Traditional Breakdown of Expenses
| Wedding Gown, Headpiece & Accessories | The Bride’s Family |
|---|---|
| Wedding Cake | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Favors | The Bride’s Family |
| Groom’s Cake | The Groom’s Family |
| Rice Bags | The Bride’s Family |
The Wedding Rings. The engagement ring is perhaps the most important component that marks a couple’s commitment.
Who provides the groom’s cake for the wedding?
Traditionally, the groom’s cake is a gift from the bride to the groom. In fact, it is a tradition that dates back to the Victorian era, when brides would surprise their husbands with a special cake alongside their main cake.
What is the purpose of a groom’s cake?
The groom’s cake is presented as a gift to the groom from the bride and is meant to reflect her knowledge of him and her support of his passions. They often are presented with humor and affection and come in the most odd of forms (think the bleeding armadillo cake from Steel Magnolias).
What does the father of the groom pay for?
Tradition dictates that the groom’s family pays for the full cost of the rehearsal dinner, even though the bride’s family and friends attend the event as well. That includes food, drink, venue fees, entertainment, and transportation. Often the groom’s family cherishes this responsibility.
Is a groom’s cake necessary?
Absolutely not. Like almost every other wedding tradition, it’s entirely optional. But if you and your family are having a tug-of-war about wedding cakes (chocolate versus vanilla, carrot versus custard), the groom’s cake can be a simple way to satisfy nontraditional tastes without upsetting the wedding cake cart.
Is the groom’s cake a surprise?
A groom’s cake nowadays is usually a surprise to the groom on the day of the wedding and decorated in a way that reflects the groom’s personality or his hobbies.
Does the groom pay for the groom’s cake?
Alternative: The Groom’s Family Pays for the Cake
The groom’s (or the other bride’s or groom’s) family may choose to contribute to different wedding-related costs. For example, they may contribute to the cost of the cake or they may take on the entire cost of the cake.
How much money should the groom’s parents give?
Parents of the bride and groom collectively contribute about $19,000 to the wedding, or about two-thirds of the total cost, according to WeddingWire. The bride’s parents give an average $12,000, and the groom’s, $7,000. Just 1 in 10 couples pays for the wedding entirely on their own, according to TheKnot.com.
How many people should a groom’s cake feed?
On average reserve about 40-50 servings for the grooms cake.
Do groom’s parents give gift to bride’s parents?
If the groom’s parents are contributing financially to the wedding, they don’t necessarily need to give the bride a large gift—paying for their portion of the wedding is gift enough.
Does the groom’s family pay for the wedding?
The groom is traditionally expected to pay for the marriage license and officiant’s fees, and buy the bouquet for his ‘date’ (the bride), as well as her engagement and wedding rings and a gift; he should also purchase boutonnieres and gifts for his groomsmen.
Does the groom’s parents pay for the honeymoon?
Traditionally, the groom’s parents pay for the entire cost of the honeymoon. Honeymoon costs include flights, hotels and fun vacation activities. Note: More modern couples are saving for their honeymoon together or requesting their wedding guests to pay for some parts of the honeymoon as a wedding gift.
What is the average cost of a groom’s cake?
Typical costs: Costs for a groom’s cake are similar to those for wedding cakes, ranging from $1-$2 or less per slice for a relatively straightforward single-tier or sheet cake, to $8-$10 or more a slice for elaborate cakes with fondant, gum paste and sugar decorations or fruit.
Who walks the groom’s mother down the aisle?
The groom might opt to escort his mother down the aisle and to her seat in the front row, followed closely behind by the groom’s father. This gives the groom an opportunity to give his parents a hug before taking his place at the altar.
Who pays for groomsmen Tux at a wedding?
Wedding party members usually pay their own way when it comes to clothing — the women buy their dresses and the men rent their formalwear. (And you should let everyone know about this financial responsibility before they accept the invitation to be in your wedding.) It’s fine for the bride and groom to offer to pay for dresses and tuxes, but
How big should the grooms cake be?
Who buys the wedding cake?
To top it off, her husband had tipped $100 to each person who worked the wedding; the bartender, the caterer, each member of the band, everyone but me. I brushed it off that evening and figured maybe he’d tip me when they paid me after the wedding.
Mexican Wedding Traditions
Skip to the main content Traditions associated with Mexican weddings The Editor at Eivans 2020-08-03T20:30:15-05:00 By the Eivan’s Wedding Party The majority of Mexican-Americans desire a wedding ceremony that is authentic to their cultural history.First and foremost, it is essential that you learn about the traditions of your ancestors.People in Mexico have a great deal of respect for their cultural values and practices.They like mingling while enjoying food, music, and entertainment; this is reflected in the character of all of their events.Spirituality is extremely important to them and plays an important role in their daily lives.The Roman Catholic faith is the most widely practiced religion in the country.
The majority of Mexican marriages today are conducted in a church, much like a traditional Catholic wedding.The main distinction is that they have rituals that distinguish them from one another.Other cultures, such as the Mayans and the Aztecs, have had an impact on Mexican culture.
They incorporate elements of these traditions into their destination wedding ceremonies.
Let’s look at the Original Mexican wedding customs
The blessing of the Father (La Pedida) The father is the primary breadwinner in the family.When it comes to authorizing a couple to date, he has ultimate say.He provides his assent for their daughter to be married off to someone else.To express their respect for the bride’s family, the groom’s family pays a courtesy visit to her residence in order to formally ask for her hand in marriage.This request is known as the Pedir, and it brings two families together in order to get to know one another better.If the father agrees to the relationship, the families will meet to determine the most convenient dates for the wedding.
