| Wedding & Bridesmaid Gowns Whether the Bride-to-be, a bridesmaid or the mother of the bride or groom, If you're searching for a gown, its helpful to have an idea of the style of gown you're after. You can research a variety of styles, fashions & accessories from top gown designers before heading out to your local bridal salons. |
Checklists
BRIDAL ATTIRE
Determine formality of the wedding.
Select and order wedding gown.
Select and order headpiece and veil.
Select color and style of attendants’ dresses.
Mothers select their dresses(Bride’ Mother First, the Groom’s Mother).
Purchase shoes, hosiery, lingerie, garter, and accessory jewelry.
Select flower girl dress.
Have attendants’ shoes dyed.
Schedule your fittings and alterations.
Schedule fittings and alterations for attendants.
Arrange for a pick up of your gown. Will it be pressed and packaged with a tissue in
the sleeves and a bodice mold.
Arrange for someone to take the gown to a reputable dry cleaner after the
wedding for cleaning and preservation.
Do you have something old – something new – something borrowed – something blue.
BRIDAL BEAUTY
Eat healthy, nutritious meals throughout the months preceding the wedding, and drink lots of water.
Have hair permed, cut, or colored 2-3 weeks prior to the wedding.
Get a facial 2-3 weeks before the wedding.
Schedule a massage the week before your wedding.
Schedule a pre-wedding beauty consultation 3-6 months prior to the wedding.
Schedule a make-up and hear styling for the wedding day at least 3-6 months prior to the wedding.
Schedule appointment for waxing or hair laser removal 1-2 weeks prior to the wedding.
Get plenty of sleep night before wedding.
Eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the wedding and have snacks available
if it is a late afternoon wedding.
Get a manicure and pedicure.
CATERING
Decide on the type of cuisine and general style of catering you like for your wedding rehearsal and reception. Research to find the
caterers in your area who will have the capability to of delivering your ideal wedding events. Plan a budget, listen to referrals, and
begin the delicious process of finding the perfect caterer.
Visit as many as 3 caterers: If you already selected a venue find out whether you may use the caterer of your choice or if the venue
uses a specific individual or list of caterers.
Check the credentials: does your caterer have a Certified Professional Catering Executive [CPCE] designation? Is your caterer and
member of the National Associations of Catering Executives [NACE]? The additional training and professionalism earned will server
you as the client, well. Were the catering references exceptional? What did the bridal references say about the caterer, the cuisine, the
service, and the presentation?
Review the portfolio: spend some time reviewing the photo archive of past events. You will learn a great deal about a caterer’s
capabilities visually.
Inquire about customizing: will your caterCer work with you to design a menu that represents your style and remains within your
budget? Ask for an inclusive proposal; do not be afraid to ask if you can change, add, or delete an item.
Taste the possibilities: when you have narrowed your catering search to the final one or two candidates, arrange a tasting session.
Review your search: how flexible, reliable, responsive, enthusiastic and fun is your caterer? How innovative were their ideas about
menu choices and presentation style? Did you feel you could trust them on your special day?
Sign the contract: on the day of the tasting session, when you are comfortable with the budget, the proposal, and the cuisine, sign a
contract and make the initial deposit. You might want to establish a payment plan. The caterer will have date your final head count is
needed when your final balance is due. Payment in full is due before the event. You’ve found the wedding caterer for your special
day.
CEREMONY
Determine the level of formality.
Select and reserve ceremony site.
Select an officiant and plan ceremony.
Inquire about restrictions and notify appropriate vendors.
Attend pre-marital classes.
Select attendants.
Hire organist, vocalist or other musicians for ceremony music.
Select music.
Write vows (if desired).
Reserve Rental Items.
Candelabra
Kneeler
Aisle Runner
Select individuals to read prayers or passages during ceremony.
Schedule rehearsal.
Place officiants fee in envelope and give to best man.
ENTERTAINMENT
Check with the reception site for any music restrictions.
Select a DJ or band, sign agreement, pay deposit.
Read and sign all agreements and be sure that all the details are included in the agreement.
Be sure you receive a copy when paying deposit.
Set a final consultation about four weeks prior to your wedding date to cover all of the details you would like the entertainer to
address on your wedding day(i.e. Special songs, names for introductions, activities to be performed/not be performed).
Pay balances as per your contract.
FLORAL
Decide if you will have fresh, silk or dried flowers.
Select florist 5-6 months before wedding.
Sign agreement, pay deposit.
Bring swatches/pictures of your dress, attendants’ dresses, and mothers’ dresses to match colors.
