Another option may be if you or your spouse is musically talented, maybe you will want to write a song to play for each other – your guests will definitely enjoy listening! Or if you like to rhyme or love poetry, a poem may be your choice on how to recite your vows. Whether you are a traditional or nontraditional bride, keep in mind your vows are something special, they are promises to each other!

Your wedding date is quickly approaching and you are making your final decisions. Booking your band or DJ is a must – you can’t have a party without music! A quick list of questions to ask your potential band or DJ will help you decide which band or DJ is the right one for your wedding.

1. Is there a demo tape of your band or DJ that I can take a listen to?

2. Who will be the DJ at my wedding?

3. Do you take breaks (mostly live bands)?

• If yes, will you be playing background music?

4. Will you take requests from my guests?

5. If I provide “must play” or “do not play” lists will you follow them?

• How many “must play” songs are allowed on my list?

6. Will you be announcing us and the bridal party when we come into the reception?

7. How will you set up your equipment? Will it complement my wedding?

8. Do you have a backup if you become ill or if something goes wrong?

9. What will your attire be?

10. Have you done events at my reception location before?

11. Are there any other services you provide, such as lighting design?

12. Does your pricing include set up and take down between ceremony & reception locations (if you will be using them for the ceremony as well)?

13. If my wedding is longer than scheduled what are your overtime charges?

14. What is your refund policy if there are changes to my date?

15. Are there any special electrical outlets that I will need to advise my reception location about?

You should contact your reception location about any restrictions they might have before booking your band or DJ. It is best to meet with your live entertainment or DJ first, before booking to ask any last minute questions about your wedding.

-         What flowers will be in season during the date of my wedding?

-         Will you be able to work with my wedding budget?

-          Do you offer packages or is it customized?

-         What flowers do you recommend based on my colors and budget?

-         What are the different wraps you can do for my bridal bouquet?

-         Do you coordinate boutonnieres, bridesmaid flowers and centerpieces?

-         What other décor can you provide? (aisle runners, votives, arch etc.) How will these pieces affect my cost?

-         Will you be able to recreate a bridal bouquet if I provide you with a photograph of a bouquet that I like?

-         Do you have examples of bouquets that you have done in the past?

-         Can you work with my bakery if I choose to add flowers to my wedding cake?

-         Do you do flower preservation? If not, can you recommend someone to me?

-         Is there a delivery fee?

-         Are there fees for set up and take down when moving from ceremony to reception?

-         How far in advance do I need to secure your service?

-         How much is the deposit?

-         Will I get a copy of the contract with items that we have discussed?

-         What is your refund policy if for any reason I need to cancel my order?

-         If I request to have organic, pesticide-free flowers, are you able to get them?

Before meeting with your florist, make sure your color scheme is a definite. Make a list of the different flowers you like, to give them an idea for flower selection. Bring with you pictures as examples of what bouquets you like. After booking your florist remember to provide them with a picture of your wedding dress and color swatches or photos of the bridesmaid gowns as well.

The easiest place to fill out the paperwork is at your local United States Post Office. You may also download the passport application forms online but make sure you meet the requirements for printing purposes; view these requirements here. At the post office you are able to fill out the paperwork and take the photos required for the passport. Verification that you are a United States Citizen is required when applying for a passport; you will need to prove your citizenship by submitting one of the following documents: A previously issued-undamaged United States Passport, Certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship. You also need to bring one of the following items when applying for a passport at the time of application: a previously issued-undamaged United States Passport, Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License, Current Government ID (city, state, federal) or a Current Military ID (military and dependents).

Remember, once you are legally married you need to update your name on your passport! If you have a passport that was issued less than 1 year ago but need a name change due to marriage, you will have to mail these items: the completed form requesting a name change, your current & valid United States passport, an original or certified copy of your marriage license and a recent, color photo.

If your passport was issued more than 1 year ago and are requesting a name change due to marriage, you will need to mail these requirements: your current passport, the completed application for a U.S. passport by mail, renewal fees, an original or certified copy of your marriage license and a recent color photo.

