Traditional Wedding Checklist
The key to a successful wedding is efficient planning. One way to plan effectively is to have a checklist at all times. A traditional wedding checklist will make sure no item is missed and should include everything necessary to pull off a successful wedding. Although the checklist may be extensive and can be personalized to fit the couple's wedding needs, there are some basic items that should not be overlooked.
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Stationery
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Wedding stationery consists of the engagement announcements, save-the-date cards, the wedding invitations and thank-you cards, which are given to guests after the wedding. The wedding invitation consists of the main information page, the reception enclosure card, response card and map or direction cards for out-of-town guests. Other stationery that may be included in the checklist are the wedding programs, place cards, menu cards and guest book.
Attire
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There is an extensive list of items related to the wedding attire that should be included in the wedding checklist. Items in the checklist for the bride and the women in the bridal entourage should include the bridal gown, bridal headpiece, jewelry, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, handbag, garter, bridesmaid's dresses and shoes, mothers' dresses and the flower girl's dresses. For the groom and the men in his entourage, there are the groom's tuxedo, shoes, handkerchief and the grooms men's and best man's tuxedos. The bouquets for the bride and her entourage as well as the boutonnieres of the groom and his entourage should be included in the checklist as well.
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Vendors
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Weddings employ the services of various vendors including the photographer, the videographer, the musicians and other entertainment, limousine rental services, caterer, florist, host, event stylist and many others. The checklist must, therefore, list all of these and include the contact information, payment and rental fees for each one.
Ceremony
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The ceremony has an extensive list of items that must not be forgotten. These items include the checking of proper seating arrangement, the music and making sure the flower arrangements are in place. The checklist should also include the wedding rings, unity candles and other materials needed for the ceremony. If it is a Catholic ceremony, for instance, even the offertory fruit baskets and wine should be listed in the checklist, as well as the cord, candles and veil, which will be carried by the secondary sponsors. The pen that will be used to sign the marriage documents must also be included in the checklist.
Reception
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The reception has many additional items that should be included in the checklist. The area of catering should include proper food display, cake display, set-up of tables and chairs, dinnerware, toasting glasses, table linens and place cards. For the decoration and ambiance, the checklist should include the proper display of centerpieces and souvenirs, floral decor, proper lighting effects and background music. The program for the reception should also be well-outlined to ensure a smooth flow of proceedings. A reception program usually includes the welcome remarks, the grand entrance of the couple, cake-cutting, first dance, toasts and speeches, throwing of bouquet and garter and the thank-you speech from the couple.
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References
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