Ask about floral/decorating restrictions at the ceremony and reception site.
FLOWERS
Bride’s bouquet
Attendants’ bouquets
Flowers for helpers.
Flower girl’s basket.
Corsages for mother and grandmothers.
Groom and Users’ boutonnières .
Boutonnières for fathers and grandfathers.
Floral Decorations for Ceremony
Floral Decorations for Reception
Give florist names, addresses and times for delivery of floral bouquets, boutonnières, and arrangements
Pay Balance
Contact Floral Preservationist
HONEYMOON
Select travel agent.
Select destination and determine length of time.
Request time off from your jobs.
Pay deposit.
Make reservations foe wedding night accommodations.
Make hotel reservation.
Reserve transportation.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Obtain passport and visas if needed
Shop for honeymoon wardrobe
Pay balance
Pick up tickets and itinerary information from travel agent.
Pack suitcases for wedding night and honeymoon.
Leave travel plan information with family members.
Make arrangements for someone to pick up the mail
and newspapers, feed pets, water plants, and watch house.
INVITATIONS
Finalize guest list and determine number of invitations to order.
Order invitations three to four months before the wedding.
Determine if you want engraved or thermo graphed invitations. Engraved invitations take six to eight weeks to order.
Select Paper, Script, Ink, Color, Wording, & Format
Invitations
Wedding Programs
Enclosures
Response Cards
Announcements
Thank You Notes
Reception Cards
Place Cards
Pew Cards
Maps
Personalized Napkins
Matchbooks
Compile names and addresses of guests as soon as possible.
Double check all spellings, dates, and addresses on your order.
If necessary, design and print maps to assist guests.
Carefully examine your order for accuracy prior to leaving the store.
Address and assemble invitations.
Take finished invitations to post office and have them weighed to determine the correct postage.
Mail invitations four to six weeks prior to your wedding.
Mail announcements on day of wedding.
JEWELRY
Receive engagement ring and say yes.
Order wedding bands 3 months before the wedding.
Arrange engraving for the wedding bands.
Give bride’s ring to best man to hold at ceremony.
Give grooms ring to maid of honor to hold at ceremony.
Purchase accessory jewelry for wedding day – necklace, earrings, etc.
MENS FORMAL WEAR
Choose Tuxedo Store
Inquire about special offers or discounts.
Select style.
Select colors for cummerbund and other accessories.
Reserve formal wear 2-3 months ahead.
Inquire about damage/stain policy.
Schedule fittings for groom, attendants, and fathers.
Pick-up tuxedos and try on for fit.
Arrange to have someone return the groom’s tuxedo after the wedding.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Select Photographer
Sign agreement, pay deposit.
Inform photographer of date, time, location of wedding and reception.
Schedule sitting for engagement portrait.
Schedule sitting for bridal portrait.
Notify photographer of any restrictions the ceremony site and or reception has in regards to photography.
Decide if you will have formal wedding pictures done before or after the ceremony.
Inform the bridal party.
Give the photographer a list of photos you’d like taken.
Notify the photographer the sequence of events for the reception.
Pay Balance
VIDEOGRAPHY
Select a videographer.
Sign agreement, pay deposit.
Inform the videographer of the date, time, and location of
the wedding and reception.
Inform the videographer of any restrictions the ceremony
site and or reception site has in regards to videography.
Inform the videographer the sequence of events for the reception.
Pay balance.
Give videographer any special music you like included on the video
(if you are purchasing an edited tape).
If your video will include photos of you both as children, give these
to your videographer (again if you are purchasing an edited tape).
WEDDING CAKE
Select baker 3 to 6 months in advance.
Choose shape, size, flavor, icing, decorations for wedding cake.
Order groom’s cake.
Provide bakery with delivery information(date, time, location).
Pay deposit.
Purchase cake knife and server.
Decorate cake knife and server.
Purchase Cake Topper
Assign someone to be responsible for getting the cake knife, server, and cake topper to the
bakery or reception site.
Determine who will be cutting the cake at the reception.
Pay balance.
Arrange for someone to take the top of the cake home after the reception and preserve it for you.
Assign someone to return cake stands and pillars to the bakery.
Determine formality of the wedding.
Select and order wedding gown.
Select and order headpiece and veil.
Select color and style of attendants’ dresses.
Mothers select their dresses(Bride’ Mother First, the Groom’s Mother).
Purchase shoes, hosiery, lingerie, garter, and accessory jewelry.
Select flower girl dress.
Have attendants’ shoes dyed.
Schedule your fittings and alterations.
