Emergency wedding day kit

Pack an emergency wedding day kit

needle and thread in white, black and the color of bridesmaid gowns extra pairs of pantyhose pain reliever pills/antacid quick-clean detergent stick bandages powder deodorant double-sided tape black buttons sanitary pads mints/gum makeup for touch-ups extra cash slippers or a change of shoes umbrellas hairspray hair pins names and phone numbers of all wedding vendors static cling spray hair dryer contact lens solution/ eye drops nail file/clipper straws (to sip drinks without ruining lipstick) safety pins black socks earring backs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 families. If possible, invite out-of town 18 Reserve the location for your rehearsal dinner. guests, too. 26 Arrange accommodations for attendants who do not live in town. 4 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING If neither you nor any of your family, friends or neighbors have the facilities to house them, make hotel reservations. 19 Address invitations and announcements. All addressing, stuffing and stamping should be completed in time to mail the invitations four to six weeks before the wedding. If you have an “A” and a “B” list, you may mail “A” eight weeks in advance. When you receive regrets, you may invite people on “B” four weeks (and no less than three weeks) before the wedding. Prepare maps and directions to include with invitations. 20 Check with the post office for the postage needed to mail the invitation when all the pieces are enclosed in the envelope. Purchase pretty “Love” stamps for an appropriate wedding touch. 21 Schedule professional dance lessons to make your first dance memorable. 22 Meet with the caterer to firm up the menu and all the details. If any guests require special food, arrange that now. Be sure all your expectations are clearly defined in a written contract, which should include taxes, any service charges, and additional fees to bartenders and waiters, if not included in the package. Also, you should make certain that the location — which should be a licensed catering establishment — carries basic liability insurance. 23 Engage a baker to create a special wedding cake, if you want something more elaborate than what your caterer offers. Inquire about a cake-cutting charge if you bring in the wedding cake from elsewhere. 24 Investigate having air-conditioning in a tent when the wedding is to be held in warm weather. 25 Plan a rehearsal dinner. Members of the wedding party, their spouses, fiancées or significant others should be invited, along with both your immediate Your fiancée does the same for his attendants. 27 Reserve a block of rooms at a hotel for out-of-town guests. Most hotels offer discounts to guests for a wedding weekend. In advance of mailing invitations, write to your guests and enclose the hotel information so they can make their reservations directly. Once they arrive, have waiting for them a complete information packet, including city maps, transportation schedules and prices, sights to see and restaurants. An additional courtesy, included with this information, might be a refreshing basket of fruit, snacks or other food that your region is known for. 28 Ask a friend or relative to check on your out-of-town guests to be sure they are comfortable and answer any of their questions. Provide that person’s name and phone number in your letter because you will be so busy those last few days. 29 Visit your florist with dress-color swatches to help with the selection of flowers for your wedding and reception. Ask about providing the aisle runner for the ceremony. Again, be sure everything is clearly itemized in a contractual agreement. 30 Decide on your honeymoon destination. Consult a travel agent. Traditionally, the groom makes these arrangements, but if you’re better at that, don’t hesitate to offer. 31 Hire limousines or other specialty cars for the wedding party members. 32 Investigate resources for designing and printing a program to distribute at the ceremony. Desktop publishing should make that possible at a reasonable cost to you. 33 Consult with your officiant about any restriction on photography and videography. 34 Discuss with helpful family or 54% of brides use Pinterest to communicate their wedding-day vision to planners and vendors.

friends the possibility of their inviting Within two months of returning out-of-town guests to dinner the night from your honeymoon, you should before the wedding, if you can’t include acknowledge all wedding gifts. them at your rehearsal party. Also, they 40 Call to confirm the exact date and might host a breakfast or lunch for time of rehearsals with your officiant. travelers, if the wedding is late in the day. Notify attendants and family of the time and place. 2 MONTHS 41 Send out all invitations to the BEFORE THE WEDDING rehearsal dinner. 35 Compile a list of all the friends and 42 Plan a get-together party for your family members you attendants. would like to have 43 Select gifts for invited to showers. 36 Tell the hostess 37% wedding attendants. Your fiancée does the for parties in your of marrying same for his. honor where you are couples choose to 44 Begin trousseau registered. That store write their shopping for lingerie, may be indicated own vows. honeymoon clothes and right on the shower other items you’ll need invitation, but not on depending on where the wedding invitation. you plan to live. 37 Now’s the time to put your wedding 45 Purchase a pretty wedding guest invitations into the mail. book for friends and family to sign at the 38 Record your wedding gifts as they reception. arrive. Note the giver’s name, address, 46 Check with local authorities to see type of gift, date received and date you whether a blood test is needed for a acknowledge them. marriage license. 39 Write thank-you notes promptly. 47 Make an appointment with your

doctor for a complete physical. See your dentist, too. 48 Meet with the organist and anyone else you have asked to play or sing at the service to determine the music. 49 Meet with the musicians or DJ engaged to play at the reception to plan the selections you and your fiancée want, from your song to the dance tempo you expect them to maintain. Plan a variety of songs so there’s something older guests will enjoy as well as what’s hot among your peers. Caution the musicians about excessive volume — it can ruin a reception. Tell them about any ethnic favorites you may want so they’ll be familiar with the music. Inquire about breaks, continuous music and overtime. Get it all in writing. 50 Speak with the caterer about the food you want to serve to your photographer and musicians. Something simple to eat, a beverage and a place to sit that’s away from your guests are considered sufficient. 51 Meet with the person handling your reception and firm up every detail. If rental equipment is required, make CONTINUED ON PAGE 30