Sponsors (also known as Padrinos) are those who provide financial support to a cause.Mexican couples choose mentors who will accompany them during the engagement and marriage process.The Padrinos might be grandparents, godparents, or close friends of the couple in question.
There are two different kinds of sponsors.Mentors who have been selected by the couple, as well as sponsors who have offered to donate a present to the couple Successful married couples who the couple admires serve as mentors to the newly married pair.Padrinos or mentors are invited to participate as guests of honor in the liturgies of the Catholic Church.
The Padrinos give financial assistance to assist with the wedding expenses.A strong network of ties amongst the Mexican people allows for this form of sponsorship to flourish.Lazos, arras, flowers, fortunate gold coins, and other wedding-related donations are made possible by sponsors.Getting Ready for a Wedding The wedding clothes worn by the couple in Mexico is determined by whatever region of the country they are from.
- There are several alternatives available to brides, grooms, and members of the bridal party.
- Dress for the bride It was customary for the bride or her family members to sew the dress at the expense of the groom.
- The wedding outfits were inspired by the culture of Spain.
- They also included aspects of good fortune, wealth, and fertility into their iconography.
- In recent years, the wedding dress has been custom-made to the bride’s specifications, rather than purchased off the rack.
- Traditional Mexican textiles are a valuable heirloom of the country’s creative heritage.
- A bolero jacket or wedding shawl is worn by a bride who is getting married in a Catholic church to keep her bare shoulders covered.
- The Bridal Veil is a ceremonial garment worn by brides.
- Brides who are being married in a church are required to wear veils to protect their heads.
- Groom’s Appearance Grooms are attired in guayaberas (Mexican shirts) and linen or black slacks for the wedding.
It has four little patch pockets and two rows of vertical, delicate pleats on the front and back of this linen shirt from Mexico.In today’s groom’s clothing, these shirts have the same level of formality as a tuxedo.International formal gatherings are attended by leaders from Latin America and the Mexican President, who wear guayaberas.Today’s grooms may opt to dress in a suit for their wedding, which is quite acceptable.
The outfit for the bridal party In a typical Mexican wedding, the bridesmaids and groomsmen all dress in the same color scheme.Bridesmaids’ gowns should be coordinated with the ties or cummerbunds worn by the guys in the wedding party.The ring bearers and flower girls are dressed in a manner that complements the groom or bride, as well as the bridesmaids or groomsmen.
The Wedding Ceremony Procession is a formal procession that takes place before the wedding ceremony.Before the bride leaves her home, her mother says a prayer for her, asking God to guide and protect her throughout her life.Both the bride and groom, as well as their families, walk down the aisle in a procession from their respective homes.Getting their daughter or son married is a public demonstration of the families’ joy.
The Wedding Ceremony is a formalized exchange of vows between two people.Mexican wedding traditions are rich in rituals, which are observed on the wedding day as part of the ceremony.Traditional Roman Catholic weddings are deeply spiritual affairs that include a full mass.
The bride and groom either kneel or stand at the altar of the church.Godparents give them gifts of a rosary, a prayer book, and a kneeling pillow, which they appreciate.The Ritual of El Lazo The Lazo is a rope made of rosary beads or jeweled threaded together to form a ribbon, which is used in Mexican weddings to tie the bride and groom together.
After the couple has exchanged their vows, it is placed around their necks in the shape of a number 8.The lasso represents their intertwined future as a couple.It is referred to as a Unity Lace, and it is worn by the couple throughout the church service.Ofrenda ritual This is an offering made by the bride to the Virgin of Guadalupe at a Catholic ceremony.She kneels, prays and leaves a flower bouquet at the Virgin’s icon altar before the procession out of the church.Las Arras ritual This is the ritual of the thirteen gold coins presented by the groom to his bride.
It represents Jesus and the 12 apostles and symbolizes the groom’s commitment to support his wife throughout their marriage.It also symbolizes her promise to take care of him.The coins are in an ornate box or gift tray and the priest blesses them during the wedding mass.Wedding reception In a Mexican traditional wedding, the wedding reception can last up to 2 days.
There are several rituals that are part of the reception.They include: First dance: The guests surround the newlyweds as they enjoy their first dance.The couple dances first with their parents and padrinos as an honor.Then the dance floor is open to all the other guests.
Male visitors must pay to dance with the bride, while female guests must pay to dance with the groom during a money dance. The money dance is a convenient way to give money to the newlyweds. The newlyweds utilize the money they received as a wedding present to go on their honeymoon or to furnish and decorate their new house.
Mariachi: During the cocktail hour or after dinner, guests at Mexican weddings can enjoy a Mariachi serenade. Incorporating an excellent Mexican Mariachi into the wedding ceremony adds a touch of heritage and custom.
Mexican specialties are made at the wedding reception in honor of the newlyweds. Wedding reception food: A goat or a pig is slaughtered just for the occasion. Delicious side dishes and snacks, like as tortillas, are served alongside the main course. The greatest complement to the meat is the Mexican sauce, which is made up of several different varieties of chili peppers and nuts.
Beverages during the wedding: In traditional Mexican weddings, drinks are served continuously throughout the ceremony. Huge barrels of non-alcoholic flavored water, beer buckets filled to the brim with ice, tequila served table to table, margaritas, and other mixed Latin and Mexican mixed cocktails were on hand to quench your thirst.
