The day of your wedding will likely be a whirlwind. Between getting ready, triple checking you have the rings, and talking to literally every person you know, you’re bound to forget about a few things. One thing you don’t want to forget is letting your photographer know certain photos you want captured throughout your big day! We’d hate for you to get your pictures back and find you don’t have that one photo you really wanted, so we’ve come up with a list of must-have shots for your wedding day!
Continue reading "Get the Shot: Wedding Day Photography Checklist" »Wedding Planning Calendar
When you’re planning a wedding, whether that’s on your own or with the help of your planner, it’s nice to have a visual representation of each task that needs to be accomplished before the big day. That’s why we’ve put together a wedding planning calendar for you and all those helping you get ready for your wedding day! Continue reading "Wedding Planning Calendar" »
What a Groom Shouldn't Forget on His Wedding Day – #FromtheGroom
Wedded bliss is approaching soon. Excited, nervous or both, being prepared will ease unnecessary stress for you and your bride. You might be the most organized guy in the world, but on a day with so many pieces that need to fall into place, one oversight, while it might not ruin the day, can make it less than perfect. And, that's the risk you shouldn't want to take. Below is a list of a few things to remember that will keep you on track and out of trouble on the big day. Continue reading "What a Groom Shouldn't Forget on His Wedding Day – #FromtheGroom" »
Your Simple Guide to Wedding Invitations
Invitations are a sneak peek to your guests of what your wedding will be like. It's really your first chance to show them the tone of your big day. What information to include on them can seem a bit overwhelming, but moving through your wedding invites like a pro can be quite simple with the help of a basic checklist.
1. WHO
-Couple’s full names
-Parents’ names (Optional)
-Stepparents’ names (Optional)
-Other hosts’ names (Optional)
Continue reading "Your Simple Guide to Wedding Invitations" »
Don't Forget This At Your Wedding
Your wedding day is truly a special day. However, there are so many little details that go into planning your wedding that you may be afraid you may forget something. It's hard to keep up of every little detail that you must have on your wedding day. So, to ensure that you don't forget anything, Wedding and Party Network has a checklist of items not to forget on your wedding day.
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On the top of this list is definitely your wedding gown. Who would forget their wedding gown? Hopefully no one, but of course, it's a definite must to have on any checklist. Don't forget your undergarments and all the accessories that will complete your wedding day look.
- If you're doing your own hair on your wedding day, don't forget all the hair accessories. Don't forget your curling iron, straightener, hair brush, hair products, extra hairspray and bobby pins. However, if you are getting your hair done at a hair salon beforehand, you may want to skip out on the straightener and curling iron, yet still keep a few bobby pins, comb and hairspray on hand.
- Along with hair accessories, don't forget all your makeup supplies. Whether or not you are having your makeup done at a salon beforehand or you're doing it yourself, you definitely need to bring all of your makeup tools just in case you need to do any last-minute touch ups.
- More than likely you'll have a long period of time from when you wake up to when your ceremony begins, so don't forget to pack a toothbrush and toothpaste. You probably want to do that about an hour before you get ready to walk down the aisle and then touch up with some lipgloss.
- Don't forget to pack a few healthy snacks for everyone. You may have a bit of time and it may be a while before you can eat at the reception. So, don't forget to pack apple slices, fruit and some water. A little snack that will hold you over long enough till the reception and not anything too heavy.
- Do you take any medication? Don't forget to have that all laid out and ready to take. You may forget later on that night.
- You may be driving straight to the airport right after the wedding reception. So, don't forget to have everything ready for the airport and your bags packed. You may want to have all your essentials loaded into your car before the ceremony even starts. Make sure you have your keys, license, passport and cash. You definitely don't want to be running around last-minute trying to find everything and be late.
- Of course, don't forget your groom's ring. It would definitely be a memorable moment getting ready for the rings and you forgot to give it to your maid of honor that you definitely don't want to happen.
- Last but not least, don't forget to take a few moments for yourself. This can definitely be a hectic day. So, don't forget to step outside, get a breath of fresh air and savor the moments of your wedding day.
