So You're engaged - Planning count down

Weddings by A Memory Lane Event - Pink Posey Designs

So you're engaged, follow up for planning needs.

What, when and where should you be doing items to ensure that your wedding is planned for the best success?

12 months before the wedding day

Engagements with A Memory Lane Event, wedding planner, Denver CO

• Announce your engagement,
• Choose a wedding theme & style,
• Work out a basic budget,
• Determine the # of guests,
• Look through magazines & on line for attire & decor ideas
• Meet with 2-3 wedding consultants to make sure that you choose the one that you like & personality similarity's
• If you decide to plan on your own, so not advised, research wedding pro's i.e. photographer's, videographer's, location(s), bakeries, DJ's, bands, and more.... set up appointments to meet them & listen or visit

11 months prior

• Select a wedding consultant to meet & discuss details, pay deposit to hold services
• determine theme & decor scheme for ceremony, cocktail hour & reception
• Meet with several caterers', arrange tastings
• select & book caterer by paying deposit
• reserve musicians for ceremony, cocktail hour & reception by paying deposits and make music selections of "must hear"
• Book wedding photographer, videographer, - pay deposits for both
• Research & interview florists
• Select & reserve your ceremony site or venue and schedule the rehearsal; pay deposit
• Choose reception venue and pay deposit 
• Secure parking for all guests and/or transportation for your out of town guests to/ from ceremony site & reception if far from hotel; pay deposit
• visit local bridal stores & browse selection for your perfect gown or gown(s)
• Choose your wedding party and ask them to participate in your special day
• determine your honeymoon budget
• mail save the date notices to all guests & especially if a destination wedding

10 months before wedding Day  

• select and order your wedding gown(s)
• if your ceremony or reception is to be held outside at a park and some other locations, acquire necessary permits.
• Discuss attendants duties with maid of honor & bridesmaids

 

9 months before wedding day

• Register for gifts
• coordinate with vendors to incorporate your theme/style into all aspects of your wedding 
• decide on the food and liquor to be served at your reception
• prepare a play-list of wedding ceremony & reception musical selections
• select and order your headpiece, veil, gloves & shoes
• Confirm order of & delivery dates for your wedding attire
• research airline & rental car reservations for guests
• locate decor company to assemble, set up & take down decor on wedding day at ceremony & reception.  Ensure that they have outside labor to handle your needs.  Pay deposit.

8 months before wedding day

• Go to first gown fitting, invite maid of honor or bring your professional planner
• choose & order bridesmaids dresses & accessories
• research a variety of wedding ring styles
• select florist, discuss wedding theme & style, pay deposit

7 months before wedding day

• Review and finalize your wedding details with consultant
• Notify bridesmaids about dress fittings
• Discuss attire with groomsmen and make referrals to local formal wear store
• Select attire for flower girl(s) and ring bearer
• Determine the design, wording, font & paper stock for your wedding invites, stationary, table cards & thank you's, finalize order & pay deposit
• Arrange a printer or hie a calligrapher for invites & table cards
• Determine order of ceremony events and choose wording for programs
• Negotiate rates and book a block of hotel rooms for out of town guests
• select and order your wedding rings
• Purchase bridal accessories; i.e. jewelry, lingerie and so on
• Choose and order something fun or guests to throw after your ceremony - pay attention to requirements at facility

6 months before your wedding day

• review and approve proofs of invites & stationary
• discuss the type of honeymoon you want, start by doing research on different locations and consult a travel agent

5 months before your wedding day

• Order table cards, place print order for programs
• taste a variety of wedding cakes and select a baker, place cake order & arrange for delivery - pay deposit
•  Make reservations for rehearsal dinner & select menu; pay deposit

4 months before wedding day

• Prepare entire list of addresses for invites and get to calligrapher
• choose wedding viws
• have groom or partner try on tuxedos
• Purchase groom or partners tuxedo
• Purchase groom or partner's wedding day accessories
• Make honeymoon reservations and place all depoists
• If you plan to have a pre-nupt. Schedule appt's with attorneys 

3 months before your wedding day

• Review & approve wedding announcement & printed programs
• book venue or secure reservations of post brunch, pay depoist
• discuss bachelorette & bachelor party plans with attendants
• plan your bridesmaids' luncheon or dinner
• make appointment with stylist for hair and make-up to discuss your desires for your wedding day
• Create hotel information cards and maps to include with invitations

