TO-DO LIST

Congratulations on your decision to get married! You received your marriage license when you applied but you cannot use it before the effective date! Your license becomes effective at 6 a.m. on the second calendar day after the issue date, and will expire 6 months later. Your license can only be used in Prince George’s County.

If you lose your marriage license while it is still valid, we can replace it for an additional fee of $10.

If you are being married by a member of the clergy, take the license and these instructions to that person before your wedding day. The clergy person will complete the required information and give you the completed license after the ceremony. Although you needed your Social Security numbers for the application, that information will not be included on your marriage license.

Best wishes for a happy and successful life together!
Mahasin El AminT

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Timeline - Caterer's

2:30 - Vendor arrivals

4:00 - Guest arrivals

4:00 - Cocktail Hour - Drinks & Appetizers

4:54 - Guests invited to take their seats

5:00 - Introductions

5:05 - First Dance

5:10 - Blessing over Food

5:15 - Dinner Service

5:45 - Speeches - 3 speakers

6:15 - Father/Daughter Dance

7:45 - Cake Cutting

9:00 - Reception Ends

10:00 - Vendors Out

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Set up and Pack up

SET UP NOTES

Entrance

· Welcome Sign

· Unplugged Sign

· Welcome Table Items

Ceremony

· Reserved Signs

· Programs – Basket or on chairs

· Unity Candle/Sand; Wine Box; Other

· Aisle Runner

· Repurpose Items

Cocktail Hour

· Décor

· Signature Drink Signs

· Place Cards/Seating Chart

· Other signage

Reception

· Guest Book

· Table Numbers

· Menu Cards

· Card Holder Box

· Memorial Table

· Cake Table

o Cake Knife/Server

o Cake Topper

· Sweetheart Table

o Vase for bouquet

o Toasting Glasses

o Signs

PACK UP NOTES

o Who will take personal items, leftover cake, leftover favors, gifts, card box etc?

o Need designated cars:

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Tipping the Vendors

You just thought "I have to tip the vendors, aren't I paying enough!" Below are proper guidelines regarding tipping, so here goes!

All tips should be given in cash in envelopes clearly marked for each vendor.
No one/single person should get more the $150 (example: shuttle bus costs $2,000 - tip would be $200-$300. $150 is all that is required.)
Tips should be given just before your vendor leaves so that you already know the job they did for you.
All vendors would love a thank you call or a review on the website of their choice - it helps them book future clients!

Altar boys/girls -- $10-$15 each.
Limo drivers -- 10-15% of the limo bill (some limo companies include the gratuity on the contract, but it is still appropriate to give the individual driver $25-$50 for a job well done. The tip they receive from their employer gets taxed!)
Valet parking / Restroom / Coat attendants -- 50-cents to $1.00 per attendant. Prearrange the amount based on your estimated guests. Post a sign for your guests that gratuity has been taken care of.
Wait staff -- If tip is not included in the contract, 15% of the total catering bill, before taxes.
Bartenders -- 10% of the total liquor bill, presented to the head bartender or divided equally among them (if this is not included in the contract.).
Makeup Artist / Hair Stylist -- If they travel to you, no tip is necessary. If you go to a salon, tip them 15%.
DJ - If your DJ owns the company, the tip is optional. If the DJ is an employee, tip them $50-$100. If you have two DJs, divide the tip between the two in separate envelopes.
Business Owners - you don't need to tip them unless they've done an outstanding job for you.
Ceremony / Reception Musicians -- $5-$10/hr. per person. One lump sum given the person in charge.
Banquet or Catering Manager -- don't need to be tipped unless they've thrown in extras or save you hundreds on your bill. The tip would be between $50-$100.
Photographer / Videographer -- If they own the company, the tip is optional. If employees, $50 goes to the main photographer / videographer and he/she can split with the assistant.
Photo Booth – If they own the company, the tip is optional. If employees, $50 goes to each attendant.
Officiant -- To tip them is to demean their professional and extremely bad etiquette. You may make a contribution to the church.
Florist -- $5 per delivery location or $10-$20 per staff member. One lump sum for set-up and delivery.
Wedding Cake Baker -- $10 at time of delivery to the delivery person.
Your Wedding Coordinator -- If the coordinator owns the company, no tip is necessary unless they have gone the extra mile to help you (10% of fee charged).. A tip of $50 is appropriate for their assistant.
Your Wedding Planner -- This person has planned your wedding from beginning to end - an appropriate tip would be 10% of the fee they charged you.

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6-8 weeks to go ...

You're getting close ... Mail out those invitations! Have a game plan for recording RSVPs and meal choices. We recommend an Excel spreadsheet and can provide a template if you need one.

· Touch base with vendors to confirm the date, deposits, details, and balances due.

· Finalize your florals with your Florist and/or decorations with your Decorator.

