printable wedding planning checklists -...

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CHECKLIST

Wed

ding

Pla

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Also Includes: Printable Bridal Shower Games

Groom’s Checklist

Printable Photo Props

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Wedding Planning

Checklist

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Disclaimer

© Accent the Party, LLC 2015 www.accenttheparty.com

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this eBook can be transmitted or reproduced in any form including print, electronic, photocopying, scanning, mechanical or recording without prior written permission from the author.

While the author has taken utmost efforts to ensure the accuracy of the written content, all readers are advised to follow information mentioned herein at their own risk. The author cannot be held responsible for any personal or commercial damage caused by misinterpretation of information. All readers are encouraged to seek professional advice when needed.

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What You Will Find In This Book? Though how exciting it may seem, planning for your special day can be stressful and what a better way to make things run smoothly for you than utilizing planning worksheets and checklists to make sure that you follow each step.

The Wedding Planning Checklist eBook contains the following:

1. The comprehensive guide to help you plan for your wedding day. 2. Checklist to walk you through each task and a guest list spread sheet. 3. Groom’s Checklist also included 4. Printable budget sheets and Checklists (Music, Flowers, etc) 5. Reception Seating worksheets 6. Blank Calendars and To Do List 7. Vows Worksheet 8. Packing List 9. Moving List 10. Printable Bridal Shower Games 11. Printable Photo Props

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Table of Contents

Disclaimer__________2

What You Will Find In This Book?__________3

Checklist__________6

Groom's Checklist__________8

Blank Monthly Calendar__________11

To Do List__________12

Budget Planner_________13

Budget Worksheet________15

Password Cheat Sheet__________18

Wedding Party Information Sheet__________19

Guest List Worksheet__________22

Reception Seating Planner____________23

Photography Checklist__________26

Wedding Music Checklist_________29

Song List for DJ/Band__________30

Wedding Flowers Checklist__________32

The Venue Checklist__________34

Catering Worksheet__________35

Wedding Cake Worksheet__________36

Vows Worksheet__________37

Travel/Honeymoon Worksheet__________38

Moving Checklist__________39

Printable Bridal Shower Games__________40

Printable Photo Props__________43

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Getting engaged always qualifies for one of the most memorable moments of your life. For the first few weeks, you will be too dizzy with excitement and anticipation to focus on anything. However, when you finally can concentrate on planning for your special day, sit down with your fiancé and brainstorm ideas. Think about the style that you would like. Do you want a beach bash or a simple sit down dinner at a ballroom?

Before you set the final date, it would be a great idea to first decide the season or the month you want to get married in. This way, you know how long you have to get through with the whole wedding plan process.

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Wedding Time Table and TASK Checklist

Announce Engagement

Choose Wedding Date

Announce Wedding Date

Make a wedding folder to keep track of things

Hire a wedding coordinator if needed

Select bridesmaid and the maid of honor

Select best man

Budgeting

Choosing the Venue

Make Guest list

Sending out the invitations

Planning the Flower arrangements

Selecting the music and hiring a band/ DJ

Hiring a Photographer

Making a photography list

Selecting and Buying Favors for guests

Make a Reception seating chart

Bride Dress and Accessories

Brides maid dress shopping

Groom’s attire

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Wedding vows drafted

Book hair dresser

Book transport

Decide the theme of wedding (if you want one)

NOTES:

www.accenttheprty.com

Accent the Party

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Groom’s Checklist

6 to 12 Months

Purchase Engagement Ring

Pick your Wedding Date

Family Discussion on Wedding Plans

Figure out how many guests might be invited

Create your Guest List

Visit Officiant with your Fiancé

Discuss Honeymoon

Decide on your Attire

Discuss where to live after Wedding

3 to 5 Months

Lock in Honeymoon Plans

Finish your Guest List

Choose Attire for Best Man and Ushers

Think about Honeymoon Attire

Order Flowers

2 Months

Lock in the details for Rehearsal Dinner

Purchase a Wedding Gift for your Bride

Check out Lodging for Out of Town Guests

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Decide on Wedding Bands

Plan your Bachelor Party

2 to 4 Weeks Before

Make arrangements for moving

Confirm your Honeymoon and Lodging

Get your Marriage License

1 Week Before

Get a Haircut

Pack for Honeymoon

Make sure you have Wedding Bands in hand

Pick up Attire

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Wedding Day

Confirm you have your Honeymoon Tickets and Itinerary

Make sure Best Man has the Rings


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Month:

M T W T F S S


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TO DO

MUST DO

CALL / TEXT TODAY

SCHEDULED

GRATEFUL FOR

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Budget Planner You cannot make a realistic budget without first conducting a final check on exactly how much things cost in your area. For example, you do not want to create a budget on what you have heard or think is an appropriate fee for a photographer only to discover that photography packages are not affordable for you. Also, if you find that you might be short on budget for everything, make a priority list first and follow that.

Ceremony and Reception Though it is no longer common, some brides’ parents still pay for the entire wedding. But more popularly, the bride and groom’s families split the costs. If you want the whole wedding plan process to go efficiently, a neat idea would be to have each set of parents to finance a particular aspect like the bride’s parents can take care of the ceremony, paying for the church, organist etc., while the groom’s family can pay for an official fee like for the marriage license.

Or if both your parents are really eager to contribute to your wedding, it would work best if both of you use the budget (contributed 50/50 by your families) and decide on what you both prefer for the ceremony and reception venue. Try these out before you ask them both to commit to a dollar amount.

Once you have this nailed, check it off your list.

Flowers This one will need some thinking, depending on what kind of flower arrangements you prefer. A typical ratio for flower budgeting is 8%. We are talking about the bride’s bouquet, the bridesmaid’s bouquet, corsages, boutonnieres, and arrangements for reception and ceremony. How much you plan on spending depends on many things:

1. Are the flowers you want in season or not? 2. The size of the arrangement 3. How complex the design of the arrangement you have chosen is 4. How far the flower arrangements will have to be transported for the reception and the

ceremony?

If you have an artistic streak and want to add a hint of that to your wedding, you can use artificial material for flowers and do the arrangements yourself; thereby saving a lot on the budget. The great thing about having this budget worked out beforehand is that your florist will show you all available options in your price range. Once you are done calculating this budget, check it off your list.

Attire This can be broken down very simply. The bride or the bride’s family pays for the bride’s gown, accessories, and veil. The groom pays for his own wedding outfit. The bridesmaid generally pay for their dresses themselves but many a times, the bride is the one who picks out the gowns she likes and even goes on to pay for them.

Photography This one is pretty easy too. Whatever photographer you hire, split the fee between the two families.

Music Some believe that DJs are always less expensive than live bands. This is a common misconception. Some DJ’s can even charge you over $5,000. But this is your big day we are talking about, start with what

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experience you want. Maybe you prefer the energy that hits the room when a live band starts performing. Or maybe you have a list of music that you know will make the reception special – you should hire a DJ in that case. The basic pointers to look at when you are budgeting are as follows:

1. Professional entertainment will cost you less during off peak months, for both a DJ and a live band.

2. Always keep a safe margin of booking the band for at least 4 hours. 3. Ask your entertainer if you can get a discount. Sometimes if you are referred to an entertainer

through a vendor whose services you are already using, you get a discount. 4. Ask the entertainer if you can get a discount for paying the entire fee in advance. 5. If you are going to hire a DJ, then make sure you are hiring only one person. A team of three or

four DJ’s will be expensive.

Stationary This is one thing that depends on how modern or traditionally you do things. Traditionally, it is the bride’s family who pays for the crafting and posting of the wedding invitations, announcements, enclosures, and thank you cards. The modern payment arrangement for weddings is that both the bride and groom’s parents make the payments for all of these. Before you make a budget for this, you need to make a list of people you will be sending the invitations, cards etc. to and then calculate the cost.

