The Bride’s Guide

Finding the Right Location

For any wedding the first step is to begin by setting the wedding date, size, budget and style. Once these particulars have been established your next major decision will be the reception location. If you already have a place in mind contact the facility manager and confirm availability of the date you’ve selected. This is also a good time to schedule an appointment for you and your fiancé to view the site. Don’t procrastinate most venues will need a deposit months in advance!

The Maid or Matron of Honor’s Responsibilities:

Remember, this is the bride’s day.  Your job is to assist the bride and help her day be as carefree and special as possible. As a Maid of Matron of Honor, you should set the tone among the women in the bridal party.  Stay cool and never out shine the bride.  It truly is an honor to serve.

Who Sits Where at The Reception?

Traditionally, the bride and groom sit at the top table with their parents, the Maid or Matron of Honor and the Best Man. Many couples nowadays don’t have a long table, preferring a round one instead.

Who Pays for What?

Working out a budget for your wedding is one of the first things that should be done, once the date is set.  Will the ceremony be formal, semiformal or informal?  A formal wedding, of course, will be the most expensive and the informal, the least.  Nothing is set in concrete.  Who pays for what?  Unlike a decade ago, the lines are no longer rigidly drawn.  The responsibility of paying for the wedding has shifted in recent years from the shoulders of the father of the bride, to include the groom’s family.  Also, with many couples marrying later and having money of their own, they are sharing in the expenses.

Whether your wedding reception is held at a restaurant or reception hall, it is never appropriate to ask your guests to pay for food or drink. You don’t charge them when they visit your house – same thing.  If you really want to cut reception costs, cut down your guest list or find a venue that permits you to bring your own alcohol. The savings will be considerable and no one will be offended. What you don’t use, you keep.

Invitations

Before sending out your wedding invitations, with regards to bridal etiquette, be absolutely specific in the invitations. Find out the names of partners and spouses of people you wish to invite and get them right. This means a phone call. This is also the ideal time to inform your guests of your policy towards inviting children, dates for unwed guests and even gifts registries or cash gifts.  It is customary to send out your invitations 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding date.

Guests Attire

Wedding guests should dress for a nice dinner or event which includes suits or black tie for men and dresses or skirts in sophisticated colors and fabrics for women. Lengths can vary according to the style of the event and location. Female guests can now wear black but never white.

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