the sound was technically enhanced on the audio sample.

• Find out how many musicians, vocalists and instruments were involved in producing the sample.

• Ask if the band brings its own sound system. If so, how large of a room will the system accommodate?

• Find out who sets up the instruments and when they arrive.

• Ask if the band will provide continuous music throughout the night. There should be at least two band members on stage at all times, even during breaks.

• Ask what they will wear and if requesting formal dress costs more.

• Find out if someone in the band will act as master of ceremonies.

• Discuss overtime rates.

• If you have certain songs you want at your wedding, bring that list with you and discuss whether the band you’re interviewing can play your special requests.

• As if any members of the band would be willing to play some tasteful music before and during the reception dinner.

Interviewing a DJ:

• Have a list of songs you want at your wedding and make sure the DJ’s music collection includes them.

• Find out if the DJ will act as master of ceremonies and if that costs more.

• Ask what the DJ will wear and whether formal attire will cost more.

• Make sure the DJ will test his/her sound equipment at your wedding venue prior to the wedding, especially if they have never performed at that venue.

• Ask what the equipment looks like and if the DJ will need any draped tables or if he/she will allow you to decorate to coordinate with the reception.

• Find out what kind of lighting the DJ uses and discuss how it will look in your venue.

• Ask the DJ if he/she would be willing to play some tasteful selections before and during the reception dinner.

 

Most importantly, make your first dance memorable with the perfect song.  Have plenty of people taking candid photos of you so you can save all of them in the Our Wedding Photo Album and other keepsake wedding albums.

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14Oct2010

Checking it off the list! Things to remember when choosing your wedding photographer.

Wedding Checklist / Section 2: Part 6

Choosing the wedding photographer has become one of the most important decisions of wedding planning for many of today’s couples. Why? Because with so many styles of wedding photography available, couples want to choose the right one to show their unique personality. So we’ve compiled a few things you should know and ask to make sure you choose the right wedding photographer.

Get Married wedding photography

Photography by: GetMarried.com

Before you start the search:

• Set your budget.

• Decide what style of photography you want.

Popular styles of wedding photography include:

Traditional – A series of photographs of the couple, family and friends in posed positions. Lighting and backgrounds are tightly controlled.

Photojournalistic – A series of photographs taken throughout the day with the intent to tell “the story” of the day. All about capturing moments rather than posed shots.

Illustrative – Photographs that focus on design elements, unique composition and interesting backgrounds. Couples are given direction but also asked to interact for a more candid feel. This style is the newest and most edgy.

 

Searching for wedding photographers:

• Browse the websites of wedding photographers in your area.

• Ask friends and family for recommendations.

• Create a list of potential photographers to visit.

 

Visiting each photographer:

• Don’t assume the person you speak with is the person who will photograph your wedding. Ask who will be your photographer and request samples of their work.

• Ask how charges are assessed. Some photographers charge a fee for coverage and another fee for ordered images. Photographers may also charge by package plans. A package plan is better for knowing your cost up front.

• Ask how much coverage you will get. Many photographers will stay through the first few dances, but some photographers will charge huge overtime fees once their time limits have expired.

• Discuss the style of photography you would like. Most photographers shoot a combination of traditional portraits and photojournalistic shots — and many will accommodate your requests for more of either style.

• Ask to see all the photographs from a single wedding instead of the photographer’s best shots compiled from several weddings.

• Ask about rights to the images. Typically, the photographer owns the negatives, which means you pay more for additional prints. Some photographers may release rights to you, which enables you to reprint your photos as you see fit.

• Find out how long it will take to receive the images. Make sure your photographer is willing to accommodate any deadlines you may have, such as wanting photographs for your thank you notes.

• Request references or customer testimonials from your wedding photographer.

• Review the photographer’s contract carefully. Make sure it clearly spells out the photographer’s requirements and yours.

 

Tip: Many wedding photographers will offer a cheaper package that doesn’t include a wedding album. The couple receives rights to all images along with a disc so they can take care of their own prints and album. Ask your photographer if this option is available. Then check out our inexpensive wedding albums for a beautiful presentation of your photographs.

Wedding Photo Album

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07Oct2010

Checking it off the list! Things to remember when choosing your wedding flowers and florist.

Wedding Checklist / Section 2: Part 5

Whether you choose soft and simple or dramatic and elaborate, your style of wedding flowers says a lot about your wedding. Choose a florist that gets your look, and your budget.

Photo98 Photography

Photography:  Photo 98 Photography via GetMarried.com

Before you start the search:

• Set your budget for wedding flowers.

• Gather clippings of flowers and arrangements you like.

• Gather examples of your wedding colors, style and décor.

• Get fabric swatches of the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses if possible.

• Take photos of your wedding ceremony and reception venues.

 

Choosing the florist:

• Create a list of potential florists. You should have at least three to visit.

• Try to limit your search to florists near your wedding venue.

• Ask friends, family or other vendors (caterer, venue) for recommendations.

• Depending on the season, check into local farmer’s markets. This is a great money-saving option if you’re comfortable with creating the arrangements yourself.

 

Visiting each florist:

• First, explore the flower shop and see if you like the overall look.

• Ask to see pictures or examples of work they’ve done.

• Ask if they have references or customer testimonials.

• Ask what flowers will be in season for your wedding.

• Discuss your budget and ask how you can maximize it.

• Does the florist include vases? If you plan to rent or purchase your own, you can find inexpensive vases here at Ann’s.

• Ask if you can work directly with the person assigned to do your wedding flowers.

• Ask what the timetable would be for your wedding day.

• Ask when you need to leave a deposit and when the balance is due.

• Remember, your florist should work with you and your budget. Give them room for creativity, but don’t choose a florist that tries to get you to spend more or isn’t engaged in the conversation about what you want.

 

Your second visit (with the florist you’ve chosen):

• The florist should present a proposal with all details and an estimate of cost.

• The florist should be able to present an idea of what your wedding flowers and arrangements will look like through sketches, models or elaborate descriptions.

• Now is the time to adjust your budget or your wedding flowers plan to match up.

• You’ll be asked to sign a contract. Make sure every detail about your wedding flowers is covered: check dates, times, all arrangements, exact flowers being used, exact colors, acceptable alternatives, delivery addresses, cost, payment schedule, sales tax, gratuities, overtime charges, delivery fees and cancellation/refund policy.

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