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Wedding Checklist
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FUNCTION |
WHEN TO DO IT / CONSIDERATIONS |
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| Reserve Wedding Location (church, synagogue, temple, other) |
As soon as possible after the engagement |  |
| Book Wedding Officiate (priest, minister, rabbi, notary, etc.) |
Usually at the same time the location is being lined up | |
| Determine Number of Guests | Needed to determine reception location, and food budget and selection for caterer | |
| Establish a Budget | This should be done in conjunction with determining the number of guests and before proceeding so that you will be able to determine the facilities and services you can afford. Do you want 200 people, hors d'ouevres and no honeymoon, or 100 people, a nice buffet, and a weekend trip? You should have a firm idea of what you can spend before talking to the following vendors. Most of them will have different options for different price ranges. | |
| Determine attire for attendants | Formal, semi-formal, informal | |
| Choose attendants | You do not have to have the same number on each side. | |
| Guest list | Have each set of parents/family make out their guests lists. | |
| Reception Location / Caterer | Be sure to investigate at least three options before confirming your date. Depending on your choices and budget, this may result in two separate providers (e.g., reception with one Weddings of Sarasota member catered by another Weddings of Sarasota member). | |
| Hair & Make-up | Be sure to book a date with your hair and make-up artist for you and your wedding party. | |
| Photographer / Videographer | It's true that "a picture is worth 1000 words" so make certain to choose a photographer who communicates well and will enhance the ambiance of your day - not get in the way. Take the time to visit photographers- on-line or in person and get a feel for their style and view samples of their work. Videography is a “must have” for the modern bride. Make sure you budget for this important part of your wedding day. You will be spending a lot of money on many things for your special event. For a fraction of the total cost, videography allows you to remember all the details. Your wedding video will be the only way to capture the audio of your vows, first dance song and toasts. Remember, your wedding video will influence your memories of the day, so please choose an experienced videographer with an eye-for-beauty to capture your special in flattering light. Your grandchildren will thank you one day ~ how priceless is that? ( This encourages brides to budget for videography early on, instead of trying to come up with money at the end of planning. Many brides regret not having their wedding video taped.) |
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| Florist | Again, talk to at least three different florists. Reserve your date - coordinate specific bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, etc. based on your florist's recommended timetable. | |
| Baker | Reserve your date - coordinate details of wedding cake and other items as appropriate. | |
| Musicians, Disk Jockey, etc. | Reserve your date - coordinate details one-two months in advance. | |
| Set appointments for hair, medical, dental | Hair & Make-up artists book early. Use a professional for your make-up and hair so that you are "picture perfect" for your special day. | |
| Select Bride's gown | Gowns are trending in pastels as well as the traditional white or ecru. Gowns with colorful embroidery are exciting and vibrant for colorful weddings. | |
| Select attendants' gowns and accessories | Attendees often mix their dress styles and wear a rainbow of colors - be creative. | |
| Select china, crystal and silver patterns | This may seem old-fashioned - but it's good to set up your registry and choose the patterns that you want to enjoy for years of entertaining & nourishment. | |
| Register with gift & department store registries | Choose your favorite shopping shots, local or on-line stores and offer a variety of price points for your guests. | |
| Plan the seating for the bridal table, parents' table, and other tables, if applicable | Seating your guests can be a chore. Your coordinator (and you should have one for at least day of) can assist with your seating plan. | |