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 Planning that perfect wedding
Rice Throwing
Throwing rice at the newlyweds has been a
tradition that has evolved from generation to generation, symbolizing
fertility. Before your wedding we recommend that you check with your
church or banquet manager regarding their policies on "rice throwing".
Many facilities request that you substitute bubbles, rose petals or
confetti for rice. They are safe and environmentally friendly alternatives
to the customary rice. Rice can be fatal to birds who will often try
to eat them and is easy for your guests to slip on.
Wedding Veils
A wedding veil was originally worn to keep away mischievous spirits
by disguising the bride and eventually came to symbolize chastity and modesty. Today many brides still choose to wear veils, often covering
their face as they walk down the aisle. After the father of the bride or groom raises the veil we recommend that the bride ensure her veil
has been completely removed from her face. It is often common for the maid of honour to approach to bride to ensure that her train is laid
out flat and that her veil is also in place. Many photographs are taken while the couple is taking their vows and you want to ensure the bride
is at her best!
Choosing Flowers
When selecting the best flowers for your wedding you should consider
the location, time of day, season and budget. A plant sprayer for the
bride's bouquet can help keep her flowers fresh all day.
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Grooms' Checklists
To-be-brides often take full responsibility for the planning of their
wedding. They will only consult their partners on a few details and
often get frustrated with their lack of input and excitement. Don't
worry - this is normal! One way to help your partner feel more involved
is to sit down and compose a "to-do" list for him and his
wedding party. It makes it easier for men to help if you discuss what
needs to be done and give them a choice of a few select responsibilities.
www.groomsonline.com is an excellent resource for grooms offering tips
and timesaving hints to help them plan for your big day! Here's a quick
list of some of those responsibilities you may want to suggest.
- Get the marriage license
- Select your tuxedos
- Find a disc jockey
- Select a caterer
- Choose the first dance
- Organize speeches to be made at
reception
Wedding Favors
Your guests have shared a very special day with you and a wedding favor
is a perfect way to show your gratitude. There are endless of ideas
for wedding favors and here are just a few suggestions:
If your wedding is on a special day or season, celebrate it! For example,
a perfect December wedding favor could be a Christmas ornament. For
February or Valentine's Day, chocolate is perfect.
Bottle of wine for your guests. You can go to your local microbrewery
and have your wine made for under $4.00/bottle. You can also create
custom labels, also sold at the wine store and affix them to your bottles.
- Picture frame
- Key chain
Music box
- Wine toppers
- Engraved beer mugs, wine glasses or shot glasses
- Small plants or tree saplings
- Potpourri in bags
- Scented candles or soaps
- Paper, such as small books or journals
- Edible treats, such as chocolates, mints, jelly beans,
mixed nuts
- Donate to a charity on behalf of your guests. Simply
print up a note to tell your guests about your donation.
- For all of your gifts remember to attach an embossed
ribbon or label with your name and wedding date to personalize your
gift!
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Payment customs
Who pays for what? Here's a general outline of what
the "typical" financial responsibilities are for each of the
families. Remember, nothing is set in stone.
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| Bride
or Bride's Family |
- Invitations, personal notes and mailing expense.
- Cost of the reception.
- Cost of the ceremony.
- Photographic and videographic expense.
- The groom's wedding ring.
- Favors. Attendants' bouquets.
- Transportation for the wedding party.
- Wedding dress, headpiece and accessories.
- Lingerie.
- Wedding consultant's fee.
- Groom's gift.
- Guest Book.
- Accommodations for out-of-town bride's attendants and guests.
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Groom or Groom's Family
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- Groom's wedding attire.
- Rehearsal dinner.
- Marriage license.
- Bride's rings.
- Honeymoon.
- Wedding gifts for the bride, best man, groomsmen and ushers.
- Flowers for the bride's bouquet, corsages for the mothers and grandmothers.
- Alcohol at reception.
- Accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen, ushers and guests.
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| Attendants
and Ushers |
- Wedding gift for the couple.
- Bachelor party and/or bachelorette party.
- Travel costs.
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| Security
If you are expecting a lot of gifts or cash at the church
or reception, set up a procedure where some is in charge of making sure
the gifts are secure. This is especially important if your wedding is
high profile. Do not leave them in your car!!! Ferry the gifts home
or some where safe if you have to.
Transportation
- Cell phones or 2 way radios (FSR's)
can keep wedding coordinators, family and the wedding party well organized.
- Add a half-hour to each location
on your schedule. This way you will be realistically on time and you
won't be rushing to the next event to make up time.
- Make a list of who is being driven
in what car on your wedding day. This is one item that (although not
critical) is often overlooked.
- Bring extra cash (small bills) and
Coins for unexpected expenses (Parking, Tipping, etc...)
- If tape sticks to your car and leaves
residue after removing car decorations, first try dousing it with
water and then wipe as much off as possible.
- You can wet a paper towel and stick
it on top of the tape residue to help dissolve the glue. If residue
still remains, try polishing it off with light wax. If after waxing
it still sticks, try buffing them out with some cut polish or polishing
compound. Follow the instructions of the polishes as they could discolour
or remove your paint if you are not careful.
- Gas up all of the cars the day before the wedding.
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