DJ GREGG'S BLOG

........We were talking about you and my wedding on 1-18-08.  I never got a chance to tell you what a phenomenal job you did that night!  I was highly impressed and have been raving about you ever since.  Jeff and I cannot even begin to explain in words to you how much fun and how many memories we made that evening during our reception.  We talk/ laugh/ and reminisce all the time...especially when we watch our DVD.  I just wanted to encourage you and let you know how happy Jeff, myself, and my parents were with you being our deejay...not to mention the many family and friends who told us it was the BEST wedding they had ever been to. 

I just went to a wedding this weekend, there was no deejay.  I felt horrible for the bride and groom because of the awkwardness of the reception.  They had made their play list and it didn't turn out to be as easy as they thought it would be.  A wedding is not something you can repeat...you cannot go back and change what happened.  So thank you, thank you thank you for helping to make our wedding reception the BEST time of my life! 

I have also been highly recommending you to my friends who are getting married this year.

Take care & God bless you and your business!

Stef and Jeff

The Internet has made planning a wedding a much easier process for young couples of the 21st century. It is a tremendous source of information for everything you could ever imagine related to the big day. One application that is becoming increasingly popular is a wedding website where all of the details of the wedding can be posted along with many other terrific features.

There are many benefits to having a wedding website. There is a lot of information to disseminate, and by putting all of the information online; the couple eliminates the endless requests for information that typically occur when a wedding approaches.

Sallie Baldwin of Savannah Georgia, a recently engaged young woman, appreciated her wedding website for the information it provided for her guests. "I wanted a way for our family and friends to easily access information about events around the wedding. A lot of our family and friends don't live near us so it is a way for each other's families to get to know us as a couple immediately! "

Most wedding websites allow people to RSVP online. Emily Riggs of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, another wedding website user had a very positive reaction from her guests regarding the RSVP function. “We were so pleased with the way it worked out, 85% of our RSVP's came via email - including two sets of grandparents!” Her guests also found another benefit. “Everybody was printing our "Our Story", Pictures and Bios so they could save them.” www.emilyandjustin.weddings.myevent.com

A huge benefit of a wedding website is that the couple can have a link to their online registry. This allows guests to see what the couple has chosen and to make a contribution without leaving their home. Kirk Spangenberg of Charleston, South Carolina appreciated that feature the most. “My favorite part is the link to the registry. I want to make it as easy as possible for people to buy us the things we have picked out for our wedding!" www.spangenberg.weddings.myevent.com

There are also fun things for the guests to see on some wedding websites, like photos, a countdown, a poll and quiz about the happy couple. Some sites have additional features such as a special page for out of town guests. This allows the couple to provide their guests with all kinds of information about their city, suggested accommodations, places to visit, restaurants, and shopping. Tiffany Duggin of Los Angeles, California appreciated this feature the most. "I wanted a way for our family and friends to learn about things to do and see in Philadelphia “ (where the wedding is taking place). Our site had great links for restaurants, attractions, and lots of other great stuff in Philly. www.tiffanyandjason.weddings.myevent.com

Perhaps the greatest thing of all is that the couple can make everyone a part of the festivities, even those that could not attend the event. Lara Goldenberg of Montreal, Canada can attest to that. “We had a small wedding and could not invite as many friends and family as we wanted and many people who live far away could not make the trip. The website allowed everyone to be a part of our special day”. www.laraandjohn.weddings.myevent.com

The preceding article was written by Robert Hirscheimer of www.weddings.myevent.com

Declaring your wedding vows in front of your fiancé, family and friends is one of those special moments during a wedding that can be heartfelt to you as a couple and undoubtedly meaningful to everyone else in attendance.

Writing your own vows is a wonderful way to make the wedding ceremony even more special, and truly add a personal touch.

While you must be married by an official or officiant who is able to legally declare you Husband and wife, the actual wording you choose for your wedding vows need not adhere to the typical, formal words or vows you may have heard at other weddings.

** Please note that if you will be married in a place of worship and wish to customize your wedding vows, you may have to obtain permission to do so and subsequently have these vows approved by your official prior to your wedding day.

Your officiant will more than likely have a collection of vows that he or she has used in prior ceremonies -- this is a good place to start when constructing your own vows. Feel free to use wording that appeals to you both and don't be afraid to add other words, promises etc. that are important to you.

Here is a set of traditional wedding vows that you can start with and add other words or promises to - you may also prefer to keep things simple and traditional as many couples do, and just use these vows as is:

I, _______ (bride/groom), take you _______ (groom/bride), to be my (husband/wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part.

