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M A R C H 2 0 1 5
Choosing the right caterer
Best spring honeymoon locations
Don’t forget the music
Hair tips & tricks
Hair Hair Salon • Spa • Cafe
440 South Park Avenue
(406) 443-0055
hairhairsalonandspa.com
Before you say “I do,” do something special for your friends. Treat them
to an aromatic Aveda experience based on Ayurveda – the ancient
healing art of India - and our own pure lower and plant essences.
From facials, manicures and pedicures to hair and makeup services –
each is a ceremony in itself. Start the celebration by scheduling
your appointments at Hair Hair Salon • Spa • Cafe. Call 443-0055 today.
give your bridal party their own cause for celerationSALON • SPA • CAFE PPPP
3MARCH 2015
easyWhat you get when you choose Red LionColonial Hotel Helena
• 15,000 sq/t of elegant lexible event spaceincluding a 4,600 sq/t of ballroom that canaccommodate up to 400 guests
• Wedding Room Blocks at a Special Rate
• Plenty of free parking
• A diverse and cost efective menu featuringeverything from elegant feasts to traditionalfamily favorites
• Complimentary Airport shutle for yourtraveling guests
• Experienced in-house wedding consultants
2301 Colonial DriveHelena, MT 59601
406-443-2100
a grand
the choice is
Don’t miss out on the amazing photo
op on our beautiful grand staircase!
call 406-443-2100 todayto schedule your site tour!
occasion
STATE
ROOM
CAPITOL
ROOMEXECUTIVE
ROOM
LEGISLATIVE
ROOM
JUDICIAL
ROOM
Hotel Side
Entrance
CA
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ST
AT
E
BA
LL
RO
OM
MEZZANINE AREA
HE
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OM
Elevator
LEWIS ROOM CLARK ROOM
Staircase
SE
NATE
RO
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SECOND FLOORMeeting Rooms
Restro
om
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GOVERNOR
ROOM
MONTANA
ROOM
To
Guest
Room
sTo
Guest
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COATROOM
4 HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD
Wedding Planner is published by The Independent Record, a division of
Lee Enterprises, 317 Cruse Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
(406) 447-4003 ©2015 Capital City Publishing Group.
5 Choosing the right caterer
8 Jennell & Nick Perros
10 Taryn & Quinn Noel
12 Don’t forget the music
15 Best spring honeymoon locations
17 Maria & Kyle Melvin
19 Hair tips & tricks
20 Wedding budget planner
23 Wedding countdown
ELIZA WILEY
Cover: Jennell & Nick Perros photo by Nortarius Photography
Bozeman, MT, see their story on page 8
spr ing ‘15
5MARCH 2015
Even though their methods for
catering may be pretty similar,
every caterer is not the same
when it comes to handling your
wedding.
There are numerous factors that come into play, ranging from cooking specialties to availability of resources.
Before deciding on your final choice for caterer, make sure to ask the below questions – along with any others specific to your wedding – to make sure you find the one most aligned with your nuptial needs.
DO YOU HAVE A LICENSE? Get this one out of the way quickly because some venues
will not allow an unlicensed food operation on their sites.
WHAT IS YOUR PRICE RANGE and can I get a quote on paper?
Making sure you have an on-paper quote will help resolve any confusion come payment time.
HOW MANY WEDDINGS HAVE YOU CATERED for in the past couple of years?
This answer may be one of the most important, as you want to make sure the company is experienced and up to the challenge.
ARE YOU SPECIALIZED in a certain cooking style or methodology?
This is crucial if you’re looking for a specific type of food for your reception, like French cuisine or seafood.
WILL YOU BE PROVIDING chairs, silverware, linens and equipment?
A ‘no’ answer to any of these questions could lead in higher costs for you and more stress in trying to coordinate different vendors to fulfill these needs.
ALL ABOUT THE FOOD:
choosing the right caterer
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 >>>
• Professional catering forall your wedding events
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• From deli trays to formalserved dinners
• Beautiful wedding cakes•Wine & Champagne
Lundy Center ~ 442-8645
A Perfect DayAn AffordableWedding
Full Service Catering& Wedding Cakes
FullWine Selection
6 HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD
7MARCH 2015
GENUINE.MONTANA.WEDDINGS. FairmontMontana.com | 800.332.3272
HOT SPRINGS LODGING DINING GOLF SPA
DO YOU ONLY CATER ONE EVENT PER DAY?
You want to make sure you have the full attention of the organization and its staff during your wedding.
ARE YOU EASY TO GET A HOLD of if I have questions throughout the meal-planning process?
Every caterer will surely answer ‘yes.’ A good follow-up question is for a list of references just to make sure you can conduct a little follow-up research.
DO YOU ALSO DO WEDDING CAKES?
Having the same party handle snacks, dinner and the cake means one less vendor for you to find during the planning stages.
>>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
8 HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD
DRESS: Davinci Bridal, Bridal Images & Mr. Tux
LOCATION: 4-R Ranch & Cattle Co. Clancy, MT
HAIR: Nickie Johnston, Envy Salon & Spa
MAKEUP: myself & a friend
DATE: August 22, 2014
CATERER & BAR: Jorgensons, pulled pork bought through Tizer Meats, rest was family and friends
FLOWERS: Forget Me Not Flowers Helena, MT
MUSIC: Capital City DJ
PHOTOGRAPHER: Nortarius Photography Bozeman, MT
HOW DID YOU TWO MEET? Nick and I have known who each other is for years, but never officially met. In 2011 we started running into each other at Fuel Fitness. On March 12, 2011 we saw each other at the gym and he asked me if I wanted to hang out, we exchanged numbers and went out that night. We have been together ever since!
WHAT IS THE ENGAGEMENT STORY?Nick and I recently purchased a Polaris Razor and took it to meet some friends for dinner at the Causeway Chalet. After dinner he asked me if I wanted to go on a night ride to take me on some trails he found near the Chalet that day while I was at work. He took me up to this mountain top that overlooked the lake and all the stars were out. All of a sudden he was on one knee asking me to marry him!!
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?We both said the whole day and getting to marry each other! Seeing all the planning come together and getting to spend such an amazing day celebrating with our closest friends and family!
ADVICE FOR OTHERS ON PLANNING? We were only engaged for 4 months and wouldn’t change that! Everything came together and we didn’t have to stress for a whole year planning. We felt we would have spent a lot more money with more planning time! We also really stuck to a budget and had a beautiful wedding! Also pick a good photographer, those are the only memories you have to look back on.
�WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE LOOKING BACK?We ended up getting behind schedule and having to take some of our pictures after the ceremony and a few of our guests left that we didn’t get to see. I would suggest to try to take most of your pictures before so you can just relax and celebrate after the ceremony! Also do a greeting line so you get to say hi to everyone that came!We would like to thank our photographer Sarah Notarius for capturing our special day, our pictures are stunning! The 4-R Ranch and their amazing staff and beautiful venue, and all of our friends and family for all of their help and love on our special day.
A WEDDING STORY
Jennell Perros (Hazen)&Nick Perros
9MARCH 2015
Let us help make your specialday a memorable one.
Hilton Garden Inn Missoula and Conference Center3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808Tel: 1-406-532-5300www.missoula.hgi.com
• Award-winning Chef
• Customized Menus
• Event Service Specialists
• 4,000 to 22,000 sq. ft. flexible event space
Contact: Special Events Sales Manager(406) 532-5300
©2015 HILTON WORLDWIDE
10 HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD
DRESS: BRAND: Eskay Briday in Bozeman, MT
LOCATION: Great Northern Hotel
HAIR: Beth Douglass at Suite 431 Salon
MAKEUP: Beth Douglass at Suite 431 Salon
DATE: January 10, 2015
CATERER : Silverstar/Great Northern Hotel
FLOWERS: Westmont
MUSIC: Aaron Simenski (Big Sky DJ)
PHOTOGRAPHER: Felicia Brookshire Yurish Photography
HOW DID YOU TWO MEET? Quinn and I actually went to high school together, but did not have the same friend circle at the the time. About a year after high school, we reconnected at a mutual friend’s party. We dated several years before we got engaged!
WHAT IS THE ENGAGEMENT STORY?I came home for lunch one day last January and Quinn told me he had booked us a trip to Hawaii in April. (Best lunch break ever) The whole time leading up to the trip I was hoping this would be the trip we got engaged. So we made it to Hawaii and we have a busy schedule full of difference excursions each day. On the second full day we were there, we decided to do the Maui bike tour & watch the sun rise on the Haleakala Volcano. We were on top of Haleakala with many other tourists watiing for the sun to rise and Quinn pulled me aside and got on one knee just as the sun was starting to come up! It was perfect.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF
THE DAY?My favorite part of the day was standing in the doorway with my dad and looking down the aisle to my future husband waiting for me.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS ON
PLANNING? My advice would be to take full advantage of all the months leading up to the big day, it will make the day less stressful. And remember to enjoy each moment of that day because it goes so fast!
