10 Steps for Planning Your Perfect Wedding

We suggest that you sit down with your fiancé and discuss the date, time, size, formality and style of your wedding -- things that really reflect your tastes as a couple. 

1.   IMAGINE YOUR PERFECT WEDDING

Before you announce to the entire world that you are engaged and everyone assumes that they are invited to your wedding, we suggest that you sit down with your fiancé and discuss the date, time, size, formality and style of your wedding -- things that really reflect your tastes as a couple. 

2.  PUTTING TOGETHER YOUR GUEST LIST

What's a party without the guests? Remember that many of your guests will have a spouse or significant other and will count for two people. Also keep in mind that the more people you invite, the more expensive your wedding will be.

One smart planning tip is to have a "must-have" A-list, and a "would-like-to-include" B-list, and mail your invitations early. If A-list guests can't make it, you can then mail out invitations to B-list guests and they won’t feel like last minute additions. 

3.  YOUR BUDGET

The fact is, all that wedding glamour and glitter costs money, and setting a realistic wedding budget now is going to save you from a nasty shock on your wedding day. So take out that calculator, call up your folks and decide on a realistic budget. Before you start number crunching, set your priorities. Are your guests more important, or the location? Once you know what elements you can't live without, you'll have a much clearer idea of how to allocate your money. Then 

4.  SET YOUR PLANNING NOTEBOOK

Remember, pictures tell a thousand words. The best gift you can give yourself is a Polaroid camera with plenty of film. You never know what item may inspire you for flowers, favors or any other wedding accessories.

Also purchase a three ring binder, dividers and plastic business card holders to create a planning notebook. We suggest including the following sections: Vendor Contact Information, Guests List, Bridal Ensemble, Bridesmaids' Attire, Beauty, Groomsmen's Attire, Ceremony, Reception, Invitations and Stationery, Menus and Beverages, Flowers and Décor, Guest Favors and Gifts, Rentals, Music and Entertainment, Photo and Video, Transportation and Parking, Miscellaneous, Checklists and Schedules, Budget/Payment Schedules, Invoices/Receipts, Out-Of-Town Information and Notes. Don't forget an empty folder for photos and magazine clippings. 

5.  SELECT YOUR DATE

Do you envision winter outside as you snuggle close to your new husband on the way to the reception? Or do you want a warm summer's night as you dance with your groom under the stars? Decide what time of year you want to get married and select two tentative wedding dates -- it's important to have a backup in case your first choice isn't available. Don't forget to check your city calendar to make sure there's not a holiday or major sporting event on your desired date -- otherwise you and your guests may be competing with fans for scare, or more expensive, hotel rooms and services. 

6.  CHOOSE YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION

Wineries, zoos, botanical gardens -- let your imagination run wild when selecting a wedding location. But remember, the best spot may be one that is nearby and can accommodate your guest count. You'll want to find out how many events each site hosts per day, and whether there are hidden fees and charges. Visit our step-by-step guides to finding reception locations for a complete list of questions to ask, and then search WeddingsNorthValley.com WeddingsNorthValley.com for a list of ceremony and reception sites in Northern California in cities surround Chico, Redding and Yuba City. 

7.  SELECT YOUR WEDDING PARTY

She's been your best friend since kindergarten; it's a no-brainer that you want her to stand up with you on your big day. But what about everybody else? Ask valued friends or family to do a reading, be an usher or oversee your guest book/escort card table. The point is, don't worry, there is a role to play for everyone, and a way out of any awkward situation. 

8.  SHOP FOR THE DRESS

Browse WeddingsNorthValley.com for a bridal salon near you. Be aware that most dress shops require at least six months to order your dress. Don't forget to bring stockings, shoes, a strapless bra and a hair clip to your appointments. Also bring any tear sheets or printouts from our fashion section of those dresses you adore, so that the sales staff can get a sense of your style. And now's the time to start a fitness program and get in shape to look your best in that dream dress. 

9.  BOOK THE BASICS

Top wedding locations and vendors are booked as much as a year in advance, so as soon as you've agreed on the type of wedding you would like to have, use our comprehensive www.WeddingsNorthValley.com and run to make your reservations in the following order: ceremony and reception locations, ceremony officiant, caterer, reception band, photographer, florist, cake designer, videographer, stationer and finally, the rental company.

Reception sites go particularly fast, but many places will allow you to put a courtesy "pencil hold" on the date for two weeks with no deposit. Finding your ideal spot isn't easy, so if a site meets 80% of your requirements, reserve it!

