Wedding Tips & Planning Guide

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Early To‑Do’s

• Shop together for the engagement ring.
• Select a date & style (formal, semi‑formal, informal).
• Draft your preliminary guest list and budget.
• Choose your attendants — maid / matron of honour, bridesmaids, best man, ushers.
• Book the ceremony & reception locations.
• Order invitations and arrange a tasting with possible caterers.
• Start a dedicated wedding bank account and spreadsheet / database for gifts & RSVPs.

100 Things To Do Before You Say “I Do” (quick sample)

1. Confirm ceremony date and officiant.
2. Order bridal gown & schedule fittings.
3. Reserve photographer, videographer and DJ.
4. Apply for the marriage licence & schedule blood tests.
5. Arrange honeymoon travel & passports.
6. Write your vows and plan the rehearsal dinner.
7. Pack an emergency kit (sewing supplies, make‑up, tissues, flats).
8. Get a good night’s sleep and have a wonderful day!

Questions to Ask Photographers & Videographers

• Are you the person who will shoot our wedding?
• How many candids vs. posed photos do you take?
• How many rolls / memory‑cards do you usually shoot?
• Have you worked at our venues before?
• When is the deposit due and is it refundable?

Beauty Tips for Getting Your Photo Taken — by NYC make‑up pro Robin Schoen

1. Match foundation to your neck; yellow‑based tones read best on film.
2. Use matte, neutral eye & cheek colours; harsh lines are exaggerated on camera.
3. Outdoor light washes colours out — aim for open shade or warm indoor light.
4. Use matte lipstick (gloss bounces flash).
5. Well‑groomed brows are a must; fill gaps with eye‑shadow rather than pencil.
6. If wearing glasses, remove them 30 minutes before photos to lose nose marks.
7. Keep hair simple and balanced with any head‑piece.
8. Book your make‑up artist to stay three hours for touch‑ups.

What to Wear for a Portrait

• Women / Girls — Avoid high necks if your neck is short; skip sleeveless if arms bother you; keep patterns subtle.
• Men / Boys — Bring several outfits; avoid loud prints.
• Children — simple, solid pastels; bring favourite toys.

The Wedding Gown: Formal · Semi‑Formal · Informal

Gowns vary from simple informal styles to elaborate beaded productions with cathedral trains. Allow at least four months for fittings and delivery, plus alterations.

Bridal Gown Tips

• Shop with magazine clippings and a clear budget.
• Stick to a gown that flatters your body & venue.
• Schedule three fittings – initial, corrections, final perfecting.
• Bring mum / maid‑of‑honour so someone else understands the bustle!

Accessories

• Shoes — Comfort first; break them in; medium heel.
• Veils / Head‑pieces — Complement the dress, don’t overwhelm it.
• Gloves — Opera‑length for sleeveless gowns, short gloves with long sleeves.
• Jewellery — Pearls are timeless; keep earrings simple and avoid large dangles.
• Something Old · Something New · Something Borrowed · Something Blue · Sixpence — incorporate these traditions for good fortune.

Who Traditionally Pays?

• Bride — groom’s ring, groom’s gift, attendants’ gifts.
• Groom — bride’s rings, licence, officiant’s fee, honeymoon, florals for bridal party.
• Bride’s Family — ceremony, reception, invitations, photography, bride’s attire.
• Groom’s Family — rehearsal dinner, attire & travel.
• Attendants / Guests — own attire, travel, wedding gift.

Reception Check‑list

• Confirm staff‑to‑guest ratio, overtime charges & liability insurance.
• Menu choices & dietary requirements; corkage fees if supplying your own alcohol.
• Floor‑plan, gift table, cake‑cutting fee, vendor meals, security.
• Rentals for off‑site venues – tent, dance‑floor, rest‑rooms.

Reception Timeline (example for 6 pm ceremony)

1. 6:00 – Guests arrive, cocktail hour.
2. 6:30 – Bridal party joins.
3. 7:15 – Blessing + first round of toasts.
4. 7:30 – First dance then parent dances.
5. 8:30 – More toasts & bouquet / garter toss.
6. 9:00 – Cake cutting & desserts.
7. 9:45 – Open dancing till close.

Traditional Invitation Wording

Mr. and Mrs. John David Gale
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Anne Marie
to
Mr. Michael Cook
on Saturday, the fifth of June
at half after six o’clock in the evening
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church
Clearwater, Florida

See the main article for extensive modern variations covering divorced, widowed, or co‑hosting parents, titled couples, military ranks and more.

Thank‑You Note Essentials

• No phone calls or pre‑printed cards — always a handwritten note.
• Write within two weeks for shower gifts; within one month for wedding gifts.
• Split the list: each partner thanks their own family & friends.

10 Things You DON’T Want to Do Before the Wedding

1. Start planning without a budget.
2. Spend beyond your means.
3. Rely on oral agreements with vendors.
4. Try to do everything yourself.
5. Forget to delegate & compromise.
6. Skimp on photography.
7. Sweat the ribbon shade on favours.
8. Delay thank‑you notes.
9. Overload the day before.
10. Expect perfection instead of “a terrific day”.