Wedding Planning 101

We haven't gone to our tasting yet, but all the reviews I've read online, and the two people I've talked to in real life have said good things about them. and even after all the delivery fees and waiter fees it still comes out to about $15 a person for a full buffet meal.

I think the most important thing is to know what you want. My mom was a little surprised that i went with an elegant feel instead of a big party type thing because I am known for throwing big BBQs where just anyone and everyone is invited, we drink, we laugh, we eat hotdogs. And though i wish i could invite everyone to my wedding, i REALLY wanted it to be something special and different so I had to make the decision to keep it close family and friends instead of everyone. It also costs a lot more then a casual thing- but it's what i really want. And I think I'm doing a pretty good job of making it happen for around $8,000

BREATHE since you and fh are planning this day it should be what you both want but you also need to take a minute to breathe and relax ... it is just one day albeit the most important day but it is stilla day. Take a minute to look at each other and tell him you love him or sneak away for two time ... that is not what you think no bowchickawowwow it is just a minute to reflect on your big day with the fh =] Take a look around and see what you are doing and have done ... remember that the day of to eat a breakfast since you are going to up early and not really focused on eating but on the ceremony. =] OK well two cents said I am going to continue reading enjoy the day all!

First off- if you think a wedding is about the couple only and the brides day- it is not! Thats the first thing I found out when planning my wedding- espeically since our parents are partially helping us out. You need to invite those second cousins or ur parents cousins or friends you dont know- u need to make it a certain day because its better for most of the family etc...of course you can make it all about you but then you may not have many guests coming.

As far as budgeting- maybe underestimate a couple hundred dollars for emergencies etc...we booked a block of rooms at a hilton that had a shuttle at the time and told our guests we had a shuttle for the wedding if they were staying at the hotel. A couple months before the wedding they cahnged management and got rid of teh free shuttle- now we are stuck with a 600 dollar bill for a shuttle van for our guests! Of course I dont have to pay for this- but I already promised it- so I can't back down on that.

Im getting down to the wire I LOVE THIS THREAD!

Centerpieces.

Lots of visuals on this thread.

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/for-the-ladies-that-need-centerpiece-help-lets-add-more-over-100-ideas/7fb10760a40825d3.html

visuals here too

http://www.projectwedding.com/photo/browse?tag=centerpiece&thumbs_page=2

Clip Art

Free Images

www.clker.com

flourishes

http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/flourishes

free dividers

http://resources.bravenet.com/clipart/dividers

more copyright free images

http://www.copyright-free-images.com/nature-landscapes-copyright-free-images/beaches-copyright-free-images/ocean-water-meet-sand-beach.jpg.html

just a few more....

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/?CTT=97

http://free-clipart.net/

http://www.1clipart.com/

http://www.allfree-clipart.com/

http://parenting.leehansen.com/downloads/clipart/index.htm

http://karenswhimsy.com/floral-frames.shtm

~ Monograms ~

http://www.weddingchicks.com/freebies/custom-monograms/

Site that let's you design a free monogram

DIY - Monogram in Office - step-by-step Instructions

http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/diy-wedding-challenge-how-to-design-your-own-monogram-in-microsoft-word

DIY Monogram Aisle Runner

Instructions

http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/diy-aisle-runner-2

or

http://roadtotheaisle.blogspot.com/2007/07/diy-aisle-runner.html

or

http://www.weddingbee.com/2006/12/26/diy-aisle-runner/

OUT OF THE ORDINARY.....

Flower Girls

Pomander on a "stick" ~ Parasol ~ Wands ~ Ring a Bell "the bride is coming" ~ Pennant ~ Banner ~ Kissing ball ~ Blow Bubbles ~ Toss feathers

Ring Boy

Banner ~ Ring a bell ~ Wood cut ~ box ~ flower pillow ~ stuffed animal ~ Nest ~ ceramic bowl ~ flower ~ doily ~ pumpkin ~ groom childhood toy ~ hollowed out book (not shown)

Guest book

scrap book, have a photo album and they can sign by their name, "recipe" cards, Little well wishes cards in a bowl, puzzle, plates, take the well wishes cards and put them in a book later - each envelope has one with the guest name on the envelope so you can find them. Well wishes that get hung in a Wish tree, a typewritter and a VERY long piece of paper, a wood cut, a quilt.

Have people sign the bottles and drink them on anniversaries.

Thumb print tree

A book of images and they sign on the page (destination wedding, you can have a book of the beaches there)

A book of photos of Bride and Groom (engagement photos or images from their whole relationship) and space around the photos for signatures.

Sign colored glass ornaments with a silver pen

Questions to ask when picking a venue

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/venue-questions/a1357321ec52a35a.html

? to ask the Photographer

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/what-to-ask-the-photographer/3ff517ee8f8f9114.html?page=1

? to ask the florist

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/questions-to-ask-florist-before-hiring-them/cfea903778d89506.html

Do I need to have a seating chart/assigned tables?

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/do-you-have-to-have-seating-chart/efcba5f617c9f214.html

Reasons NOT to do open seating

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/psa-open-seating-sucks/81d89409fbf57f36.html?page=1

Photoshare sites? Places to get large prints or photobook?