10.  SET UP YOUR REGISTRY

In this shopping frenzy, remember that your guests are going to want to buy presents for YOU. You'll enjoy the convenience of viewing your registry and making changes any time, day or night. And, your guests will be thrilled to have one place where they can find all your gift choices. You can also create your own wedding website to share your engagement stories, last-minute wedding details and get the word out about your registry. It's fast and easy! Simply answer a few questions, pick a pattern and we'll handle all the technical details. One of the registries we love is the HONEYMOON REGISTRY that you can get throughout our Sponsoring Partner Shared Travel.

Finally, get a little help from your friends. With all the excitement ahead of you, it's important to know that WeddingsNorthValley.com has all the ideas, advice and tools you need to make planning as simple as possible. Let our Wedding Experts guide you through your wedding planning.

10 Steps for Planning Your Northern California Wedding

We suggest that you sit down with your fiancé and discuss the date, time, size, formality and style of your wedding -- things that really reflect your tastes as a couple. 
 

1. IMAGINE YOUR PERFECT WEDDING
Before you announce to the entire world that you are engaged and everyone assumes that they are invited to your wedding, we suggest that you sit down with your fiancé and discuss the date, time, size, formality and style of your wedding -- things that really reflect your tastes as a couple.


2. PUTTING TOGETHER YOUR GUEST LIST
What's a party without the guests? Remember that many of your guests will have a spouse or significant other and will count for two people. Also keep in mind that the more people you invite, the more expensive your wedding will be.
One smart planning tip is to have a "must-have" A-list, and a "would-like-to-include" B-list, and mail your invitations early. If A-list guests can't make it, you can then mail out invitations to B-list guests and they won't feel like last minute additions.

3. YOUR BUDGET
The fact is, all that wedding glamour and glitter costs money, and setting a realistic wedding budget now is going to save you from a nasty shock on your wedding day. So take out that calculator, call up your folks and decide on a realistic budget. Before you start number crunching, set your priorities. Are your guests more important, or the location? Once you know what elements you can't live without, you'll have a much clearer idea of how to allocate your money.

4. SET UP YOUR PLANNING NOTEBOOK
Remember, pictures tell a thousand words. The best gift you can give yourself is a Polaroid camera with plenty of film. You never know what item may inspire you for flowers, favors or any other wedding accessories.
Also purchase a three ring binder, dividers and plastic business card holders to create a planning notebook. We suggest including the following sections: Vendor Contact Information, Guests List, Bridal Ensemble, Bridesmaids' Attire, Beauty, Groomsmen's Attire, Ceremony, Reception, Invitations and Stationery, Menus and Beverages, Flowers and Décor, Guest Favors and Gifts, Rentals, Music and Entertainment, Photo and Video, Transportation and Parking, Miscellaneous, Checklists and Schedules, Budget/Payment Schedules, Invoices/Receipts, Out-Of-Town Information and Notes. Don't forget an empty folder for photos and magazine clippings.

5. SELECT YOUR DATE
Do you envision a thick blanket of snow outside as you snuggle close to your new husband on the way to the reception? Or a warm summer's night as you dance with your groom under the stars? Decide what time of year you want to get married and select two tentative wedding dates -- it's important to have a backup in case your first choice isn't available. Don't forget to check your city calendar to make sure there's not a holiday or major sporting event on your desired date - otherwise you and your guests may be competing with fans for scare, or more expensive, hotel rooms and services.

6. CHOOSE YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION
Wineries, zoos, botanical gardens -- let your imagination run wild when selecting a wedding location. But remember, the best spot may be one that is nearby and can accommodate your guest count. You'll want to find out how many events each site hosts per day, and whether there are hidden fees and charges. Visit our step-by-step guides to finding reception locations for a complete list of questions to ask, and then search our Local Vendor Directory for a list of ceremony and reception sites in your area.

7. SELECT YOUR WEDDING PARTY
She's been your best friend since kindergarten; it's a no-brainer that you want her to stand up with you on your big day. But what about everybody else? Ask valued friends or family to do a reading, be an usher or oversee your guest book/escort card table. The point is, don't worry, there is a role to play for everyone, and a way out of any awkward situation.

8. SHOP FOR THE DRESS
Browse our Vendor Directory for a bridal salon near you. Be aware that most dress shops require at least six months to order your dress. Don't forget to bring stockings, shoes, a strapless bra and a hair clip to your appointments. Also bring any tear sheets or printouts from our fashion section of those dresses you adore, so that the sales staff can get a sense of your style. And now's the time to start a fitness program and get in shape to look your best in that dream dress.


9. BOOK THE BASICS
Top wedding locations and vendors are booked as much as a year in advance, so as soon as you've agreed on the type of wedding you would like to have, use our comprehensive Vendor Directory and run to make your reservations in the following order: ceremony and reception locations, ceremony officiant, caterer, reception band, photographer, florist, cake designer, videographer, stationer and finally, the rental company.
Reception sites go particularly fast, but many places will allow you to put a courtesy "pencil hold" on the date for two weeks with no deposit. Finding your ideal spot isn't easy, so if a site meets 80% of your requirements, reserve it!

