Tips for Choosing Good Wedding Planning Software

When you first dig into the details of planning your wedding, you quickly find things can quickly become disorganized and quite overwhelming. There's a lot to keep track of when planning a wedding, but one great way to help make sure nothing is forgotten is to choose some good wedding planning software, then using that wedding planning software to make sure the best day of your life goes off without a hitch!
Now wedding planning software is not just for brides. In fact, it might be a better idea to have someone else in charge of keeping track of all the details. The bride is nervous, excited and stressed out enough about this big day in her life, so wedding planning software can be purchased for use by a professional wedding planner, a great friend, family member, or someone else who's placed in charge of keeping track of the wedding planning details.
Before buying wedding planning software, you'll want to look around at various offers. Be sure to compare not just prices, but see what kinds of features are offered in the wedding planning software packages you're thinking about buying too. You can get started by searching for wedding planning software with any search engine online, and maybe look for wedding planning software reviews too. This way you'll be able to see how others like the specific wedding planning software packages you're thinking about buying.
Now, what features and capabilities should your wedding planning software have?
1. Expense tracking. Good wedding planning software should offer some kind of way to track expenses and help keep you within budget. Some weddings can run as high as $20,000 or more before everything is said and done, but by tracking all of the related expenses in your wedding planning software, you'll be able to make sure you can meet or beat the budget you've allowed for various wedding expenses.
2. Guest Tracking. Your wedding planning software should be able to track however many guests you intend to have at your wedding. Good wedding planning software won't limit you to just 100 guest entries either, it should be able to handle the really big weddings too.
Other key points about guest tracking that your wedding planning software should be able to handle include all the little things like: Are they coming from out of town? Do they need help finding accomodations? What gifts did they give you and have you sent a thank you card yet? Did they attend various events such as the bridal shower or rehersal?
3. Reception Seating. Great wedding planning software will even allow you to help figure out the seating arrangements for your wedding reception! Seating can be extremely important and complicated at any wedding, and the larger it is the harder things seem to be. Having wedding planning software which helps you manage this though, will help prevent any major disasters on that special day. You wouldn't want to sit Aunt Edna and Uncle Joe together - or even at the same table - if they recently went through a nasty divorce right? So look for wedding planning software which has features that can help you make sure no mistakes of this sort will happen.
4. Reception Details. Great wedding planning software should also allow you to manage all the misc details about the reception too: What foods will be served, what catering company will be used, where will the reception be located, what entertainment will there be, etc. These are all important wedding details that must be arranged and kept track of, so any good wedding planning software should offer a way to do so.
There are many other features you'll find in great wedding planning software. These could include: Music management, vow and ceremonial details management, and having misc checklists and todo lists readily available. So when you're looking around for great wedding planning software, keep in mind all the minute details that will need to be tracked, and be sure the wedding planning software you choose offers those for you.

Wedding Planning Stress Sydrome

Getting married soon? Nervous about the big day? Having jitters already? Learn how to beat the pre-wedding and wedding jitters. Overcome Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome, a term coined by former bride and wedding photographer assistant Victoria Carrington so that you will look and feel your best on your big day!
I was once a bride and I am now the assistant to Sam Carrington, my husband, owner of Sam Carrington Photography specializing in wedding photography. I have combined my experience with my continuing observation of brides and brides-to-be to coin the term Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome. Every bride knows that there is nothing more nerve-wracking than planning a huge event, especially one that will change your life forever (hopefully). How can you be aware of and overcome wedding jitters? The stress of a wedding comes from many sources and the first step to conquering a case of nerves is to recognize the causes of the stress. Stress and anxiety due to a wedding comes from:
- Planning- so many decisions to be made-how will you make the right choices? Choosing photographers, caterers, venues, florists, dress shops and cakes can be a daunting task, especially as most of us in this generation were not taught to entertain. How exactly do you know how to choose the right vendors? Various articles may point you in different directions. Each friend you talk to has a different horror story. The stress begins here.
-Perfection-everybody knows that your wedding day should be perfect right? That is not an easy ideal to live up to in any circumstance. Although we intellectually know that nothing can be perfect, our hearts still want the fairy tale wedding in which every little thing is perfect. Thinking about a breach in the desired perfection can lead to waking up in a cold sweat many nights before the wedding.
-Pleasing-so much of wedding preparation involves pleasing a myriad of others, some of whom may have opposing tastes and requests. At this delicate time of your relationship with your intended life mate, you must pay careful attention to his needs and the needs of his family. But what about your family and their wishes? And where exactly do your needs fit in here? Perhaps nowhere but it will be very stressful for you to figure this out.
-Position-some of the main stress of wedding planning may have to with determining your new role within your new family-to-be and sometimes even with your family of origin. You may need to jockey between your divorced parents or his, step-parents or even between your beau and his parents. The tension can wear you out and make you feel stressed. You may need to be a peacemaker or an umpire. In worst case scenarios, you may need to be block punches from being thrown.
You may be saying to yourself Yeah, all that stress stuff is true but I am too stressed to do anything about it. Anyway, a little stress can not be that bad can it?

