WEDDING PLANNING TIPS
Function Halls &
Church
- It is not unusual
for ceremony sites and reception sites to be booked one or two years in
advance, so be aware of this when looking into sites. It makes sense to
check into sites before setting a definite date, as your date may have
to be adjusted in order to book a favorite site.
- Ceremony sites may
be the most difficult to find, particularly if you want to be married in
a church but are not affiliated with one in the area where you want to
be wed. It might be best to find the church first before booking
a reception facility, or perhaps even before setting a definite date.
That way, you can still reschedule for a date when the church can
accommodate you.
- Other options for
your ceremony/reception could include: Parks, public gardens, museums,
trains, boats, mountaintop, beach, a "field of daisies", hot air
balloon, hotel, public hall, under a tent, historic homes/mansions, your
own back yard or that of someone you know, Inns/Bed & Breakfasts—the
possibilities are endless!
- Get every
agreement IN WRITING . If the vendor doesn't have a formal contract,
just write down the details as you understand them, and ask the vendor
to sign and date it. Give them a copy if possible. The importance of
this detail cannot be overestimated; without written information, you
are dependent on the memory and kindness of the vendors.
- Determine guest
list/number of people early in the decision process.
- Some couples
divide the list in 2, and each partner can invite half of the total
number.
- Some couples
have their parents invite one-third of the total number.
- Just
remember--it is your wedding, so be sure you can include the people
who are really important to you.
- To cut back on the
number of guests, think about eliminating business associates from your
list, as well as escorts for unmarried relatives/guests, especially
those from out of town.
- Your budget total
will determine many decisions about your wedding, so if you have limited
funds, set a budget amount early. Many other questions rest on this,
such as the type of food service at your reception (buffet, cocktails,
formal sit-down dinner, alcohol choices).
- If your parents
are paying for all or most of the wedding, it may be a good idea to ask
them at the start for the total amount they will be willing to spend on
your wedding, rather than having to "check in" about each item as you
decide upon it.
- Some couples
arrange for a special "Welcome" basket for each of the hotel rooms where
their attendants, out-of-town relatives and guests are staying. It could
include fruit and other snacks, personal care items, and brochures for
points of interest in the area.
- If you are having
several out-of-town guests, you might want to make up a flyer to leave
in their hotel rooms (or mail it with the invitation/directions/map)
that tells them about things they can do while in town. Include
shopping, historic and natural points of interest, and perhaps
recommendations for restaurants
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