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/smile-your-on-candid-camera/32c951de0722e513.html?page=1

Trying on Dresses!!!!

shave... legs and armpits.

Wear nude panties that cover your butt. (you'll be flashing your butt, maybe even wear leggings)

and a hair clip... it gets hot getting in and out of those dresses.

Bring a camera and a note book. (some don't let you take pictures but you can write down the designer tag name... and some have style # on the Bridal Shop tag *sometimes they are the designer#, sometimes it is the designer # reversed)

Wear a strapless bra. (some provide one)

Bring some heels.

Don't wear too much foundation - if it is too noticeable they will ask you to wash your face.

Pictures of dresses you like to help the consultant pull good choices for you.

But...Try on EVERYTHING!!!!! NEVER trust the hanger... you may hate it on the hanger but it could be THE ONE when you get it on.

Don't turn away a dress because it is not what you were looking for. Your "dream dress" might not fit your body. Try all silhouettes.

Only bring 1 or 2 people... too many opinions will drive you crazy

Bring deodorant. It gets hot getting in and out of those dresses, you will want to freshen up when you are done.

Bring water and a small snack like an apple or protein bar. Gum?

Any special accessories you know you'll want to wear on your wedding day like jewelry or a headpiece

when you start saying "I like it but not as much as the last one" you know you are getting close - you will start referring to one as "the one"

Don't feel pressured into getting it that day. I found "the one" and still went to 2 stores and tried on more dresses and went back the next week to buy "the One" when I was absolutely sure.

Same goes for the veil and tiara. Don't feel pressured to buy it that day. You may find better deals if you shop around.

and HAVE FUN!!!!!

good luck!

Do I REALLY need a professional photographer?

I can get ________ to do it for free.

Reasons Not to hire a friend/family member Wedding disasters

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/this-is-why-you-hire-professional/8115ce91f866e98d.html

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/went-to-wedding-last-night-bridezilla-pass-needed/81dcdae2197d8818.html

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/advice-to-the-you-please-read/9040a3a833c1ba08.html

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/in-case-you-were-thinking-of-hiring-friend/45bd5520b2fd23e7.html

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/if-had-to-do-it-over-again/ec6c47a6687aaf22.html

Invitations

For awesome photo invites:

www.stylart.com

For traditional and budget-friendly designs:

www.birchcraft.com

Elegant and affordable:

www.carlsoncraft.com

Contemporary and budget-friendly:

www.mcphersons.com

others

http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/

http://www.minted.com/wedding-invitations

http://www.storkie.com/wedding-invitations

etsy

www.vistaprint.com

Tips from Our Married WW - Brides

Discussions posted by brides upon their return from their wedding.

I love reading about what worked, what didn't work, what was a hit, and what wasn't necessary.

Hope you enjoy reading these and that you get some great advice from them

~ Happy Planning ~

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/tips-from-our-married-ww-brides/0658ed00ef0d8911.html?page=1

MUSIC

Great songs that inspire us in the love area

Inspiration for someone lost and looking for the perfect first dance song

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/my-big-list-of-first-dance-songs-for-someone-needing-inspiration/dfe720f0f489bf71.html

Brother & Sister dance in lieu of Daddy/Daughter

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/parent-dances/766cc21803861186.html

Bride and her child/children/step-child

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/dance-songs-for-parent-and-child/39b08ec05c0db340.html?page=1

Never worn/Used Dresses

Bravo Bride

Brideshare

Craigslist

Event Leftovers

Event Swap

eBay

eBay classifieds

OnceWed

PreownedWeddingDresses

Recycled Bride

Also, most of the wedding forums have for sale areas. You might check out:

The Knot Wedding Classifieds board

Kvetch's Sharing Costs of Decorations/Decorations Swap thread

Offbeat Bride's Wedding Swap Group

OneWed's Buy, Sell, & Trade forum

Project Wedding Classifieds

Trash to Treasure

Wedding by Color Marketplace

Weddingbee Classifieds

Picking your Colors Part II

Great find by Cydney J (Cydney M)

Awesome site that puts beautiful color palettes together in which you can browse through.

They even give you different categories to choose from:

Autumn

Edible

Global

Spring

Vacation

Crafted

Floral

Mineral

Summer

Vintage

Creatures

Fowl

Nature

The Sea

Winter

There are a ton of different palettes added and such beautiful colors I wouldn't have ever thought of putting together! What a great way to stand out and be a bit different!

http://design-seeds.com/index.php/search

Timelines? When - What Happens the Day of the Wedding.....

*Talk to your DJ - they do this ALL the time and will have great input on what is normal in your area, how much time is needed for everything

*Talk to your venue - they might have ideas for when a good time for cake is... after all, they need to cut it for you and need someone to serve it - who knows how late they keep the staff on, or when they go to minimum staff

* Talk to the photographer - They REALLY know how much time is needed per Combos - and will tell you how much time to block off for the size of the wedding party and family

~ Morning of Timeline ~

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/please-share-your-day-of-schedule/fe527567358a1a05.html

~ Reception timelines ~

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/wedding-time-schedule/160e7b6b50c89909.html