Wedding Vendors: Tipping Cheat Sheet

When you're already dipping deep into your (or your parents') savings for so many wedding expenses, shelling out gratuities on top of that can be hard to handle. Well, rest easy: unless a service charge is spelled out in your contract, you're never obligated to tip anyone.

However you can't ignore the fact that some vendors will expect a gratuity, which forces tipping to be considered on a case-by-case scenario. Some general rules: Don't tip business owners, only tip their employees (however, you can/should tip an owner when the service exceeds expectations); tip vendors who offer exceptional service; thank-you notes are always appreciated; and assign the responsibility to a trusted deputy such as your wedding planner, a parent, or the best man. For a breakdown of what's customary for each vendor, read on.

Wedding Planner
Wedding planners won't likely expect anything; however, if yours did a great job you can always offer a token of your appreciation. (Note: Non-monetary thank-yous like professional photos of the wedding for the planner's portfolio can go a long way too.) Approximately 50 percent of couples do tip their planners -- typically those with more opulent weddings.
Protocol: Optional
The $tandard: Up to $500, or a nice gift
When to Tip: The bride should hand off the envelope at the end of the reception, or, she should send a thank-you note with photos or a check after the honeymoon.

Wedding Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist
This is one area where a gratuity is definitely expected. Tip between 15 - 20 percent just as you would in a hair salon, and consider giving a little extra if there's a crisis, like one of your bridesmaids has a meltdown over her updo and it requires a redo at the last minute.
Protocol: Expected
The $tandard: 15 - 25 percent, depending upon the quality of service
When to Tip: At the end of your service

Wedding Delivery and Set-up Staff
Slip a few dollars to anyone delivering important items to the site (wedding cake, flowers, or sound system). And if a lot of gear needs to be brought in and set up (tents, chairs, or port-a-potties), the workers deserve a tip too.
Protocol: Expected
The $tandard: $5 - $10 per person
When to Tip: Drop off cash envelopes the day before the wedding to the catering manager so the person accepting deliveries can turn the tip.

Wedding Ceremony Officiant
If your officiant is affiliated with a church or synagogue, you're often expected to make a donation to that institution. If you're a member you'll probably want to give a larger amount than if you're not. However, if you're getting married there and they're charging you to use the space, feel free to give a smaller amount. If you're using a nondenominational officiant, no tip is required because they will charge you for their time.
Protocol: Expected (depending on officiant)
The $tandard: Donate $500+ to the church or synagogue, or, for a nondenominational officiant, an optional tip of $50 - $100
When to Tip: Most ceremony fees are required prior to the wedding. Otherwise, have the best man pass the cash envelope at the rehearsal dinner if the officiant is in attendance.

Wedding Ceremony Musicians
If you worked with a mini orchestra to come up with the perfect score for your service (and they pulled it off flawlessly), consider showing some monetary thanks for their talent. However, you probably don't have to tip the solo church organist who was required to play.
Protocol: Optional
The $tandard: $15 - $20 per musician
When to Tip: At the end of the ceremony.

Wedding Photographer/Videographer
You're not expected to give your shutterbugs any dough beyond their normal fees. Yet if the wedding photographer or videographer doesn't own the studio, consider tipping each person (or give a certain amount with a thank-you note to disperse to staff).
Protocol: Unnecessary, unless the photographer is not the studio owner.
The $tandard: $50 - $200 per vendor
When to Tip: At the end of the reception.

Wedding Reception Staff
This type of staff includes the on-site coordinator, maitre d', and banquet manager. A service charge (typically 2 percent) is almost always built in to the food and drink fee, so check your contract. If the gratuity is not included, tip as follows.
Protocol: Expected
The $tandard: 15 - 20 percent of the food and drink fee (based on labor, not the cost), or $200 - $300 for the maitre d'.
When to Tip: If it's covered in the contract, the final bill is typically due before the reception. Otherwise, have the father of the bride or best man hand the envelope to the maitre d' at the end of the reception since you will need to know the final tab to calculate the percentage.

Wedding Reception Attendants
When it comes to bartenders, waitstaff, parking, bathroom, and coat-room attendants the rules of tipping are dictated by your contract. If the service fee is included, consider doling out extra only if the service was exceptional. If it's not included, ask ahead of time how many attendants will be working your wedding and calculate on a per person basis.
Protocol: Optional, based on contract
The $tandard: $20 - $25 per bartender or waiter; $1 per guest for coat room and parking attendants; $1 per car
When to Tip: Although tips are traditionally passed out at the end of the event, you could alternately distribute them at the beginning of the evening, to encourage all the workers to give you great service.

Wedding Reception Band or D
Whether you hire 12-piece swing band or grooving to a DJ, tipping musicians is completely optional. (Depending on the quality of the job and how willing they were to follow your ideal playlist!) And don't forget about any sound technicians they bring with them.
Protocol: Optional, yet preferred
The $tandard: $20 - $25 per musician; $50 - $150 for DJs
When to Tip: At the end of the reception, by the best man.

Wedding Transportation
Again, check your contract, as gratuity is usually included. If it isn't, plan to tip provided they show up on time and don't get lost!
Protocol: Expected
The $tandard: 15 - 20 percent of the total bill
When to Tip: At the end of the night or after the last ride. If you used a separate company for the guest buses, designate a bus captain to hand the driver a tip, otherwise, this duty falls to the best man.

Wedding Reception Planning: Finding a Wedding Reception Location

One of the first things you'll think about after you've gotten engaged (beyond the dress of course) is find your wedding venue. Once you've have the right spot, all the rest of those wedding day details (color, style, decor etc.) should fall into place. What should you look for in your reception site (aside from that sense of rightness you know you'll have the moment you see the perfect spot)? Keep these helpful hints top in mind.

A Roomy Fit
It sounds obvious (because it is) but make sure the room is large enough to accommodate the number of people on your guest list. The space may look enormous when it's empty, but wedding essentials -- tables, chairs, a buffet, a bar, the band or DJ setup, the dance floor -- can take up a lot of space. Not to mention your guests will need some elbow room. Even if you choose an outdoor site, you'll need ample room on the lawn, in the arboretum, or poolside. The best way to assess the size of a site? Ask to take a peek of the space when another wedding (with an equivalent guest list size) is all set up. Of course, if you decide you must have your wedding at your favorite bar (the one with one bathroom, two booths, and three feet of floor space), you can always work backward and tailor your guest list to match.

> Find wedding venues in your area
The site doesn't have to be done in the exact colors as your planned decorations, but it shouldn't clash or conflict with your party's mood or theme.

Eating, Drinking and Partying Areas
There should be logical places within the space where guests can eat, drink, talk, and dance. When you're standing in the space, try to envision where each activity would happen (especially if your ceremony will be there). If a room is too small to separate into sections accordingly, you will probably feel cramped. If it's shaped like an S or some other oddball figure, that could compromise your party's flow, as well. Also, note the locations of columns or other obstructions in the room -- will they block people's views of the dance floor or the cake table where the best man will give a toast?

> Get wedding reception decorating ideas
> Search reception venues by city
Privacy!
Privacy varies widely from place to place, as does the importance couples place on it. If you're having a daytime event in a public spot, such as a park, beach or botanic garden, be prepared for strangers to trek past your party. They may even smile, wave, and come by to offer their good wishes. If this is okay with you, go for the park. If not, opt for a lawn on a private estate or golf course. Or, hold the reception at a restaurant or gallery that will allow you to buy it out (as in, guests-only). Be sure to ask about available security at your site to keep gate-crashers at bay.
In addition, don't think that just because you're indoors, you're safe from uninvited guests. Banquet halls and hotels often hold more than one affair at a time. If there'll be other events going on simultaneously in rooms close to yours, you may hear karaoke-loving guests singing their hearts out to the sounds of Madonna through the walls or meet them over the hot-air dryers in the bathroom. If this bothers you, try to schedule your wedding when there won't be another one next door. If this is impossible, visit the site on a dual-party night and see how the sound carries and whether there really are any major people problems -- before you make a decision.