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WOULD
CHANGE LOOKING BACK?We had a lot of guests, I wish I would have been able to visit with more people, the day flies by and you feel like there are people there you didn’t get a chance to see.
A WEDDING STORY
Taryn Noel (Schultz)& Quinn Noel
11MARCH 2015
With world-class accommodations,great dining, shopping and entertainment, the
Best Western PremierHelena Great Northern Hotel
is the perfect location for your weddingand out-of-town guests to stay.
GREAT NORTHERN, GREAT WEDDING
Wedding reception facilities and exceptional staff
Clean, comfortable and spacious rooms
Kid’s Science Center and Carousel nearby
First-rate customer service and amenities
Just minutes to Montana’s great outdoors
406.457.5500 | 800.829.4047 | www.gnhotelhelena.comEach Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated.
©2014 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved.
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12 HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD
By Lacey Middlestead, for the Independent Record
You’ve booked the reception site,
tasted 14 different
combinations of cake and
buttercream, and spent more
time than you care to recall suffocating
on tulle and lace in dressing rooms
until you found the dream gown. It
seems as though the end is in sight with
your wedding planning process, but
don’t forget about one of the most
influential parts of your big day: the
music.Much like a movie, the music played at your wedding
reception becomes the soundtrack to that most special of
days. The songs will trigger memories years later -- the
first dance with your husband/wife, the moment your
best friend caught the bouquet, or when your 85-year old
grandmother started line dancing to Cotton Eye Joe.
Picking a successful band and/or DJ is critical to ensuring
that your reception is a memorable one and keeps your
guests energized and dancing well after the drinks run
dry.
DECIDE IF YOU WANT A LIVE BAND OR DJCarefully weigh the pros and cons of each to determine
which best suits your event. Things to consider include
budget, musical variety and space. In the price war, DJs
generally cost less because you are only paying one
individual whereas band prices go up depending on the
number of musicians. While there’s nothing like a live
band to stoke the crowd’s energy and deliver the
“performance” experience, DJs can accommodate a
variety of musical styles and genres. If you’re worried
about making sure music gets played that suits both your
grandmother and your 13-year-old cousin, a DJ is
probably your best bet. Be sure to also evaluate how
much space your wedding venue can accommodate for a
band or DJ. Depending on the amount of equipment a DJ
brings, they usually take up less dance floor real estate
than a band with several pieces of instrumentation.
FINDING A BAND OR DJMontana might be relatively small in population, but
there is no shortage of musicians and artists ready to
show you their stuff. Word of mouth is a good starting
point when feeding off the small town environment. Talk
to friends and family who have been to weddings or
parties recently to see which band or DJ performed and
how they’d rate them. Call your local bars, coffee houses
and restaurants to see if local bands play there regularly
that you could go listen to. And of course, you can always
rely on that trusty Google search engine to find both DJs
and bands.
INTERVIEW THE CANDIDATESDon’t think that because the band or DJ is just
providing music that the job is simple and
straightforward. A lot of times, it is the DJ or band leader
that becomes the emcee and helps keep the reception
festivities flowing smoothly. Personality is key! Line up a
list of at least a dozen questions to pose to your candidate
to get a better feel for their personality and
communication skills. If possible, conduct the interview
in person. Ask questions about their openness to song
requests, how much they charge if the reception goes
over the agreed upon time frame, how they will dress,
whether the DJ plans on using any special effects like
bubbles, smoke, or disco lights, whether the band
supplies its own sound system and what kind of electrical
outlets the DJ will require. Ideally, you should also try to
see the DJ or band live in action at another event to
personally gauge how they perform and engage the
crowd. If this isn’t possible, ask for references of couples
whose weddings they’ve previously played at and/or find
reviews on websites like weddingwire.com.
PRE-WEDDING MEETINGSBe sure to arrange at least one in-depth meeting with
your band or DJ shortly before the wedding. Use these
don’t forget the music
13MARCH 2015
TREEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY
meetings to review your wedding day timeline with them
so they know when to arrive and set up, when the first
dance will take place, and when they can break for
dinner. Review your playlist with them so they know
which songs you for sure want played. If they will be
doing any family introductions as the emcee, be sure they
know the correct names of everyone and how to
pronounce them. If they have never played at your venue
before, see if they can go view it beforehand so there are
no surprises. These meetings might be the last thing you
feel like doing when you’re down to crunch time with the
wedding, but the music is one aspect you want to make
sure is spot on.
