Wedding Planning Checklist

Wedding Planning Checklist
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A Wedding Planning Checklist Can Keep You On Track

We know Planning A Wedding can get overwhelming at times but making a wedding planning checklist will help tremendously. Breaking separate tasks into chunks of time helps you to see what needs to be done when. Below we have provided a basic wedding planning checklist to help you get started to planning your special day.

Wedding Planning Checklist for 6 - 12 months before wedding.

Decide on a date.

Make an appointment with Clergyman / Officiant.

Determine a budget.

Compose a guest list.

Set time and location of Rehearsal, Ceremony, & Reception.

Choose Professional Photographer / Videographer.

Shop for wedding gown: Several fittings will be required.

Obtain Floral & Music estimates; book services if possible.

Register with gift registry.

Select bridesmaids.

Pick a honeymoon destination: (renew passports & inoculations.)

Begin selection of a Caterer.

Set a date to order dresses for bridesmaids.

Wedding Planning Checklist for 5 months before wedding.

Finalize guest lists.

Order invitations & announcements.

Order personal stationary & thank you notes.

Plan reception.

Choose florist.

Men choose attire.

Make honeymoon reservations.

Choose caterer.

Confirm delivery of bridal gown.

Make appointment for bridal portrait.

Order wedding cake.

Arrange transportation for the bridal party to & from ceremony / reception.

Go over details of reception with caterer / hotel manager.

If you are renting any equipment, such as an arch or pillars, reserve now.

Wedding Planning Checklist for 1 month before wedding.

Choose wedding bands.

Mail invitations.

Make room reservations for out of town guests.

Check wedding party apparel.

Confirm music arrangements & check selections.

Make reservations for bridesmaids' luncheon.

Discuss rehearsal dinner with hosts.

Attend showers.

Apply for marriage license.

Wedding Planning Checklist for 2 weeks before wedding.

Plan your wedding day hairstyle. (Bring headpiece & veil).

Schedule hair appointment for day of wedding.

Final check on bridal party clothing.

Notify newspapers.

Arrange for name & address change.

Check with caterer / reception venue with last minute changes.

Wedding Planning Checklist for 1 week before wedding.

Remind rehearsal dinner guests of time / location.

Start honeymoon packing.

Wrap groom & attendants' gifts.

Check wedding announcements, ready to mail day after wedding.

Bridesmaids' luncheon.

Schedule rehearsal for 1 - 2 days prior to wedding.

Remind wedding party of exact time & place.

Go over final details of ceremony & reception with all parties involved.

Wedding Planning Checklist for Your Wedding Day!

Eat!

Hair & make-up.

Check wedding dress for pressing / steaming.

Have family member check ceremony / reception for left behind items.

Change of clothes for honeymoon.

Enjoy the best day of your life!

This wedding planning checklist should get you started on Planning Your Wedding. To review more detailed instructions please check out the resources we've gathered below.

And also, be sure to check out our pages about Planning A Wedding, Wedding Planning Software, Wedding Planning List, and Wedding Planning Guide elsewhere on this site.

Today's Wedding Planning Checklist Articles
Wine Bottle Stopper Wedding Favors
Fine wine is often considered as a mark of sophistication, high taste, and impressive class. You can bring that air of sophistication to your wedding reception by offering your guests wedding favors that revolve around the cultured mark of wine. Bottle stoppers and corkscrews are infinitely popular wedding favors at the classiest and most elegant wedding receptions. Your guests not only get a beautiful favor to remember your wedding, but also receive a useful item that they can use in turn to entertain their own guests in their home, at parties, or at any other social event. Popular bottle stoppers at weddings come in heart shapes or variations that represent romance and the idea of eternal love. Below are a few renditions of the most unique wine bottle stopper favors. Chrome Tuxedo Heart Cork Screw and Chrome Heart Wine Stopper: This pair represents the bride and groom perfectly. The cork screw and bottle stopper both come in a velvet lined case with a clear cover. The adorable cover is decorated with a tuxedo and gown that each dress the cork screw and bottle stopper respectively. The handle on each item is fashioned into a heart shape. Tee Time Bottle Stopper Mikasa: This stunning bottle stopper is made of highly sought after Mikasa crystal. The brilliance of the crystal golf ball that tops the bottle stopper with certainly dazzle your guests. This gorgeous work of Mikasa crystal will bring an air of elegance to your celebration. Shell Design Wine Stopper: Yet another themed rendition of the classic bottle stopper. The scalloped shell that sits atop the chrome stopper brings the atmosphere of the beach directly into your reception. This wedding favor comes packaged in an exquisite package with an organza bow and heart shaped "thank you" tag. Other great ideas include butterfly and starfish bottle stoppers -- great for bringing the care-free feel of summer to your celebration. Bride and Groom Design Wine Bottle Stoppers: These bottle stoppers are decorated with a wedding dress and a tuxedo. This dual-sided wedding favor shows that the bride and groom truly do become one in their marriage. Each favor has a chrome base and hand painted heart shaped resin top with bride and groom patterns. Each of these wedding favors will add a personal touch to your wedding and will accommodate your choice of theme while creating a cultured atmosphere and avid discussion amongst your wine savvy guests.