Lighting
Light can make -- or break -- the mood and the space. If you're marrying during the day, make sure your hall has plenty of windows. Who wants to spend six hours in a dark room when the sun is shining? If it's an evening affair, make sure the room's not too dim -- or that the lighting can be controlled for the big entrance, dinner, and dancing. If you're marrying outdoors, say, at dusk, will you be able to set up candles if necessary?
Visit the site at the same time of day that you've chosen for your wedding. Even if the space looks romantic by candlelight, you may be surprised by the sight of that 20-year-old carpet during the day. You'll also miss a chance to see how sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows completely transforms the room, if you only check it out in the evening.

A Great View
What will your guests see when they walk into the room? Whether it's your city skyline, a stunning vista of rolling mountains beyond the windows, or the crashing sea on the sand behind you, exceptional locations with a view are always a plus. If there's no view per se, look to a place's decor or architectural details: artwork on the walls, fine Persian rugs on the floors, period furniture in the corners, or an amazing crystal chandelier as the room's centerpiece all give your reception site that something extra.

The Right Color
If you're considering a certain theme and color palette for your party -- say, a modern lounge-style cocktail party reception done in black and red -- those gold cord swag curtains are really going to wreck the effect. The site doesn't have to be done in the exact colors as your planned decorations, but the walls, carpets, chairs, and curtains shouldn't clash or conflict with your party's mood or theme. If you want a spring wedding brunch, look for a space that's done in light (perhaps pastel) colors or florals. For classic elegance, consider a room done in neutrals or black and white.

> Get top tips to choosing wedding colors

Ample Outlets
Be sure to take a thorough cruise around the room to see if it has lots of places to plug things in -- especially if you're partying in a place that's not a regular spot for hosting weddings. Your main user of outlets will be the entertainment crew. Take note of where the outlets are; if their location will force your DJ to spin records in the bathroom (kidding, but you get the point), make sure she or he has plenty of extension cords.

Good Acoustics
If the place is too echoey, it could give some weird reverb to the band, not to mention make it difficult for guests to hear one another talking. A tile or wood floor, for example, will amplify sounds, while a thick carpet will tend to muffle them. Check out the room's sound quality during an event. And tailor your music to the acoustic conditions. A jazz combo will sound better at an intimate art gallery than a 14-piece orchestra would (not to mention the fact that it takes up less floor space).

Plenty of Parking
Make sure the site is near a good parking lot, garage, or big, empty (safe) street where it's legal to park. If parking is a problem, look for other ways to get everyone to the party. Can a shuttle bus or vans take guests from the ceremony to the reception? Inadequate parking isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but it may mean spending more time and money to figure out a viable vehicular alternative.

we have 8 years' experience of oem/odm in formal dresses and bridal dresses industry.The main products are bridal dresses, bridesmaid dress, evening dress, flora dresses, wedding accessories, cocktail dresses, ball dresses and so on.Floragown.com Buy Flora Gown ,Flora Wedding Dress - Flora Prom Dress online shop.

Wedding Receptions: 17 Ways to Spruce Up Your Site

Want to know a little secret? Weddings aren't just about getting married -- they're about showing off your style. Flowers are certainly the easiest and most dramatic way to perk up a room fast. Rule one: sweating the often overlooked small stuff -- a pathway, for example -- will make your site something special. It's big-ticket embellishments tied together with often inexpensive details that really put the sizzle into your space. Read on for more of our favorite reception decorating ideas.

1. Match the mood
First things first: Whether you're a city sophisticate or a laid-back beach bride, your site will influence most of your design decisions. If you haven't yet decided on a decorating scheme, look to elements of the room for cues. A historic mansion is perfect for an all-white wedding; a wood-walled ballroom calls for 1920s elegance. You get the idea.

2. Create a common chord
Many brides shudder at the word "theme," but we like to think of it as a subtle touch of style -- a repeated design element that will make a lasting and personal impression on the space. Don't get stuck on Chinese food containers and lanterns. A theme can be as loose as your color palette -- a chic, natural way to unite a site. Plus, it will give you a great focal point to start your planning.

3. Make everyone look perfect
Carefully conceived lighting will brighten any room -- and give your party a dramatic glow. Hire a lighting designer to focus guests' attention where you want it (on the cake table, off an ugly dance floor). Trust us, it'll be worth it. Colored gels will alter the intensity of the light stream to create a softer, more natural look. Think Cameron Diaz looks that good under halogen lights?

4. Look up
Stuck with an unsightly ceiling? Cover it up! Try draping hundreds of tiny white lights, swags of greenery, or coordinating fabric. Or go for the gusto and look into renting chandeliers. They'll distract from the ceiling and give your room added radiance.

5. Look down
Don't let a brown shag carpet dissuade you from booking your dream space. Hide that floor with ground-sweeping linens. Or cover it with a nice rental carpet, or a rented parquet wooden floor.

6. Furnish a spare space
An all-white, empty loft space may seem like the perfect blank canvas to work with, but keep in mind you're starting from scratch. So yeah, it's going to cost. Here's a hint: Hit up tradition and go for something borrowed. We know one bride who used antique furniture from the shop she works at to fill the space with historic flair. Look to a movie prop company for cool finds like mirrors, chaise lounges, and filled bookcases.

7. Toil with texture
Think you've got the touch? Interesting materials and nature-driven accents are helping to turn boring ballrooms into designer showcases. How? Adding texture is one way: Faux fur, grapevines, and branches are just a few ideas. Huge kissing balls, tall trees adorned with lights, and bamboo shoots also help satisfy the senses.

8. Call for the wild
Brides are really warming up to outdoor weddings -- probably because Mother Nature has taken care of the decorating budget! Take note of the surrounding wildflowers and choose your wedding blooms accordingly. Keep the carefree outdoor vibe in mind when styling your flowers -- a tightly packed modern centerpiece might look totally out of place.

9. Think outside the space
We're crazy for alfresco accoutrements like clothesline escort-card holders, mason jars filled with candles (collect them from garage sales throughout the year), hanging flower baskets, and 4-foot-high twig chandeliers. Here's how: Bundle about 10 large sticks per chandelier, bind them together with wire, and string tiny twinkle lights all around them -- you'll turn a traditonal space into an enchanted forest.

10. Make a good first impression
Impress your guests with a grand entrance. Floral wreaths on doors, colorful candles (votives are great) atop every table, hurricane lanterns hanging from trees, luminaries lining the walkways, and other beautiful embellishments will give guests a lovely welcome to your event.

11. Monitor the hall
A real detail-oriented to-be-wed will even make over the hallways. Potted plants, trees, floral garlands, and trellises help to create a big impact on your space. There's a trend for small, dramatic flower arrangements placed on the ground. One idea from an actual wedding: arrange huge amounts of tightly packed pansies to line the hallway leading to the bathroom.

12. Beautify the bar
Chances are the bar will be the hot spot at your wedding (you'll have the bill to prove it!). So why not dazzle the rowdy revelers with colorful rented barware? Or go for over-the-top opulence and construct an entirely new bar -- add bamboo, tropical parasols, and frozen drink machines. But whatever you do, don't disrupt the bartender's duties. Flowers on the bar will just get in the way.

13. Size up your tables
Peace-loving brides are turning to long banquet-style tables that evoke a more family-style feeling and lessen seating arrangement stress (a bit). If your room is more Marilyn than Twiggy, go for a mix of square and round tables in various sizes. Eclectic table arrangements allow you to seat groups of people much more easily because you're not stuck with 10 to a table.

14. Take care of the chairs
The challenge: oh-so-blah burgundy chairs. The solution: chair covers. There's nothing new about this idea, but funky fabrics are a great way to bedazzle a room. You could even dress your chairs with silk flowers, tulle, or leafy swags. Just make sure the seats are still comfortable to sit on!

15. Liven up the loo
Give bathroom-bound groups something to talk about. The restrooms will need a little attention, but you don't have to go overboard. Think subtle sophistication: A centerpiece-evoking flower arrangement (like bunches of sweet-smelling lavender in small vases or wildflowers bundled in baskets), heart-shape soaps, or monogrammed hand towels will go a long way. Spruce up the women's stalls with antique perfume bottles filled with your favorite scent, or a fragrance reminiscent of your bouquet.

16. Don't get lost
If your reception site will also be home to the ceremony and cocktail hour, make sure there's a natural flow between the spaces. Try to walk around with a partygoer's eye. You may need to design cute signs that direct guests to where they need to be or to point out the restrooms. Here's an idea: Attach your signs to a stake and stick them in big pots of darling wheatgrass for inexpensive, fun -- and funky -- markers.

