WEDDING PLANNING TOP TIPS
6 MONTHS TO GO
CHOOSE A PHOTO & VIDEO-
GRAPHER
The obvious - make sure you fully understand what you're getting and for what price e.g. are negatives included? The person you speak to and get comfortable with should be the person actually taking the photographs. Always ask to see his portfolio to get a feel for his style and creativity. A good wedding photographer will have backup equipment and should have a replacement were he to fall ill on the day. The photographer's attire should be appropriate - make sure!
FINALIZE THE WEDDING PARTY
Determine the number of attendants and then fill these slots with family and friends. The number of attendants will be limited by cost and the physical size of the wedding and reception venues. You may hurt some feelings, but stand by your convictions - it's your wedding!! Be sure to keep your list a closely guarded secret until all who haven't been selected have been told, preferably in person. Pick attendants wisely - are they likely to be close to you on your wedding date?
BOOK THE HONEY-MOON
Make sure your honeymoon place is for couples and not geared for singles, families or specifically for the elderly. Request a double, queen or king bed, especially if you are honeymooning on a cruise. Don't book an early morning flight for the next day unless you plan to be packed and don't expect a late night (unlikely!). All inclusive resorts maximise relaxation but limit sponteneity in where you will dine. Most of all, go by referrals from friends or people who's opinion you trust.
PASSPORT EXPIRING?
If travelling abroad for the wedding or on honeymoon, check your passport and if necessary renew well in advance of travel. To avoid disappointment when applying for visas if necessary, which you should also do well in advance, ensure you have at least a month left on your passport from the time of travel.
ORDER WEDDING DRESS
You may wish to do this earlier - will depend largely on your designer. Have a price range firmly decided as trying on a dress way above your price range "just for fun" could break your heart (or your budget). Agree all the fitting dates ahead of time and make appointments. Find out if the store charges service fees for trying out dresses - some do so don't get caught out. Ordering your dress will be a final sale and you are past the point of no return so be absolutely sure before you order!
BRIDAL PARTY ATTIRE
The bride chooses the dresses for her attendants, who pay for them themselves. Don't allow the bridesmaids to choose their own dresses - you may not want a rainbow effect! Both parties' needs should be taken into account - the different budgets, heights, shapes and skin tones of the attendants and the theme, color and style of the wedding and the bridal gown. Comfort should be top of the list and reusability should be considered. Two piece dresses may help with fitting to different shapes.
ORDER WEDDING STATIONERY
Miniature silk or paper boxes are in with contents to match your theme. The bigger the box and more exotic the material the bigger the bill. Absolute musts on the invite are the full names of the bride and groom, the host and a “request” line – you may want to omit the archaic Mr and Mrs in front of every name. Be sensitive in how you present divorced or widowed hosting parents and partners. Send out early but don’t send to print until you have purchase your website address.
CHOOSE GROOM'S ATTIRE
Usual attire for a very formal wedding is a black tailcoat with matching striped trousers, a white wing-collared shirt, waistcoat, patent leather shoes, studs, cufflinks and gloves. For a formal wedding, a black dinner jacket with matching trousers, a waistcoat, white tuxedo shirt, a bow tie, cummerbund or vest and cufflinks. A semi-formal wedding will demand a formal suit with a white dress shirt and a cummerbund or vest. A business suit, white shirt and tie is usual for an informal wedding.
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