Wedding Insurance

Wedding Planning: Wedding Insurance 101

Though you might not want to think about it, disasters can strike your wedding day. From a sudden cancellation to stolen gifts to a damaged gown, wedding insurance can help protect you against the unforseen, and can also afford you great peace of mind. But what exactly is wedding insurance -- and how does it work? Here's the inside scoop.

What Is Wedding Insurance?

Basically, wedding insurance protects a couple's investment from circumstances beyond their control, and reimburses expenses incurred. For example, what if your limo driver doesn't show up and you have to book another one the morning of the wedding -- for three times the price? Or what if the groom's custom-made tuxedo is lost in airport baggage, and he has to buy a new one the day before the wedding? What if your reception space goes out of business a month before the wedding, and you lose your deposit and have to book another space? These are the types of big-day financial losses that wedding insurance can help to protect.

Why Get Wedding Insurance?

Consider these scenarios:

Before you buy wedding insurance, check with your each of your vendors to see how well they're covered.

• Janet and Dan spend months planning their winter wedding. But on wedding day, their reception site is made inaccessible by an ice storm. With the right wedding insurance policy, the couple can postpone their wedding and receive every penny they lost (less the deductible) -- including money for the invites, cake, catering, attire, and non-refundable deposits for ceremony musicians, floral designer, and other vendors.
• The bride's father is injured in a car accident just before the wedding and cannot travel. If the couple has to postpone their wedding, with wedding insurance they could be paid back their expenses to enable them to have the wedding when the father recovers.
• Right before the ceremony, Brittany's gown catches a gust of wind. Unfortunately, the tulle dances right over to the end of Uncle Howard's cigar and the dress instantly goes up in flames. Fortunately, the right insurance policy covers the replacement of the veil and gown.

How Much Does Wedding Insurance Cost?

A basic insurance policy that covers loss of photos, videos, attire, presents, rings, and deposits usually costs anywhere between $155 and $550, depending on the amount of coverage you want. General liability insurance, which covers up to $1,000,000 for accidents, costs around $185.

Do You Really Need Wedding Insurance?

Before you buy wedding insurance, check with your each of your vendors to see how well they're covered -- your reception site or your caterer may already have their own insurance, so you wouldn't want to pay for overlapping coverage out of your own pocket. Ask your vendors for a copy of their policy, and then figure out where you aren't fully covered.

When Should You Get Wedding Insurance?

The sooner the better. Let's say you put a deposit on your wedding reception hall 12 months prior to your wedding date and then it burns to the ground a few weeks before the big day. With wedding insurance, you'll be sure to get your deposit back. But note: most insurance companies have limitations on how far in advance you can purchase insurance.

What Does Wedding Insurance Cover?

Problems with the site, weather, vendors, key people, sickness, or injury are the top concerns come wedding day. There is usually a specified maximum amount, which can be claimed under each section, and a deductible also applies. Be sure to find out the details of your insurance plan.

• Site: Check to see if your ceremony and reception site is already insured. If it's not, wedding insurance can cover the cost arising out of unavoidable cancellation (such as damage or inaccessibility to the ceremony site), if your reception hall is unable to honor your reservation because it has burned in a fire, experienced an electrical outage, or just plain closed down. Sometimes this policy covers the rehearsal dinner site, too.
• Weather: Any weather conditions which prevent the bride, groom, any relative whose presence at the wedding is essential, or the majority of the guests from reaching the premises where the wedding is to take place. Insurance covers rescheduling the wedding and all the details involved -- such as ceremony flowers, tent rental, and reception food.
• Vendor No-show: What if essential wedding people -- the caterer or the officiant, for example -- fail to show up? A wedding insurance policy usually covers cancellation or postponement of the wedding for these reasons.
• Sickness or Injury: Wedding insurance may also include sickness or injury to the bride, groom, or anyone essential to the wedding.
• Military or Job: It's true, military personnel may be shipped out at a moment's notice. Wedding insurance can cover postponement of the wedding due to the bride or groom suddenly getting called to military duty. This can also apply to a last-minute corporate move -- i.e. the bride's company suddenly relocates her to another city.

Wedding Insurance Doesn't Cover...

• A change of heart. In other words, cold feet don't count.
• Watches, jewelry, or semi-precious gemstones or pearls (even if they are attached to clothing) may not be covered.
• While your wedding rings may be covered by the policy, your engagement ring probably will not.