Remember, the music played at your reception
becomes the soundtrack to one of the biggest days of
your life and can often make or break the wedding for
your guests. Take the time to do your research before
selecting a band or DJ. Good luck and have fun with it!
14 HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD
15MARCH 2015
1302 Prospect Ave #B, Helena,
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Paradise Nails & Spa
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Make a statement on your Wedding Day!
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SALON IN HELENA!
The planning is over and
the big day has come to
an end. It’s time to reward
your efforts with a once-
in-a-lifetime trip.
Choosing where your honeymoon will take place can be a challenge – but try to make it a fun one. If you’re not sure of where to spend your post-wedding experience, consult with a wedding planner or travel guide. They will have many op-tions across different locations and price points.
STAY CLOSER TO HOME You may think beaches and warm weather when trying to figure out the perfect honeymoon spot. Don’t forget that we have both right here at home! Many brides and grooms are ditching the idea of international travel for an old-fashioned road trip, which can make for great conversation, stops in historic locations and intimate stays in luxurious hotels across the country.
You can start with the west coast if looking for the sandy stuff, as springtime climate in Califor-nia is much warmer than the national average. And with natural attractions like downtown Los
Angeles and the Santa Monica Pier, you can be in honeymoon heaven without even hopping on a plane.
A trip out east can be just as beautiful along the historic highways that connect our country’s most illustrious cities. Opt for an all-inclusive stay in one of the many elegant tourist towns of South Caro-lina to make your honeymoon extra special.
GO GLOBAL With temperatures in the low 80s and hurricane season months away, the spring is the perfect time for a trek to the Caribbean. From casinos and restaurants to sailing and water festivals, the Carib-bean is loaded with opportunities for exciting honeymoon fun.
If you don’t mind a bit chillier conditions, Europe can be your best bet. You may actually ex-perience a warm spell if you decide to check out Ireland or Italy, but odds are you won’t be spend-ing much time soaking in the sun.
Choosing a location for your honeymoon is all about your personal preferences. So make a list of what you’ve always wanted to see and experience, and then work with your soon-to-be spouse to decide on the best option.
best spring honeymoons
16 HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD
DRESS: David’s Bridal
LOCATION: 4R Ranch
HAIR: Jennell Perros of Envy Salon & Spa
MAKEUP: Myself and bridesmaids
DATE: August 16, 2014
CATERER : Tony Weller of Downstairs Brewhouse
FLOWERS: Stephanie Fitte
MUSIC: Capital City DJ
PHOTOGRAPHER: Image 406 Photography
HOW DID YOU TWO MEET? Quinn and I actually went to high school together, but did not have the same friend circle at the the time. About a year after high school, we reconnected at a mutual friend’s party. We dated several years before we got engaged!
WHAT IS THE ENGAGEMENT STORY?Kyle and I had a weeklong trip planned starting in Idaho with some hiking adventures and the Silverwood theme park and ending in Glacier National Park. The first half of our trip we stayed in a cute little town called Bayview Idaho and it sits right on Lake Pend Oreille. Our first night there Kyle asked if I wanted to take a hike around the lake and after a while we stopped to take some pictures. I kept snapping away and Kyle told me to stop for a second because he had a question for me, when I turned around he was down on one knee. It was one of the greatest moments of my life.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?How do you choose a favorite part of your wedding day? It’s such an amazing day. Kyle and I wrote our
own vows so I think hearing his vows were my favorite part of the day – I must say he surprised me a little. The best part of a wedding is also sharing the experience with the people you love most, those who have been there for each of you individually as well as a couple.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS ON PLANNING? Stay organized and don’t get too wrapped up in the details. You can make yourself crazy and pin a million things to your Pinterest board to create the “perfect wedding” but don’t lose sight of what it’s truly about.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE LOOKING BACK?The only thing I wish I could change was hiring a videographer or even just having a friend or family member videotape the ceremony.
A WEDDING STORY
Maria MCAlmond Melvin & Kyle Melvin
17MARCH 2015
LookinG For THe PerFeCT BouqueT?