17. Mind your manners
Much more than crumb-catchers, napkins are an easy way to add that extra little something to your reception tables. Using your wedding-day palette and choosing personalized napkin rings will definitely enhance the design, but we're hooked on the art of folding: From a springlike tulip fold to the more difficult pocket fold that holds your menu card, origami cloth treatments equal elegance.

Wedding Reception Planning: Finding a Wedding Reception Location

One of the first things you'll think about after you've gotten engaged (beyond the dress of course) is find your wedding venue. Once you've have the right spot, all the rest of those wedding day details (color, style, decor etc.) should fall into place. What should you look for in your reception site (aside from that sense of rightness you know you'll have the moment you see the perfect spot)? Keep these helpful hints top in mind.

A Roomy Fit
It sounds obvious (because it is) but make sure the room is large enough to accommodate the number of people on your guest list. The space may look enormous when it's empty, but wedding essentials -- tables, chairs, a buffet, a bar, the band or DJ setup, the dance floor -- can take up a lot of space. Not to mention your guests will need some elbow room. Even if you choose an outdoor site, you'll need ample room on the lawn, in the arboretum, or poolside. The best way to assess the size of a site? Ask to take a peek of the space when another wedding (with an equivalent guest list size) is all set up. Of course, if you decide you must have your wedding at your favorite bar (the one with one bathroom, two booths, and three feet of floor space), you can always work backward and tailor your guest list to match.

> Find wedding venues in your area
The site doesn't have to be done in the exact colors as your planned decorations, but it shouldn't clash or conflict with your party's mood or theme.

Eating, Drinking and Partying Areas
There should be logical places within the space where guests can eat, drink, talk, and dance. When you're standing in the space, try to envision where each activity would happen (especially if your ceremony will be there). If a room is too small to separate into sections accordingly, you will probably feel cramped. If it's shaped like an S or some other oddball figure, that could compromise your party's flow, as well. Also, note the locations of columns or other obstructions in the room -- will they block people's views of the dance floor or the cake table where the best man will give a toast?

> Get wedding reception decorating ideas
> Search reception venues by city
Privacy!
Privacy varies widely from place to place, as does the importance couples place on it. If you're having a daytime event in a public spot, such as a park, beach or botanic garden, be prepared for strangers to trek past your party. They may even smile, wave, and come by to offer their good wishes. If this is okay with you, go for the park. If not, opt for a lawn on a private estate or golf course. Or, hold the reception at a restaurant or gallery that will allow you to buy it out (as in, guests-only). Be sure to ask about available security at your site to keep gate-crashers at bay.
In addition, don't think that just because you're indoors, you're safe from uninvited guests. Banquet halls and hotels often hold more than one affair at a time. If there'll be other events going on simultaneously in rooms close to yours, you may hear karaoke-loving guests singing their hearts out to the sounds of Madonna through the walls or meet them over the hot-air dryers in the bathroom. If this bothers you, try to schedule your wedding when there won't be another one next door. If this is impossible, visit the site on a dual-party night and see how the sound carries and whether there really are any major people problems -- before you make a decision.

Lighting
Light can make -- or break -- the mood and the space. If you're marrying during the day, make sure your hall has plenty of windows. Who wants to spend six hours in a dark room when the sun is shining? If it's an evening affair, make sure the room's not too dim -- or that the lighting can be controlled for the big entrance, dinner, and dancing. If you're marrying outdoors, say, at dusk, will you be able to set up candles if necessary?
Visit the site at the same time of day that you've chosen for your wedding. Even if the space looks romantic by candlelight, you may be surprised by the sight of that 20-year-old carpet during the day. You'll also miss a chance to see how sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows completely transforms the room, if you only check it out in the evening.

A Great View
What will your guests see when they walk into the room? Whether it's your city skyline, a stunning vista of rolling mountains beyond the windows, or the crashing sea on the sand behind you, exceptional locations with a view are always a plus. If there's no view per se, look to a place's decor or architectural details: artwork on the walls, fine Persian rugs on the floors, period furniture in the corners, or an amazing crystal chandelier as the room's centerpiece all give your reception site that something extra.

The Right Color
If you're considering a certain theme and color palette for your party -- say, a modern lounge-style cocktail party reception done in black and red -- those gold cord swag curtains are really going to wreck the effect. The site doesn't have to be done in the exact colors as your planned decorations, but the walls, carpets, chairs, and curtains shouldn't clash or conflict with your party's mood or theme. If you want a spring wedding brunch, look for a space that's done in light (perhaps pastel) colors or florals. For classic elegance, consider a room done in neutrals or black and white.

> Get top tips to choosing wedding colors

Ample Outlets
Be sure to take a thorough cruise around the room to see if it has lots of places to plug things in -- especially if you're partying in a place that's not a regular spot for hosting weddings. Your main user of outlets will be the entertainment crew. Take note of where the outlets are; if their location will force your DJ to spin records in the bathroom (kidding, but you get the point), make sure she or he has plenty of extension cords.

Good Acoustics
If the place is too echoey, it could give some weird reverb to the band, not to mention make it difficult for guests to hear one another talking. A tile or wood floor, for example, will amplify sounds, while a thick carpet will tend to muffle them. Check out the room's sound quality during an event. And tailor your music to the acoustic conditions. A jazz combo will sound better at an intimate art gallery than a 14-piece orchestra would (not to mention the fact that it takes up less floor space).

Plenty of Parking
Make sure the site is near a good parking lot, garage, or big, empty (safe) street where it's legal to park. If parking is a problem, look for other ways to get everyone to the party. Can a shuttle bus or vans take guests from the ceremony to the reception? Inadequate parking isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but it may mean spending more time and money to figure out a viable vehicular alternative.

we have 8 years' experience of oem/odm in formal dresses and bridal dresses industry.The main products are bridal dresses, bridesmaid dress, evening dress, flora dresses, wedding accessories, cocktail dresses, ball dresses and so on.Floragown.com Buy Flora Gown ,Flora Wedding Dress - Flora Prom Dress online shop.

Wedding Planning: Worst Wedding Nightmares

"I had a dream the night before the wedding that one of the wedding photographers came into my room the 

morning of the wedding day while I was still sleeping and started taking pictures, like those were part 

of the 'getting ready' shots. I was appalled!"

-- Brady, Des Plaines IL

"I dreamt that when we checked in to the hotel the afternoon of the rehearsal, all of the suites, 

including the one we reserved, were taken. When I asked the receptionist why, she replied that Johnny 

Depp, Alan Rickman, and Tim Robbins were filming a movie, and that they'd taken all of the hotel rooms. 

I started yelling, 'But I'm getting married here tomorrow, you have to give us a room!'" She took me 

into a conference room, where Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman, and Tim Robbins were already seated. They sat 

me down and told me that I should stop being so selfish because they had a job to do.

"I woke up and thought, Why can't I have a normal nightmare, like forgetting my dress? Alan Rickman? 

Seriously?"

-- Caitlin, Baltimore, MD

"My God…recurring dreams, every single night! I'd dream that I wasn't at the wedding; that my fiancee 

wasn't at the wedding; I was stuck on a plane; I was a werewolf; I was a vampire; that I wasn't 

suitable and her parents hated me; that all my family showed up (that was the worst one)."

-- Ron, Blacksburg, VA

"I dreamt that I was marrying a man with a body but no face."

-- Robin, Leesburg, VA

"I had a recurring dream that it was the day of my wedding, and I hadn't bought a wedding dress yet. I 

had to find something to put on, so I wore a green printed moo moo with a scarlet red leotard 

underneath. Analyze that!"

-- Alison, Islamorada, FL

"I had a nightmare that I was going to fall out of the chair during the horah -- and then it actually 

happened to my husband!"

-- Lindsay, New York, NY

"I dreamt that our reception was in a hot attic and my wedding cake melted everywhere, and our guests 

were coming up to tell me how awful everything was!"

-- Amber, Columbus, OH

"I had a dream that I was about to walk down the aisle with my father when another girl shot out right 

in front of me and started walking down the aisle. Everyone stood up and burst into smiles as the girl 

walked toward my fiance. My fiance then took her hand and the ceremony began. I just stood at the back 

of the church with my father and watched it all happen!"

