Financial Obligations

Traditions are constantly changing, so while figuring out the wedding finances it is important for you and your fiance and your respective families to keep an open, realistic, and courteous line of communication. The following list outlinestraditional expense guidelines only. If the bride's family is unable to bear the usual costs of the wedding expenses, talk with the groom's parents. They may be willing to assist, and you and your fiance might also want/have to assume some of the financial obligations of a wedding (you may want to set up a separate joint bank account to help accomplish this). This list should also serve as a guideline for expenses you will/may incur in your wedding planning.

Bride

Wedding gift for groom Wedding band for groom Gifts for attendants, flower girl, and personal attendant Lodging for out-of-town attendants (optional) Bridesmaid's luncheon

Bride and Groom

Gifts for soloist, Mistress of Ceremonies, readers, guest book attendant, hostesses Gifts to parents

Bride's Family

Pre-wedding expenses o Mail/newspaper engagement announcements and photographs o Bride's wedding attire o Invitations and postage General expenses o Own traveling/lodging expenses, including those for bride if wedding not in hometown o Photographer o Videographer

Transportation for bride to church Transportation for bride and groom or entire bridal party to reception o Wedding gift for newlyweds o Rental/purchase of own attire Ceremony expenses o Rental of church/hall and custodial fees o Soloist/Organist fees o Purchase and printing of programs o Flowers Bridesmaids' bouquets Mothers' and Grandmothers' corsages Fathers' and Grandfathers' boutonnieres Corsage for soloist, Mistress of Ceremonies, readers, guest book attendant, bride's personal attendant Flower girl basket and flower petals Large altar/church flower arrangements Pew bows/flowers o Unity candle rental o Aisle runner rental o Canopy/chair rental if outside Reception expenses o Rental of reception hall, linens, tables, chairs, glasses, silver, china, o Set up/tear down fees of tables/chairs/etc. o Flower arrangements (guest table centerpieces, cake/buffet table, head table centerpiece) o Decorations (balloons, etc.) o Cake(s) o Cake server and knife o Toasting glasses o Table centerpieces o Placecards for seating arrangement (optional) o Catering (food/drink/bartender fees etc.) o Entertainment (band, DJ, soloists) o Disposable Cameras o Birdseed/Bubbles etc. to throw at couple upon leaving
o o

Groom

Wedding gift for bride Wedding ring for bride Marriage license and associated costs (physicals, blood tests)

Immunizations required for honeymoon Gifts for groomsmen and ushers Lodging for out-of-town attendants (optional) Bride's bouquet Boutonnieres for groomsmen, ushers, and ring bearer Fee for clergy or judge Transportation from reception to airport, hotel, or honeymoon destination Honeymoon (food/lodging/entertainment/transportation)

Groom's Family

Groom's tux rental Rental/purchase of own attire Own traveling/lodging expenses, including those for groom Mail/newspaper engagement announcements Rehearsal dinner o Rehearsal dinner invitations and postage o Rental of location, linens etc. o Food/drink/bartender fees, tip etc. o Entertainment (i.e. soloist) o Placecards for seating arrangement (optional) o Flower arrangements for tables

ORGANISING..
At Least One Year in Advance First decide on the basics...

Choose wedding date Decide type of wedding desired (traditional, big/small, etc.) Determine what religion the service will be performed in, if any Decide time of wedding and reception Choose desired location for wedding ceremony Choose desired location for reception Set wedding budget and decide how wedding will be financed

Then hire the individuals from whom you will need their services on the wedding day...

