DIY Wedding Checklist
Planning a wedding from rehearsal to reception can be a daunting task. Couples can use a DIY wedding checklist to assure all important pieces of the wedding are in place before the day of the wedding. On the day of the wedding, it may be best to assign a friend or family member to check-off the final wedding details while the bride and groom are preparing for the ceremony.
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Rehearsal Dinner
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The rehearsal dinner is often held after the wedding rehearsal the night before the wedding. Important things to remember include dinner reservations, gifts for the wedding party and toasting glasses for the bride, groom, best man and maid of honor. Hotel rooms for wedding party and family that live out of the area should be booked well in advance.
Wedding Ceremony
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Most of the preparation for the wedding ceremony can be completed before the day of the wedding. Some details may need to be completed by a friend or family member. Traditionally, the maid of honor and best man are enlisted to complete final wedding checklist items. The bride and groom and complete the following preparations for the ceremony. Purchase the marriage license, pay fee to wedding official and hire the photographer and videographer.
The best man is available to complete some wedding details like keeping the rings and extra cuff links. He can go over music for guest seating, wedding party, bride entrance and couple exit with the DJ.
The maid of honor tends to focus on decorations and bride-specific details such as, decorations on pews or chairs, flowers for the bridal wedding party boutonnieres and guest book. She can place the unity candle and hold on to the bridal flower arrangement until it is time to walk down the aisle.
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After the Wedding Ceremony
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When the wedding ceremony is complete, the bridal party, bride and groom will be held back for an hour or more by the photographer. A friend may need to be enlisted to ensure all reception details are in order. Most of the details should be in order, but a second-check is important.
Check to assure cake assembly and pictures are taken before the reception begins. Review appetizers and guest drink selections with the caterer. The DJ or live band should setup at least one-hour before the reception is to begin. Place centerpieces, favors for guests, cake knife and server and toasting glasses on appropriate tables.
After the Reception
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After the bride and groom escape for the honeymoon, the reception must be finalized and gifts transported to a pre-determined location. The best man and maid of honor are typically responsible for the final details.
Collect wedding gifts for transport to a pre-determined location. Pay the DJ or live band a tip after the bride and groom leave the reception. Give out centerpieces to guests, reserving one for the bride and groom. Take down reception decorations and gather the guest book.
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