Ashmins

WEDDING PLANNING

Stress-Free Planning

Planning for your wedding can be a wonderful experience that draws the two of you even closer — especially if the planning is organized and stress-free. ASHMINS  has  some tools and tips to help!

PLANNING TIPS

Tip #1 — Don't sweat the small stuff.

Twenty years from now, you won't remember if the napkins were the exact shade of blue as the bridesmaid's dresses.

Tip #2 — Remember your parents.

Take a moment to thank the people who brought you to this day. A small gift and a tender moment will never be forgotten.

Tip #3 — Take time to relax.

A relaxed bride (or groom) is a happy one! Take the time to pamper yourself before your wedding.

TIMETABLE

It's easy to enjoy your engagement when your to-do list is organized. 
We've thought of all the arrangements for you and when to make them.

To get started, review the schedule below. Your schedule may vary, 
depending on your preferences and budget. Don't forget to cherish this 
experience and have fun along the way!

Announce your engagement to family and friends.

Visualize your dream wedding -- will it be big and formal or small and intimate? Will you hold the ceremony in a church, hotel, garden or another special place?

Decide on your wedding date, time and location (ceremony and reception sites). Finalize after confirming the availability of the location, wedding party and key guests.

Get organized! Purchase a wedding planner binder, and make a neat file for your budget, contracts, checklists and other important forms.

Prepare a budget with an estimated number of guests. Learn how to create a budget.

Decide who will officiate at your wedding, and confirm his or her availability.

Choose attendants. They'll play important roles in your wedding.

Begin shopping for the bridal gown.

Research caterers, photographers, videographers, musicians, disc jockeys, florists and bakers..

6 to 12 Months Out

Visit the ceremony and reception sites to assess layout, decoration needs, etc. Get tips about reception planning, and find decorating ideas.

Compile your guest list. Request lists from parents to help get started.

Select a caterer and baker, and finalize contracts. Calculate the approximate cost per person for food, drinks and cake, and begin planning the menu.

Decide on items for the ceremony and reception: tents, lighting, tables, chairs, linens, dishes, glasses, utensils, balloons, arches, etc.

Hire a photographer or videographer or both.

Select wedding colors.

Choose a florist.

Book musicians or disc jockeys.

Purchase bride's gown and order groom's attire (rented tuxedos can be reserved later).

Order bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's attire.

Pick a honeymoon destination, and begin making reservations. We offer romantic cruises at Every Day Low Prices.

If leaving the country on your honeymoon, check passports and any necessary immunizations.

4 to 6 Months Out

Contact your local newspaper to announce your engagement. You may want to have an engagement photo taken to include with your announcement.

If you're having an engagement party, begin planning, setting a date and mailing invitations.

Order wedding announcements, invitations, programs and other printed materials.

Choose bridal shoes, lingerie, stockings and jewelry. Learn about selecting bridal rings, and see our wedding and engagement rings at great prices.

Choose bridesmaids' shoes, stockings and jewelry.

Rent tuxedos for groom and groomsmen.

Ask mothers to coordinate their wedding day attire.

Start planning your wedding vows. For guidance, consult with the person who will officiate at your wedding.

Purchase items for the ceremony and reception: toasting glasses, cake knife, server set and cake top, guest book and a special pen, ring pillow, flower girl basket, candelabras, wishing bubbles, confetti, candles and candle holders, and other accessories.

Order a wedding cake.

Arrange for vacation time from work.

3 to 4 Months Out

Confirm delivery date of the bridal gown and bridesmaids' dresses.

Choose and purchase wedding rings, and order engravings.

Order bridal party bouquets and other floral decorations.

Buy thank-you gifts for your entire wedding party.

Finalize honeymoon plans.

Finalize guest list.

Address and mail announcements (optional).

Address invitations (these are mailed later).

Make beauty salon appointments.

Arrange for limousine or getaway car to and from the reception.

Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Shop for honeymoon clothing.

2 to 3 Months Out

Finalize wedding choreography.

Finalize wedding vows.

Mail invitations.

If bride plans to take husband's last name, obtain name change forms from DMV, social security office, banks and credit card companies.

Purchase reception favors: birdseed packets, bubble bottles, disposable cameras, and other favors.

Plan rehearsal dinner.

Plan bridesmaids' brunch or party.

One Month Before the Wedding

Pick up the rings.

Buy each other wedding gifts.

Get marriage license, and check on blood test requirements.

Submit photo list to the photographer or videographer or both.

Confirm honeymoon reservations.

