Invitation Tips

• Allow seven months for the invitation process - one month to choose an invitation, one month for a proof, one month for printing, one month for corrections, one for calligraphy and assembly, and two months for mailing invitations.
• Order 25 extra envelopes. This is important since there are often address list changes and calligraphy mistakes.
• You may prefer the love stamp, but there are many other beautiful, unique choices. Call 1-800-stamp 24 for a philatelic catalogue. Request expedited delivery, or it may take weeks. This requires a special department.
• Be sure to affix the stamp straight on the invitation envelope. Line it up with the envelope top and side and you can't miss.

Food Tips

• Put your emphasis on the beginning and the end of the meal. Guests love hors d'oeuvres. Cocktail time is also when guests are most hungry. Given that most of the drinking takes place at this time, there should be plenty of food. The last food item of your reception is the dessert. A great dessert presentation leaves guests with their final impression of your food choices.
• A glass of champagne for toasts often costs $5.00 to $10.00 per person plus tax and tip. For a 200 person wedding you will save at least $1000.00 by using the dinner wine for toasts.

Florist Tips

• Beware of labor, delivery costs and rentals of receptacles. The centerpiece cost may not be the total picture.
• See a sample of your centerpiece even if there is a charge. Discussions with the florist are fine, but without a sample, misunderstandings occur. Are the flowers too compact or too loose, too bright or too pale, too high or too low? Only a sample will show you.

Band or DJ Tips

• A three hour quote does not mean three hours of playing. Two fifteen minute breaks are expected. These need to be accounted for when writing your schedule.
• Check on the band's electrical requirements. If needed, extra power can be provided by the reception site.

Photo Tips

• If paying for the photographer's film, beware. It is an open ended situation that sounds reasonable at first glance, but is not a bargain, if you wish a large selection.
• Don't just look at a photographer's sample album. Ask to see a proof set. This will show the breath of the pictures he or she takes.
• Tell the photographer about any special photos you want taken during the reception such as extended family or other groups.
• Review with the photographer whether or not you want him to take table pictures.

Video Tips

• In Camera editing is a synonym for "raw footage"
• Rolling carts and large tripods are unsightly and limit mobility. A shoulder mounted camera is required.
• Heavy handed lighting can destroy the ambiance of your room. Some videographers fear their video will be dark if they do not put up extra lights. The accomplished videographers, can adjust to varying light conditions.
  

Hotel Tips

• Arrange for "early check" in to your bridal suite. Can they make this happen? Is there VIP status to speed the cleaning of your suite. Usual room check in time is 3:00 PM . However, 12:30 PM would be ideal for your check in. Another way of being sure is to check in the day before, making your wedding day considerably more relaxed
• If the hotel is not sold out, ask to extend your wedding-guest block of rooms by another week. Watch your hotel block of rooms' expiration date. It is usually one month before the wedding. Get the rooming list and call guests who have responded yes to your wedding but have not made hotel reservations
• Taste the meal you have selected even if you have to pay for the tasting. You don't want to be surprised the day of your wedding.

Ceremony Tips

• Assign someone to watch the Bride's and Bridesmaids' purses during ceremony. The person cueing the ceremony is ideal for this.
• Brides often clutch their bouquets too tight and too high. Many a bride hides her upper torso with her flowers. Forearms should be on the hips and the flowers should be just above the waist.
• Smile is the most important cue to the bridal party as they walk down the aisle. They should look like they're having "the time of their lives".... walking down the aisle.

Reception Tips

• Receiving lines take a long time. Today, most weddings have eliminated this tradition. In consideration of this change, the bride and groom should visit each table during the reception to greet each guest for one moment. That personifies class, elegance and a thoughtful considerate start for a newly married bride and groom.
• Write out the names of the wedding party phonetically for the band leader or DJ to use during their announcement. Ask him/her to practice them at your final meeting so you know the pronunciation is correct.
• Schedule the Bridal Dance and the Father Daughter Dance in different dance sets. The pace is enhanced when ceremonial aspects occur throughout the reception.