You’ll never forget your maid of honor duties when you have this helpful wedding checklist! It fits easily in a wedding planner, a wallet, or your purse and conveniently keeps all of your maid of honor duties within reach. Your best friend is getting married and needs your help to make the wedding planning run smoothly. For you, it’s as easy as performing these few simple task!

Maid of Honor Pre Wedding Duties

• Help bride shop for gown (if she desires)
• Help bride shop for bridesmaids dresses
• Get the word out about the wedding registry, even if listed elsewhere
• Coordinate bridesmaids’ dress order, fittings, alterations, payment, and dressing
• Arrange the travel and lodging for the bridesmaids
• Organize bridesmaids on wedding day
• Fix the bride’s train before the processional starts
• Attend rehearsal dinner
• Create a wedding day emergency kit (just a reminder!)
• Plan and attend the wedding shower and/or bachelorette party
• Help with wedding planning tasks (a girl needs all the hands she can get!)

Maid of Honor Duties During The Ceremony:

• Walk down the aisle during the processional
• Adjust bride’s train once she reaches the altar
• Hold the bridal bouquet while the bride and groom exchange vows
• Carry the groom’s wedding ring
• Sign marriage license as a witness
• Walk in the recessional with the best man
• Organize programs, tossing petals, etc.

Maid of Honor Duties During The Reception:

• Stand in receiving line (if appropriate)
• Help bride bustle her gown
• Sit at head table next to groom (if wedding party is seated at head table)
• Prepare and present a toast to the couple
• Dance with best man during first dance (if the wedding party is asked to participate)
• Help direct vendors as needed (the bride shouldn’t have to worry with this on her big day)

Maid of Honor Duties After The Wedding:

• Take the bride’s wedding dress to the dry cleaner
• Help organize gifts and gift checks brought to the reception
• Help oversee wrap-up after wedding reception (if needed)

Keeping up with who-does-what at a wedding can be very tedious. Instead of worrying about what your bridesmaid duties are and threatening your enjoyment of the wedding, use this checklist instead! This wedding checklist of bridesmaids duties is the fastest and easiest way to recognize your part in helping things run smoothly. Wedding planning has never been so simple!

Pre-Wedding Bridesmaids Duties:

• May assist in shopping for dress
• Attend at least one bridesmaid dress shopping event (unless an out-of-town attendant)
• Get fittings and alterations as needed
• Help with wedding planning errands
• Help plan wedding shower and/or bachelorette party
• Attend the parties!

Bridesmaids Duties At The Ceremony:

• Walk in the processional (might be with groomsman)
• Stand at the altar or stage throughout the ceremony
• Walk with a groomsman in the recessional
• Help bride dress and prepare for the wedding

Bridesmaids Duties At The Reception:

• Might be announced at the reception
• Sit at head table (if reserved)
• Take part in first dance (if wedding party is asked to participate)

Now you’re just a few short steps away from being the best bridesmaid in history! Simply help your friend shine on her wedding day and you’re both off to a good start!

Your buddy’s getting married. He’s asked you to be a groomsman and you accepted (of course). Not sure what that requires? Relax! Here’s a wedding checklist designed specially to help you remember your groomsmen duties.

Groomsmen Duties Before The Wedding:

• Possibly help groom choose formal wear
• Attend tuxedo fittings and alterations as needed
• Attend couple’s wedding shower if one is thrown
• Help plan, attend, and enjoy the bachelor party!

Groomsmen Duties During The Ceremony:

• (If you are an usher) Stand at the door ready to escort guests to their seats
• Escort bridesmaid to altar or stage during processional
• Stand with groom, best man and groomsmen at altar or stage throughout ceremony
• Escort bridesmaid during recessional

Groomsmen Duties During The Reception:

• Sit at head table (if assigned)
• May be announced at reception
• Take part in first dance (if wedding party is invited to participate)

Now you’re ready to be the best groomsman at the wedding!

The last thing you want on your mind when planning a wedding is an overestimate of the number of people attending the wedding. While you’re almost certainly going to have people in attendance who did not RSVP, you can avoid a lot of pitfalls by keeping your wedding guest number in mind. Knowing how many will attend your wedding helps limit the amount of extra burden to your caterer. Fifteen extra plates is three extra tables of people! This also reduces cramped seating at the ceremony and reception. This wedding checklist helps keep everything in line.

Knowing who will be your wedding attendants is just as important. When filling out a seating chart for the wedding reception, it is important to know how many bridesmaids and groomsmen will be placed at the head table with the bride and groom. Also, there are so many responsibilities of wedding attendants that being able to delegate these to trusted friends is something every bride needs. For a stress free wedding day, here is a helpful worksheet/wedding checklist that will keep things running smoothly! (Remember though:  this needs to be done early in the wedding planning process!)

