For all you list lovers, I am pleased to present the ultimate Wedding Day Packing List! It lists everything the Bride and Groom should remember to pack for the Wedding Day.

Tip: I recommend pulling out your suitcase or travel bag a week in advance so you can “pack as you go” – instead of trying to make time in the midst of everything else that is going on at the last minute.

FOR THE BRIDE: Don’t forget these important items on your wedding day…

iamabride.com

Attire
___ Pre-wedding clothes, such as a jogging suit or a simple dress, and a robe
___ Wedding dress, veil and headpiece
___ Shoes, hosiery and undergarments
___ Bridal slippers or flats
___ Handbag or clutch
___ Gloves, if wearing
___ Keepsake Garter & Toss Garter
___ Departure Outfit, if changing

Personal
___ Cosmetics, Perfume and Toiletries
___ Jewelry and accessories
___ Sunglasses, glasses, contacts
___ Something old, new, borrowed and blue
___ Copy of wedding vows, if writing your own
___ Gift or card for Groom
___ Wedding bands and clean Engagement ring
___ Prescription Medication
___ A separate tote/suitcase as your Honeymoon Bag

Tech
___ Cell Phone and charger
___ Songs or Music (that you promised to bring)
* Assign someone else to take candid photos, watch the weather radar, and track time

Wedding Folio
___ Copies of vendor and bridal party contact list and timeline for the day
___ Copies of guest list, meal choices, and seating diagram
___ Copies of Photo shot list

Documents, ID, Misc.
___ Marriage license
___ Envelopes with tips for vendors
___ Driver’s License and/or Passport
___ Airline flight tickets – if you’re leaving soon after the reception for your honeymoon
___ Digital or printed copies of Itineraries, Confirmation Codes, Reservations (Hotels, Limos, Bookings, etc.)

FOR THE GROOM: Don’t forget these important items on your wedding day…

etsy.com

___ Cash / Checkbook / Credit Card(s) – prepare for the unexpected

Attire
___ Pre-wedding clothes
___ Tux or Suit
___ Underwear (including white t-shirt),
___ Socks to match
___ Shoes (if not rented)
___ Tie (if not rented)
___ Handkerchief

Personal
___ Travel Bag to hold Overnight Items & Toiletries
___ Watch, Cufflinks / Tie Bar
___ Sunglasses, glasses, contacts
___ Copy of wedding vows, if writing your own
___ Gift or card for Bride
___ Wedding band(s)
___ Prescription Medication

Tech
___ Cell Phone and charger
___ Personal camera, charger, chips
___ Personal devices needed before or after the wedding
___ USB or sync cables for devices

Documents, ID, Misc.
___ Marriage license
___ Envelopes with tips for vendors
___ Driver’s License and/or Passport
___ Airline flight tickets – if you’re leaving soon after the reception for your honeymoon
___ Digital or printed copies of Itineraries, Confirmation Codes, Reservations (Hotels, Limos, Bookings, etc.)
___ Car Keys (if needed)

Prior to the Wedding Day, deliver and distribute:
___ Wedding Party Gifts
___ Wedding programs (give to venue coordinator or wedding planner)
___ Wedding favors (as above)
___ Other Personal Items & Accessories for ceremony and reception (as above)
___ Copies of Readings for the ceremony
___ Directions to the Reception

Click to DOWNLOAD the Ultimate Wedding Day Packing List

Did I miss anything? Please let me know!

There are 127 seats – just pick one.  Really.  Sit anywhere.  Except at the Reserved table.

When you invite people to an event, do them a favor and tell them where to sit.  They want to know.   After all, you are the host (hostess) and they are expecting to take direction from you.  They don’t want to make decisions and run for tables like seats on a bus. (Hey Barb – save me a seat!)

I often hear “We went to a wedding (party) and they didn’t have assigned seats and I thought it was great”.  Ok.  And some people like eating with their fingers, but that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate in all settings or at all times.