Joe Palladino is the owner of Her Wedding Favors and offers unique bridal shower favors. The most desirable <a TARGET="_blank" href="http://www.herweddingfavors.com"> wedding favors</a> can be found at discount prices along with other <a TARGET="_blank" href="http://www.herweddingfavors.com"> cheap wedding favors</a>. The <a TARGET="_blank" href="http://www.herweddingfavors.com/wine-wedding-favors-and-accessories.html"> wine wedding favors</a> in this article can also be found on his website.
How to Plan a Wedding Honeymoon
I always like to find out where my couples go after their wedding day for their honeymoon. I have decided to write an article on how to plan a wedding honeymoon. Now, this will not tell where all the hot spots are for newlyweds, but it will give you 7 things to keep in mind when planning your wedding honeymoon.

How to Plan a Wedding Honeymoon
things to keep in mind
1.) If your wedding is scheduled for late afternoon or evening, the groom will need to arrange for a nearby hotel for your wedding night. 2.) If you will be traveling out of town, consult with a travel agent, who can offer valuable tips on vacation sites, their available activities and weather probabilities, and take advantage of the best rates for hotel and travel accommodations. 3.) If you are flying, take a carry-on bag that contains all the essentials for a day. 4.) If you are driving a long distance, lock all luggage in the trunk as a deterrent to robbery. 5.) Carry a copy of your marriage certificate with you when traveling abroad, particularly if your passport is in your former name. 6.) Remember, do not over schedule. Your wedding honeymoon that you are planning is a time to get to know each other better. 7.) It is a nice gesture for you and your groom to telephone both your parents when you arrive at your travel destination. It will let them know you have arrived safely and will also offer another opportunity to thank them for the wedding.

Robert Reno works for Encore Entertainment. His team provides DJs and lighting for Michigan wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about <a href="http://encorepartydjs.weblog.com/2008/4/How-to-Plan-a-Wedding-Honeymoon.html">How to Plan a Wedding Honeymoon</a> or the <a href="http://www.encorepartydjs.com/east_michigan_wedding_dj_detroit_prices.html">Michigan Wedding Reception</a>.
Choosing Wedding Invitations and Thank You Notes

Choosing invitations and thank you notes for a wedding can be a big task. When looking at all the different themes that are available for wedding invitations, choose a theme that reflects you and your fiancé. Also choose a theme that reflects the theme of the wedding. For example, for a spring, fall, or winter wedding, choose a seasonal invitation. If the event is very formal, choose a very elegant, ceremonial invitation. There are also many themes for outdoor or destination weddings.

Ordering

When ordering wedding invitations, consider who is going to address the invitations. Hire a calligrapher or do it yourself. It can be time consuming, make sure you have plenty of time to do the addressing, as well as stamping, and sending. Another important thing to remember when ordering wedding invitations is to order some extras for any mishaps. It is also a good idea to go ahead and order thank you notes at the same time as invitations. It will save money on shipping, and time the bride will need to do other important wedding tasks.

Sending

Invitations should typically be sent a few weeks before the wedding. For a formal event, the invitation can be sent eight weeks in advanced. For less formal events, the invitation can be sent three weeks ahead. In any case, the invitations should be sent out with enough time for guests to make arrangements to attend. If it is a destination wedding, give guests plenty of time to purchase tickets for transportation, if the wedding party itself is not picking up the bill.

Thank you notes are another story. They can be sent up to a year after the wedding. But as with all thank you notes, the longer you wait to send them, the worse off it can be. If there in no written record of who attend and what gifts they gave, a year can too long to remember, and thank you notes are not as personalized. In order to stay organized, keep a list of everyone who attended the wedding, and on the same list, or another list, keep a list of who gave what gifts. Also, try to write and send the thank you notes as soon as possible after the wedding. You will remember more details for the wedding to include in your personal comments, and will also have had time to enjoy all your new gifts.

The wedding invitations and thank you notes that are chosen will be paired with the wedding from start to finish. Choosing the right wedding invitations will shape the wedding from the start, and leave guests with a wonderful feeling.


