There are many ways to plan a wedding. The best way is to individualize your wedding so that it suits both you and your groom. Your wedding should reflect your feelings for each other and planned so that you both have "fun" at your own wedding. Surround yourself with the people you care about and the things that make you both happy. Focus on a few details that define you as a couple such as, a special ceremony reading, an unusual wedding cake or flavor, flowers in a style that defines you, or favors that reflect your hobbies.
Break everything down into small manageable portions. Think of the wedding reception in parts: the music, the reception, the dinner, the ceremony, the dresses and so forth. Do everything possible beforehand so you can avoid the pressure of having to handle last minute details the week before your wedding or on the wedding day itself. Try to "delegate" as many responsibilities as possible to others. Have a friend or someone you trust help you with the details. Remember to get your "help" from individuals you like and trust.
We're engaged! Now what?
- Meet the Bride and Groom's family
- Tell your friends and co-workers
- Establish a Budget. Decide on who will pay for what
- Set a time and date.
- Create a newspaper "engagement announcement"
- Decide how big the wedding should be,
- Who will you invite? Who will be the Maid of Honor and Bestman?
- Who will be Bridesmaids and Groomsmen?
- Set a theme, color scheme and your wedding style. This will set the pace. Do you want an inside or outside wedding, sit-down dinner, buffet, brunch, or just cake and punch?
Set "The Budget"
You both must be very honest with yourselves about the expense and what you can and cannot afford. Traditionally, a standard wedding is broken down "financially" in the following way:
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Bride's Side Pays
• Bride's Gown
• Bride's Accessories
• Music (Ceremony and Reception)
• Invitations and Announcements
• Flowers for Ceremony
• Flowers for Reception
• (Does not pay for bouquets or corsages)
• Aisle Runner
• Candles
• Gifts for Attendants
• Ceremony Fees
• Photography
• Groom's Ring
• Reception Expenses
|
|
Groom's Side Pays
• Bride's Ring
• Groom's Outfit
• Gift for Attendant's
• Flowers for Rehearsal Party
• Bouquets, Corsages and Boutonnières
• Honeymoon Expenses
• Marriage License
• Officiates Fee
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Check your state rules and legal requirements: Contact your local Marriage Bureau (usually the city clerk's office) to find out state requirements, fees and the steps necessary to apply for a marriage license. Remember that you must take the appropriate paperwork with you, i.e., your birth certificate, driver's license, proof of citizenship, etcetera. You many need complete blood tests, provide proof of divorce, annulment or residency (if appropriate to the situation.)
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A good rule of thumb in setting the budget is to refer to this table below:
| Expenses | Monetary Percent Figure |
| The Ceremony | 10% |
| Clothing/Attire | 20% |
| Flowers | 5% |
| Invitations/Favors/Stationary | 5% |
| Photography | 10% |
| Reception | 40% |
| Wedding Cake | 3% |
| Miscellaneous (Limo, Gifts, etcetera) | 7% |
Who Will Pay for
What? | Bride | Groom | Est. Cost | Actual | Deposit | Total |
| Marriage License | | | | | | |
| Blood Test | | | | | | |
Consultant Fee
(Optional) | | | | | | |
Newspaper
Announcement | | | | | | |
Ceremony
• Ceremony Fee
• Church or Site Fee
• Decorations
• Organist (Optional)
• Musician/Soloist
• Guest Book/Pen
• Ring Bearer Pillow
• Flower Girl Basket
• Petals or Rice
• Corsages
• Boutonnieres
• Altar Flowers
• Programs
• Aisle Runner
• Candles (Optional) | | | | | | |
Invitations
• Announcements
• Response cards
• Reception Cards
• Pew Cards
• Seating Place Cards
• Maps to Sites
• Programs
• Stamps
• Calligraphy
• Napkins
• Matchbooks
• Thank you Cards
• Grooms Cake Boxes
• Cake Boxes | | | | | | |
Bride's Expenses
• Gown
• Slip
• Veil/Headpiece
• Bride's Luncheon or
• Bouquet Preservation | | | | | | |
Accessories
• Gifts for Attendants
• Wearing
"Something old,
something new,
something
borrowed,
something blue"
• Shoes
• Garter
• Hosiery
• Gloves
• Jewelry
• Hairdresser
• Cosmetics
• Manicure
• Pedicure
• Waxing | | | | | | |
Groom's Expenses
• Tuxedo
• Shoes
• Cufflinks