The wedding cake consists of the following ingredients: Three milks cake was the traditional Mexican wedding cake, and it was delicious, velvety, and melted in your mouth.The wedding cake at many Mexican weddings includes a dessert table with a variety of candies and delicacies in addition to the wedding cake.Popular wedding sweets have a delectable flavor.They’re made with butter, nuts, and confectioner’s sugar, and they’re quite delicious.Different sorts of cookies are available for purchase, as well as for customers to take home.
Father & Mother of the Groom Duties Every Parent Must Know
The days when the groom’s parents’ obligations were confined to hosting the rehearsal dinner and turning up for the wedding are long gone.According to a recent WeddingWire poll, the parents of the groom are contributing financially more than they have ever done before, providing 24 percent of the wedding expenditures.And with increased financial help comes increased obligations and influence into the wedding preparation process.
What is the groom’s family supposed to pay for?
It is customary for the groom’s parents to shoulder financial duties such as paying for the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon expenses.Depending on where you live in the nation, it may be customary for the groom’s family to pay for the alcoholic beverages during the reception.Wedding expenses such as the marriage license, officiant, bride’s wedding rings, wedding night lodgings, and the groom’s clothes may also be covered by the groom’s parents; however, these expenses are normally covered by the groom alone.
What are the responsibilities of the parents of the groom?
Ultimately, the obligations of the groom’s parents are determined by what the couple desires and requires, as well as how much time, effort, and money the family is willing and able to devote to the wedding.Before beginning the process of wedding planning in earnest, the couple and the groom’s family should get together to discuss expectations and ensure that everyone is on the same page.While the groom’s family may be engaged in the actual wedding preparations, it is more common for them to concentrate on the rehearsal dinner, as is typical.Continue reading for a handy checklist for the groom’s parents.
1. Invite the in-laws to dinner.
If the parents of the happy couple have not yet been acquainted, one of the first tasks on the parents of the groom’s checklist should be to contact their prospective in-laws and invite them over, or out, for a meal so that the families may get to know one another while celebrating together. The invitation might be extended to the couple’s siblings as well as their parents and grandparents.
2. Spread the news of the couple’s engagement and where they’re registered.
The father and mother of the groom are just as thrilled as their son and daughter-in-law about the news of their son’s engagement, so spread the word by updating a Facebook page, making a few phone calls, or sending emails and messages to everyone in the family.Numerous friends and family will likely inquire as to where the couple is registered, and the father and mother of the groom can direct them to the couple’s wedding registration and website.It’s critical to obtain the consent of the newly engaged pair before sharing the news on social media, as some couples want to keep their engagement a secret for a period of time after being engaged.
3. Find out the groom’s parents financial responsibilities.
Unlike in the past, the list of who pays for what is no longer as black and white as it once was.Discuss how much money each set of parents can pay as well as what each pair intends to cover with their contributions with each other.As a general guideline, the following expenditures are generally handled by the groom’s parents: the wedding rings, officiant’s fee, marriage license, the bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages for the immediate family, music (band/DJ), alcoholic beverages during the reception, and the honeymoon.It is customary for the bride’s parents to also host the rehearsal dinner for their son.Use this as a guideline, but be sure to allocate financial duties that are appropriate for your wedding and family dynamic instead.
4. Ask the couple how you can help with wedding planning.
One of the most significant roles of the groom’s parents is to inquire of the pair about how they can assist them and how they would like them to be involved.They may choose to assign specific to-dos to the groom’s parents, or they may like to provide them with a range of alternatives to pick from, such as preparing events during the wedding weekend and investigating a certain vendor category.
5. Be available to help.
Despite the fact that times have changed and the groom’s parents are more involved in opposite-sex weddings, both monetarily and in terms of planning responsibilities, the bride and her mother continue to supervise the majority of weddings.Allowing the newlyweds and your future in-laws to know that you’re available to assist and what services you would be willing to offer for – such as DIY projects, baking cookies for favors, and hosting a pre- or post-wedding party – is a good idea.
6. Put together a guest list of the groom’s family and friends of his parents, and call for late RSVPs.
Once the couple has established how many guests will be invited to the wedding, the father and mother of the groom should inquire as to the maximum number of guests they are permitted to invite.Start by creating a guest list of relatives and friends that is no longer than ″allowed,″ and then begin collecting mailing addresses in a spreadsheet format for use when the couple mails out the save-the-date cards and wedding invitations.If any of the groom’s family’s guests do not respond by the RSVP deadline, one of the mother of the groom’s responsibilities is to contact them by email or phone to find out if they are accepting the invitation or conveying regrets to the groom’s family.
7. Ask friends and relatives for venue and vendor recommendations
In order to get ideas from friends and relatives who have recently arranged a wedding, the groom’s parents should inquire around.This is especially important if the wedding will be held in their hometown and the couple does not reside there.Ask the couple what they’re looking for in terms of design and price range, and then provide them a list of or links to firms that have come highly recommended by their friends.
8. Ask the mother of your child’s partner what she’s wearing to the wedding.
Final decisions on the style and formality of the wedding will be made by the couple, and the mother of the groom should choose her dress once the formality of the wedding has been determined – black tie, cocktail, etc.– as well as the colors from which she will be able to choose.Before going shopping for her own wedding-day ensemble, it is traditional mother of the groom etiquette to consult with the mother of her child’s partner about what she would be wearing, so that their outfits are complementing rather than exact matches.
9. The father of the groom should complement his son’s wedding-day look.
For the suit or tuxedo that the father of the groom will wear to the wedding, he should choose the same one that his son will wear for the wedding party. A tie and other accessories to personalise his tuxedo or suit should be worn by the groom’s father rather than the groomsmen’s tuxedo or suit as well.
