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| Make a List |
Don't forget anything |
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Wedding Scheduler:
6 to 12 Months Ahead
 | Formally announce your engagement by having both
families meet. Don't forget to get your picture taken and submit to your
local newspapers. |
| Select the date! Consider possible dates that most of
your family will be available. |
| Determine your budget. Talk to your family and find out
if they will be helping arrange and pay for the wedding reception. It is
extremely important to find out who is going to pay for the wedding, the
Bride's Family, the Groom's Family, The Couple, or a combination of all
involved. |
| Book the officiant. You want to make sure that whomever
you want to marry you will be available. |
| Wedding consultant. If you are going to hire a wedding
consultant, conduct your interviews now. Make sure that they are
professional, experienced, and easy to work with. |
| Reserve both the wedding and reception locations. This
is one of the most important things that you need to do. Sometimes you even
need to change the date of the wedding if the place of your dreams is already
booked. Locations book fast, especially during the spring and summer months. |
| If your reception location doesn't provide the food,
hire a caterer to provide the dinner. Obtain references if you don't
personally know the quality of their business. |
| Put together a preliminary guest list to get a rough
head count. (Assume that 20 percent of your guest list probably won't be able
to attend). |
| Pick your wedding party. You want to make sure that the
people who are closest to you are in your wedding party. |
| Book your photographer. Good photographers are booked
quickly. Ask to view their portfolio. |
| Book your videographer. Good videographers are also
booked quickly. View some sample wedding videos. |
| Book your DJ, Band, and any entertainment you would like
at both the wedding reception and at the ceremony itself. Some people are
happy with an organist at the ceremony, some would like a string quartet,
flutist, soloist, etc. The reception is generally a D.J. or a band. Make
sure that all the entertainment is experienced and reliable. |
| Order your wedding gown, veil, shoes and any other
accessories. The earlier you choose and order your gown, the better off you
will be. |
4 to 6 Months Ahead
| Shop and order wedding party dresses and tuxedos. If
members of your wedding party live far away, they could have a tailor or a
bridal shop in their area take their measurements and mail them to you or the
bridal shop or tuxedo shop. Make sure that you collect a swatch of the colors
that you are using. This will make it much easier when you are ordering
things, like flowers, so people can match your bridal party colors. |
| Book your florist. The florist makes it his/her job to
assist you in the color coordination and bouquet arrangements. |
| Reserve any rental equipment. If you are planning an
outdoor ceremony and/or reception, make sure you reserve any tents, tables or
chairs you need. |
| Order the wedding cake. Shop your local bakeries to
sample the "Goods", look at their portfolio, and consider referrals. Design
the cake to match the look and formality of the wedding. |
| Order wedding stationery. This would include your
invitations, RSVP cards, thank you cards, and place cards. |
| Make honeymoon reservations. This is one of the best
parts. If you are going to go out of the country, make sure you have current
passports. |
| Blood Tests. If your state requires a blood test,
arrange the test. |
| Book any transportation needed on the day of the
wedding: Limos, Rolls Royce, etc. Whatever dream you have for riding away
into the sunset as man and wife will need to be booked. |
| Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests. Check
out the local hotels in your area. |
2 to 4 months Ahead
| Finalize your guest list. Remember that approximately
20% of your guest list won't be able to attend. |
| Meet with the caterer and/or banquet manager. Finalize
the menu and room decorations. |
| Meet with officiant. Discuss the ceremony and any
special readings for the wedding ceremony. Make copies of these readings and
forward to those who you would like to read them at the ceremony. This will
give them time to practice. |
| Arrange final Gown Fitting. Take your shoes, lingerie,
accessories. You want to make sure that everything looks perfect. |
| Write your vows. It takes alot of thought to express
your love to one another. |
| Arrange rehearsal dinner. This could be arranged at a
home or a small restaurant. This should be a casual affair and not formal
like the wedding. |
| Purchase any wedding favors that you would like.