Could I really have Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome?

The answer is-yes, stress can be very bad for you, your health, your relationships and ultimately for your enjoyment of your wedding day. The harmful effects of stress are well-known and they impact on your life as you are planning your wedding. Stress causes you to:
-not think as clearly as you should at times. You have a lot of major decisions to make and thinking clearly will be in your best interest. Being able to come up with a brilliant solution to a thorny planning problem will make you look good to your future family too.
-not feeling as good as you should. Physically, stress will wear you down. It will make you feel more tired yet it may make you not rest or sleep well at night. Stress can cause muscle aches, headaches and stomach aches. It can exacerbate pre-existing health problems at a time when you need to feel your best and get a lot done. Importantly, stress can also cause your body to be less resistant to germs and diseases as your immune functions get compromised. You certainly do not want to be sick on your big day!
-Not cultivate relationships like you need to. In this delicate time of navigating what will be the most important relationships of your life, you need to keep a clear head and be able to relate well to others, even those you may not like or with whom you may not have much in common. Stress can keep you so wound up that you do not trust anyone. You do not want that to occur.
You no doubt by now get the point that stress is bad. So what is a bride-to-be to do? First of all, I advise that you relax. How do you do that you ask? If you knew how to do that you would not be reading this article you say?
Well, our next step is to give you some tips on how to keep the stress level down before your big day.
Stress Busters to Help You Overcome Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome
-breathe. I mean it, really breathe. Throughout your long, busy and stress-filled days breathe and remember to breathe deeply and slowly. Taking a deep breath can be an immediate stress reliever. Just remember to breathe slowly. If you breathe too deeply and quickly you could get dizzy and feel faint. We do not want that to happen as you are engrossed in observing the intricacies of wedding cake decorating, for instance.
-brush up on your etiquette. A little please and thank you will build your patience and your character and help you to stop rushing around.
-Pray or meditate. For me prayer is the thing that works. Focusing on the Creator of all things for even a few minutes will make your problems, issues and concerns seem much smaller. Make this a regular habit and increase your quiet prayer time if you find yourself getting more stressed. Reading books about spirituality and similar topics, including the Bible, will also help you to stay focused on what is most important in this life.
-Stay connected to those you care about. It is easy to neglect our relationships when we get busy. Remember to still spend quality time with your groom-to-be after you are finished discussing wedding plans. Get to know your future in-laws better as you are working with them on wedding planning. Keep meeting with your girlfriends and do not feel that you need to discuss the wedding all the time. In other words, do not forget that the world does not revolve around you and your wedding and remember to take interest in what is going on in the lives of others.
-Take care of your physical health. Eat right and drink plenty of water. Get enough sleep each and every night and do not vary your sleeping and waking times too much. Get plenty of exercise, fresh air and sunshine.
-Pamper your body. Use luxurious lotions, fragrant bubble baths and tinted candles to create a relaxing environment for your body to de-stress. Get a massage, pedicure and/or manicure. Just taking a few moments out of a busy week or month on a regular difference can greatly reduce your stress level and help you overcome or even avoid Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome.
-Read a great book, go to a movie or even watch (mindless) TV if you must. Just find a way to lose yourself for a few minutes or hours (preferably using methods that are legal and not addicting).
-Speaking of addicting, it is probably best to avoid the serious stuff. I have seen one too many brides who seemed to be a little tanked up even before the ceremony and I tell you that it does not make for the best photos. If you start using say, alcohol for stress relief and treatment of Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome, you may come to rely on it for your wedding day and beyond. Save yourself some grief and drink sparkling Italian water instead.
-Most of all keep your perspective and have fun. Your wedding is meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, a time of joy to be cherished and remembered forever. Make up your mind that you are going to enjoy the journey as much as you enjoy the destination of the big day. Yes, things may not go exactly as you plan. Count on that and let it go. Yes, some people may drive you crazy. But your wedding day will last in your memory as the greatest day in your life. Choose to be happy!