This article was written by Angela Oliver for Dependable Printing, invitation and paper goods provider for all printing needs. Please visit the site for more information about wedding invitations, thank you notes, and more wedding items.
How to Build Create a Wedding Website
So, you are thinking, "Why should I figure out how to build create a wedding website? Imagine ringgggg.... ringgggg.... "What are the directions to the banquet hall?" Ringgggg.... ringgggg.... "What time does the bridal shower start at?" Ringgggg.... ringgggg.... "Hi, did you receive our RSVP?" Now are you starting to see the reasons why you should build your own personal wedding website? Everyone knows that there are plenty of stresses involved with all the details for organizing a wedding ceremony and reception as well. Now, having telephone calls swarming you during this the planning can take all the fun out of it. All you and your finance will need is to create a personal wedding website. Think of it as your 24 hour work for free wedding assistant, informing people behind the scenes. Which Wedding Website Should I Use? Well, there are many different wedding websites that let you create your own personal page. However, they come in different shapes and colors with many personalized options. Some with more, and some with less. Most of the free wedding websites that let you build your own space list templates. Consider posting the important dates and locations along with a small bio about how you two met. Also there are some perks with the upgraded wedding websites. These websites come with options that allow you to personalize and tweak your page, (kinda like a myspace layout). There are also those that offer your own domain, this means you will have your own .com! Top Wedding Website Features Dynamic Guestbook This lets your visitors leave messages and gives them the chance to comment on you two. Some wedding websites even have a timestamp that lets you know who visited and what time. Directions Most of the most common problems on the big day might have something to do with logistics. Important people will get lost or get a flat tire when traveling between the ceremony and reception site. Make sure link directions to google maps or mapquest.com. Post the addresses and times incase some people are old school and like to write it down instead. This information will keep people informed about the where and when. Out of Town Guests The perfect host will always consider the comfort of their guests. This means listing local hotel, bed and breakfast accommodations, nearby attractions, airport information, car rentals, and shopping. Keep in mind, that your wedding rehearsal dinner will be for a smaller amount of people and if your out of town guests have something to keep them busy; they will enjoy their time. Who's That in the Wedding Party? People want to get the dirt from those in your wedding party. This is your chance to provide pictures, info, and funny stories. I recommend creating a page just for them. These people deserve their own page, because they will help you keep your sanity with wedding planning. RSVP Online Here's something new, you can save stress, time, and money if you have a place that allows guests to RSVP online from your personal wedding website. These options can even send you e-mail notifications when someone fills out their RSVP. If you login usually, you can track those that have and have not responded. Cool Intros and Snazzy Music I will be honest no two weddings are the same and either will be your wedding website. There are many little gadgets and code snippets that will add that flare to your website. You can make it humorous, play off a theme, or incorporate an inside joke. Majority of these files can be found online. If you see another wedding website that has a picture or a flash program/song you like, you can: Right click on your screen Click view source Hit control+F and search for the code Now this might take more experience to actually cut and paste into your own file but I'm sure some of your friends can help you with this. Worst case scenario there are many free wedding websites that give you song/intro files to upload into your own personal wedding site. This is a trial and error process, good luck! Love Story Show your creative side and share how he proposed, or the funny thing that happened on your last vacation. Feel free to fill in everyone on your details for how you met. People usually will check out your site during work, so this content helps them kill time and find out more about you guys. My recommendation is to leave out the embarrassing details! Protect Everything with a Password Nothing is more upsetting than getting your account vandalized. Keep your sensitive information from those that may use it maliciously. Remember, this information will be used for you and your guests. You would not want any surprises from those you are not expecting. Post Before and After Pictures Seriously, who doesn't like pictures? Depending on how large your account is, you may be able to upload many files. This depends on your disk space. If you are running low on disk space, then you should be able to upgrade to a bigger package. These pictures will be downloaded by guests, and can also be sent in e-mails. Vendor Review Page This is a great place for you to post report cards after your wedding. Rate your wedding vendors. Did they hold up to your standards? What impressed you with their service? Did they go above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect? Some of your guests may be engaged and will be courting your recent vendors for their own wedding reception. My recommendation is to post this info and keep tabs on your reviews. You would not want someone that ruined your day to be entrusted with your friends wedding. Tips for Building a Wedding website Looking above, there are many options and doodads that will help you trick out the wedding website that you create. Many features will save you energy and probably reduce your phone bill. All of your friends and family can easily access your site to get their questions answered. To make sure everyone knows your website, be sure to include it with your wedding initiations (separate insert). On top of all, building your own wedding website is fun and when people see it, they will think "wow, isn't this cool!" So now that you know how to build create a wedding website, get out there and try it.

Robert Reno and his team provide creative solutions for Michigan wedding receptions. He works for Encore Entertainment providing Michigan DJ services. For more info about <a href="http://encorepartydjs.weblog.com/2008/2/How-to-List-Create-a-Wedding-Website.html">how to create a wedding website</a>, please visit their <a href="http://www.encorepartydjs.com">Michigan DJ Service</a> wedding website.
Ideas for Do It Yourself Wedding Favors
Ideas for Homemade Wedding Party Favors A lot of new brides are deciding to make their own wedding party favors for an array of reasons. Some elect to make homemade wedding favors to save some money. Others decide on the homemade party favor since it is so much more personal than store bought favors and lets them express themselves. Whatever the reason, making your very own party favors can be an unforgettable and an entertaining experience. Since you are fashioning your own favors, you should decide on something that reflects an interest or your personality. Think about the message or information you desire to show to your party guests. Will the wedding be black tie or more casual? Taking care to answer these questions could assist you to locate a wonderful favor to put together for guests. To make the favors more personalized, consider making a wedding favor gift tag. Wedding favor labels can be made on your computer and taped to the gifts. With a lot of people having family members serving in the military, cards to soldiers is a simple wedding party favor thought. Give out envelopes that are addressed to a soldier and blank notecards in place of party favors. The party guests make out messages of thanks to the soldier and the notes can then be mailed. You should contact the local military office to get the names of service women and men for this little project. This can be a fantastic idea if your family or some of the guests at your wedding have family members serving overseas. When selecting the best party favor to make, evaluate where your talents are. Are you good at sewing? Bag sachets make ideal wedding favors and would be quite easy to make. The only things you'll need are the material you like (satin is customary), lavender or potpourri to fill them and sewing gear. With a bit of assistance, you will be able to create a gorgeous scented sachet for your party guests for use in their drawers, cars or closets. For more information, see the article on how to make sachets. In most cases, making favors is not a last minute job. To avoid becoming frusterated and have some fun doing it, make plans. Find out what you're going to make and shop around for the best prices. You can find wedding favor supplies at craft stores for a reasonable price. Do it yourself wedding supply items can additionally be bought on the web. You must allow for additional time for shipping. Shop after holidays, like Valentine's Day for romantically inspired materials. Are you skilled in either painting or drawing? Utilize your skills when you are selecting a party favor that you can make for your wedding guests. This is going to make the process much simpler and you are less likely to become discouraged. Make sure you consider those helping too. If you and your sweetheart are planning on a large or medium wedding party, you're going to need assistance to assemble the wedding party favors. Decide on something that'll be fun and simple to put together in an assembly line with your bridesmaids, girlfriends or sisters helping out. You might make the decision to create a wedding favor that is going to reflect your wedding's theme. Do some shopping at the local craft store or outlet for inspiration and ideas. Find something that expresses your wedding's theme. A Patriotic or military theme has become popular recently. An easy do it yourself wedding party favor could be a bag of candy with patriotic ribbons and a small flag attached. So many brides are making a donation to the Red Cross and giving cards telling party guests of the donation in their honor. Holiday wedding themes are fun and simple for creating your very own wedding party favors. Select a motif that will suit the holiday or time of year. Smaller pine trees can be decorated for wedding ceremonies and parties that happen in the Christmas season. The trees can be used to adorn wedding guests' homes during the Christmas holiday. You can make caramel apples for weddings in the fall. Put completed apples in clear baggies with a ribbon that will suit the theme of the wedding. Apple and cinnamon spiced tea bags can also be used for weddings in fall as well. Make a wedding favor label with the groom and bride's names and the wedding date. Find more articles and fantastic party favor suggestions at http://www.hqweddingfavors.com.

Claire Call is a content writer for http://www.hqweddingfavors.com who writes about where to look for only the best for wedding supplies, favors and parties . See tips and information on <a href="http://www.hqweddingfavors.com/personalizedhangtags.htm" target="_blank">wedding favor labels</a> to help your wedding day be everything that you ever hoped it could be.
Fireworks Supermarket - Buy Fireworks for the 4th of July Extravaganza
The Independence Day of the United States is celebrated every year, across the country, on the “Fourth of July” with fireworks, parades and private parties. If you have ever been to a Fourth of July celebration, then you would know that fireworks have a special and beautiful magic of their own. Fireworks begin at dark and the thrill and excitement of firing or watching fireworks is unsurpassed. There is something magical about sitting in the dark watching a spectacular firework display. Fireworks have been around for more than 2,000 years and most historians credit China for the first pyrotechnics, which were simple bamboo tubes packed with saltpeter, sulphur and charcoal. Their loud bangs were used at weddings, funerals and birthdays to drive away evil spirits. Fireworks are a must-have for any major celebration. However, no one wants to fire unsafe and duplicate fireworks, so go and buy original fireworks at Fireworks Supermarket; you can use them safely on The Fourth of July this year. Fireworks Supermarket is one of the oldest and largest American fireworks companies. The Company has a wide range of exciting firework products to celebrate Independence Day. Today, the company is synonymous with quality, creativity and safety. Everyone loves to play with fireworks on the Fourth of July. However, fireworks are dangerous explosives and can cause serious injuries if not handled properly. So you must follow the safety tips provided by The National Council on Fireworks Safety to avoid serious and painful injuries. If you want to buy safe and original fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July, visit the site http://www.fireworkssupermarket.com