Wedding favors are not required, but they are nice to give one to each guest
as a reminder of your special day. |
| Purchase Wedding Party Gifts. You can thank your
wedding attendants by purchasing accessories they can wear on the day of your
wedding such as necklaces, earrings, purses, cuff links, money clips, etc. |
| Purchase your wedding bands. This is a very important
tangible expression of your love for one another. |
1 to 2 months ahead
| Obtain your marriage license. You usually can obtain
the license up to 30 days in advance. |
| Shop for gifts for each other. This is nice to just say
"I Love You". |
| Purchase a guest book to place at the reception so your
guests can sign their name as they enter the reception. They also can write a
special message. |
| Organize the wedding program, if you have one. More and
more couples are creating programs that are passed out before the wedding
ceremony. This outlines the ceremony's agenda, its readings and its
participants. |
| Make your list as to where you need to change your last
name or address. Most really important things, like drivers licenses and
social security cards, you will need to wait on. The drivers licenses and
social security cards you will probably need to submit a copy of your marriage
certificate in order to change them. Other things, like credit cards, bank
accounts, passports need to be considered. Inform post office of address
change. |
| Send wedding announcements to newspapers |
| Mail wedding invitations. Allow your guests enough time
to make the necessary arrangements. |
| Meet with your hair stylist and/or make up artists for a
run-through. |
| Send out thank you notes for any gifts that you received
prior to your wedding. |
| Make sure that you have your wedding song picked out and
a list of all your songs, details to your entertainment vendor. You will be
announced as you enter the reception, so you will want to make out the list.
(Starting generally with parents, flower girl/ring bearer, attendants,
maid/matron of honor, ending with the happy couple). |
Last Minute Rush
| Pick up wedding dress. Make sure that they stuff the
dress to preserve it's shape and it's covered with a protective bag. |
| Finalize seating arrangements. Involving both sets of
parents can help. This will eliminate any rifts between family and friends. |
| Write speeches to thank family and friends during the
wedding reception. This could be a simple "thank you" for those that are
there to share in your commitment of love for one another. |
| Make hair and makeup appointment. |
| Confirm details with vendors. Double check all vendors
arrangements. Tent/Table rentals, florist, photographer, videographer,
caterers, entertainment, etc. |
| Make sure all your attendants know exactly when everyone
should be where. A listing of the day's activities and their roles is
extremely helpful. |
| Attend rehearsal dinner. |
| Take a huge breath and relax. The day will be
absolutely wonderful! |
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Things to Remember
Checklist
If you are having a party, here's a list of things that you
might want to think about beforehand. It might help you put together your
personal party list so nothing is forgotten:
| Alcohol/Beer/Wine |
Drinks/Soda/Punch |
Parking |
| Appetizers |
Favors |
Photographer |
| Ashtrays |
Film/Camera |
Prizes |
| Balloons |
Games |
Snacks |
| Banner |
Gift Table |
Seating Charts |
| Bartender |
Gifts |
Serving Stations |
| Bug Spray/Bug Deterrents |
Grocery List/Food Preparation |
Sign-In Book |
| Cake/Desserts |
Guest List |
Streamers |
| Candles |
Helium Tank |
Tablecloths |
| Candy |
Hotel Reservations |
Thank You's |
| Caricaturist |
Ice Cream |
Theme |
| Caterer |
ICE |
Toothpicks |
| Centerpieces/Flowers/ |
Invitations |
Transportation |
| Charcoal/Propane Fuel |
Location |
Videographer |
| Clown/Juggler/Costume Rental/Magician |
Maps |
Video Tape/Camera |
| Coffee/Tea |
Matches |
Welcome Sign |
| Dance Floor |
Menu |
|
| DJ/Band/Music |
Napkins/Utensils/Plates/Cups, Etc. |
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Birthstone List:
|
MONTH |
STONE |
| JANUARY |
GARNET |
| FEBRUARY |
AMETHYST |
| MARCH |
AQUAMARINE |
| APRIL |
DIAMOND |
| MAY |
EMERALD |
| JUNE |
PEARL |
| JULY |
RUBY |
| AUGUST |
PERIDOT, JADE |
| SEPTEMBER |
SAPPHIRE |
| OCTOBER |
OPAL |
| NOVEMBER |
CITRINE |
| DECEMBER |
BLUE TOPAZ |
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General Party Themes
The Following are some usual and some unusual party themes. We'll do
anything to throw a party!
