Tips for the brides

a] Mail invitations out 6-8 weeks before the ceremony.  Save-the-Date cards should be mailed out earlier, 8-10 weeks before the wedding.

b]  Usually invitations are ordered at least 6 months before your wedding to allow time for printing, delivery, proofreading, addressing envelopes, mailing, and the RSVP process.  However, wedding programs can be mailed out closer to the wedding date.
   
c] RSVPs: you should ask for responses 3-4 wks before the wedding.  This way you will have enough time to plan your reception seating.

d] If you are planning your honeymoon in another country, make sure your passports are up-to-date.

e] When you are checking out different venues, bring a camera and take pictures of venues because by the time you finished looking at the 8th venue, you might have forgotten how the 2nd venue looks like.

f] In Christian ceremony, usually the bride's family and friends will be seated on the left side of the church as you face the altar.  The bride also stands on the left side facing the altar.  The right side is reserved for the groom's side of the family and friends.  On the other hand, in a Jewish wedding, the bride's guests sit on the right, which is the same side she will be standing on as she faces the rabbi.

g] For your reception and dinner, check in with your caterer, baker, rental company, beverage supplier, etc., one wk before the wedding to make sure everything is under control.  and another follow up call the day before the wedding.  (If you have a DOC, this part will be done by your DOC's)

h] For your wedding dinner, save the faster songs for later and play slower songs at the beginning.

i] You can incorporate a special theme to your dinner menu to reflect who you are as a couple.  For example, if both or one of you are from the Southern part of the country and you want a southern-style wedding, you can feature bbq or fried chicken, corn bread, biscuits, etc.

j] Alcoholic beverage. It's better to order too much than to run out because un-opened bottles may be returnable, check your caterer or liquor store.

k]  Count the number of underage kids who are attending your wedding. Talk to your venue, they might be able to lower alcohol charge for those who are underage.

l]  Money saving tip:  Get married on a Sunday night.  People will limit their alcohol consumption because they have work the next day.

--Nellie