Colorado weddings with Jennifer Lane A Memory Lane Event

2 months before your wedding day

• Secure a wedding day dressing room for your bridesmaids
• weigh and purchase postage for and mail invitations
• go to final gown fitting; arrange for pick up or delivery of
• Have grooms or partner's formal wear fitted
• Discuss attendants gifts
• arrange transportation for bride, groom & party to, from ceremony, reception
• If you decided to plan your wedding day, locate a "day of" coordinator to relieve your stress by handling the details on the day of 

6 weeks before your wedding day

• Send rehearsal dinner invitations
• write thank you notes as your receive gifts
• confirm music selections (play list's) with musicians &/or DJ
• Select menu for post wedding day brunch
• purchase a gift for your finance
• shop for wedding favors
• purchase honeymoon clothing, luggage & accessories
• go for practice hairstyling & make up run appointment

4 weeks before your wedding day

• Confirm floral order & arrange for delivery
• Meet with ushers & assign duties
• discuss the details of your ceremony with officiant
• determine the placement or distribution of programs at the ceremony venue 
• arrange for preparation, storage and break areas for musicians/ DJ at the reception venue 
• Determine seating arrangements for guests 
• schedule wedding day appointment for hair & make up
• Schedule manicure & pedicure for the day before the wedding 
• finalize details with photographer & videographer 
• finalize honeymoon plans & confirm all reservations
• arrange for transportation to and from the airport 
• post announcement and photo on your website 
• arrange for table card set up at reception venue 
• schedule pick up and return of groom's formal wear if you didn't buy            

• 3 weeks before your wedding
• finalize list of ceremony & reception guests
• give the final head count to caterer & review details
• arrange for delivery of flowers and other decorations on the big day & ensure that you have outside labor arranged to install and take down after reception
• Call anyone who hasn't responded to invite with the RSVP card

• 1 week before your wedding day
• Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements
• start packing for your honey moon
• pick up your dress 

Colorado weddings with A Memory Lane Event

 Wedding Day  

• Eat a good breakfast
• attend hair style & make up appointment
• continue to drink water & stay hydrated 
• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready
• relax & enjoy your self

 Post Wedding 3 days to a week after

• Arrange for transport of gifts
• have family or friends mail announcements

After honeymoon

• Take wedding gown & veil to a dry cleaner who specializes in gown preservation
• submit name change forms for driver's license, passport, social security card, state & federal tax boards, banks, credit cards and so on.

Now if this list of things to do seems just ridiculous to you, then you really need a wedding planner & coordinator. Make your selection wisely, not all planners & coordinators are the same.  Some handle most of this list for you, while others, just give advice.

Such as when you work with A Memory Lane Event & Wedding based in Denver, we handle almost 90% of this list in the first two appointments which take 2-3 hours. Then we design the entire wedding ceremony, reception & additional parties completely around the two of you and what you've told us that your desires are for your wedding day. Shortly after your second appointment with us you have your entire wedding ceremony through post bridal brunch with pricing, decor and pictures of every detail based upon your style & budget in your hand.  You pick & choose & we tweak to make it perfect.  When you sign the dotted line, you know how much your dream wedding will be for every aspect and have a payment plan to make it a reality.

You only have these items that you have to do..... 

• Choose your wedding party and ask them to participate in your special day
• Work out a basic budget for wedding & honeymoon,
• Determine the # of guests for ceremony & reception, 
• Visit local bridal stores & browse selection for your perfect gown or gown(s)
• Select and order your wedding gown(s) and Groom or Partner's attire
• Prepare a play-list of wedding ceremony & reception musical selections
• Select and order your headpiece, veil, gloves & shoes
• Select your rings
• Review and approve proofs of invites, stationary, table cards etc.
• Attend tastings of caterer, specialty foods i.e. custom chocolate truffles, and cakes
• Attend meeting with floral & decor designer to see your wedding items
• Attend engagement photo session
• Attend all the parties in your honor during the engagement period 
• Submit name change forms for driver's license, passport, social security card, state & federal tax boards, banks, credit cards and so on when back from your honeymoon.  

We handle all of the other things on this list so you can have fun & enjoy your engagement, wedding day & honeymoon.  We look forward to hearing from you. 