• Jewelry
• Hat (if needed)
• Manicure
• Haircut
• Gifts for Attendant's
• Accessories | | | | | | |
Photographer
• Wedding Album
• Candid Shots
• Video Taping
• Photo for
Newspaper
• Photo for
Announcement
• Engagement Photo
• Wedding Photo
• Proofs (Ask about
negatives)
• Parents Album | | | | | | |
Reception
• Site Fee
• Hors d'oeuvres
• Main Meal Caterer
• Liquor/Bartender
• Beverages
• Service Providers
• Gratuity
• Favors
• Parking/Valet
• Babysitting Service
• Music
• Wedding Cake
• Groom's Cake
• Cake Delivery
• Cake Cutting Fee
• Cake Top
• Cake Knife | | | | | | |
Flowers
• Ceremony Flowers
• Bride's Bouquet
• Attendant's
Bouquets
• Hairpieces
• Corsages for
mothers and
grandmothers
• Bride's "Going
Away Corsage"
• Boutonnieres
• Main Alter
• Aisle
• Candelabra
• Aisle/Pew
• Reception
• Head Table
• Guest Tables
• Buffet Table
• Punch/Cake Tables
• Centerpieces | | | | | | |
* Bride's attendants, mother's of the bride and groom normally pay for their own gowns and accessories
** Groom's father and attendant's normally pay for their own rental or purchase of tuxedos or suits. |
It is up to the Bride and Groom to decide where "they" want the majority of their money to go. The budget can be tailored to meet your needs and desires. As you can see above, the majority of expense is used for the reception, photography and clothing. You can spend as little or as much as you like. The decision is up to you. Just remember to stay within "your budget."
Now, let's pick your attendant's.
Bridal Attendant's
| | E-mail Address | Address | Phone # |
| Maid of Honor | | | |
| Bridesmaid 1 | | | |
| Bridesmaid 2 | | | |
| Bridesmaid 3 | | | |
| Bridesmaid 4 | | | |
| Bridesmaid 5 | | | |
| Bridesmaid 6 | | | |
| Jr. Bridesmaid | | | |
| Flower Girl | | | |
Groom's Attendant's
| | E-mail Address | Address | Phone # |
| Bestman | | | |
| Usher 1 | | | |
| Usher 2 | | | |
| Usher 3 | | | |
| Usher 4 | | | |
| Usher 5 | | | |
| Usher 6 | | | |
| Ring Bearer | | | |
|
Before you start making e-mail inquiries, create a new e-mail address. You can access one of the free services, i.e., Yahoo, Hotmail, Lycos (and others) to use for your wedding inquiries. Do not use your own personal e-mail account. This way, when the wedding is over you won't have to worry about wedding related spam, pop-ups or ads affecting your personal account.
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The Wedding Schedule
- Select date and time for wedding
- Reserve wedding and reception site as soon as possible
- Select attendants
- Decide on color scheme and theme of wedding
- Set budget
- Meet parents of groom and vice versa
- Begin planning reception
- Select dress
- Choose mother's dress
- Attendants' dresses
- Arrange for attendants' attire
- Decide on type of ceremony, reception hall and reserve
- Find a consultant, caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, limousine and music
- Start looking and pick out wedding rings
- Estimate the number of guests that will be invited from both sides of the family?
- Reserve caterer
- Make sure you taste test before signing the contract!
- Make appointment with officiator (minister to discuss date and time of wedding)
- Pick and order wedding dress now. Reserve Photographer, reserve band or DJ
- Attention Brides: If you plan to wear a long hairstyle -start growing it now!
Six Months before Wedding
- Reserve hotel "Block of Rooms" for out of town guests
- Find out rules of your state or county on obtaining wedding license
- Apply when applicable
- Register for gifts
- Make honeymoon plans
- Discuss rehearsal dinner plans
Three Months before Wedding
- Order invitations and other stationary items
- Start file on wedding party and guests. Names, addresses, etcetera
- Order tuxedoes for groom and his attendants
- Find a florist
- Choose music
- Decide transportation of rewiring party. If rented limo - reserve it
- Hire a videographer
- Order cake
Six Weeks before Wedding
- Mail invitations
- Call and find out the protocol for having your wedding announced in your local newspaper
- Make appointment with hairstylist for a trial run and reserve her for your wedding day
- Bride should plan bridal tea or luncheon
Four Weeks before Wedding
- Purchase or make favors for guests
- Select gifts for wedding party attendants
- Order wedding cake from bakery
- Reserve rooms for guests who need overnight lodging.