Offers a wide selection of bridal
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2005 Columbia Avenue | 406 442 4070
Call us to schedule your free consultation with our talented wedding designers.www.knoxlowershop.com
mention this ad & get a complementary throw bouquet
18 HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD
19MARCH 2015
Wedding Decor• Lattice Arches
• Candelabra
• Flower Baskets
• Centerpieces
• Cake Tops & Accessories
Reception Decor• Disposable Tableware
• Balloons
• Table Coverings/Skirting
• Wedding Invitations
• Imprinted Napkins
Outdoor Weddings• Canopies & Tents
• Table & Chairs
• Barbeques
• Dance Floor
• Arches
• Stage
1400 Cedar Street
Helena MT • 442-7099www.a-1rentalsandpartyplus.com
WeddingRentalsWe have everythingyou need to make yourwedding a success.
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The springtime has a way
of awakening and un-
leashing the natural
beauty around us.
Unfortunately, it can have the same
impact on your hair. Humidity and warmer weather can send your hair into a frizzy tizzy – the last thing you want to worry about on the day of your wedding. No one knows your hair better than you, so being pre-pared for potential issues can help save you a hair headache.
The key to applying the right product or em-ploying the most effective treatment method is trying them out weeks or months ahead of your wedding day. Be patient if you’re forced to try many different options and products. Your hard work and persistence will be rewarded with the perfect hair day on your special day.
APPLY THE RIGHT PRODUCT With a bevy of options on the market, staying local can be your best choice when it comes to purchasing the right anti-frizz solution. Your local beauty supply store will have many choices in stock and its professionals can walk you through the various treatments.
Another benefit of actually seeing the product in person before you buy it is an opportunity to try it, which many local shops will allow to build cus-tomer loyalty. Dish out any details that may help your hair consultant make an informed recommen-dation for overcoming your biggest challenges. Follow all manufacturers’ directions for applica-tions. The last thing you want is a dampened hair mess distracting from your beautiful smile and dress as you walk down the aisle.
KNOW YOUR HAIR No matter what you’re working with, it’s im-portant to understand how your hair reacts in springtime situations. Curly and straight hair react differently to humidity, so know what to expect if you’re planning on changing up your usual hair style for your wedding day.
In most cases, frizz is caused by hair trying to soak in the moisture from the air. The coarser and dryer your hair, the worse the frizz buildup can be. That’s why using a moisture-infusing product can make such a big difference in fighting fly-aways.
Hair Tips & Tricks
20 HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD
Wedding Budget PlannerCEREMONY
Chapel or Site Fee $
Officiate/Gratuity $
Flowers $
Music $
Transportation $
Photographer $
Videographer $
Invitations $
RECEPTION
Site Fee $
# Guest @ $ per plate
Caterer $
Bakery $
Wedding Cake $
Flowers $
Liquor $
Staff/Bartender $
Gratuities $
Favors $
Decorations $
Music $
Rentals $
BRIDE
Wedding Gown $
Headpiece/Veil $
Wedding Ring $
Shoes $
Stockings $
Alterations $
Bouquet $
Hair $
Makeup $
Accessories $
GROOM
Tuxedo $
Wedding Ring $
Accessories $
Boutonniere $
WEDDING PARTY
Corsages, Bouquets, etc. $
Mothers $
Grandparents $
Ushers $
Officiate $
Bridesmaids Hair/Makup $
21MARCH 2015
Nestled beneath the Continental Divide, beautiful mountain viewsawait your wedding day. Homestake Lodge offers a timber framepavilion, lodge, ceremony site, and private cabins for you and your
guests to stay and celebrate.
Nestled beneath the Continental Divide beautiful mountain
www.homestakelodge.comEmail [email protected] • 406-581-6202
Conveniently located 15 minutes east of Butte, MT
Spring can be the perfect
time of year for an outdoor
wedding. Unless it is rainy
outside. Or snowy. Or cold.
Come to think of it, the spring can be a down-right perplexing season to throw a seamless wed-ding celebration! Fortunately, you’re smart enough to be prepared for any climate curveballs that may be thrown your way. The temperamental inconsistencies of Mother Nature come springtime make multi-functional venues the perfect choice for a bride-to-be. Espe-cially in traditionally colder regions, it may be the best option to find such a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces.
WEATHER BENEFITS The obvious benefit of having both an indoor or outdoor venue option is in the case of a forecasted rain or snow storm. By keeping an eye on the weather starting a couple of weeks before your big day, you can make an informed decision on which portion of the venue you will decorate and for what purpose. Many wedding planners suggest starting your plans with an outdoor ceremony before moving inside for the reception. Your guests will be happy to sit through chilled temperatures or a light drizzle to watch you get married, but may not stick around in such conditions for a late-night party.