10. Host a shower
Alternatively, if the groom’s mother, as well as her relatives and friends, do not reside near where the bridal shower will be place, the groom’s mother may choose to throw a shower in honor of her future daughter-in-law. Guests can be limited to those who live in the area, but the bride’s mother should be included on the guest list.
11. Plan and host the rehearsal dinner
The rehearsal dinner is generally hosted by the father and mother of the groom, who are responsible for selecting the site, arranging the guest list, mailing the invitations, selecting the cuisine, and providing any favors.When serving as hosts for the evening, the parents of the groom should communicate with anyone who will be giving a speech to ensure that any audio-visual needs may be accommodated.
12. Add shots to the must-take photo list, and order albums and DVDs.
Providing a list of a few family images they would like taken on the wedding day, as well as a list of which relatives should be included in large family photos, is one of the groom’s parents’ obligations before the wedding day.It’s important to make sure it’s on the must-take shot list that the photographer receives weeks before the wedding and that it doesn’t get added at the last minute, which may cause problems with the timetable on the wedding day.Announcing their intention to acquire a parent’s album and DVD of the wedding video should also be communicated to the couple so that their order may be included in the contract with the photographer and videographer, as well as being included in the initial charge.If the order is placed after the wedding, it is possible that the price will be higher.
13. Research family, cultural, and religious traditions
A major part of the groom’s parents’ obligations is informing the couple of any customs from their family’s past – both cultural and religious – that they might want to consider include in the wedding ceremony and/or celebration.They shouldn’t make the assumption that their youngster understands what they are talking about.It is recommended that the parents of the groom proofread the description in the wedding program if they wish to include any in their ceremony and discuss them in detail in the wedding program.
14. Walk down the ceremony aisle.
At the wedding ceremony, the groom’s parents play an essential role in the proceedings. The father and mother of the groom go down the aisle together and are seated in the front pew on the right side of the church during a Christian wedding. An important part of a Jewish wedding is that the groom’s parents accompany him in the processional and stand next to him under the chuppah.
15. Stand in the receiving line.
If the couple has elected to welcome their guests by standing in a receiving line, the groom’s parents will join them and their new in-laws at the front of the line.Both dads can be excused, allowing the mothers to stand at the newlyweds’ side in their celebration.An opposite-sex wedding should be conducted in the following order: the parents of the bride should be first, followed by the happy couple, and finally the parents of the groom.
16. Sit at the parents’ table.
Ideally, there should be a designated parents’ table during the wedding reception, with both of the newlyweds’ parents sitting at the table, as well as the officiant and his or her spouse, if they are invited to stay for the reception.Grandparents of the newlyweds are welcome to join them at the dinner table.The pair may also opt to sit with their respective parents.Occasionally, parents may choose to dine at different tables with close family members or friends rather than their children.
17. Dance with the groom.
It is customary for the groom and his mother to dance together as part of the traditional parent dance sequence.They should pick together on the song to which they will dance, and if they choose, they may choreograph the dance as well.Even if it is not part of the parent dance sequence, the father of the groom should invite his new daughter-in-law to dance at the reception, if it is appropriate in his situation.
Does the mother of the groom give the bride a gift?
The mother of the groom is customarily invited to the wedding shower and provides a little gift.When it comes to the wedding ceremony itself, the mother of the groom might present the bride with a more meaningful gift, such as a family heirloom, to officially welcome her into the family for the first time.If the groom’s parents are making a financial contribution to the wedding, they are not required to give the bride a substantial present; simply paying for their piece of the wedding is sufficient compensation.
Who walks the mother of the groom down the aisle?
In certain cultures and faiths, the groom is escorted down the aisle by both of his parents, which is customary.During the processional, if the groom is going to be standing at the altar, his parents will be some of the first people to go down the aisle with him, if they are still together.If they are divorced, they may choose to go down the aisle separately, accompanied by a wedding party.
Weddings
Skip to the main content Weddingsbrookmosaic2020-11-30T16:39:17-05:00
A magical indoor-outdoor experience
Our freshly refurbished ballroom has an expansive dance floor, allowing you and your guests to have a great time dancing all night long.Take in the westerly panoramic view of the lake from the big floor-to-ceiling windows as the sun sets and the shifting hues of the sky appear before your eyes.The outside veranda, which overlooks the lake and provides a picturesque background for nuptials, is excellent.We believe that our meticulous attention to detail is the only thing that can top our amazing facilities, breathtaking environment, and delectable cuisine.Brooklake’s wedding specialists are part of a larger group of committed individuals who will be there for you every step of the journey.A PANORAMIC VIEW SUITABLE FOR ANY OCCASION
Elegant, spacious ballroom
Our team at Brooklake will work closely with you to ensure your day is as magical as you dreamed it would be.
Our team at Brooklake will work closely with you to ensure your day is as magical as you dreamed it would be.
Photographs courtesy of 360SiteVisit.com, Jenna Perfette Photography, and 360SiteVisit.com.In our elegant bridal suite, you may get ready for your special day.It’s luxurious and expansive, and it’s the ideal setting for hair and make-up, as well as for relaxing and being pampered in the days leading up to the event.The suite is intended to help you create stunning images with individuals who are most important to you.
Here’s a checklist for planning your wedding
- Family and close friends should be informed
- a formal engagement notice should be issued
- and possible dates should be determined.
- Consult with the church or temple
- after the date has been set, reserve the location for the reception.
- If the facility does not provide catering, a caterer should be hired.