- Final fitting date for bridal dress and bridesmaid's dresses
- Make sure you have your wedding license with you
- Finalize menu
- Finalize tux reservations
- Have rehearsal dinner details completed
- Confirm honeymoon reservations
Two Weeks before Wedding
- Send information to newspapers for wedding announcement
- Pick up marriage license (get 2 copies)
- Write thank you notes for gifts you received at showers
Last Week
- Arrange for pick up of any rental equipment
- Give final guest count to caterer
- Double check arrangements with photographer - Make list of 'Must Have' pictures
- Double check with florist
- Double check with musicians -- Make sure they have list of special music and dances
- Double check bakery - Give them date and time where cake should be delivered
- Pick up tuxedoes
Wedding Planning Links
You can search for wedding planning information by going to some of the more popular search engines and simply typing in key words such as: Wedding, Wedding Consulting, Wedding Planning, Bridal gowns, Bride, Brides, Wedding, Wed, Ceremony, Entertaining, and any other words related to weddings in general. A few good search engines are:
• About.com
• AlltheWeb.com
• AltaVista.com
• Ask.com
• AskJeeves.com
• DogPile.com
• Entireweb.com
• Excite.com
• Hotbot.com
• Google.com
• Hotbot.com
• Infoseek.com
• Inktomi.com
• Iwon.com
• Lycos.com
• MSN.com
• Netscape.com
• Opentext.com
• Vroosh.com
• Webcrawler.com
• Yahoo.com
Planning Resource Links
4Marriage.4Anything.com
Information on everything from planning a wedding to maintaining a healthy marriage and starting a family.
PerfectWeddingGuide.com
Local Wedding Guide for your City.
AfterIDo.com
Alternative to the wedding registry. Registry where guests can contribute to your honeymoon trip. Travel planner's help. Links to other wedding vendors and planning help.
AskJeeves.com
Ask Jeeves anything. An excellent reference tool for any questions you might have.
Association of Bridal Consultants
Bridalassn@aol.com
Contact the Association of Bridal Consultants to find a local certified and trained consultant in your area.
Bridal Bargains
Windsorpeak.com
Order Bridal Bargains book or overview the tips and articles at this site.
Bridalplanner.com
Get advice from the wedding expert, read about the featured bride of the month, print out planning worksheets, chat, fill out a survey, read about superstitions and much more.
BridesandGrooms.com
Marriage and wedding guide with information on everything from honeymoons to counseling.
WayCoolWeddings.com
Wedding pages of couples who have already said "I do." Submit photos and details of your own experience after you tie the knot; find resources for planning.
GreatBridalExpo.com
Feature information on the Great Bridal Expo, which is a bridal show that tours the US.
ForeverWed.com
Wedding Planning Guide. Also included is a wedding vendor directory, discussion boards, mailing lists and links to related sites.
ThePamperedBride.com
Wedding consulting. Contact to purchase online and find a consultant in your area.
Adnapnottap.com/wedding.htm
Balboa's Weddings. Wedding store with everything you will need to make that special day one to remember.
MarthaStewart.com
You can't beat the Martha Stewart Site! Loaded with information and tips to have the perfect wedding. Topics include gardening; crafts; shopping (Martha by Mail); Martha's flowers; cooking and entertaining; home; holidays and weddings. Other links as well.
TheKnot.com
Ultimate wedding resource link. Over 3,000 wedding related articles, 6,000 searchable gown pictures, tips, chat-room, information, and planning tools.
The Name Change Kit: Brides-to-Be
WeddingHelpers.com/kit.html
The Name Change Kit is a great tool for brides-to-be: all of your name change needs will be taken care of here.
USWeddingcenter.com
Wide range of wedding vendors and services nationwide.
WomenCentral.theknot.com
Computerized guest list. intended to help you keep track of your guest information. Really cool on-line guest list.
Weddings.About.com
Tips on getting engaged, planning your wedding and making wedding favors.
1800Bride2B.com
Provides you with exclusive offers from leading wedding businesses in your area that may be of interest to you, and its free!
WeddingNetwork.com
On-line gift registry managed by Modern Bride Magazine for engaged couples to register for gifts. Includes retailer directory, planning info, and information.
Wedding.gogrrl.com
Check out this extensive wedding plan site for the latest wedding trends, bridal gowns, planning tips, wedding etiquette and more.
