More Frequently Asked Questions
THE CLOCK IS TICKING
'tick', 'tock'.
You've decided to get married - hitched - spliced -tie the knot - take the long walk down the narrow aisle.
CONGRATULATIONS!
'Tick! '
Whatever you choose to call it, you are about to embark on the biggest adventure of your life and for some, it's going to be a gigantic organizational nightmare.
Is it time to panic? Well…yes it is!
Just
think about it.
There's a gigantic amount to do. It will take
over your life. You will eat, sleep, drink and breathe wedding
arrangements. You'll want to do everything yourself, and you'll
think twice about accepting any offers of help that come along.
BIG
MISTAKE!
But before you start hyperventilating and reaching for the bottle
of anti-depressants - take a deep breath, make a cup of coffee,
collapse into the arms of a comfortable sofa and read on. (That's
if you've made a copy of this page.)
Organizing a wedding is all about lists. Make sure that you have a good, thick pad, where you will write everything.
Or, if you are of a more modern frame of mind, a reliable laptop or desktop computer. 'Tock! '
TRADITION
Traditionally, the bride's parents pay for the wedding, while
the groom finds the money for the honeymoon. But today, independent
young people tend to pay a greater proportion of the wedding expenses.
Traditionally, the bride's parents take the responsibility for organizing the entire wedding. But today, your modern working couple, not only bear the major part of the cost but they also organize the wedding from start to finish, with a little help from family and friends.
BANK
ACCOUNTS ANG BUDGETING
Getting married can cost what seems a small fortune, but it's
usually worth every penny. The average cost of a wedding post
2000 is around £13, 000.
"WHAT !?!?!?!?" But you don't have to spend that much. You just have to be careful with the finances. Make every penny count. Shop around for the best bargains.
1- You and your partner should set up a wedding account to house the funds allocated for those expenses that you and he will bear and also any contributions from friends and family.
2- Work out exactly how much you have to spend.
3- Find out who is paying for what and make a list.
4- Make a list of the items and possible costs, then compare the total with the amount of money you already have in the wedding account.
You might have to do some adjustment if the expenditure at this stage exceeds the budget.
TIPS
ON BOOKING SERVICES
Seek recommendations
from friends and acquaintances
THINGS TO DECIDE ON
1- The type of wedding. Registry office- church: SEE
and the
2-
Where to have the reception.
Home in garden (marquee may be required). Click link for
Hotel
(needs precise booking dates, menus and prices ordered.)
Some Hotels are licensed to hold weddings, so it is now possible
to have the wedding, reception and catering done by the same organization.
Some venues insist on providing the catering while others will
allow outside caters to be appointed by the wedding organizer.
If you decide on a hotel consider the following;
a Number of rooms required b Is the premises licensed to serve alcohol c Number of toilets for the number of guests d Can guests stay overnight e Costs per guest f Parking g Can you use the entire hotel or are there other guests h What time can you arrive and is there a finish time i Table decorations j Table arrangements
It is always best to telephone a number of venues and caterers and compare the prices and the savings that might be made if you are able to select your own caterers.
3-
Catering
Is it to be a formal sit down meal or a buffet? The cost could
determine your choice and whether you want to go to the bother
of organizing a seating plan.
Consider special requirements- vegans- vegetarians- kosher etc
Make a short list of selected catering organizations and sample
the food.
Consider proving your own alcohol (no not the stuff you brewed
in the under stairs cupboard or in the garage).
Find out if the venue has a corkage charge.
Consider a trip to France to but wine and champagne.
Click here to read our article on choosing a reception Venue
4-
Stationery
Ready printed invitations are available from stationers. Or you
can have them specially designed on white or cream card.
Or you can make your own on a computer with one of the common
computer programs.
Click here to read feature on cheaper weddings
Below are some of the items that you will need.
Writing Invitations (this is the simplified form. For a more complete invitation writing list, click-
If the bride's parents are the official hosts of the wedding, which is the traditional way, invitations should read: Mr and Mrs Smith cordially invite you to the wedding of their daughter Angela........
If the brides mother is a widow then the invitation should read: Mrs Smith cordially invites you to the wedding of her daughter Angela........
If
the brides mother is remarried then the invitation should read:
Mrs and Mr Jones cordially invite you to the wedding of her daughter
Angela........
If the brides father has remarried and they are the hosts then
the invitations should read: Mr and Mrs Robinson cordially invite
you to the wedding of his daughter Angela........
In the case of the brides mother having been divorced and has decided to use her maiden name, then the invitation should read: Mrs/Ms Smithson cordially invite you to the wedding of her daughter Angela........
If the bride and groom are the hosts, then the invitation should read: Miss Smithson and Mr Robinson cordially invite you to their wedding .......
If a guest is invited to the reception only, the the invite should read: Mr and Mrs Smith cordially invite you to the reception following the marriage of their daughter Angela at........(Venue)
5-
Photography
It is essential you engage a photographer who is not only reliable
and professional, but on the same wavelength as you.
Spend a good deal of time visiting photographer and viewing their
work. Make sure that you look at the full range of shots from
the wedding to the reception.
