Friday 21 May 2010

Why Wedding Checklist Is Important?

Is a wedding checklist important? Why do you need it? Do you think everything you have on your mind will be ready on your big day? Don’t you think of the opportunities of missing something? If you don't have a wedding checklist you're asking for trouble. No matter how good your memory is you'd be very unwise to rely on it for every little detail you have to remember concerning your wedding. 
 
In such an important day for you, it would be a crying shame if it was spoiled simply because you failed to plan properly in the first place - and a properly constructed checklist is the very best way you can ensure that all of your wedding plans come to fruition. 
 
Creating a wedding checklist tailored to your specific needs and desires will certainly help to relieve the inevitable stress, particularly as the special day gets closer. Having a well thought out wedding checklist will ensure that you don't forget anything and will enable you to relax, safe in this knowledge, and enjoy the day itself. 
 
Here are some of the things you should put on your checklist are setting the wedding date and time, reserving the date with a florist, photographer and DJ; reserving the church and reception location. These are the first things that should be done in the planning stages six to twelve months before the wedding day itself. 
 
Other important things for your checklist include planning a budget, choosing the wedding party and ordering the invitations. You also need to make arrangements for a wedding dress, hairdressing and makeup. Not forgetting that you also need to arrange for co-coordinated clothing for your wedding attendants and, of course, you need to arrange the all-important wedding rings with a jeweler. 
 
It is necessary that all of the above major things should be arranged as early as possible so that you have plenty of time for the small details later. 
 
Reminders are helpful. Don't forget to ensure that you put reminders on your list for closer to the date. Reminders for ordering your wedding flowers, the wedding cake, addressing and sending invitations, a final fitting for the wedding dress and groom's outfit and placing a wedding announcement in the local press etc. 
 
About a month to six weeks before your big day you should go over your wedding checklist to make absolutely sure you haven't forgotten anything. There are, of course, many more things than those listed above that you will need to put on your specific wedding planning checklist that are personal to your wedding, but the above will give you an idea of the things you need to include. 
 
Being well-organized with your checklist will help you having plenty of time to complete each task. With this checklist, your wedding will be as what you have dreamed!
 

Your Wedding Budget: Setting And Sticking To It

Want to make sure your marriage doesn't end up on the rocks before you get to the chapel? Then set a realistic wedding budget -- and stick to it.
 
In the process of planning a wedding, budget concerns often is a source of disagreement for a couple. They may have different ideas about what kind of wedding they want, and about what they can afford. To make the wedding a truly happy occasion, it is important that the couple discusses financial constraints early.
 
Set A Budget And Save For It
 
The first tip is -- discuss finances before the wedding plans begin. Everyone involved in the decision-making process needs to understand exactly how much money is available for the wedding.
 
To maximize that budget, you should start saving early for your wedding. Advance planning and saving will allow you to maintain or even exceed your budget, comfortably. And that will make wedding planning easier and more fun.  
 
Get Everyone On-Board
 
Once your wedding budget has been established, set it aside for a few days and then review it again. This gives everyone a chance to let the information sink in. The budget review after this waiting period gives the participants a chance to verify that they understand and agree to the budget. This is vitally important, because someone who does not agree with the budget may overspend in 1 area, leaving the rest of the budget in jeopardy.  
 
Budget Line Items
 
When you've decided exactly how much money is available for your wedding, the next step is to divide the total into budget categories, such as the venue, food and drink, bride's attire, groom's attire, transportation, entertainment, photography, favours, centrepieces, and gifts. It is also advisable to set aside money for unforeseen expenses.  
 
Who Pays
 
Part of establishing a budget is to be clear on who will pay for what.  
 
Shopping And Negotiating
 
You will need to negotiate contracts for services, and so you must know the budget for each area of the wedding. If you have allotted £250 for entertainment, look for a DJ whose rate is approximately that amount, then negotiate to ensure that you remain under budget.
  
It's wise to shop around and compare prices for services. A company may come highly recommended, but if they are outside your price range, let them know why you are going to have to choose another company. You may be surprised at how willing they will be to give you a better offer.
 
Substitute Creativity For Cash
 
Doing things on your own is another way to stay under budget. Homemade invitations or making your own favours or centrepieces can greatly reduce the wedding cost, freeing up funds for other areas of the wedding.  
 