TNCWeddings.com
Town & Country Weddings. Registry section allows couples to specify where they are registered so that friends and family can access information. Complete source for wedding planning, fashion and questions.
Medieval and Renaissance Wedding Page
Drizzle.com/~celyn/mrwp/mrwp.html
Information about period nuptial festivities for those who want a medieval wedding.
DFWX.com
Wedding Ceremony Texts and Vows. Access a huge collection of wedding ceremony text, vows, wedding music and more at this wedding Web ring from Dallas, Texas.
WeddingLinksGalore.com
The Ultimate Search Engine. Links for songs, poetry, vows, ceremonies, bridal shower guide, themes and style!
WeddingUSA.com
Wedding related stories, planning guides; and online consultant; profiles of wedding professionals arranged by state to help you plan your event where you want.
USABride.com
Wedding planning for the bride and groom. Includes gift and shower ideas, weddings songs, wedding tips and more
WeddingHelpers.com
Wedding planning products, services, decorations, name change kits and more.
WeddingCentral.com.au
Wedding Central has all the resources you need to plan your wedding. Find links to many on-line wedding businesses, as well as announcements, photographs and a magazine.
WedNet.com
Numerous wedding related articles with tips for planning. Search other Internet resources, vendors and has a Wed Net library.
TheAmericanWedding.com
The American Wedding Album, planning tools on the web. Everything you need to have for the perfect wedding. Book your honeymoon, plan your wedding, buy a gift, find your dress, and more.
411Weddings.com
Total wedding planning advice on everything from picking your time and date to finding a cake. They offer help on reception sites, setting up an on-line bridal registry, shopping for attendants, home and wine. You can build your own instant web site with photo album.
Gagirl.com/wedding
Tells you the origin of most of our wedding traditions which stem from superstition and are handed down by folk lore. In addition, site offers links for graphics, and e-cards.
WeddingGlobe.com
Contact information for over 500,000 vendors. Searchable database of tips.
Dreamweavers.com
Shopping guides, ideas for weddings and receptions, bridal advice and wedding planning tools, chat and forums.
Affairnet.com
Resources for your wedding and party planning needs. Online directory offers centralized access to a multitude of quality wedding and banquet vendors to help you.
WeddingVendors.com
Professionals listed for brides include wedding planning, wedding planners, wedding music, and wedding photographers. Wedding invitations available.
MyWeddingPlans.com
Hassle free connections to vendors in your wedding city. Type in your zip code and desired specialist such as limo drivers, bakery's, florists or other vendor and get a local list of professionals with contact info.
DesignerBride.com
A step-by-step wedding planner (by designer, Janell Berte.) Features tips, schedules, reminders and charts. Computerized software companion allows you to plan using a home computer. You can also order through Amazon.com.
Cheap-chic-weddings.com
Great wedding ideas including great low cost wedding ideas. Just goes to show that you don't have to spend your life savings to have a great wedding!
WedServ.com
Free Wedding Planning software. "Guiding you through I Do". Offers personal wed site, information with CD-ROM resource guide, access to Certified Wedding Specialists.
WeddingDetails.com
Great planning site. You can announce your engagement on-line for free; buy party wedding supplies on-line. Offers advice on first dance, waltzes and bridal shows coming to your area. They have experts on etiquette and manners, information on the mother of the bride, tradition, culture and photography.
EasiestWedding.com
Experts on etiquette, tips for decorating, the reception, ceremony and more. On-line Wedding Planner. Guest list manager, seating chart, address book and calendar.
NationalBridalService.com
National Bridal Service, founded in 1951, is America's oldest and most prestigious bridal association. We also offer training courses.
WeDoWed.com
Shop online for a wide variety of wedding accessories, favors, cake knives and toppers, gifts, boxes, engraved items, candles, toasting flutes, pens and more. Offering tips for wedding themes has a message board, a checklist, and more. Order on-line
Superweddings.com
Super Weddings™ is a free wedding planning guide and idea center which enables brides to turn their wedding dreams into dream weddings!
WeddingThemes.com
Free tips, hints and ideas on how to throw a theme wedding. Ideas such as Cinderella weddings, medieval, western, beach and more.
WeddingGarden.com
Wedding planning tips, on-line wedding planner and customized directory with an interactive budget, regionalized listings, and powerful search feature.
RefDesk.com
Huge index of Internet reference sites on all types of topics.