- The bride and her attendants shop for their gowns and dresses
- the bride and groom’s families gather for a get-together
- The bride’s family is hosting an engagement party
- a preliminary guest list has been created.
- Creating a preliminary budget is essential.
- Make arrangements for musicians to perform at the event.
- Make use of a photographer or videographer.
- Make arrangements for a band or DJ for the reception
- Select your aides and attendants.
- Create a bridal registry, choose patterns, and so on.
- Choose the readers for the ceremony
- Make formal attire arrangements for the groom and his ushers
- and
- If required, make arrangements for passports.
- Complete the guest list.
- Make arrangements for your honeymoon
- Invitations, thank you letters, and stationery should be chosen and ordered.
- Determine your floral requirements and contact a florist.
- Make a plan for obtaining a marriage license and blood tests (if necessary)
- Order the wedding cake
- make arrangements for liquor/beverages if they are not included in the catering agreement.
- Prepare for the wedding ceremony
- Purchase wedding rings
- make arrangements for transportation needs
- Overnight accommodations for out-of-town guests should be arranged and confirmed.
- Send out invitations
- make arrangements for the ceremony rehearsal and dinner
- purchase presents for the bride and groom’s attendants and a wedding gift for the bride and groom
- Consult with the hairstylist and confirm all appointments for the wedding day’s beauty services.
- Finalize the arrangements for photography and videography
- finalize the floral requirements.
- Obtain a marriage license
- make arrangements for transportation to and from the ceremony, reception, and wedding night destination
- and plan the wedding reception.
- Make sure all attendees’ attire is delivered or picked up on time.
- Make a list of your honeymoon clothing and luggage requirements
- If you are traveling abroad, double-check your passports and any necessary vaccinations.
- Confirm the catering arrangements as well as the final guest count.
- Pick up your wedding dress and accessories.
- Make arrangements for the collection of the groom’s and ushers’ attire.
- Prepare Envelopes for Payments/Donations to Clergy, Musicians, and Other Professionals
- Last-minute packing for the wedding night and honeymoon
- the night before the wedding
- Distribute gifts to guests during the rehearsal dinner
- distribute payment envelopes to the best man for delivery after the service.
- Bring your car keys, wedding rings, marriage license, airline tickets, passports, and money on the day of the wedding.
- Place your wedding night luggage and your honeymoon luggage in the trunk of the vehicle you’ll be driving to go to and from both destinations, respectively.
- WHEN THE PHOTOGRAPHER COMES, BE PREPARED.
- RELAX, ENJOY, AND ENJOY YOURSELF
- HAVE A LOT OF FUN
“The team at Brooklake has the highest level of professionalism. Peter pays attention to every detail to make sure the day is exactly as you want it to be.”
DANA-LYNN D
“The team at Brooklake has the highest level of professionalism. Peter pays attention to every detail to make sure the day is exactly as you want it to be.”
DANA-LYNN D
Contact a Brooklake Event Specialist
Page load link
Ultimate Wedding Checklist – Free Wedding Planning Checklist
When you are in the midst of planning what will be perhaps the biggest and most important day of your life, there are a zillion little details to keep track of.Although your vendors or a wedding planner may assist you in planning your wedding, it is important to keep track of several important details.With our ultimate wedding checklist, you can make sure that each item is checked off as you proceed to make your day perfect.
Brides Often Ask
Why a wedding planning checklist is important?
What is the difference between a wedding timeline and a wedding checklist?
Are you ready to start planning your dream wedding? View this customized checklist, download it, and enjoy the process of arranging your event! Make changes to your to-do list.
Apparel
- Let’s face it, the wedding gown and the wedding day style are important aspects of wedding preparation – some ladies have been fantasizing about their wedding gown for years – so it’s important to make sure each of these things has a place on your wedding planning checklist. Wedding Gown
- Bridal Shoes
- Bridal Slip
- Lingerie
- Hosiery
- Jewelry
- Bridal Headpiece/veil
- Bridesmaid Dresses
- Bridesmaid Shoes
- Groom’s Tux or Outfit
- Groomsmen’s Tux or Outfit
- Groomsmen Shoes
- Groomsmen’s Shoes
- Groomsmen’s Accessories
- Groomsmen’s Shoes
- Groomsmen’s Accessories
- Groomsmen’s Shoes
Stationery
- In terms of wedding stationery, there is a lot more to it than simply the invites. Wedding stationery suites are becoming increasingly popular in today’s wedding planning world, giving couples the ability to design whole wedding suites. Rehearsal Dinner Invitations, Bridal Shower Invitations, Bridal Shower Thank You Cards, Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Invitations, Wedding Programs, Address Labels, Wedding Welcome Bag Cards, Wedding Welcome Bag Tags/Labels, Reply Cards, Ceremony Program, Save The Date Cards, Enclosure Card, Postage, Calligrapher, Newspaper Announcement, Thank You Notes, Rehearsal Dinner Invitations, Bridal Shower Invitations, Bachelor/Bachelorette
Flowers
- Flowers often account for a significant portion of the wedding budget, and there are several small nuances to consider while planning this item on your wedding checklist. Make sure you have all of your flower requirements ready before meeting with the florist. Bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids
- corsages (for the mother of the bride). Guests (mother of the groom, father of the bride, father of the groom, grandparents, and other notables)
- Wedding arches/backdrops are also available.
- Boutonnieres
- The following items are available: flower crown/hair flowers, reception centerpieces, reception flowers, rehearsal dinner flowers, ceremony flowers, throw-away bouquet, and flower girl flowers.