Additional Coverage

Couples can take out supplemental policies to defend against damages incured by other wedding-related items such as photography, videography, and gifts.

• Photography: Some policies pay to retake the photographs after the fact if the photographer fails to appear or the original negatives are lost, damaged, stolen, or not properly developed. Some policies will pay to re-stage the event -- with the principal participants so that pictures can be retaken. A policy may also pay costs for rehiring a photographer, buying a new wedding cake, and new flowers.
• Videographer: When a videotape produced by a professional videographer is damaged (he or she used faulty materials for example), a policy usually pays a certain amount to have either a video montage created, a video compilation made of the photographs and other wedding memorabilia, or, if possible, a retaking of the official video at a restaging.
• Gifts: Whether they're mailed to your home or handed to you on your wedding day, valuable items like gifts are something else you might want to consider insuring. Think about a party crasher lifting unattended presents from your reception. Gift coverage pays to repair or replace non-monetary gifts that are lost, stolen, or damaged. A police report is usually required for stolen gifts. The damage or theft generally has to take place within a limited time period (ranging from 24 hours to seven days depending on the specific policy) before or after the wedding, in order to be covered.
• Attire: This coverage pays to repair or replace the bridal gown or other special attire when it is in your possession and is lost, stolen, or damaged (including financial failure of the bridal store). Special attire usually includes the clothing and accessories bought or rented that are to be worn by the bride, the groom, and attendants at the ceremony.
• Personal Liability: Personal liability covers bodily injury or property damage caused by an accident that occurs during the course of the wedding (your best man trips and falls on his way up to the mike to roast you or Uncle Murray suffers a Harvey Wallbanger wall banger).
• Medical Coverage: This covers reasonable medical expenses (up to the policy's limits) for each person who is injured during the covered events from a cause of loss, which would be covered by your personal liability.
• Honeymoon: Your honeymoon can cost as much as a new car. But before buying travel insurance to protect your investment, see if your credit card and/or homeowner's policy covers you if your luggage gets lifted, your trip is delayed, or you have to cancel. If not, you can a buy separate, trip-only policy. Call your insurer, or ask your travel agent for details. Also, certain wedding insurance packages include optional travel insurance for your honeymoon.

Things to Consider

Every insurance policy and every wedding scenario is different. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent -- and have him or her explain the nuts and bolts to you. You want to make sure you and your sweetie understand every detail of your policy.

reposted from the Knot

Wedding dates to avoid

Wedding Planning: Wedding Dates to Avoid in 2013, 2014 and 2015

Ready to set a date? Check this list of dates you might want to steer clear of when booking your wedding.

Personally Significant Days

Check your own calendar for college reunions, family weddings, anniversaries or other events, like big conventions or festivals in your city (call your local chamber of commerce), and any annual occasions that involve your family or close friends.

Holiday Weekends

Holiday weekend weddings have pros and cons. You've got an extra day for the festivities (and recovery!); plus, a Sunday wedding is often less expensive than a Saturday one would be. However, costs of travel and hotels may be higher. And if you're looking to marry around Valentine's Day, be wary of your floral bill, especially if you've got your heart set on red roses -- they'll likely be more expensive than at any other time of the year. Likewise, reception sites often charge a higher fee for a New Year's Eve wedding. Also consider the impact of a holiday weekend on your guest list: Some families have standing plans or traditions that they'd prefer not to miss.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of January 19-21, 2013
Weekend of January 18-20, 2014
Weekend of January 17-19, 2015
Presidents' Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of February 16-18, 2013
Weekend of February 15-17, 2014
Weekend of February 14-16, 2015
Mother's Day (always a Sunday) Make sure your moms are okay sharing this weekend with your wedding. And ask yourself, do you want your anniversary to fall the same weekend as Mother’s Day when (or if) you become a mom?
Weekend of May 11-12, 2013
Weekend of May 10-11, 2014
Weekend of May 9-10, 2015
Memorial Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of May 25-27, 2013
Weekend of May 24-26, 2014
Weekend of May 23-25, 2015
Father's Day (always a Sunday) Like you would with your moms, check with your dads about doubling up on this day. And grooms, make sure you’re okay with celebrating your anniversary the same weekend as Father's Day if you decide to have kids.
Weekend of June 15-16, 2013
Weekend of June 14-15, 2014
Weekend of June 20-21, 2015
Independence Day
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Friday, July 4, 2014
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Labor Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of August 31-September 2, 2013
Weekend of August 30-September 1, 2014
Weekend of September 5-7, 2015