Fireworks Supermarket (<a href="http://www.fireworkssupermarket.com">http://www.fireworkssupermarket.com</a>) has one of the largest ranges of <a href="http://www.fireworkssupermarket.com/fireworks.htm"><b>fireworks</b></a> available worldwide. The company not only just display the product… the trained staff will also "teach" you what each of the <i>firework</i> items does?
A Movie Producer's Technique for an Unforgettable Wedding Video
Nowadays, when you rent a DVD to watch in the comfort of your home, you can usually count on a “Special Features” section, where the movie producer includes a “back story” or “making of the movie” featurette. This same “back story” technique can easily be added to your wedding video to add a fun, “up close and personal” touch, in playful contrast to the formality of the wedding ceremony. And it doesn't require any out of the ordinary time or effort. The main focus of the back story should be pre-wedding, on-camera interviews with the bride and groom. The wedding rehearsal is a great opportunity for these interviews to be tape recorded. Interview the bride and groom separately. They shouldn't be allowed to listen to each other's interviews. You want their comments to be an entertaining surprise when they view the finished video. Conduct the interviews in a quiet space with adequate lighting. Make sure there are no harsh shadows and/or “hot spots” on the person's face or directly behind them. If you are relying on the on-camera microphone for the interview, you will have to move the camera approximately 5-6 feet from the subject. Set your camera/tripod at eye level, and then zoom in or out to compose your shot. Using a hand-held microphone, however, will give you the discretion to compose more complex shots by increasing your camera's range and flexibilty. Set up a a slightly off-center, head shot wide enough to include their upper torso. Be sure not to cut off the top of their heads...or conversely, don't have tons of empty space above their heads. Once your shot is set up, resist the temptation to zoom in or out. You will get better interview results by having the bride and groom direct their answers to you as you stand or sit off to the side of the camera. Try to be conversational so as to put them at ease. The only time that they should look directly into the camera is when you ask them if they have anything they'd like to say to their fiancée. Here are some suggested interview questions: “You're getting married tomorrow. How do you feel?” “When did you know that _________ was the ONE?” “How did you two meet?” “What are you expecting from the wedding tomorrow?” “Is there anything you'd like to say to your bride/groom tonight?” You can also come up with your own questions. You are only limited by your imagination. Before you begin rolling tape, it is very important to instruct the bride and groom to restate the question in their answer. Example: Question:“How did you two meet?” Answer: “We met in a sociology class at the university... Question: “What are you expecting from the wedding tomorrow?” Answer: “Tomorrow I'm expecting... Explain to them that their answers need to be complete statements that makes sense all by themselves since the audience viewing the edited videotape will only hear their answer and not your question. Restating part of the question in their answer helps to avoid getting responses that don't make any sense. Also remember to keep your questions short. Short questions get long answers. Long questions get short answers. Don't be afraid to ask them to elaborate on any point that seems incomplete. At the end of the interview have them each look directly into the camera and blow a kiss, Next, have them pretend to catch a kiss, looking into the camera. And, of course, don't forget to tell them to, “smile.” Using this movie producer “Special Feature” technique will not only make your wedding video unforgettable, but exciting and fun as well!