Do not fall into the trap of viewing your budget as restrictive. Instead of thinking about what you can't afford, focus on how you can make your wedding and reception truly unique. You will be inspired to create a wonderful, memorable wedding regardless of your budget constraints.  
 
Anticipate The Unforeseen
 
Realize that there are bound to be snags along the way. If you go over budget in 1 area, you will need to cut the budget in another area. As long as you stay aware of your spending and realize the ramifications of all your actions, you can roll with the punches and alter your plans to accommodate any needed changes.
 
Make It A Wonderful Memory
 
A wedding budget can cause emotional strain on a couple and their relationship. It is important for them to discuss their finances and establish a clear budget for their wedding plans. Doing this early in the wedding planning process can help the couple to avoid conflict during the planning phase of the wedding. It can also make the wedding more fun for everyone, and start out the marriage on a positive note. 
 
After all, working together is what a marriage is all about.
 

Thursday 6 May 2010

Planning That Perfect Wedding

Getting married is a big step.  It is the day that girls dream of as the most momentous event of their lives.  Preparations fall on the bride to ensure that this becomes a special day.  
 
A perfect wedding – every bride’s dream come true.  For many girls, kissing with a backdrop of a beautiful sunset is the best, or a horse-drawn carriage stopping at a castle, or maybe even an exotic ceremony made special by a native tradition.  However the wedding may be, some may require that very special venue, albeit overseas.
 
Weddings held within the community are not easy as it is, but why sell yourself short on this momentous occasion?  Why not go for a special destination?  The ambiance and the romanticism of the affair will make it a wedding to remember and that should be worth it.  Besides, “destination weddings” could end up costing less by making it more intimate with just the couple, immediate family members and a few close friends.  
 
So what do you do?  Where do you start?
 
Start with yourself.  What kind of wedding do you want?  Do you want to be married in a castle, at the beach, at a hilltop, in a world-famous cathedral or in a renowned garden?  Once you’ve decided on the kind of venue you want, you can choose the best country where you can find these venues.
 
 
The oldest cathedrals in the world are found in Europe.  The basic element of cathedral weddings is the strict adherence to traditional Christian precepts – minimum age requirement, parental guidance, certificates of baptism of the bride and the groom, a white gown for the bride and a ceremony that should include a liturgy.  Aside from these, other aspects – grand choir, lengthy entourage, and flamboyant church decors – are all optional.
 
For gardens, beaches, hilltops, castles and other venues, the list of requirements vary depending on the country.  
 
The first thing to do is to get as much information about weddings in the venue.  This can be done online.  Websites and brochures will normally have a list of what is required.  If the place is a national treasure, your local embassy would have this too.  
 
There will also be paperwork to do and you’ll need to take care of legal matters.  Gather all the papers you will need – birth certificates, passports, proofs of identity, etc.  Make copies of everything.
 
You have to make sure of the requirements for the validity of the wedding ceremony in the country of your choice.  Coordinate with your own consulate in that country for guidelines.  Also, determine if the country requires a minimum residency period for people who get married there, and keep that in mind when making the preparations.
 
As for your list of guests, you will have to be firm about this.  Many people will want the chance to travel, so choose well.
 
Once you’ve decided what you want, you can begin to shop for a wedding coordinator in that country to do all the work for you.  Or you can opt to coordinate yourself and enjoy the thrills of getting into the details.  Either way, you are just beginning the exciting journey to being married.
 
Good luck!
 
 

Monday 19 April 2010

How To Plan Your Wedding: 8 things you need to do!

What you are about to read will help you to get your wedding plans started and keep you organized.
 
Planning your wedding is not an easy task. In fact, it can be quite stressful and a trying time, especially as your big day gets closer and closer. 
 
Couples are very concerned and worry about coordinating all the details and make sure everything goes to plan. To help you get started and on track here are 8 things you need to do:
 
Step 1: Setting the date - 
One of the most important details of the wedding you and your spouse have to decide upon is the actual date of the wedding. This should be taken cared of first and the factors in choosing a date includes the availability of the venue where the wedding will take place and the availability of friends and family.
 
