Easy Tips to Throw the Wedding of Your Dreams

Even for the millions of brides who came before you, planning the perfect wedding has been an extraordinary affair and without a doubt an overwhelming task. That’s why we’ve prepared the following special wedding tips to get you thinking in the right direction. We’re certain you’ll be able to use our helpful wedding tips to plan the perfect day!

Selecting the Date:

Selecting the date of your wedding will help you immensely in your planning. Only when the date is chosen can you proceed to book your wedding and reception location, the person who will perform your wedding, and ensure that the people you would like for your bridal party reserve that day.

In choosing the best wedding day that’s right for you and your fiancé, be sure to check the yearly calendar for special three-day holidays – that way if you choose to have your wedding on a 3-day weekend, your out-of-town guests will have some extra travel time to work with and perhaps plan a mini-vacation.

If you plan to have a traditional, religious ceremony for your nuptials, also be sure to plan your special day separate and apart from major religious holidays. Of course you’ll want a date that holds good weather potential too, so we recommend using the Farmer’s Almanac or reviewing previously recorded weather averages to pick the best day for your dream wedding.

But please do keep in mind that these studies are not 100% reliable in predicting the actual weather on your wedding day! It’s also a good idea to stay away from certain dates such as September 11, the Ides of March, weekends with Friday the 13th, any daylight savings dates which can disrupt your guests’ arrival at your own wedding and Superbowl Sunday! Also, try not to plan your wedding date around the holidays when your guests are expected to celebrate with their own family and friends!

Wedding Party, Speeches, Ushers & Others

If you plan to have a wedding party, selecting from your friends and family can be a difficult task.

Remember that in addition to the best man, maid of honor, groomsmen and bridesmaids, you also can ask people to be readers during the ceremony, or to give speeches during the reception or the rehearsal dinner, to be an usher or to be in charge of the guestbook and making sure people sign it as they arrive. Some people opt to keep it simple and just have a maid of honor and a best man.

It is appropriate at the time of the wedding to give a gift to the wedding party as a thank you for all the effort that they have put into helping you plan your perfect day. Gifts range from small personal gifts, like a framed picture of you with your wedding party, to more extravagant gifts like pieces of jewelry.

The wedding party gift provides a very good opportunity to coordinate your bridal party, such as by gifting each a necklace or shoes to wear as part of their bridesmaid attire.

Ceremony & Reception Locations:

The location of your wedding ceremony and reception is all about you and your fiancé’s preferences and any financial limitations you may have. But you certainly will have an array of options to choose from.

For example, you can opt for the traditional wedding ceremony in a church, synagogue, or other religious site or you could enjoy reciting your vows on a beach somewhere overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Likewise your wedding reception can be located in your home, under a big white tent overlooking the beach, or in a grand hall or ballroom. You must also choose whether your wedding will be held at a location close to where most of your friends and family live, or whether you will have a destination wedding. Again, this will depend on your tastes and of course, your wedding budget!

Wherever you choose to have it, you will need to thoroughly research your reception location to collect the following information:

(1) Will the facility provide you with the wedding vendors you will need (i.e., caterer, baker, etc.) or will you need to hire independent vendors to set up at the facility?

(2) What are the facility’s rules about delivery by outside vendors? (i.e. when can the florist set up?)

(3) What sort of supplies (i.e., tablecloths, dishware, silverware, wine glasses, etc) will be provided by the facility and what remaining supplies will you need to independently rent?

(4) Does the place have a storage facility to store wedding supplies (chairs, tables, etc.) if their delivered too early?

(5) Does the place provide food catering and what type of food menu can they prepare?

(6) Do they offer a variety of alcoholic drinks and what does their menu of drinks look like?

(7)Is there enough parking, bathrooms, and electrical outlets available to comfortably handle the demands of your special event?

(8) Can the place supply a dance floor or will you need to rent one?