Make sure you have completed all steps of the Passport Application process to ensure a valid passport before traveling on your honeymoon. For more information about applying for a passport read more here.

Packing for any vacation is stressful and time consuming. Since most honeymoon hot spots are not located in the U.S., you have to make sure you packed just about everything and let’s be honest, make sure your hubby doesn’t forget anything! We have created a general list of the most pertinent items to pack, remember this is just a general list and will change depending on your honeymoon destination:

Make sure you do not forget to pack the most important items including:

• Passport or visa
• Driver’s license
• Airline tickets, cruise tickets, confirmation papers
• Credit cards
• Travelers check
• Hotel reservation confirmation
• Luggage ID tags
• Phone numbers of your hotel, airport, doctor, family members, credit card companies- for lost or stolen credit cards, just in case

Items you should pack:

• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 1 pair of sneakers or comfortable sandals
• 4-5 pairs of shirts, t-shirts, tanks, short sleeves
• 1 sundress
• 1 little black dress
• 1 cardigan
• 2 bathing suits
• Extra pairs of socks, underwear, bras
• Accessories to dress up your outfits
• Sunglasses
• Evening purse

Things that he should pack:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 1 pair of dress pants
• 4-5 shirts, polo, t-shirt, button down
• 1 sports jacket
• 1 bathing suit
• 1 pair of sneakers or comfortable shoes
• Extra pairs of socks and underwear
• Sunglasses

Handy items that are optional:

Band-aids, aloe, ibuprofen, motion sickness medicine, sunscreen, chap stick, tote bag for beach or pool, beach towels, guidebook, toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant, hair brush or comb, make-up remover, cosmetics, hair spray, shaving cream, razor, contacts, contact solution, hair accessories, shampoo & conditioner, body lotion, ziplock bags to protect your camera, small wallet size bag to carry credit cards and money, small backpack, earplugs, prescription medicine – in original bottle! and travel locks

Keep these items with your friends and family:

• Itinerary with hotel phone numbers
•  Photocopies of passport and traveler’s check receipts
•  Financial information

Packing for this special vacation will be less stressful if you make a checklist of items that you need or want to bring. Remember some airlines charge for each additional luggage other than your carry-on, so make sure to pack only the items you think you will use!

Enjoy your trip! 

Remember, you can always go back to add or delete something off your list, so don’t feel pressured!

Here is a list of some useful household items that you may want to put on your list:

Kitchen Essentials:

1. Everyday dishware-think about adding two sets to the list! You will always use those dishes.
2. Silverware – the more the merrier! Those long weeks where you fill up your sink or dishwasher with tons of spoons and forks or after having your big family over for dinner, you want to make sure you always have enough silverware! Put two sets on the list, just in case.
3. Appliances that will be used everyday such as a hand held or stand up mixer (Kitchen Aid!), food processor, toaster, coffee maker (the Keurig), can opener, blender or maybe an electric skillet.
4. Pots and pans! Non stick pots and pans will be useful when cooking for your hubby! They are easy to clean but make sure you read the directions on how to care for your pots and pans.
5.  Cake pans and baking sheets – Remember, loaf pans, cupcake pans, cookie sheets, round cake pans and an angel food cake pan!
6. Mixing bowls can be used for all sorts of things, mixing batter, popcorn movie nights, salads or for parties! You’ll use them!
7. Knives with a block – a good set of knives will be handy when slicing vegetables, meat or cutting bread, but make sure that if they say not dishwasher safe, you don’t ruin them by putting them in the dishwasher!
8. Corningware or Pyrex are awesome for casseroles! If they have the travel carrier put that one on the list, it is versatile when traveling with a meal for a party.
9. China & Crystal – this is a toughie because when will you use these expensive pieces? Talk to your parents and his parents about whether or not this should be added. You may end up with their china & crystal – which would have more sentimental meaning.
10. Crock pot!! You may think you will never ever use it, but you will! This time saver is perfect for those nights where you are working late or when your day is packed full and don’t have time to cook dinner.