Favors This can cost you from a few bucks to a thousand dollars. Using a basket that will carry your gift and give it that intricate look is going to cost you extra but will be totally worth it. That being said, if you are really up for it you can get creative with the wrapping paper that you will use as well. But does that end the budgeting process for you? Absolutely not! You have the thank you souvenirs and party giveaways to think about.

Venue This is the simplest thing to budget for. You options will depend on your preference towards where you

want to have the wedding (outdoors or indoors). Before you decide which place you want to have your

wedding, think about how much space you need to accommodate everything. Shortlist your choices and

choose the one that you can afford without having to forego anything.


Accent the Party

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Budget

Ceremony

Site Rental Budget:

Spent:

Rental Fees

Budget:

Spent:

Officiant Budget:

Spent:

MISC

Budget:

Spent:

Bridal Gown

Dress/veil/headpiece

Budget:

Spent:

Shoes

Budget:

Spent:

Other Garments

Budget:

Spent:

Jewelry

Budget:

Spent:

Hair and Beauty

Hair Salon

Budget:

Spent:

Spa

Budget:

Spent:

Makeup

Budget:

Spent:

Tanning

Budget:

Spent:

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Menswear

Tuxedo

Budget:

Spent:

Groom’s Party Garments

Budget:

Spent:

Stationary

Invitations/Thank You’s

Budget:

Spent:

Photography

Photographer

Budget:

Spent:

Videography

Budget:

Spent:

Flowers

Ceremony

Budget:

Spent:

Reception

Budget:

Spent:

Bouquets

Budget:

Spent:

Corsages

Budget:

Spent:

Music

Ceremony

Budget:

Spent:

Reception

Budget:

DJ Budget:

Spent:

Band

Budget:

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Spent: Spent:

Reception

Venue

Budget:

Spent:

Decorations

Budget:

Spent:

Food

Budget:

Spent:

Favors

Budget:

Spent:

Misc

Budget:

Spent:

Cake

Budget:

Spent:

Bar/Beverages

Budget:

Spent:

Rentals

Budget:

Spent:

Transportation

Budget:

Spent:

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Password Cheat Sheet

Website Username Password


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Wedding Party

Name Phone Notes

Father of Bride Mother of Bride Father of Groom Mother of Groom

Bride’s Party Maid of Honor Matron of Honor Bridesmaid Bridesmaid Bridesmaid

Bridesmaid

Bridesmaid Bridesmaid Flower Girl

Groom’s Party

Best Man Usher Usher Usher Usher

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Usher Usher Ring Bearer

Notes:


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Guest List Planner The actual list of how many people will be receiving invites comes before you plan for eth seating

arrangement. Send out the invitations and get the RSVPs before you move on to before you make the

final payments for the food, drink, favors and the venue.

Reception Seating Planner You will not really need a seating planner if you are inviting 40 or 50 guests to a buffet. You will however be able to make sure that things go smoothly if you make a seating chart for the 100 guests you plan on inviting to your wedding.

Make this A Priority on Your list

Don’t be one of those couples who are staring at a blank page which is supposed to be the reception seating arrangement, the night before the wedding. It is true that you have far more important things to worry about. But try to squeeze this task at least a week prior to the wedding day.

Use the guest list that you have made and categorize everyone according to the relation and group them together. After that you can arrange each group into the tables they will be seated together in.

The head table is meant to be long and straight as opposed to everyone else’s round tables. The bride and groom are supposed to be seated facing the guests here. The maid of honor sits next to the groom and the best man sits next to the bride. The flower girls and ring bearers are seated with their parents.

However there is no written rule that determines how the seating arrangement should be. If you want

you can even have a round table with your close friends and family instead of a head table.

NOTES:


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Guest List

Name Phone Number RSVP

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Reception Seating Planner

Table #

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Table #

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Table #

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Table #

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Photography Planner Your wedding schedule will need a separate time slot for the wedding photo shoot. Always plan this beforehand; you will be surprised to know how many people forget.

