Wedding Info

Wedding Info
A wedding is a tradition that knows no cultural boundaries. Although the concept of a wedding remains the same from culture to culture, the manner in which two individuals are united can be quite unique and enlightening. More and more of today's engaged couples seek a way to personalize their wedding by incorporating the customs and traditions of their respective heritage.

No matter what religion, the concept of uniting two individuals in matrimony is universal. However, the manner in which the ceremony is performed may be quite different. If you're the bride & groom, you'll want to be familiar with the basic customs of your religion. If you're a guest, you'll want to familiarize yourself with these basic religious customs so that you will appreciate their meaning.

The Budget – Decide how much you can really afford. Don’t assume you’ll get help from other sources. Know what you want and figure out how much you and your spouse-to-be can contribute to the event.

Making your budget work is the hard part. Price out several locations, caterers, florists, transportation, musicians/DJ, etc. Then decide what you can afford and stick to it. If you change your mind later about what you want, it can become very costly. The biggest expenses are food, drinks and flowers. These costs rises with the more people you invite, so build your list carefully. Most wedding planners say the rule of thumb is a 20% decline ratio – if you invite 100 people, expect 80 people to accept.

Plan the menu carefully with your caterer. Choose to serve a single entrιe with the widest appeal – the more choices there are, the higher the bill. If you plan on serving alcohol, forgo a full bar and offer only wine and beer for the meal and champagne for the toast.

Choose flowers that are in season. Also, reduce the number bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres you need to purchase by limiting the number of attendants in your ceremony. And you don’t have to put a floral arrangement on every table at your reception – candles are just as tasteful and cost a lot less. There are many styles of wedding dresses hanging on the racks in bridal shops all over the world. So, you're bound to find the perfect dress, right? It may not be as easy as you would think. You may like the shoulders on one dress but the cowl neckline on another dress. You adore the fabric on one wedding dress and the skirt on yet another gown. If only you could combine these designs into one unique and perfect wedding gown. There may be a solution. Consider having made a custom-measured pattern of your ideal wedding dress. Other than the smiles on the couple's faces, nothing brightens up a wedding day more than flowers. From the demure stephanotis in the bridal bouquet to the full magnolias that adorn the reception tables, flowers set the tone and the style of a wedding. The tradition of "who pays for what" has changed somewhat, especially in today's modern world of dual income and independent couples who pay for the entire wedding themselves. For those who still consider tradition important in financing the wedding, you'll find this outline helpful in "assigning" expense responsibilities.

Bride's Responsibilities • Groom's Wedding Ring • Groom's Wedding Gift • Bridal Attendants Gifts • Bridal Attire and accessories • Wedding Consultant • Bridal Luncheon

Groom's Responsibilities • Bride's Engagement and Wedding Ring • Groom's Gift to Bride • Groom's Attendants Gifts • Marriage License • Groom's Attire • Boutonnieres for Groom's Attendants • Honeymoon Expenses

Bride's Family Responsibilities • Wedding Invitations and Announcements • Transportation of bridal party from ceremony to reception • Wedding reception • Floral for ceremony, reception, bridal bouquet, bridesmaid's bouquet, corsages and boutonnieres for family • Photography • Videography • Musical Entertainment Groom's Family host • Rehearsal dinner • Boutonnieres and corsages for immediate family members Attendants Responsibilities • Rental or purchase of wedding attire • Travel expenses to and from wedding city • Wedding gift for the wedding couple • Bridal/Co-ed Shower • Bachelor/ette Party