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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.
If you have any questions email us @ bridalexpoinfo@yahoo.com
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.
If you have any questions email us @ bridalexpoinfo@yahoo.com
Bridal Shower
Survival 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.
Survival 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.
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