Wedding Plan News For Your Perfect Wedding

Let's face it. Unless you plan to elope on the spur of the moment, planning a wedding is never easy. There are just too many things to consider - dress, venue, favors, invitations, and menu, just to name a few - that wedding plan news stories about the latest in weddings that contribute to easier planning are highly appreciated.
And these news point to a new direction in weddings that breaks the mould of old-fashioned concepts without taking away the solemnity and the joy of the occasion. Here are some of these new developments.
Change of Guard: Wedding Expenses
Remember the old times when the bride's parents were expected to pay for the wedding expenses? It used to place a strain on personal relationships and money matters on both sides of the soon-to-be-wedded couple. After all, the general rule was that whoever pays had the most say!
The good wedding plan news is that, nowadays, everybody can pitch in with the expenses. This will definitely affect your wedding planning in terms of how big the affair will be, who will be invited, where it will be held and other matters.
Active Participation: The Groom
Remember the times when the groom was expected to just sit back and relax and let the bride decide on virtually everything about the wedding? After all, so the reasoning goes, a wedding is the bride's day!
Of course, this placed unnecessary strain on the hapless bride who must coordinate with the wedding planner about everything from the favors to the venue. And you may have heard of couples calling it quits because of the strains of wedding planning.
Well, the happy wedding plan news that just came through the wires is that grooms are now taking a more active role in planning their wedding. Not only are they expected to become the bride's full partner but they are happy to do be one!
As can be expected, this makes the job of the bride and the wedding planner so much easier. After all, three heads are always better than one especially when the third head is the groom.
Wedding Registry: Make It Appropriate
Again, remember the times when the wedding registry was limited to household items? There were many reasons for this fact like couples were not allowed to live in one house before the wedding.
The good wedding plan news is that, nowadays, you and your groom can decide to list down almost everything that you will need after the wedding sans the usual household items. After all, your house must be full of them as it is and receiving these gifts can add to the clutter.
Instead, you can ask your wedding planner to draw out a wedding registry with a twist. For example, if you plan to spend your honeymoon in a skiing resort, then hotel accommodations and skiing equipment are more appropriate to your needs. After all, wedding gifts are supposed to make the couple -you - happy so you might as well tell your guests what will make you happy. In a very subtle and sophisticated way, of course!
In conclusion, to make your wedding planning easier, you can always hire a wedding planner who can worry about these things for you. Just make sure that your vision still comes true since it's still your wedding.

The Basics of Wedding Planning

Now that you are engaged, where do you start? Although many women fantasize about their wedding day, there is a tendency to underestimate just how much time and effort is required to bring their dream to fruition.

The key to great wedding planning is organization. It is important that one is very methodical to ensure a flawless wedding day. No wedding is perfect; however, with careful planning, many mistakes are avoidable.

Firstly, the couple should select a wedding date that is considerate of all parties involved. A realistic date is usually six months to one year in advance. When selecting a date, be cognizant of holidays and pricing (venues for May and June weddings tend to be more expensive than other months).

Secondly, start a wedding binder. A binder is a useful tool to keep planning on schedule. Divide the binder into monthly sections and label each month prior to your wedding date. Search the Internet for a wedding checklist to assist with a basic timeline. To keep plans on track, set a goal to accomplish each month. In addition, keep several folders in the binder for receipts, contracts, etc.