UltimateWedding.com
Ultimate Internet Wedding Guide. Site features free newsletter; on-line shopping for accessories; planning articles; live chat; information; tips and more. Great web site with songs and music. Prose and poetry. Vows and ceremonies. Bridal showers tradition. Local vendors. Tips, chat and more.
Integratetheweb.com/itheewed
I Thee Wed. Browse through a wide variety of local merchants that are waiting to help you create your dream celebration.
FiveStarSoftware.com
My Wedding Companion is a wedding planner that covers all the details. It is attractive, efficient, and easy to use." Amazing Easy-To-Use Software
WeddingConcierge.com
On-line wedding directory and resources.
ThePlunge.com
Event planning made fun! Helps with the details. Gives ideas on what to do and locates local caterers and creates a website for your event.
WeddingSoft.com
My Wedding Organizer. Basics of address-list management so you can keep track of invitations. To do lists and more. Software is free for 30 days - then you must purchase.
Bodylanguagetraining.com
Body Language. Want information on body language while you "wheel and deal" with the sales people. Try out this site!
African Wedding Guide
Melanet.com/awg
Resources on new beginnings and "how to's" such as "jumping over the broom," and other traditions.
BridalSpotlight.
Fashionalley.net/wedding.htm
Not just another fashion and beauty guide for the bride, but also contains 10+ pages of links to assist in planning all the details of your wedding.
Celebrations Creations
7601 W 101st St., Minneapolis MN 55438
Have a Cinderella type event. They rent among other things ~ Pumpkin carriages!
Plannersguide.com
Turn-of-the-Century Victorian reproduction Wedding certificates and fans!
WeddingChannel.com
Easy to use site that consolidates and updates vendor listings and supplies. Couples can preregister on-line at various department stores and modify their gift registries on line. Guests can view event information posted on free web pages for couples. Also offering wedding gown links, articles and more.
Partypop.com/forums/Weddings/m10705.htm
Forum for discussing various wedding topics.
WeddingBells.com
Bridal advice, accessories, etiquette sections with tips, rules and advice.
BeachWeddings.com
Learn more about weddings and renewals on some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Have your wedding on Panama City Beach, Seaside or Boca Raton, Fla. Ceremony Vows
Blissezine.com/library/vows.asp
A list of Wedding Vows for inspiration in writing yours from Bliss!
Weddingheaven.co.nz
"Everything you need to plan your wedding."
Dance Floor Etiquette Links
DanceTV.com
Learn to dance on-line. Offering tips on how to ballroom dance, fox trot, waltz and more.
BallroomDancers.com
Learn to swing, foxtrot and more. Free stepby- step instructions. Download dance music, print out the dance charts and take a look at their directory for dance classes near you.
TangoCity.com
Shockwave tango lessons, illustrated step-bystep. Streaming video as well.
BallroomBliss.com
Free ballroom and Latin dance information, video demonstrations, technique, advice, choreography, etiquette, humor and more.
Come.to/ballroomdance
The web surfer's guide to ballroom dancing!
Middletontrio.com
Dance etiquette. All you need to know about dress codes and appropriate conduct at a dance.
Etiquette Resource Links
EtiquetteHell.com
Wedding Etiquette Hell. Funny stories about the Bridal Shower, Bridesmaids and guests.
RulesCentral.com
Learn the rules. For anything!
Etiquettegrrls.com
Postmodern manners. Submit questions and take your chances with the advice from the sites' creators. Funny and smart.
Lenox.com
1-800-63-LENOX
Etiquette Made Easy. Katie Brown, the lifestyle specialist and television correspondent for news programs and E! Style Network, has joined Lenox (the maker of fine china) to develop a booklet called "Guide to Living Graciously. Modern Etiquette: Always in Style." It is 10 pages of information on common courtesy, setting a proper table and tips for gift giving. Free.
EmilyPost.com
Emily Post Institute offers etiquette advice and answers to manners questions such as wedding etiquette, parenting issues and table manners. Provides advice, books, articles, seminars, and discussions on etiquette for the way we live today
Free Legal Help Links
Looking for wedding insurance, need to make a will or sign a pre-nup? Check out some of these legal sites to get answers to your questions or perhaps find a local lawyer.
Lawyers.com
Lots of information on free legal services.
Lawyersonline.com
Excellent web site with information and national directory to help you find the right lawyer for your needs.
ABANET.org
American Bar Association site for state-bystate information on no or low cost legal aid societies, which provide lawyers to people who meet income guidelines. Also, many attorneys provide potential clients a free consultation of up to one hour whereas you can determine if you need a lawyer; get tips on handling the matter yourself, or have someone take your case.
