“Simply Elegant Wedding Planner”

Begin using your planner by first taking the “How Formal?” questionnaire and filling out the worksheets. You and your groom can do this together to come up with an overall theme that you feel will represent the two of you.

When you have finished with that, think about who you would like to include in your bridal party, bridesmaids, ushers, ring bearer and flower girl. Keep in mind, that while a formal wedding can include as many bridesmaids as you like, an informal wedding should not have more than 12.

The next very important item is to consider your budget. Think long and hard about what you can afford without having to start your married life in unnecessary debt. If your family/families are going to make financial contributions it is important to get a commitment for a real dollar amount so that you can figure your total budget accordingly. Some cultures have traditions such as gifting items for the wedding or sponsoring specific things. Be sure that you are also aware of these gifts and the amounts that both you and them are expecting to contribute. Vague statements like, “We’ll pay for the

reception”, while nice are not helpful. Your Dad’s idea of cake and punch in the church fellowship hall will require much less cash than your idea of a sit down dinner and dancing at the “Hotel Ritzy”. When someone offers to pay for something, just ask them what dollar amount they feel comfortable with contributing.

Each section of the “Simply Elegant Wedding Planner” is arranged in the order of “What comes first”, next, next and so on. The only exception is the section on hiring a wedding consultant which is included under the miscellaneous tab. If you intend to hire a consultant/planner, you should do so early in the planning process so that he/she can help you through the other stages of planning.

Every tab includes suggested questions for the vendors you will be speaking with, followed by a contact page for you to use when you are interviewing them further. Since you will probably be talking with more than one vendor in each category, multiple pages have been provided along with blank note pages in each section for other thoughts and ideas about your special day. As you make your final decisions and selections in each category and make your deposits for those vendors, feel free to discard the other pages for you will no longer need them.

Last but certainly not least included are checklists for your Budget items and one for your Finalized choices and payment record (this one is located in the back of the book). You will also find 2 envelopes: one to help you keep your receipts in and track expenses and the other one for pictures that you like of anything (i.e.: dresses, cakes, flowers, etc.). With these final items I want it to be easy and helpful for you to keep track of all the aspects of getting ready for your wedding.

Finally…. ENJOY your wedding planning process and your engagement time. Do not let the wedding preparations get in the way of enjoying this time with your fiancé, family and friends. Be sure to take time out for dates with your beloved and time with your bridesmaids where you just enjoy each other without discussing the wedding at all. Our hope is that this book will make your planning time as easy as possible and that you will have the wedding of your dreams.