On your wedding day, don't forget these few items. It will definitely help your day run more smoothly and make for a perfect wedding day.
This post is brought to you by New York Wedding Dress Shops.
Not in New York, NY? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find wedding dresses near you!
Don't Miss Memories – Use A Photographer's Checklist
My husband and I are getting ready to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and I've been thinking a lot about our wedding day. When I think about "what went wrong," I always wish I had used a checklist for my wedding photographer.
There were two photos that my very adept photographer missed–and they were very important to me. So much so, that I still remember them five years later!
One was a picture of my side of the family that my two step-children were left out of; and the second was a picture of my husband and me with our pastor.
If your wedding photographer doesn't have his own checklist, make one for him to make sure you get all the wedding day photos you want.
If you plan on having outdoor and indoor photos, provide a checklist for each. This will be helpful to the photographer, so he doesn't have to "guess" at what you want, and it will help you get your money's worth.
It is also a good idea to give your photographer parameters about where you want him to take the photos. Some brides cringe at the thought of the photographer walking in and out of the wedding party, and would prefer they not distract from the ceremony. Others may want those close-up shots that capture intimate moments, smiles and tears. Whatever your desires are, you are the client. It's okay to tell your photographer specifically what you want.
Below is a sample of a wedding photos checklist:
______ Bride & Groom
______ Bride & Groom with Officiant
______ Bride & Groom With Groom's Parents
______ Bride & Groom with Bride's Parents
______ Bride & Groom with Wedding Party
______ Bride with Bridesmaids
______ Groom with Bridesmaids
______ Bride with Groomsmen
_____ Groom With Groomsmen
_____ Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
_____ Bride with Siblings
_____ Groom with Siblings
_____ Bride with Godparents
_____ Bride with All Her Friends
_____ Bride & Groom with Grooms Family
_____ Bride & Groom with Brides Family
_____ Bride with Flower Girl & Ring Bearer
_____ Groom with Flower Girl & Ring Bearer
Every wedding photos checklist should be personalized. The key in creating the checklist is to include all of the people you want to remember.
What Are The Best Man Duties? Here's A Reminder Checklist
Ok. So you're best friend's getting married. Whether you think he's making a huge mistake or you're thrilled for him, it's still your obligation to help make this wedding day one of the best of his life. Remember what best man duties entail? Few do til the day comes so here is a wedding checklist for just such an occasion. Oh no, my friend. You're in charge of much more than just the bachelor party. Here are your best man duties (and a look into why they call you the "best man" — it's work!).
Best Man Duties Prior To The Wedding:
- Help the groom shop for formal wear (tuxedos, shoes, etc)
- Coordinate tux fittings and payments
- Plan the couple's wedding shower and/or bachelor party
- Spread word about couple's registry (the maid of honor also has this duty)
- Offer assistance to the bride and groom with wedding planning tasks
- Arrange travel and lodging for all groomsmen
- Attend rehearsal dinner
- Organize groomsmen on wedding day
Best Man Duties At The Wedding:
- Stand at front next to groom and other groomsmen as procession begins
- Carry bride's wedding ring (or both)
- Escort the maid of honor during the recessional
- Sign marriage license as a witness
- Give the officiant's fee to the officiant
Best Man Duties At The Reception:
- May stand in receiving line (if appropriate)
- Sit at head table next to bride
- Make first toast to the couple, serve as toast master
- Dance with maid of honor during first dance (if wedding party is asked to participate)
- Help direct vendors as needed (Bride and groom will be too busy)
- Help groom give final payments and tips to wedding vendors
- Collect gifts and gift checks brought to the reception (Assist the bridesmaid)
Best Man Duties After The Wedding:
- Return all tuxedos to the rental shop
- Drive newlyweds to their wedding night hotel or airport (if no other transportation is arranged)
Don't Forget Your Maid of Honor Duties!
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)
Curious About Bridesmaids Duties? Try This Checklist!
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!
Helpful Duty Checklist For Groomsmen
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!