Price Shopping for vendors

Colorado weddings with Jennifer Lane, A Memory Lane Event

We came across this post/ blog on Linked In & thought that our readers would be interested in reading it, so here it is.  We've kept the links to those who read the posts.  Of course you already know that our 19 almost 20 years of experience and the fact that everything we do for our clients is completely customized for them.  But here are some additional thoughts for those who do price shopping.  The best price, isn't always the best bang for your buck. You know the saying, "You get what you pay for...."

Brian Harris • Great blog! 

Colorado weddings with Jennifer Lane, A Memory Lane Event

Destination weddings with A Memory Lane Event

When deciding what you will charge for whatever it is that you are offering - especially when it comes to SERVICE....charge what you are worth, and charge a professional fee. Just because 20 other similar business are charging X amount, doesn't mean you have to charge that amount, especially if it's lower than you want to charge.

How much time have you invested in your business? Have you invested money into your business? Do you invest money into your business, or your own talents/knowledge so that you can give your clients/customers a better service? Do you do this full time? Do you WANT to do this full time? What makes you different? What's your USP (Unique Selling Proposition)??? Why should someone hire you over the other guys?

There are customers for all of us. Even if you are the more expensive of your kind in your area, that doesn't mean you won't still "sell" yourself / product.

Bottom line - convey your value, and they will pay whatever it takes to have you (if service related, like my line of work - Wedding Master of Ceremonies / DJ)

DO NOT undercut others in your area just to get the sale. That's slimy and brings down the status quo.

Stephanie & Jeff Padovani • Brian, you are right on!

It's really tempting to blame the under-cutting amateur wedding vendors or brides who don't know any better, but it's really up to US to convey our value so that it's undeniable.

I can understand why some wedding vendors feel pressured to lower their prices to book the wedding, but it only makes this challenge worse for the entire wedding industry.

Colorado weddings with A Memory Lane Event

Meghan Ely • @Kostantina

Great questions and I actually asked Shayna to comment back. Here's what she had to say:

First, we all understand that the horrible economy has put extra pressure on everyone. And no one is saying if a great client comes along who you just have to work with that you can’t cut one particular person a deal (there is going to be a couple, or a wedding, or a facility who every one of us wants to work with that will be worth some kind of sacrifice for some greater end). But you can’t make bargain prices a sustainable business plan unless you’re willing to be Wal-Mart and work on volume – and frankly, very few of our businesses will sustain those kind of hours for that kind of margin for very long (not to mention it’s a terrible thing to brag about “I’m cheapest, so I work all the time”.

If you have created a sustainable business model during normal economic times, you should be able to do some or all of the following to get through the worst times:

- Diversify within your field: maybe you have to expand your geographic range, or learn something about multi-cultural weddings that you can apply that you didn’t before. I’m not saying co-opt other people’s roles, but where else could you be finding your own clients that you aren’t looking now.
- Partner up – use the slow times to go out and meet everybody. Meet your peers within your local area who offer services that are complimentary to your own. Meet people all over the world who do the same thing you do. Find out what kind of healthy strategies they are using to get by. Network like your job depends on it, because it just might.
- Be creative – if you need to appeal to a lower price point, then develop an appropriate service for that price point. Make a sales push on hourly consultations in blocks of hours (for example, charge $75 per hour, but with a 4 hour minimum) – make it an entry level way to attain the services of a professional like yourself. Then work your tail off during those hours to prove exactly how valuable you can be. These are good additions to base packages to boost income and demonstrate to clients how an investment with you is worth their money.


Just don’t give away your time and services (unless it’s a charitable donation of course). They are really worth something. If you truly cannot sustain a business during this economic period and still value yourself sufficiently, then maybe, at least temporarily, it’s time to admit that it’s not working out. Maybe while you’re waiting out the worst times you need to look into part-time employment. It would be a great opportunity to learn even a basic skill in some other part of the industry (wait tables as a banquet server, deliver for a flower shop, etc.).

Finally, if you’re not taking complete advantage of the free opportunities for marketing, then it’s way too early to shout “economy”. Are you blogging 2 – 3 times per week, minimum? Are you guest blogging regularly and at every opportunity? Are you making it easy for your peers and colleagues (especially venues) to refer you to the right customers by giving them all of the information they need to sound knowledgeable about your services? Are you continuing your education (doesn’t always require a big investment – lots of workshops available, and tons of great information online)? Are you reaching out at every opportunity you have to say “this is what I’m good at and this is why you need me?”