Most importantly, don't worry that you have to memorize your vows - only do so if you're both comfortable with it. You may be far more comforted knowing that your vows are recorded in a journal which you'll both read from during the ceremony.

Choosing your first dance song is not easy! Your first dance together as husband and wife should l evoke memories of shared moments involving your special song. What if you don't have a special song yet? If you think hard, you can probably find several songs appropriate for your first dance wedding song.

 

Here are a few questions to help: Was there a song playing the first time you met? What song was playing the first time you danced? Was there a song playing when he proposed? Was there a song playing the first time you kissed? What about the first time you said "I love you"? What was the theme song for the first movie you watched together? What about a special song from a concert you attended together? Is there a song always makes you think of each other? After thinking about the answers to these questions, you will probably have a few choices of first dance wedding songs. See... that wasn't that hard, was it? Here are some examples:

Wedding Tip: Choose more than one special song and make a plan that whenever you hear that song play during the reception, no matter what you are doing or who you are talking to -- you both will meet on the dance floor as soon as the song begins to play.

 

Rock and Pop Wedding Songs

• "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," by Aerosmith
• "Truly, Madly, Deeply," by Savage Garden
• "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," by Elton John
• "Unchained Melody," by the Righteous Brothers
• "After All," by Peter Cetera and Cher
• "Power of Love," by Celine Dion
• "Eternal Flame," by the Bangles
• "Groovy Kind of Love," by Phil Collins
• "I'll Be," by Edwin McCain
• "Love of a Lifetime," by Firehouse
• "Never Tear Us Apart," by INXS
• "She's Got a Way," by Billy Joel
• "Wonderful Tonight," by Eric Clapton
• "You're the Inspiration," by Chicago
• 
  

R&B and Soul Wedding Songs

• "At Last," by Etta James
• "When a Man Loves a Woman," by Percy Sledge
• "Here and Now," by Luther Vandross
• "Don't Know Much," by Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstadt
• "I Swear," by All 4 One
• "Tonight I Celebrate My Love for You," by Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson
• "One Moment in Time," by Whitney Houston
• "Still," by the Commodores
• "On Bended Knee," by Boyz II Men
• "Stand By Me," by Ben E. King
• "You are My Lady," by Freddie Jackson
• "You are So Beautiful," by Babyface

• Country Wedding Songs

  • "I Do (Cherish You)," by Mark Wills
  • "Forever and Ever, Amen," by Randy Travis
  • "I Cross My Heart," by George Strait
  • "From This Moment," by Shania Twain and Bryan White
  • "My Best Friend," by Tim McGraw
  • "I Love the Way You Love Me," by John Michael Montgomery
  • "It's Your Love," by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw
  • "Me and You," by Kenny Chesney
  • "When You Say Nothing At All," by Allison Krause
  • "Keeper of the Stars," by Tracy Byrd
  • "Lady," by Kenny Rogers
  Dance the night away.

  Jazz Wedding Songs

  • "It Had to Be You," by Harry Connick, Jr.
  • "We Are in Love," by Harry Connick, Jr.
  • "Love and Marriage," by Frank Sinatra
  • "When I Fall in Love," by Nat King Cole
  • "Unforgettable," by Nat King Cole
  • "Since I Fell For You," by Al Jarreau
  • "We're in This Love Together," by Al Jarreau

In a fast-paced world of wedding planning, stress levels are high; immune systems are low; and over the course of the past 20 years, brides have transmitted, what has become a bridal epidemic of our time.

The number of victims has steadily increased; and to date, there is no cure. It's been dubbed various clinical names: Multiple Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, Temporary Insanity. But in the world of matrimony, anyone who's been exposed - fiancés, family, friends, and victims themselves - this broadening illness has been commonly termed "Bridezilla Syndrome" or "BS."

A contagious condition, BS has become more prominent and has plagued today's busy, wedding-planning woman. In a preliminary study, the disease has spread at an alarming rate. Symptoms of victims of BS - better known as Bridezillas - include reoccurring mood spells, bouts with selfishness, signs of controlling behavior and feelings of meticulousness.

Unfortunately fiancés, bridal party members, friends and family eventually fall victim to the actions and attitudes of a Bridezilla.

Research suggests that symptoms are recognized most often by the fiancé and Maid of Honor, and are completely undetectable by the actual victim. In some cases, a bridal party member, who having had too much alcohol to drink, confronted the Bridezilla. Most often, an emotional, breakdown of the victim would follow, thus intensifying her condition. In a survey of 100 Maids of Honor, an alarming 85% said they avoided confrontation with the victim for fear it would only exasperate the illness.