-- Deborah, Leola, PA

"I dreamt that all the reception tables were set up in a maze and my fiancee and I were searching for 

the cake while people were trying to give us toasts, and we kept on interrupting them to ask about the 

cake. I woke up sweating."

-- Jason, Oakland, CA

"In my dream, we'd just arrived at the church when we realized that I had nothing to wear for the 

ceremony. Just as I was about to have to walk down the aisle in my undergarments, my mom declared, 

'Wait! I'll make you one!' So she ran to the bathroom and got several rolls of toilet paper. In a 

matter of seconds, she had fashioned a dress together out of it. So I got married in my toilet paper 

dress, and my dream had a happy ending!"

-- Lauren, Dallas, TX

Wedding Planning: Welcome to The Knot

Congratulations, you're engaged! You and your fiance (isn't it cool just to say it?) are probably

chomping at the bit to start planning your wedding, and it may be hard to figure out where to start! No

worries -- The Knot team is here to help you plan our way, every step of the way. Sure, people will try

to convince you it's all about guest lists and budgets -- and that's definitely a big part of it. But

not just yet…
Step 1: Check out wedding dresses
What better way to jump in than by browsing our gallery of over 20,000 pictures of gorgeous wedding

dresses!

Step 2: Get inspired.
Not yet ready for reality? Stick with the fun stuff -- think about colors you like, the seasons that

make sense for your celebration, and any must-haves you'll want to incorporate. Then decide on your

location, and book it! Have a season and a few potential dates in mind but be flexible, since the most

desirable locations book up early.
When deciding on a location, have a season and a few potential dates in mind but be flexible, since the

most desirable sites book up early.
Dont miss:
Wedding dress gallery
Wedding flower gallery
Real weddings
Step 3: Get started.
Next, get down to the nitty-gritty. (Don't worry, go back to the gowns whenever you like...)
Wedding Checklist
Create a personalized month-by-month to-do list by entering your wedding date (enter an estimated date

if you don't know exactly when). Meeting with your florist after work next month? Add it to your

checklist so you don't forget. Appointments are going to start to pile up!
Wedding Budgeter
Come up with your number and plug it in. Based on industry-wide averages, we'll give you a breakdown of

what percentage of your budget you can expect to spend where. Track your payments, add in your own

items, and see how much money you have left.
Step 4: Book it!
Congrats! Now you have a real, live wedding date! Go back and update your approximate wedding date in

your profile if you haven't already. Here's where the fun really begins: With your fabulously chic

vision in mind, bring your wedding to life. Follow the advice in these getting started links to choose

the right vendor and to get the right contract:
Wedding Florist
Wedding Cake Baker
Wedding Musicians
Step 5: Guests and Etiquette
Sure, this day is all about the two of you, but it's also all about the people who'll come to celebrate

with you.
Guest List Manager
Use our Guest List Manager to keep track of your list (import addresses right from your address book),

to record gifts you get, and note when you've sent thank-you notes.
Personal Wedding Web Page
Build a one-stop wedding web page to keep guests up-to-date on all the details of your wedding.
Ask Carley
Exactly how much time do you have to send out those thank-you notes? You're going to have a million

questions along the way. Here's where to get all the answers.

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Wedding Planning: The 4 Wedding Rules You Can Break

Yes, it's true there are a lot of traditions when it comes to weddings, but things have changed too.

Here it is in black and white -- those formally set-in-stone rules that just don't hold up anymore

(despite what the 'rents say).
Old School Rule #1: The bride's parents pay for the wedding.
New Rule: Every couple funds the festivities in different ways. Maybe your mom and dad want to pay for

every single thing, but, unlike in the past where the bride's family was expected to foot the whole

bill, they're in no way obligated to now. Grooms' parents and the couples themselves chip in nearly as

often as brides' parents do. It just depends on your family's situation. If you'd like your fiancé's

parents' help, your husband-to-be will need to ask for it -- not you, and certainly not your parents.

Just remember: Whoever pays gets a say. If you know your mother-in-law will insist on an in-church

ceremony if she contributes and you've got your heart set on exchanging vows on a sandy beach, you may

be happier cutting your guest list than asking her to contribute anything.

Old School Rule #2: You must invite everyone with a guest.
New Rule: If they'll know others, skip the plus-one. It's still polite (and very appreciated!) to

invite guests' significant others, but if you're inviting a group of coworkers, for instance, and two

or more of them are single, they should have no problem attending solo. Only when guests won't know

anyone aside from the couple is it mandatory to let them bring a date. It's kind to invite attendants

with guests too (they are shelling out big bucks for their attire!).

Old School Rule #3: Your registry should consist entirely of housewares for your new home.
New Rule: You can register for anything from honeymoon hotel accommodations to skiing equipment. Guess

what, Grandma? Lots of couples live together before they get married and may have all of the towels and

blenders they'll ever want. You can request upgraded versions of home items you already own, but

nothing should stop you from creating a honeymoon or otherwise "untraditional" registry. These are your

gifts, and you need to be happy with them! If you're inviting a few Internet-less guests, including

items from a brick-and-mortar store they can actually get to will help prevent a buildup of unwanted

presents. But you should feel free to include a ping-pong table for your basement or the complete Sex

and the City DVD collection on your wish list if you can't use yet another kitchen appliance. A word of

caution: Some of the older folks think that they know what brides and grooms really need, so they may

get you an iron even if you haven't requested one.
Old School Rule #4: You must wear a long, white gown.
New Rule: Wear whatever you want! Sure, most brides go the long white or ivory route, but for your

wedding day attire, anything goes: from a retro short dress to a silver, slinky sheath to a (gasp!)

black pantsuit. As long as you feel fabulous in your outfit, it can be any color or style. You can even

skip the veil! Warning: Your fashion choices may wind up shocking your older guests, especially the

ones who equate wearing white with "purity." If you'd prefer that your look pleases the crowd but

aren't willing to go totally traditional, try working in a hint of color via a dress sash, your shoes,

jewelry or a hair accessory or opting for a tea-length dress.

Wedding Planning: Q & A With Wedding Planner Steve Kemble

Want your wedding to stand out? Steal one of these clever ideas from guest expert and wedding planner

Steve Kemble (stevekemble.com), star of the special, “Battle of the Wedding Planners,” which airs on

Friday, November 13, at 10/9c on TLC.
Q What’s the most creative thing you’ve done for a ceremony?
A Years ago -- way before any YouTube sensations of bridal parties singing or dancing -- I

choreographed a full production number with make-believe bridesmaids and groomsmen. This couple was

always known for pulling pranks on their friends and family, so we hired 16 models to play the parts.

Guests were stunned by the beauty of the wedding party as they walked down the aisle. The group then

broke into song as the real wedding party walked down the aisle, and the crowd realized it was all for

fun! It created such a wonderful energy for the wedding.
Q And what about for a reception?
A For one recent wedding, the couple were huge fans of gospel choirs, so I found one to surprise them

with a performance during the reception. It was a huge hit! Every guest was singing and clapping along

with the choir as it serenaded the couple.
Q What’s your favorite wedding theme?
A I like “romance” as a wedding treatment. You should tell your love story through different aspects

of the wedding so your guests will literally say, “Ah, they’re so in love!” Include how you fell in

love in a special keepsake program for your guests, and pick a ceremony site and reception venue that

are romantic in nature, like a beautiful park with a glorious fountain or a beach at sunset.
Q What seemingly small detail can make a big impact at your reception?
A Candles are the most cost-effective way to create an atmosphere of romance at your wedding. I love to

use candles in various sizes and shapes -- tea lights, votives, pillars, and more -- throughout the

reception venue. Just steer away from scented candles; you don't want them competing with the fabulous

aromas of the food you serve.
Q How can you personalize your wedding in an easy way?
A Incorporate beautifully framed photos of family and friends on the tables and around the site, serve

your favorite foods at the reception (one couple even had the chef use their family recipes to prepare

the food!), and give guests discs of music that was played at your reception. They’ll remember your

wedding every time they pop in the CD!
Q What do wedding guests enjoy the most?
A When all the traditional dances (like the father/daughter and mother/son dances) are done to one song

instead of multiple ones, it's quicker, and the energy and movement this provides has guests applauding

loudly! Guests also really love the “lounge look,” when the reception is set up with various

furniture groupings. Not only does this provide comfortable places for your guests to gather, it also

encourages conversation among people who don’t know each other that well.
Q How can you keep the reception exciting?
A Lighting is becoming one of the hottest wedding must-haves. Crowds love it when you change the mood

and atmosphere as the night goes on through color and lighting design. Guests also love the mix of a DJ

and a band. When the band takes a break, the DJ takes center stage!


