Let's Get The Wedding Party Started the Right Way

Here is a good example of a wedding essentials checklist that will help keep wedding planning protocols in perspective.

Every wedding has a unique budget. Set a budget according to the list to see when and where increases or decreases potentially occur. Discussing costs with a professional wedding planner, catering or venue specialist can assist to forecast your workable budget.

Creating a guest list helps to understand the types of services needed. For example, handicapped services, childcare services and parking services address important guest-service points that could make difference in attendance. A guest list is the best way to predict overall expenses, too.

Once the guest list has been discerned, wedding invitations, pre-wedding announcements and thank-you card options must be chosen and ordered four to five months before the wedding date. Timely mailing occurs approximately eight to ten weeks prior to the wedding.

If a destination wedding is desired, an additional three to four weeks should be included.

Now for selecting the wedding and reception venue or venues. Here the pocketbooks may feel like beginning to tighten up a bit. But don’t be alarmed. You have already made a budget to accommodate the beauty and perfection.

Select a venue that can support budgeted requirements while providing the pieces de resistance. Professional services such as clergy costs, decorations, vehicle transportation and other considerations all go into the wedding and reception planning protocol.

Menu design is a very personal process which relies on these factors:

• Budget
• Type of food (BBQ, International Cuisine)
• Guest Count
• Food Choices and Quantities
• Professional Service Accommodations

If no formal dining or alcoholic beverages are needed, costs are significantly reduced. Most restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and resorts have catering services that can create exquisite dining experiences. Don’t forget to ask if a bride and groom’s cake are included.

Recent trends are amping up bridal party attire options. What used to be considered a rather conventional piece of the wedding planning puzzle has exploded into dynamic fashion options expressing a wedding party’s overall bond.

Remember that classiness and respect for bride and groom’s wishes are still in vogue. There are occasions where the bride and groom may want to pay for each person’s outfit as a “thank you” gift for celebrating with them on their special day. Others may prefer each member of the bridal party select and pay for their own attire.

Tempting the “for better or for worse” adage by not taking important measures to get diamond insurance on your engagement and wedding rings can be a costly mistake. It doesn’t take much time or money to insure treasured marriage symbols of your love.

Weddings are meant to be the loveliest and most memorable experience of a lifetime. Wedding dreams can come true with a little organization. There’s no better way to begin walking hand-in-hand into the sunset of love!