Step 2: The Budget -
This is also a very important step, even before you start to make your plans. Know how much you want to spend for each detail of your wedding. With the average wedding costing approximately $20,000 you certainly want to setup a budget for each detail so you don't find yourself over extending. 
 
Step 3: Your Venue -
Where your wedding reception will take place. Looking for a place to have your wedding certainly is important and it is also the biggest chunk of your budget besides your honeymoon. But there are ways to reduce this cost. Here are a few tips to help with your decision when choosing your venue.
 
Some venues will offer you a discount on days when traditionally weddings are not held. Also the time of year and day will also become a factor in this expense. 
 
For example, certain weekdays and Sunday, as well as mornings and afternoon receptions are typically cheaper. Another point, usually after a holiday, is not considered a peak time and again the price tends to be less expensive.
 
Step 4: The size of your wedding -
It is very important to talk with your future spouse about the size of your wedding that you both have in mind. 
 
A dream wedding for one may not be that of the other. So it is important to discuss these details regarding the arrangement of the wedding such as, location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited, and the choice of entertainment. 
 
Step 5: Photographs/Videographer -
Sure your friends and family will be taking pictures and some of them will own camcorders. But for this special occasion you will want to consider a professional because you want something very special, lasting and visually presentable. 
 
Step 6: The cake -
Dont forget the cake! When in search for your wedding cake it's best to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. To make this fun invite some friends and family to the tasting!
 
Step 7: Ordering wedding invitations -
If you want to get creative, you can always print your own invites. This way you can customize them and add your own personal touch to them.
 
Step 8: Your wedding attire -
Don't forget to start looking for your wedding gown months before the wedding day. This way you will have plenty of time to make a selection and take care of fitting. 
 
Also, the groom should make arrangements for either buying or renting a tuxedo. Just in case you encounter some trouble with the fitting, you would have some time to make other arrangements.
 
There you have it. 8 steps to get you started on your wedding plans. Planning your own wedding is really not difficult, being organized and knowing what steps to take when, certainly reduces the stress involved.
 
Now put these steps into action and never look back, you are embarking on a wonderful journey and to help you more with your wedding plans you can find many resources on the internet.

How To Plan Your Wedding

It's the big one. You want it to be right. You want everything to go smoothly. You want to remember it fondly…forever.
 
Something like that doesn't just happen. You have to dedicate time, effort and energy to create the perfect wedding. You can do it, but make sure you give yourselves enough time—and money!—to create the most memorable, beautiful, perfect wedding for each of you. After all, the memory will last a lifetime!
 
A year is the usual amount of time recommended to accomplish this. The budget is whatever you two decide upon, remembering that you do have a year to put aside money from time to time.
 
Use the checklist below as a guide for your perfect wedding. The items are listed in order, so that the first ones should be accomplished right away.
 
1-Church or Civil Wedding?
If it's a church wedding, talk to the appropriate church officials as soon as possible. There are lots of details to go through just to get this part right. Be patient! It'll be worth it!
 
2-The Reception
This may take a long time to arrange, so start arranging it right away. Talk to different caterers and go see the possible venues. Make a list of the type of entertainment you want. Band or DJ, Magician or Caricaturist, the list is endless. Select a few and interview them either in person or over the telephone. Gather all the costs and information you can! Click here if you would like more information about a Wedding DJ.
 
3-The Dress
If you haven't got a theme yet for your wedding, you may want to fix on one at this point. A Renaissance theme, for example, is a popular one, and it makes all your decisions easier, such as the type of Dress—and tux!
 
4-The Pictures
Some of the best wedding photographers book over a year in advance, so get right on it!
 
5-The Flowers
They can be as meaningful as you want. Set aside some time to research the meaning of flowers, as well as the cost.
 
6-The Rings
No single wedding-related objects are as important. Spend the time and money you must to get the wedding rings that will express your love for a lifetime.
 
7-The Invitations
The guest list can make or break a wedding and reception celebration. Take your time on this one! More information on wedding invitations.
 
8-The Honeymoon
You can dream about it throughout the year, but at some point you will have to decide. Make it a place you both are crazy about, then book it!
 