(9) Are there coolers at the facility to store flower centerpieces and also the wedding cake?

One of the single most expensive items at reception is the cost of drinks. You need to determine whether you will host a bar, or have a cash bar where your guests can buy their drinks. Also, decide ahead of time what drinks you will serve with meals or for toasts. As you can imagine, there are an endless number of factors to consider in choosing your reception site so when researching various locations, we recommend writing your questions down ahead of time before meeting with the reception coordinator that way you’ll be sure to hit all the right points at your meeting together.

Your Wedding Dress and Bridesmaid Attire

Searching for your perfect wedding dress can be fun and overwhelming. Make sure to start the process at least 4 months before the special day. Some designers need at least 6 months to get you your dress.

Look through magazines, visit bridal shows, surf the net. Try to decide first what style dress you prefer.

Also, most dresses come in varying colors of white, and some are multicolored. Think about how your dress will look like next to your bridesmaids in pictures. Don’t forget your accessories your jewelry, purse, bra and underwear, shoes and a veil and crown.

With respect to your bridesmaid dresses, first determine what color you would like for your bridesmaids. Then determine what kind of dress style would look best on your bridesmaids – bearing in mind if certain women are heavy set, their coloring and other physical attributes. At that point you need to decide whether all the bridesmaids will wear the same dress or whether they can wear different styles in the same color. You also need to determine whether your maid of honor will wear the same dress or whether her style of dress will be different in any manner.

Whether it’s your wedding dress or the dresses of your bridal party - remember to ask how long it takes to get the dresses in, and make sure you have 3 weeks to a month available for fittings and alterations.

Finally, don’t forget to tell your bridal party any preferences you may have as to the

Entertainment & Music:

Choosing the right entertainment and music for your special night can be a very challenging task! After all, the right music and entertainment can simultaneously put a smile on your guests’ faces as well as ensure some memorable moments at the party. You can hire a live band to belt out your favorite tunes or hire a one-man DJ, which will leave more room for a dance floor. Having a live band can be much more expensive than a DJ, so make sure to evaluate this against your budget.

In either case, make sure to prepare a list of the songs you want to hear at the reception. Also, make sure to let your band or DJ know what songs you have chosen for your entrance into the reception, your first dance, and any dances with parents or special relatives. Also, don’t be afraid to add some ethnic music at the reception. For example, consider adding some up-beat middle-eastern music to your wedding so you and your guests can practice belly dancing! Your guests will appreciate your unique style and diverse music choices and they’ll be happy to belly dance the night away!

In the event that you cannot get the floral arrangements you want on your budget, try decorating with candles. They are far less expensive, but can also achieve a very elegant setting. If you are worried about candles going out try using flameless candles – even your guests won’t know the difference.

Make sure to handle candles carefully as there is risk of fire. Also, make sure that your location permits the use of candles; some may not permit this due to insurance limitations.

Flowers:

Choosing the right flowers will depend on a number of factors such as the bride’s tastes and her personality. Ultimately, your flowers should compliment the overall theme of your wedding, as well as be a nicely added accessory to your wedding dress and your bridesmaids’ dresses. Of course, your wedding budget will also be a determinative factor in choosing the right florist!

We recommend asking any potential florist to show you live sample bouquets and centerpieces that you can view, not just photo booklets of their latest work. After all, seeing live samples will give you the opportunity to clearly judge the florist’s work and talent at making the perfect flower piece. Also, after you’ve decided on the right flower type, colors and style, be sure to ask your florist to prepare a sample of what your flower pieces will actually look like before she mass produces them for your special occasion. That way, you won’t be surprised or disappointed by the look of your flowers on your wedding day as you would have already seen a real live sample ahead of time! Seeing the real thing can also ensure that you and your florist are on the same page when it comes to creating the perfect flowers for your perfect day!

