Wedding Survival Guide

Instructions Step 1: Send the invitations Send invitations that begin: “I am commanded by the Queen to invite you….” In the United Kingdom, the “I” being commanded is the Lord Chamberlain, the chief officer of the royal household. In your household, it could be anyone. Step 2: Pick out names Pick out extra names to …

Instructions Step 1: Tour your dollar store Tour your local dollar store to peruse their selection of vases, candles, lanterns, dishware, and other decorations to start forming a plan. TIP: Splurge on the important things like a dress, cake, location, and a photographer to record those important moments. Step 2: Start planning early Start planning …

Instructions Step 1: Stick with a classic style Stick with a classic style dress that is not too tight, so your bridesmaids will be able to add a layer underneath for warmth. Consider dresses with sleeves or even a high neckline. TIP: A-line shaped dresses flatter just about every body type. Step 2: Choose a …

Instructions Step 1: Never mind the U.S. embassy If you’re American, do not expect to get married at an American embassy or consulate. U.S. consular offices do not perform marriages, but they may authenticate foreign marriage documents. TIP: Marriages that are legally performed in a foreign country are generally also legally valid in the United …

Instructions Step 1: Create your layout Use a word processing or graphics program on your computer to create the design and layout for your magnet. Step 2: Add pictures and information Add engagement pictures, wedding date, names of the bride and groom, and any other information you want on the magnet. Step 3: Size your …

Instructions Step 1: Create a concept Create a concept for your wedding rings. Gather pictures of rings with design elements you like, or sketch out your ideas. Step 2: Get a quote Take your concept drawings and pictures to a jewelry designer to get a quote for the project. TIP: Check out custom ring designer …

Instructions Step 1: Match metals Match the metal in the wedding band to the metal in your engagement ring. Using the same metal in both is ideal, but a white gold engagement ring may also pair well with a platinum band and vice versa. Step 2: Coordinate cut and setting Coordinate the cut of the …

Instructions Step 1: Buy early Buy insurance early, before you start writing checks to vendors. Know that some companies have limitations on how far in advance insurance can be purchased. Step 2: Know what’s covered Know what’s usually covered, including wedding and reception site issues, weather, vendor no-shows, sickness or injury, and military or job …

Instructions Step 1: Find a mate Find the right person and pop the question. You can’t get married without a partner. Be as sure as you can that you’ve picked the right one before heading into a contract that ends with, “till death do us part.” Step 2: Determine your budget Create a budget for …

Instructions Step 1: Check with the officiant Make sure the person performing your ceremony is OK with you writing your own wedding vows. Some officiants may require you to incorporate some of the more traditional language into your personalized vows. Step 2: Describe your love Jot down what you love about your spouse-to-be. Think in …

Instructions Step 1: Choose music medium Choose your music medium. Hire a band, play your iPod, or employ a DJ — whichever you choose, you will be instrumental in picking the music. Step 2: Pick ceremony music Pick music for the ceremony. Often overshadowed by the funky reception beats, ceremony music is vital. Choose nonobtrusive …

Instructions Step 1: Consider the location Consider the location. The reception venue will provide you wit a clue as to how formal the wedding will be. TIP: A country club or hotel calls for formal attire, whereas a beach or outdoor wedding calls for more casual dress. Step 2: Watch the weather Watch the weather …

Instructions Step 1: Send invitations Send invitations in shades of red, white, and blue. Incorporate a picture of a flag, fireworks, or eagle. Step 2: Wear wedding gown and gemstones Wear a traditional white wedding gown, but stand out by wearing gemstone jewelry in shades of red or blue. TIP: Bridesmaids can wear the same …

Instructions Step 1: Check out reviews Visit an online wedding forum to get feedback from brides on their preferred stores. Look for stores that have customer-friendly return policies and easy-to-use online registries. Step 2: Formulate a plan Consider what types of items you need before visiting stores to start your registries. This will save time …

Instructions Step 1: Consider venue Consider the colors of the venue when planning your color scheme. Hot pink and lime may clash with the venue’s navy walls and yellow rug. Step 2: Take a cue from home Take a cue from your home decor. If your style leans toward modern, minimal, and monochromatic, look for …