Portraits Bridal portraits are fast becoming popular. The wedding portrait is taken a few weeks before the wedding. This is optional and not the same as pre wedding photographs. It’s a formal picture of the bride in her wedding dress and taken in the photographer’s studio. Sometimes a couple will have a picture taken together, instead of just the bride in the frame.

Pre wedding You could opt for the pre- wedding engagement session. The most popular of these is the couples shoot in which the bride and groom meet up a couple of months before the big day and take photos to present at the wedding reception.

These photos can be shot any way you like. If you are crazy about books and you two met at the library you can have a photo shoot themed around that. Did you meet on the train? That would be one awesome photo shoot theme to stage.

You do not have to stick to these photos filed in a scrap book or framed for the reception party. Another idea would be to have them on a CD and you two can discuss on how you would like to showcase them. Put in your own creative flair in there.

The best part about this activity is that you two get a chance to have a lot of fun together. Get to know your photographer, let them know what you are comfortable with. If you are new to this and not sure about how it all goes they will help you out with your pose and things like which is your best side for the camera. Some people even use this shoot as practice for the wedding shoot.

Basically this shoot is meant to capture the moment you two decided that you want to spend the rest of your life with each other.

Ceremony Formal Photos

You are missing out on tradition if you do not get these. More commonly known as granny shots, they make sure that you are following traditional line up in for the ceremony. This shoot only takes around half an hour, so it is better if you plan for this beforehand. The formal photos include you, your family and your close friends.

Seeing Each Other for the First Time In Wedding Splendor Unlike other countries the US is bashing the tradition of ‘its bad luck to see the dressed up bride before the ceremony’. This first look deserves a photograph. The time that you two lay eyes on each other in your flamboyant finery should definitely be planned and the photographer present.

Reception Big Group Photos

These are best for the reception because you need to cover your in-laws, their families and kids, you and your friends headed to the bar etc.

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The group photos are a chance to have anyone and everyone have a chance to have a photo with you. Tell your photographer if you think someone special is left out. Often, the photographer usually doesn’t use the list that you give him. So even at this point it is basically the two of you administrating the whole thing.

However a photographer who is true to his profession will let you know if a request of yours is obstructing the perfect shot; it would be wise to follow the photographer’s judgment on this. www.accenttheprty.com Accent the Party

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Wedding Photography Checklist

Parents, step parents of the bride with the couple

Parents, step parents of the groom with the couple

Grandparents of the bride with the couple

Grandparents of the groom with the couple

Entire immediate family of the bride and groom

Bride and groom with their close friends

Reception party first dance snap

Bride and groom cutting the cake

Bride and groom with all their friends

Pre-wedding photo shoot

Bridal portrait

The first look photo shoot

Bride walking down the aisle

Bride and groom tying the knot moment

Groom leading the bride out after the ceremony

Bride throwing her bouquet in the air

Bride and groom right after the ceremony


Accent the Party

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Music Planner Pulling off the perfect ceremony music program is easier than most people stressing over it show it to be.

How You Choose The Music All wedding music includes three types of songs: Preludes, followed by processionals and then recessionals.

Prelude music is meant to set the mood, so it is basically light music while all the guests are being seated for the ceremony. This music starts 30 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Processional music should be played throughout the entrance of the entire bridal party: the bridesmaid, flower girls and the bride herself. You do not have to us the same song throughout the time especially when the bride enters and walks down the aisle.

Now around the end of the ceremony you can play the recessional music. This music will not stop until the bride and groom and all the guests have exited the venue.

Location Before You Decide the Music Before you make a playlist for the wedding ceremony and reception you need to check with the venue first. This is because there are certain ceremony sites that have strict guidelines on which music can play or can’t play during a ceremony. Secular locations have strict guidelines that you need to be aware of. For example the sound limit and how much space will be allotted to the DJ or the band that you have hired.

