Just a few helpful hints for the engaged couples in our group:

1. Make sure as you begin finalizing your wedding plans that you create detailed itineraries and outlines for each portion of your wedding day. You should have a 2 or 3 day schedule of events for family, friends and bridal party members who will taking an active roll in your wedding. This should include a detailed itierary of the wedding day from meeting to get ready through your departure from the reception. A detailed itinerary will help everyone involve know where they should be and when.
You should also have a detailed outlines or itineraries for both the reception and Ceremony prepared for your vendors. A detailed outline of the ceremony (created by you, with your officiant) will not only help you realize your vision, but help you photographer, videographer, location coordinator and musicians or DJ better prepare for your event. (This will in turn allow you to have a higher degree of service.) A detailed outline or timeline of the reception (created by you and either the coordinator or DJ) will give your vendors a chance to see how you have budgeted your time, as well as give them an idea of where they need to be and when.
Keep in mind that your coordinator, DJ, and photographer may have suggestions that will help you budget you time efficiantly. Listen to their suggestions and reasoning before choosing to follow or dismiss their advice.

2. Any materials prepared for one vendor should be prepared for at least one additional vendor. If you prepare CD's of specific music for the DJ, make back-up copies for the coordinator/location manager and you videographer. This will ensure that if a disc is lost or damaged, a second copy will be present at the wedding. If you make itineraries for one vendor, share those itineraries with the other vendors covering that portion of the event. If everyone has the same information, confusion will far less likely. If more than one vendor has the information, they can inform vendors who may not have received the email or faxed information.

3. Make sure all of your vendor have the appropriate contact information. Every vendor should have cell numbers for you and your fiance, as well as the bestman and maid of honor. It is also a good idea to provide each vendor with contact information for the other vendors. This will allow vendors to touch base ahead of time and briefly discuss your event prior to the wedding day.

4. On the wedding day, whether your cater is providing table service or buffet style service, the bride and groom should have their food served to them. This will allow you to relax and ensure you have time to eat. Once you get up to walk to a buffet table, guest will want to stop and congratulate you. The longer it takes you t get food and sit down, the longer it takes guests to get their food. Most caterers will be hapy to serve you and your spouse, providing you with a little bit of everything n the menu.

These are just a few helpful suggestions to aid you in the planning process. I hope they help make your day a little more enjoyable.