Home Essentials

Vacuum, iron & ironing board, decorative lamps, soft blankets, pillows, suitcase, towel sets (hand towels, dish towels, wash cloths – for kitchen and bathroom!), coaster set (picture coasters are neat, they add a personal touch to your décor), wall art, sheet sets, comforter and vases!

Remember you can add or delete later, so if you can’t decide one thing right now put both on the list!

What items did/are you going to include on your registry?

Photo courtesy of The Fine Print

Wedding invitations are very important because they set the mood for your celebration. The wedding invitation is the first impression for your wedding. It usually represents your style, theme or type of wedding you will be having. Make sure you send out the wedding invitations at least eight weeks before the date of your wedding. Typically couples send out save-the-date announcements prior to the wedding invitations to make sure out of town guests will be available to celebrate this special occasion with you.

Generally, there are several cards and envelopes to include with your invitation. The ceremony card announces the location of the ceremony, the reception card with details about the reception, the response card & its addressed and stamped envelope along with the inner and outer envelopes. If you will be having the ceremony and reception together at one location, you will be able to eliminate the ceremony or reception card, simply have all the details for both on one card.

How to word your wedding invitations may be a bit tricky, depending on who is hosting your wedding, if your wedding will be formal or informal or if you are having a nontraditional wedding. Traditionally the bride’s parents host the wedding, although today, most couples plan to pay for part or most of their wedding celebration. Typically whoever is hosting the wedding is listed first on the invitation.

If your parents are hosting the wedding it will read as:

“Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Jenna Marie
to
Robert James Williams”

If both families are paying for parts of the wedding you may list it as follows:

“Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
and
Mr. and Mrs. James Williams
invite you to share in the ceremony
uniting their children
Jenna Marie
to
Robert James Williams”

If you are hosting the wedding you may want to word it:

“Miss Jenna Marie
and
Mr. Robert James Williams
request the honor of your presence
at their marriage”

There are many other ways to word your wedding invitations. For nontraditional weddings you may want to word it as:

“Please join us for a celebration of
love, friendship, laughter and family
as
Jenna Marie
and
Robert James Williams
join together in matrimony”

You can do research to find many other options on how to word your wedding invitations.

Putting together the invitation can be quite confusing. With a number of cards and envelopes you want to make sure your guests will not be confused. The general rule is to start with the ceremony card, followed by the reception card on top and then place the response card tucked under the unsealed envelopes flap on the very top. Place all of these items in the inner unsealed envelope. Slide the inner envelope with the addressee’s name facing the back flap so it is visible when your guests open it into the outer envelope.

When addressing the invitations, street names, cities and states should all be written out with no abbreviations. If you are sending to a married couple address it as “Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Thompson”. If you are addressing the invitation to a couple who is not married but living together, use each of their full names, “Mr. Charlie Thompson and Miss Jennifer Smith”. When addressing to a single person that may want to bring a guest, “Miss Caitlin Jones and Guest”.

Wedding invitations can be a long process to assemble, to make it easier I suggest making address labels for each of your guests to place on the envelopes. You may want to devote one Saturday to addressing wedding invitations with your groom, mother or maid of honor.

Photo Courtesy by Riverfront Limousine Services

About 4 to 5 months before your wedding date make sure you have reserved transportation for your bridal party and whoever else will be riding with you.

Before booking make sure you have an idea on what you want including how many passengers will be riding with you, what are the times for pickups and drop-offs, what are the locations of these pickups and drop-offs, how much do you want to spend and what type of car you would like?

Now that you have an idea on what you want, you may want to ask the transportation company several questions to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Some questions to ask include:

1.         What type of transportation models do you offer? Limousine, Stretch Limousine, Hummer Limo, Explorer Limo,       Limousine Coaches?

