Wedding Planning Guide
Planning Timeline Emergency Checklist Beauty Tips Real Weddings Tips from the Pros
“Don’t sweat the small things, sit back and enjoy the day because it will “Every vendor you hire needs to be be over before you know someone you can trust,communicate with,and know will be doing everything it.” they can to make your day the best -Lucas Salusky, possible.”-Randy Beightol, Keepsake Video Identity Studio
pro tips
“I always tell my Brides and Bridesmaids when about to walk down the aisle to take a tissue...wrap it around their index finger and clutch the rest in their palm. When they are carrying their flowers it is all concealed but they are ‘locked and loaded’ if a tear should start to fall. They just elegantly blot the tears away with their concealed finger.” -Colleen Faller, Kiss N’ Make up “Try choosing one color and fabric and allow your bridesmaids to pick their own styles. A majority of wedding parties have a wide variety of shapes and sizes. When the girls each are able to choose their own dress it ensures that everyone will be comfortable in what they are wearing on your big day.” -Nicole Russell, Nicole’s Bridal Boutique
“Make a list of shots that you absolutely want as far as family, location, etc. I make sure I have that list so that we stay organized and on the same page. There is no time to waste on your wedding day!” -Sonya Porter Weaver, Sonya Porter Photography
“After asking family, friends, and other vendors about local cake decorators. Contact the various cake vendors 3-6 months prior to your wedding date, ask the vendors for a price list, and schedule tasting consultations. Take several photos of cake designs you and your groom like to the consultations to make sure the vendor is able to duplicate the design you like. Your wedding cake will be a beautiful centerpiece to your wedding, yet show your guests something special about you as a couple.” soon2bmrs.com -Tammy Black, Tammycakes
real weddings
Crystal & Colby
“We appreciated everyone who came to share our day with us. We still talk about the wedding and how everything went so well. Pictures were smooth, make-up was perfect, ceremony was flawless, the food and the bar were just what we wanted and our DJ was amazing! Honestly we enjoyed everything! I just remember Colby and myself smiling all day. The only thing we wish is that the day would have gone slower - it seemed to go so fast. Colby and I were sitting on the couch Sunday after the wedding, remembering the day and he looked at me and said.. ”let’s get married again!!” -Mrs. Bish -Photography by Identity Studio and Design
Wedding Location: First Church of God, New Bethlehem, PA. Reception Venue: Trinity Hall, Fairmount City, PA. Theme: Fall with a combination of autumn colors. Attire: Guys wore black tuxedos with dark plum vest and tie while the girls matched in long strapless deep purple gowns. Special noted Vendors: Make up by Colleen Faller of Kiss N’ Make Up (Professional Make up services) and Identity Studio and Design (Photography).
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real weddings
“My favorite thing about our wedding was our centerpieces. Everything to do with them turned out exactly how we envisioned and exactly what we wanted. I feel they were a true reflection of our theme and of Dave and myself. I honestly don’t think we would have done anything differently about our wedding. It was exactly what we wanted and turned out how we planned.” -Mrs. Meade -Photography by Renae Ehrhart Photography
Chelsey & Dave
Wedding Location:St. Patrick’s Church Franklin, PA. Reception Venue: Cross Creek Resort, Titusville, PA. Theme: rustic with an outdoors feel. Colors: bright green and blue with deep purple accents. Special noted vendors: Tammycakes (wedding cake).