Total Guests: __________

Who’s Inviting How Many:

Bride and Groom:  ___________

Groom’s Parents:   ___________

Bride’s Parents:     ___________

Already Included:  ___________  (Ex:  Officiant and Wife)

My Wedding Attendants: (Indicate Names On Lines)

[] Maid of Honor:  _______________________________________________

[] Bridesmaids:  (# _____ )    ______________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

[] Best Man:   ___________________________________________________

[] Groomsmen:  (# _____ )    ______________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

[] Additional Ushers  (# _____ )   __________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

[] Ring Bearer:   _________________________________________________

[] Flower Girl:    _________________________________________________

[] Readers/Performers:  __________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

[] Other Assistants (Chuppah holders, guestbook attendant, et al):

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

I get tons of questions asking me who pays for what regarding the wedding. Does the bride pay for this? Can I pay for that? Can I ask someone to pay for this? Is it ok that the bride’s family isn’t paying for the wedding? Though a small novella would answer all of these questions, here is a simple checklist to let you know the traditional roles in paying for the wedding. Thank you, Emily Post.

Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of The Bride or Bride’s Family

• The wedding consultant (wedding planner or wedding coordinator)
• Wedding invitations, enclosure cards, announcements (all wedding stationery)
• Wedding flowers which includes the bridesmaids bouquets, wedding bouquets, and any floral decorations for the ceremony and reception.
• Wedding photographer and photographs
• Wedding videographer and video
• Any music used during the ceremony and reception
• The entire reception (yup, this is the bride’s responsibility in full)
• Bridesmaids gifts and attendants gifts
• The groom’s wedding ring
• Carpet for the aisle, rental of awnings, etc.
• Cost of soloists and other wedding ceremony musicians/entertainment
• A traffic officer if necessary
• The bridal party’s transportation to the reception
• Transportation and lodging for officiant if invited by the bride’s family
• Any accommodations (lodging, fees) for the bridesmaids and attendants
• Sexton fees

Who Pays For What? — Wedding Expenses of The Groom or Groom’s Family

• The marriage license
• Grooms gift to his bride
• Gifts for groomsmen, ushers, etc.
• Formal wear accessories for groomsmen if not part of the clothing rental package
• In some regions, the bridal bouquet
• The bride’s going-away corsage
• Boutonnieres for the groomsmen, ushers, etc.
• Officiant’s fee or donation (this is always a groom’s fee and is different than accommodations)
• Transportation for groom and best man to and from the ceremony
• The honeymoon package and expenses(yup, bride gets the reception, groom gets the honeymoon)
• The rehearsal dinner
• Accommodations for groomsmen, ushers, etc.
• Bachelor dinner if one is being held
• Transportation and lodging for groom’s immediate family
• Corsages for immediate members of both families unless bride includes these in her wedding flowers package
• The bride’s engagement ring and wedding ring

Who Pays For What? — Wedding Expenses of the Bridesmaids or Honor Attendants

• Apparel and all accessories
• Transportation to and from the city where the wedding is being held
• Contribution to a group gift from the bridesmaids to the bride if being given
• An individual gift to the couple if given (being in the wedding may be considered one)
• A shower or luncheon for the bride if held

Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of the Best Man or Ushers

• Individual wedding attire rental
• Transportation to and from the city where the wedding is being held
• Contribution to a group gift from the groomsmen to the groom
• An individual gift to the couple if given
• A bachelor dinner or luncheon if held

Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of Out Of Town Guests

• Transportation to and from the wedding
• Lodging expenses
• Wedding gift

This may seem like a lot to absorb at one time. Don’t worry about it! Print this list off and keep it for later. I hope this is helpful when you’re creating the budget for your wedding. It’s always nice to know who pays for what!

Picking out a wedding ring should be a fun thing. Knowing the 5 C’s of wedding jewelry will keep spirits high and fun in store during the buying process. This handy dandy checklist will help you remember what to look for in a quality wedding ring. Gather up your groom and head to the store but be sure to consider these things first.

Carat is key in quality wedding rings.

• The carat of a diamond refers to its weight.
• One carat is one fifth of a gram (200 milligrams). On ounce consists of 142 carats.
• One carat has 100 points.

Clarity is important when buying diamond wedding rings.