NOLO.com
Inexpensive source to read guidebooks on handling legal problems without an attorney.
Free Advice.com
Free Advice's copyright law information helps the public to understand their legal rights. Use their copyright law forum, and/or visit their state resource center!
CheckMyMate.com
Run a background check. Obtain an online secure, confidential and discreet background check on someone you may be dating or planning to marry. All background checks are conducted by licensed private investigators with access to billions of records regularly utilized by law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Guide2Survive.com,
Guide 2 Weddings - A selection of articles for all the wedding guidance you need 2 Survive!
Magazines and Article Links
ElegantBride.com
Quarterly magazine for brides with helpful hints and advice to make your wedding day go as smoothly as possible. Includes tips on etiquette, a planning checklist and the wardrobe for differentwedding-day occasions
NEBride.com
New England Bride Magazine. Monthly Regional bridal magazine, with powerful planning resources for Brides- in Eastern Massachusetts and So. New Hampshire.
ProposingMarriage.com
Down on One Knee. Creative ideas for proposing Marriage.
DayofDreams.com
Wedding Planner offering tips and services.
IDoForBrides.com
Magazine and website with excellent information and resources.
BlissWeddings.com
Valuable wedding planning resource with bridal guides, articles, wedding etiquette advice, tips, bridal checklists, bridal shower guide, games for bridal showers and more!
CountryWeddings.com
Articles include: wedding consultants, marriage tips, reception suggestions, sample wedding vows, accommodations, honeymoon destinations, romantic country inns and resorts, wedding photography, music, bridal shower etiquette, photos of bride, grooms, bridal fashions, stories, wedding humor, printable planners and much more.
WeddingGazette.com
Transform your wedding inspirations into reality with helpful articles on wedding flowers, bridal showers, wedding favors, making a budget, dealing with Mom, and more. Free newsletter contains wedding trends, tips, shopping, and advice.
PremierBride.com
Blissbridal.com is the premiere bride web resource for wedding planning. Search by category and by vendor for cities and regions throughout the US. Vendor categories include bridal accessories. bridal salons, bridal registries, bridal showers, bridal shows, balloons, bands, wedding cakes, catering, disc jockeys, florists, flowers, wedding gowns, honeymoons, hotels, ice sculptures, invitations, jewelers, reception sites, wedding photographers, limos, videography plus many other links.
TodaysBride.com
User friendly includes a search engine to help you find specific topics. On-line bridal consultant to help with tough problems and questions.
Good Housekeeping Advice
Magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping
Index site for several Good Housekeeping advice columns
Lovetripper.com
Online magazine featuring honeymoons, romantic getaways, destination weddings, and bringing the honeymoon spirit home. On other channels, the Romantic Travel Directory includes a searchable directory of romantic resorts and inns, wedding planners, and businesses you need to plan your perfect honeymoon. Lovetripper Books offers print and e-books on honeymoon and romantic travel.
WeddingBells.com
An entertaining directory for the bride, groom, friends and family. Explore information on traditional and modern weddings and learn how to make bridal accessories and decorations. Check out bridal fashions and find bridal stores and wedding services.
ModernBride.com
Planning website for brides and grooms. Expert advice and local resources to help plan the wedding you've always wanted. Find local Wedding planners, bands, photographers, DJs, caterers, gift ideas, honeymoon travel suggestions and more.
Brides.com
Wedding planning website with advice and local resources to help plan the wedding you've always wanted. Find local wedding vendors, gift ideas, honeymoon travel suggestions and more.
SouthernLiving.com
Southern Living is written for those who treasure the South's proud traditions of gracious living and hospitality. You'll get hundreds of recipes for everyday life, and tips, recipes, travel information and more for those who look at the wedding site.
Oprah.com
Online magazine with hundreds of ideas, lots of information on a variety of subjects and search feature to look at past topics on Oprah's television show.
The View
abc.go.com/theview/main.html
ABC daytime's morning show featuring a team of four women who are different ages, with different backgrounds discussing the most exciting events of the day. The show consists of hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews and general entertainment. View past and present shows that feature wedding information to get links to various vendors and helpful tips and information to make your wedding great!
Auction Resource Links
When purchasing for your home, wedding ceremony, reception or for gift giving; it never hurts to check out some of the auction sites. Here you will find everything from brand new unused items, to slightly used, to antique. There is a wide array of prices, quality and items.