In the event that you cannot get the floral arrangements you want on your budget, try decorating with candles. They are far less expensive, but can also achieve a very elegant setting. If you are worried about candles going out try using flameless candles – even your guests won’t know the difference. Make sure to handle candles carefully as there is risk of fire. Also, make sure that your location permits the use of candles; some may not due to insurance limitations.

Photographers and Videographers

Usually you will have a lot of choices among photographers and videographers. Make sure to see samples of their work. Ask photographers if they will also shoot your engagement portrait. Look at what type of albums they have for you to choose from. Decide if you also want to purchase an album for any parents – they are usually less formal than your wedding album but may be available in packages.

Make sure to give the photographer a list of pictures that he or she must shoot – such as you with your in-laws or a family portrait with your grandparents, or anything else you would like. Let the photographer know f you want natural pictures taken, or whether you prefer people to pose for pictures, or whether you want a combination.

Videographers also need direction from you – like whether you want the Videographer to film messages from each of your guests or not. Also, you will have to choose music that will ultimately play in the background of all or part of the video. You also need to decide whether the Videographer will film the wedding, the reception or both, and whether he/she will film the period leading up to the wedding.

Make sure to ask how many copies of the DVD you get, and decide if you need to order more for family or friends that you think would appreciate a copy.

Although these wedding tips are a helpful preliminary guide to planning the perfect wedding, we understand that there’s a still lot to do before the big day. The important thing is to pace yourself and to create and organize the special day according to a detailed schedule you’ve prepared. Also where appropriate, don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for help when you need it!

Wedding Etiquette: - Summarized

Unique Wedding Program Etiquette and Wedding Announcement Etiquette

Looking for solutions for your specialized wedding needs? Whether you are planning a traditional or contemporary wedding, we have unique wedding program etiquette and wedding announcement etiquette suggestions for you here!

Other Wedding Stationery Etiquette

So you have selected your wedding invitations, and you feel like you are done with the wedding stationery. Think again! There is also wedding program etiquette, wedding place card etiquette and wedding announcement etiquette to attend to. If you want your programs, place cards and announcements to all reflect the theme of your wedding and have a design and style to complement your wedding invitations, you should consider having them designed together.

Wedding Programs Etiquette

If you are having a ceremony that not all of your guests will be familiar with, such as a religious ceremony or a unique ceremony that incorporates cultural rites, you may want to consider putting together a wedding program. Even unique fairy-tale-type nuptials require some sort of wedding program so guests can follow along and know where they are in the time line of the entire ceremony.

Any program should include the processional, service components and explanations of any ceremonial elements that may be unfamiliar.

Wedding Place Card Etiquette

Seated dinners of more than 20 guests typically require place cards to help them find the right seats. Typically designed to match the rest of your wedding stationery, these place cards can be pre-printed or hand written. The most common way to introduce place cards to guests is by placing them on a table at the entrance. All names will be in alphabetical order with a table number so the guests can guide themselves to their tables in an organized fashion.

More upscale weddings often employ a host of ushers that guide guests to their tables according to a guest list and seating chart. Once there, the guests will find that their place cards are already in place.

Wedding Announcements Etiquette

As a good rule of thumb, wedding announcements, while not required, should be sent to acquaintances, friends and relatives who were not invited to the wedding, but may show an interest in your marriage. A good audience would be your co-workers or distant relatives. A common mistake is sending these announcements to guests who were invited to the wedding.

Wedding announcements should be sent within a few weeks after the wedding. In a perfect world, they'll all be sent within the first few days following.

The wording and design of the announcement will be similar to what you used on the invitation. If you chose a more traditional invitation where the parents did the "inviting" then that's the way it should be on the announcement. However, more modern couples choose to have the invitation-and announcement-come from them rather than their parents.

Thank You Cards Etiquette

Thank you cards are perhaps the most forgotten part of the wedding. Couples concentrate so heavily on the ceremony and reception and all of their collective elements that they forget post-wedding courtesy.