Always consider the size of your venue in your plans. For instance, if you are determined to hire a brass quintet, then a chapel won’t be a suitable choice because the sound would be too overwhelming. In the same way if you are having the ceremony outside you would not want a single piano orchestrating all the music would you? Whatever you have your heart set on make sure that you have enough room to accommodate it.

If you want a duo singing or a band using instruments laying down the melodies that you have selected, the setting of the ceremony will be a huge factor. This is because if the ceremony is indoors you will be able to get away with more sound due to its unique acoustics. Also check beforehand about what the ceremony venue already has. For instance, there might be a fine tuned piano already in the chapel that you have chosen. No need to haul your own just for the music.

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What Songs Should Be Played

Now, when it comes to choosing the right sort of music that will make the event a hit among all your guests you should start off with your friends’ opinions. Plus do not forget to check out the local ceremonies musicians’ area and take a look at the message boards.

If you want things to be flawless and you are hiring someone that you have never heard before, you can always ask to attend an event where they will be playing to get an idea of how they are. Whatever you choose, make sure that it is in sync with the budget. www.accenttheprty.com Accent the Party

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Wedding Music Checklist

Get a demo from band/ DJ

Compile a playlist

What number of hours will they have to play for

Check overtime costs

Calculate how much each option cost against budget

What are the terms of cancellation

Choose a band/ DJ that you like

The song to be played during the bouquet toss

The one song during eth first dance

Song played during the garter toss

The prelude songs list (ceremony)

The processional songs list (ceremony)

Low rhythm during the signing of the registry

Recessional songs (ceremony)

Music played during the cake cutting

Play list for the dance ( reception)


Accent the Party

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Song List for DJ/Band

Activity:

Song:

Activity:

Song:

Activity:

Song:

Activity:

Song:

Activity:

Song:

Activity:

Song:

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Flower Planner No wedding is complete without the flower arrangement. From the arrangement around you to the bride’s very special bouquet, these are the things that will need extra special attention. DIY projects can be stressful and cost you just as much. It is always recommended that you seek the help of a florist.

No flower choice is ever wrong. It all depends on what you prefer. If you are going for the garden feel then choose large headed flowers like peonies and roses. If you are into elegant and modern blooms, then French tulips should be on the top of your list.

Always communicate your vision with your florist. A breathtaking wedding is one which makes you happy and goes exactly like you planned. And why shouldn’t it be, it is your big day. The most important thing is that you trust the florist. They are professionals who handle wedding orders on a daily basis. Let them know what you are comfortable with.

Also it would help that along with everything that you tell your florist that you want or like. You might as well let them know what you dislike and do not want even a trace of at your wedding. This way there will be no unwanted surprises.

It is okay to reuse your center pieces. For instance aisle flowers that you used in the ceremony can always be shifted to the buffet table at your reception. It reduces wastage and you do not have to worry about another flower arrangement to look just as good as the one in your ceremony.

Most couples make the mistake of booking their flowers last. Refrain from this; it is crucial that you book your flowers as soon as you decide which arrangement you have your heart set on.

Do not be afraid of getting more expensive blooms. For instance orchids are pricey but they cover more space ad give off a greater impact. They are worth it.

Flowers by season Seasonal flowers will help you stay in budget. Of course florists will have them aired from some corner of the world, but they will charge you the premium for it. If you are crazy about flowers and your plans and wedding theme has flowers playing a huge role in it, then you might want to decide the date of the wedding according to the season of the flowers that you prefer.

Ceremony There is nothing more beautiful and opulent then a tear drop bouquet made from fresh roses. That being said, a simple bouquet with plenty of beautiful flowers, not necessarily roses, is in vogue.

Reception The reception will need more flowers than the ceremony did. We are talking decorating the buffet table, the entry way and of course the place where the bride and groom will be seated.

Wedding party Think about what you want the dance floor to look like. You could even use the flower arrangement to

mark an open space as the dance floor, instead of arranging for a different one.