• Naturally occurring bubbles, inner cracks, and specks affect a diamond’s clarity.
• A flawless diamond (FL) is given the highest rating. These are rare.
• The least desirable rating is “imperfect.”
  Size and placement of the naturally occurring blemishes determines rating.
• The 10x magnifying glass used to view the inside of stones is called a loupe.

Cut is the difference between low grade and “a cut above” wedding rings.

• Cut is the feature that gives a diamond its sparkle.
• Cut refers to the faceted flat angled surfaces created when cutting (shaping) a diamond.
• Too many cuts reduces the quality of the diamond and its ability to reflect or refract light.

Color decides the color of your life, or at least the wedding band you’ll wear for a lifetime.

• The highest color ranking is D. This is a clear and colorless diamond.
• Z is the lowest color ranking. This is a yellow diamond.
• Yellow, red, pink, orange, amber, violet, and blue are all common colors.
• Naturally occurring colored diamonds are referred to as “fancies.”

Certification guarantees quality wedding bands that will last.

• Diamonds should come with written proof of their weight, grade and identifying characteristics.
• Certification should be given by the International Gemological Institute.

Want to know more about wedding rings? View information about shape, cut, style and more in this recent post.

You Can’t Take It With You, Or Can You?

We all know what it’s like to spend countless boring minutes in line at the airport. However, when we’re traveling with our sweetie en route to our honeymoon destinations, we don’t want to be stuck in line delaying the celebration. Well instead of buttering up the people ahead in line for cutsies, think of these helpful tips when packing your suitcases.

What’s That In Your Pocket?
You’ve heard of dressing to impress, right? Well this time dress to keep the lines moving. Start by placing your wallet, keys, cell phones and similar items in outer pockets of your jacket. This makes them easily accessible so that taking them out and putting them back is really easy. After standing in line for that long, you’ll be happy with how fast a few extra seconds seems to be. Also consider wearing shoes that slip on and off easily. Don’t forget socks! Standing in bare feet on a dirty airport floor is about as inviting an idea as it seems. (Not one!)

I’m Thirsty. Got 3 Ounces of Something Tasty?
Don’t forget about the 3-1-1 rule. The rule states that you must carry all liquids and gels in containers not exceeding three ounces. These containers must be sealed in a one-quart plastic baggy, and only one bag is allowed per person. Think travel toothpaste, shampoo and the like for this little baggy as these are more easily recognized. Sure, security may open them anyway but it’ll be worth it to keep from having to explain exactly what is in which unmarked bottle. Keep this bag at the top of your carry on because having fast access to it will greatly expediate the process of going through security.

Another good idea is to bring along some extra Ziploc baggies. Just in case some forgotten items slip into your bag, having an extra plastic bag can prevent those items from being confiscated.

That News Cuts Me Like A Fingernail Clipper
Of course, items like scissors, pocketknives, fingernail clippers and golf clubs are definite no-no’s. Steer clear of these kinds of things when packing. Items like this can be bought at a local store, so why go through the hassle of having them confiscated?

Honey, The Toaster Just Won’t Fit!
Thinking about bringing electronics along? Now while you’re probably not porting along your DVD player, you may be thinking about bringing along your mp3 player and docking station. Try calling ahead to see if your hotel accommodations include a docking station and speakers. Not only are these items large, tangled wires can be a hassle. If bringing your laptop, take it out of its case and put it on the security belt.

The Pretty Bow Must Go
Bringing a wedding night gift for your hubby? Forget the bows and ribbons until landing. Security may unwrap any wrapped packages so try to be sneaky about how you conceal the gift from your husband while making sure security has no issue with it.

No More “They Lost My Luggage” Blues
Pre-wedding jitters tend to put a damper on the mood to pack for the honeymoon. Even if you are happy as a lark about making the plans, nervous excitement may keep a few necessities from making it to the baggage. One good suggestion is to look into sending the bags ahead via FedEx, UPS, or the USPS. This could wind up saving you time and money. Remember to check the TSA’s website for regulation changes a few days prior to your departure.

You’re now pretty ahead of the game as far as honeymoon planning goes, but we want to make this even simpler. Print the following for a quick checklist of things to remember when packing your luggage.

Remember This When Packing Your Suitcase:

• Buy travel sized toiletries, liquids in containers not exceeding three ounces.
• Keep all liquid containers (i.e. toiletries) in one clear plastic bag.
• Keep your plastic bag toward the top of the suitcase for easy removal.
• Don’t carry wrapped gift items. Security will probably unwrap them in front of your honey.

Remember This When Packing Your Carry-On Bag:

• No fingernail clippers, nail files, pocket knives, scissors or similar items.
• Opt to buy beverages and snacks on the plane. Most will not pass inspection and will be confiscated.
• Ipods and mp3 players are fine, but have the cords neatly wound.
• Call the hotel ahead of time for information about mp3 player docking stations and speakers.