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Wedding Planning: How to Plan Your Wedding at Work (Without Getting Fired)

Wedding planning might be a full-time job, but chances are you've also got that other full-time job -- you know, the one you had long before he put that ring on your finger. Even if you've hired a hands-on wedding planner, you probably still need to decide on some things yourself. How to deal? Plan for some serious, um -- let's call it multitasking. Here's how to find the time do it all without winding up in hot water with your boss.
When to Do What
Finding Vendors: Daytime
Researching vendors online -- checking out sites, listings on the local pages of TheKnot.com, or reading other to-be-weds' recommendations -- is an obvious one for that spare five minutes before you have to run into a meeting. One caveat: Make sure the volume on your computer is turned off, or at least way down! If a digitized version of "Wedding March" starts blasting, you are so busted.
Finding Inspiration: Daytime
Here's another instance where the Internet is your best friend -- browse for gowns, bouquets, and more online (just check out the image search on TheKnot.com for thousands of wedding photos of, well, everything). You're more likely to have an aha moment the more you see, so spending time online is a good way to get through the doldrums of your work day (like mid-afternoon, when lunch is ancient history and it feels like the end of the day is never going to come).
know your priorities
Sure, you might need to finalize the guest list today, but don't do it at the expense of a huge work project. In the long run, you're much worse off compromising a work deadline than a wedding one.
Visiting Vendors: Free time
Unless you're just doing a drive-by to check out their digs, keep actual vendor visits to your days off or weekends.
You're going to want to visit most vendors as a tag team, so you'll need your fiance with you. More importantly, if you really like the vendor, you can talk much longer without worrying about going over your lunch hour. Better to play it safe and plan visits for when you know you don't have work commitments.
DIY Stuff: Nighttime
Did you really think you'd be able to assemble programs at your desk? Or that your boss won't notice you printing out 200 favor cards on the color printer? Wedding projects (like tying the bows on all those favor boxes) are definitely a nighttime activity -- kick back with a glass of wine and a DVD of the last season of Grey's Anatomy while you fold 300 sheets of vellum.
Making Lists: Anytime
Playlists, guest lists, and even to-do lists -- whether you manage them online or on paper, keep these at your fingertips so whenever you think of something, you can update them.
3 Tricks for Not Getting Caught
Stay on Task You want to fly under the radar -- if it's blatantly obvious that your work time has become wedding time, you risk the wrath of your coworkers or even worse, your boss. You can't let wedding planning take up your entire day, but you can definitely let it replace time you would have spent instant messaging. The key: Stay on top of your normal tasks and goals, and don't let planning affect your performance.
Go Online Do not, we repeat, do not bring your wedding binder to work. A notebook full of decor ideas and fabric swatches is way too obvious (unless perhaps you're an interior decorator). Leave the real deal at home and add ideas to a digital notebook (like the one on TheKnot.com) at work. You can save articles, photos, and gowns you like -- and remember, if you really need something you can actually hang onto, you can always print out the pics.
Watch Your Back It should be obvious, but use your best judgment when it comes to planning your wedding while you're supposed to be working on your work (you know, the stuff they're actually paying you to do). Don't leave a wedding-related web page or document on your screen if you have to step away from your desk -- close or minimize it. And keep more than one window open so if someone comes by it's easy to tab over from your reception site's floor plan to something more legit.
4 Ways to Max Out Your Free Time
Your Commute In the subway? Read wedding magazines or go over your lists. On the train or a bus? Use a laptop or Blackberry to email or surf the web wirelessly or, if it's not too loud, make a few quick check-in phone calls with vendors before their day gets too busy. Driving? Use the voice notes feature on your cell phone to record any sudden bursts of inspiration. No matter how you commute, use your iPod or CD player to preview potential ceremony or first dance tunes -- you'd feel lazy sitting around your house doing it, but if you're stuck in traffic, why not crank up Pachelbel's Canon in D?
Your Lunch Hour Plan to devote at least a few days a week to vendor phone calls. The key is to plan out your conversation beforehand and make a list so it can be swift and tactful. That way, you'll still have time to enjoy that grilled chicken salad.
Your Workout Don't just watch CNN scroll by while you're pedaling away on a stationary bike. Instead, use some of the time for wedding-related reading (for example, print out a bunch of ceremony or vow ideas to read over). If you go to the gym at the end of the day, that's a good time to read back over your to-do lists, check off what you've completed, and jot down notes for what you need to do next.
Making Dinner Whether you're waiting for the oven to preheat or unwinding while your fiance does the work, use the time in between prep work and mealtime to hop online. A watched pot never boils anyway, right? Hit the message boards, Real Weddings, or gown search on TheKnot.com and make that spare 5 or 10 minutes count.
3 Things to Watch Out For
Limit Your Sources If you're asking your coworkers for a bit of wedding advice -- even something simple like, "Do you like periwinkle better than peach?" -- make sure they're on your invite list. The more a work pal feels involved in your wedding, the more she'll feel snubbed when that big square envelope doesn't arrive. The exception: if you've already made it clear your guest list is going to be limited.
Get Your Apology Accepted You're running late handing in an update on a project, your boss comes over to check on you, and -- uh-oh -- you're on TheKnot.com message boards. How do you deal? First, fess up. In this case, honesty is the best policy. Tell her the project's actual status, and say that you just needed a minute to clear your head before plunging back into your work. Then try not to let it happen again. If you arouse your superior's suspicions, you'll be monitored that much more closely.
Protect Yourself Look up your company's policy for computer use. No employer wants you to use your computer for personal reasons, but what you need to check out is just how extensively your online activity is monitored. If it seems like Big Brother is watching, you may need to scale back your at-work wedding planning -- but don't worry, you'll still find a way to get it all done.

Wedding Planning: How to Get a Marriage License

A marriage license is essentially a permit -- legal confirmation that couples are free to marry each other, have obtained divorce or widowhood papers if necessary, are of legal age, and have had blood tests if required. The license pick-up location varies by state: It might be City Hall, the city or town clerk's office, or the marriage license bureau in the county where you plan to wed.
>> Find an office: Look under "Marriage" in your phone book's city pages, search the Internet for state marriage license requirements, or use The Knot Marriage License Search.
Once you've located your marriage license office, call to ask when you should apply. Licenses are valid for a window of time (from ten days to six months), and there may be a short waiting period once you get the license. In most states you can walk in to apply, but some offices require an appointment, so be sure to ask when you call. Both bride and groom must be present in most states, although there are a few exceptions.
Licenses are valid for a window of time (from ten days to six months), and there may be a short waiting period once you get the license.
You will probably need:
Birth certificates (proof of age)
Proof of citizenship and/or residence
Photo identification
Parental consent if underage (usually 16-17; you may also need court consent)
Death certificate if widowed
Divorce decree if divorced
Blood test results (if needed; only a few states still require this)
After the wedding, your officiant will send your signed license to the marriage license bureau, and then you should receive a certified copy within a few weeks or months (depending on your state).
TYING THE KNOT NATIONALLY