Ceremony
- This is the moment in which you will become a married pair, and you want the ceremony to be a reflection of who you are as a couple as possible. No matter what sort of venue you choose for your ceremony, you will need to take special care to ensure that all of the things on this checklist are present and in working order. Reserved seating signs
- ring box
- aisle runner
- ceremony backdrop
- unity candle
- readers & readings
- microphones/amps/a PA system
- flower girl baskets
- ring bearer pillow
- back-up plan for the weather if the wedding is outside
- confetti or something to toss as you exit
- gratuities
- and other miscellaneous expenses.
Reception
- This is the part of the wedding day when you will have spent the most of your time preparing and designing so that you don’t have to worry about leaving anything out of the schedule of events. Consult with your venue to determine what resources are available that would enable you to do some of these tasks more rapidly. The following items are required: the venue, the caterer, the bar service, the food, the wedding cake, the cake topper, the cake stand, the grooms cake, the heating/fans/umbrella, the musician, the band or the DJ, the childcare, the transportation, the parking, the guest book, the guest book pens, the seating chart, the welcome sign, the chairs, the tables, the linens, the glassware, the napkins, the dishes, the table decorations/centerpieces
Gifts + Favors
- Don’t forget to include wedding favors and special thank yous in your budget if you want to express your gratitude to your wedding party and guests in a unique way. Gifts for the attendees
- Favors for the wedding
- The bride and groom’s parents
- the bride’s and groom’s siblings
Rings
- Even if it is only a minor part of the checklist, the wedding rings are critical to the success of your wedding ceremony. Wedding bands, engagement rings, and engraving are all available.
Honeymoon
- After a long wedding preparation process and a large celebration day, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind and connect with family and friends. No of where you choose to spend your honeymoon, you should have these essential goods and responsibilities ready to go before you leave. Transportation, hotel accommodations, car rental, activities and entertainment, passports, and currency are all things that may be purchased online.
Photography
- When all of the planning and preparation, and after the big day has passed, all that is left are your memories and images. Your photographer will collaborate with you to ensure that you receive the photographs you like and that they are recorded in the way that you choose. Bride and groom portraits, reception, ceremony, photo albums, engagement portraits, and videography are all included in the photographer’s shot list.
Rehearsal Dinner
- Because the rehearsal dinner is generally hosted by the groom’s parents, it may not be on your list of preparing duties. However, even if the rehearsal dinner is being planned by someone else, you should have the following items ready. Catering, linens, centerpieces, parking, music, decorations, bar service, and gratuities are all included in the price of the venue.
Transportation
- You’ll need to get to where you’re going on your wedding day, so make sure you arrange your transportation well in advance so that you have the greatest alternatives for your wedding. Bridal party transportation
- couple transportation
- wedding guests transportation
- hotel transportation
- and airport transportation are all options.
Miscellaneous
- There will always be items that do not fall into the primary planning categories, so here is a list of things you should put on your to-do list in case something comes up. Civil Marriage License, Wedding Registry, Wedding Website, Bridal Subscription Box, Bridesmaid Luncheon, Day After Brunch, Wedding Day Insurance, Hair & Beauty Specialist, Wedding Coordinator, Accommodation at Hotel Wedding Block, Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Making the decision to take on the task of arranging such a large-scale event as a wedding might be intimidating, but now that you have a comprehensive list of products to purchase and aspects to consider, the process will be much easier.Not only will using our wedding planning checklist keep you on track and organized, but it will also make you feel more in control of the situation by making you feel like you can tackle things one step at a time.
How to Allocate Your Wedding Budget
Breaking down your wedding budget is one of the most difficult (though most crucial) chores involved in wedding preparation.Because the figure you choose has an impact on all of your other decisions—including the location, guest list, dining options, and whether or not you can afford that expensive DJ—it is critical that you choose the amount accurately the first time.According to Alicia Fritz, owner of A Day in May Events in Traverse City, Michigan, ″no matter what your starting point is, consider about splitting your money into two categories: ″for you″ and ″for them.″ ″A budget begins with a guest list, which determines the majority of your expenses.Prepare to spend the majority of your budget (about 40%) on meeting attendees’ fundamental requirements, which includes the venue, food, and beverage.″ Meet the Subject Matter Expert Alicia Fritz is the owner and founder of A Day in May Event Planning & Design, a Michigan-based wedding planning company.Martha Stewart Weddings has named her as one of the country’s finest wedding planners, and she has received several other honors.The remainder of the funds will be used to cover fixed expenses such as your photographer, videographer, and entertainment.
Then there’s the more arbitrary and practical aspects of the project, such as transportation, labor, lighting, stationery, and whatever else you’ve determined to be necessary in the mix.Take a look at the helpful instructions below for a basic idea of your expenditure breakdowns and make adjustments based on your goals.
Budget Breakdown
- The cost of the venue and catering will account for 40% of your budget.
- 15 percent of your spending should be allocated to photography and videography.
- 5 percent of your spending should be allocated to wedding attire and beauty.
- 10 percent of your budget should be allocated to music and entertainment.
- Flowers should account for 10% of your budget
- favors and gifts should account for 2% of your budget.
- Transportation costs 3 percent of your budget
- stationery costs 3 percent of your budget
- and other costs 3 percent of your budget
- Cake costs 2 percent of your whole budget.
- 10 percent of your spending should be allocated to décor.
Keep these questions in mind as you go through the process: Is your ideal venue (or that outfit, or those imported peonies, or whatever it is that’s presently weighing on your mind) something that you are unwilling to compromise on?If doing so would put you over budget, consider cutting back in another area that is less important to you.And if it isn’t a deal-breaker, then look for another option that you are certain to like just as much as the first.