Instructions Step 1: Choose flowers Choose flowers that are hardy, and that match the color scheme of the wedding. Avoid flowers taller than 12 inches, as these are sight blockers. TIP: Consider using colorful and waxy fruit or candles as an alternative to flowers. Step 2: Remove thorns Remove unwanted foliage and thorns from the …

Instructions Step 1: Pick your song Pick your wedding song. Choose something meaningful, but make sure it has a clear, steady beat and isn’t too slow. Between two and three minutes is a good length. Your song selection will likely determine your dance style. TIP: The fox-trot is a relatively easy dance to learn and …

Instructions Step 1: Join a wedding planning site Go to a wedding planning website that offers a web page builder. Register with the site to become a member. TIP: Upgrade to a premium site that offers flash designs, unlimited photographs and video, and a personalized URL. Step 2: Choose a URL Choose a unique URL, …

Instructions Step 1: Pick candy Pick candy for the buffet. Choices can be based on the wedding couple’s favorites, the color scheme of the wedding, or the way the candies compliment the dessert or wedding cake being served. Step 2: Order candy Order enough candy so the buffet is full and each guest gets a …

Instructions Step 1: Calculate the total Calculate the amount you and your future spouse have to spend on the wedding. Include contributions from family and friends. Step 2: List all expenses List all of the items and vendors you will need and dedicate a percentage of your budget to each. Step 3: Research Research the …

Instructions Step 1: Don’t be a slave to labels Consider regular gowns sold at department stores; a gown doesn’t have to be labeled “bridal” to make it so. Check out the bargains on eBay and in upscale consignment shops, too. You can even rent a gown. Step 2: Rethink the reception Consider having your reception …

Instructions Step 1: Take apart your dress and use the fabric by sewing the material into throw pillows, chair covers, or a runner. TIP: Simple pillow patterns are available online. Step 2: Sell the dress at a consignment shop, online, or at a garage sale. Step 3: Donate your dress to a high school’s prom …

Instructions Step 1: Make a master list of all the tasks that need to be completed before your wedding, such as booking a location, photographer, and band; having invitations printed and mailed; planning a menu; ordering a cake; creating or buying wedding favors; organizing bridal party outfits; making honeymoon reservations, etc. Step 2: Organize your …

Instructions Step 1: Take notice of how you treat each other. Happily married couples say five nice things to and about each other for every one negative exchange. TIP: Researchers have found that if a woman rolls her eyes when her fiance is talking, it’s a huge red flag. Step 2: Rate your sense of …

Instructions : Check carefully with local officials. Some jurisdictions don’t recognize ministers who get ordained for the sole purpose of marrying a couple – meaning the marriage won’t be legal! Step 1: Investigate your state’s laws Marriage is a legally binding ceremony, and each state has different laws about who can conduct–or officiate–a wedding. Many …

Instructions Step 1: Decide on a destination Decide on a destination together. Step 2: Establish a budget Establish a budget. Factor in money for tips, souvenirs, and gifts. TIP: Consider departing for your honeymoon two days after your wedding rather than the next day, so you can begin your trip well rested. Step 3: Research …

Instructions Step 1: List the pros and cons Eloping is a big decision, since you might disappoint some of your nearest and dearest. Then again, the money everyone will save on a big wedding might be appreciated. Make a list of pros and cons. If you still want to elope—go for it! Step 2: Decide …

Instructions Step 1: Change your shoes Shortly before the bouquet-tossing ceremony, start warming up. Kick off your heels and do a stretching routine. Or, if you’re deadly serious, change into athletic shoes. Good footing is key to beating out the other brides-to-be. Step 2: Pick your spot When the single gals are called to the …

Instructions Step 1: Give yourself six months Ideally, you should begin your pre-wedding fitness routine at least six months before the big day. But don’t worry if you don’t have that long—every bit helps. : Consult a doctor before starting any fitness regimen. Step 2: Step up your cardio Do some form of cardiovascular exercise …

Instructions : Beware. There are many international marriage broker scams; don’t be a fool for love. Step 1: Have a clean record Have a clean record. The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act, passed in 2005, requires mail-order bride agencies to disclose an American suitor’s marital history and criminal background to any potential brides. TIP: Going …