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music tips Ceremony:Timeless and Classic • Cannon in D-Pachelbel • Bridal Chorus-(“Here Comes the Bride”) • Trumpet Voluntary-(Prince of Denmark’s March) • Clair de Lune Ceremony: Modern Selections • I’m Yours-Jason Mraz • Halo-Beyoncé • A Thousand Years-Performed by the Piano Guys • Angel-Robin Thicke • First Day of My Life-Bright Eyes
Grand Entrance: • Forever-Chris Brown • Marry You-Bruno Mars • Timber-Ke$ha f/Pitbull • Thunderstruck-ACDC • Let’s Get Married (Remix f/Reverend Run) Jagged Edge First Dance: • I Won’t Give Up-Jason Mraz • Wanted-Hunter Hays • God Gave Me You-Blake Shelton • Marry Me-Train • A Thousand Years-Christina Perri
For a complete list of top wedding songs for 2014 visit us online at www.soon2bmrs.com *list taken from ambientdj.com *photo courtesy of Betsy Carroll Photography
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real weddings “My absolute favorite thing was my dress, it was a princess dress for a princess wedding. But most importantly…I married my best friend and that’s all I ever wanted.” -Mrs. Hilliard –Photography by Robert Mason Photography
Deeanna & Eric
Wedding Location: Nixon united Methodist Church, Butler, PA. Reception Venue: Butler County Country Club, Butler, PA. Theme/ Colors: Black and white with red accents the created a classy princess wedding. Attire: the ladies wore strapless black gowns with white trim and the guys in all white with black accents. Special noted vendors: Arnella’s Bridal and Smith’s florist
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real weddings Sandy & Jack
“Our favorite thing from our wedding was the love and support we got from our families. We had all of our nieces and nephews in the wedding (11 at the time!) all who were wearing dresses and vests made by Jack’s mom! Everyone wanted to be a part of our wedding and we loved it! -Mrs. Jones -Photography by Renae Ehrhart Photography
Wedding Location: Saint Stephens Church, Oil City, PA. Reception Venue: Rockmere Boat Club, Oil City, PA. Theme/Colors: young and bright- turquoise, lime green, and silver with a country twist and dairy farm accents! Special noted vendors: Days Inn (Accommodations), Nicole’s Bridal (Wedding gown, bridesmaids dresses and tuxedos), Catering by Karen Lutz (Food preparation and service), Audio Obsessions (Entertainment), Emerald Palace (Salon Services), Identity Studio and Design (Photo-booth).
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planning timeline six or more months ahead think about the type of wedding you want - formal or informal, big or small - and time of year you want it to take place
book officiant
set budget
book caterer
hire wedding coordinator - if desired
order wedding cake
compile guest list and organize addresses
book florist
finalize wedding date
book music for ceremony and reception
reserve ceremony and reception sites
book photographer and videographer
choose attendants
plan and book honeymoon
order dress and accessories including veil and shoes
send save-the-date cards - if using
four to six months ahead reserve rental equipment - tables, chairs and tents
buy stockings and special lingerie your dress requires
arrange transport for the wedding day
choose favors
order stationary - including invitations and thank you notes book calligrapher if using
book a room for the wedding night
register for gifts
choose gifts for wedding party
purchase wedding rings
reserve accommodations for outof-town guests
purchase or reserve groom’s attire
sign up for dance lessons
choose attendants’ attire
two to four months ahead discuss details of menu with caterer
schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner
discuss service with officiant
try out makeup and hairstyle
choose readings for ceremony
mail invitations
write your wedding vows - if you choose
write thank-you notes as gifts arrive
one to two months ahead buy guest book
if you intend to change your name - prepare the necessary documents
have programs printed
send change-of-address information to post office
if your state requires blood tests, make appointments
contact local newspaper about publishing wedding announcement
obtain marriage license, and request certified copies
two weeks ahead have final dress fitting with shoes, accessories and lingerie begin seating chart and write place cards notify caterer of guest count write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception address announcements break in wedding shoes at home designate someone to look after your home while you are on your honeymoon find out where your guests will be staying - if you plan to deliver welcome notes or gifts to their rooms
one week ahead finalize seating plan assign specific responsibilities - such as handing out corsages and boutonnières pick up dress or have it delivered confirm details with caterer confirm honeymoon arrangements and give itinerary to a friend or family member in case of emergency pack for honeymoon update caterer with final guest and vendor meal count