Many couples choose to have their thank you cards printed to match the rest of their wedding stationery. While not required as a matter of etiquette, this is often a good idea.

Everyone who attended the wedding should get a thank you card-whether they brought you a gift or not. If they did bring a gift, it's okay to mention the gift specifically in the thank-you card. If they didn't bring a gift, then thank them for attending.

Couples or families who received one invitation should get one thank you card rather than sending one thank you card per individual.

Whether you are ordering announcements, thank you cards, programs, invitations or other stationery, it is a good idea to order everything together in order to save money and assure the designs are consistent.

Wedding Etiquette - Who Pays For What?

Cultural backgrounds and individual convictions heavily influence the decision-making in Wedding Etiquette. Nevertheless, the following is a general guide that should be construed as such and adopted as you deem fit:

Who Pays For What?

The Bride typically pays for:

• The wedding ring for the groom
• Gifts for the attendants
• Accommodation for out-of-town attendants
• The wedding gift for the groom

The Groom typically pays for:

• The bride's rings including the engagement ring
• The honeymoon
• Wedding gift for the bride
• The marriage license
• The groom's men gifts
• Accommodation for out-of-town groom's men
• Flowers for the bride
• The going-away corsage, corsages for mothers, special ladies;
• The boutonnieres for men in wedding party
• The gloves, ties and accessories for the men in the wedding party
• Fee for clergy person or judge

The Groom's Family typically pays for

• Clothing for the wedding
• Travel and lodging expenses
• Rehearsal dinner
• The wedding gift for the newlyweds

The Bride's Family typically pays for:

• The cost of the reception.
• The bride's wedding attire/trousseau
• Invitations, announcements, thank you notes
• The seating assignment chart, napkins and mailing costs
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Ceremony costs
• Bridesmaids, flower girl, ring bearer flowers and accessories
• Transportation for bridal party on wedding day from ceremony to reception.
• All gratuities for all services: parking, security
• Bridesmaid luncheon

The Attendants typically pay for:

• Their wedding clothes
• Travel expenses
• Wedding gift for newlyweds

Important FAQs on Wedding Decorum

Q: Should guests have a say on the menu?

While it is not mandatory, it is still a thoughtful gesture to allow them to share their ideas or inputs on food. After all, you want them to enjoy and feel comfortable during the wedding. You really don’t have to conduct a 100% guest survey, but just keep in mind that there may be vegetarians present during the celebration too.

Q: Are wedding favors necessary?

The wedding favors can be your sincerest expression of gratitude to your guests for being a part of the occasion. Moreover, these will serve as great keepsakes for your big day.

Q: Should the bridesmaids pay for their own dresses and accessories?

It has always been an accepted custom that the bridesmaids are responsible for their own wedding attire and accessories. That is why it is appropriate to give each of them a gift as a token of your gratitude.

Q: What is the most appropriate number of bridesmaids?

It is actually your choice. But you don’t want your wedding to look like one giant parade. Six bridesmaids is considered by some as plenty. But at least, if one or two won’t be there for some reasons, no one will notice you’re one bridesmaid short.

Q: Is it ok not to invite co-workers?

Of course, it is. Especially if they’re not the people you maintain close friendships with, then there is no reason why you should stretch the budget for them. Just tell them politely that the wedding is going to be attended only by your family and that your budget does not allow you to hold a big one.

Q: When should thank you notes be sent out?

Sending these out about three to four weeks after the occasion is appropriate. Remember though that these should never be typed, but should be handwritten. Make sure that you include the guests’ names and your very own thank you notes to them.

Q: Should my RSVP state my bridal registry?

No. this is not appropriate. This will look like you are soliciting gifts from your guests. Instead, have your own wedding website. This will allow you to provide all the details of your wedding, with links to the bridal registry.

Q: Is it proper to dance with both fathers in my life?

This is your wedding. And even if there are certain traditions to live by, you can still get away with your own rules. If you are close to both fathers, then by all means dance with both of them. However, if you feel that you will be creating a tension by doing so, then refrain from doing it.

