Des Moines Wedding Photographers
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Wedding Planning Book

Destination

Decide on your ultimate wedding destination and have a concrete idea about where you would like to tie the knot. It is impossible to plan further without having a clear idea of the exact country location.

Legal Issues

Once you have selected a location, it is important make sure you have a good understanding of all the legalities associated with getting married in that particular country. You don’t want to be stuck with legal documentation issues once you have booked your wedding.

Visa Requirements

Make sure you have complete information and details regarding Visa requirements and documentation. This 00004000 is important for both you and your partner in your chosen location, as well as ensuring that guests are able to obtain visas and therefore attend your wedding. Check this out before you book and pay for your wedding. Consult your guests as well as far as possible.

Budget

Ensure that you have come up with an accurate budget, including accommodation costs, air fares and other fees. It is vital that you also have this conversation with your guests and come to an agreement about who is paying for what, or in other words, what you are going to cover and what they are willing to pay for themselves. Try and do this in advance to give guests time to budget for the trip abroad and plan for leave, flights and accommodation.

Make the Booking

Once you have sorted out the logistics, guest number and budget details, aim to book your wedding abroad as soon as possible. The earlier you book, the better deals you will be able to find and the better prepared you will be on the big day, as you will have left yourself enough time to plan and liaise with your wedding coordinator and venue staff.

Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy

All the pre-planning and organisation will be well-worth it when the wedding date comes around. It will mean you can truly relax while your big day takes place in your dream location, and after all, isn’t that what a wedding abroad is all about in any case?

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    What is a good wedding planning book?
    I am getting married and I want to do all the planning by myself, I mean me, my fiance, friends and parents. I want to know what is a good wedding planning book?

    • ANSWER:
      You don’t need to buy a planning book, there is so much information available for free on the web, have a look at http://www.theknot.com and also http://www.cheap-wedding-solutions.com for ways to plan your wedding

  2. QUESTION:
    Any suggestions for a wedding planning book?
    I just got engaged and I’m CLUELESS!! I was wondering if anyone has suggestions of a good wedding planning book…..THANK YOU

    • ANSWER:
      I have this wedding planner from Wedding Solutions

      http://store.weddingsolutions.com/product_info.php/cPath/79_44/products_id/98241.

      I think it is a great planner. I was in the same boat not knowing anything about what I should be doing but this helps out alot. It has pictures and step-by-step things you should do and ask. I keep all my receipts in here too.

      I also use the knot.com because they have some checklists that the planner doesn’t. It has help me so far and I still have 9 months to go.

      Congratulations!!!

  3. QUESTION:
    Recently engaged . . Any suggestions for a wedding planning book?
    I recently became engaged to the love of my life; however, I need help with planning my wedding. If anyone has any suggestions for a good wedding planning book, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      I would avoid the books personally, go online to websites like theknot.com and weddingchannel.com (my personal fave b/c they have more variety in pics of things to get ideas from) and flip through bridal magazines to get an idea of what all you will need, and create a wedding binder filled with all your ideas and pics. You can keep all your wedding contracts and receips in their also so you will be organized! Also, Its a good place to keep your guest list and registry stuff, It has really helped me to have it! congrats and good luck!

  4. QUESTION:
    I need help finding the best wedding planning book?
    I’m looking for a recommendation from someone who has used a wedding planning book that they LOVED. I am getting married in about 1.5 – 2 years, and I want to use the perfect wedding planning book. Possibly something geared toward average-sized weddings in small towns.

    Thank you!
    Also, I want this to be a book that I can write in, save receipts, etc. A hands-on, organizational book. Not just a book on tips.

    • ANSWER:
      The Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer (Ring-bound)
      by Elizabeth Lluch

      ^^Thats what i used. It was a binder with pocketed tabs. I bought it “used” on Amazon, even though it was new. Then i went to Office Max and bought a whole bunch of zippered pouches, clear sleeves, clear business card sleeves and photo album pages (all with the 3-holes punched in). After I added to it, it was the perfect organizer.

  5. QUESTION:
    Brides- What wedding planning book/organizer did you find the most helpful?
    I am planning my wedding for next September
    P.S. I am on a strict budget of 00 for everything!