COST While the benefits are many for choosing a multi-functional venue for your wedding day, cost may not be one of them. Renting out both a facil-ity and an outdoor area can in some cases double your venue price tag. Be sure to compare all options when making your venue list. You may be able to find a company or organization that offers discounted costs for
renting multiple facets of its facilities. If the more expensive venue still tops your list after some re-search, you may be able to find other areas in your budget that are more flexible.
Multi-Functional Venues
22 HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD
CountdownTHE WEDDING DAY
23MARCH 2015
10–12 MONTHSBEFORE
6–9 MONTHSBEFORE
4–5 MONTHSBEFORE
1DAY
BEFORE
If you haven’t done it already, this is a
good time to announce your engagement
and introduce your respective families.
Since most reception halls and churches
have busy wedding schedules, it is
also important to book both as early as
possible, preferably at least a year in
advance of your wedding day. It’s also
a good idea to start putting together a
guest list around this time and ask your
parents whom they’d like to invite as well.
Also, since your budget will determine
just about every aspect of your wedding,
sitting down and determining what you
can spend, and developing a savings plan
should be irst and foremost.
This is the time when you want to start
booking some services, such as a lorist,
caterer, a DJ/band, and a photographer.
However, some of the more experienced
DJs and bands as well as photographers
might have their schedules booked a year
in advance, so this might be something
you’ll want to consider doing shortly after
you get engaged and choose a date.
Also, this is a good time to inform any
guests who will be traveling signiicant
distances of the date of your wedding.
The earlier your guests can book a light,
the less expensive that light will be.
This is also a good time to order gowns
for both the bride and bridesmaids, as
some manufacturers require a few months
to ship to bridal shops. You might want to
ask someone such as your priest or rabbi
to be the oficiant of your wedding. And
much like out-of-town guests will save
travel dollars the earlier they learn of your
wedding date, you will likely save money,
too, if you book your honeymoon around
this time.
This is a good time to decide on wedding
invitations, of which there are many styles
to choose from. Also, now is ideal to start
hunting for a wedding cake by sampling
a number of different bakeries and their
style of cakes before ultimately making a
decision. Just to be sure, conirm that all of
the bridesmaids have ordered their gowns
and start looking for a tuxedo for the
groom as well as the groomsmen. If you
haven’t done so already, purchase your
wedding rings and let any other people
you’d like to participate in your wedding
(ushers, readers during the ceremony, etc.)
know of your intentions.
Finalize your guest list and mail out your
invitations. If your guest list includes a
considerable amount of people who
are spread out geographically, mail the
invitations as close to 12 weeks in advance
as possible. This is also a good time to
inalize your menu choices for your guests,
and ind all your wedding accessories
such as the ring pillow, candles, etc. Also,
since it is tradition to provide gifts for
those in the wedding party as well as the
parents of the bride and groom, this is
a good time to decide on and purchase
those gifts. Just to be safe, conirm that all
groomsmen have ordered their tuxedos
and inalize all transportation, both to and
from the wedding and to the airport for
your honeymoon.
Schedule the irst bridal-gown itting. Also
inalize the readings you’d prefer during
the ceremony and mail them out to anyone
who has agreed to do a reading. If your
Conirm your honeymoon arrangements
and see if your wedding rings are ready.
This is also when you should get your
marriage license and check the guest
list to see who has and hasn’t R.S.V.P. For
those who have yet to RSVP, you might
want to contact them so you can get a
closer idea of what the head count will be.
You should also prepare and order your
wedding program around this time.
Get a inal attendance count and submit
it to the caterer as soon as you know of it,
while also providing a inal seating chart.
Pick up the wedding gown and tuxedo.
Make sure the wedding party picks up
their attire. Also, inalize your vows and
conirm all wedding-day details such as
transportation, photo schedules, and
addresses. And don’t forget to pack for
your honeymoon.
This is mainly when you rehearse for
the ceremony and make any inal
conirmations you might have to make.
Also, make sure to get some sleep so
you’ll look good in all of your wedding-
day photos.
family prefers to host a small gathering for
close family and friends after the wedding
rehearsal, the night before the wedding, this
is a good time to order any food or drinks
you might want to serve that night, or make a
restaurant reservation.
2–3 MONTHSBEFORE
1–2 MONTHSBEFORE
3–4 WEEKSBEFORE
1–2 WEEKSBEFORE
own
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