Parents / Grand Parents

Bride's Father:  In the past a big responsibility of the bride's fathers dealt with the financial aspects of the wedding and surrounding events. Today many brides and grooms are more independent and take it upon themselves to pay for 1/2, if not all of the expenses themselves. * On the wedding day, the bride is accompanied to the church by her father. * The bride's father escorts his daughter up the aisle and gives her away during the ceremony. * If the couple plans on a wedding breakfast, the father will sit next to the bride at the main table during the wedding breakfast. * The bride's father makes the first speech at the wedding breakfast (this is when he makes a toast to the bride and groom.

Bride's Mother: The bride's mother helps her daughter with every aspect of the wedding that the daughter includes her in. Such aspects she helps her daughter with include but are not limited to; the wedding arrangements and decisions, compilation of the guest list, and sending out invitations. The mother should help in any way possible while keeping in mind that this is her daughter's day. * The mother of the bride not only stands proudly watching her little girl get married, but she also sees to it that all arrangements are carried out as planned. * The mother of the bride also stands in the receiving line to greet the guests, along with her husband. The mother of the bride sees to it that all arrangements are carried out as planned.

Groom's Parents:  Although the groom's parents are just as important as the bride's, there are no traditional roles that the groom's parents carry out on this special day. It is also important to make sure that the groom's parents don't feel left out of this joyous event. Today, it isn't unusual for the groom's parents to make a considerable contribution to the event, where as in the past, it was said that it should be a wedding obligation of the bride's family. As said previously it is even more common to see many independent couples who take it upon themselves to pay for 1/2, if not all of the expenses themselves. On the part of the bride, it is in great taste to ask the advice and approval of her future in-laws, and to make sure they are included in as much of the wedding preparations as possible.

Cutting Costs

Vendors: Ask wedding vendors you're dealing with for discounts. Are you or your future husband in the military? Sometimes there will be a discount for military. It never hurts to ask. (Where NOT to cut costs: These will last a life time, your photographer. (Letting your photographer go after the important events, will save you as well, ASK) - Music will make or break your day. If you hire a DJ, they will act as MC, organizer for the day and keep it moving. If they say they don't do that, find someone else, again, ASK)

Note: When hiring any vendors, get it in writing......READ the contract. If you have any questions, ASK. It never hurts to ask, at worst, they say no. Pay with a credit card. If any issues, you can call your credit card company, they will go to bat for you. Cut More Wedding Planning Costs Tips Here:

Replacement for Bouquet and Garter?

Bouquet & Garter:
 
Many people feel uncomfortable, awkward, or get a little out of hand during the traditional bouquet and garter throw. Here is something different to replace that traditional event, and make your reception very memorable and touching. 


Invite all the married couples to the dance floor and have your entertainment person play several lovely, slow songs. Have the entertainment person tell all couples married two hours or less to sit down (everyone will get a kick out of that). Then a few moments later, have them announce that any married a year or less should sit down, then five years, ten years, and so on - until there is only one couple left. Ask the couple to stay on the dance floor while the bride takes a seat and the groom makes a big show of removing her garter. Then bride and groom face the couple, congratulate them on their length of marriage and ask them for their best marriage advice while presenting them with the bouquet and garter! Then the disc jockey can play a song while the oldest and youngest marriage have a slow dance!

Save $$ druing Seasons'

Save Money for Seasons' Reasons:
 
Do you want a garden wedding in the spring? A seaport wedding during the summer? Does the season matter? Peak wedding season is between April and October. (Most popular are June, July August, September) Off-season weddings will save you money and are often easier to plan. Weddings during a holiday can become costly. Hotels could be full and out-of-town guests might not have a place to stay. Guest might appreciate a wedding on a long weekend; but many might have other obligations to family during November / December. 


P.S. Many a bridal party have been late getting to the ceremony or reception due to large events in the area. i.e.: Festivals, Air Shows, Parades. Check for other events in the area so you don't collide with traffic jams.

Wedding Receiving Line????

Receiving Line....To Have or Not to Have?
 
A receiving line of old, usually happened after the ceremony but before the reception. Bride, Groom and wedding party would make a line and all the guests would go down the line to congratulate the bride, groom and bridal party. Some brides and grooms would worry about the line taking up too much time. If you have a receiving line after the ceremony, check with your officiant, there could be restrictions where the line could form. Many of today's weddings opt not to have a receiving line but to use the time after dinner to walk around and great family and guests. Since the bride and groom are the first to receive dinner, they are the first finished. Going around the room to each table is more informal and relaxed way to talk with guests. Take your photographer with you to capture each table with you and the groom. (Guests have more to say when there is not a line of people waiting behind them.)

Tipping at your Wedding

Tipping:
When planning out your wedding, be sure to allow an additional amount for tipping. Wedding Budget Caluclator Here is a general idea on the amounts you should set aside for different wedding vendors.

Remember, these amounts are not set in stone. Plan according to your budget and the type of service you receive from each.
  • Caterer and/or Banquet Manager - 15% for extra special service.
  • Bartenders - 15% to 20% of the liquor bill.
  • Bridal Consultant - 15% for extra special service.
  • Powder Room and Coat Room Attendants - 50¢ per guest. You could arrange to pay a flat tipping fee.
  • Clergy members - $20 or more donation, depending on the length of the ceremony.
  • Civil Ceremony Officials - $10 and up. However, look into this first. Some judges cannot accept money.
  • Florist - 15% directly to the driver who delivers the flowers.
  • Photographer - 10% to 15% for extra special service.
  • Videographer - 10% to 15% for extra special service.
  • Cake Decorator - 10% to 15% for extra special service, or for a difficult/very large cake.
  • Musicians or D.J. - 15% for extra special service.
  • Limousine Driver - 10% to 15% paid directly to the driver.
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  • Article written by: Rose Smith of WedThemes

    Family Advice

    Family Advice:
    From the moment you said "I Do" you will receive all types of advice from all directions. You will get lots of great ideas, some better than others, some will make you cringe......Wedding planning takes time and energy and is very emotional......but one thing to keep in mind; It's your wedding.

    More....
    A flawless wedding is possible all right. But it "happens" when the bridal couple knows how to mix practical detail with the emotional insights and special kindnesses that make their wedding memorable for its warmth.  by:  Dear Abby

    Men's Formal Wear

    Beach Weddings:


    Wedding attire for a beach wedding can be "from suits to khakis" but a suit is still the most common choice, especially for the groom. Look for casual colors such as tan, taupe, light brown, and olive. We stock the smart looking tan suit, but we can also special order other colors. And seek out tropical-weight wool. This fabric looks and feels better in relaxed surf side settings. (Linen and cotton suits wrinkle badly, especially in humid climates, and are not ideal for weddings.)

    Classic Black Tuxedo:

    The Classic Black Tuxedo can be worn at any affair. Black dinner jacket and trousers with a satin stripe, ideal for ceremonies after six pm. Either turned-down or wing-collar with bow tie.

    Today black is the most popular for the groomsmen, but new colors and accessories can add pizazz to your selection. Tie, cummerbund or vest can be the same color as the tuxedo or used as an accent color to match the bridesmaid's dress color.
      

    The Cutaway:

    Grey or black; jacket curves from the waist to about six inches above the knees. Striking contrast is created with a light or dark grey vest, wing-collar shirt and checked or striped ascot with pearl stick pin.