So we must ask the underlying questions: Where is all this BS coming from? How does one know when she's full of it? Unfortunately the source has not been found; though it is believed that it has existed since the dawn of the institution of marriage. A short-term condition (symptoms persist about 1-2 years depending on one's wedding date), Bridezillas seem to have been unfairly blamed for their actions, for which some believe they have no control, albeit their control over everything else. In fact, it's been clinically proven that a Bridezilla actually does have feelings - feelings of selfishness, insecurity, anxiousness and stress!

Though it's been said there is no cure, there are ways to prevent infection of BS. A survey of healthy brides, whom successfully planned their weddings without contracting the disease, was conducted. Results showed commonalities of the actions performed to avoid the disorder. Doctors, psychologists and wedding planners strongly suggest the following preventative therapy:

1. Keep Perspective - remind yourself that the wedding is only one day in your life. When things get out of control, close your eyes and remember the reason why you are planning this wedding in the first place.

2. Don't Assume Your Groom Doesn't Want to Help - ask him what he'd like to take responsibility for; and then let him. (note: some grooms may follow the cliché and decline this offer.)

3. Know That You Can't Control Everything - realize this and accept it!

4 Delegate. Delegate. Delegate - If you act like you can handle everything, people will let you. Spread the duties.

5. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - people won't remember whether or not your invitations had those cute little tissues enclosed.

6. Treat The People You Cherish with Love - the wedding is one day; your family and friends are forever.

7. Allow Others to Vent - give your fiancé, family and bridesmaids permission to tell you when you're going off the deep-end.

8. Take the Heat - give yourself permission to hear them.

9. Do Something for Yourself Every Day - the catch is that it must not involve the wedding.

10. No Wedding Talk After 10pm.

Although preventative therapy is available, some brides inherently fall victim and still contract BS. But there is hope! This is not a terminal illness. In fact in most cases, the bride has been known to be miraculously cured once she has returned from her honeymoon. Doctors and psychologists theorize that the change in altitude from flying coupled with excessive levels of the love hormone, Oxytocin counteracts the disease by boosting the immune system, thus eliminating symptoms.

In cases of remission, the disease has been known to resurface when a person, under certain circumstances, may be planning her wedding again. According to research, those brides with a higher IQ score avoided the reoccurrence of symptoms by simply eloping.

Whatever your situation, whether a Bridezilla, fiancé, friend or family member of one -- join in the fight! With love, hope and education, our brides of the future and their bridal parties will have a winning chance against all the BS!

About the Author
Gina Romanello, author of Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul. THE PERFECT WEDDING BEGINS WITH INSPIRATION! Romantic, humorous, touching and true. This books brings to light the true meaning of love and commitment, whether you are newly engaged, recently married or reflecting on the years of married bliss. Makes the perfect bridal shower gift!

Yes it’s that time of your wedding planning to find a DJ for your special day, and for most brides this can be an adventure in itself. Contacting different DJ's, getting prices, choosing prices, consultations, and the list goes on and on. In this article we share 10 Big Mistakes that are made by Brides and Grooms when choosing a DJ for the big day, hopefully after this, you can find the DJ that is most suited to handle your Wedding Reception. Here’s a little quote that my partner always tells the brides she works with, “Your wedding day is like Broadway, you only get one take, and you only get one chance to get it right”