Next, spend some time visualizing your wedding day. Think about color schemes, themes, venues, etc. Then, select a color scheme and/or a theme that embodies your vision and coordinate everything around it. This process will assist in determining the components required to make your wedding day fabulous.

Subsequently, the couple should plan a wedding budget. Establish budgetary parameters for the wedding ceremony and reception. Set priorities and decide which elements of the overall wedding necessitate the most money. When planning your budget, take into account the size of the wedding party and guest list. Create a realistic budget and be sure to allocate enough money for each component: reception, photographer, videographer, floral design, disc jockey, favors, rentals, honeymoon, etc. If considering hiring a wedding planner, this would be the time to do so. Also, include their fee in your budget.

Immediately following, book the place where the wedding ceremony will take place.

Then, book the reception venue. Popular wedding venues are booked months in advance, so be sure to book early. The availability of these two venues will dictate the date of your wedding; be prepared to be flexible. The wedding meal and cake should be the next consideration. Ascertain whether or not the venue will provide the meal and the cake or if an independent caterer will be needed. In any case, take time and schedule several tastings with multiple vendors.

Select the wedding photographer and videographer based on referrals and work samples. Use a similar strategy when selecting a band and/or a disc jockey. Ask for references and sample mixed CDs. If possible, attend an event where the band or disc jockey is performing.

Deciding on a wedding gown, bridesmaids' dresses, and tuxedos is an enjoyable experience. Browse several different bridal shops or the Internet for online vendors. Pick attire that is complimentary for the entire wedding party. Have multiple fittings to ensure proper tailoring. Following wardrobe selections, visit local florists to choice coordinating floral design.

Look for wedding invitations and favors for your special day online or at a bridal store. If you are creative, make your own. Plan ahead so you have plenty of time for preparation. Send wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Lastly, finalize transportation, schedule hair stylist appointments, register for wedding gifts, make honeymoon arrangements, etc. Refer back to your wedding checklist and use it as your guide. Check off completed tasks to make certain no detail is forgotten. To make sure everything stays on schedule, follow up with vendors throughout your wedding planning.

Wedding planning is very exciting and rewarding. Keep your eyes on the prize and those overwhelming moments will vanish quickly. Organization and time management will guarantee a successful wedding day!

Congratulations and Happy Wedding Planning!!!

Wedding Planning Tips - How Do You Begin Planning Your Wedding?

Firstly warm wishes for the to be couple. These are exciting in one's life and I said this from personal experience. The first thing that pops up is how do I start planning the wedding and from where to begin it. Grab a piece paper/note book to jot down the essentials and these noting will be your rough wedding planning requirement list.

Wedding planning initial steps -

It all boils down to budget whether it's purchasing a car or splurging on the wedding. You will have to be clear of the resources that are available you to. Mark your expenses down by at least 15-25% less so that later on unforeseen expensive do not out you in a fix. You can start your wedding planning from here onwards.

Thereafter what is of utmost importance is whether you plan to arrange you wedding yourself or you would like a professional to plan it for you. Take into consideration your work schedules, if you schedules do not permit you such freedom them it is advised that hiring a professional shall be good.

The professional does the planning for you right from starch and will be responsible for details and any problem that goes with planning. But in case you have a tight budget then its better to do the wedding planning yourself as professional can be expensive proposition.

Wedding Planning Step-by-Step Guide

It is very necessary that you plan your wedding step-by-step even if you hire a professional to help you or you are doing it yourself. Wondering where to find that wedding guide? In case you have hired a wedding planned then they will provide you one. If not then bridal salons and bookstore do have them.

And the Internet is always there. Sites like theknot.com & more such give wedding planning guides for free. While if you like to find more options and search extensively the type "free wedding planning guide" on Google. Further reference can be taken from a guidebook on wedding preparations. Reading a guidebook may lead to newer and exciting ideas on planning your wedding.

How to start my own wedding planning?

When you say how do I start my own wedding planning, it means that to have reached a decision to plan it yourself, which can be quite an experience. Well waiting for what, click online and search a website that has required information to cater to your needs. Here you can find trial wedding speeches for the groom, attendees and also for the maid of honor all for free.