If you've gotten this far, the rest is only logic. Follow through, and it'll be a piece of (many-tiered?) cake!

Wednesday 14 April 2010

Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. Not only does your wedding day have enormous emotional significance, but it also represents months of planning and preparation - and a significant financial cost. Friends and loved ones will be there to witness your special day, and the chances are good that you'll be nervous, excited, and even a bit absentminded. After their weddings, many brides remember little but a flurry of activity and well-wishers, and count on their wedding photographer to capture all of the day's precious moments. That's why, whether you're hiring a Detroit photographer or a Los Angeles photographer, it's important to make the right choice. Here are tips to ensure that you choose a photographer who will make your wedding day extra special. 
 
Experience is Key
 
Whether you're looking for a photographer in California or a Michigan wedding photographer, ensure that he or she has extensive experience. An experienced photographer will have a substantial portfolio that you can review. When looking at his or her portfolio, check to make sure that all of the standard compositions (such as the bride prior to the wedding, ceremony photos, and those with family members) are there, as well as more creative interpretations of the couples' special days. Look for unique lighting and settings, as well as pictures that seem to capture the brides' and grooms' personalities. After all, you don't want a cookie cutter Detroit photographer - you want one who understands you and your needs.
 
Chemistry is a Must
 
You and your photographer should have a similar vision for your special day. You have enough on your plate, and shouldn't have to spend time on your wedding day supervising your photographer. He or she should be open to the shots you have in mind, and you should be open to his or her interpretation of events as they unfold. Put simply, you have to trust your photographer. You can give him or her a list of photos you want taken; after all, the photographer doesn't know that Aunt Betsy is one of the most important people in your life. However, you also need to be able to trust his or her artistic vision, and follow his or her suggestions. 
 
Price is Important, But...
 
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. When it comes to hiring a wedding photographer you need to stay within your budget but still feel confident that you will get treasured photos from your wedding day. A good wedding photographer will have a variety of packages and prices from which to choose. This way, you can book a talented photographer at a price you can afford.

More than Pictures
 
A good wedding photographer becomes part of the infrastructure of your wedding day, and is an expert you can rely upon for advice. He or she can guide you through the maze of engagement photos, rehearsal dinner photos, and other Michigan event photography by offering advice on settings, hair and makeup, and even clothing that will help you to shine. 
 
Ultimately, your goal is to find a wedding photographer that will make your memories last forever. When you hire a photographer who is experienced, whom you connect with, and who has the pricing you need, you'll have a professional at your side who can ensure that you can relax and enjoy your special day.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

Table Decorating For A Wedding Reception

Table decorating for a wedding reception is definitely a big concern for most brides. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money on the decorations to have them look great. Many brides try to combine table decorations with wedding party favours so that the tables not only look great during the wedding reception, but can also go home with their guests. Potted plants, fish in bowls, individual baskets of goodies, picture frames, and other little items can make your wedding reception table look great, but will help cut down on cost because each item will actually be two! There are many table decorations to make for your wedding that will help cut down on cost, too. You can go to the craft store and make decorations with artificial flowers, ribbon, and hot glue that will look expensive but will cost next to nothing.
 
Of course, everyone has to think about money when they are planning their wedding, and when you plan ahead you can have beautiful decorations that don’t look cheap at all! Wedding party supplies can be purchased at discount party supply stores if you are going to make your own decorations or simply want to buy decorations that don’t cost quite as much as the ones that you buy at a bridal boutique. These supplies can be used to decorate the location of your rehearsal dinner, your ceremony, as well as your wedding reception tables and reception hall or ballroom. Wedding party favours such as sparklers, bubbles, and confetti can usually be bought in bulk at such stores as well, which will save you even more money.
 
If you are working with a bigger budget, you can always go for the more expensive decorations, but if you really want to customize your decorations there are plenty of ceremony and reception decorations to make. A mixture of purchased and homemade decorations is often the nicest as you have the beautiful things that you like as well as some things that are special because you have made them yourself to make your special day even more beautiful. Each bride and groom must determine what ceremony decorations, wedding reception table décor, and more is suitable for them. In the long run it only matters if the couple is happy with the decorations, and with so many options to buy and make, every bride and groom can plan a truly unique wedding that they love!
 

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