The Big Day : Quick Tips Archive
Quick Tip #2
Different color schemes fit different times of year. For instance if your wedding is in the fall or winter, consider a darker grey or black tux. In the summer you can opt for a neutral colored suite or even linen slacks are appropriate.
Quick Tip #3
The grooms tux and attendant tuxes should compliment each other but not match completely. Base your choice on the time of year, time of day and how formal the affair is.
Quick Tip #4
Women love shoes, and for us dudes shoes are the final detail, so choose a style that compliments the tux well. Causal outside weddings usually equal a simple and basic style shoe, nice loafers, flip-flop or even going barefoot can be cool for a beach we
Quick Tip #5
Call the tuxedo shop a few days before the wedding and double check that all your groomsmen have picked up their tuxedos. If you are having a destination wedding, ask a friend or family member to pick up all the groomsmen's tuxes the day before the wedding and deliver them to you.
Quick Tip #6
If you are in fitness bootcamp mode or trying to bulge the muscles up for your big day, hold off on getting your measurements as long as the store will let you. Don't even think about them offering you any last minute alterations.
Quick Tip #7
Guys watch your exposure to environmental elements such as the wind, sun, and pollution. Developing a daily regime that consists of a good cleanser or astringent, a moisturizer and UV protector/sunscreen.
Quick Tip #8
Using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer on your skin a few days before the I do's can prepare you for the wedding day photo-ops and help maintain your skin far past the big day.
Quick Tip #9
Make sure to have your facial hair professionally trimmed the day before the wedding or on your wedding day to avoid any stray hairs or five o'clock shadow.
Quick Tip #10
Since you will be meeting and greeting your new family. Be sure to pack a set of breath mints, keep your breath on ICE!
Quick Tip #11
The ideal wedding location should be budget friendly, the proper size, exude the perfect ambiance and provide onsite day-of staffing services.
Quick Tip #12
To save cash on the site choose a location where both the ceremony and reception can take place.
Quick Tip #13
If you are planning an outdoor wedding make sure you have a backup plan in the case of inclement weather. If there is a chance of rain have a tent rental company on speed dial.
Quick Tip #14
Traditional groom's duties generally include obtaining a marriage license, planning the rehearsal dinner, transportation, buying the groomsmen gifts and the gift for your bride-to-be.
Quick Tip #15
Immediately sit down with your bride-to-be and discuss major topics such as the budget, the wedding date and location to help determine what responsibilities you can take on from the start of the planning process.
Quick Tip #16
Decide early on how many attendants you will have, who your attendants will be, and what attire they will wear to help lessen the pressure of last minute preparations.
Quick Tip #17
Don't forget the wedding day gift for your bride. And if you are not planning to sneak a peek before the ceremony ask your best man to deliver it and make it special!
Quick Tip #18
One easy way to minimize the impact to your wedding budget is to reduce the amount of invited guests on your guest list.
Quick Tip #19
Use friends and family members to lend a hand instead of hiring an outside professional for everything. This can help you monitor your wedding budget (i.e. assisting with favors, invitations and even floral arrangements).
Quick Tip #20
An outdoor or holiday wedding can alleviate the need to purchase costly décor by taking advantage of nature or festively embellished ceremony and reception venues.
Quick Tip #21
Scheduling your wedding during the off-season (December - April) can offer more options especially in terms of cash savings.
Quick Tip #22
Try scheduling your event very early or much later in the day to avoid the need to serve a full menu and opt for an all hors d' oeuvres and dessert menu only.
Quick Tip #23
Lean on your friends and family to get advice on wedding vendors and associated costs to get insight on ways to save money and stress!
Quick Tip #24
Finding a great vendor can be the result of good research and development. Get advice from friends and family advertisements, periodicals, and your local Association of Bridal Consultants.
Quick Tip #25
It's best to thoroughly interview your vendors before signing a contract and make sure your personalities and styles match.
Quick Tip #26
Trust is hands down the biggest factor in signing on with a vendor. After interviewing your vendor picks select the vendor you know can be trusted to manage your money, your stress and your big day!
Quick Tip #27
Confirm that the caterer you choose has experience with catering weddings. This experience is not only good to have but it is necessary to your events success.
Quick Tip #28
To get a good feel of the level of service you will receive, check references, company history, and view the caterers wedding portfolio, anything that is relevant to your decision making process is key to keep in mind.
Quick Tip #29
In order to do a process of elimination, schedule a tasting well in advance of your wedding to sample and confirm your menu choices and make selection changes if necessary.
Quick Tip #30
Choose a photographer based on pictures, cost, and photography style (photojournalism, illustrative etc.) to get the best value for your money.
Quick Tip #31
A photographer with too much variety and no specialty experience can make it difficult for them to capture the significant details of your wedding - specific wedding experience is necessary.
Quick Tip #32
Review several copies of different wedding portfolios created by your photographer to ensure you approve of their work - seeing is believing!
