Wedding Planning Ideas

A lot of brides wonder if the majority of the expenses will be left up to them and their parents…here is a complete list of the expenses traditionally paid for by the groom, from the rehearsal dinner to the honeymoon.

1. The Rehearsal Dinner - All expenses from flowers to food
2. Rings
3. The bride’s engagement ring
4. The bride’s wedding ring
5. Gifts

A wedding gift for the bride — this is not an absolute requirement, but it’s a nice old tradition that allows you to bring a personal note into the wedding flurry. The gift choice is up to you, but for generations, grooms have chosen the timeless gift of pearls for their brides (Some girls wouldn’t be thrilled with a set…including me!).

6. A groomsman’s gift for each of your attendants
7. Flowers…The bride’s bouquet (only in certain parts of the country), The bride’s going-away corsage, Corsages for the immediate family members (check with the bride, she may have this in her floral budget), boutonnieres for your attendants

8. Clothing

9. Tuxedos
You can rent or buy your tuxedo. Ties, gloves, vests/cummerbunds for the attendants may not be part of the rental package.

10. Lodging & Transportation
Accommodations for out-of-town attendants
Your own accommodation
Accommodations and transportation for out-of-town celebrant only if he or she was invited by your family
Transportation for yourself and your best man to the ceremony
Transportation and accommodations for your parents

11. Paperwork

The marriage license
Your own medical tests
The celebrant’s donation or fee

12. The Honeymoon

Transportation to the honeymoon destination
Lodging
All meals
All activities

Do brides have to wear veils?

From The KNOT (my FAVORITE wedding Web site):

The only thing you must wear is what makes you feel beautiful. If a veil doesn’t do anything for you, then skip it. It’s that easy. As far as what people will say, ask yourself this: Do you care? If it’ll bother you to know that some people will think that a bride just isn’t the same without a veil, then you might consider wearing an elbow-length veil for the ceremony and removing it for the reception. Many veils today are detachable and can easily be removed. You might also consider wearing a tiara. They’re very much in style right now — not only for brides — and it counts as an appropriate wedding-day head covering. It also looks really cool.

If you or one of your friends are getting married soon, you will want to check out this Web site: Milly Rose Photography

This is Taryn Fast’s mom’s Web site (Yes, Taryn from our Internet Communications class). The site includes the cutest examples of her work. You will definitely want to get in touch with Taci Fast. I know I’m going to contact her as my wedding approaches!

Here’s what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for an Oklahoma marriage license. Requirements may vary as each county in Oklahoma could have their own requirements.

Residency Requirement in Oklahoma:
You do not have to be a resident of Oklahoma. However, you must be married in the county where you purchased your license.

ID Requirement:
Drivers License or certified birth certificate or passport and his or her Social Security number.

Previous Marriage: Your divorce must be final. However, you may not get married for a period of six months after the divorce decree is filed. Having the divorce decree with you is a good idea.

Waiting Period in Oklahoma:
There is no waiting period in Oklahoma unless you are a minor.

Fees in Oklahoma:
It will cost you between $25 - $50 to get married in Oklahoma. The charge varies from county to county - cash or money order only. Some counties will accept a local check.

Couples who take a premarital counseling course “conducted by a health professional or an official representative of a religious institution” will be charged only $5 for a marriage license.

Additional Tests:
As of November 1, 2004, you will not need to have a blood test.

Proxy Marriages in Oklahoma: No. Both parties must be present.

Cousin Marriages in Oklahoma: No.

Common-Law Marriages in Oklahoma: No. However, your common-law marriage will be recognized in Oklahoma if it was created before November 1, 1998. There is controversy in Oklahoma over this legislation and whether or not it is valid.

Under 18 in Oklahoma:
Parents must appear at the courthouse with the couple to sign a consent form. Minors must wait three days (72 hours) before the marriage license is valid.
A person who is under the age of 16 may not get married in Oklahoma without a court order.

Who can officiate in Oklahoma:
Any ordained or licensed clergymen, and justices of the peace. There is an additional $10 fee for having your wedding ceremony conducted by a judge.

Miscellaneous:
The license is good for 10 days and may be used anywhere in Oklahoma. It must be returned to the Court Clerk for recording within five days of use.

Are you stuck? Choosing your bridesmaids is a tough decisions…I’m even having a hard time deciding, but there are a few things to consider:

Choose your closest family members or good friends…the women who will band together to do whatever needs to be done to help you enjoy your engagement and your wedding day!

Also, it is nice to consider your prospective bridesmaids’ wallets, but you shouldn’t worry about this too much…unless you plan to pick a pricey dress for them to wear.
There are plenty of low-cost ways to dress your bridal party. And, if you want, you can help cover their travel costs to show your appreciation. Just let them know (at the time that you ask them to be in your wedding party) that there will be some costs and make sure they’re okay with that. Lastly, don’t worry if your bridesmaids aren’t especially close together. You will enjoy the day if you know they are there to share it with you.