California wine country
Fee charged
License valid for: 90 days, no waiting period
Blood test: no
More info: Contact the wedding coordinator at the resort where you'll be staying or call the Napa Valley County Clerk (707) 253-4246, or Sonoma County Clerk, (707) 527-3700
Florida
Fee charged; it's lower if the bride and groom are Florida residents and attend an eight-hour marriage course
Waiting period: None (a three-day waiting period for Florida residents can be waived by attending the marriage course mentioned above)
License valid for: 60 days
Blood test: No
More info - Florida Keys: Monroe County Clerk of Courts (305) 292-3550 (Key West), (305) 852-7145 (Isla Morada), (305) 289-6027 (Marathon); Disneyworld: Orange County Clerk of Courts Marriage License Division (407) 836-2067, Walt Disney World (407) 828-3400 or www.disneyweddings.com
.
Hawaii
Fee charged
Residency Requirement: None
Necessary Documents: Driver's license or passport; no proof of divorce is necessary, but those who are divorced must be able to list the date, state and county (or country) where the divorce was finalized.
Note: Licenses must be filed with the state health department office in Honolulu, or call the department for listings of agents in rural communities. Forms require the names of parents and their places of birth. Both parties must appear in person.
More info: Hawaii's Department of Health marriage licensing office or (808) 586-4544; or http://www.gohawaii.com
Las Vegas
Fee charged
Waiting period: None
License valid for: Indefinitely
Blood test: No
More info: Clark County Marriage Bureau, (702) 455-4415, ext. 5
Mackinack Island, Michigan
Fee charged
License valid for: 30 days, after a three-day waiting period
Blood test: no
More info: Contact the wedding coordinator at the resort where you'll be staying or call the Mackinac Island Chamber of Commerce, (800) 4-LILACS
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Fee: Varies by county/town
License valid for: 60 days, after three-day waiting period, anywhere in state
Blood test: yes
More info: Contact the wedding coordinator at the resort where you'll be staying.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Fee charged
License valid for: 30 days, after 3-day waiting period
Blood test: no
More info: Contact the wedding coordinator at the resort where you'll be staying, or call the Louisiana Office of Tourism, (800) 261-9144

Tying the Knot Internationally
Anguilla
Fee charged (it's much lower if one person resides on the island for 15 days)
Residency period: None, paperwork requires two days
Necessary documents: Passport, proof of divorce or death of spouse (if applicable)
More info: Two witnesses are required. For further information, call the Magistrate, (264) 497-3477
Antigua
Fee charged
Residency period: None
Necessary documents: Passport, proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s if applicable
More info: Contact the wedding coordinator at the resort where you'll be staying, or call the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism at (212) 541-4117
Aruba
*** It is now possible for nonresidents to marry in Aruba, but there are many restrictions and requirements.
Fee charged
Residency period: None
Necessary documents: (copies of all the following must first be faxed for review, then sent via courier, such as FedEx, at least 14 days in advance) passports; raised-seal birth certificates for both parties and the witnesses; divorce decrees/death certificates if previously married; apostilles (documents from your local government declaring you are eligible for marriage).
Civil ceremonies -- must take place inside City Hall in Oranjestad. Once you have a civil ceremony you may have a religious blessing.
Catholic -- contact a Catholic church for details.
Protestant -- contact the church of your choice. Ceremonies may take place in a church or anywhere else on the island.
Jewish -- both parties MUST prove they are Jewish with documentation from their home rabbi; a petition for permission must also be submitted to the Jewish community; ceremonies may take place at the synagogue or anywhere else on the island.
More info: Call the wedding coordinator at the resort where you'll be staying and the Aruba Tourism Authority, (800) TO-ARUBA
Bahamas
Fee charged
Residency requirement: 24 hours
Necessary documents: Passports; birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); declaration certifying both parties are unmarried U.S. citizens, sworn before a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy in Nassau, or a marriage license from the Commissioner's Office on other islands; proof of arrival in the Bahamas.
Knot Note: Both parties must apply in person.
More info: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Romance Director at (888) NUPTIAL or http://www.bahamas.com
Barbados
Fee charged
Residency period: None
Necessary documents: Passports; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); letter from officiant performing service
Obtain marriage license from Ministry of Home Affairs or (246) 228-8950
Bermuda
Fee charged
Residency period: None
Necessary documents: Passports and a "Notice of Intended Marriage" form from Bermuda's Registrar General's Office (The form is available by phone request or at bermudatourism.com. Fill it out and mail it -- along with a cashier's check or bank draft made payable to the Accountant General, Hamilton, Bermuda -- back to the Registrar General. Your license will be valid for three months and can be picked up at the Registrar's office by you or a designated person.)
Note: "Notice of Intended Marriage" must be filed
2 weeks before the wedding
More info: Bermuda's Registrar General office, (441) 297-7709 or -7707; the Bermuda Department of Tourism office nearest you; or bermudatourism.com
British Virgin Islands
Fee charged; it's lower if you've been in the BVI for more than 15 days. It's less expensive to get married at the registrar's office than elsewhere.
Residency period: 3 days
Necessary documents: Passports; birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable)
Note: Publishing banns may be necessary for church weddings. Make plans with appropriate clergy.
More info: BVI Registrar's Office, (284) 494-3701 ext. 5001/2/3; British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, (800) 835-8530
Cayman Islands
Fee charged
Residency period: None
Necessary documents: Passports; birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); return or ongoing tickets; proofs of entry (Cayman Islands International Immigration Department pink slips or cruise-ship boarding passes); letter from authorized officiating marriage officer
More info: Cayman Islands Government Deputy Chief Secretary; (345) 949-7900 or (345) 914-2222
Fiji
Fee charged
Residency period: None
Necessary documents: Passports, original birth certificates, proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse(s) if applicable
Note: There are no non-denominational ministers; requirements vary by religion
More info: Contact the wedding coordinator at the resort where you'll be staying or contact the Fiji Visitor's Bureau, (800) YEA FIJI
France
Total cost of civil service: Varies by region
Residency period: One of you must reside for 40 days in the town or district (in Paris) where the wedding will take place
Necessary documents: Passport; certified copy of final divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse/s if applicable; both birth certificates (from the Bureau of Vital Records, not from a hospital); a notarized "Affidavit of Law;" and a certificate of health
Note: Requirements may vary by region and city and blood test requirements vary by gender; all documents need to be professionally translated; and all documents translated in the U.S. must be legalized with an "apostille" from the Secretary of State of the state they are issued in. We highly recommend that you contact a wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings as early as possible to help you fulfill the requirements or contact the French Consulate in your area to review your paperwork.
More info: Contact the wedding coordinator at the hotel where you'll be staying, the French Consulate in your area, or the Marriage Bureau of the City Hall in the town or district where you will be wed
French Polynesia
Residency period: At least one of you must live in French Polynesia for 30 days (no fighting, now!)
Necessary documents: Birth certificates (issued within 3 months of your wedding and translated into French), medical certificates, 1 certificate of residency, 1 copy of notarized marriage contract, customary certificates, certificates of celibacy, and a certificate of publication of marriage bans in the non-resident's hometown
Note: Assuming one of you can establish residency, we highly recommend that you contact a wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings or in Tahiti as early as possible to help you fulfill the requirements.
More info: Call the wedding coordinator at the resort where you'll be staying or a travel agent that specializes in Tahiti or destination weddings. Tahiti Tourism, (800) 365-4949
Greece
Total cost for civil service: Varies by region
Residency requirement: None
Necessary documents: It is possible to use an American marriage license, but only if it meets certain requirements; passports; certified birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); certificate from U.S. Consulate in Athens, stating that there is no impediment to the marriage; two announcements in local Greek newspaper (one announcement for each person)
Note: Greek tourism officials advise that gathering and preparing required documents could take a few months. All documents must be translated into Greek by the Greek consulate in your area. The Greek National Tourist Organization, (212) 421-5777, will fax instructions and supply names of companies that specialize in arranging weddings for foreigners. Greek law does not provide for certain interfaith marriages such as Christians to non-Christians or Jews to non-Jews. Proof of religion, such as baptismal certificates, may be required.
More info: Greek National Tourist Organization, (212) 421-5777, or the Greek Consulate, (212) 988-5500.
.
Ireland
Fee charged
Residency period: One person must establish a residency of 15 days, the other must fulfill a minimum 7-day residency
Necessary documents: Passports; birth certificates; certified copy of final divorce decree or death certificate (plus original marriage certificate) of former spouse/s if applicable; Notice of Marriage (provided by the Registrar and published twice with a one-week interval in a Dublin newspaper)
Note: You must notify the Registrar for Marriages at least three months before the wedding date. We recommend that you contact a wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings as early as possible to help you fulfill the requirements.
More info: Contact the wedding coordinator at the hotel where you'll be staying or call the Registrar for Marriages at 011-353-1-676 3218
Italy
Total cost for civil service: Varies by region
Residency period: four days
Necessary documents: Passports or armed forces ID cards; certified copies of birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); declarations "atto notorio" sworn to by four people attesting that they know of no reason to object to the marriage under the laws of the couple's home country; declaration sworn to by both parties that there are no obstacles to the marriage under U.S. law
Note: Certain documents must be translated into Italian with special "apostille" seals from the secretary of state from the state from which the documents originated. Additional requirements apply if one of the parties is an Italian citizen or resident of Italy. Requirements may vary by region and city. It is highly recommended that you work with a wedding planner to help you fulfill all requirements properly.
More info: Italian consulate nearest you; Italian Tourism Board, Italy weddings websiteor http://travel.state.gov/italy_marriage.html
Jamaica
Fee charged
For a higher fee, the wedding coordinater at your resort will arrange for for the officiant to go into Kingston to the Ministry of National Security, (876) 922-0080, to get the marriage license. Otherwise you have to go yourself.
Residency period: 24 hours
Necessary documents: Certified copies of both birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s if applicable; and name change or adoption papers if applicable
Malta
Fee charged
Residency period: One day
Necessary documents: Birth certificates, a sworn statement that neither person is married, proof of divorce or death of former spouse (if applicable), and completed application and Sworn Declaration forms (available from the Marriage Registry) must be sent to the Registry Office between six weeks and three months before your intended date
Note: These requirements apply to civil ceremonies only. Religious weddings have a different set of conditions; work with a destination wedding planner or speak with the Marriage Registry office (below) to make sure all requirements are fulfilled.
More info: Marriage Registry office, 011-356-626-221775, 225291/2 or More info: , (877) GO MALTA
Mexico
Total cost of civil service: Varies across country
Residency requirement: None
Necessary documents: Certified copies of birth certificates previously "legalized" by the Mexican consulate with jurisdiction over the place of birth; driver's licenses or passports; certified proof of divorce or death certificates of former spouse/s (if applicable) previously "legalized" by the Mexican consulate with jurisdiction over the place of filing; judge's form; tourist cards; Mexican-performed blood test results
Note: The marriage requirements in Mexico vary from city to city and judge to judge. The Mexican Ministry of Tourism recommends that you budget two to four days to complete all requirements. It is recommended that you work with a wedding planner to help you fulfill all requirements properly.
More info: Mexico tourist board, (800) 44-MEXICO
St. Lucia
Fee charged
Residency period: 2 days
Necessary documents: Passport, birth certificate, proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s if applicable, and name change or adoption papers if applicable
More info: Call the wedding coordinator at the resort where you'll be staying or contact the St. Lucia Tourist Board, (888) 4-STLUCIA
U.S. Virgin Islands
Fee charged
Residency period: None
Necessary documents: Driver's licenses or passports; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); letter accompanying application for marriage stating date of visit, length of stay, and preferred wedding date if having ceremony performed by a judge
Note: Application must be received at least eight days prior to wedding.
More info: USVI Division of Tourism, (800) 372-8784; Territorial Court, St. Croix, (340) 778-9750.