1. Not taking “First Impressions” into consideration... More than likely your first with a DJ will be either on the telephone or through E-mail. If the first contact is by telephone, listen to how the DJ talks on the telephone, can you understand him or her, or the MC which will do the announcements during your wedding? When you meet the DJ (and sometimes MC also) are they dressed professionally? If a DJ carries themselves professionally during your consultation, more than likely they will be professional on your big day.
2. Thinking that all DJ's are the same... This couldn’t be further from the truth, every DJ has there own style, different skill level, different rates, and vary a lot in their “arsenal” which is this musical library which is the heart of their versatility. If a DJ only has Rock music, but no R&B, a DJ which has both types of music and much more is more “versatile”. Remember your favorite DJ that spins Alternative music all night may be perfect for the club, but more than likely your grandmother doesn’t want hear Good Charlotte all night during your reception.
3. Hiring the cheapest DJ you can find.... The phrase “You get what you pay for” holds a lot of water in the case of hiring a DJ…especially for a wedding. Let’s use the Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach metro area as an example to better explain what I mean. There are DJs which can cost as little as $300, or as much as $2,500 for a five hour wedding. Is the DJ that is only charging $300 no good at all? Who knows he might do a decent job, but there is one thing that is certain, either the DJ doesn’t have the experience, or just has bad business skills altogether to charge only $300. Any DJ that has done a ton of weddings (100 or more) knows that they put too much into a wedding to only charge peanuts. On the other side, remember that just because a DJ is the most expensive in town, doesn’t mean they’re the best for you, sometimes they are, sometimes they’re not. The entertainment for your reception is what you, your family and friends will remember; it’s worth more than the cost of invitations. Your DJ is an investment that you your guests will enjoy the entire “time frame” of your reception, not half of it. Believe me, if half of your guests leave after dinner because loud rap music was playing during the main course, the venue isn’t going to give you a refund…
4. Not communicating with your DJ... Besides hiring the wrong DJ altogether, this is probably the biggest mistake some brides do when dealing with Djs, not COMMUNICATING. There is nothing worse for a DJ (and for you also) than a “rush job” especially a wedding. A seasoned professional can get through the event without “noticeable incidents” but I believe I speak for all wedding Djs when I say it is “nerve-racking” even if we don’t show it. Keep your DJ informed of your plans, your special songs, any changes, your timeline, or anything else he may need to know, don’t wait until the week, or even a month before the big day to start communicating. This is the only way your DJ will know exactly what you want, and don’t want.
5. Not having a written contract... Simply put…no contract, you very well may have NO DJ! Every year I get a few phone calls from a bride (or her mother) saying that they hired a DJ and they didn’t show up. The first thing that I ask is did they have a contract…80% of the time it’s “no”. If a DJ doesn’t have a contract, run out front door, and don’t look back.
6. Not making sure the DJ has liability insurance... More and more venues and hotels across the U.S. are requiring that DJs have liability insurance, and most are asking to see “papers”. A true professional is going to have insurance for his business, and you should ask to at least see a copy of the policy. Insurance for DJs is generally not expensive, and there are a few major DJ organizations which offer a nice discount on insurance for joining. There’s really no excuse for your DJ not to have it.
7. Taking complete control of the music selection from your DJ... You want to hear what you want to hear…That’s fine, but remember you’re not alone on your special day, you, your family (and your new family); your friends all have different tastes. Some brides want to choose every song that gets played for the entire night. Of course, you should have imput, but let the DJ do his job, which is primarily making sure that the right songs get played at the right time. 
8. Not making sure the DJ you want is “guaranteed” to be your DJ... This is probably the biggest complaint from brides all over the country about DJs. You went to a DJ company that has more than one DJ, you requested a specific DJ, and another DJ shows up in his/her place. Any time you deal with a big DJ company, make sure you get in writing that the DJ you want is the one that will show up.
9. Not going over back-up plans with your DJ... In life “things happen” which you or nobody else has control over, even on your wedding day! Find out from your DJ about his plans for back-up transportation, equipment, and personnel. If one of these three areas is “out of commission” so will the music for your reception. If they don’t have any plans, start running.
10. Not hiring a DJ quickly... Finding the DJ you want is hard enough work, as long as you don’t believe they’re all the same. Don’t go through all the work of finding the DJ you want and then procrastinate on booking with that DJ. Most wedding DJs that have good reputations in the business will get booked at least a year in advance, especially for the Saturdays in the busy months. If you’ve found a DJ who you like and are comfortable with, don’t wait hire him. Remember if you wait a month or two before the big day, you choices are limited and you might end up with no one.

Avoid these ten major mistakes (there are a few more) and you will be better able to “connect” with your DJ, and know what to look for while hiring a DJ. Keep in communication with your professional DJ, and your reception will more than likely be worry free.

10. Don't Rock the Cash Bar - When it comes to alcohol at your reception, what you serve is entirely up to you. Whether you choose to serve a full bar, limited cocktails, Beer and Wine, or no alcohol at all will be based on various factors including budget. The one option that is not recommended is a Cash Bar. Your guests should be gracious enough to accept what is being offered to them. If however a guest feels the need for a drink selection that is not offered, chances are that he or she will be resourceful enough to find it.

Also, request that bartenders not put out tip jars. If you are hosting the bar, tell your catering contact that you are happy to pay gratuity to the bartender(s) but that you do not want your guests to feel obligated to tip.