Q: Should I use the gifts I received even if I call off the wedding?

Your wedding gifts and those that were given during your shower should be returned in case a couple’s wedding is canceled or is annulled prior to their living together.

Weddings entail so many preparations that some people do not have the time to check if they have everything under decorum. Since wedding celebrations have vastly evolved throughout the years, there really is no definite standard for them.

During the preparations, what you have or how much you spent on them is not really important. You may have the best and the most expensive wedding essentials the world can conceive, but they don’t really serve that much purpose any way you look at it. The important thing is you have found someone whom you love to have close for the rest of your life.

And what better way to celebrate this magic than by having the people who matter most witness it? You don’t have to go over etiquette book to do things right. So before you make or alter any wedding plans, see everything from your guests’ point of view. What you don’t like seeing or hearing, won’t be pleasing to them as well.

Anyway, granting that you only have your closest family and friends on your wedding, you can ease up on decorum. Because no matter how you planned your wedding to be, they’ll surely let you get away with it. After all, you don’t get to celebrate your big day often.

Planning to tie the knot, follow these tips and it will become a lifetime experience which you ad your beloved one will never forget And Have a good luck

Wedding Favor Creator Unique Wedding Favor Ideas

Wedding favors have always been a nice, personal gesture to include in your wedding preparations. Unfortunately, there are too many "cookie-cutter" type favors out there, which portray the couple's lack of interest in providing something unique.

Here is a Wedding Favor Creator for you to use for your upcoming wedding or one that you're planning for your best friend. You can mix and match to your heart's content and according to the budget you have.

Small containers to use for candies, chocolates, small floating candles, decorative soaps, etc. (many of them can be purchased at your local dollar store)

• tiny wicker baskets or straw hats
• egg cups
• candle holders
• flat shells (scallops)
• small filigree metal boxes
• decorated wooden boxes
• coffee mugs
• wine glasses
• small decorative dish
• tiny flower pots
• little tin watering cans
• small jars
• ceramic spoon rest

Fillings to add to your favor containers

• heart-shaped candies or chocolates
• Hershey's kisses and hugs
• small floating candles
• gourmet or flavored coffee - enough for one pot
• little decorative soaps
• wild flower seed packets or small quantity of seeds with planting instructions, wrapped in colored cellophane
• flower bulbs
• bath oil beads
• bath salts
• small bag of mixed spice (cinnamon/nutmeg) and your
favorite
• apple pie recipe
• packets of specialty tea
• hot chocolate and cinnamon mix - enough for one mug
Sample sayings and poems to write or print onto a small note card along with your names and wedding date (punch a hole in the card and attach a ribbon to tie to your favors)


• Please plant these to celebrate our growing love (for bulbs, seeds)

• All things grow with love (for bulbs , seeds)

• Our flame of love will always be bright (for candles)

• Hugs and Kisses from the new Mr. And Mrs! (for Hershey's kisses and/or hugs)

• Heart-felt wishes from the new Mr. And Mrs. (for anything heart-shaped)

• Love lives in happy hearts (anything heart-shaped)

• The best gifts are tied with heartstrings (anything heart-shaped)

• May there always be spice in your life! (for apple pie recipe and spice; for hot chocolate/cinnamon mix)

• We're suited to a 'T' (for specialty teas)

• Nothing can wash away the love we feel! (bath oil, bath salts, soaps)

• Thanks for sharing this special day with us

• Thank you for sharing in the celebration of our love (or union, etc.)

• Thanks for joining us on our wedding day

• Thanks for sharing in our special day


Other Unique Ideas

• Personalized coasters made from CD's

• Personalized CD mix of your favorite music - print out a liner for the CD case with your names, wedding date and a nice background or a photo of the happy bride and groom-to-be!

