Housekeeping rules

Here are some housekeeping items that brides will want to take note of:

1. Make sure that all vendors are paid in full prior to your wedding date. We don't like having to hound you on the day of your wedding or calling you after the fact. We really dislike the money issue.

2. Make sure that you bring something to take your left over cake home in unless previously worked out with your cake baker. Most venues really don't like having to throw away your cake if they know you would like to keep it. Don't forget to let them know about the top layer - save or serve?

3. Make sure to e-mail or send a copy of your wedding day timeline to all of your vendors the week before your date. Florists want to know when you are starting pictures so that we are not late; DJ's like knowing if you are performing a special dance, Photographers want to know if you are leaving the ceremony right after or taking more pictures. Your vendors are just like you with respect to your wedding day - surprises are not something we like having to deal with if we don't need to.

4. Make sure that your DJ or band leader knows how to pronounce your last name. It is always nice to be introduced as the correct couple!

5. If you would like your guests to dress a certain way, please be a little more specific on your invitations. If you don't mind khakis and Hawaiian shirts with flip flops, then you are fine. If you do, then let them know. Guests don't like to be made to feel uncomfortable.

6. Make sure to go through the order of service with your officiant and bridal party members at the rehearsal or before. It is bad form to all to decide who walks with whom one minute before the ceremony.

7. The more preparation you do before the big day, the less stress and more fun you will have on the day of your event.