Wedding Ceremony CHECKLIST

____  What type of wedding?

____  Location of ceremony

____  Select clergy

____  What are the policies at the facilities and notify vendors.

____  Pre-Martial classes.

____  Wedding party attendants

____  Organist, pianist, vocalist, musicians for the ceremony

____  Choose your music

____  Write your own vows if you decide.

____  Select someone to read prayers or scriptural passages during the

          ceremony.

____  Schedule rehearsal

____  Give the officiant's fee to be presented by the best man. 

____  Rental Items: Candelabra, Kneeler,  Aisle Runner.

RECEPTION CHECKLIST

____  Will the facility accommodate all my guests comfortably?

____  Do they have a dance floor?

____  In-house catering provided or can I use my own? 

____  Does the in-house catering fees include gratuities for their staff?

____  Tables, chairs, linens and decorations provided?

____  Is there adequate spacing, wiring and equipment to provide live

          music?

____  Is there a portfolio of previously held receptions?

____  What are the charges to reserve the room? Time limits? 

____  Cancellation policy. Will my deposit be returned?

____  Do they serve alcoholic beverages?

REHEARSAL DINNER

The rehearsal dinner can be held before or after the ceremony rehearsal. It is usually hosted by the groom's parents. You may choose an elegant formal dinner, a themed dinner, dinner at a Country Club or a casual dinner  at a restaurant . Rehearsal dinners are where the bridal party get together in a relaxed atmosphere to get to know each other and to unwind. This is a wonderful time to show your gratitude to your parents and attendants with a toast or a special gift.   

____  What style of rehearsal dinner? Buffet, sit down restaurant, Country Club

____  Reserved a facility for the rehearsal dinner?

____  Caterer for the rehearsal dinner.

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT CHECKLIST

Entertainment is what makes or breaks the reception atmosphere. Questions you want to ask your entertainment provider are: What type of music do they play? Do they interact with the crowd? What is their attire? What is their policy on alcohol? You don't want a D.J. who can not do their job properly. What time will they arrive and start the music? Do they provide their own equipment for electrical hook ups? What are their guarantees? Make sure you get an agreement in writing.

____  What are the music restrictions at the reception location?

____  Pay deposit 

____  Pay balance

____  Have a final consultation 4 weeks prior to your wedding to discuss all the details such as: what you would like for the entertainer to address on your wedding day, special songs, names for introductions, job description.

VIDEOGRAPHER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Questions to ask your videographer: How long have you been in business and what percentage was video taping weddings? Will you be attending the reception?  What will the final tape look like? Can the groom wear a wireless microphone? Will I receive the master copy and what is included in the package? Will I receive an edited or unedited video tape? What are your fees? Can I see a sample tape? What is your general taping schedule? Tell me about a time when something went wrong? How was it handled?

Questions to ask your photographer: Ask to see their portfolio. Their portfolio will tell the story on what type of lightening, filtering, exposure, experience they have. How long have they been in business and what percentage involved weddings?  Ask to see an itemized billing. Do they include touch ups, how many reprints, deposit required, how many photos will be taken, what size prints do they offer, travel cost.  

Find out if there are any restrictions in regards to videography and photography at the ceremony or reception location. This will prevent any miscommunications in the future.  

Checklist for photographer and videographer::

____  Select a reputable photographer and videographer.

____  Pay deposit and sign agreement.

____  Pay balance

____  Notify the photographer and videographer  of the time, date,

          location of the wedding and reception.

____  Schedule a sitting with the photographer for the engagement

          portrait and bridal portrait.

____  Will you have a formal bridal picture done with the photographer

          before or after the ceremony.

____  Do you have any special music you would like the videographer to

           include.

____  Give your videographer any special photos you would like included. 

____  What is the sequence of events at the reception.

INVITATION CHECKLIST

Your wedding invitation is a personal expression of you. Use some care in selecting that perfect invitation. Invitations should be mailed out 4-6 weeks prior to your wedding. Order at least 25 extra invitations and envelopes in case of any mistakes. Handwritten or professional calligraphy is appropriate for addressing each envelope. Formal titles on the envelopes are preferred. List children's names on the inside envelope on the second line. The rule of thumb is if children names are not listed than they are not invited. Children over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation.

____  Make out your guest list with correct names and  addresses.

____   Determine number of invitations.

____  Order invitations at least 3 - 4 months prior to the wedding.

            Does your order include: Invitations, programs, enclosures, response cards, announcements, thank you notes, reception cards, place cards, pew cards?

____  Do you want engraved or thermographed invitations. These take extra time.

____  Double check your order before you leave the store. Are they printed correctly?

____   If necessary have maps printed.

____  Mail invitations 4 - 6 weeks prior to your wedding.   

TRANSPORTATION CHECKLIST

There are many modes of transportation that you can use for your wedding. You may choose a limousine, a horse-drawn carriage, a vintage car, a helicopter ride, hot air balloon, or a trolley car.  Be creative.

Two months prior to your wedding you need to make reservations. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, if it is a specialty, make sure you get a written agreement. If you are having out of town family and friends that aren't familiar with the area, you may consider reserving a mini-bus to transport them from the ceremony to the reception. 

Questions to ask your transportation service. Can you guarantee a particular model of limo? What are your charges based on? Time, Distance? Rental time? When should I make the reservations? How much of a deposit? When is the balance due? 

____  Select the type of transportation required.

____  Pay deposit

____  Provide the dates, time and locations to the service.

____  Decorate the limo, are there restrictions?

____  Gratuities (The tip for the driver is usually $10.)

____  Pay balance

____  If using your own vehicle, you need to secure a driver.

HONEYMOON CHECKLIST

For the best information it is best to book your honeymoon through a travel agent. They would be able to help you stay within your budget and suggest some wonderful honeymoon locations. You may ask about a bridal registry for  your guests to contribute towards your honeymoon.

Don't forget about your passport. You need to apply at least 4 - 6 weeks in advance. The bride must obtain her passport in her maiden name. The bride's airline tickets and reservations must be made in her maiden name to match her passport.

____  Choose travel agent.

____  Choose your destination

____  Request time off from work

____  Pay deposits

____  Pay balances

____  Wedding night reservations

____  Hotel reservations

____  Travel reservations

____  Passports

____  Airline tickets and itinerary

____  Travel Insurance

____  Honeymoon wardrobe

____  Vaccinations update?

____  Pack suitcases

____  Leave itinerary with a family member

____  Make arrangements for mail pick-up, newspapers, feed pets, water plants, and to watch your house.

Your wedding day is a very special day in your life. Have fun in planning it, be creative and enjoy the rest of your lives together. 

<<Previous Page<<