• Fortune cookies with printed fortunes that you create on your computer - or add your names and wedding date

• Small picture frames that can double as place cards

The Basics of Wedding Etiquette

Wedding Etiquettes are not over and done. They are as significant and crucial as they always have been. Though people consider that rules are meant to be broken, certain rules cannot be bent after a certain extent and Wedding Etiquettes belong to this kind. Every one of us will still agree that Wedding Etiquettes are still being followed in some way or the other.

The history of Wedding Etiquettes dates back to the Victorian era which takes us back to the early nineteenth century, the 1800s to be precise. The Victorians were sharp, decorous and knowledgeable which made them do everything in the most orderly and the most appropriate manner possible. They valued social behavior and manners and thus had a proper Etiquette for doing things including marriages. It should be noted that a number of books on Wedding Etiquette were published during this period.

Every country, every culture and every creed in the world follows its own set of Wedding Etiquettes. Some of them might be common while many of them might be different and distinctive to a particular culture.

The fundamental Wedding Etiquettes that we are altering and employing as per our requirements and wishes, basically belongs to the Victorians. All the primary Wedding Etiquettes used by the westerners have been inherited from the Victorians.

A great deal about Wedding Etiquette has been emphasized in the book on Wedding Etiquette by the renowned Miss Manners, Emily Post. Discussed below are few very important primary aspects of Wedding Etiquettes relating to conceiving an invitation, distribution of invitation to family and friends, etiquette to be followed while acknowledging the invite, in attending the ceremony, protocol for guests and the gifting manners.

1. The Bridegroom And The Bride

Decision has to be made regarding the degree of formality of the marriage ceremony. In case a formal ceremony is planned, the invite being sent must be formally addressed. If it’s just going to be close family and friends, an informal invite would do.

Invites should be sent at least four to six weeks prior to the wedding and in case of a destination wedding, a save a date card has to be sent to all the guests seven to nine months preceding the date of the wedding giving them ample time to prepare themselves for the ceremony monetarily as well as bodily.

A bride has to stick to the dress code of the church in case the wedding is set to take place at the church. Otherwise, she is free to choose the design and color of her wedding gown. ? The groom may sport a black tie or a suit. In case of a beach wedding, beige pants can also be worn.

Cash gifts should not be asked for, by the couple. Online wedding registry must be mentioned in the invitation. The registry card must not be enclosed with the invitation.

The mother or the step-mother, who ever is dearer to the bride must be seated in the first pew. If both of them are equally chummy, the mother should be made to sit in the first pew.

2. If You Are The Guest

Acknowledgment of receipt of invitation should be given as soon as possible within a couple of weeks before the wedding. It should also be made known to the couple if you would be attending the wedding or not, so that the couple can calculate the number of persons whose presence would be there for the luncheon or dinner, as the case may be.

In case of a formal invite, it is implied that the guests have to be dressed formally. In such a case, evening gowns should not be worn by women.

Guests are not indebted to get a gift as per the registry and they are not compelled to send gifts if they cannot be present for the wedding.

Lastly, in case they are planning to send gifts to the couple, it has to be sent to their new address within one year of the wedding.

Tipping - Shelling Out The Green Papers

*Getting a marriage done is not an easy job.
*General custom on who bears the cost .
* Present day etiquette as to who bears the expenses.
*Bride and groom also contribute towards the expenses.
*When parents offer they must not deny.

To get married these present days is not an easy job at all . It has become all expensive and one has to spend much these days. For brides you buy accessories, jewelry, arrange for the wedding coordinator, look out for a makeup artists , and much more. One has to discuss all these and make sure of the funds or resources.

Before you proceed be sure as to who takes up the expenses of the wedding. Decide and verify as to who bears the major percentage of the wedding budget.

General custom as to who shells out for the expenses of the wedding.