Wedding checklist and wedding planning guide can also found here. A few websites also checklist that are do it yourself types designed keeping in mind those who shall be planning their wedding all by themselves. You can always have a print out of these checklist, but if you rather be in constant touch with the website they shall be able to guide in moments needs. So here's the way to plan for your wedding.

I sincerely hope that I have been able to help you answer a few doubts about "How do I begin planning my wedding". These are times that will never come back so live every moment and every day to its fullest, sets backs are just temporary so never let the stress bug you. Marriage is there to lead life together and involves more than a wedding ceremony.

Step By Step Wedding Planning Guide

Some might say that one's wedding day is the most important day of their lives. It is a union that is only surpassed by the birth of one's children. The key to a happy and well organized wedding is preparation and organization. That is the goal of this step by step wedding planning guide. Some may think that all the hype about wedding planning is just overplay; however that is not the case. Planning your wedding can be one of the most complicated things to do; especially if you don't prepare yourself for the long list of things that need to be done. This quick little wedding checklist should help you get all aspects of your wedding moving in the right direction.

Step By Step Wedding Planning Guide- The Breakdown

Let's break down planning your wedding into 3 sections. First we will talk about the budget, location, guest list and theme for the wedding. Once we have a direction on the where; we will move to the when. Those are the first and foremost things that need to be considered and decided before any further steps are taken.

Then we will move over to all the booking and reservations that are involved with wedding planning. This would include aspects like catering, the band and the photographer. The last thing that we will cover in this wedding checklist will be the maid of honor and the bridesmaids; the best man and the groomsmen; the ushers, the ring bearer and the flower girls.

Step By Step Wedding Planning Guide- Section One

The first thing to consider when you begin planning your wedding is the budget. This is usually a touchy subject; as it is traditionally the parents of the bride who will foot the bill. However; now that we have entered the 21st century; just like many other common traditions; the parents are no longer expected to carry all of the financial weight. The funds can come from anywhere; but the most important thing is getting a realistic estimate of what you will have to spend. Once you know how much you can spend; you know how much you can afford.

The next thing on the wedding checklist in this step by step wedding planning guide is the guest list. Many think that this is the hardest part of wedding planning because it has to be based around the budget. Deciding how many are going to be on your guest list does take presentence, to most people, over the location and theme. This is because of how special this day is. It all revolves around how many close friends and family members you want to share your special day with. Some may want to decide the location, theme and guest list all at once; as these will be the major contributors to the overall expense. Either way; the guest list is a crucial factor when considering the realistic budget you have to divvy up for the other aspects of your wedding.

Now the wedding checklist comes to the location and theme. The further ahead that you book the place in which you want to have the wedding ceremony; the cheaper it will be. Some people are very traditional and want to be married in a church; but for those who want to choose another special place; there are many alternate locations to consider when planning your wedding.

Here are some ideas for planning your wedding location:
The Park The Beach A Place of Historical Significance A Place of Personal Significance At A Family or Friends Home Overseas

Once you have decided on the location; the theme is next on the wedding checklist. The theme and location sometimes go hand in hand. For example; if you choose to have a beach wedding; then the theme will most likely be based around a luau of some sort. After choosing a theme to match your budget, location and guest list; you can move onto the more intricate pieces of planning your wedding; like the actual reservations and bookings. (See section two of this step by step wedding planning guide)

The final aspect covered in this wedding planning section is all about the when. Ask yourself: When do I want to have my wedding? There are 12 months every year. Some are warm; some are cool; some are hot; some are cold. You may want to choose a special time of year that is significant to you both when planning your wedding date. This could be a reminder of when you met, based around a special holiday that you shared, or just simply your favorite time of the year.

People come in all different likes and dislikes; meaning the groom may want to have the wedding in the dead of winter; while the bride may want the flowers to be blooming while she walks down the aisle. Coming to a compromise on the time of year to have the wedding is only one of the many compromises that will need to be made throughout the wedding planning stages.

Step By Step Wedding Planning Guide- Section Two

This part of the wedding checklist covers the reservations and booking of all the fine details of a wedding; this includes everything from the caterer to the band; from the wedding location to the photographer.