See if ceremony and reception locations are available and book them Choose/hire individual who will perform your wedding ceremony if this is not included with your choice of ceremony site Interview/Choose photographer and then book him/her Interview/Choose Videographer and then book him/her Interview/Choose Florist and then book him/her Interview/Choose Baker (for cake) and then book him/her Decide type of music desired for reception, if any Interview/Choose Band/DJ for reception and then book him/her/them Choose reception format: buffet or sit-down dinner etc. Interview/Choose caterer and then book him/her/them

Ten to Twelve Months in Advance

Ensure home/renter's insurance covers engagement ring or buy additional jewelry insurance Determine a color scheme for the wedding/reception if desired Decide if all/part/any of vows will be written by bride/groom Decide how large/small wedding party will be Choose/order wedding dress and veil Buy wedding shoes Buy undergarments for wedding attire (need prior to fittings) Begin looking at invitations Set honeymoon budget Announce engagement to friends and family Put engagement announcement in local paper

Six to Ten Months in Advance

Decide if unity candle ceremony is desired First meeting with minister/officiant

Begin writing vows Choose ceremony music (prelude, processional, solos, recessional, postlude, etc.) Choose and hire soloist(s) for ceremony/reception/rehearsal dinner Choose attendants and ask if they'll accept the position Begin looking for bridesmaid dresses Pick out tuxes for groom and groomsmen/ushers/fathers Choose/book desired location for rehearsal dinner Look for and book (reserve) block of rooms at nearby hotel for out-of-town guests Choose invitations Decide if programs and/or personalized napkins will be purchased and select them Make first draft of invite list Get directions to church, from church to reception, and from church to rehearsal dinner Make list of attractions/things to do (in town where wedding is) to include with directions Plan honeymoon and book all lodgings/transportation/event tickets Check passports/visas Discuss if a bridal registry is desired and what items would be on it Choose china/crystal/flatware/cookware patterns for bridal registry if desired

Four to Six Months in Advance

Make appointment for bridal portrait Make hair/nail appointment for bridal portrait Choose prose/poetry/scripture readings for ceremony Choose readers for ceremony and ask if they'll accept the position Ask minister if it mattters which version of the Bible (King James, Good News, etc.) you use for the scripture reading Find out from minister if flower girl can drop flower petals on floor in sanctuary Find out from reception hall if guests can throw birdseed or rice Decide how you want your exit at the reception/ceremony (guests throwing birdseed, etc. or just a casual exit?) Buy/make favors to give guests, if desired Buy/make centerpieces for guest tables at reception Order bridesmaid dresses Hire limo driver or arrange other transportation to/from ceremony and reception Buy wedding attire accessories such as gloves, earrings, necklace, purse, shoes, cufflinks, etc. Pick out/order wedding bands Select reception decorations such as candles, flowers, balloons, arches, etc. Meet with florist to choose amount and type of flowers for ceremony and reception and any other accessories (ex. pew bows, candleabras, etc) Ask mothers if they want to wear a flower corsage or carry a single flower

instead and inform florist Decide if roses will be given to the mothers at the end of/during the ceremony Buy/make basket for flower girl Buy/make pillow for ringbearer Meet with baker to choose flavor(s) and style of wedding cake Decide if a groom's cake is desired; if so, choose flavor and style and inform baker Make/print directions and map for ceremony and reception to include with all wedding invitations Make/print maps to rehearsal dinner to include with rehearsal dinner invitations and send to groom's mom (if his parents are hosting rehearsal dinner) Make 2nd draft of invite list Register gift preferences with one or more bridal registries at nearby and/or nationwide store Get measurements from groom/ushers/fathers/groomsmen for tuxedos

Three to Four Months in Advance

Confirm bridal portrait appointment Confirm hair/nail appointments for bridal portrait Determine how many disposable cameras should be purchased, if any Write/choose disposable camera poems if desired First wedding gown fitting Sign up to donate ceremony centerpiece to flowers for Sunday's service, if desired Buy/make birdseed roses/birdseed packets/bubbles/etc. Decide on living arrangement once married

Two to Four Months in Advance

Choose soloist's song(s) and get soloist's approval to perform them Mail/take music to soloist Buy disposable cameras Get bridal portrait taken Determine wedding band inscriptions Choose reception food Design program layout (or have a printer do it) Determine reception layout (i.e. how many tables, chairs, etc.) Determine seating arrangement at reception if it's a sit-down dinner Determine seating arrangement at rehearsal dinner with groom's mother if desired Determine who will put suitcases in limo at reception Determine how attendants will process and stand at ceremony Choose reception music (1st dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance etc.) Find out if smoking is allowed at reception hall and how to prevent it if desired