Schedule fittings and alterations for attendants.
Arrange for a pick up of your gown. Will it be pressed and packaged with a tissue in
the sleeves and a bodice mold.
Arrange for someone to take the gown to a reputable dry cleaner after the
wedding for cleaning and preservation.
Do you have something old – something new – something borrowed – something blue.
BRIDAL BEAUTY
Eat healthy, nutritious meals throughout the months preceding the wedding, and drink lots of water.
Have hair permed, cut, or colored 2-3 weeks prior to the wedding.
Get a facial 2-3 weeks before the wedding.
Schedule a massage the week before your wedding.
Schedule a pre-wedding beauty consultation 3-6 months prior to the wedding.
Schedule a make-up and hear styling for the wedding day at least 3-6 months prior to the wedding.
Schedule appointment for waxing or hair laser removal 1-2 weeks prior to the wedding.
Get plenty of sleep night before wedding.
Eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the wedding and have snacks available
if it is a late afternoon wedding.
Get a manicure and pedicure.
CATERING
Decide on the type of cuisine and general style of catering you like for your wedding rehearsal and reception. Research to find the
caterers in your area who will have the capability to of delivering your ideal wedding events. Plan a budget, listen to referrals, and
begin the delicious process of finding the perfect caterer.
Visit as many as 3 caterers: If you already selected a venue find out whether you may use the caterer of your choice or if the venue
uses a specific individual or list of caterers.
Check the credentials: does your caterer have a Certified Professional Catering Executive [CPCE] designation? Is your caterer and
member of the National Associations of Catering Executives [NACE]? The additional training and professionalism earned will server
you as the client, well. Were the catering references exceptional? What did the bridal references say about the caterer, the cuisine, the
service, and the presentation?
Review the portfolio: spend some time reviewing the photo archive of past events. You will learn a great deal about a caterer’s
capabilities visually.
Inquire about customizing: will your caterCer work with you to design a menu that represents your style and remains within your
budget? Ask for an inclusive proposal; do not be afraid to ask if you can change, add, or delete an item.
Taste the possibilities: when you have narrowed your catering search to the final one or two candidates, arrange a tasting session.
Review your search: how flexible, reliable, responsive, enthusiastic and fun is your caterer? How innovative were their ideas about
menu choices and presentation style? Did you feel you could trust them on your special day?
Sign the contract: on the day of the tasting session, when you are comfortable with the budget, the proposal, and the cuisine, sign a
contract and make the initial deposit. You might want to establish a payment plan. The caterer will have date your final head count is
needed when your final balance is due. Payment in full is due before the event. You’ve found the wedding caterer for your special
day.
CEREMONY
Determine the level of formality.
Select and reserve ceremony site.
Select an officiant and plan ceremony.
Inquire about restrictions and notify appropriate vendors.
Attend pre-marital classes.
Select attendants.
Hire organist, vocalist or other musicians for ceremony music.
Select music.
Write vows (if desired).
Reserve Rental Items.
Candelabra
Kneeler
Aisle Runner
Select individuals to read prayers or passages during ceremony.
Schedule rehearsal.
Place officiants fee in envelope and give to best man.
ENTERTAINMENT
Check with the reception site for any music restrictions.
Select a DJ or band, sign agreement, pay deposit.
Read and sign all agreements and be sure that all the details are included in the agreement.
Be sure you receive a copy when paying deposit.
Set a final consultation about four weeks prior to your wedding date to cover all of the details you would like the entertainer to
address on your wedding day(i.e. Special songs, names for introductions, activities to be performed/not be performed).
Pay balances as per your contract.
FLORAL
Decide if you will have fresh, silk or dried flowers.
Select florist 5-6 months before wedding.
Sign agreement, pay deposit.
Bring swatches/pictures of your dress, attendants’ dresses, and mothers’ dresses to match colors.
Ask about floral/decorating restrictions at the ceremony and reception site.
FLOWERS
Bride’s bouquet
Attendants’ bouquets
Flowers for helpers.
Flower girl’s basket.
Corsages for mother and grandmothers.
Groom and Users’ boutonnières .
Boutonnières for fathers and grandfathers.
Floral Decorations for Ceremony
Floral Decorations for Reception
Give florist names, addresses and times for delivery of floral bouquets, boutonnières, and arrangements
Pay Balance
Contact Floral Preservationist
HONEYMOON
Select travel agent.
Select destination and determine length of time.
Request time off from your jobs.
Pay deposit.
Make reservations foe wedding night accommodations.
Make hotel reservation.