| 50's Party - Let's Cruise |
Luau |
| 60's Party - Let's Groove |
Masquerade |
| 70's Party - Let's Disco |
Moving Party - Be Prepared to lift! |
| 80's Party - Big Hair |
Murder Mystery |
| 90's Party - Swingin' |
PMS Party |
| Backyard Barbeque |
Pig Roast |
| Backyard Olympics - Not for the weak of heart |
Pool Party |
| Beach Blanket Bingo |
Roaring Twenties |
| Book Exchange - Book Swap |
Salsa Night |
| Bowling - Strike! |
Scavenger Hunt/Treasure Hunt |
| Carnival - Carnival Games |
Scrapbook Party |
| Casino Party - Let's Gamble |
Ski Party |
| Charades |
Sock Hop |
| Chef/Cooking Party - Bring your favorite recipe
& ingredients |
Spaghetti Supper |
| Clambake/Lobsterfest |
Sporting Events |
| Comedy Party - Bring A Joke |
Toga |
| Gone With The Wind Garden Party |
T.V. Show - Favorites |
| Hoe-Down/Square Dance - Swing Your Partner |
Wild West Party - Bring your horse! |
| Hollywood Premiere Party - Don't forget the
sunglasses |
Wild Texas Barbeque |
| Home Movies Party |
You Should be in pictures party |
| Housewarming Party |
|
| Income Tax Party - Wear Rags |
|
| Invite A Friend Luncheon |
|
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Anniversary Gift Guide
Traditional
Contemporary
Alternative
| 1st: Paper |
1st: Plastics |
1st: Clocks |
| 2nd: Cotton |
2nd: Cotton |
2nd: China |
| 3rd: Leather |
3rd: Leather |
3rd: Crystal/Glass |
| 4th: Linen |
4th: Linen |
4th: Electrical Appliances |
| 5th: Wood |
5th: Wood |
5th: Silverware |
| 6th: Iron |
6th: Iron |
6th: Wood |
| 7th: Wool |
7th: Copper/Wool/Brass |
7th: Desk Sets |
| 8th: Bronze |
8th: Bronze |
8th: Linens/Lace |
| 9th: Pottery |
9th: Pottery |
9th: Leather |
| 10th: Tin |
10th: Aluminum |
10th: Diamond Jewelry |
| 11th: Steel |
11th: Steel |
11th: Fashion Jewelry Accessories |
| 12th: Silk |
12th: Silk |
12th: Pearl/Colored Gems |
| 13th: Lace |
13th: Lace |
13th: Textiles/Furs |
| 14th: Ivory |
14th: Ivory |
14th: Gold Jewelry |
| 15th: Crystal |
15th: Glass |
15th: Watches |
| 20th: China |
20th: China |
20th: Platinum |
| 25th: Silver |
25th: Silver |
25th: Silver |
| 30th: Pearl |
30th: Pearl |
30th: Diamonds |
| 35th: Coral |
35th: Coral |
35th: Jade |
| 40th: Ruby |
40th: Ruby |
40th: Ruby |
| 45th: Sapphire |
45th: Sapphire |
45th: Sapphire |
| 50th: Gold |
50th: Gold |
50th: Gold |
| 55th: Emerald |
55th: Emerald |
55th: Emerald |
| 60th: Diamond |
60th: Gold |
60th: Diamond |
| 75th: Diamond |
75th: Diamond |
75th: Diamond |
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Holiday Party Planning Tips & Ideas
What other tips do we need to include?
What have we forgotten that you would like to see? If you are searching
for something that is not listed above, please contact us at:mailto:custsvc@partytoremember.com,
so we can update our party planning tips section to include what you are looking
for.
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This page last updated on:
03/09/2005
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