Similar to all other wedding decisions, planning your wedding flowers takes time and a lot of thought. Obviously you want your flowers to coordinate well with your decor, fit in your budget, and look fantastic, but you will also want to consider the following:

• Will you be hiring a florist or doing the flowers yourself? Putting a bouquet together may not seem very difficult, but it can be more complicated than it looks. First, you need to practice well in advance to make absolutely sure that you and/or your family/friends can do the job. Then, I would recommend that you have lots of help. If you are using fresh flowers, it will not be something that can be done well in advance and there is so much to do at the very last minute that you will need help.
• Are you going for silk or the real thing? First, you need to understand that throughout the day the bouquets take a lot of abuse. Depending on the season, the flowers can be exposed to either really cold situations or very hot temperatures. Also, the flowers get waved around, pushed around, and in some cases dropped on the ground. Fresh flowers are wonderful, but you need to understand that you may not have the perfect flowers at the end of the night. With fresh flowers, you must also realize the fact that they may not be 100% perfect, or exactly the color that you had in mind. With silk flowers, you must think about how important it is for them to look real. Silk flowers that look very real can in a lot of cases cost more than real flowers. In addition, if you are purchasing silk flowers and are ordering online or without seeing them in advance, make sure that you can return them or order a sample, as the quality and colors may vary. The choice of real or silk flowers really depends on the person and the setting of the wedding, but either one can work well.
• What colors are you looking for? If you are looking at real flowers, you may want to choose natural colors. Many florists will tell you that flowers can be dyed, and this is a good option for arrangements, but beware, there may be problems in stopping the ink from leaking on to your white dress. With flowers you will also want to consider that trying to match colors too much may be difficult. I would suggest choosing a complementary color instead of trying to find an exact match.
• Are the flowers in season? Not only will choosing flowers that are in season save you money because they are more readily available, but they may also be nicer flowers. Trying to find exotic flowers may limit the suppliers, which means higher costs. In addition, if the flowers have to come from further away, the flowers may be less fresh. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to have your flowers arrive with brown spots.
• Can the flower arrangements be used for the ceremony and the reception? If you are looking for ways to save money, try to use as many of the decorations in both areas. Generally, flower arrangements are easy to load and place at the reception venue. Often you can have a close friend of family member with a larger vehicle do this if you don’t have a decorator. Beyond saving money, using the flower for both also bring continuity to the event.
• Will you be keeping the arrangements? If you are planning on keeping the bouquet, find out in advance the best way to preserve and/or dry the flowers. Don’t just put them on the counter on the night of your wedding, as this may ruin the bouquet.
• How many flowers/arrangements will you need? Flowers can be used to decorate the ceremony, the tables, can be given as favors, and are generally a part of the wedding party’s attire. Beyond that, corsages are often given to the mothers and/or grandmothers of bride and groom. It is also common for the fathers and grandfathers of the bride and groom also receive a boutonniere. Before making floral arrangements, make sure that you know what you will need. With flowers, you can often save money by buying in bulk.

Flowers provide great decor, and are usually a considerable portion of your wedding budget. Take the time to consider the options and make sure that you get the perfect wedding flowers.

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Once the vows are said, the cake is eaten, and the flowers have wilted, how will you capture the memories of your special day? The answers, through your wedding photos. As a result, choosing the right photographer is extremely important. Expect to spend around 7-10% of your budget on a photographer. Before choosing a photographer, find out what it is that you want. Some photographers will offer amazing looking pictures, but you will only receive a small number of photos. Others, may not do much as far as artistic work (ie. photo editing, or artistic photography techniques) but you may be able to get all of your photos and the negatives.  In any case there are several questions to ask before choosing a photographer:

• Was the photographer referred to you by someone?  If at all possible, get some referrals.  Whether you have friends who are married or are planning a wedding, or whether you get advice from people on a local website forum, the best way to find a photographer is from other people.
• How long has the photographer been shooting weddings?  Weddings are unique and competitive, so if the photographer has been doing weddings for a while, it is likely a good sign.
• Does the photographer have formal photography training?  Some more budget photographers have no formal training, and basically took their hobby of taking pictures into a career.  This may be fine, but it is best to know in advance.
• How far in advance is the photographer booked?  A busy photographer is probably also a good sign, but you will want to know for booking purposes too.
• What are the wedding packages and what do they include?  Find out how many hours and photos you will get.  Even if the package has an unlimited number of hours, find out how long the photographer generally stays at the wedding because it is unlikely that he/she will stay to 2AM.
• Do you get the negatives?  A lot of photographers won’t give you the negatives because part of the business is selling you photos any time you want/need more.
• What about extras?  So many brides end up going way over budget on photography after the wedding because they just can’t limit the number of pictures that they want.  This can get very expensive, so make sure you know how much it costs in advance.
• Can you get digital prints / copies and how much?  Sharing your wedding photos is so easy now with online sites, so you may want to take advantage of this.  Be sure to ask permission first and see if the photographer has some kind watermark on digital photos.
• Do you like the pictures?  When a photographer shows you samples of their work, make sure you understand that these are probably the best of their pictures.  So, if there are any pictures that you don’t absolutely love, keep this in mind.
• What kind of deposit is required and when is the final payment due?
• What is there turn around time  after a wedding?  So many brides have played the waiting game with photos, and believe me, after your wedding you really really really want to see your photos!  If possible, have them guarantee a date or withhold some of the money until you have the final photos in your hands.  In some cases people have waiting almost or even more than a year…ouch!

Photography really is one of the most important parts of a wedding because it is how you will capture the day and share it with others.  Find the right photographer and DO NOT leave this decision until the last minute.

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If you are having a spring or fall wedding, giving guests the gift of tulip bulbs is a great idea. This favor can be very cost effective, quick, and can be made to match your décor perfectly.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this wedding favor:

• Bulk tulip bulbs
• Small bags either made of material or metallic plastic (in the appropriate color)
• Ribbon (in the appropriate color)
• Cardstock (in the appropriate color)

Here are step by step details on making these wedding favors:

• STEP 1: Buying the bulbs. It should be easy to find a large bag of bulbs at a local garden store, home centre, or even a discount department store. Plan ahead and try to find a sale!
• STEP 2: Buying the decorative materials. Here you what to check out the local dollar store first, you can often find a lot of the materials for a lot less. Keep your décor in mind at all times, try to coordinate colors and themes to match the rest of your decorations.
• STEP 3: Simply place a few bulbs in the bag and decorate as necessary.
• STEP 4: Make sure that your guests know what is in the bag and know what to do with the bulbs.

You may want to include a short message or poem, here are some options:

Thank you for sharing our special day,
The day has been perfect in every way.
Please accept this little gift,
They will grow in your garden and give it a lift.

Our love will grow as time goes by,
Plant these bulbs and they too will grow high,
We thank you for being here today,
We appreciate your support, that’s all there is to say.

We thank you for sharing this day with us.
Please accept this small gift with our thanks.
Please plant them and think of us.

Another alternative is to find a famous quote that is appropriate, or make up your own!

No matter what you wedding favors, gather as many friends and family as possible, make a party out of it. This will ensure that you have fun and that the job gets done as soon as possible.

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Part 1: Venue (Food Provided by the Venue)

One of the most important aspects to any wedding is the reception venue. The following are a number of questions that may be helpful when researching a reception venue based on the type of venue that you are looking for:

• Is the date of your wedding available? If so, you may want to ask about their policy on holding the room without a deposit. Some places will hold the room for a certain amount of time while you make a decision.
• Will the venue or the surrounding areas be under any kind of construction during the time of your wedding? This can have a major impact on the look, noise level, and/or parking options for your reception.
• What is the maximum number of people that the room can hold based on the configuration or floor plan of your reception? (We suggest physically looking at the room carefully. If possible, ask if there is a time that you can view the room setup for the size of your wedding. Some locations may tell you that the room can hold more people than you would find could fit comfortably).
• Is the venue wheelchair friendly?
• Are their parking options for your guests? If so, is it free or will guests be required to pay? In addition, you may want to ensure that there is easy access to the entrance by limo or other wedding vehicle.
• What is the cost per plate and what exactly does this include? Be sure to look over the menu carefully and ask if any changes can be made and the costs of any modifications. In addition, you may want to ask how they handle allergies, vegetarians, and/or any other dietary restrictions. Please note, there may be a process for special meals (ie. you may have to notify them in advance, etc.).
• Can you sample the menu? Many places will allow you to sample the menu so that you may make any necessary changes, and to ensure that you are satisfied with your menu.
• Is there a different rate and/or menu for children? If you will have small children at your reception, most places will offer a kids menu at a lower price. If this is the case, be sure to ask if the venue requires you to provide them with separate numbers for kids or if there is another process.
• Does the per plate cost include taxes, room rental fees, gratuities, etc? Many venues will waive or include the room rental fee in the cost of their per plate meal; however, you will want to be sure.
• Is there a cake cutting fee? Many places will either include this fee in the price of your per plate meal or have a separate fee for this service.
• Can you and/or your family members bring in any special desserts or items? Some people and/or their families have a tradition or bringing in special desserts or traditional food. If this is the case, be sure to ask if there are any restriction and/or fees involved.
• What are the rates for an open bar (if applicable)? Ask if there are minimum rates, if the fees are charged hourly, or based on the number of drinks served. Also, be sure to confirm what types of alcohol will be made available.
• In some cases, if you are not having an open bar you can purchase drink tickets for your guests. You may want to ask about this service and how much they cost. Please note, in some cases in may actually be more expensive to buy the tickets than it would for your guests to purchase the drinks. Or, you may offer wine at the tables, or a champagne toast as an alternative. In some cases, venues may even allow you to bring in wine, but you will need to check the venues rules and the regulations involved carefully.
• Decorating the venue is extremely important. First, ask when you will be able to decorate the venue. Some places, may allow you to decorate the day and/or evening before. Also, be sure to ask about any fees related to decorating in advance. Second, be sure to fully understand what, if anything, the venue will do and/or provide in terms of decorations. Third, ask if the venue works closely with any decorating vendors, as they may have good room ideas and may even offer discounts. Finally, see what time vendors can arrive to the venue for setup on the day of.
• Make sure to ask about the venue hours. Some venues will charge more if the party extends later in the night. The last thing that you want to do is kick your guests out while the party is still going strong. Be sure to plan enough time and money to make sure you get the party of your dreams.

Selecting the reception venue is very important. Get as much information as possible and make sure that the venue people are helpful, and patient.

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The first step to planning any style, size, or type of wedding is really to think about it and talk it out. You likely have some ideas as to what kind of wedding you are looking for, your future spouse may also have some ideas. In order to avoid any miscommunication, and lots of arguments, talk about things first. Here are some key things to think about and discuss with each other:

• Where do you want to get married? (ie. destination wedding, your hometown, your future spouse’s hometown, the city you live in now?) This may seem extremely basic, but if you’ve never discussed getting married before you may not realize that this could be a conflict.
• What type of wedding are you looking for? (ie. formal, informal, indoor/outdoor, etc). If you want white linens, black ties, and an orchestra and your future spouse wants burgers, beer, and heavy metal, you may want to have a discussion and find a compromise before booking a violinist.
• What are both of your priorities, the things that you will not compromise on? Each of you should make a list of 3 things that you have to have for your wedding. (ie. your future spouse has always wanted to drive a vintage car to his wedding, or you’ve always wanted pink tulips for you big day). These items have to be of utmost importance and should be priorities in your planning. Most often, the bride takes the lead in the wedding planning, but if your future spouse’s top 3 must haves are taken into account, the day will turn out great for both of you.
• Where is the money coming from and how much will there be? You and your future spouse need to understand each others views on how much you are willing to spend. To avoid fights, disappointment, and potential bankruptcy, this must be discussed right from the beginning. You should also decide if family/friends will be helping out and how to approach them about it. Keep in mind, if family/friends provide financial support, they may have some expectations that they also get some say in the planning or details.
• What family values, religious views, and/or family politics may play a role? You have likely met your future spouse’s family before, but you likely do not understand how much they can play a role in the planning of your wedding. Find out if your future spouse “has to” invite all 625 members of his/her extended family, or if your wedding will be boycotted unless you get married in a church, etc. You may choose the do things you own way regardless of the family politics; however, you should at least consider your other half’s thoughts and understand the potential consequences.

At this point, the possibilities are endless. If you both have a good understanding of each others’ thoughts about your wedding, you can plan things accordingly or at least you have ample time to battle it out if necessary.

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