    • ANSWER:
      If you are on a strict budget and have ,000 for everything, I would seriously recommend a wedding planner. They have been thru this several times, know which vendors will do the best job for the money and will keep you on tract so you don’t have to worry about anything. Use some of that money for you by hiring someone to do your worrying for you! A good wedding planner will be able to save you the money you paid for their services by doing their job. Check references – and I mean check them – ask for contact names and numbers and call brides she has worked with in the past. Make sure there is a good chemistry between the two of you and tell her all your wedding dreams. Be smart.

      If you insist on doing it yourself, go to the bookstore and look thru wedding planners. Everyone is very different – some people want step by step details and other people just want general basics. You’re going to have to spend a few hours looking thru all of your options. And be sure to check out Martha Stewart’s – it may or may not be at your local bookstore.

  6. QUESTION:
    What is the most comprehensive wedding planning book?
    I need to know so I can get it. Also, what makes it the best?

    • ANSWER:
      I have a book called “the ultimate wedding planning guide” I found it at Barnes and Noble and it is wonderful. It keeps me organized, has checklists, tells me when to have things done by, tips on how to save money for the wedding, style ideas, and even places to compare vendors. Its like having a wedding planner but not paying for one. I love it. I looked through about a dozen planning books and this one has everything. Hope this helps. :0)

  7. QUESTION:
    wedding planning?
    Any suggestions on a really good wedding planning book? I need one that tells me what i should be doing in order from the day i get engaged to the day i get married.

    • ANSWER:
      I don’t know about any wedding planning books, but I am currently using: http://www.theknot.com as my resource. You can plan everything on there. You can create your guest list, and store all the addresses. Plan your budget. They have checklists of what you should be doing each month leading up to the wedding, etc. Congratulations, and good luck with the planning!!

  8. QUESTION:
    where can i get a wedding planning book?
    one i can actually write stuff down and stuff not an actuall book i have to read and they give you advice

    • ANSWER:

  9. QUESTION:
    Best book for planning wedding (destination/eloping)?
    Any recommendations on wedding planning books for non-traditional weddings/eloping? Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      BRIDE magizine is good but i would go to the library and check out books its easier and you can find more stuff. good luck :)

  10. QUESTION:
    wedding planning book?
    does anyone know a good wedding planning book for 16 year olds who just really want to plan their dream wedding? i’m not actually getting married obviously, but i’ve been thinking about it since i was five and i want it to be organized!!!!!

    • ANSWER:
      Hi. Your question is a good one. I am organized too so I can appreciate that you are already thinking ahead! You should, however, not be looking at wedding planning books. You need to focus on high school. You should be looking at college catalogs and fun girl stuff. Don’t focus on a wedding at such a young age. By the time you do get married, many things will have changed. Possibly what you think is your “dream wedding” will not be that when you are engaged. Once you are engaged there is plenty of time to plan. Enjoy your teen years and your college years!

  11. QUESTION:
    What is the BEST Wedding planning book?
    I am looking into purchasing a Wedding Planner. But there are SO many! If anyone has had experience with any certain one, or can just recommend one for me, that’d be great. Links are appreciated as well (preferably to the certain one on amazon.com)

    • ANSWER:
      I have three suggestions, that I’ve personally used before. (as a maid of honour each time) I liked them all, they each offered their own pros and cons.

      http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Wedding-Organizer-Checklists-Worksheets/dp/1593376405/ref=pd_sim_b_42

      http://www.amazon.com/Bridal-Bargains-Wedding-Planner-Planning/dp/1889392308/ref=pd_sim_b_2

      http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Small-Budget-Planner-Organizer/dp/0898795303/ref=sr_1_52?s=STORE&ie=UTF8&qid=1281751017&sr=1-52

      Each of them proved to be really useful in keeping track of things and keeping things on budget, and on time.

  12. QUESTION:
    Wedding Planning Book?
    I am planning my wedding – what books have people used and do you recommend them? Any great ones??