Quick Tip #33
Try and find a videographer who has the creativity, artistry and experience to capture the essential details of your event.
Quick Tip #34
Review wedding video samples produced by the videographer of choice to ensure the quality, clarity and intimate details are captured professionally.
Quick Tip #35
Ask the videographer how many cameras will be used at your event. Two or more cameras is ideal for capturing various angles and details of your event.
Quick Tip #36
Be sure to ask what format your video will be shot in; high-definition is the best option.
Quick Tip #37
To save money you may be able to request the unedited version of your wedding video. This will allow you to edit it later and capture the details you wish.
Quick Tip #38
Try saving money by hiring a chauffeured town car instead of a limo. Opting for the less expensive option can save on money without skimping on class.
Quick Tip #39
Provide your guests with maps of the area and contact information before hand to ensure no one gets lost while in town for your wedding.
Quick Tip #40
Be sure to confirm your transportation booking, verify what the pick up and departure times will be for the entire wedding party prior to the big day.
Quick Tip #41
When choosing an event coordinator for your wedding select at least two who fit you and your bride's personality, style and budget, gather enough information to compare and decide which coordinator you wish to work with.
Quick Tip #42
After discussing the details of your event with the wedding coordinator, get a quote in writing that includes the particulars of services they will provide; ala carte or additional services and rates/cost.
Quick Tip #43
Arrange one or two meetings with your coordinator to get updates and review details that require the input of you and your bride.
Quick Tip #44
Often times the gratuity is included in the price but be sure to ask if tip is included if not make sure you honor these vendors who you know have gone out of their way to provide you the best service possible.
Quick Tip #45
Have the wedding coordinator or your best man deliver the tips and payments to the related vendors.
Quick Tip #46
All tips should be given in cash. If the person serving you is an employee of the company, their tip should be in a separate envelope.
Quick Tip #47
Tipping etiquette varies from city to city and vendor to vendor do your research and add to your budget accordingly.
Quick Tip #61
When writing your speech be sure to write a brief introduction on who you are and how you know the happy couple, keep in mind that there may be guest who are not familiar with how you fit into the picture.
Quick Tip #62
A great way to start your speech is to thank the bride's family for hosting such a wonderful event. If the bride and groom are the hosts make sure to thank and congratulate them.
Quick Tip #63
Your speech should toast memories that include both the bride and groom. If you don't know the bride very well talk about how your friend has changed (for the better) since they have been together.
Quick Tip #64
Don't get wasted before your best man speech. If you need to loosen up your nerves have a glass of wine or two. But the last thing anyone wants to see is the best man slurring and telling inappropriate jokes.
Quick Tip #65
Practice your speech a few times in front of a mirror or to one of your friends. This is an important day for the bride and groom so make it special.
Quick Tip #66
You may not believe it but having a great looking and tasting cake is very important! The flavor of wedding cake ranks almost as high as having an open bar at the reception, at least this rings true for the ladies that is.
Quick Tip #67
Be sure to appoint someone (the DJ, wedding coordinator, best man or friend) as the Master of Ceremonies. This will assure that the cake cutting, toasts, garter toss, and first dance etc. run smoothly.
Quick Tip #68
When discussing the layout of the reception remember to allot proper space for placement of food, tables, musicians/entertainment as well as ample space for guests to dance.
Quick Tip #69
Appoint a friend or family member to set food aside for both you and your new wife at the reception (caterer or wedding coordinator can also assist). You will be busy greeting and welcoming your guests and may find it difficult to break away to eat right
Quick Tip #70
Don't be afraid to take a dance lesson or two, you don't want to be stepping all over your bride during the reception.
Quick Tip #71
Many event facility sites are equipped to handle wedding ceremonies and receptions to simplify planning for two separate locations; this is also a great way to save on your budget!
Quick Tip #72
If you schedule your wedding during the week or even opt for a weekend brunch instead of choosing prime time dates and times may lower the cost of the venue you are hoping to secure.
Quick Tip #73
No matter the facility you choose to secure ask to speak with a manager or person in charge of offering you the best rates and services. Always inquire about additional savings.
Quick Tip #74
The rehearsal takes place just before the rehearsal dinner, usually the day before the wedding. All of your attendants should be in attendance to review their day-of responsibilities.
Quick Tip #75
The rehearsal dinner can be held in a restaurant, home, event hall etc. (usually in a private setting) and can be as formal or informal as you and your bride would like it to be.
Quick Tip #76
The ceremony run through and rehearsal dinner are usually reserved for the bride, groom immediate family members and all of the wedding attendants. This is a good time for everyone to meet in a more private setting before the wedding.
Quick Tip #77
Have your coordinator help you and your bride prepare a day-of schedule and timeline for your family and wedding attendants. This will help guarantee they arrive on time for limo pick-up and drop-off, ceremony, pictures etc.