Olivia Romero is an independent video producer with over 15 years experience as a writer, producer, director and editor. Olivia and her partner, Tony Jones, help couples save money by producing their own professional-looking wedding video. To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.howtoweddingvideo.com">Wedding Video Secrets</a>. (c) Copyright 2007, I.M.M. of New Mexico, All Right Reserved
Weddings in Detroit Michigan
A major traditional wedding trend I have been noticing is keeping the big day memorable and non-traditional. If you flip through the pages of a wedding magazine in Michigan, you will notice something.... all the featured weddings are UNIQUE. Do you want yours to be cookie cutter down to the linens, or will you allow your creative juices to express you and your fiancé. Weddings in Detroit According to statistics, there are roughly 25,000 marriages in southeastern Michigan each year. Many couples wonder if they can throw a wedding reception that stands out. So what is so special about a wedding in downtown Detroit? Well, for starters there is elegant architecture all around. This will give your photographer some great ideas to capture those picture perfect shots you need. There are just so many fun places in Detroit for wedding photos. Wedding in Detroit In addition to the architecture there is so much history to be told. I believe that every wedding in Michigan tells a story about the couple and who they are. The way you tell this story to your family and friends is by the details and preparation put into your wedding. A great location will be remembered in the photos and videos. When you look back in your photo album on this day, do you want to have warm memories flood you instantly? Another plus is the awesome view a wedding location in Detroit will provide. Whether it is the riverfront terrace at Belle Isle, or Comerica Park from the Detroit Athletic Club; these are familiar places that people can identify with. Other trendy spots include the Masonic Temple, the Gem Theater downtown, the Scarab Club in midtown, or the Roostertail in the city. Detroit Wedding Reception You can plan your ceremony and wedding reception in Detroit. There are plenty of chapels, churches, and synagogues to help you with sorting the logistics. This is one of the biggest factors to consider. The most common problems at weddings happen when traveling between the ceremony site and the reception hall. My best advice for you, is to choose a ceremony location that is within 15 minutes of the reception location, and to exchange contact information with the key people involved in the big day. If you need recommendations, then check with the facility where you are having your reception at. They should have several venues in Detroit that they refer to brides for ceremony locations. Detroit Wedding Location So now comes the question... where to have a Detroit wedding reception in Michigan? I have included 5 key locations that should be a snug fit for what you are looking for. Their characteristics put them on the edge of elegance and hipness that come naturally. You can not find the same vibe in a hall outside of downtown Detroit. Suburban halls just can not compare with the potential your wedding reception will have if it is someplace more dynamic and spontaneous. The places below are a great start for your reception location ideas in Detroit. When compared to the cookie cutter halls, the list below offers stunning views, posh surroundings, and various price ranges. Detroit Athletic Club This venue is anything but average. The Detroit Athletic Club in Detroit Michigan has different layouts, simple yet classic decor, great atmosphere, and is rich in history. This venue is gives a bride that nothing else can. You have so many options for photos around the area. There are many weddings in Detroit Michigan each year. Besides the Detroit Athletic Club, there are other great locations for a bride to wed at. You might also consider the following locations. Belle Isle Did you know that Belle Isle of Detroit is the nation’s largest city-owned island park (938-acres). You will appreciate the natural view off the East Riverfront, the Ambassador Bridge, and Windsor at a variety of hidden areas throughout the isle. Because you are only renting the space for your wedding reception, you will need to provide guest seating and bring in an off-site cater. Some spectacular photo-ops to be taken at Belle Isle include the Scott Fountain and the Nancy Brown Peace Carillion. You can contact Belle Isle's office for further inquiry about rentals at 313.852.4075. Detroit Yacht Club Regarded as North America’s largest yacht club, this place is located on Belle Isle and provides couples with executive catering in a formal yet relaxing environment for their wedding reception. Just as the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Yacht Club has member policies. However a member may sponsor a non-member so that you can secure this prime location for your wedding reception. For more info, contact Julia Doherty at her phone number 313.824.2887. Ford Field Just as Comerica Park, Ford field offers world-class dining with the excitement of downtown Detroit’s newest stadium. There are a variety of banquet rooms that offer a great view of an enclosed atrium as well as the entire stadium. You might be thinking that sporting events are the main priority for Ford Field, but discerning brides that take the time to have their reception at this fabulous spot find the scenery and cuisine worth the wait. For more info, contact Susan Zevelkink at her phone number 313.262-2245. Fox Theater Designed by Howard Crane, the Fox Theater has breathtaking decor located in the heart of downtown Detroit’s entertainment district. For brides serious about reserving this venue for their wedding reception, I recommend that you book far in advance to ensure no schedule conflict with the theaters public events. For more info, contact Molly Briggs at her phone number 313.471.3206. Detroit Science Center Have you been there lately? The Detroit Science Center has been recently remodeled and if offers midtown the best in large on-site and off-site catering. They would like to extend you and your guest list up to 2,000 a warm welcome. This venue shares a modern touch with their I-MAX Dome Theater films and science exhibits; however, your wedding reception will still hold all the values associated with casual elegance. For more info, contact Angela Zini at her phone number 313.577.8400, ext 412. Roostertail Considered one of Detroit’s most finest restaurant, weddings at the Roostertail in Detroit are extra special. The history of this restaurant spans several generations and gives magnificent river views along the East Riverfront. Due to the style of your wedding reception, the Roostertail offers several banquet room layouts as well as outside dining. To get a better idea of how they will personalize your day with world-class dishes, contact Shawna at her phone number 313.822.1234 ext 133. Scarab Club Located in the heart of Detroit’s Cultural Center, the Scarab Club in Detroit has a rich history in arts and distinctive wedding receptions. Its unique style and ambiance provides for a memorable event whether inside by their fireplace or an outdoors Michigan ceremony by their English garden. They have a recommended caterer that provides creations ranging from hors d'oeuvre and luncheons to lavish receptions. Just as the Detroit Athletic Club, the Scarab Club also has membership policies. For a taste in something different, contact Christine Renner at her phone number 313.831.1250. The Infinity and the Ovation Want an all-inclusive cruise package aboard a private yacht? The Infinity and the Ovation of Infinity Yacht Charters offer services for private affairs such as wedding receptions. Either yacht will take you and your guests on trips throughout Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River. The two-level Infinity will accommodate guests up to 150, as the Ovation (a three-level yacht) holds up to 325. Would you like to sail the great lakes in style for your wedding reception? Contact Infinity Yacht Charters offices at phone number 586.778.7030. The Whitney Known as the American restaurant in an American palace, the Whitney in Detroit features an award winning menu for catering. With their lavishly impressive atmosphere, your wedding reception will blend in perfectly at the Whitney. They can handle any reception with guest lists exceeding 600 attendants. The Whitney also boasts intricately-carved woodwork and an impressive grand staircase. Since they have multiple dining locations, it is best to contact Suzanne Gormely at her phone number 313.832.5700. As you can see, there are many places in Detroit for a wedding reception. Do you want additional venues; click here for our Banquet Hall in Michigan list

