| 11. Bridal Shower - You have to decide where the | | | | includes the cake at no extra charge. Many of |
| Bridal Shower will be and who is going to pay for | | | | them do. They'll just want to know the colors you |
| this? In some areas of the country, it is | | | | want on it. Some places allow you to pick from |
| customary for the girls in the bridal party to pay | | | | photos of different cakes. There are also |
| for the shower, in other areas, it's the groom's | | | | upgrades. Be careful with your spending! When |
| mom and in some parts, it is given by the bride's | | | | you're looking at the gorgeous cakes, you'll say, |
| mother. Also, the Bridal Shower normally is held | | | | "But it's only another $100." Remember, $100 |
| 4-8 weeks before the wedding. | | | | here, $100 there; it all adds up quickly! |
| 12. Select the photographer/videographer - Be | | | | 16. Reception Music - Band or D.J. - totally your |
| very careful here! This is what you will be looking | | | | preference and pocketbook. Bands are generally |
| at for many years to come. Check out many | | | | more expensive, but some people wouldn't |
| photographers and look at their work. Ask him | | | | consider anything but a live band. Others could |
| for a couple of references and if you feel to, call | | | | care less. But if you are considering a band, go to |
| them. Again, the best way to avoid any wedding | | | | wedding band sampler nights. And then speak to |
| vendor disaster, is word of mouth. | | | | the group after. Ask them if they can play your |
| 13. Flowers - Flowers are gorgeous at a wedding, | | | | "wedding song" (yes,you have to pick that!) and |
| but be careful. This can easily put your budget | | | | other types of music that you like. And of course, |
| into the red. Decide what kinds of flowers the | | | | ask them their price and if they expect to be fed. |
| bride will hold and what the bridal party will carry. | | | | I know that's tough to ask, but with prices per |
| Again, if you want to stay in budget, a single rose | | | | person anywhere from $40-300 a head, you |
| is very elegant. If budget isn't an issue, then go | | | | better know if they expect that or not. |
| for it! Skies the limit! But remember, references | | | | 17. Honeymoon - Ah...finally...some peace and quiet! |
| are very important for this also. Once you walk | | | | Well, perhaps, if you've decided to go to a desert |
| into the reception and the flowers are on the | | | | island. Be very careful when booking this. Get |
| table, you're stuck with them! | | | | recommendations from your friends and family. |
| 14. Limos - You have to decide if you will be | | | | This beautiful event can turn into a nightmare |
| driven to the ceremony and reception by a | | | | without the right planning. |
| limousine service or will family/friends drive you. | | | | Mark all of these in your wedding book, each on |
| Also, if you go for limos, do you also want one | | | | its own page. Keep a log of every vendor, their |
| for the bridal party and parents? Decisions | | | | prices and any information they gave you that is |
| decisions decisions... Again, this adds dollars to your | | | | important. Use this as a guideline. It will make your |
| budget. If you're being cautious, have a friend or | | | | life easier, and you may actually enjoy your own |
| family member with a really nice car escort you. | | | | wedding! Congratulations! |
| 15. Wedding Cake - Find a banquet hall that | | | | |