Ebay.com
Wide array of resources such as gowns, favors, books and other items.
AuctionWeb.com/Disney
Disney Auctions. The Property Control Department of Walt Disney World, handles sales and disposition of all equipment and materials that are surplus to the current needs of Walt Disney World. Just about anything you can imagine will show up for auction here at one time or another.
Postal Service Auctions
USPS.gov
Click on news/events to find out when the auctions will be held.
Amazon.com
Great site for books, appliances, services and various other items. Offering specials, sales and more. Well-known service with good reputation. Usually offer free shipping.
UnclaimedBaggage.com
Majority of items are from unclaimed baggage which, after at least 90 days of intensive tracking by the airlines, are declared unclaimed. Selling everything from clothes, to tools, to cameras and more.
Cool Links
PlacesEveryone.com
Software planner for seating!
ChairCovers.net
Nations largest supplier of chair covers and linens. Nationwide shipping.
HowtoCleanAnything.com
Need to clean the house or reception hall? Learn how to clean anything.
RoadtripAmerica.com/Wheels/Oscar.htm
Do you like the Oscar Meyer Weiner mobile. Check this site and see if they are in the area. You may be able to get a visit for a great wedding photograph!
Miss-charming.com
Serving up your ultimate one-top bar and cocktail source resource guide.
WhiteHouse.gov
Contact the White House web site and access the information needed to have the President and his wife congratulate you on your wedding!
Have a Celebrity Attend
Cardboardstandups.com
Boondocksnet.com/cb/standees.html
Want a certain celebrity to attend? Order a life size cardboard Standee. You can have anybody, real or imaginary come. For example, Betty Boop on a motorcycle, Marvin the Martian (with or without his voice). Elvis, Fabio, John F. Kennedy or President George Bush? Not a problem . . . have them stand in.
CelebrityWeddingsonline.com
As seen on Entertainment Tonight, a collection of celebrity wedding certificates and passages used in celebrity's weddings that can make your ceremony one of a kind. Online accessible e-book. You can select from hundred of passages, mix and match and include your own wording, too! Once your ceremony is perfect, simply print it off and it's ready for use.
Social Security Administration
SSA.Gov
Download the forms you need to make a name change or any other social security issues you may have.
Countdownclocks.com
Wedding Countdown Clocks count the days, hours and minutes to the wedding. Includes your photograph, name and wedding date. Perfect for the entire wedding party.
Smile on a Stick
Edwardleigh.com/products/products.cfm
Adorable half masks on a stick. The bottom portion of the face. Great for parties and receptions. Must see link.
WhoDoYouLove.com
Love astrology, love cards, love coupons, love links and more. Fun site!
HollywoodisCalling.com
Surprise your intended with a phone call from their favorite celebrity! At press time of this book, for $19.95 a celebrity will make a 15- second call to a fan giving a traditional greeting, like "congratulations" and "good luck." The romance special goes for $29.95 and allows you to design your own 30-second message to deliver to a friend or loved one. See list of celebrity's.
Guitar Tab Universe
Guitartabs.cc/home.php
Large, comprehensive tablature site that started from the OLGA. Find chords to romantic music and songs.
Myweddingreceptionideas.com
My Wedding Reception Ideas offer wedding reception supplies including wedding reception gifts, napkins, glassware, ribbon, place cards, matches, swizzles and more! Unique wedding reception ideas at unbeatable prices with the quality you can trust
Need a Costume for Your Pet?
BuyCostumes.com
Great on-line costume shop where you can buy a tux for your dog, for the newborn baby and even older children. Selling for adults, mascots, children and more.
Spotswear.com
Are you inviting your dog or cat to the wedding? If so, he/she will need proper attire. Check out the pet wear here.
Doggles.com
"Cool dog," takes on a whole new meaning with Doggles. Doggles sunglasses provide eye protection for "man's best friend." Sizes range from dogs weighing 5 pounds, to dogs weighing 200 pounds. With a tux - your dog will be the cutest thing anyone has ever seen.
Fun Sites
Lovepoemsandquotes.com
Poems, romantic ideas, e-cards and links to other sites of interest.
Romance101.com
"Class in session." Poetry, humor, tests, true stories, games, articles and more.
Links2love.com
Articles such as "The Fine Art of Kissing," movie date ideas, poems, lyrics to love songs, how to flirt and other links of interest.