Robert Reno works for Encore Entertainment. His team provides DJs and lighting for Michigan wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about a <a href="http://encorepartydjs.weblog.com/2008/3/Weddings-in-Detroit-Michigan.html">Weddings in Detroit Michigan</a> or a <a href="http://www.myspace.com/djcerebro">Michigan DJs</a>.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost
Most people will say that wedding photography is both an art and a science. You need to capture the right emotions during key times that can not be recreated. So how much does a wedding photographer cost? I will tell you this much, you will usually get what you pay for. This includes the creativity and time spent to create something unique. A professional wedding photographer in Michigan works very hard for the fee they request. You want your wedding to be perfect, and nothing is more important than the images from your once in a lifetime special event. You will look back on these photos ten or twenty years from now reflecting on these precious memories. What do you expect from your wedding photographer? Do you want something simple, or something truly customized to your needs? This is a question you will have to ask yourself before finding out how much a wedding photographer will cost. How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost Well have you decided on what you’re looking for yet? Before you do, you will need to understand the difference between cheap and good. I am sure you heard the slogan, 'Cheap is not good and good is not cheap'. You will usually get what you pay for. As mentioned earlier this will be reflected in the time and energy put into your wedding day. Knowing that your memories are on the line, you will have to feel comfortable with the wedding photographer you hire for your special occasion. Do you get the vibe that they will be able to deliver on your wedding day? Can they handle the expectations you have set for them? The best advice is to look over their portfolio and see if you notice any trends. If you do, then you are probably dealing with a cookie cutter service that does not step outside the sphere of influence often. Another Biggie is recent references from brides within the last six months. These people will be able to tell you how they felt about their decision and the wedding photographer you are considering. Cheap Wedding Photographers in Michigan Buyer beware, there are many part time hobbyist out there that claim the title as a full time devoted wedding specialist. When looking over their portfolios do you notice color and emotion? Do their pictures tell a story about the day as it unfolds? Some different poses and indoor outdoor shots will give you an idea of the imagination of the vendor you are working with. This has to be one of the most important aspects of the choice you make. For example, many cheap wedding photographers in Michigan might not carry this trait. If they do, then their prices may be set low to acquire business because of a lack of referrals. You will have to do the investigating to figure out how their prices compare and what is the reasoning behind their pricing structure. Average Wedding Photographer Prices It never ceases to amaze me that most brides make decisions based on pricing alone. This is a big no no when it comes to hiring the company that can make or break the entire evening let alone day. Going back to what we said earlier price should be the least important factor. Now I would like you to think really hard for one moment. Do you want your wedding reception and wedding ceremony pictures to be average Honestly, no bride does. Your wedding is different from all the others being planned. So how does your photographer set him/herself apart from the competition? Do they bring additional assistants to get more than one perspective? What is the turn around time on the proofs? To help you distinguish between the average and the exceptional, I have laid out a couple of helpful tips on how to choose a wedding photographer below. Why hire a professional wedding photographer First of all you will have piece of mind knowing that you are in good hands. The last thing you need to be is stressed on your wedding day wondering if the photographer is going to show up. Now you many save hundreds by cutting corners and going with a lower priced service, but it may cost you thousands later down the road. Looking back on those precious images will they hold up to the standards and quality that you were expecting? Also a professional wedding photographer has to be able to finesse themselves into intimate situations to get the shot. This means having the courtesy not to compromise that special moment just to get the shot. How do I search for a professional wedding photographer If you stumbled upon this article, then you are searching over the web. This is a good place to start to get a general idea of what is expected. From there I would setup up several consultations to see their work and discuss their packages. Something to pay close attention to is the way they handle their consultation. Are you just another bride, or do they work extra hard to make sure you completely understand the options and how they will personalize your day? If you are hung up on the pricing, then you may ignore their reasoning and justifications until you get a price and that can cloud your decision. Another good place to start the hunt for the photographer is through friends and family. They will also be able to tell you of their experiences and results. Make sure to get references and check with at least three of them. Most wedding photographers in Michigan will travel. Find out what their coverage area is if you are planning a destination wedding. Narrow down the list of photographers for your wedding Now that you are a pro at interviewing and knowing what to expect, you may be on the fence with several companies. Do not get me wrong, price is important but going back to the main question you will have to find out what you want. Not all photographers are created equally so you will have to find the one that suits your particular style. Several different styles are traditional, classic, and casual candid. You may also what to check with the cinematic or photojournalistic approaches. A professional wedding photographer will be able to distinguish and explain the different approaches better. When do I speak with my wedding photographer company Everyone is different on this issue. Personally a reputable company will want to maintain a close relation and constant communication with their client to ensure a mutual understanding. However, some may have a few conversations over the phone or in their studio to finalize the details. Either way, it is important that you express exactly what you want so that the two of you are on the same page. The photographer you are speaking with, will they be the one shooting on your big day? Make sure to see the portfolio shots of the actual photographer that will be shooting on your wedding day. How much does a wedding photographer cost The real question to ask, is how much will I be getting in value. This price range can vary between $1,000 to $10,000. You can expect to pay a minimum of $1,500 for a small Sunday wedding and a minimum of $2,500 for a small Saturday wedding. If you are offered a package for less than $1,000 then you are probably dealing with a cheap wedding photographer that does not have the experience. Most couples under estimate the cost of their photographer by as much as 50%! A good rule of thumb is to expect to pay twice as much as you are considering. A typical wedding photographer is usually 15-25% of the total wedding cost. How Much Time Does a Professional Wedding Photographer require in order to give me what I need The time your photographer spends on your wedding, will depend on what type of events you will have. No two weddings are the same, and your options vary. This includes: Rehearsal dinners and services Brides preparation Formal bride and bridesmaid photography prior to the wedding Formal bride and groom photography prior to the wedding Wedding ceremony Leaving the church (post ceremony) Formal group photographs Reception photography, including grand entrance, speeches, toasts, first dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, bridal party dance, cake cutting, bouquet and garter, and final departure from the reception How many wedding photographs should I get Many professional wedding photographers include the cost of proofs in their packages. These proofs are typically 4x6" prints. The amount of proofs will depend on how much film is shooting. The minimum is roughly 120-150 shots. This is a typical number to work from, because from there you can select the best shots for your album or to be enlarged. About those wedding photography negatives, who keeps them Some Michigan wedding photographers will keep the negatives and have their brides order reprints after the wedding reception. These photographers make a portion of their income from these orders and enlargements. These photographers will usually keep the negatives on file for 2 years giving you the option to order if necessary. Other wedding photographers in Michigan will give back the negatives for you to use. Keep in mind that this option may be more costly since you will only have to use their services once. Make sure to ask this question to find out what exactly happens to the negatives after the wedding. Wedding Photography packages in Michigan Many photographers in Michigan offer packages with their services that cover a variety of options. This way you can select the one that best fits with what you are looking for. It is sometimes more effective to have the wedding photographer arrange the album (if it is included in your package), because they will have the creativity of arranging the images in a way that tells a story. Not only will this save you time, but this cost is usually a small percentage of the total price. However the cost will depend on a couple of different things: Time allowed to photograph the wedding ceremony and reception The amount of wedding proofs/photos The number of enlargements requested The overall layout and type of photo albums. You can have them for your parents or just different themes. As mentioned earlier the cost is usually not that significant however the more expensive albums will have a better quality and longer life span. Is black and white wedding photography still in style A more traditional approach to wedding photos is black and white instead of color. This will give a timeless feel with a touch of elegance. Your wedding photographer should offer B&W along with color photos. You can always change a color picture into B&W, but a pro will shoot the negative in black and white. The impression that black and white photos will give is amazing, and usually these pictures are more costly. Any reputable wedding photographer should have a printer dedicated solely to printing these images. Final considerations for a Wedding Photographer in Michigan So we laid out 10 points above on how to narrow down the gap between the wedding photographers you are looking at. A couple of final considerations are the type of lighting your photographer will be using, the equipment/filters, how many assistants, and photo copyrights. Now that you have been given some great advice on how to choose a wedding photographer, it is up to you to make the final decision.