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Wedding Planning: Confessions of Wedding Planners

Your wedding coordinator is there to design your day, keep your bridal party and vendors on schedule,

avert disasters and do it all with a smile. And while her job may look like a lot of fun, it's not all

wine and roses. In fact, there are some things she'd like you to know, but she doesn't have the heart

to tell you (or she's afraid you'll fire her if she did!). Here, big names in the biz dish their dirty

little secrets. (Sorry, we're not going to tell you who said what...we're not gossips!)
We'd like to tell you we're not your personal slaves.
Of course your planner should make sure things go smoothly on your wedding day, but if you're expecting

her to cater to your every whim for months leading up to the main event, you've got another thing

coming. "I once had a bride tell me (in a bossy tone, no less) that she planned to use me as her

assistant. She wound up driving all of my assistants crazy!" says one wedding coordinator. The guys are

guilty of mistreating the planners too. "A groom made us carry out all of the rehearsal dinner gifts to

the cars -- in the pouring rain," says another. And yet another was tasked with keeping an eye on all

the kids in a separate room from the reception. "Hello, just hire a babysitter!" she suggests. Your

planner can't make sure things go as they should if she's changing diapers and soothing crying kids!

Appalled by these stories? So are we. So don't be those brides, k?
We don't want you to make us do your dirty work.
Weddings are hotbeds for every kind of sticky social situation, but it's not your planner's job to

handle interpersonal challenges -- and they hate it when you try to make it their business. "One

bride's brother had me apologize to his girlfriend during the reception because 'and guest' was written

on their escort card," says one planner. "It wasn't even my fault! She and the brother had broken up

when we sent the calligrapher the names." Says another planner, "A bride asked me to drive to a

bridesmaid's house and bring her to the wedding if she didn't show up to the ceremony on time. I was so

relieved when she arrived." A planner can't whip a renegade bridesmaid into shape, so don't bother

putting her in the middle.
We won't always tell you the whole truth.
Occasionally, especially on your wedding day, your planner may hide something from you. But it's only

to keep you happy: "One of my brides wanted a top baker's signature sugar flowers on her cake. When the

cake arrived, I figured out that it was covered in fresh blooms instead of faux ones," says one

planner. "I was worried I'd upset the bride if I told her the truth, so I just nodded and smiled as she

fawned over the 'sugar flowers.'" Or she may tell you the truth...eventually. "At one wedding, the

couple ran out of alcohol. I picked some up without them knowing. When they got back from the

honeymoon, I told them what happened and how much they owed me." If these stories scare you, they

shouldn't. On your wedding day, the less you know about what's not quite ideal, the better. The brides

who say their weddings went off without a hitch aren't lying, but most likely, they just had planners

who protected them from any problems that arose.
We actually want you to make your own decisions.
While flexible brides can be a planner's dream, indecisive ones can be her worst nightmare. Your

planner can offer suggestions until she's blue in the face, but ultimately, most choices have to be

yours; otherwise, you won't be happy with the outcome -- or your planner (and she knows that). "Some

clients can't make a single decision without us! I had a mother of the bride email me asking what kind

of shoes she should wear with her silver wedding shower outfit. We're not fashion consultants outside

of the wedding day!" says one planner. Just like you wouldn't call your local deli for advice when

you're at home making yourself a sandwich, don't pester your planner for off-topic help. And have your

own opinion for on-topic things.
You're not the center of our universe.
Yes, you're important to your planner, but you're far from her only bride, even if it seems that way

from the personal attention she gives you on the phone and during your appointments. Besides other

clients, she likely has a family! Dragging your coordinator to more than four meetings per type of

vendor you're trying to hire is taking advantage of her. "Many brides will ask me to meet bakers and

caterers that they have no plans to book," says one planner. "I'll usually visit a few vendors with the

couple, and if the first ones we met with didn't work out, I'm happy to recommend others. But going to

a vendor just to get a free tasting is a waste of my and the vendor's time and money."
Sometimes, you do irk us.
No matter how talented your planner is, at some point, she's probably going to share an idea that you

don't like -- or, more accurately, that you think is flat-out awful. But telling her you "just hate it"

won't get you any closer to what you want, and it can (to put it delicately) piss her off. Coordinators

have feelings too, and getting married isn't your free pass to be rude to whomever you want. Yes,

planners have to develop a thick skin (after all, they deal with picky brides all day), but being

disrespectful because you think they're used to it isn't okay. "If an email comes across as annoying,

or if it's asking a question that I've already answered 10 times before, I'll take my time getting back

to that client." And that doesn't make her a bad coordinator. Aren't you much more likely to give your

favorite vendors exactly what they need when they need it, rather than the pain-in-the-butt ones who

won't leave you alone?

Wedding Planning: Biggest Wedding Regrets

What bride doesn't want her wedding day to go exactly as she planned with a minimal amount of drama?

The truth is you can plan your heart out, but things may not always work the way you hoped they would.

We asked newly married brides to be up-front and honest about their biggest preparation regrets so

others could learn from their mistakes. Here's what they had to say.
About Receptions
"I would not have combined a chocolate fountain at our wedding reception with six flower girls. Thank

goodness for Shout Wipes -- they were the only thing that managed to save my dress."
Tip: Even if you aren't having small children or messy foods at your reception, pack a bridal emergency

kit. Items like aspirin, clear nail polish (for stocking runs), and a miniature sewing kit are musts.

