75 Simple “Do’s and Don’ts” for your wedding
Tips from www.valeriesweddings.com


1. Plan your day for yourself, not for others
2. Take advantage of the Internet (sites, search engines etc.)
3. Get the groom to be involved, it’s his wedding too
4. Seat older guests away from loud music
5. Pamper yourself! Treat your mom and girls to a spa day before the wedding
6. Be realistic about weight loss goals when selecting your gown
7. Remember to involve step parents in some way
8. Think about your attendants likes and dislikes before purchasing the attendant gifts
9. Consider some of your photos in black and white, they are timeless
10. Remember to allow time for table visits during your reception
11. Pick a song for your first dance that has meaning or a good memory for the two of you
12. Remember evening receptions are assumed to be more formal than day time receptions
13. Have someone else do your makeup, you will be too nervous and critical
14. Consider having wedding and reception at one location, it is much easier for timing
15. Don’t overbook your limo, they will usually seat 10
16. Send your invitations out 6-8 weeks before the wedding
17. Send your thank you notes out no later than 3 months after the wedding
18. Look for your ceremony and reception sites first-one year out is average
19. Don’t invite guests you really don’t want to see at your wedding
20. Try to stay within your allocated budget
21. See several of each vendor before making these important decisions
22. Go over the kinds of pictures you will want with your photographer well ahead of time
23. Take time to select the music you will enjoy during your reception
24. Take dance lessons for your first dance
25. Don’t forget to invite your officiant to your reception
26. Register for gifts well in advance of your wedding date
27. Select dresses for your attendants that flatter them all
28. Assign someone to collect and return all rented items from your wedding day
29. Preserve your gown…your own daughter or another family member may be able to use it one day
30. Look at your guests when walking down the aisle with a big smile, you don’t want to miss your own wedding
31. Don’t forget to offer a “vegetarian” option
32. Don’t seat divorced parents at the same table
33. Consider hosting a brunch to open gifts with family the day after
34. Take an engagement photo to display near your guest book
35. Select favors that reflect your personalities or interests
36. Have scotch tape available at the gift table
37. Make sure you are comfortable with and like all of your vendors
38. Select and book your DJ 6-12 months in advance
39. Do not go over 5 minutes when making a toast
40. Start working on your tan early, you don’t want to be red or peeling on your big day
41. Store your mementos carefully
42. Have all of your travel documents 6 months in advance
43. Assign someone to retrieve your guest book, toasting glasses, pictures and cameras from the tables, you don’t want to come back to find these things lost
44. Offer sparkling cider as well as champagne for the toast, some guests may not drink alcohol
45. Store your wedding photos carefully
46. Make important decisions well ahead of time regarding finances, housing, chores, etc…
47. Attend bridal shows for ideas for your wedding
48. Don’t skimp on the honeymoon, you will be sorry if you do
49. Order a small bouquet for the bouquet toss, keep your bouquet as a momento
50. Have a tasting for your reception food and your wedding cake
51. If you have an outdoor ceremony be sure to have a backup in case of bad weather
52. Don’t stress out over little things
53. Be sure your Maid of honor knows how to bustle your dress54.  Assign someone to attend to your gifts after the reception
55. Be sure the best man has an appropriate toast that includes something about the bride
56. Make all payments in a timely manner
57. Wear waterproof mascara
58. Get a good nights sleep the night before your wedding
59. Do not let friends or family talk you in to things you don’t want for your wedding
60. Be sure to eat on your wedding day, it’s easy to forget or be too excited but you don’t want to get run down
61. Consider buying the grooms tux instead of renting, he will have it for a lifetime
62. Don’t leave your guests too long between the ceremony and reception
63. Give each other a wedding gift on your wedding night
64. Don’t drink too much at your wedding, you want to remember every last moment
65. Take time to visit with as many guests as possible
66. Be sure to ask about decorating restrictions at your reception facility
67. Be creative and personalize your wedding
68. Have your hair done ahead of time with your head piece
69. Do not get haircuts closer than 1 month before your wedding
70. Make appointments with vendors so you are not disappointed if they are unavailable
71. Think about how the wedding colors you select will look at the reception site
72. Do not have drastically different hair and makeup from your everyday look
73. Take time to look around and enjoy everything you have been planning for so long
74. Be sure your photographer knows which guests you really want photos of
75. ENJOY YOURSELF AND HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME