March 21, 2018 at 03:04PM via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x
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March 21, 2018 at 03:04PM via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x Just Engaged and Completely Overwhelmed? Read This Now!
Simply put, the key to a glitch-free wedding is smart planning. Spare yourself multiple headaches by making a plan and sticking with it—and our helpful wedding planning tips, tools and apps are perfect for staying organized and minimizing stress. by The Knot First of all, congratulations! If you haven't started basking in the glow of being engaged yet, we highly recommend it. And while family members and friends will definitely want to know all the details and plans (you know, the ones you haven't made yet), don't be afraid to tell them you're just enjoying this special time together for now. And when you're finally ready to start wedding planning, let us help. Not to brag or anything, but we're kind of pros at this. So, first things first... Stay OrganizedThis one's pretty obvious. The more organized you are, the less likely something will go wrong. That means your first to-do is to check out our All-In-One Wedding Planner app, where we'll keep track of anything and everything, from defining your wedding style to managing RSVPs and all the details in between. Start by taking our fun Style Quiz, then search and book amazing vendors, manage your budget, guest list and registry, and even create a detailed, day-of timeline (although you don't need to worry about that detail quite yet)—and that's just the tip of the iceberg. If you're someone who likes to handwrite your plans, pick up The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer. Keep all your wedding information in it: receipts, contracts, ideas, dates, times, locations—you name it. Bottom line: We're here to keep you sane and organized every step of the way. Start Your Personalized ChecklistOnce you determine your wedding date, create your personalized wedding checklist on The Knot to figure out what your to-dos are on a month-by-month basis. Don't stress yourself out in the beginning by setting deadlines that might prove to be unrealistic—let us guide you on which essential tasks to do when. And we know that it may seem a little scary to try and get as much done as possible in the first few months, but that way, the last few months won't be as hectic. You'll thank yourselves later—promise. Set Aside Weekly Time to PlanChoose a day or two during the week when you'll focus on wedding planning (or choose a time to do one or two things every day if you're pressed for time). It's also good to sit down together and plan. This eliminates confusion—i.e., one of you thinking you're supposed to call and check on hall rentals when the other's already narrowed it down to what will suit their needs. Even if you're just perusing The Knot Real Weddings page and Pinterest boards for real inspiration, finding local vendors or booking a venue with our Venue Concierge team (it's free!), clearly allocating time for wedding details can only help you in the long run. Divide and Conquer (While Communicating)This is the best way to get things done. You and your partner should both be involved every step of the way. Make a list of details to be taken care of, then divide the list in half and choose what you each want to do—your partner may not be concerned with exactly which flowers you carry, and maybe you're not picky about what your partner's wedding party wears, but even though you have your checklist, it's good to over-communicate. If you're sharing duties, you should also be sharing the details. It's okay to take care of certain things by yourself, but don't neglect to tell each other about it so the caterer isn't contacted twice. And when the planning gets tough, take a break from contracts and seating charts to create your official wedding website. It's free and a fun thing to do if you can't look at any more cakes for the day. Be Flexible and FairSo, you really didn't want the ushers in tails and top hats. And maybe your partner doesn't want the wedding cake to be lemon with pecan icing. Each of you is going to want things the other doesn't care for (or care about), but flexibility is a must, so be willing to bend. If you really object to something, let your objection be duly heard and noted—and have a good reason for it. This may come up the most when you start deciding on your guest list and budget, but with our Wedding Guest List Manager and Wedding Budget Calculator, it's easy to keep track of each choice you make and make adjustments along the way. Details, Contracts and NegotiationsWhen dealing with wedding professionals (caterers, florists and so on), be sure to clarify all the details and your expectations during the initial discussions. Make sure you always, always get a contract specifically stating dates, times and locations—in other words, spell everything out. It's not about nitpicking, it's about paying for and receiving exactly what you want to make your day spectacular. Try to negotiate the best deal for goods and services, but don't sell yourself short on important things just to get a better price. Most importantly, be sure to read the fine print on every contract before you sign it, and make sure you're aware of cancellation policies and fees. Also ask if there's a grace period to cancel just in case you change your mind about the service or vendor, or something happens and you need to postpone the wedding (better safe than sorry). Happy planning!
March 20, 2018 at 12:08PM via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x
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March 15, 2018 at 11:16AM via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x
March 15, 2018 at 11:16AM via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x Marrying in the Caribbean: Destination Wedding Q&A
by the knot Planning your destination wedding from the mainland isn't as difficult as you might think. Often it's as easy as making a few calls and sending a few emails. Many resorts now include the services of an experienced and knowledgeable wedding coordinator, and there are many more available for hire throughout the islands. If you want to go at it alone without the help of a coordinator, be prepared for extensive research, preliminary trips (hey, there are worse things!), and perhaps some timing snafus. Q. How do we know which area to choose?A. There are many ways to choose the ideal destination for your wedding, whether you're looking for someplace close and cheap, a lush terrain, lots of activities, or do-not-disturb seclusion. For a full breakdown of each area's unique charm, click here . But to get you started, here's a breakdown of five particularly wedding-worthy Caribbean islands. If you're looking for luxury resorts alive with local flavor on white sand beaches, check out Aruba.
Q. Are we responsible for our guests' expenses?A. Most couples that go the destination-wedding route do not have the means to pay all of their guests' ways, but if you do, it's a wonderful gesture and of course they will appreciate it. Airfare to the Caribbean can be expensive, but food and lodging often offer great bargains. That said, guests are committing themselves more financially and time-wise than they would for a wedding closer to home -- they're probably treating this as a vacation. This is one type of wedding you will need to plan further in advance if you're inviting lots of guests, save-the-date cards are crucial. Whatever you do, make sure that you provide lots of economical options for your guests. Q. We want to incorporate a little Caribbean culture without having a theme wedding. Any ideas?A. Be creative by adding accents local to that particular region -- anything from a native flower to regional drink. Here are a few ideas. If you're marrying in...
Q. Are there any must-dos that we should advise our guests of?A. Since the Caribbean offers so many choices of activities – snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking and beaching -- it's probably a good idea to provide each guest with an up-to-date travel guide for the area. Act as their hosts and see that they are kept entertained, which shouldn't be too difficult. Hotel concierges are great resources for itinerary ideas. Encourage your guests to participate, but don't be demanding. Realize that they'll probably want to spend at least some time just hanging out in their air-conditioned rooms. Q. Are there any local drinks or culinary specialties that we should know about and incorporate?A. Concierges and travel books are a great resource for these types of things. Check the Internet for a web site for your specific town or area -- they'll often clue you in to local specialties you won't want to miss. Consider serving Pina Coladas at your Puerto Rican fiesta, Goombay Smash at you Bahamian bash, or Rum Punch at your Jamaican soiree. |
About CrystalCrystal Vandegrift is a wedding photographer covering Virginia, D.C. NC and Maryland. Interested in being a guest blogger on our site? Contact us below!
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Pictures were one of my top priorities for my wedding. I spent a lot of time reading through photographers and even contacting some. I was also pretty nervous, I had never been professionally photographed before. Crystal and her team were SO easy to work with and immediately took away the nerves. I trusted her completely and I am so happy I did. Cannot recommend enough! Ellen - Yorktown VA
If you're looking for an amazing photographer who is relaxed, has experience, and knowledge look no further. Crystal took our engagement and wedding photos. Not only were her photos amazing, but she is extremely responsive to messages and will even help you when planning your big day. It was important to us to work with a photographer who has experience with same sex couples, and Crystal and Casey did a great job capturing everything for my wife and I. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. - Emily - Nellysford, VA
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