Accent the Party

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Wedding Flowers Checklist

Brides Bouquet

Bridesmaid Bouquets

Grooms Boutonniere

Flower Girls Flowers

Ring Bearers who need a flower

Centerpiece for the ceremony

Alter arrangement

Aisle Flower arrangement

Gift table arrangement

Entryway Flower arrangement

Car Flower Décor

Reception Centerpieces

Bride and Grooms Chair (reception)

Cake table flower arrangement (reception)

Doorway (reception)

Cocktail table ( reception)

Lounge flower décor ( reception)

Walkways (reception)

Bar Flower Décor (reception)

Dance floor Flower arrangement (reception)

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The Venue Here is everything that you need to consider when it comes to deciding where you want to have your special day.

For The Guests You should not just decide a venue depending on the number of people who will be attending and whether the location is accommodating enough. Think about whether the guests will be able to make it or not. If you are the adventurous type and most of your friends have toddlers they will not be able to make it to a wedding situated near a mountain, because that is where you met each other on a hiking trip.

The logistics Don’t fall for a location, get excited and sign the contract. Think about the logistics. Don’t you want people to actually attend your wedding?

What is It Like? Visit the venue at the time that your wedding ceremony will take place. A place can have different views on a chirpy Saturday morning than what it has during the evening. Start from things like how the light floods the place to how the bride will look like walking down the aisle.

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Wedding Venue Checklist

Can the people be accommodated

Can the band/ DJ be accommodated

Does the reception area has room for dance floor

Can the guests easily make it

Drafting the map to the venue for guests

Wedding date availability

Venue booking and insurance

Venue sound and lighting

Clarify deposit and cancellation terms

Check if you need extra rentals e.g. chairs, tables


Accent the Party

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Catering

Catering Business Address

Contact Person Phone Email

Lunch or Dinner Buffet or Full Service Appetizers Other Dishes

Number of Guests

COSTS

NOTES

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Wedding Cake

BAKERY Address Contact Person Phone Email

Flavor of Cake Number of Tiers Icing Color Accent Colors if any Cake Topper Notes

Cost of Wedding Cake Delivery Fee if any Other Charges

Grand Total

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VOWS

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Travel / Honeymoon

o ___ Confirmation for Plane

o ____Confirmation for Hotel

o ____Passports if needed

o ____Itinerary

o ____Foreign Embassy information if needed

o ____Driver’s License if needed

o ____Credit Cards

o ____Emergency Cash

o ____Travel Locks

o ____Luggage IDs

o ____Phone Numbers for doctor, pet sitter, etc

o ____Emergency Phone Numbers

o ____Health Insurance Cards

o ____Medications / Contraceptives

o ____Chargers & Adapters (cell phone, laptop, etc)

o ____Headphones

o ____Alarm Clock

o ____Sunglasses

o ____Sunscreen / Lip Balm / Bug Spray / Aloe

o ___ Band-Aids / Aspirin / Antacid / Qtips

o ____Tampons

o ____Sewing Kit / Zip Lock Bags

o ____Tote Bag / Hats

o ____Travel Umbrella / Rain Ponchos

o ____Guidebooks/ Playing Cards / Books / Magazines

o ___Toiletries

o ___REMEMBER THE ROMANCE


Accent the Party

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Moving Checklist

Turn off all utilities

Update License

Update insurance

Turn on all utilities

Change address with Post Office

Collect and put important papers in safe place

Check every room before you leave

Change address with Bank

Schedule Movers

Notify work / Human Resources

Prescription Transfers

Defrost Refrigerator

Leave keys/garage door openers

Change address with Credit Cards

Turn off Water Heater

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Printable Photo Props Materials: 8.5×11 paper or heavy cardstock. You can also print on paper and glue to foam or cardboard and cut out. Dowels Foam core Spray Mount Exacto Knife Tape Step One: Print out pictures of the props. Step Two: Using the spray mount adhere the paper to the foam core. Step Three: Using a sharp exacto knife cut out the shapes of the props. Step Four: Tape a wood dowel to the backside of the prop.

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