9. Go flat! A huge number of brides give feedback that they wish they had worn flats, having kicked off their heels during the reception. As a bride you can expect to be standing for 8-12 hours on your wedding day. Be sure to break in your shoes well in advance. Even when wearing flats, unexpected blisters can form after a few hours on your feet.

8. Have a little faith. D.J.'s are perhaps the wedding vendor most micromanaged by couples. Too many song requests may actually impede the flow of your party. You hire your D.J. to judge when to play what music. You wouldn't instruct your Caterer step by step on how to prepare food, or your Photographer on what angles and lenses to use. Limit your D.J. request list to a few favorites and a do-not-play list of only the songs you cannot stand. Do not get carried away and have some trust.

7. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. What really matters most to you, the photographer, the music and dancing, the food and wine, the decorations, or being able to accommodate a large guest list? Put your money towards what you care about. You will have regrets if you skimp on what really counts. When you, the Bride and Groom are not footing the bill yourselves however, you may have to forfeit some financial decision-making. If this is the case you will need to compromise on certain priorities or if you really want that pricey photographer offer to pay for one yourself.

6. Bibbity Bobbity Boo. Wedding Dress shops are notorious for having your dress shipped in at the last minute. Think about it, if you owned a Wedding Dress Boutique you wouldn't want every brides dress held at your shop for nine+ months before their weddings. Schedule your first fitting well before your wedding. Your final dress fitting should be no less than 1 week prior to your wedding so that alterations can still be made.
 
Tuxedo rentals for all attendants must be tried on, that includes Dad. Whether the Tailor seemed to take precise measurements or not, too many men still show up at weddings with high waters or baggy tuxes.

5. Don't hit the road, Jack. Your wedding day is one of the biggest, most important days of your life. You will be exhausted and a bit disorderly the following day. Going away is the last thing you will want to worry about. Wait at least a couple of days before venturing on your honeymoon. Your wits will thank you.

4. Last night of single life. DO NOT hold your Bachelor or Bachelorette party the night before your wedding! This may seem like a no-brainer but many brides and grooms still practice the archaic ritual of drinking all night on that fatal evening. It is simply not worth it, as the Bride/Groom and your attendants will no doubt feel tired, look tired, have a hangover, or worse be sick walking down the aisle. If necessary, request that any out of town attendants arrive a day earlier to help you to prepare and celebrate a different night. 

3. No Guidance. With no Director there are too many details left to too many people at your ceremony. Having a Wedding Coordinator allows for one person to coordinate your wedding party processional, music, minister, seating guests and to resolve any unexpected last minute complications. A Coordinator will ease the stress level of everyone, including you, tremendously on your wedding day. So if your location does not include a Wedding Day Coordinator who also directs your rehearsal, hire your own. A Wedding Coordinator may be much more affordable than you think.

2. Stretching yourself too thin. As the bride you will make everyone around you crazy by waiting until the last minute in planning and finalizing details. If you have a hard time planning and prioritizing on your own then get help. You don't want to be remembered as “one of those brides” that put everything off and then expected her friends and family to pick up the pieces, do you?

Do not commit yourself to social events the day before your wedding. This day is meant for you to wrap up loose ends, beautify yourself, attend your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner in many cases, and most importantly get some amount of rest for the day ahead. You are going to need it!

1. High demands. Try to keep in mind that although your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen may offer you extra help, these friends can become taken advantage of. The only "official obligations" of wedding party members are emotional support, the financial expense of wedding attire and travel, participation in the rehearsal and the obvious role on your wedding day. In the case of the MOH or BM, reception toasts are traditional as well. Other help that these individuals may offer should not be viewed as duties, but rather as acts of kindness including: setting up/tearing down, transporting ceremony goods, throwing a bridal shower or other party, distributing gratuities, and any other help that is offered.

Remember to be thoughtful towards your attendants. Bridesmaids may not be comfortable in 4 inch heels, purchasing new jewelry or paying to have their hair or makeup professionally styled. Do not forget to personally thank any bridal party members for taking part in your wedding, as well as family members who gave you assistance. A small thank you gift is always appreciated.

You've said yes to the big question, now what? If you're starting to become overwhelmed with the thought of planning your big day, sit down, take a deep breath and look over this 12-month planning guide. You'll see that planning a wedding is simply a matter of getting organized. You can do it!

11-12 Months Before the Wedding

• Officially announce your engagement.
  Setting up a personal website is a great way to share the plans as they develop. Your out of town family and friends will definitely appreciate it!
  
• Set a time and date for the wedding.
• Decide style of ceremony (size, setting, formality, etc.)
  