2.        How many people will fit in each fleet?

3.       Do you charge based on time or distance?

4.       Do you have a minimum rental time?

5.       What does your insurance policy cover?

6.        What is your cancellation policy?

7.        Is there a deposit requirement? When do you need the deposit by and how much?

8.       Do you guarantee a certain vehicle for my wedding?

9.         How will my chauffer dress?

10.       Will my chauffer know how to get to my locations?

Make sure you receive a confirmation with car details along with pickup and drop off times & locations. You may want to ask for a list of references to check before booking. Also, confirm your reservation at least 1 week before your wedding! Be sure to have all your arrangements made to provide others with the important information such as where to be at what time.

Nowadays there are many companies making paper products out of recycled paper. You are able to find invitations or save the dates that use recycled paper. Another option may be using an e-invite or an online invitation for your wedding. The only downfall is you may not have the correct email address, the elders may not have email nor a computer or your e-invite might get lost in spam. There are some cool invitations that are earth friendly that are stylish and elegant. You can even find invitations that guests can plant in their garden- the invitations are made with seeds!

When choosing a reception venue for your green wedding take a few minutes to do research on the reception site! Ask if they recycle or use energy efficient appliances, all of these options help keep planet earth young. If you are a country gal or just love the outdoors, think about having an outdoor wedding. Find an old barn near town and transform it using eco-friendly décor! If you love flowers and gardens find the perfect spot at a botanical garden. Another great way to be green for your wedding is having your ceremony and reception at the same place, by doing this it will cut down on fuel emissions. Guests won’t have to drive from the ceremony to the reception site if everything is done in one spot.

Find a caterer that uses locally grown veggies and fruits. The food is what every guest enjoys at celebrations so create a menu that includes seasonal foods. Or find a baker that creates delicious vegan cakes – no dairy products and no eggs. The options are endless!

There are chemicals being sprayed on your wedding flowers in order to keep insects away, which is so not eco-friendly. Try finding flowers that are in season and are locally grown. If you like DIY how about creating your own bouquet out of paper or create a bouquet with the new trend, silk flowers and antique brooches? Let your creative side out!

Instead of handing out favors to each guest, contribute to your favorite charity. This has become popular throughout the years and creates a difference in our society. If you still want to provide a little thank-you to all of your guests how about a great gift that is edible like chocolates or homemade candy. Are you planning a country theme wedding? How about local jam or honey as a favor?

The Wedding Dress- how do I find an eco-friendly dress? Most dresses are being made in factories using materials that are not earth friendly and some are even made at sweatshops! There are many lines out there that are eco-friendly that use organic cotton, silk or hemp.

These are just the beginning of some options to create a green wedding. But don’t forget this is your day, switch out some tradition options for an eco-friendly option. There are more eco-friendly options more now than ever before. Keep your planet healthy by having a green wedding!

Your destination wedding is affordable!!

Many hotel resorts are knowledgeable of certain events occurring such as a wedding; therefore, they are prepared with deals and certain packages to offer you and your fiancé that are affordable! Look around to find the best package, most include everything you will need including flight, accommodation, wedding cake, décor, food and beverages.

Affordable…but not for your wedding guests

Many hotel resorts have an all –inclusive package which covers your wedding including catering, flowers, etc.; however, when it comes to your guests they will have the expense to get to the destination along with other packages you may have set up for them, including tours and dinners out. Your guests may have an expensive trip.

A small wedding makes it more intimate!

As previously mentioned destination weddings may be expensive for your guests. You will come to realize that some guests may not be able to afford to celebrate your wedding with you, which may cut your guest list in half. Making your wedding more intimate!

No need to plan a honeymoon because you are already on it!

Choose the destination wedding that you would love to sightsee and where you would like to spend time with your fiancé. If you do this, then you will be set for your honeymoon. No need to plan another trip, just celebrate it there on the island!

Make sure you plan out your destination wedding according the island. Some islands including, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua and the Bahamas require you to “reside” on the island for a specific period of time. You must reside on the island of St. Lucia for at least 72 hours, Jamaica, Antigua and the Bahamas require you to reside on the island for at least 48hours.

Legal documentation of marriage varies from island-to-island. Make sure you are prepared with the correct legal documents that you will need to make your marriage legal!

Start planning your destination wedding! Where are you having your destination wedding?