10. SET UP YOUR REGISTRY
In this shopping frenzy, remember that your guests are going to want to buy presents for YOU. You'll enjoy the convenience of viewing your registry and making changes any time, day or night. And, your guests will be thrilled to have one place where they can find all your gift choices. You can also create your own wedding website to share your engagement stories, last-minute wedding details and get the word out about your registry. It's fast and easy! Simply answer a few questions, pick a pattern and we'll handle all the technical details.

Finally, get a little help from your friends.

With all the excitement ahead of you, it's important to know that WeddingsNorthValley.com has all the ideas, advice and tools you need to make planning as simple as possible. Let our experts guide you through your wedding planning -- sign up for a FREE WeddingsNorthValley.com membership now.

Couple Planning Their Wedding Need "Due Diligence"

It seems that a lot is changing in the world of wedding planning, some of it good and some bad. The current economy is causing many brides and grooms to purchase items and services they need for their wedding much closer to the wedding date than most experts would recommend. Some of this is being fostered by the fact that they don’t have the money yet and some because there are fears about whether a business will still be in business on the day of their wedding.

Waiting too late to book a reception location or the photographer, florist and cake company of your choice may also have negative consequences in the fact that the company may not be available for you or they may not have the proper time to prepare everything you want for the wedding.

I would suggest these options over waiting to the last minute to book the vital services you need.
• First and foremost, do your “due diligence”. Research the companies you are interested in by checking with Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and asking other wedding professionals or friends for references. Ask the company for references. (According to Wikipedia “Due Diligence is a term used for a number of concepts involving either the performance of an investigation of a business or person, or the performance of an act with a certain standard of care. It can be a legal obligation, but the term will more commonly apply to voluntary investigations.” )
• Look for companies that are listed by professional associations such as WeddingsNorthValley.com (only Bride and Wedding Expert-recommended professionals are listed).
• After you have found the company you want to do business with, book as early as possible and see what kind of payment plans they can offer you. Let them know you would like to do business with them, what your budget is and see what they can do for you within your budget.
• Don’t be a bridezilla! Most professional companies will do the best they can to work with you, but telling them that if they don’t meet a certain price you will go elsewhere is not the best approach.
• If the price is too good to believe, buyer beware!
There are a lot more wedding professionals who want to make sure you have the best wedding possible who will treat you with honesty and integrity than the type you have to avoid. So whether you find your vendors at a bridal show, online, or in a wedding magazine, just check them out before hiring them and you will be able to move forward with peace of mind and look forward to a truly memorable wedding experience.
Yes, there are a few horror stories out there, but there are many more beautiful wedding days you never hear about!

The best way to start is at The DAZZLING Wedding Show on Sunday, October 18th at Rolling Hills Casino Resort. You will be able to interview the best wedding professionals all under one roof in an elegant afternoon of wedding planning.



Are there other bridal shows out there to attend? By all means attend them if you can, but if you only have time to visit one, make it the DAZZLING Wedding Show.

We look forward to seeing all the Northern California brides and grooms at the DAZZLING Wedding & Event Show!

Eat Your Hearts Out Bachelors! Now it's the girls' turn!

For years, men have had their renowned bachelor parties, going out on the town for that last “hurrah” before their wedding day. But prenuptial shindigs aren’t just for the groom-to-be. Brides today rival the boys when it comes to partying prior to that stroll down the aisle. From a night of clubbing to a serene spa trip or a charming tea party, there are options for brides and their friends and family! You could also plan an incredible couples' party, too!

Because wedding planning takes a lot of time and energy, many brides choose to escape the organizational hubbub and spend an afternoon at the spa with their girlfriends.

Another unique way to celebrate your special day is by taking the ladies to a local tearoom for an afternoon celebration.

If you’d prefer an evening of wining and dining with your girlfriends, book an evening with a professional chef in her kitchen; you and your guests help to prepare the courses. Choose a fun meal to prepare, something with no more than four courses. The evening can be rounded out with wine tasting, including some of our great Northern California wineries.

Or keep it at home (or borrow someone else’s!) and invite one of our recommended “Party Specialists” to bring the party to you! You and your friends will have a terrific time, with very little effort, and hardly any clean-up! In fact you can make it really easy and hire one of our skilled caterers to whip up a great spread and bring it in for you to enjoy!

One last thought is to take on the town by visiting some North Valley hot spots in a limousine. Let them arrange it all for you!

READ more...includes a list of North California bachelorette party specialists!