• Contact wedding a officiate.
  
• Arrange for your families to meet if they haven't met before.
• Develop a budget and decide who will pay for what.
• Begin compiling your guest list.
• Visit and reserve your reception site.
  

9-10 Months Before the Wedding

• Order your wedding gown and determine who will make any necessary alterations.
  
• Choose your wedding party.
• Decide on a color scheme (consider the reception site).
• Meet with potential wedding professionals for your ceremony & reception. Interview local videographers, photographers, florists, DJs & Musicians, caterers, and bakeries. Be sure to get a contract that states wedding date, time, and location for each vendor, as well as the schedule for payments.
• Scout out accommodations for out-of-town guests.
  

7-8 Months Before the Wedding

• Start shopping for wedding rings.
  
• Decide on honeymoon plans and take care of any special travel requirements such as passports or visas.
  
• Decide on and order attendants gowns.
  
• Order invitations and other stationery needs.
  1. Beautiful Wedding Invitations by Carlson Crafts
  2 Perfect Wedding Invitations by Checkerboard
  3. Thank you cards & Gratuity Envelopes
  
• Register for wedding gifts at select stores and online outlets. Don't forget to register for shower and engagement party gifts as well!

5-6 Months Before the Wedding

• Let your out-of-town guests know the date of your wedding so that they reserve the date and make any necessary travel plans.
  Find Save-the-Date cards & magnets at: Carlson Craft
  
• Complete guest list.
• Shop for and taste test the wedding cake.
  
• Select and reserve attire for men in the wedding.
  
• Determine marriage license requirements for the state in which you are getting married. (If in the US, contact the county clerks office; if abroad, the wedding coordinator will have this information.)
  

3-4 Months Before the Wedding

• Finalize the menu with your caterer.
• Order wine, champagne, liquor, etc., if not included in the caterers service.
• Finalize flowers, including those needed for the reception decorations.
• Mail out information about hotels and city attractions to your out-of-town guests so they can make their plans.
• Order wedding favors.
  
• Order wedding rings to allow time for engraving.
• Begin working on vows, especially if you are writing your own.

2 Months Before Wedding

• Finalize and book honeymoon.
• Mail out invitations.
• Do hair/make-up dry run, complete with your veil or headpiece.
• Book wedding day beauty appointments.
• Complete name change paperwork for bank accounts, insurance, etc.
• Finalize music play list.
• Finalize order of service and write the wedding program.
  
• Touch base with your florist, caterer, and DJ to confirm date and times, etc. Get their cell phone number if you don't already have them.
• Book rehearsal dinner.
• Order wedding cake, if not ordered already.

1 Month Before

• Order any rental items needed such as chairs, tents, lighting, if not included at wedding/reception sites.
  
• Purchase bridesmaid gifts.
  
• Purchase groomsmen gifts.
  
• Schedule final fitting for wedding gown. Remember to bring wedding shoes, veil, and proper lingerie needed.
• Purchase your accessories: guest book and pen set, ring pillow, flower girl baskets, unity candle, etc.
  
• Arrange for transportation needs for wedding party and out-of-town guests for the rehearsal and wedding day. Be sure to give the driver the addresses and schedules for all who will need transportation.

2-3 Weeks Before

• Get marriage license. Call ahead to make sure you know what is required to bring.
• Organize any accessories needed such as ring pillow, flower girl basket, garter, and "something old, new, borrowed, and blue."
• Contact guests who haven't sent in RSVPs so that you can give the caterer a final headcount.
• Pick up wedding rings and check engraving before leaving the store. Store in a safe place!
• Confirm honeymoon hotel, airline reservations, and wedding night reservations, if not leaving until the next day.

1 Week Before

• Pack for honeymoon.
• Host attendants party and give out gifts along with a thoughtful thank you note to each bridesmaid.
• Make final payments to vendors. Put gratuities in envelopes and arrange to have a trusted friend distribute the envelopes on the big day.
  Order gratuity envelopes here.

1 Day Before

• Take a long walk or schedule a massage to reduce stress. Gather your thoughts and mentally prepare yourself!
• Greet out-of-town guests.
• Make some time for each other to exchange gifts and a congratulatory kiss (or several)!
• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Get in bed at a reasonable hour so that you'll look and feel your best for your wedding.

Wedding Day

• Awake early and eat a good breakfast.
• Go to beauty appointments.
• Arrive at wedding site early enough to dress and to visit with bridesmaids.
• Allow enough time for photography.
• Relax, smile, and enjoy your well-organized day!