Numerically Quirky Dates

11/12/13 falls on a Tuesday
4/10/2014 (a palindrome) falls on a Thursday
12/13/14 falls on a Saturday

5/5/15 falls on a Tuesday
5/10/15 falls on a Sunday
5/15/15 falls on a Friday

Columbus Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of October 12-14, 2013
Weekend of October 11-13, 2014
Weekend of October 10-12, 2015
Halloween Avoid it if you're terrified that someone might actually show up in costume (and embrace it if you want them to!).
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Friday, October 31, 2014
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Thanksgiving (always a Thursday)
November 28, 2013
November 27, 2014
November 26, 2015
New Year's Eve
MondayTuesday, December 31, 2013
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Thursday, December 31, 2015

Religious and Cultural Holidays

Be mindful of religious and cultural holidays (your own and those of your guests) when planning your wedding. There may even be restrictions at your house of worship as to whether you're allowed to marry at these times.
Palm Sunday
March 24, 2013
April 13, 2014
March 29, 2015
Easter Sunday
March 31, 2013
April 20, 2014
April 5, 2015
Passover (begins at sunset the night before)
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Tisha B’Av (begins at sunset the night before)
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Rosh Hashanah (begins at sunset the night before)
Thursday, September 5, 2013, until nightfall on Friday, September 6, 2013
Thursday, September 25, 2014, until nightfall on Friday, September 26, 2014
Monday, September 14, 2015, until nightfall on Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Yom Kippur (begins at sunset the night before)
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Hanukkah (begins at sunset)
Thursday, November 28, 2013, until nightfall on Thursday, December 5, 2013
Wednesday, December 17, 2014, until nightfall on Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Monday, December 7, 2015, until nightfall on Monday, December 14, 2015
Christmas
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Friday, December 25, 2015
Kwanzaa
Thursday, December 26, 2013, until Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014, until Thursday, January 1, 2015
Saturday, December 26, 2015, until Friday, January 1, 2016
Eid al-Fitr (dates may vary based on how each family observes)
Thursday, August 8, 2013, until Friday, August 9, 2013
Monday, July 28, 2014, until Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Friday, July 17, 2015, until Saturday, July 18, 2015
Eid al-Adha (dates may vary based on how each family observes)
Monday, October 14, 2013, until Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Saturday, October 4, 2014, until Sunday, October 5, 2014
Wednesday, September 23, 2015, until Thursday, September 24, 2015
Ram Navami
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Krishna Janmashtami
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Saturday, September 5, 2015

Days of Remembrance

We're talking about historically significant days (like the anniversary of September 11) that may be off-limits if you come from a big military family. Or, that could make them all the more meaningful -- it’s up to you to decide.
Patriot Day
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Friday, September 11, 2015
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Monday, December 7, 2015

Major Sporting Events

If you're die-hard sports fans -- or if you're worried your guests might have a hard time choosing between your wedding and the big game -- avoid getting married during popular sporting events. And if a lot of your guests come from the same alma mater, watch out for homecoming weekends and bowl games that might conflict.
Super Bowl Sunday
February 3, 2013, in New Orleans
February 2, 2014, in East Rutherford, NJ
February 1, 2015, in Glendale, AZ
Final Four and March Madness
Saturday, April 6, 2013, and Monday, April 8, 2013, in Atlanta
Saturday, April 5, 2014, and Monday, April 7, 2014, in Arlington, TX
Saturday, April 4, 2015, and Monday, April 6, 2015, in Indianapolis

Unlucky Dates

If you're superstitious, you might want to watch out for these historically inauspicious dates from across several cultures.
The Ides of March
For ancient Romans, an "ides" was simply a date that marked the middle of the month -- until Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15 in 44 B.C. Since then, "Beware the Ides of March" has become the mantra of this superstitiously unlucky date.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Friday the 13th
The unluckiest date of the year has questionable origins. Some historians say it comes from the 13 diners who were present at the last supper, but the famous Code of Hammurabi doesn't include a 13th law, which suggests this superstition is as many as 3 millennia old. And it wasn’t until a successful novel titled Friday the Thirteenth was published in the early 1900s that Friday became part of the unlucky equation.
September 13, 2013
December 13, 2013
June 13, 2014
February 13, 2015
March 13, 2015
November 13, 2015
Leap Years
Greeks and Romans thought that starting any new life event -- from getting married to baptizing a child -- in a leap year would bring bad luck.
Next Leap Year: 2016

reposted from the Knot

Wedding Planning: 8 Wedding Planning Tips to Get Organized

Has planning the wedding left you feeling overwhelmed? Here are eight tips to get yourself organized!