Reserve transportation.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Obtain passport and visas if needed
Shop for honeymoon wardrobe
Pay balance
Pick up tickets and itinerary information from travel agent.
Pack suitcases for wedding night and honeymoon.
Leave travel plan information with family members.
Make arrangements for someone to pick up the mail
and newspapers, feed pets, water plants, and watch house.
INVITATIONS
Finalize guest list and determine number of invitations to order.
Order invitations three to four months before the wedding.
Determine if you want engraved or thermo graphed invitations. Engraved invitations take six to eight weeks to order.
Select Paper, Script, Ink, Color, Wording, & Format
Invitations
Wedding Programs
Enclosures
Response Cards
Announcements
Thank You Notes
Reception Cards
Place Cards
Pew Cards
Maps
Personalized Napkins
Matchbooks
Compile names and addresses of guests as soon as possible.
Double check all spellings, dates, and addresses on your order.
If necessary, design and print maps to assist guests.
Carefully examine your order for accuracy prior to leaving the store.
Address and assemble invitations.
Take finished invitations to post office and have them weighed to determine the correct postage.
Mail invitations four to six weeks prior to your wedding.
Mail announcements on day of wedding.
JEWELRY
Receive engagement ring and say yes.
Order wedding bands 3 months before the wedding.
Arrange engraving for the wedding bands.
Give bride’s ring to best man to hold at ceremony.
Give grooms ring to maid of honor to hold at ceremony.
Purchase accessory jewelry for wedding day – necklace, earrings, etc.
MENS FORMAL WEAR
Choose Tuxedo Store
Inquire about special offers or discounts.
Select style.
Select colors for cummerbund and other accessories.
Reserve formal wear 2-3 months ahead.
Inquire about damage/stain policy.
Schedule fittings for groom, attendants, and fathers.
Pick-up tuxedos and try on for fit.
Arrange to have someone return the groom’s tuxedo after the wedding.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Select Photographer
Sign agreement, pay deposit.
Inform photographer of date, time, location of wedding and reception.
Schedule sitting for engagement portrait.
Schedule sitting for bridal portrait.
Notify photographer of any restrictions the ceremony site and or reception has in regards to photography.
Decide if you will have formal wedding pictures done before or after the ceremony.
Inform the bridal party.
Give the photographer a list of photos you’d like taken.
Notify the photographer the sequence of events for the reception.
Pay Balance
VIDEOGRAPHY
Select a videographer.
Sign agreement, pay deposit.
Inform the videographer of the date, time, and location of
the wedding and reception.
Inform the videographer of any restrictions the ceremony
site and or reception site has in regards to videography.
Inform the videographer the sequence of events for the reception.
Pay balance.
Give videographer any special music you like included on the video
(if you are purchasing an edited tape).
If your video will include photos of you both as children, give these
to your videographer (again if you are purchasing an edited tape).
WEDDING CAKE
Select baker 3 to 6 months in advance.
Choose shape, size, flavor, icing, decorations for wedding cake.
Order groom’s cake.
Provide bakery with delivery information(date, time, location).
Pay deposit.
Purchase cake knife and server.
Decorate cake knife and server.
Purchase Cake Topper
Assign someone to be responsible for getting the cake knife, server, and cake topper to the
bakery or reception site.
Determine who will be cutting the cake at the reception.
Pay balance.
Arrange for someone to take the top of the cake home after the reception and preserve it for you.
Assign someone to return cake stands and pillars to the bakery.
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Guide
ELEVEN EASY STEPS FOR A
GREAT SHOWER
Showering the bride with
friendship and love is the
purpose of a bridal shower. Use
our eleven tips below, and you
are on your way to lovely
shower she will remember
forever!
1. Who will plan
Typically, the host of the party
is the bride's maid. The bride's
maid and bride work the details
together. If it is a surprise
shower, then the bride's family
helps out.
2. Budget
The bride's maid is traditionally
responsible the expenses. The
bride's family often helps by
providing the location and/or
invitations. Determine how
much the shower can cost.
3. Guest List
Organize your guest list by
asking the bride and groom
who they would like to have at
the shower. Usually the bride
and groom's mother will have a
list of who they would like to
invite. Get address, phone
numbers and email addresses.
Decide if it will be a "girl's
only" shower or "couples".
4. Invitations
Invitations, Invitations can
range from the casual (a phone
call) to the most formal
(printed invitations). You
decide what will work for your
shower. Be sure to include all
necessary information on the
invitation.