one day ahead confirm transportation arrangements for ceremony give announcements to an attendant for mailing after the wedding have manicure and pedicure hold rehearsal dinner - give gifts to wedding party prepare tip and payment envelopes for officiant and vendors
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bride manifesto Comparison is the thief of joy: Stop comparing yourself to other brides • Your wedding is not a beauty contest • Planning a wedding can take a year but only lasts a day; enjoy the process • Stress is not a requirement for planning a wedding • Let your heart guide yours the best compass • Don’t lose sight of the best thing about your wedding; you are marrying the love of your life • Stand tall in your truth-even if that means running off to the far ends of the Earth to get married. Or your local courthouse • Pay for your own wedding and you will have control of the guest list • Don’t invite guests simply out of obligation • Simplicity is chic • Your guests will love you even if your stationary doesn’t match your linens; if they don’t; you’re inviting the wrong people • Some of the most beautiful weddings have the smallest budgets • Think outside the mason jar • Break the rules if the rules don’t suite you • Be kind to your bridesmaids; they are your allies • Invite your dog; dogs have a really good time at weddings • When people say “what can I do to help?” they mean it. Take them up on it • You are not alone, the groom is in this too. Let him know he can be helpful • Good food matters • Hire the best photographer you can afford • Don’t go into debt to pay for your wedding • Its DIY (do it yourself) not DYI (do yourself in). Choose your DIY projects wisely • Don’t base your wedding decisions on how many ‘likes’ they receive: two ‘likes’ are all that matters-yours and your future husbands • Go boldly in the direction of your own wedding dreams • There’s always Paris. –Copyright Christina Friedrichsen-IntimateWeddings.com
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real weddings
“Our favorite thing about our wedding was seeing it all come together after months of planning. We also loved seeing everyone have a good time at the reception.” -Mrs. Enscoe -Photography by Identity Studio and Design
Jenna & Ryan
Wedding Location: St Paul’s Catholic Church, Butler, PA. Reception Venue: Days Inn (Crystal Ballroom) Butler, PA. Theme: Red, White, and Blue with the fire service incorporated to symbolize how they met. Special noted Vendors: Identity Studio and Design, Keepsake Video Productions.
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dress shopping q&a When should I start shopping for my wedding gown? A bride should start dress shopping at least 8-10 months prior to the wedding. It can take up to two months to find the right gown and then four to six months for the dress to be custom ordered. Give yourself plenty of time and keep in mind that the sooner you start shopping, the less likely you’ll feel rushed and make a quick decision that you may regret later. How should I prepare for wedding dress shopping? The bride should always go shopping with an open mind. Often a bride has a specific silhouette or style in mind but many times while trying on different styles of dresses she may fall in love with a gown that is completely different than she had originally been seeking. Brides should know their budget before shopping. If a salon carries a designer will they have every dress in the collection? The salon may or may not have the style you are looking for. If you call the salon in advance and request a specific style, chances are that they may be able to call for a sample of that gown especially for you. So look through online gown galleries and magazines before you shop so you can give your salesperson an idea of what you want. Do I need an appointment? While you may get lucky and snag a salesperson just by walking in, scheduling an appointment is the only way to ensure that you’ll get undivided attention. And many salons will only see you if you book an appointment. How many people should I bring dress shopping with me? A bride should bring two or three people at the most. Too many opinions while trying on gowns can be confusing. The most important opinion for a bride is her own and others may talk a bride in or out of what she really likes and desires. What should I bring to my dress shopping appointment? A bride should bring undergarments and heels that are similar to what she would wear on her wedding day. This way if the bride decides to purchase her gown that day she can have proper measurements taken. If the bride has any accessories that she plans to wear on the big day, like her grandmother’s veil or mother’s necklace, she should bring those as well so she can see the final look and match her dress with those accessories.
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real weddings
Stephanie & Codie
Wedding and Reception Location: Anchor Village, Shippenville, PA. Theme: Rustic decor using mason jars, burlap, tons of baby’s breath & billy buttons, barn wood, etc. with touches of avocado green. Where did you get your inspiration from? Special Noted Vendors: Keepsake Video, Vincent Entertainment and Nicole’s Bridal.