When planning your wedding; if one thing is not reserved or booked correctly it could throw the whole wedding off course. Double checking and then triple checking again can never hurt. The last thing anyone would want is to show up at their wedding location and there be nothing there set up. For the most part; booking and scheduling your wedding activities months prior to the actual wedding will save lots of money. Last minute weddings always tend to cost more than ones that are scheduled way ahead of time.

This next section basically consists of the more intricate and detailed tasks that are outlined in this step by step wedding planning guide. This is instrumental to the overall flow of the wedding in general. You will need to choose a caterer for the reception meal. The catering company needs to be reliable, professional at what they do and most importantly offer quality of service and great food. Caterers can provide testing samples during your decision stages to assure that the proposed menu will meet the tastes of the bride and groom.

Coordinating the music is usually a pretty easy aspect of planning your wedding. All that is really needed is a musician, band or DJ that can be versatile enough to meet the music likings of the bride and groom. It is important to seek out a semi professional band; as one of the worst things would be if they never even showed up. You would also want to look for someone who has experience with weddings; as they will need to entertain the guests and keep the mood and events of the reception flowing; leading your guests through a series of predesigned reception events.

So at this point of the wedding checklist; one must first look at the type of music that the married to be couple enjoys together. This same logic applies to choosing your photographer; as this is an important decision because the pictures taken will be wedding keepsakes forever.

Step By Step Wedding Planning Guide- Section Three

This is the final section in this wedding checklist and it covers the wedding party. This part of wedding planning may just be the toughest. Choosing the actual wedding party is very important; not only to the bride and groom; but to the ones who are chosen.

It is a great honor for most to be chosen as a best man or maid of honor; that's a given; but it is also an honor to just be chosen to participate as a bridesmaid, groomsmen, flower girl and/or ring bearer. This is usually what makes up the wedding party; though additional roles and positions can be added or removed depending on the bride and grooms wishes.

Step By Step Wedding Planning Guide- In Review

Though there are other aspects of planning your wedding that should be on your wedding checklist; this Step By Step Wedding Planning Guideshould get you well on your way to making the appropriate arrangements and decisions. The key thing to remember when planning your wedding is the budget. Once you know how much you have to spend; everything else will fall into place!

Wedding Plans & Precious Bridal Tips - Things That Can Spoil the Perfect Wedding Day If You Let Them

Wedding plans: have you made yours yet? Are you to be a spring bride? If so then you need to get things rolling "now" to avoid any last minute hiccups that could spoil your wedding day. You need to be "organized," if not, then "prepared" being the more appropriate word to use for the worst happening. When making wedding plans keep in mind that "two heads are better than one." Having someone at your side along way can help tremendously in the way of coming up with ideas and to help lighten the load. This can be a stressful time for the future bride, however by knowing the things you want and how to go about getting them will have you avoid hours of bridal mayhem. Make sure to involve your future husband with all wedding plans so he has the opportunity to contribute or have his say.

It does not matter how precise you are you can bet something will go belly up on the day. Even the wedding experts can get it wrong sometimes. It only takes the slightest little thing to spoil what may have taken you a year or two to plan, if not longer. Typical mishaps like forgetting to inform the chauffeur where the church service is to be held or mislaying the wedding rings are a couple to mention. If you finalize particular wedding tasks early enough then you're half way there in having a mishap carefree day.

Drawing up a wedding-to-do-list should be your top priority. Put a date in your diary to meet up with them who you have allotted a particular wedding duty to carry out. Keep these meetings regular so you know where you're up to with the wedding tasks. What's been accomplished can be ticked off your wedding-to-do-list. The more ticks there is the fewer headaches. Duties for wedding helpers might include ordering the flowers, baking the wedding cake, sending out invitations down to booking the minister for the wedding ceremony. Let the happiest day of your life stay that way by planning ahead.

The content bride will always look the prettiest on the day more than that of a miserable looking bride.

By highlighting some vital wedding issues will help you get yourself in order to achieve the perfect wedding. If you experience difficulty in planning your wedding, then in all due respect it maybe down to you that is making it difficult. You need to relax and take time out to think and not rush.