    • ANSWER:
      I’m a wedding coordinator, but I like “The Everything Wedding Organizer” . I also like “The Everything Wedding Checklist”. You can find them at a Barnes & Noble

      They also make one for outdoor weddings, weddings on a budget, and books for specific members of the bridal party respectively.

  13. QUESTION:
    Wedding Planning Book Needed?
    Does anyone know the best wedding planning book out there and maybe a link to it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have no idea where to begin!!

    • ANSWER:
      There’s an entire section of wedding planning books at Barnes & Noble that you can check out– that way you can browse through all of them and see which one suits you best! Plus you don’t have to pay shipping!

  14. QUESTION:
    What are some really good wedding planning books?
    I’m having a really big wedding and need to start reading in on the wedding planning experience. And can you give me the approximate price of the book that you suggest? Thanks! :)

    • ANSWER:
      I use a lot of books and ebooks. My very favorite is Erica Yoon’s Amazing Wedding Planning. It’s complete and goes through a lot of planning ideas as well as money saving ideas.

      Second would be the Knot’s Ultimate Wedding Planner. It has a lot of checklists so you can get the big picture up front and then go into the details.

  15. QUESTION:
    Do I need to buy a wedding planning book or can I do it all online?
    If I should buy a book as well, which book should I buy?

    • ANSWER:
      i wouldn’t waste the money on a book! that was the first thing that all of my newly married friends told me when i first got engaged! no reason to! if you don’t do it online, then find a wedding magazine that comes with the wedding planning/timeline insert, there always seems to be one of those in some wedding magazine!

      best of luck and congrats!

  16. QUESTION:
    i’m in need of a good wedding planning book?
    I’m looking for a book that has a checklist of everything that needs to be done to plan a wedding as well as timeframes as to when these things need to be finished for a stress free wedding. Any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      www.theknot.com

      I never spent a cent on “wedding planning books”. I did research online (I used google and TheKnot a lot). I bought a binder and dividers to help me keep track of everything.

      *Put These Items On Your Calendar First *
      •Wedding Date
      •Rehearsal Date
      •Invitations should be mailed 6 weeks before the wedding
      •Wedding dress should be ordered at least 6 months before the wedding
      •Bridesmaids’ dresses should be ordered at least 6 months before the wedding
      •Bride’s hair should be cut and colored approximately 15-20 days before the wedding
      •Groom’s hair should be cut 2 weeks before the wedding
      •Blood tests generally must be taken within 30 days of the wedding

      *Twelve to Six Months Before the Wedding*
      •Purchase engagement and wedding rings; arrange for engraving
      •Select a wedding date and time
      •Announce your engagement and wedding date
      •Discuss and create a preliminary budget with all involved
      •Determine your wedding theme or style
      •Reserve your ceremony location
      •Determine who will officiate the ceremony
      •Reserve your reception location
      •If you plan to have your reception outdoors, make alternate plans for bad weather
      •Decide in your color scheme
      •Determine the size of the guest list
      •Start compiling names and addresses of guests
      •Select bridal attendants
      •Obtain bridal attendants measurements and sizes
      •Select groomsmen
      •Obtain groomsmen’s measurements and shoe sizes
      •Plan reception
      •Select a caterer
      •Select a photographer
      •Select a florist
      •Select a band or DJ
      •Select soloists, organists, musicians for ceremony
      •Select your dress and order if necessary
      •Select your headpiece
      •Select bridesmaids’ dresses and order if necessary
      •Select and order invitations, matches, napkins, thank-you notes and programs
      •Start addressing invitations and announcements when they arrive
      •Pre-address than-you note envelopes while addressing invitations and announcements. (This saves a great deal of time later.)
      •Prepare maps and directions to include with your invitations.
      •Check with the post office for the amount of postage needed to mail the invitations when all the pieces are included in the envelope.
      •Register with bridal registries
      •Reserve the rehearsal dinner location
      •Select a baker for the cake

      *6-4 Months Before the Wedding*
      •Check with your local newspaper for the form and timing of your wedding announcement submission.
      •Have mothers select their dresses
      •Select the men’s formal wear
      •Choose songs that you would like for the band or DJ to play at your wedding
      •Keep gift checklist up to date and write thank-you notes daily
      •Arrange accommodations for attendants who do not live in town
      •Reserve a block of rooms for out-of-town guests
      •Hire limousines and/or other transportation
      •Make appointments for physicals and update your immunization shots and records
      •Shop for wedding rings
      •Start planning the honeymoon
      •Begin shopping for trousseau
      •Begin addressing invitations and announcements. (They should be sent 4-6 weeks before he wedding.)