Create a Spreadsheet
Create an Excel spreadsheet or a Google Doc to keep track of your expenditures at every stage of the wedding planning process, much like wedding planners do.Here are the most critical components to include in your proposal.Separate the expenses of each category’s components along the left-hand side of your paper.Under the heading ″Bride’s outfit,″ include line items for the dress, accessories, and adjustments, among other things.Fill up the blanks with the most important information.Every spreadsheet should contain vendor contract information, expected cost information, actual cost information, additional service fees and gratuities, transportation and parking charges for off-site suppliers, and tax information, among other information.
Use the auto-sum feature to add things up as you go, and make a line for your grand total to keep track of it.
10 Rehearsal Dinner Ideas That Aren’t Lame
On top of that, if you’ve been to one, you know how easy it is to get bored. I mean, why are there 97 toasts? Is there even a full bar at this thing? Is there even a bar?
Rehearsal dinners don’t get a lot of attention for two reasons: 1. They’re rehearsal dinners so who cares? and 2. How hard can planning one actually be?
As a wedding planner, I like to tackle planning the rehearsal dinner a lot sooner than most of my brides and grooms would prefer. In this blog, I’m going to tell you why that early planning is a good idea and give you 10 rehearsal dinner ideas that aren’t lame.
Who Pays for the Rehearsal Dinner?
One of the struggles my brides and grooms have when planning a rehearsal dinner is similar to a constant struggle they have while planning the wedding: who is paying for it?
Traditionally, the groom’s family is responsible for covering all of the costs associated with the rehearsal dinner. That said, etiquette has become more of a suggestion given that times change and not everyone is dealing with the same exact circumstances.
For instance, if the couple is paying for everything, they could ask for their parents to help with this expense if that is an option. A couple could also choose to handle this and other nominal expenses if their parents are handling the big ticket items associated with the wedding.
But while etiquette is what you make it, there are families that live and die by Emily Post’s words regardless of how outdated they might be. When my couples ask me who pays for what (another blog is coming on this, I promise), I give them the “Post” rules and then work to adjust them according to their situation.
One thing that I always make clear? The person signing the check gets the final say. This means that if you want full control of any part of your wedding, you have to be responsible for the payments.
Where?
This part is the reason you want to book this sooner rather than later. You might be surprised how hard it is to get a private room for 30 people on a Friday night. Many locations will only be able to offer a “semi-private” location, which means you will be dining with everyone else….but like in their “V.I.P. area”.
Once you decide those logistics, it’s important to consider other things like available parking, food and beverage minimum, and of course, type of food.
Assuming your wedding is in the next day or two, I always recommend catering that is the polar opposite from what you will be serving at the wedding. Planning a 5 course black tie wedding night? Consider an outdoor pig roast under a tent. The last thing your guests want is the same thing in the same place two nights in a row.
Who Makes The List?
Generally, the people invited to the rehearsal dinner are those involved in the actual wedding ceremony. That includes anyone in your wedding party, parents, immediate family (if you choose) as well as their guests.
That’s right. Their guests. Your Maid of Honor’s boyfriend might not be your BFF, and while he shouldn’t attend the rehearsal, he should be invited to the rehearsal dinner. Make that clear on your invitations, or else be prepared for questions from everyone.
Can you invite more people? Absolutely…but I would only recommend that for destination weddings where you truly want everyone to be a part of the evening. Keep in mind that if it is a destination wedding, you will have to be considerate that not everyone will be able to attend both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding due to additional expenses and for many other reasons.
Top 10 Ideas for Your Rehearsal Dinner
1. Hand Out Gifts and Thank-Yous
Rehearsal dinners are a great chance to thank those that have been with you on this journey. The week of a wedding is hectic and this is the only time to slow down and pass out gifts to your parents and wedding party. If you’re looking for a more private moment, be sure to schedule that in, but otherwise, know that this is the best time for everyone.
Not sure what to get those special people in your life? We’ve put together an awesome list in this blog right here complete with links where you can find every item. Whatever you choose, make it personal (no gift cards allowed!). You can’t go wrong with jewelry and I love this company right here.
2. Offer Fun Dessert
You’ll likely have plenty to choose from at the wedding, but the rehearsal dinner menu should be more limited. Along with not offering 7 entree options, don’t feel pressured to create a huge dessert display.
Express your personality and the vibe of the rehearsal dinner with a super fun cake or even a small sampling of different sorbets. Put out a platter of engagement ring cookies for everyone to take before calling it a night!
3. Show Off Those Engagement Photos
Remember those so in love photos you took when you first got engaged? Why save them for just the wedding day? Put those on display at the rehearsal dinner and guests will be sure to notice!
4. Keep Food Casual With Fun Displays
Rehearsal dinners are a great chance for the most important people in your wedding to get to know each other. An open floor plan filled with stations will keep guests mingling all night while enjoying the incredible food!
5. Signature Drinks Aren’t Just For Weddings
Couldn’t decide between signature drinks for your wedding? Offer up one for your rehearsal dinner instead! Don’t forget to give it a fun name and let it compliment the total evening.
Consider having them passed as guests enter or even placed on a fun station mixed in with the food choices.
6. Show Guests To Their Seats
Depending on your guest count, you have the option of using escort cards or place cards. Escort cards are typically used at weddings to show guests which tables they are sitting at. Place cards sit at the tables to show guests what seat they should be in.