If you're worried you'll forget it, ask your maid of honor to be in charge of gathering the little

things you might need.
"I would have ordered three times more shrimp. My brothers-in-law and a few of the other guests thought

we were offering an all-you-can-eat shrimp buffet."
Tip: After sitting through the ceremony and waiting for the wedding party to arrive, many guests will

work up an appetite. Beautifully prepared appetizers may not always be the most filling. If you have

big eaters on the guest list, you may want to add to your food budget or plan a meal with lots of

options, especially if you're having an evening reception. At dinnertime, guests expect dinner-sized

portions.
"I would have driven the route to the reception myself instead of just going by an online map. A lot of

people got really lost on the way, and I'm still hearing about it to this day."
Tip: If your ceremony and reception sites are not the same, include directions in the invitations.

Don't rely on online resources because there can be glitches. If guests get lost and frustrated, it's

likely to show in your photos. Map the route yourself and then have a family member on hand with a cell

phone for anyone who's lost and may need clarification.
About Being the Bride
"I would have lost weight. After all, I had the time and the equipment."
Tip: If you're gown shopping and you're not thrilled with the figure you see in the mirror, it's the

perfect indication that you might want to begin a prewedding workout routine. While you don't have to

lose weight to be a beautiful bride, it's important you feel comfortable and at your best that day.

You'll love your pictures so much more if you're not obsessed with little flaws. Most weddings are at

least a year away, which gives you plenty of time to improve on body issues.
"I would have searched the dress shop on the Internet before putting down a deposit. When I went to the

designer's website and found two stores in my area, I should have checked on them both. The Better

Business Bureau would have shown me the complaints made against the one I chose."
Tip: When you're spending major cash at a bridal salon, check references. Impulsive purchases very

often don't work out well when it comes to wedding planning.
"I would have taken pictures of my bustle at my final dress fitting. When I was 'bustling up' before

the reception, we couldn't quite figure out how to get it right."
Tip: Arranging the bustle is indeed a not-so-easy task. Bring a member of your bridal party with you to

the the bridal salon when you go for your last fitting. She can learn precisely what needs to be done

for the wedding.
"I would not have worn those ghastly fake eyelashes. They work on some people, but I'm not one of

them."
Tip: Try out new beauty products a few times before the wedding day. It's better to know how they work

and what you can expect.
About the Wedding Party
"I wouldn't have worried about what everyone was wearing. Instead, I would have given the maids and

moms a swatch of fabric and said, 'Don't clash with this.' I'm glad they choose their own dresses, but

having to coordinate colors between three different designers was more stress than I needed."
Tip: Always remember that when dealing with bridesmaid attire, being flexible comes with a price.

Allowing the ladies to pick something that works for them won't always work for you. If you insist they

have options, find a designer that offers multiple dress styles in the same color: You won't have

nightmares about clashing colors, and they'll get a style in which they feel comfortable.
"I wouldn't have jumped so quickly to choose my bridal party. I would have taken more time and given it

more thought since I hurt quite a few people in the process. I realize now that out of sheer

excitement, I hastily selected the people who were closest to me at that time, neglecting the people

that were with me for many years before."
Tip: When it comes to picking your bridal party members, give it some time before you contact anyone.

There may be conflicts between who you'd like to ask and who expects you to ask them. You'll want to

identify those problems before you make any announcements. In most cases, it's inevitable that you'll

have to do some damage control, but you'll most likely feel better if you ask after having thought long

and hard about your choices.
About the Planning
"We wouldn't have done DIY invitations. The amount of money we saved just wasn't worth the time it took

us to make them."
Tip: It's important to understand the nature of the projects that you're taking on before you or your

loved ones commit to something you ultimately just won't want to finish.
"I would have hired a day-of coordinator. It got irritating when people would ask questions like,

'Where should I put the extra programs?' after the ceremony."
Tip: The one thing most brides don't get on their wedding day is a break. If you want to enjoy

individual moments more and deal with questions and disasters less, hiring day-of help should be a high

priority on your to-do list. The quality time you'll gain is well worth the fee.

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Wedding Planning: Confessions of Wedding Planners

Your wedding coordinator is there to design your day, keep your bridal party and vendors on schedule,

avert disasters and do it all with a smile. And while her job may look like a lot of fun, it's not all

wine and roses. In fact, there are some things she'd like you to know, but she doesn't have the heart

to tell you (or she's afraid you'll fire her if she did!). Here, big names in the biz dish their dirty

little secrets. (Sorry, we're not going to tell you who said what...we're not gossips!)
We'd like to tell you we're not your personal slaves.
Of course your planner should make sure things go smoothly on your wedding day, but if you're expecting

her to cater to your every whim for months leading up to the main event, you've got another thing

coming. "I once had a bride tell me (in a bossy tone, no less) that she planned to use me as her

assistant. She wound up driving all of my assistants crazy!" says one wedding coordinator. The guys are

guilty of mistreating the planners too. "A groom made us carry out all of the rehearsal dinner gifts to

the cars -- in the pouring rain," says another. And yet another was tasked with keeping an eye on all

the kids in a separate room from the reception. "Hello, just hire a babysitter!" she suggests. Your

planner can't make sure things go as they should if she's changing diapers and soothing crying kids!

Appalled by these stories? So are we. So don't be those brides, k?
We don't want you to make us do your dirty work.
Weddings are hotbeds for every kind of sticky social situation, but it's not your planner's job to

handle interpersonal challenges -- and they hate it when you try to make it their business. "One

bride's brother had me apologize to his girlfriend during the reception because 'and guest' was written

on their escort card," says one planner. "It wasn't even my fault! She and the brother had broken up

when we sent the calligrapher the names." Says another planner, "A bride asked me to drive to a

bridesmaid's house and bring her to the wedding if she didn't show up to the ceremony on time. I was so

relieved when she arrived." A planner can't whip a renegade bridesmaid into shape, so don't bother

putting her in the middle.
We won't always tell you the whole truth.
Occasionally, especially on your wedding day, your planner may hide something from you. But it's only

to keep you happy: "One of my brides wanted a top baker's signature sugar flowers on her cake. When the

cake arrived, I figured out that it was covered in fresh blooms instead of faux ones," says one

planner. "I was worried I'd upset the bride if I told her the truth, so I just nodded and smiled as she

fawned over the 'sugar flowers.'" Or she may tell you the truth...eventually. "At one wedding, the

couple ran out of alcohol. I picked some up without them knowing. When they got back from the

honeymoon, I told them what happened and how much they owed me." If these stories scare you, they

shouldn't. On your wedding day, the less you know about what's not quite ideal, the better. The brides

who say their weddings went off without a hitch aren't lying, but most likely, they just had planners

who protected them from any problems that arose.
We actually want you to make your own decisions.
While flexible brides can be a planner's dream, indecisive ones can be her worst nightmare. Your

planner can offer suggestions until she's blue in the face, but ultimately, most choices have to be

yours; otherwise, you won't be happy with the outcome -- or your planner (and she knows that). "Some

clients can't make a single decision without us! I had a mother of the bride email me asking what kind

of shoes she should wear with her silver wedding shower outfit. We're not fashion consultants outside

of the wedding day!" says one planner. Just like you wouldn't call your local deli for advice when

you're at home making yourself a sandwich, don't pester your planner for off-topic help. And have your

own opinion for on-topic things.
You're not the center of our universe.
Yes, you're important to your planner, but you're far from her only bride, even if it seems that way

from the personal attention she gives you on the phone and during your appointments. Besides other

clients, she likely has a family! Dragging your coordinator to more than four meetings per type of

vendor you're trying to hire is taking advantage of her. "Many brides will ask me to meet bakers and

caterers that they have no plans to book," says one planner. "I'll usually visit a few vendors with the

couple, and if the first ones we met with didn't work out, I'm happy to recommend others. But going to

a vendor just to get a free tasting is a waste of my and the vendor's time and money."
Sometimes, you do irk us.
No matter how talented your planner is, at some point, she's probably going to share an idea that you

don't like -- or, more accurately, that you think is flat-out awful. But telling her you "just hate it"

won't get you any closer to what you want, and it can (to put it delicately) piss her off. Coordinators

have feelings too, and getting married isn't your free pass to be rude to whomever you want. Yes,

planners have to develop a thick skin (after all, they deal with picky brides all day), but being

disrespectful because you think they're used to it isn't okay. "If an email comes across as annoying,

or if it's asking a question that I've already answered 10 times before, I'll take my time getting back

to that client." And that doesn't make her a bad coordinator. Aren't you much more likely to give your

favorite vendors exactly what they need when they need it, rather than the pain-in-the-butt ones who

won't leave you alone?