Hopefully you’ve read Bridal Bible Part 1, which is the beginnings of planning your wedding. If not, no worries. This is Part 2, with or without the first installment will give you direction, and help put your mind at ease as well as give you some good ideas for unique favors.
Bridal Shower – You have to decide where the Bridal Shower will be and who is going to pay for this? In some areas of the country, it is customary for the girls in the bridal party to pay for the shower, in other areas, it’s the groom’s mom and in some parts, it is given by the bride’s mother. Also, the Bridal Shower normally is held 4-8 weeks before the wedding and don’t forget to add to your list some cute bridal shower favors.
Select the photographer/videographer – Be very careful here! This is what you will be looking at for many years to come. Check out many photographers and look at their work. Ask him for a couple of references and if you feel to, call them. Again, the best way to avoid any wedding vendor disaster, is word of mouth.
Flowers – Flowers are gorgeous at a wedding, but be careful. This can easily put your budget into the red. Decide what kinds of flowers the bride will hold and what the bridal party will carry. Again, if you want to stay in budget, a single rose is very elegant. If budget isn’t an issue, then go for it! Skies the limit! But remember, references are very important for this also. Once you walk into the reception and the flowers are on the table, you’re stuck with them! But if you add candles to your flowers at the reception as well as some great candle wedding favors, it would look amazing.
Limos – You have to decide if you will be driven to the ceremony and reception by a limousine service or will family/friends drive you. Also, if you go for limos, do you also want one for the bridal party and parents? Decisions decisions decisions… Again, this adds dollars to your budget. If you’re being cautious, have a friend or family member with a really nice car escort you.
Wedding Cake – Find a banquet hall that includes the cake at no extra charge. Many of them do. They’ll just want to know the colors you want on it. Some places allow you to pick from photos of different cakes. There are also upgrades. Be careful with your spending! When you’re looking at the gorgeous cakes, you’ll say, “But it’s only another $100.” Remember, $100 here, $100 there; it all adds up quickly!
Reception Music – Band or D.J. – totally your preference and pocketbook. Bands are generally more expensive, but some people wouldn’t consider anything but a live band. Others could care less. But if you are considering a band, go to wedding band sampler nights. And then speak to the group after. Ask them if they can play your “wedding song” (yes,you have to pick that!) and other types of music that you like. And of course, ask them their price and if they expect to be fed. I know that’s tough to ask, but with prices per person anywhere from $40-300 a head, you better know if they expect that or not.
Honeymoon – Ah…finally…some peace and quiet! Well, perhaps, if you’ve decided to go to a desert island. Be very careful when booking this. Get recommendations from your friends and family. This beautiful event can turn into a nightmare without the right planning.
Mark all of these in your wedding book, each on its own page. Keep a log of every vendor, their prices and any information they gave you that is important. Use this as a guideline. It will make your life easier, and you may actually enjoy your own wedding! Congratulations!
