Synopses & Reviews
The Perfect Wedding Doesn't Have to Cost Your Life's SavingsRelax. You don't have to mortgage your future to have the wedding of your dreams. According to mother-daughter wedding consultants Jan Wilson and Beth Wilson Hickman, the secret is in the planning. Here they tell you everything you need to know to plan a wedding that is both beautiful and affordable. Inside you'll find a wealth of creative ideas and invaluable advice from couples who have saved a fortune on their weddings. Jan and Beth guide you through every step of the process—right up to the day of the ceremony—and show you how to:
·Organize and prioritize using a month-by-month checklist
·Select gowns and tuxedos that look wonderful but don't cost a mint
·Find unique yet affordable ceremony and reception locations
·Decorate with style—without breaking the bank
·And much, much more!
"It is possible to have a beautiful wedding without going broke, and Jan Wilson and Beth Wilson Hickman show you how in this extremely comprehensive and practical book."
—Diane Forden, editor in chief, Bridal Guide magazine
"You might be able to keep wedding costs to $5,000 on your own but it probably would be anything but elegant. Jan Wilson and Beth Wilson Hickman give you the tips that make it possible."
—Bob Masullo, consumer writer, The Sacramento Bee
About the Author
Mother-daughter team Jan Wilson and Beth Wilson Hickman have spent nearly a decade assisting brides-to-be. Their wedding consulting business, Storybook Weddings, began after the successful planning of Beth's wedding and has continued to profit from the same experience, innovation, and creativity that the authors bring to this book.
Table of Contents
ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
1. First Things First—Planning to Make Your Dream Wedding a Reality
Of Utmost Importance
Let's Dream
Back to Reality
Let's Get Started
You Will Need Help
Your Own Personal Checklist—From Beginning to End
2. The Wedding Budget and Organization—Tracking and Deciding How to Spend Your Money
Money Decisions
Budget Samples
Keeping Organized
3. Ceremony and Reception Locations—Setting the Stage for Your Wedding Day
Ceremonies to Choose From
Choosing Your Location and Surroundings
Getting More for Your Money
Finding and Booking Your Site
Remember to Organize
4. Wedding Attire—Dressing for the Day of a Lifetime
The Wedding Gown
The Right Veil and Headpiece
The Right Train
The Right Accessories
Bridesmaids' Dresses
Flower Girls and Ring Bearers
Groom, Groomsmen, and Fathers
Mother-of-the-Bride and Mother-of-the-Groom Dresses
Remember to Organize
5. The Reception and Catering—Celebrating with Food and Drink
Time of Day
Types of Meals and Menu Ideas
Types of Catering
Wait Staff
Alcoholic Beverages
Table Setups
Layout of the Room
Remember to Organize
6. Photography and Videography—Preserving Memories of Your Wedding on Film
Photography
Videography
Remember to Organize
7. Music—Creating and Adding Perfect Harmony
Music for the Ceremony
Music for the Reception
Remember to Organize
8. Flowers—Adding Just the Right Touch to Your Day
Selecting the Flowers
Checklist for Flowers
Bouquets
Floral Options for Mothers and Grandmothers
Flower Girl
Boutonnieres
Choosing a Florist
In Season Or . . .
Creating Floral Decorations with Your Friends and Family
Marvelous Ideas Worth Duplicating
Money-Saving Tips
Remember to Organize
9. Decorations—Picking the Perfect Accents
Decorating for the Ceremony
Decorating for the Reception
Table Linens
Decorative Favors
Illuminating Ideas
Remember to Organize
10. The Cake—Selecting a Magnificent Edible Showpiece
The History of Wedding Cakes
A Myriad of Taste and Design Possibilities
Icing on the Cake
Cake Tops
Groom's Cake
How to Choose a Bakery
Sizes and Prices of Cakes
The Cake Table
Remember to Organize
11. Invitations—Asking Friends and Family to Share in Your Special Day
Guest List
Every Style Imaginable
Putting Your Invitations into Words
Thermography versus Engraving
Inking and Lettering Styles
Envelope Styles
Reception Cards
Response Cards and Envelopes
Informals
Announcements
Placing Your Order
Addressing Envelopes
Other Invitation Inserts
Programs and Napkins
Regret Notices
Remember to Organize
12. Transportation—Arriving in Style and on Time
Limousines
Other Transportation Options
Parking Options
Providing Maps
Remember to Organize
13. A Personalized Ceremony—Individualizing the Wedding Ritual
Religious Ceremony
Interfaith Ceremony
Civil Ceremony
Writing Your Own Vows
Specific Details
Readings
Choosing Music
Wedding Traditions
Programs for Ceremonies
14. Details, Details, Details—Tying the Loose Ends Together for a Fun and Organized Wedding Day
Using a Coordinator (or Two)
Using a Helper (or Two)
Vendor List
Vendor and Helper Follow-Up
Marriage License
Name Change
Hotel Accommodations
Bridal Registry
Reminder About Decorations
Necessary Accessories
Pre-Wedding Parties
Beauty Care
Clothing Check-Up
Items to Throw at the End of the Ceremony
15. The Finishing Touches—Scheduling and Rehearsing the Details
Preliminary Schedule
Guest Count
Details Regarding Attendants
The Rehearsal
16. The Day You've Been Waiting For—Making Your Dream Come True
Conquering Stress Before You Start the Big Day
The Day Begins
At the Ceremony
Let's Party!
A Wedding-Day Sample Schedule
Appendix
Index
Blank Pages for Notes