“Our wedding made us ‘officially’ a family of 3. It was so special for our son to be a part of our day and see his mom and dad get married. We loved our venue and decor and even though it rained we still had a beautiful day.” -Mrs. Webster -Photography by Wilson Klugh Photography
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real weddings “Aside from the groom, my favorite part of the wedding was all of the decorations. The only thing I would have done differently would have been to hire a videographer and a day of coordinator. I would love to be able to watch the entire day over and over again.” -Mrs. Sadler -Photography by MGM Photography
Nikki & Jon
Wedding and Reception Location: West Sunbury, PA-The groom’s parents home. Theme:Scrabble inspired wedding with pink and gold as the main colors and inspired by Pinterest.
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beauty must haves
MAC’s Strobe Cream (maccosmetics.com) Apply before foundation to add a natural glow to the skin. Can be worn alone for the ULTIMATE fresh face look.
Sephora Instant Moisturizer (sephora.com) Smells great, feels great, keeps your skin hydrated and soft all day long and an easy price tag to boot!
Lancome Vissionare Serum (lancome-usa. com) Evens out skin tone, reduces pore size, buffs out fine lines
MAC paint Pot in Ocra (maccosmetics. com) Evens out eye lid and preps for a smooth canvas before applying shadow.
Maybelline Gel Liner (maybelline.com) In Black
Lancome Resolution Eye Cream (lancome-usa.com) Good for fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. Use above and below the eye morning and night for ideal healthy skin.
MAC Studio Finish foundation powder (maccosmetics.com) One-step powder and foundation that provides a smooth, flawless, all-matte, full-coverage finish. Long-wearing, velvety texture allows skin to breathe.
Smashbox Face Primer (smashbox.com) Leaves the skin looking flawless and perfect for hours upon hours
BH Cosmetics Lip Liner (maccosmetics.com) In Earth
MAC Eye Shadow (maccosmetics.com) In Vanilla, Satin Taupe, and Brun
Lancome Blush (lancome-usa.com) In Shimmer Mocha Havannah
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wedding stats • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Average Wedding Budget: $28,427 (excludes honeymoon) Most Expensive Place to Get Married: Manhattan, $76,678average spend Least Expensive Place to Get Married: Alaska, $15,504average spend Average Spentona Wedding Dress: $1,211 Average Marrying Age: Bride, 29; Groom, 31 Average Numberof Guests: 139 Average Numberof Bridesmaids: 4 to 5 Average Numberof Groomsmen: 4 to 5 Most Popular Month to Get Engaged: December (16%) Average Lengthof Engagement: 14 months Most Popular Month to Get Married: June (17%) Popular Wedding Colors: Blue (33%), Purple (26%), Green (23%), Metallics (23%) Percentageof Destination Weddings: 24%
Statistics from theknot.com
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real weddings
Lindsay & Ken
“Our favorite thing about the wedding was that we had so many of our friends and family involved. Our pastor, dj, photographers and church musician are all close friends. Our families also played a huge part in our special day from the first day of planning to the day of the wedding. We are so blessed. Honestly, we would not have changed one thing about our wedding day - it was everything that we wanted and more.” -Mrs. Moser -Photography by Rachel Rowland
Wedding Location: North Way Christian Community Church, Wexford, PA. (Where Lindsay and Ken North Way met, got engaged, and got married - all in the same room). Reception Location: The Crystal Room at the Days Inn, Butler, PA. Theme/ Color Scheme: Teal, Grey, and Green with a subtle “teacher” theme. Special Noted Vendors: The Days Inn, Tammycakes