Colorado weddings with A Memory Lane Event

If not, you have not yet begun to fight. Going “cheaper” is the easy way out – and an easy way to burn out.

Dina Eisenberg • Meghan, thanks for sharing Shayna. I see what you mean- she's a sparkplug!

I agree with her that there are many ways to combat the economy that will ultimately grow your wedding business much faster when things turn around. So, to her wonderful list I'd add:

Recognize Your True Value
Just because something that you normally do is easy for you doesn't mean it's not valuable to your brides. For example, I was born with a calm voice. I didn't train for that but my clients tell me that talking with me helps them relax and feel less anxious. Some of that is my good advice, some my presence. What part of you are you overlooking when you consider your value? Don't know? Ask your family, friends and peers one question: Give me 3 words you'd use to describe me to someone? Now you have something very unique that can attract brides who are searching for just your kind of presence.

Who Pays for What?

Who Pays for What?

 Below are some of the more traditional guidelines that you can adopt or modify to suit your particular needs. The itemization also provides a check list of matters that may require attention in your wedding preparations. Historically, the bride and/or her family have assumed the majority of the wedding related expense. The more modern approach allows for division of costs between the couple and/or both sets of parents. Note: Usually, the attendants will pay for their attire. If not, the bride will assume the expense of her attendants and the groom for his.

BRIDE/BRIDE’S FAMILY

• Engagement Party: Bride OR groom's family plans and hosts.
• Wedding dress, headpiece and accessories.
• Lingerie.
• Invitations, personal notes and mailing expense.
• Wedding programs.
• Napkins/Matches/Printed items.
• Guest book.
• Groom’s wedding ring.
• Groom’s gift.
• Father of bride formal wear.
• Bridesmaid gifts.
• Bridesmaids' bouquets.
• Bridal brunch.
• Grandmother corsages.
• Church fee.
• Ceremony/Reception flowers.
• Ceremony rentals. (arches, candelabras, chairs, etc.)
• Wedding breakfast.
• Reception hall & rentals.
• Reception favors, cameras.
• Catering.
• Music - Ceremony & Reception.
• Photographic and videographic expense.
• Transportation for the wedding party.
• Wedding consultant’s fee.
• Accommodations for out-of-town bride’s attendants and guests.
• 
  

GROOM/GROOM’S FAMILY

• Engagement Party: Bride OR groom's family plans and hosts.
• Bride’s rings.
• Groom’s wedding attire.
• Flowers for the bride’s bouquet, corsages for the mothers and grandmothers.
• Groom's boutonniere.
• Groomsmen & Usher's boutonnieres.
• Father of groom formal wear.
• Gloves/Ties/Ascots for attendants.
• Gifts for the bride, best man, groomsmen and ushers.
• Rehearsal dinner.
• Marriage license.
• Clergyman/Officiant Fee
• Limousine for bride & groom.
• Groom's cake.
• Alcohol at reception.
• Honeymoon.
• Accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen, ushers and guests.

ATTENDANTS/USHERS/BRIDAL PARTY

• Wedding gift for the couple.
• Maid of Honor Gown. (Maid of Honor)
• Bridesmaid's Gowns. (Bridesmaid's)
• Bachelor-(ette) party. (Maid Honor & Bridesmaid's)
• Bachelor party. (Best Man & Groomsmen)
• Best Man Formal Wear. (Best Man)
• Car decorations. (Best Man)
• Groomsmen's Formal Wear. (Groomsmen)
• Usher's Formal Wear. (Ushers)
• Children's Formal Wear (Children's Parents)
• Travel costs.

Now of course this is the traditional pricing structure.  Today, pretty much anything goes. However, some couples still like to be traditional.


In love of planning,

Jennifer Lane,
A Memory Lane event & Wedding, based in Denver Colo.

We plan & coordinate in Denver, all of Colorado, any U.S. or International Destination.

• Are you planning an event or a wedding?
• Are you stressed, confused &/or overwhelmed?
• Do you have too little time to devote to your event or wedding?
• Do you want to plan the event or wedding of your dreams?
• Are you looking for a unique and custom event or wedding,designed around your personality, style, and budget?
• Are you wanting to have the event or wedding of the year that will be the talk of the town for years to come?
• Are you unsure of where to begin or how to pull it all together?