Ask any newlywed couple -- even couples that have been married for a long time -- and they'll all say the same thing: The key to a planning successful wedding (read: a wedding that goes smoothly, without any major glitches) is in the planning. Small things go wrong at every wedding. But keep in mind that you can save yourself from migraine headaches and crying spells by making a plan and simply sticking with it. These simple wedding planning tips will help you take some of the stress away (or at least minimize it!).

Get as much done as possible in the first few months so that the last few months won't be hectic.

Lose the Laziness

One mistake that many couples make is basking in the glow of their engagement until 4-6 months before their wedding date. Then they try to cram all of the planning into a too-short period of time. Of course you should just sit back and be thrilled about your engagement for a while, but then you've gotta get cracking!

Buy a Calendar or Datebook

Once you determine your wedding date, set specific dates by which you want to get things accomplished. For example, you got engaged in June, and your wedding date is April 24. On August 31, mark in that you want to have the ceremony location and reception hall reserved. Try to get as much done as possible in the first few months so that the last few months won't be hectic.

Set Aside Time

Choose a day of the week when you'll focus on the wedding details, or several days if you're pressed for time. Sit down together and plan. This eliminates confusion -- i.e., the groom thinking he's supposed to call and check on hall rentals when the bride already has it narrowed down to what will suit their needs.

Share Duties

This is the best way to get things done. You both should be involved every step of the way. Make a list of details to be taken care of, then divide the list in half. Each of you choose what you want to do. This will make grooms want to be involved, instead of making them feel like they have to help. Sure, your sweetie probably isn't concerned with exactly which flowers you carry. And maybe you're not picky about what tuxedos he and the guys wear (or maybe you are!). But involving your husband-to-be will make him feel that it's his wedding, too -- something he helped plan, not just something he has to show up at. Which brings us to...

Talk, Talk, Talk

We can't stress this enough. Be sure that if you're sharing duties that you're also sharing the details. It's okay to take care of certain things by yourself, just make sure you're telling each other about it so the caterer isn't contracted with twice!

Be Flexible

Okay. So you really didn't want the groom/ushers in those tails and top hats. And maybe he doesn't want the cake to be lemon with pecan icing (!). Each of you is going to want things that the other doesn't care for, but flexibility is a must. Be willing to bend. If you really object to something, let your objection be duly heard and noted. Just give the other person a chance to explain why he/she really wants to arrive at the reception in a hot tub in the back of the limo.

Details, Contracts, and Negotiations

When dealing with wedding professionals (caterers, florists, etc.), be sure to clarify all the details and your expectations during the initial discussions. Make sure you get a contract specifically stating dates, times, and locations. Be sure to include what you feel is appropriate dress, and what you feel isn't. Spell out everything. Try to negotiate the best deal for goods and services, but don't sell yourself short on important things just to get a better price.
Most importantly, be sure to read the fine print on every contract before you sign it, and make sure you're aware of cancellation policies and fees. Also ask if there's a grace period to cancel just in case you change your mind or something happens and you need to postpone the wedding (you never know).

Stay Organized

This one's pretty obvious! The more organized you are, the less chance there is that something will go wrong. Buy a notebook, and keep all your wedding information in it. Receipts, contracts, ideas -- everything. You might also want to get notebooks for your maid of honor/bridesmaids and the best man. Put info such as dates, times, locations, and duties. This will keep everyone organized as well, and minimize the chance of someone missing a fitting date or rehearsal time.

-- The Knot

7 Wedding planning tips

Wedding Planning: 7 Wedding-Planning Tips

Whether you have two years or two days to plan, our guest expert, wedding planner Melody Williams, who's thrown full weddings at Las Vegas' Chapel of the Flowers with just hours' notice, has some brilliant ideas for your nuptials. She took time out just before her show's premiere (catch Happily Ever Faster Fridays at 10/9c on TLC!) to give us her top wedding planning tips.
(Psst: Watch TLC's Happily Ever Faster and you'll also see exclusive planning tips from us!)

