| Congratulations on your engagement! If you have | | | | 5) The order of the wedding party and how they |
| not already begun, this is the time to begin | | | | will proceed down the aisle |
| planning your wedding ceremony and reception. | | | | The reception should be planned using a wedding |
| Ideas are probably flowing through your mind at | | | | planning list as well. A few items that should be |
| an alarming rate. Family members and friends are | | | | included are the names of your wedding party |
| more than likely lending you their ideas as well. | | | | and family for introductions, music to be played as |
| How do you make sense of everything? A | | | | they enter the reception area, seating chart, |
| wedding planning list is an ideal and essential tool | | | | special dances and music, the toast and blessing |
| for organizing your wedding day. | | | | times, and the menu with beginning and ending |
| A wedding planning list is slightly different from a | | | | times. |
| wedding checklist. The planning list is an overall | | | | Designate one person to make sure that all of |
| picture of what you want for your wedding and | | | | your vendors are paid accordingly on your |
| the estimated costs of each broad category. | | | | wedding day. Include the name of the vendor, the |
| Many couples today are tying the knot later in life. | | | | amount to be paid, and the method of payment |
| Most of the time, both the bride and the groom | | | | they will accept on the wedding planning list. A |
| are already well established in their careers and | | | | copy of this information should be on a separate |
| have more money to spend than younger couples | | | | page and given only to the person paying each |
| right out of high school or college. The average | | | | vendor. |
| wedding costs roughly $15,000 to $30,000, so it is | | | | Creating a wedding planning list will enable you |
| important to outline how that money will be spent | | | | both to see the overall picture of your wedding |
| ahead of time. | | | | day and reception. You will rest easier knowing |
| Examples of items included on this list might | | | | that the plans are in motion and you know up |
| include the following: photographer, flowers, | | | | front how much you want to spend. Money is |
| ceremony location and fees, reception location, | | | | one of the biggest stresses between couples, so |
| wedding favors, bridal gown and tuxedo for the | | | | deciding on these numbers before the planning is |
| bride and groom, formal wear for the wedding | | | | too far along is going to relieve stress and |
| party, the wedding rings, invitations and | | | | eliminate misunderstandings down the line for both |
| stationary, music and entertainment, names of | | | | of you. |
| hotels for out of town guests, and gifts for family | | | | Your wedding planning list will be just one tool |
| members. | | | | used to create the most memorable day of your |
| A wedding planning list should also include: | | | | life. This list will be placed inside your wedding |
| 1) Vendor information including names and contact | | | | planner book, along with your checklist, guest list, |
| phone numbers | | | | and other important items. Keeping everything |
| 2) An alternate location for the ceremony and | | | | organized is crucial for keeping stress levels at a |
| reception if scheduled as outdoor events | | | | minimum. This list is especially important if you are |
| 3) A timeline for the events and the person | | | | planning the entire event yourself, without the |
| responsible for each | | | | services of a professional wedding planner. |
| 4) Song selections for the ceremony | | | | |