Wedding practice on who shells out for the expenses has developed since the last century. It is the general custom that the father of the bride spends for the wedding expenses. This was practiced during the period when the girls were locked up inside their houses and were not allowed to go for work or go to schools, but all they had to do is the household work and they had to learn the lady manners and be well trained as to how to behave after the wedding and on how to lead a life of married woman.

The daughter will get married to the person with whom her father considers as the best and he should feel that he would look after his daughter and feed her and take care of her very well .And thus he would be sending his daughter away to the groom's place , so he makes it a point host a grand wedding and accepts to pay for the expenses as an indication as to his approval of the marriage. This is the general style followed .

Present day etiquette as to who bears the expenses.

In our day the etiquette on who sponsors it is not much firm as it was long ago. The groom and his partner should go on traditional basis and it is advisable to ask the bride's father to host the party and bear the expenses of the wedding. Or if the parents have decided to co host the wedding they would let them know before and go accordingly. This is generally if the parents are well off to sponsor and meet up part of the expenses.

As these days the groom and the bride earn their living there is no harm if they can meet the expenses of the wedding themselves. Some prefer to manage their expenses as they can have a control on number of guests , who to be invited and how the party should be held.

Wedding etiquette on who shells out for the wedding is , much set aside and the guests bless the couples and the family members.

Other options of paying.

These days there is an increase cost of living , and the parent might not be in a position to sponsor the whole expenses. It might be beyond the reach of the parents. If the bride and the groom are earning their own living they might offer to pay the whole expenses.

But obviously there are parents who will want to bear a part of the expenses. The couple must be sensitive to this issue. When the parents offer to spend it is good to accept and the couple should not deny this even if their parents hand over all that they own. They have some pleasure in contributing and they enjoy the marriage. They have a major role to be paid.

It is much advisable to discuss with your parents the budget and this way you put them through an idea about the expenses to be borne.

Wedding Tipping dos and donts

Wedding etiquette is just like any other type of etiquette when it comes to tipping. If you are given a service, it is essential that you provide a tip to the person that is providing it to you.

Tipping is a way of thanking an individual for a job well done. Therefore, if they do not do a good job or there is some large problem that is not able to be rectified, the tip should be lessened or not provided. But, remember that this is the source of income for the service provider.

So, who do you tip and who is supposed to tip them? Here are some general rules to help you to decide what the right way to handle payment in the form of tips is.

Who To Tip

The first thing to take note of is just who you should be tipping. One rule of thumb for this is to take a look at the final bill. Today, most of the opportunities for tips are often applied right to the final bill.

For example, in most restaurants, a large party will have gratuity added to the bill. But, that does not mean that this is the right amount to tip (it may be too high or too low) and it does not mean that you have to pay for it at that level

If you pay gratuity in the final bill of your service provided for your wedding, should you give a tip on top of this to the service provider?

If you feel that the service provider has gone over and beyond what was expected of them, then it can be appropriate to provide them with more of a tip for your needs. If you feel that the tip is not enough, then by all means, a larger tip can and should be left.

But, Which Services And How Much?

Knowing when to tip is just as important. There are several opportunities that you will have to give a tip at. Here’s a breakdown of some you should take note of.

• Those that include a tip already in the final bill may be the caterer, the banquet managers, waiters, bartenders, and bridal consultants. Here, a tip is generally about 15%, but should only be provided if the service is over and beyond the standard since you are already tipping them in the bill.

• Your Limousine Driver. You should tip the limo driver for your service. Notice in the contract if there is an amount of gratuity already listed. If so, it is not necessary. If not, or you receive high levels of service, a tip of 15% is appropriate.

• Photographers, florists and musicians. If not provided in the contract, a tip in the amount of 15% to 20% is appreciated. More for better service, of course.

• Priests, Rabbis and Clergymen. This is one tip not to be forgotten as it is not provided elsewhere. The groom should provide a tip to be given by the best man to the official.

Commonly, this amount should not be less than $100. While it is a donation, it should always be provided. More should be provided if the official had to drive a long distance.