1. Think Outside the Bridal Party

Instead of having a lot of bridesmaids and groomsmen, my sister, who's a teacher, had her 25 students surround her and her groom for the entire ceremony. We made sparkly fairy wings for the preschoolers and kindergarteners.

2. Wow Guests From the Get-Go

We once hung 100 red roses from the chapel's ceiling with fishing wire so it looked like the roses were floating. The entire space above guests' heads was covered for the ceremony.

3. Choose a Planner Who's In-the-Know (and Trust Them!)

Work with someone who's familiar with your venue. Rely on their advice and value their knowledge. You're planning one wedding, but they've planned multiple ones, so they really know the site and the surrounding town too.

4. Do Your Homework Before You Book Your Site

If you're hosting a destination wedding, take virtual tours, get comfortable with the staff (via email and phone calls), look at tons of pictures, and check reviews from past brides.

5. Don't Fear a Short Engagement

Putting a wedding together in a short time can be a good thing because you're forced to make decisions instead of having six months to figure something out. You end up accomplishing more because you must be decisive. But you may have to sacrifice things like specific exotic flowers or certain menus. Otherwise, just give us three hours!

reposted from the Knot

Wedding Planning: Lucky Wedding Dates

If you're superstitious, you might want to book these historically auspicious dates from across several cultures for your wedding. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below!

Any Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday

Ever heard the old English proverb that says that the days at the beginning of the week are the luckiest and the ones at the end of the week are the unluckiest? “Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, Saturday is no day at all.” Jews also consider Tuesday a lucky day because in the Torah's story of creation, there are two mentions that “G-d saw that it was good” on the third day.

New Year's Eve

The Irish believed that the last day of the year, New Year's Eve, is lucky because the couple will wake up on the first day of the New Year for their first day of married life together.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Thursday, December 31, 2015

Any Day in June

The sixth month is considered a lucky month for weddings because it's named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage.

Chinese New Year

The luckiest dates on the Chinese lunar calendar, which include Chinese New Year, change annually based on complex calculations of lunar and solar solstices and other astronomical events.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Check out our calendar for the rest of this year's lucky dates.

Any Date With an Eight or a Nine

The Chinese consider dates that include the numbers 8 and 9 to be fortunate -- the Chinese word for "eight" sounds like the word for "wealth" and "nine" rhymes with "long-lasting."

reposted from the Knot

Wedding Planning: 12-Month Wedding Calendar

Just engaged? Starting to envision your wedding? Wondering about all the things you'll need to do and when? Our month-by-month snapshot of all your wedding to-dos will steer you in the right direction.
>> For an interactive version of what to do when, go to The Knot Wedding Checklist.

12+ months before

Date: ______________________

• Envision your wedding and draw up a budget.
• Assemble your "planning team." Consider hiring a wedding consultant.
• Pick a wedding date and time. Select several options, then check with your venues, officiant, and important guests before finalizing.
• Start planning the guest list.
• Look for and book ceremony sites and reception sites.
• Ask friends and relatives to be in the wedding party.
• Optional: Have an engagement party. You may want to register beforehand for gifts.

8-10 months before

Date: ______________________

• Bride: Think about, shop for, and order your gown.
• Envision reception food.
• Decide what type of entertainment you want. A pianist for the cocktail hour, strolling violinists, a DJ, or band?
• Think about your floral decor.
• Research and book your wedding professionals. Interview vendors: photographer, videographer, reception band or DJ, florist.
• Research a wedding insurance policy to protect your deposits.
• Research and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Register for gifts.
• Contact rental companies if you need to rent anything for ceremony/reception, such as chairs, tables, and tent.

6-8 months before

Date: ______________________

• Book ceremony musicians.
• Order bridesmaid dresses.
• Start planning honeymoon.
• Send save-the-date cards. This is a particularly good idea if you're marrying during a tourist or holiday season or having a destination wedding.

4-6 months before

Date: ______________________

• Attend prewedding counseling, if required.
• Shop for and order invitations and wedding rings.
• Shop for formalwear.
• Renew or get passports, if necessary.
• Envision your wedding cake and research, interview, and book a cake designer.