Remember This When Dressing For Travel:

• Wear slip on shoes or easily removable shoes along with socks.
• Keep items to be removed in outside pockets that can be quickly and easily accessed. These items should include wallets, keys, cell phones, coins, etc.

Many people still remember the popular tradition of having the bride’s family pay for the wedding. Modern brides and couples, however, often pay for much of the wedding ceremony and reception. With such a shift in roles, it can often be confusing to know who is “supposed” to pay for many of the items in your wedding budget. Another great wedding checklist, this quick breakdown of today’s accepted practices will help clear up any confusion.

The family of the bride is typically responsible for:

• All of the reception costs including the reception location, food, decorations, entertainment, etc.
• Bridesmaids bouquets and wedding flowers
• Wedding ceremony music
• Wedding photographer and photographs, wedding videographer and videos
• The bridal gown and accessories
• Transportation and parking expenses (validation) for the wedding ceremony and reception
• Wedding invitations, stationery, etc.
• The groom’s wedding gift and wedding ring

The family of the groom is typically responsible for:

• The marriage license
• Officiant’s fee, officiant’s tip
• The bride’s wedding gift and wedding ring
• All groomsmen gifts
• The bridal bouquet and corsage
• Mother, grandmother corsages
• Boutonnieres for the groomsmen and groom’s party
• All of the rehearsal dinner costs including location, entertainment, caterer and food, etc.
• The honeymoon
• Ties and gloves for the groomsmen and groom’s party

Whether hiring a disc jockey for your wedding reception or listing special requests for the wedding singer, personalizing this list of wedding reception music will keep you partying through the night to all of your favorite songs!

Wedding Planning Tips Congratulations! You’re getting married. Now it’s time to plan your wedding. This is a very exciting time in your relationship as you and your groom embrace the beginning of your life together. Whether it started as a burgeoning romance between friends or a romance bloomed from a chance encounter, it has now blossomed into a lifelong partnership of love and devotion. Now comes the opportunity to celebrate this blessing with friends and family.

Planning this exciting event can sometimes be a major headache. However, every bride deserves the wedding of her dreams without the stress of the hustle and bustle. Below are a few wedding planning tips and tricks to help keep this a day full of cherished memories instead of wishes for re-dos.

Hint: Use this time to embrace the help of loved ones. Ask questions of your married friends. More often than not, every bride has a tip or two for how to avoid what she has learned the hard way.

Your Wedding Checklist: 11-12 months prior to your wedding

• ___ Formally announce your engagement to both families.
• ___ Set a date!! Be sure to choose a date that accommodates your special guests (such as summer months while children are out of school and vacations are usually scheduled).
• ___ Set the budget! This is an often overlooked but extremely important task. Plan with your groom for the one or two items of most importance and budget around those few major items.
• ___Book the wedding officiant. Meet with your pastor, rabbi, or other clergyman about availability.
• ___ Select the wedding party. Including friends and family in your big day is an honor for all involved.
• ___ Reserve wedding and reception locations. Remember that reception locations for events held on or around holidays will book faster and may increase rental rates.
• ___ Shop for wedding insurance and decide if it’s a good option for you.
• ___ Hire the wedding consultant or planner.
• ___ Compile the guest list being careful to pay attention to your budget here.
• ___ Purchase a wedding planner book. Pockets make handy spots for storing receipts. Be sure to have day-to-day slots and extra space for notes. Wedding planning software may be a large help with budgeting, planning, and organizing even down to the thank you notes and seating arrangements.

Your Wedding Checklist: 9-10 months prior to your wedding

• ___ Choose and confirm the photographer. Do not be afraid to ask for portfolios.
• ___ Select and secure the caterer. Be picky! Meet your caterer and sample the foods. Don’t be scared—it is polite to ask for references. The Better Business Bureau is also a good resource for information concerning the company’s catering history.
• ___ Book the videographer. Pictures are worth a thousand words but moving pictures say much more!
• ___ Hire the florist. Your wedding flowers will be a larger part of your budget. Your florist can help you with color schemes and ideas to make your big day beautiful.
• ___ Book the musicians and/or DJ services for both your ceremony and reception.