Keep this part casual no matter which option you choose. Letterpress escort cards are ideal for a wedding, but there’s nothing like an engraved shot glass for the rehearsal dinner! Escort card and a favor? Jackpot!
7. Family Style It
Quite often, couples tell me they want to use long or farmhouse tables for their reception and sometimes it’s not possible. Reasons like lack of space or expense of rentals can make this a tricky request to accommodate for wedding days.
Since rehearsal dinners often have a much lower guest count than a wedding, this is the perfect time to use those gorgeous tables. Plus, with everyone sitting together, it’s a great chance to get to know one another!
8. Keep the Decor Simple
An engagement party might call for big tall centerpieces, and sometimes a bridal shower will too. However, a rehearsal dinner is not the time to flaunt a floral budget.
Rehearsal dinners keep people at the tables, so it’s important that the centerpieces not be a distraction. A long table feels warm and cozy with a long floral runner and candles, while smaller tables call for classic arrangements.
9. Rehearsal Dinner or Lunch?
The only rule I have for my couples is that their rehearsal dinner doesn’t run so late that it’s a chore to get up the next morning. Often times, the rehearsals are later in the evening due to work schedules which forces the dinner to be even later.
If it’s possible to host a rehearsal dinner earlier in the day though, then go for it! Take it outside and enjoy the fresh air, which will allow you to end early enough to get some serious rest. Just make sure you host the actual rehearsal first…you know, before the mimosas.
10. Skip the Rehearsal Part Entirely
One of the questions I am consistently asked is “do we really need a rehearsal?” My answer is always the same:
No.
The exception to this is if you are getting married in a religious house that requires a rehearsal. Or, if you really would just feel more comfortable running through everything at least once before the big day. The only reason I am mentioning this is because, in my experience, people do just fine without a rehearsal and one less thing to do the week of your wedding is always a win.
Who Pays for What?
Who Is Responsible for What?Once the date for your wedding has been selected, one of the first things that should be done is to create a budget for the event.Is the ceremony going to be formal, semi-formal, or informal in nature?A traditional wedding will, of course, be the most expensive, while a casual wedding will be the least expensive.There is no such thing as a set in stone.Who is responsible for what?
In contrast to a decade ago, the lines are no longer as well defined.In recent years, the responsibility for paying for the wedding has shifted off the shoulders of the bride’s father to include the groom’s family as a contributing factor.In addition, because many couples marry later in life and have their own financial resources, they are sharing the costs of raising a family.
As to ″Who Pays for What,″ there are no longer any hard and fast laws, however a broad guideline may be found below that describes the usual split of payments: Expenses are broken down in the traditional way.
| Wedding Gown, Headpiece & Accessories | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Ring for Bride | The Groom |
| Wedding Ring for Groom | The Bride |
| Wedding Gift for Groom | The Bride |
| Wedding Gift for Bride | The Groom |
| Bridesmaid Gifts | The Bride |
| Groomsmen/Usher Gifts | The Groom |
| Bride’s Bouquet | The Groom |
| Bridesmaid Bouquets | The Bride’s Family |
| Mother’s Corsages | The Groom |
| Grandmother Corsages | The Bride’s Family |
| Groom’s Boutonniere | The Groom |
| Groomsmen Boutonnieres | The Groom |
| Usher’s Boutonnieres | The Groom |
| Ceremony/Reception Flowers | The Bride’s Family |
| Altar Baskets/Arches | The Bride’s Family |
| Canopy/Carpet | The Bride’s Family |
| Kneeling Bench/Candleabrahs | The Bride’s Family |
| Rented Items for Wedding | The Bride’s Family |
| Rented Items for Reception | The Bride’s Family |
| Invitations/Announcements | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Programs | The Bride’s Family |
| Napkins/Matches/Printed Items | The Bride’s Family |
| Marriage License | The Groom |
| Medical Visit for Bride | The Bride |
| Medical Visit for Groom | The Groom |
| Church Fee | The Bride’s Family |
| Clergyman/Officiant Fee | The Groom |
| Musician/Soloist | The Bride’s Family |
| Church Janitor | The Bride’s Family |
| Reception Hall Fee | The Bride’s Family |
| Catered Reception/Professional Services | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Photography | The Bride’s Family |
| Video Photography | The Bride’s Family |
| Orchestra/Band/DJ | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Cake | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Favors | The Bride’s Family |
| Groom’s Cake | The Groom’s Family |
| Rice Bags | The Bride’s Family |
| Rehearsal Dinner | The Grooms Family |
| Bridesmaid Luncheon | The Bride |
| Bachelor Party | Best Man/Groom’s Attendants |
| Wedding Breakfast | The Bride’s Family |
| Bridal Brunch | The Bride’s Family |
| Bridesmaid’s Gowns | Bridesmaid’s |
| Maid of Honor Gown | Maid of Honor |
| Matron of Honor Gown | Matron of Honor |
| Best Man Formal Wear | Best Man |
| Usher’s Formal Wear | Ushers |
| Groomsmen’s Formal Wear | Groomsmen |
| Gloves/Ties/Ascots for Attendants | The Groom |
| Father of Bride Formal Wear | Bride’s Family |
| Father of Groom Formal Wear | Groom’s Family |
| Children’s Formal Wear | The Children’s Parents |
| Limousine Service | The Groom |
| Honeymoon Arrangements | The Groom |
| Travel Expenses to the Wedding | The Out-of-town Attendant or Family Member |
| Accommodations for out-of town Guests | The Bride |
| Gifts for the Couple | Guest, Attendants and Family |