BRIDE FAQS
Q. Getting married is very expensive. I don't think we can afford all this! What do you suggest we do?
(A) If you are on a tight budget we suggest you try this. First set a realistic date for your wedding. Usually a year or more and begin saving for all the things you know you'll need and can afford. In the meantime checkout all the prices of the goods and services you will be needing. Prices do vary and a substantial savings can be achieved if you just shop around. In many cases struggling independents and small businesses that cater to the wedding industry will offer you more affordable goods and services. You might also consider getting sponsors to help you out with the expenses.
Q. I was married once before. Would it be appropriate to wear a white wedding dress at my wedding?
(A) Yes. an Ivory gown is very appropriate.
Q. Could you give us suggestions for having a low cost reception after the wedding?
A. If the church reception hall is available, you might have cake and punch. Also finger foods are not that much more expensive. You could still have a gift table and wishing well or mailbox to receive cash gifts. It is not uncommon to receive upwards of $2000.00 in cash gifts. This really depends on how many and how generous your guests are. If you get lucky, you could receive enough in cash gifts to help make the down payment on that house you and your fiance so badly want.
Q.Should I have my family and group photographs taken at the church or reception site?
(A) Here again this is a matter of preference. However the church is usually a much better setting for group photographs than most reception sites. You may be forced to have them taken at the reception site if the church has scheduled back to back wedding ceremonies on that day.
Q. what is the correct order for the bridal party?
(A) Bridesmaids Jr, bridesmaids, flower girl and ring bearer together, maid of honor then the Bride.
Q. Do churches allow photographs to be taken during the wedding ceremony?
(A) Talk to the church officials about their rules regarding photographs. Most do allow photographs to be taken during the wedding but with certain restrictions.
Q. Would it be appropriate if my mother and or brother walk me down the aisle at my wedding.
(A) Either or both would be appropriate.
Q. Could you give me some ideas for any wedding favors that I can make.
(A)1.Cut squares of inexpensive lace or tulle and fill them about 1/3 full with poutpourri, tie them with a satin ribbon of the bridal colors. You can even put a small tag on it with the bride and grooms first name and the date. You can get this lace at the fabric store or Wal Mart or a crafts store. The tulle comes in a roll or on a bolt like fabric.
2. You can also buy small plastic wedding bells (any party supply house) and fill them with small after dinner mints. Tie on netting around the bell with a personalized ribbon in your color. You can also buy small plastic champagne flutes (same party supply house) and fill them with colored almonds (your color) you could do other things besides almonds. You then tie netting around those also with your personalized ribbons. They turn out really nice and is a perfect way to tie in your colors.
Q. Should we leave the flowers with the church or take them to the reception site when we leave the church?
(A) Most churches require you to remove everything.
Q. I want my big bridal portrait displayed on a beautiful brass easel at the reception site. Will the reception hall provide one?
(A) Check with the reception hall and your photographer about this. Many photographers have the brass easels and will include displaying your portrait at no extra cost.
Q. I went to a frame shop to purchase a custom frame for my bridal portrait, but they wanted too much money. What do you suggest I do?
(A) Yes, custom frames are very expensive. Try locating a business that sells ready made frames. You should be able to purchase a 16x20 inch (wood) gold color - ornate with a white linen border. And usually there is no extra charge to frame your bridal portrait. Many hobby lobby retail stores have these frames and are very reasonable.
Q.Im having a real problem finding gifts for my three bridesmaids. we've know each other twenty years but I'm stumped. Any ideas?
A. Knowing your bridesmaids so long will be an advantage for you. Give them each something different that has a special meaning between you and each of them. FOR EXAMPLE; if you do special activites with one (a sport class) You could give them a certificate for a lesson or pay for a gym membership. Also if you don't have alot of money to spend you could do gift baskets geared toward each ones special interest. Bath&body in their favorite scent; a stationary basket with note cards, a beautiful pen, address book,stamps,etc.;another good idea is a little time consuming but well worth the extra effort.a small memory album of pictures,souvineers,and a little note about the memories you shared together and how grateful you are to have them as friends would be very touching.
Q. If the Mother of the Bride is wearing a long dress does the Mother of the Groom have to wear a long dress also?
A. No certain rules apply here. The Bride is the one that needs to be happy with the outcome. Colors mean more than the length (in most cases).
Q. We are having a large wedding but don't have the time for all the details. What do you suggest we do?
(A) Hire a professional wedding service.
(Q) Who pays what?
(A) The Bride pays for the Invitations, Engagement Party, Groom's Ring, Hotel Accomodations, for Attendants Bridal Attire, Flowers for Ceremony and Reception Flowers for Bridesmaids and Flowergirls, Photographs for the Wedding and Reception, Entertainment for Wedding and Reception, Rental Fees on Equipment, wedding Gift Registry and Guest Book and All Reception Costs.
The Groom pays for Limousine and Transportation Cost to Church, The Bride's Rings, Marriage License, Gifts for the Bride and Groom's Attendants, Rehearsal Dinner, The Groom's Attire, Hotel Accommodations for Attendants, The Clergyman's Fee, Boutonnieres for Groom's Attendants and Fathers, The Honeymoon Bridal Bouquet and Mother's Corsages, Attendants Attire, all Transportation to the wedding reception, limousine service and the honeymoon.