Confirm reservations for out-of-town guests.

Arrange for final gown fitting.

Finalize music details with musicians or disc jockey.

Give fresh bouquets to everyone who helped you along the way.

One Week Before the Wedding

Pack for the honeymoon.

Get finances in order for the honeymoon.

Give final guest count to the caterer.

Have final meeting with florist.

Inform attendants of time and place of the rehearsal.

                Review reception seating plans.

                Break in your shoes.

                Throw the bridesmaids' party.

                Hold the rehearsal dinner.

                Confirm and prepare payments for all services.

                Arrange for someone to check on your house and pets while you're on your honeymoon.

Make a wedding day checklist of all the items you need on hand to prepare for the ceremony and reception.

Designate individuals to help gather wedding gifts after the reception.

The Day Before the Wedding

Give your wedding rings to attendants to hold until the ceremony.

Pack an emergency kit for the wedding day, including tissues, a hairbrush, hairspray, aspirin, safety pins, extra pantyhose, a mini sewing kit and stain-fighting spray.

Review details with all wedding professionals.

Get a good night's sleep.

The Day of the Wedding

Make sure to eat before the ceremony.

Splurge on a massage.

Have the best man distribute the tips to the vendors.

Thank your parents and attendants.

Relax and enjoy your magical day!

BUDGET TIPS

The Basics

Start planning your dream wedding by setting a realistic budget and determining your expenses. The chart below shows the average percentages allocated to expenses. Of course, costs can vary with style, size and other factors

Expense Categories                        Average Percentage                      Your Estimated Cost     

 Pre-wedding parties                                                   3%                                        $            

 Invitations, stationery and postage                         2%                                         $         

 Ceremony site, accessories and officiant              3%                                           $          

 Attire (bride and groom), including hair and makeup      12%                           $           

 Photography and videography                   8%                                                     $

 Reception site, including rental                  8%                                                     $          

 Flowers and decorations                             7%                                                      $      

 Food, beverages and cake                          40%                                                     $   

 Music                                                            8%                                                        $         

 Transportation                                             2%                                                         $      

 Gifts (attendant gifts, party favors)           2%                                                          $            

 Incidentals                                                    5%                                                         $               

 Total                                                           100%                                                         $           

Budget Worksheet

Next, break down your cost allocation, and track spending on specific items within each category. We have prepared a worksheet to help you.

Download sheet here

RECEPTION HELP

Let the Party Begin!

Get ready to enjoy one of the biggest celebrations of your life. This guide contains helpful information about reception planning and traditions.

Receiving Line

The receiving line is traditionally the most effective way to greet all your guests.

• The bride's parents stand at the front of the line, followed by the bride and groom, then the groom's parents.
• A less formal option to consider: The bride and groom and their wedding party and families mingle among the guests.

Food and Drink

There are no rules for what to serve. This is your day, and your reception reflects the style of your wedding.

• Simple cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are excellent choices for casual events.
• A buffet creates a festive atmosphere.
• Guests will appreciate sit-down dinners at formal receptions.

Toasts

Toasts are often the most sentimental and funniest moments at receptions.

• Traditionally, the best man is the first to toast, followed by the maid of honor or matron of honor.
• The couple then toasts their parents and each other.
• The father of the bride toasts, then the floor is open to other guests.
• Videotape these delightful speeches so you can enjoy them for many years to come.

The First Dance

This is a point in the reception when all eyes are on the bride and groom.

• The music you choose will set the mood. Perhaps, it's a song that was playing when you and your spouse first met. Be creative! Your musicians also can help you select a song.
• If you choose a waltz or ballroom number, it's a good idea to rehearse the steps in advance.
• The first dance is often followed by a father and bride dance.

Cutting the Cake

Traditional protocol for cutting the cake is as follows:

• The bride picks up the knife with her right hand, and the groom places his hand above hers.
• They cut the first slice, then put the cake on a plate.
• The couple feed each other a bite of cake; the groom feeds the bride first.
• Then they cut slices for their parents; the groom serves the bride's parents and the bride serves the groom's parents.
• Finally, the caterer serves all the guests.

The Getaway

This is the last event of the reception. As the bride and groom make their way to the car that will take them to a hotel or their honeymoon destination, guests cheer and wish them a wonderful marriage.

• To add to the festivities, guests can blow bubbles, toss birdseed or ring bells.
• Couples can choose special transportation, such as a limousine, sports or antique car, or horse-drawn carriage.

 Click here to Download Your Wedding Budget .