Romantic-lyrics.com
Large archive of love songs lyrics of all time. They also feature eloquent love quotes and easy to understand romantic poems.
Not Martha
Megan.Scatterbrain.org
Stuff to make, sites to go to and things she uses and loves. Cool site on daily finds, crafts and thoughts.
OneAngryGirl.net
Funny site when you are stressed. Selling Tshirts, Bumper stickers and more.
TheKiss.com
Online kissing resources. Everything from kissing polls, quizzes, prints and more.
Lipstore.com
Decorate your room in lips! They sell an assortment of lip items such as the lip phone, lip lamp, lip cake pan and lip sofa.
TheRomantic.com
1000's of creative ideas and advise on love, dating and romance.
ABCDating.co.uk/kisses.htm
The top 12 kisses of all time.
Blueberryweddings.com
Wedding sites for the U.S., Canada and U.K. Including local vendors by area you live in.
Bridalbabe.com
Wedding makeup kits, how-to's, hints and tips by celebrity makeup artist Janice
Kinigopoulos (Runaway Bride), as featured in Vogue, People Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings and Town & Country Magazine.
Wedding Planning Worksheet
| Wedding Date: |
| Bride's Guest List - Number Attending: | Groom's Guest List - Number Attending: |
| Ceremony Site: | Contact Person:
Phone Number: |
| Officiator's Name: | Phone Number: |
| Reception Site | Contact Person:
Phone Number: |
| Ceremony | Vocalist's Name and Phone Number
Musician's Name and Phone Number: |
| Transportation for the Wedding Party | Limo Company Name:
Phone Number: |
| Caterer | Contact Person:
Phone Number: |
Wedding Gown
Store or Seamstress:
Phone Number:
First Fitting Date: | Final Dress Fitting:
• Place:
• Time:
• Pickup Date: |
Bridesmaid's Gown
Store or Seamstress:
Phone Number:
First Fitting Date: | Final Dress Fitting:
• Place:
• Time:
• Pickup Date: |
Remember to:
• Purchase Guest Book
• Slips
• Shoes
• Stockings
• Accessories |
Wedding Checklist
| Two Weeks Before the Wedding |
| Notify newspapers | Obtain Newspaper
forms for wedding
announcement. |
| Pick up (2) two copies of marriage license |
| Schedule photography appointment for wedding party or bride and groom. | Place:
Date:
Time: |
| One Week Before Wedding |
| Pick up rental equipment |
| Give final guest count to the Caterer | Guest count = |
| Check and recheck video | Make list of "must
have" pictures |
| Check floral arrangements |
| Check music arrangements |
| List special dances and song requests to give to band leader |
| Mail invitations | Date mailed: |
| Make or obtain wedding favors |
| Buy attendant's gifts |
| Wedding cake | Pick out cake
• Check status of
cake
• Make sure cake
was ordered
• Make
arrangements for
cake delivery |
It's a good idea to not give the specific time and date of your ceremony to the newspaper, as it sets your home up to be burglarized. However, if you do want to put a date and time in the article, make sure someone stays at your house during the wedding to "house-sit."
Vendors Phone Numbers ~ keep your vendors phone numbers close at hand. Especially the day of the wedding. Make sure you take your cell phone for any last minute inquiries.
| |
|
| Handy Vendors Phone List |
| Tuxedo |
| Rental Company Name: | Phone Number: |
| Photographer |
| Name: | Phone Number: |
| Band or DJ for Reception |
| Name: | Phone Number: |
| Invitations |
| Order Date: Pickup Date: | Phone Number: |
| Florist |
| Name: | Phone Number: |
| Wedding Cake |
| Name: | Phone Number: |
| Out of Town Guests Arrangements |
| Hotel Name: | Phone Number: |
| Address of Hotel:
| |
| Guests' Overnight Arrangements:
| Place:
Address:
Phone: |
| Guests' Transportation from Airport:
| Place:
Address:
Phone: |
| Guest Parking | Free?
Paid? |
© 2004 by Cathy Lynn
About the Author Cathy Lynn works in desktop publishing and resides in the Washington Metropolitan area with her husband Ernie and daughters Katherine and Caitlin. With two daughters it is more than likely that wedding planning will take place sometime in the future.... After listening to so many brides and their parents worry, finagle, and try to cut costs to have that "perfect wedding," she decided to do a little planning early. This book is a compilation of sites that she found offering bargains, tips, ideas, comparisons and cool trends. More by Cathy Lynn
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