There are a lot of steps you will need to take when planning a wedding but taking one step at a time is the answer. Taking too much on at once can cause problems and cause you unnecessary stress. When planning a wedding, you need to make detail planning of the program. Let us begin with the wedding reception, some couples dedicate more of their time to this part of their wedding than any other part of the wedding events. You need to make sure that the venue hall is an ideal size for accommodating all your guests. Estimating the number of guests coming at this stage is not good, it is best to have exact numbers if it is a sit down meal because you could end up spending over the odds. Planning the reception should have you include and allow for the catering, decorations and entertainment.

Involve yourself with the catering and by doing this you get to check the menu with your caterer and change things as you go along. Wedding entertainment like hiring a disco DJ or live band is fabulous for getting people in the mood for dancing.

If you have to much on your plate and have no time to involve yourself with the catering then you will need to get a final head count for any meals to be served concerning your wedding to your caterer. This count should include the wedding photographer and coordinator as well as your wedding entertainment members, such as the DJ or singers.

When planning a wedding it is favourable to have wedding favors. The more unique the wedding favour the more it excites the guest. Send wedding invitations early so your guest will have time to prepare themselves for your special day. Your guest may have book a day off work, buy a new outfit or arrange for a baby sitter so it is important to send wedding invites at least 12 weeks in advance.

Wedding tips

1 Whether your hair stylist is calling to your home or you are to visit the hair salon, remember to wear loose clothing especially round the neck. After your hair has be styled in the fashion you want you don't want to spoil it when removing any garments. A blouse is more ideal with a button down front.

2 If the bridal gown is designed for going over the head then place a pillow case or petticoat over first to prevent any lipstick/mascara smudges getting on the dress. It will also allow the dress to glide over the head without tossing your hair.

3 Don't forget to remove the price tags from the soles off the shoes. This is easily overlooked and can go unnoticed; however not by the people in the church.

4 We all know children are easily bored and "will" get up to mischief at the drop of hat so if possible for the bridal dressing have a separate room for the kiddies to play and an adult to keep them in check. If the flower girls/bridesmaids are of toddler age - dress them last.

5 Keep beverages (coffee tea blackcurrant juice) at a distance if the wedding dress is fitted. Assist young children when thirsty by guiding the drinking cup to their mouth. Spillage is a spoiler.

6 Call the best man on the morning of your wedding day to make sure the groom did arrived home safe from the night before (stag do,) and at the same time ask him if he has the wedding bands. Men have been known to walk up the aisle without socks so keep this in mind.

7 The man's buttonhole is traditionally worn on the left lapel, of course personal preference prevails. Have someone help the men pin their buttonholes because it is nothing new to see a beautiful displayed corsage - displayed upside down.

8 Don't write your speech down on a scrap of paper because it's easy to think it rubbish and gets thrown out. Nerves can have you say things that people may not want to hear so be careful with choice of words. Read your speech back as many times as it takes for you to be satisfied.

Wedding reminders for the to-do-list

Wedding ceremony location
Wedding programs, pew bows, chapel flowers, unity and taper candles
Marriage license and the officiate fees.
Useful pieces to have at your side - scotch tape for the gift table, a guest book and pen.
Have a basket for placing money envelopes in.
Don't forget the silver knife for cutting the wedding cake
Glasses for the wedding toast.

Have a medical/emergency kit close by which should contain, make up and hair spray along with personal feminine items if needed. Other bits are Q-tips, facial tissues, aspirin or Tylenol. The list is endless so you could find yourself packing a case instead of a box. You need to know when to stop, mind you what about a nail file and clear nail polish, a stapler and safety pins, "see what I mean," oh and spare panty hose.

Why not make your special day special for everyone else too. You can do this by giving your guests a unique wedding favor.

Wedding favors are given as a way to say "Thank You" to the wedding guests, - and if the perfect favor is given then you will have very thankful guests.

Wedding favors Ideas

Cookies and Chocolates
Crystal
Guest books
Glass coasters
Photo Album
Silver Items
Bath sets
Unity candles

Check on your wedding plans regular to avoid last minute hiccups.