Make rough draft of list of duties of all involved (Mistress of Ceremonies, etc.) Finalize vows and memorize (if necessary) Make sure flower girl dress is purchased Make sure the mother's dresses are purchased and are complimentary Determine length of bridesmaid dresses Determine hose color and shoes for bridesmaids Bride buy gifts for bridesmaids, parents, fiance, personal attendant Groom buy gifts for groomsmen, parents, fiance, ushers Buy gifts with fiance for Mistress of Ceremonies, Host/Hostess, soloist, guest book attendant, etc. Schedule bride's hair appointment Schedule nail appointment Finalize invite list Get addresses of all people on invite list Ask groom's mother if she wants rehearsal dinner invitations and/or place cards matching invitations Order invitations Order programs Order monogrammed napkins for reception if desired Reserve rental items: candelabra, linens, canopy, tables/chairs, etc. Set date with fiance to get marriage license (check restrictions on how long it's valid prior to wedding) Get blood tests/physicals for marriage certificate if required Get any immunizations you will need for the honeymoon

Two Months in Advance

Schedule groom's hair appointment Give soloist's music to organist (if he/she is accompanying) Book rooms for out-of-town attendants at hotel Go over rough draft of duties with all involved in wedding Choose one person to whom the groomsmen can return their tuxes, and have that person return the tuxes to the rental place if desired Determine who will return the groom's tuxedo to the rental place Determine order/timing of events at reception (cake-cutting, garter toss, etc.) Second wedding gown fitting Buy honeymoon clothes and going away outfit if necessary Buy/decide on rehearsal/rehearsal dinner outfit Put invitation to wedding ceremony in church newsletter Determine the "something borrowed, ...blue, ...old, and ...new" to wear on wedding day Acquire six pence for shoe Get wedding bands inscribed Get final order of prelude and processional music from organist Hire babysitter to watch any children during wedding ceremony Call to inform all people who need to be at rehearsal

Buy guest book and pen Obtain marriage certificate Last meeting with minister/officiant Determine where bride and attendants will get dressed (at home/hotel or ceremony site?) Determine where groom and attendants will get dressed (at hotel or ceremony site?) Buy/make throw and keepsake garters Buy wrapping paper for attendant, etc. gifts Make itinerary of wedding day for all involved Choose songs for video (background music for intro/pre-wedding) Buy stamps for invitations, response cards, and some to get started on thank-you notes Ensure formal-wear shop has all tuxedo measurements Give addresses of rehearsal guests to groom's mother if she is mailing rehearsal invites

One to One-and-a-Half Months in Advance

Address/mail wedding invitations

One Month in Advance

Ask florist if you can keep/buy unity candles if he/she is providing them Order flower arrangements for rehearsal dinner tables if desired Find out if reception caterers will make a basket of food for you to take to your hotel after reception Determine who will be in the limo (i.e. just newlyweds or attendants/parents too??) Determine when items needed at reception (toasting glasses, etc.) will be taken there Show final program to minister and organist to check for accuracy Box and wrap all gifts for attendants, etc. Decide if gown will be preserved and where Decide if bouquet will be preserved and make arrangements Figure out how to affix six pence to shoe Print disposable camera poems Ensure band/DJ has equipment/music needed tp play your chosen reception music Ensure groom's mom has addressed/mailed rehearsal dinner invitations if his parents are hosting it Pick up wedding bands Ensure home/renter's insurance covers wedding bands or buy additional jewelry insurance Confirm honeymoon reservations Check registries to make sure shower gifts and/or early wedding gifts have been

marked off as purchased Record gifts as you receive them and send thank-you notes Open joint checking and savings accounts Change beneficiary to fiance for will and life insurance policy Inform car/home/renter's insurance of marriage (discounted rates may apply) Make list of all places with whom bride needs to change name and submit changes