Robert Reno works for Encore Entertainment. His team provides DJs and lighting for Michigan wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about a <a href="http://encorepartydjs.weblog.com/2008/6/How-Much-Does-a-Wedding-Photographer-Cost.html">How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost</a> or the <a href="http://www.encorepartydjs.com/">Michigan DJ</a>.
Michigan Wedding Limousines: Hiring the Perfect One


You’ve spent years dreaming of your perfect wedding day, and months of planning to make your dreams come true. But if you are like most engaged couples, you probably have not given enough attention to choosing from the Michigan wedding limousines. Do not let lack of attention to this important detail mar your perfect day. Book your transportation early, especially if your event will occur in a traditional wedding month, such as June.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED ON FINDING THE PERFECT LIMOUSINE FOR YOUR WEDDING.

- Determine who will ride in the limo and add the list to your wedding planner; allowing extra space for dresses that need to be spread out to avoid wrinkling.

- Check your area for Michigan wedding limousines in your area.

- Contact desirable transportation companies and make arrangements to view the vehicles you are considering, making sure to check interiors as well as exteriors.

- Make inquiries about the chauffeurs; are they licensed insured, well versed in etiquette? Do they know the area in which the wedding will take place? Are they uninformed?

- Check the fee schedule â€" is price based on hours of service or distance or both? Is there a minimum? Are there package deals or discounts available and what do they include?

- Once you have decided which of the Michigan wedding limousines to go with, make sure your contract shows the date of service, arrival times and locations, the color, make, model and year of the rental vehicle as well as the cost and the cancellation policy.

- Be prepared to tender a deposit to reserve the vehicle; confirm reservation the week before your wedding.

These tips above will help you with planning the wedding of your dreams. Make sure all the details are arranged prior to and that you have specified in detail on the contract what is expected. Once again congratulations and enjoy your special celebration.



Robert Reno offers wedding reception entertainment and also accommodates private parties, and high school proms. He has a vast exposure as the innovative and creative Michigan DJ. He is working for Encore Entertainment & Productions. For further information about this <a href=http://www.encorepartydjs.com>Michigan DJ</a> please visit their <a href=http://encorepartydjs.weblog.com/>Michigan DJs</a> blog.
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