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emergencychecklist clear nail polish
floral tape
mini water bottles
white nail polish
floral pins
sandpaper
nail polish remover
phone charger
lighter
nail file
iPod USB cord
lint roller
nail clippers
batteries
flats or sandals
neutral lip gloss
post-it notes
trash bags
extra panty hose
perfume
straws
mirror
cologne
washcloth
teasing comb
sunscreen
duct tape
hair straightener
baby powder
notebook
curling iron
lotion
pen
hair brush
extra earring backs
fashion tape
hairspray
basic make-up kit
white chalk
bobby pins
eye drops
chapstick
ponytail holders
contact solution
note-cards
safety pins
toothpaste
swiss army knife
sewing kit
new toothbrush
pumice stone
mini deodorant
tooth whitening strips
hem tape
first aid kit
dental floss
static cling spray
extra bandages
mouth wash
extra jewelry
cotton swabs
tissues
hand sanitizer
scissors
tampons and pads
umbrella
double-sided tape
masking tape
emergency phone numbers
tweezers
ziplock bags
walkie talkies
permanent marker
breath mints
mini bottles
super glue
light snacks
cough drops
baby wipes
pain reliever
cigar cutter
make up remover
decongestant
bug repellent
bleach pen
antacid
extension cord
energy drinks
allergy medicine
blister block stick
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vendors Accommodations
Foxburg Inn 724-659-3116 www.foxburginn.com Clarion Holiday Inn 814-226-8850 www.hiclarion.com
Bridal Shops
Nicole’s Bridal Boutique 814-678-1104 www.nicolesbridal.com
Beauty
Catering
Catering by Karen Lutz 814-677-6732 Oil City Classy Catering 814-676-5605 classycatering.biz Deck the Halls Catering 814-758-1511 deckthehalls4u@yahoo.com
Decoratingand Rental
Classic Tent Rental and Party Supplies 724-295-6500 www.classic-tent.com Ida Wholesale 814-226-5493 idawholesale.com
Emerald Palace Salon 814-678-2227 emeraldpalace1@gmail.com
Laurie’s Elegant By Design 814-676-0874 laurieebd@yahoo.com
Kiss N’ Make UP 814-319-2583 colleenfaller@gmail.com
The Linen Salon 814-636-0627 thelinensalon.com
Stingray’s Tanning 724-791-2035 stingraystanning.com
Entertainment
Cakes, Cupcakes and Favors
Audio Obsessions Entertainment 814-758-8321 audioobsessionsentertainment.com
Cindy’s Let Them Eat Cake 814-758-9457 cindysletthemeatcake.com
DJ Todd Entertainment 814-673-9896 djtodd.net
Pink Champagne Cupcakery 814-437-0000 www.realmeneatcupcakes.com
Posey DJ Service 814-677-7305 poseydj.com
Tammycakes 814-677-5492 tammycakes.com
Vincent Entertainment 800-6VINCENT vedjservice.com
Flowers
All About Reclaimed by Jeff Double 724-496-1577 allaboutreclaimed.com BloominGails 814-676-6321 bloomingails@comcast.net Smith’s-The Main Street Florist 724-283-2970 smithsmainstreetfloral.com
Gifts
Wilson Klugh Photography 814-758-2827 wilsonklughphotography.com
Travel
Williams Travel 814-677-1237 800-840-1237
Venues
Allegheny Grille 724-659-5701 visitfoxburg.com
Mandy’s Gift Boutique Oil City 814-670-0724 Franklin 814-432-2371
Clarion Holiday Inn 814-226-8850 hiclarion.com
The Pampered Chef-Evelyn Wheeler 814-673-6392 pamperedchef.biz/evelynwheeler
Mitchell Ponds Inne 800-555-6582 mitchellponds.com
Officiant
Quality Inn and Conference Center 814-437-3031 gm.pa328@choicehotels.com
All American Weddings Richard Gerrard 724-699-6475 Photography Betsy Carroll Photography 814-229-3235 betsycarrollphotography.com Identity Studio and Design 724-867-0975 identitysd.com Rachel Rowland Photography 412-302-1701 rachelrowland.com
The Commons at Franklin 814-437-7771 thecommonsatfranklin.com Wildflower Meadow Bed and Breakfast 814-881-5513 wildflowermeadowbb.com
Videographer
Keepsake Video 866-311-4336 keepvideo.com
Sonya Porter Photography 814-316-5962 sonyaporterphotography.com
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