Imagine having your dazzling dream event or wedding, unparalleled in style with a quality...

I have great news for you! You don’t have to imagine this any longer, because the event or wedding that you having been dream about until now is absolutely within reach!   You can absolutely have the event or wedding that is uniquely yours, an event or wedding that is customized to your inspirations and desires right down to the very last detail, and an event or wedding that truly embodies your style and your personality.  We are here to help your inspirations become a reality!

I’m Jennifer Lane, of A Memory Lane Event & Wedding and I want to help you create the wedding you have dreamed of but never really knew if you could create it... we are going to have so much fun in the process!

Regardless of if you are interested in full service wedding planning, coordinating and design, wedding day management and consultations... we, meaning myself and team of 16 have several options to suit your needs perfectly.  Reduce your stress, free up your time and save yourself money by hiring a professional planner & coordinator who has the expertise and 19 years experience to show you how to have the wedding of your wildest dreams!

Visit our website for more information as to how A Memory Lane Event & Wedding can assist you in having the event or wedding of your dreams.  Complimentary initial consultations at night and on the weekends when you are available. 

Click here to visit our website  Click here to see pictures of our work.  Click here to read an interview with Jennifer Lane, Head event planner/coordinator & decor, floral designer at A Memory Lane Event.  Want to schedule a complimentary appointment? Email us here.

A Memory Lane Event & Wedding is Your Easy Button for all Special Occasions....Worldwide

You're engaged - What should you do first?

Make the Announcement

• Inform parents & family first
• Place your announcement in the newspaper, if you live in a small town.  If you live in a big city.  It's not necessary.

Together share your dreams for the day

Share ideas & your vision for your wedding day together.  Below are some starter points for your discussion

1. small & simple, what we call Sweet & Simply Stated, of medium size and quality, which is what we call Afford-ably Elegant, or large or a real blow out party, which is what we call High Style Glam.  
2. a local location or a destination such as another country or a beach
3. Large wedding party or a single attendant
4. Traditional vows or write your own
5. What are the most important details that you want to have present in your day?

Your finance should be a part of this discussion, as it is their day too.  Your finance should also be a part of this following discussion.

Budget - Talk Money.

1. Know what you have to spend before you start planning.  The bride's parents rarely pick up the full tab, so decide on your spending limit.  check with both sets of parents to find out if and what they are willing to contribute to your big day.
2. Watch your guest list.  Wedding size determines where and how much the party will cost.  It is easy for the guest list to grow beyond your means.  (Her family, His family, family friends, work associates and the list goes on and on.)
3. Create a notebook with a section for each area of your wedding.  Put your budgeted amount for that area at the top and keep deducting as you add services.  Suggested areas are listed below.

• Ring(s)
• Wedding Planner
• Invitations
• Ceremony site & officiate
• Wedding attire
• Flowers
• Photography and Video-grapher
• Music for both ceremony & reception
• Reception venue
• Reception meal & beverages
• Bridal Party & parent gifts

Decision Time

Soon after you announce your engagement and a minimum of 9-12 months ahead of your target month for the wedding, the first major wedding decision needs to be made.  Select a wedding consultant. You will want to meet with each potential wedding consultant.  Make sure that the person or company who you will be working with shares your dream for your special day and is not trying to force you into whatever program they are trying to promote.  This person will be the most important partner you have in making your dreams for your wedding day come true, taking much of the stress of the wedding event off you freeing you to enjoy the day with your guest.  Your working relationship will be one of the biggest factors in your retaining peace of mind from the start of the planning until the last guest is gone, through through the return of your honeymoon.

Ceremony Site
If you're considering local locations, it is time to bring your dream and reality together.  If you are looking at an outdoor site, ensure the site has a contingency plan that works for you as regardless of the date, the weather is unpredictable.  If the site doesn't have a contingency plan, then your planner & coordinator should develop one that you're satisfied with.

If you're considering a destination wedding, you will want to consider the cost to ensure that everyone you want to be a part of your special day can afford to be there.  Regardless of the location you decide to go with, you will want to get your date on the site calendar as many of the most popular dates will be snapped up quickly.