· Research marriage license requirements and name-change paperwork. Your marriage license must be in the county or city you're getting married in.

· Begin your dress fittings. Be sure to buy the appropriate undergarments beforehand.

· So you think you can't dance? Consider taking a dance lesson with your fiance' - a good way to break in your bridal shoes! I have an amazing choreographer!

· Give your wedding party a nudge - make sure they've ordered all necessary attire.

· Write thank you cards for shower gifts and any early wedding gifts received.

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3-5 weeks to go ...

Send out rehearsal dinner invitations. If your get-together will be informal, feel free to send an Evite.

· Finalize and confirm:

1. Wedding vows and readings and ceremony format with your Officiant.

2. Set up a final appointment with your photographer//videographer to go over your photo list and timeline.

3. Discuss a rain plan with the photographer/videographer if your photos are outside.

4. Set up a final appointment with your DJ or Band Leader to go over your song lists for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Go over the timeline. Involve your Planner-Coordinator.

5. Confirm who is giving the welcome speech(es), toasts, and timing.

6. Confirm wedding night and honeymoon accommodations.

· Obtain marriage license and complete name-change documents, if applicable. Remember that your marriage license must be obtained in the county or city in which you're getting married.

· Pick up your wedding rings and proofread any engraving!

· If you're the traditional type, do you have something old, new, borrowed, or blue?

· Purchase your guest book, toasting flutes, cake servers, unity candle, gift card box, and all that good stuff.

· Buy gifts (optional) for the wedding party and parents of the wedding couple.

· Have your final dress fitting. Be sure to take your shoes and your accessories for the full impact.

· Call whoever hasn't RSVP'd yet.

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1-2 weeks to go ...

· Give your caterer the final guest count.

· Number your tables on the floor plan and arrange seating.

· Send caterer and your coordinator your guest list with corresponding table numbers and meal choices. Indicate kids meal and any dietary restrictions.

· Print Place Cards or Seating Chart.

· Pick up your gown.

· Confirm with your coordinator and finalize the timeline. She will send it to your vendors.

· Your coordinator will have an emergency kit but will not always be with you. Put together your own kit.

1. Safety pins

2. Bobby pins

3. Band-aids

4. Floss

5. Hairspray

6. Deodorant

7. Tampons or pads

8. Pain reliever

9. Antacids

10. Baby powder

11. Hand lotion

12. Sunscreen

13. Bug spray

14. Tweezers

15. Static guard

16. Portable phone charger

17. Tissues

18. Small Mirror

19. Small snacks (like granola bars or crackers)

20. Blister balm - this works well on your feet for uncomfortable shoes!

21. Scissors (small)

22. Mints

23. Hair ties

24. Lip balm

25. Makeup for touchups

26. Small sewing kit.

27. Dress weights if getting married in a windy climate or if high winds are predicted for an oudoor ceremony.

· Make sure to have a rain plan in place if your ceremony and/or reception are outdoors.

· Start packing for your honeymoon.

· Now is the time for a facial or massage

· Pay any outstanding balances.

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The week of ...

· Leave guest bags at the hotel

· Have your Mani/Pedi

· Pack up boxes or bins or your personal set up items for your coordinator. You should pack all items for the ceremony in a box labeled Ceremony, all items for the cocktail hour in box labeled Cocktail Hour, all items for the reception in a box labeled Reception. Misc. items such as welcome signs, or backdrops speak for themselves and placement will have been discussed ahead of time.

· Delegate and designate who will drop of the boxes at the venue.

· Figure out tips. Put cash in clearly marked envelopes and them to your coordinator to distribute. Ask me for our suggested Tip Sheet.

· Arrange for someone to return the tuxes and rental items, such as cake stands, etc.

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The day before ...

· If your rehearsal dinner is scheduled the night before your wedding, keep your drinking to a minimal to avoid discomfort and drooping eyes the next day.

· Make sure all wedding-day items are packed and ready to go! Don't forget the rings and marriage license.

· Go to bed early and get your beauty sleep!

· Be excited - you're about to marry the love of your life!!

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Your wedding day!

· Allow plenty of time to get ready.

· Do the rounds at your wedding -- greet everyone and thank them for coming to celebrate with you and your spouse.

· Take a deep breath - stop to appreciate your new spouse and the day you spent so much time planning!

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After the honeymoon / Back to reality ...

· Write and send thank you cards. (Don't procrastinate).

· Complete your registry and exchange any unwanted or duplicate gifts.

· Have your wedding dress cleaned and preserved by a reputable company.

· Keep in touch with your Photographer/Videographer to work on albums, DVDs, etc.

· Be sure to give your vendors a 5-star review if you believe they deserve it! They rely on their clients for referrals and reviews help future brides and grooms in their selection.

· Enjoy wedded bliss!

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