“No assigned seating at the reception has caused problems at many weddings. Large receptions, over 30 people, can be chaotic if there is no assigned seating. Often couples elect not to assign seating because they don’t want to offend anyone who ends up seated in the back. But, honestly, guests feel more comfortable when they know where to sit. They won’t have to battle for a “good seat” or argue over who sits by whom. Etiquette and courtesy dictates that parents of the bride and groom and elderly family members or friends should be seated in the front. Do the best you can to seat families or groups together. You won’t be able to please everyone, but don’t sweat it. Most people won’t stay in their seats for long anyway.”   Source: www.bridalgathering.com

We have a saying in the business:  Asses in seats.  It’s the way things are done.  Leaving people to sit anywhere is like saying you don’t care where they sit.  And Reserved cards at tables don’t cut it.  If you really want to offend someone, tell them they can’t sit at the tables reserved for…. Umm…. who exactly are they reserved for?  (Personally, I’m never quite sure since it doesn’t say anything more than “Reserved”)

Creating a seating plan doesn’t need to become a major ordeal.  There are resouces available to assist with this task, such as  Perfect Table Plan.   Also, sites like WeddingWire.com and TheKnot.com  have helpful (free!) tools for seating charts and table layouts.  If you don’t want to mess with creating placecards, contact our friends at PlaceCards.com.

Super “Sweet 15″ (Quince) celebration planned and produced by A Flair for Affairs and Encore Creations.

A fashion forward quinceanera designed to captivate the attention and imagination of the young adults as well as the young at heart!  “CLAUDIA” represents another signature event created by the awarding winning team: Eddie Diaz, CSEP and Elisa Delgardio, CSEP.

I’m not even sure where to begin, except to say that we are so proud of this event! It was both a thrill and a joy to plan! Our Clients were wonderful & gracious people; Eddie and I had a ball working with them! From the invitations to the gelato flavors, everything about this event was fierce – and custom tailored to our super chic fashionista, Claudia. ~ Elisa

The inspiration for this event was fashion – so we designed a chic room that featured double runways and two stages. Fuchsia was the key color, so the palette included shades of pink, black and white.

We threw in lots of sparkle, and accented the room decor with gobos and wall washes. The client’s monogram was a play on the Channel logo.

Lady Gaga: The ultimate fashionista! Our high-energy performer was instrumental in setting the mood for the evening and introducing the birthday girl. Later in the evening, the performers danced with the guests and posed for photos.

Caveat emptor: [Latin, Let the buyer beware.] A warning that notifies a buyer that the goods he or she is buying are “as is,” or subject to all defects.

That about sums it up; especially with regard to the post (quoted below) which was brought to my attention on a wedding forum. I’m stunned, but I can’t say I’m shocked. I’ll bet this happens more often than I’d care to imagine.  Read on…

Date: 2012-04-18, 11:13PM EDT
Reply to: xxxxx-2966463500@gigs.craigslist.org

Hi,
I’ve been thinking about trying my luck at wedding and event photography this summer to make some extra money. Looking for a talented partner who is interested in the same to work together with. Definitely don’t want to be photographing a wedding alone, because if I miss that special moment, someone is going to kill me! We’d split what we get paid 50/50, with the expectation that you do your half of the photographing, editing, and promo work.

Most of my experience is A: bringing my camera(s) with me when traveling, and B: shooting special events at universities for invited lecturers or performing artists. I also know web-design well, so I can set up a website advertising our service. I very much prefer shooting film, but leaning towards digital for the sake of being economical and time-efficient. Some of my photos are on my personal website: xxxxxxxx.com.

If interested, please send some samples of your work.

Best,
xxxxx
it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: half of what we make
PostingID: 296646xxxx

Now tell me that doesn’t send a shiver down your spine…? Think about it: Two AMATEUR photographers, with different styles and equipment, shooting a wedding – which is admittedly unfamiliar to them, and their only concerns are: a) getting paid and b) not getting sued. Wow… I’m speechless.

People: Please, please, please do your research. Please do not allow yourselves to fall prey to ignorant, inexperienced, and uninsured hacks looking to make a few bucks. A wedding planner or consultant can provide qualified referrals, and recently married friends may be able to offer some suggestions. If you need more information, great tips can be found in this article.

TIP: Check out “real wedding” features in bridal magazines. Talented photographers have often shot these, which is why they’re being featured. – Dummies.com

Weddings are unique unto themselves: There are expectations, there is protocol, and there is a small window of opportunity. You need a wedding photographer with the right equipment, the ability to manage time and people, and the talent and experience to deliver what should be your most cherished mementos of a once-in-a-lifetime day.

(c) 2012 E. Delgardio