Reception
Match the reception venue to the size and style of the reception you want.  You want to ensure that the location is large enough to comfortable fit not only the number of guests expected, but for reception activities that are an important part of your special occasion.  Your wedding planner & coordinator will be a great resource in providing these suggestions.  From quaint hotels, historic home, parks, or aquarium's you want the site that works for you & fits your style.  Allow time to visit your top options before making a final decision.

What does a planner & coordinator do?

A Memory Lane Event & Wedding

based in Denver Colo. 

We plan & coordinate dazzling events & weddings in Denver, all of Colorado, any U.S. or International Destination of diamond quality for 19 years.   We can help you too.  No event or wedding is cookie cutter.  We want your fun personality & style to shine through every detail.

• Are you planning an event or a wedding?
• Are you stressed, confused &/or overwhelmed?
• Do you have too little time to devote to your event or wedding?
• Do you want to plan the event or wedding of your dreams?
• Are you looking for a unique and custom event or wedding,designed around your personality, style, and budget?
• Are you wanting to have the event or wedding of the year that will be the talk of the town for years to come?
• Are you unsure of where to begin or how to pull it all together?

Imagine having your dazzling dream event or wedding, unparalleled in style with a quality...

Well, I have great news for you! You don’t have to imagine this any longer, because the event or wedding that you having been dream about is absolutely within reach!   You can absolutely have the event or wedding that is uniquely yours, an event or wedding that is customized to your inspirations and desires right down to the very last detail, and an event or wedding that truly embodies your style and your personality.  We are here to help your inspirations become a reality!

I’m Jennifer Lane, of A Memory Lane Event & Wedding and I want to help you create the wedding you have dreamed of but never really knew if you could create... we are going to have so much fun in the process!

Regardless of if you are interested in full service wedding planning, coordinating and design, wedding day management and consultations... we, meaning myself and team of 16 have several options to suit your needs perfectly.  Reduce your stress, free up your time and save yourself money by hiring a professional planner & coordinator who has the expertise and 19 years experience to show you how to have the wedding of your wildest dreams!

Visit our website for more information as to how A Memory Lane Event & Wedding can assist you in having the event or wedding of your dreams.  Complimentary initial consultations at night and on the weekends when you are available. 

Click here to visit our website  Click here to see pictures of our work.  Click here to read an interview with Jennifer Lane, Head event planner/coordinator & decor, floral designer at A Memory Lane Event.  Want to schedule a complimentary appointment? Email us here.

Religion, Tradition, and the wedding Guest

If you’re worried about attending a ceremony in a different religion or culture than your own, don’t worry. You will most likely not being the only “outsider” there, and the primary thing the bride and broom will care about is your presence. These days, a religious wedding ceremony is generally open for those of other faiths to attend, and you can participate in as much or as little as you choose. Religious leaders are accustomed to the fact that there will be people of many faiths attending; thus they generally tend to explain what is happening, and what the congregation is expected to do. If you’re worried that your own religion won’t approve of you attending another worship service, speak with your religious leader. In the event it’s not appropriate for you, you can probably skip the ceremony and attend only the reception.

Here’s a quick rundown of things guests might encounter at a religious wedding:    

Catholic: Most weddings include communion, which is offered only to those who have received their First Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. If you aren’t Catholic, stand so that any Catholics in your row may pass, then sit back down and wait quietly.

Jewish:The wedding service is often in Hebrew, but if you don’t understand the language, try to enjoy the spirit, music, and company around you. Men, no matter what their faith, are generally expected to wear skull caps or yarmulkes inside the synagogue. You’ll most likely find them being given out just outside of the doors.

Muslim:Most Muslims do not have a public ceremony, only a public reception.

Mormon: Most Mormon wedding ceremonies are restricted to only practicing Mormons. Don’t be offended if you aren’t invited to the ceremony.

To add to your comfort level, why not ask the bride and groom to give you a brief outline of what to expect on the day of the wedding. Or, you can read these links for general overviews.

Receiving Line....To Have or Not to Have?



Colorado weddings by A Memory Lane Event

A receiving line of old, usually happened after the ceremony but before the reception. Bride, Groom and wedding party would make a line and all the guests would go down the line to congratulate the bride, groom and bridal party. Some brides and grooms would worry about the line taking up too much time.

If you have a receiving line after the ceremony, check with your officiant, there could be restrictions where the line could form. 