Your Wedding Checklist: 7-8 months prior to your wedding

• ___ Shop for and order your wedding dress, veil, shoes, gloves, and other accessories. Allow time for specially made gowns, alterations and fittings.
• ___ Purchase the bridesmaid dresses as well as usher and groomsmen tuxedos.
• ___ Meet with wedding cake designers and bakers. Feel free to taste test!
• ___ Handmade wedding favors should be started now if necessary.
• ___ Plan your honeymoon! Though typical for the groom to make the arrangements, discuss options for locations and ideas. Remember to allow yourself time for any passport, immunization, and other travel needs.

Your Wedding Checklist: 6 months prior to your wedding

• ___ Purchase wedding favors.
• ___ Send save-the-date cards or contact out of town guests to confirm the final date, time, and location of the event.
• ___ Plan your rehearsal dinner.
• ___ Register for gifts. This can be a fun time for the couple as you start to see how your house will unfold. Be sure to read these handy registry tips!
• ___ Order wedding invitations and stationery. Select a calligrapher if necessary.
• ___ Select the groom’s attire and arrange purchase or rental options.
• ___ Arrange the wedding transportation. Horse-drawn carriages are a romantic idea while limousines add a celebrity-type amusement. Whatever your choice, book well in advance, especially if your wedding falls around any prom, homecoming, or other major event.
• ___ Order your wedding cake! You’ve tasted them all. Now is the perfect time to reserve the most delicious one.
• ___ Make a doctor’s appointment if your state requires a blood test for the marriage license. Check your state’s blood test time-line.

Your Wedding Checklist: 4-5 months prior to your wedding

• ___ Reserve hotels and other accommodations for out of town guests.
• ___ Buy gifts for your wedding party, parents, and betrothed. This is a very special way to say both “thank you” and “I love you.”
• ___ Prepare a skin care regimen to ensure that you are a glowing bride on your special day!
• ___ Book any honeymoon needs. If using a travel agent, confirm accommodations with him or her.
• ___ Reserve any rental equipment such as tables, chairs, tablecloths, tents, et cetera if your caterer is not doing it for you.
• ___ Purchase your wedding rings! This is also a very special time for the couple. Remember your budget but also that this ring symbolizes a lifetime of unity and commitment. Make sure it’s something you’ll want to wear that long!

Your Wedding Checklist: 2-3 months prior to your wedding

• ___ Finalize the guest list.
• ___ Meet with your caterer and/or banquet manager to confirm any final details.
• ___ Schedule a final fitting for your gown. Having a bridesmaid along to learn to handle any tricky buttons and bustle your train may be helpful later!
• ___ Meet with the officiant if necessary.
• ___ Write your vows if exchanging less traditional ones.
• ___ Prepare arrangements for the rehearsal dinner.
• ___ Mail the wedding invitations. Allow 6-8 weeks for guests to schedule time away from work. For destination weddings, allow 12 weeks for scheduling.
• ___ Meet with stylists to determine which hair and makeup scheme works best for you. Book the appointments now for your wedding day.
• ___ Attend any bridal showers. Have fun! These are a celebration and some of your last parties as a “single” woman.
• ___ Complete any change of name documents if necessary. These may include passports, credit cards, bank account holders, and driver’s licenses. In most states you can not change your name until you have a valid marriage license, but prior planning will expedite the process.

Your Wedding Checklist: 1 month prior to your wedding

• ___ Send wedding announcements to local newspapers.
• ___ Apply for and obtain your marriage license.
• ___ Confirm that your attendants and other wedding party members have their wedding attire.
• ___ Confirm arrival times with any vendors such as caterers, bakers, photographers, etc.).
• ___Write and print your wedding program.
• ___ Send change-of-address information to the post office.
• ___ Write thank you notes as wedding gifts begin to arrive.
• ___ Arrange the seating plan and create place cards.
• ___ Compose toasts for the wedding rehearsal dinner and reception.

___ Wear your wedding shoes around the house on carpeted areas to “break them in.”

• ___ Determine house sitter, babysitter, and/or pet sitter needs while you are on your honeymoon.
• ___ Pick up your dress.
• ___ Give your travel plans and contact information to your house sitter and family member in case of emergency.
• ___ Pack for the honeymoon and day after your wedding.
• ___ Provide wedding party with a wedding day schedule to ensure a smooth run.

Your Wedding Checklist: 1 day prior to your wedding

• ___ Relax with your company and out of town guests. Remember to get plenty of rest after any late-night bachelorette parties. Many brides enjoy a massage with the females of the wedding party before the wedding. Manicures and pedicures are another popular way to take a break and look beautiful while doing it!
• ___ Confirm transportation.
• ___ Rehearse the ceremony.
• ___ Hold a rehearsal dinner.

Your Wedding Checklist: Your Wedding Day!

Enjoy! This is your special day to shine.