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Utilize your budget best by choosing flowers that are in season and locally grown. Keep in mind a simple hand tied bouquet is beautiful and budget friendly. The less time it takes a florist to create the lower the cost will be. Some florists will “throw-in” the small toss bouquet at no charge if you just ask. |
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The best way to choose a photographer is to meet face-to face at which time you can ask to view an entire wedding album. Viewing an entire album versus individual photographs can help you determine the photographer’s ability to capture the complete “wedding story”. |
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When choosing a reception site take into account the location so guests aren’t made to travel great distances from wedding to reception. Consider the capacity of the ballroom to fit guests, food/ bar stations, and musical entertainment comfortably. Don’t forget to check out restroom accommodations and parking availability to make sure they are adequate. |
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When asking a friend or relative to be an attendant, be upfront about his or her responsibilities related to duties and expenses. This will help alleviate any issues later. Providing a basic itinerary of the weekend’s events is helpful, but avoid forcing people to stick to a minute by minute schedule as it will only cause trouble. |
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Make sure the attendants try on their wedding attire the day before to make sure clothing and shoes fit perfectly and all accessories are included. This will allow time for changes and alterations if needed. |
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Invite everyone (you, the groom, your parents, and his) to create the guest list. Then have each person create their wish list ranking from the top who is a “must” down to who is a “maybe”. This way you can start eliminating from the bottom up on each wish list until the quantity fits within budget. |
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In order to make certain the taste and portions of the meal are pleasing, arrange for a tasting with the caterer. Ask to have the meal served exactly as would be at your wedding. This is your opportunity to make any adjustments before the big event. |
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As you receive response cards file them alphabetically in a recipe card box. Record the guests' addresses on the back of each RSVP card. When opening your gifts, pull the guest's name and record the gift on the same card and file back in box. When you’re ready to write thank-you notes all the information you’ll need is in one organized place. |
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Too often, unattended gifts disappear. Set up a gift table near the door of the reception room and arrange for an attendant to monitor it at all times. You can also ask management if there is an on-site secured room where gifts can be locked up until the end of the evening. |
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Don’t leave your wedding party stranded. If your attendants arrived at the wedding by limo, make sure they know if they need to make arrangements to get home at the end of the evening. |