Two Weeks in Advance

Final meeting with florist - overview and give him/her map to ceremony and reception sites Final meeting with reception hall/caterer - overview and tell them names of florist, band or DJ, and baker (just in case!) Final meeting with videographer - overview, give him/her music and map Final meeting with photographer - tell him/her about any specific pictures you want, choose album style and color, and give him/her map Final conversation with band - overview of times & special songs, mail him/her/them map Mail directions to limo driver and confirm times Meet with rehearsal dinner caterers for final details Print programs Print rehearsal dinner maps (extras in case guests forget map that came with dinner invite) Finalize and print list of duties for each person involved Print itinerary of wedding day (copies for all at rehearsal) Print readings and spare copies Confirm nail/hair appointments Print list of reception dances for MC/band/DJ Final wedding gown fitting Affix poems to disposable cameras Confirm hotel reservations for wedding night Confirm hotel reservations for attendants Determine personal wedding morning itinerary (time to wake up, ... time to leave for church, etc.) Groom's hair appointment Submit wedding announcement to local newspaper for publishing day or weekend of wedding Move belongings to new home

One Week in Advance

Make bride's emergency kit Pack for honeymoon Get traveler's checks for honeymoon; exchange money to foreign currency now if desired

Fill out first page of guest book Buy spare hose Fill birdseed roses Remind attendants about rehearsal time Take marriage certificate to minister/officiant Give best man the clergyman's fee (if to be payed day of ceremony, otherwise pay this week) Finish centerpieces for guest tables at reception if it's a last minute duty (i.e. need fresh flowers, etc.) Give final guest count to reception facility and/or caterer Remind groom/fathers/ushers/groomsmen to pick up tuxedos on day before wedding Ensure delivery of flower arrangements for wedding rehearsal dinner have been made

Day Before Wedding

Pick up wedding gown and veil Pick up tux Take favors, disposable cameras, centerpieces, cake knife and server, toasting glasses, CD's, and birdseed roses to reception hall Nail appointment Give mom lipstick to keep in purse on wedding day for bride (or prepare bride's purse) Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Morning of Wedding

Bride's hair appointment Give groom's wedding band to Maid of Honor and bride's wedding band to Best Man prior to ceremony Relax and let it all sink in!! Leave yourself off the things to do list today if there are any remaining items. You need to relax and enjoy the whole day, and in the long run, you won't remember the little things.

Wedding planning 12 months before Pick a wedding date Decide what type of wedding Decide whom you want to invite Book church or other site for the wedding 9 months before Draw up a budget The bride: decide and order the wedding dress

Book reception site Book hotel room for yourselves and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests Book photographer Start planning the guest list Assemble your planning team. Perhaps a wedding consultant? 6 months before Start planning the wedding party Decide toastmaster Decide wedding theme Order bridesmaid dresses Order the bridal bouquet and the floral decoration Order printed matters as invitation and thank-you card Start planning the honeymoon 4 months before Plan the wedding ceremony and meet the wedding official Select and order music for the marriage and wedding party Decide the menu and order food and drink Contact rental companies if you need to rent such as chairs, tables, music equipment, porcelain etc Book all transportations during the wedding day 3 months before Plan the wedding day in detail Select and order wedding rings Apply for marriage license The bride: buy accessories, shoes under underwear The bride: book your stylist and makeup artist Book the honeymoon 2 months before Send invitations card Order wedding cake Write a purchase list Write a wedding gift list Write a marriage settlement, if necessary 1 month before The bride: Have final gown fitting Plan reception and seating chart Practice the wedding waltz 2 weeks before Pick up your wedding rings Contact the photographer and settle the details Visit the ceremony and reception site and confirm arrangements Confirm arrangements with the rental company Inform all involved the wedding program Make last-minute adjustment of the seating 1 week before Rehearse the wedding ceremony with all involved

Pack and arrange all practical details for the honeymoon Day before Bring your clothes and luggage to the wedding night hotel Decorate the site with flowers and other ceremony accessories Relax as much as you can and go to bed early! The wedding day Bring the bridal bouquet Do you have the wedding rings double check! Get married! Post wedding Prearrange for someone to return any rentals Write and send thank-you notes to the wedding guests Share on printShare on emailShare on favorites<="" a="" title="Facebook" href="http://www.100weddingtips.com/#" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px; color: rgb(179, 0, 84); text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer; float: left; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letterspacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; texttransform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-sizeadjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Share on facebook