Discuss the type of shots that you absolutely must have. Remember
as well as the formal shots a photographer can take candid.
Give the photographer a list of the people that you want included
in the official photos and where they will be likely to sit at
the reception.
Ask about development charges and reprint charges.
To read our article on choosing a photographer click Here
6-
Flowers
As many flowers are seasonal you need to check. Remember, out
of season flowers will be more expensive.
Flowers are not only selected for their look but also for their
aroma.
Take into account the colour of your gown when choosing a bouquet.
Flowers should be delivered as late as possible but not late.
7- Wedding
Cake
This could be an expensive item if you have yen for a multi tiered
facsimile of the Eiffel Tower
.There is scope for talented friends and family to take the strain
off the budget.Keep in mind how many people will have to have
a piece of the cake.
A professional cake maker will be able to tell you what size of
cake you require for a certain number of guests.
To read our feature on cheaper weddings click HERE
8-
Rings
Rings do not have to be made of gold. There are other metals that
are also available. Also, diamonds are not compulsory.
Get the advice of a good reputable dealer.
9- Transport
It is customary to have two cars. One for the bride and her father
or the person who is to give her away, if her natural father is
unavailable.The other is for the mother and bridesmaids.
If you live in the country a horse drawn carriage is a good idea.
To read our article on booking wedding cars click HERE
10-
Wedding Video/DVD
Though a fairly new idea, wedding videos and DVD's are growing
in popularity, as they are a true and moving record of what will
be one of the happiest days of your life. Video will capture a
great deal of the action that you will have missed as you swan
about with a fixed grin of the blissfully happy and contented.
Copies can be released to wedding guests and loved ones, who for
one reason or another, weren't able to make the big day.
Always ask for a demonstration tape and DVD from your short list
of videographers.
But
there is a cheaper way of recording the days events!!
Borrow or hire, three or four video cameras with a good supply
of tapes and give them to a selection of your more trustworthy
guests with the instruction that they should keep rolling for
as much of the day as they can manage. Then after the honeymoon
(or even during) have a professional, combine the best bits and
possibly add music and humorous captions.
11-
Gift List
The simplest way to arrange a gift list is to contact one of the
many shops and department stores that offer this service.
It is a good idea to include a wide price range of gifts so that
guests can pick and choose a gift in their price range.
Below are are list of national stores who provide this service.
Regional stores which provide the service:
YEAR LONG- (long) CHESK LIST
DECISIONS
Decide on the type of wedding
Decide on the date
Decide where you would like to marry
Make wedding budget
Decide on who is paying for what?
Make guest list
Choose best man and chief bridesmaid
Decide on honeymoon destination (consider necessary vaccinations
and visas) (Check passports if you decide to go abroad)
Draw up Gift List
Draw up gift list for wedding party
BOOKINGS
Ceremony (see ceremony facts)
Reception venue. (Consider items that are rented such as marquees
and chair and tables and cutlery, napkins, flooring.)
Hairdresser
Manicurist
Caterers
Florists- don't forget flowers for mothers
Wedding cars/ carriages
Photographer
Videographer
Honeymoon
Cake
Musicians (Band-Solo-Duets etc)
Hotel for first night after wedding
Accommodation for guest who have to stay over.
MUST
HAVE PURCHASES
Start looking at wedding gowns (Bride and Bridesmaids)
Organize wedding suits (Groom, Best man, Ushers)
Brides lingerie
Select Bridal accessories- shoes- headdresses etc
Order His and hers wedding rings
Publish gift list
Wedding insurance (optional)
Guest book
Arrange order of service sheets (remember to talk to minister)
Thank you letters for gifts
THINGS
TO CONFIRM
CHURCH WEDDINGS - discuss readings-music- service
REGISTRY OFFICE - booking date
Honeymoon arrangements with operator
Vaccinations and visas
Currency
Hairdresser/Manicurist/Facial
Reception venue
Wedding Cars/carriages
Caterer- Discus menu
Publish wedding announcement in newspaper
Organize wedding rehearsal
Organize dinner rehearsal- SAMPLE FOOD
Send wedding invitations- Include gift list and or arrangements
CLOSER TO THE DAY
Make seating plan for dinner.
Book taxi to take you to first night hotel.
THE DAY BEFORE
1-CHECK EVERYTHING..................
- CAR
FLORISTS- HONEYMOON TICKETS
- TRANSPORT
- TAXI
- PHOTOGRAPHERVIDEOGRAPHE-
- VENUE
- CATERERS
- PACK HONEYMOON BAGS
- ARRANGE FOR BAGS TO BE TAKEN TO RECEPTIO-
- GROOM- HAIRDRESSER
ON THE DAY - BRIDE
- HAIDRESSER
- IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR THE BRIDE TO BE LATE.
- SMILE - BE HAPPY
GROOM
- GOOD, CLOSE SHAVE.
- GIVE FEES FOR THE MINISTER, REGISTRAR, ORGANIST TO THE BESTMAN
ARRIVE IN PLENTY OF TIME
GOOD LUCK
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