3 months before

Date: ______________________

• Order wedding cake.
• Hire a calligrapher, if you want your invitations professionally addressed.
• Attend your shower. (It may be earlier, depending on when hosts decide to have it.)
• Groom: Rent the men's formalwear.
• Hire wedding-day transport: limousines, other cars. Look into transportation sooner if you're considering renting streetcars or over-the-top travel.

2 months before

Date: ______________________

• Mail your invitations.
• Write your vows.
• Purchase gifts for parents, attendants, and each other.
• Book your stylist and try out big-day hairstyles.
• Book a makeup artist and go for a trial run.

1 month before

Date: ______________________

• Apply for a marriage license. Check with the local bureau in the town where you'll wed.
• Bride: Have final gown fitting. Bring your maid of honor along to learn how to bustle your dress. Have the dress pressed and bring it home.
• Call all bridesmaids. Make sure they have their gowns ready for the wedding.
• Make last-minute adjustments with vendors.
• Create a wedding program to hand out to guests.
• Order and plan in-room welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

2 weeks before

Date: ______________________

• Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet sent a response.
• Deliver must-have shot lists to photographer and videographer. Include who should be in formal portraits and determine when portraits will be taken.
• Deliver final song list to your DJ or bandleader. Include special song requests and songs you don't want played.
• Bride: Get your last prewedding haircut and color.

1 week before

Date: ______________________

• Give reception site/caterer final guest head count. Include vendors, such as the photographer or band members, who will expect a meal. Ask how many extra plates the caterer will prepare.
• Supply location manager with a list of vendor requests such as a table for DJ or setup space needed by florist.
• Plan reception seating chart.
• Print place and table cards, or finalize list with the calligrapher you have hired to do so.
• Call all wedding vendors and confirm arrangements.
• Give ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus contact numbers.
• Groom: Get your hair trimmed.
• Attend bachelor/ette parties.

2-3 days before

Date: ______________________

• Bride: If you need to, have your gown pressed or steamed.
• Groom: Go for final fitting and pick up your formalwear.
• Groom: Ask the best man to make sure all groomsmen attend fittings and pick up their outfits.
• Determine wedding-party positions during ceremony and the order of the party in the processional and recessional.
• Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, disposable cameras, favors, and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer and/or reception site manager.
• Reconfirm final details with all vendors. Discuss any necessary last-minute substitutions.
• Call the limousine- or car-rental company for pickup times and locations.
• Arrange for guests without cars to be picked up from the airport or train station. Ask friends, attendants, or relatives to help.
• Deliver welcome baskets to the hotel concierge; make sure to include names and delivery instructions.

Day before

Date: ______________________

• Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding.
• Write checks and/or talk to wedding hosts (usually your parents, if not you) about any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception.

Night before

Date: ______________________

• Rehearse ceremony. Meet with wedding party, ceremony readers, immediate family, and your officiant at the ceremony site to rehearse and iron out details.
• Bring unity candle, aisle runner, yarmulkes, or other ceremony accessories to the site.
• Give your marriage license to your officiant.
• Attend rehearsal dinner.
• Present attendants with gifts at the rehearsal dinner. You'll want to do this especially if the gifts are accessories to be worn during the wedding.

Day of

Date: ______________________

• Present parents and each other with gifts.
• Give wedding bands to the best man and the maid of honor to hold during the ceremony.
• Give best man the officiant's fee envelope, to be handed off after the ceremony.
• Introduce your reception site manager to your consultant or maid of honor for questions or problems during the reception.
• Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer's contact so he knows who is who.

Postwedding

Date: ______________________

• Prearrange for someone to return any rentals.
• Preplan for attendants to take the bride's gown for cleaning and return the groom's tux to the rental shop.
• Write and send thank-you notes to gift-bearing guests and vendors who were especially helpful.

reposted from the Knot

Wedding Planning: Biggest Wedding Regrets

Married brides reveal their ultimate shoulda, woulda, coulda moments.

What bride doesn't want her wedding day to go exactly as she planned with a minimal amount of drama? The truth is you can plan your heart out, but things may not always work the way you hoped they would. We asked newly married brides to be up-front and honest about their biggest preparation regrets so others could learn from their mistakes. Here's what they had to say.