5. Theme and Decorations
While you may feel intimidated
about choosing a theme, just
consider the couple. If they
have lived together, they may
not need a kitchen shower, but
the bride would love pretty
lingerie. If they are moving
right after the wedding, cash
will allow them to choose what
they need.
6. Selecting the menu
Although your menu should
reflect your theme, the time of
day is as important, as well as
the number of guests. Do not
try to outdo the last shower you
attended. Make this a day of
relaxation for the bride, her
guests, and yourself. Consider
the amount of time and room
available for the shower, as well
as any special dietary needs of
the bride and her guests.
7. Location
Choose a location that is easy
to get to and will accommodate
the needs of the party. If you
are planning a theme, consider
matching the location. Have an
idea of how many people you
expect before arranging any
final details.
8. Select the date
The bridal shower is normally
week before the wedding.
Showers are held on weekends
and during the week. Try to
make the time and day
convenient for everyone
including any out-of-town
guests.
Folklore:"marry in July..."
9. Selecting the time
If most of the guests attending
the shower work, then an
evening or weekend shower will
probably work best. Consider a
weeknight for a change of pace.
This will give everyone a night
out, rather than a weekend day
away from their spouses or
boyfriends. If the weekend is
the only time that will work for
you, try to plan your shower
early enough in the day for all
who must travel to attend.
10. Games
Every fun bridal shower
includes at least one game. And
don't forget the prizes!
11. Entertainment
Make sure as guests arrive,
they are introduced to one
another. One way to break the
ice is to provide name tags with
a small note, such as, "I
attended grammar school with
Susie". This is a sure way to
start conversations. Make sure
to offer your guests liquid
refreshments and whatever
else you have provided. Set the
mood with lighted candles,
flowers, and decorations. You
want your guests to enjoy the
day (or evening) as much as the
guest of honor.
ELEVEN EASY STEPS FOR A
GREAT SHOWER
Showering the bride with
friendship and love is the
purpose of a bridal shower. Use
our eleven tips below, and you
are on your way to lovely
shower she will remember
forever!
1. Who will plan
Typically, the host of the party
is the bride's maid. The bride's
maid and bride work the details
together. If it is a surprise
shower, then the bride's family
helps out.
2. Budget
The bride's maid is traditionally
responsible the expenses. The
bride's family often helps by
providing the location and/or
invitations. Determine how
much the shower can cost.
3. Guest List
Organize your guest list by
asking the bride and groom
who they would like to have at
the shower. Usually the bride
and groom's mother will have a
list of who they would like to
invite. Get address, phone
numbers and email addresses.
Decide if it will be a "girl's
only" shower or "couples".
4. Invitations
Invitations, Invitations can
range from the casual (a phone
call) to the most formal
(printed invitations). You
decide what will work for your
shower. Be sure to include all
necessary information on the
invitation.
5. Theme and Decorations
While you may feel intimidated
about choosing a theme, just
consider the couple. If they
have lived together, they may
not need a kitchen shower, but
the bride would love pretty
lingerie. If they are moving
right after the wedding, cash
will allow them to choose what
they need.
6. Selecting the menu
Although your menu should
reflect your theme, the time of
day is as important, as well as
the number of guests. Do not
try to outdo the last shower you
attended. Make this a day of
relaxation for the bride, her
guests, and yourself. Consider
the amount of time and room
available for the shower, as well
as any special dietary needs of
the bride and her guests.
7. Location
Choose a location that is easy
to get to and will accommodate
the needs of the party. If you
are planning a theme, consider
matching the location. Have an
idea of how many people you
expect before arranging any
final details.
8. Select the date
The bridal shower is normally
week before the wedding.
Showers are held on weekends
and during the week. Try to
make the time and day
convenient for everyone
including any out-of-town
guests.
Folklore:"marry in July..."
9. Selecting the time
If most of the guests attending
the shower work, then an
evening or weekend shower will
probably work best. Consider a
weeknight for a change of pace.
This will give everyone a night
out, rather than a weekend day
away from their spouses or
boyfriends. If the weekend is
the only time that will work for
you, try to plan your shower
early enough in the day for all
who must travel to attend.
10. Games
Every fun bridal shower
includes at least one game. And
don't forget the prizes!
11. Entertainment
Make sure as guests arrive,
they are introduced to one
another. One way to break the
ice is to provide name tags with
a small note, such as, "I
attended grammar school with
Susie". This is a sure way to
start conversations. Make sure
to offer your guests liquid
refreshments and whatever
else you have provided. Set the
mood with lighted candles,
flowers, and decorations. You
want your guests to enjoy the
day (or evening) as much as the
guest of honor.