Many of today's weddings opt not to have a receiving line but to use the time during the cocktail hour or after dinner to walk around and great family and guests. Since the bride and groom are the first to receive dinner, they are the first finished. Going around the room to each table is more informal and relaxed way to talk with guests. Take your photographer with you to capture each table with you and the groom. (Guests have more to say when there is not a line of people waiting behind them.)

Event & Wedding Guest Etiquette

Colorado weddings with A Memory Lane Event Jennifer Lane

When your friends or family invite you to a party or invite you to come to their wedding, you know that there are all kinds of etiquette rules that govern their behavior. But did you know there are rules for event & wedding guests too? To ensure that you don't inadvertently commit a faux pas or do anything mistaken at a loved one's event or wedding, follow these simple rules. 

Don't be late! If an invitation says that the festivities will begin at 5, be sure to arrive there by 4:45 so as to give yourself time to find a seat and get settled, especially if the special occasion is a wedding. You wouldn't want to interrupt the processional.

If it is a wedding AVOID taking photographs during the ceremony. Leave that to the professionals and respect the sanctity of the ritual in front of you.

You don't need to bring a gift with you to the wedding. In fact, you have up until a year after the wedding to give a gift.  If you are unable to attend the wedding, it is customary to still send a wedding gift.

Don't bring a date unless your invitation specifically says their name or "+ Guest".  Remember that the cost for each person attending an event or wedding is generally high, so bringing unexpected guests is very impolite. This includes your children or other relatives!



Colorado weddings by A Memory Lane Event

Many ceremonies have parts where the congregation alternately stands and sits. The program or officiant may tell you when to do so; if not, follow the lead of others around you. If you are physically unable to stand, remain quietly seated.

RSVP promptly. The couple will be making many decisions based on the number of people who will be there. Additionally, if you must cancel after you have accepted, do so as soon as possible.

While a wedding is a time to enjoy yourself, no one appreciates a drunk guest embarrassing themselves. Drink alcohol in moderation.

Above all, enjoy yourself, and tell the happy couple that you are so pleased for them.

Receiving Line....To Have or Not to Have?



Colorado weddings by A Memory Lane Event

A receiving line of old, usually happened after the ceremony but before the reception. Bride, Groom and wedding party would make a line and all the guests would go down the line to congratulate the bride, groom and bridal party. Some brides and grooms would worry about the line taking up too much time.

If you have a receiving line after the ceremony, check with your officiant, there could be restrictions where the line could form. Many of today's weddings opt not to have a receiving line but to use the time during the cocktail hour or after dinner to walk around and great family and guests. Since the bride and groom are the first to receive dinner, they are the first finished. Going around the room to each table is more informal and relaxed way to talk with guests. Take your photographer with you to capture each table with you and the groom. (Guests have more to say when there is not a line of people waiting behind them.)

Religion, Tradition, and the wedding Guest

If you’re worried about attending a ceremony in a different religion or culture than your own, don’t worry. You will most likely not being the only “outsider” there, and the primary thing the bride and broom will care about is your presence. These days, a religious wedding ceremony is generally open for those of other faiths to attend, and you can participate in as much or as little as you choose. Religious leaders are accustomed to the fact that there will be people of many faiths attending; thus they generally tend to explain what is happening, and what the congregation is expected to do. If you’re worried that your own religion won’t approve of you attending another worship service, speak with your religious leader. In the event it’s not appropriate for you, you can probably skip the ceremony and attend only the reception.

Here’s a quick rundown of things guests might encounter at a religious wedding:

Catholic: Most weddings include communion, which is offered only to those who have received their First Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. If you aren’t Catholic, stand so that any Catholics in your row may pass, then sit back down and wait quietly.

Jewish:The wedding service is often in Hebrew, but if you don’t understand the language, try to enjoy the spirit, music, and company around you. Men, no matter what their faith, are generally expected to wear skull caps or yarmulkes inside the synagogue. You’ll most likely find them being given out just outside of the doors.

Colorado weddings with A Memory Lane Event - Chuppa

Muslim:Most Muslims do not have a public ceremony, only a public reception.

Mormon: Most Mormon wedding ceremonies are restricted to only practicing Mormons. Don’t be offended if you aren’t invited to the ceremony.

To add to your comfort level, why not ask the bride and groom to give you a brief outline of what to expect on the day of the wedding. Or, you can read these links for general overviews.