About Receptions

"I would not have combined a chocolate fountain at our wedding reception with six flower girls. Thank goodness for Shout Wipes -- they were the only thing that managed to save my dress."
Tip: Even if you aren't having small children or messy foods at your reception, pack a bridal emergency kit. Items like aspirin, clear nail polish (for stocking runs), and a miniature sewing kit are musts. If you're worried you'll forget it, ask your maid of honor to be in charge of gathering the little things you might need.

"I would have ordered three times more shrimp. My brothers-in-law and a few of the other guests thought we were offering an all-you-can-eat shrimp buffet."
Tip: After sitting through the ceremony and waiting for the wedding party to arrive, many guests will work up an appetite. Beautifully prepared appetizers may not always be the most filling. If you have big eaters on the guest list, you may want to add to your food budget or plan a meal with lots of options, especially if you're having an evening reception. At dinnertime, guests expect dinner-sized portions.
"I would have driven the route to the reception myself instead of just going by an online map. A lot of people got really lost on the way, and I'm still hearing about it to this day."
Tip: If your ceremony and reception sites are not the same, include directions in the invitations. Don't rely on online resources because there can be glitches. If guests get lost and frustrated, it's likely to show in your photos. Map the route yourself and then have a family member on hand with a cell phone for anyone who's lost and may need clarification.

About Being the Bride

"I would have lost weight. After all, I had the time and the equipment."
Tip: If you're gown shopping and you're not thrilled with the figure you see in the mirror, it's the perfect indication that you might want to begin a prewedding workout routine. While you don't have to lose weight to be a beautiful bride, it's important you feel comfortable and at your best that day. You'll love your pictures so much more if you're not obsessed with little flaws. Most weddings are at least a year away, which gives you plenty of time to improve on body issues.

"I would have searched the dress shop on the Internet before putting down a deposit. When I went to the designer's website and found two stores in my area, I should have checked on them both. The Better Business Bureau would have shown me the complaints made against the one I chose."
Tip: When you're spending major cash at a bridal salon, check references. Impulsive purchases very often don't work out well when it comes to wedding planning.
"I would have taken pictures of my bustle at my final dress fitting. When I was 'bustling up' before the reception, we couldn't quite figure out how to get it right."
Tip: Arranging the bustle is indeed a not-so-easy task. Bring a member of your bridal party with you to the the bridal salon when you go for your last fitting. She can learn precisely what needs to be done for the wedding.
"I would not have worn those ghastly fake eyelashes. They work on some people, but I'm not one of them."
Tip: Try out new beauty products a few times before the wedding day. It's better to know how they work and what you can expect.

About the Wedding Party

"I wouldn't have worried about what everyone was wearing. Instead, I would have given the maids and moms a swatch of fabric and said, 'Don't clash with this.' I'm glad they choose their own dresses, but having to coordinate colors between three different designers was more stress than I needed."
Tip: Always remember that when dealing with bridesmaid attire, being flexible comes with a price. Allowing the ladies to pick something that works for them won't always work for you. If you insist they have options, find a designer that offers multiple dress styles in the same color: You won't have nightmares about clashing colors, and they'll get a style in which they feel comfortable.

"I wouldn't have jumped so quickly to choose my bridal party. I would have taken more time and given it more thought since I hurt quite a few people in the process. I realize now that out of sheer excitement, I hastily selected the people who were closest to me at that time, neglecting the people that were with me for many years before."
Tip: When it comes to picking your bridal party members, give it some time before you contact anyone. There may be conflicts between who you'd like to ask and who expects you to ask them. You'll want to identify those problems before you make any announcements. In most cases, it's inevitable that you'll have to do some damage control, but you'll most likely feel better if you ask after having thought long and hard about your choices.

About the Planning

"We wouldn't have done DIY invitations. The amount of money we saved just wasn't worth the time it took us to make them."
Tip: It's important to understand the nature of the projects that you're taking on before you or your loved ones commit to something you ultimately just won't want to finish.

"I would have hired a day-of coordinator. It got irritating when people would ask questions like, 'Where should I put the extra programs?' after the ceremony."
Tip: The one thing most brides don't get on their wedding day is a break. If you want to enjoy individual moments more and deal with questions and disasters less, hiring day-of help should be a high priority on your to-do list. The quality time you'll gain is well worth the fee.

reposted from the Knot