      *Two Months Before the Wedding*
      •Finish addressing invitations and send them out.
      •Finalize all details with the caterer, photographer, florist, reception coordinator, musicians, etc.
      •Order the wedding cake if it is not supplied by the caterer.
      •Finalize the ceremony details with the officiant.
      •Make rehearsal and rehearsal dinner arrangements.
      •Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon.
      •Make appointments with your hairdresser and mark-up artist.
      •Finalize honeymoon plans.
      One Month Before
      •Have a final fitting of the wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses.
      •Have a formal bridal portrait done.
      •Complete all physical and dental appointments.
      •Get blood test and marriage license.
      •Make transportation arrangements for the wedding day.
      •Purchase gifts for all of the attendants and particpants.
      •Purchase gift for your fiance
      •Keep careful records of the gifts you receive and write thank-you notes as you receive them.
      •Select responsible person to handle the guest book.
      •Make sure that all of the men’s attire has been ordered.
      •Pick up wedding rings and make sure they fit.
      •Take care of legal affairs such as changing the names on insurance policies, etc.
      •Reconfirm the accommodations for out-of-town guests.
      •Prepare wedding announcements to be sent to the newspaper.

      *Two Weeks Before*
      •Arrange to have wedding gifts moved to your new home.
      •Turn in a change of address card to the post office if necessary.
      •Finish addressing announcements to be mailed on the wedding day.
      •The groom should have his hair cut.
      •The bride should have her hair colored if necessary.

      *One Week Before*
      •Contact guests who have not responded.
      •Give the final count to the caterer and review the details.
      •Go over any final details with all wedding professionals you have hired.
      •Give the photographer a list of pictures you would like.
      •Give the videographer a list of shots you would like included in the video.
      •Give all musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception.
      •Plan the seating arrangements.
      •Continue to write thank-you notes.
      •Pack your suitcases for the honeymoon.
      •Make sure you have the marriage license.
      •Make sure that you have the wedding rings and they fit.
      •Make sure that all wedding attire is picked up and it fits.
      •Reconfirm all honeymoon reservations.
      •Make sure that you have your plane tickets.

      *The Day Before*
      •Have the bridesmaids luncheon if you are not having it the day of the wedding and you haven’t already had it.
      •The bride should have her nails done.
      •Have rehearsal with all participants, reviewing their duties at least twice.
      •Go over special seating or pew cards with the ushers.
      •Give any instructions about on the wedding day such as what time everyone should be at the church for pictures, what type of transportation is provided, where the reception is, etc.

      *The Wedding Day*
      •Have the bridesmaids’ luncheon if you have not already had it.
      •The bride should have her hair and makeup done.
      •Make sure that each of you have the rings.
      •Make sure that you have the marriage license.
      •Place the officiant’s fee in an envelope and give it to the best man so he may resent it after the ceremony.

  17. QUESTION:
    Where can I find a wedding planning book?
    so i went to a wedding on Sunday and I’m officially obsessed with having my own. i did the city hall thing so now i wanna go a bit big but not trying to break the bank. So i wont mind paying for it but i would like for the book to be at least updated to this century…lol. If it matters, I live in NY.
    I’m also 23 btw

    • ANSWER:
      You can go to walmart and get one. They have them online & in stores. I just went about a week ago to get mine! It only cost me about .00

      Target also has them.

  18. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know where i can get a good wedding planners planning book?
    I am new to the business and am working on my first wedding :) i need a good organizer. Experienced wedding planners out there, can you recomend an organizer that has the tools i need?

    • ANSWER:
      I think that any bride’s planner would work for you just fine. In the searching that I have done I haven’t seen any specifically for wedding planners even though those may be available from the wedding planners association. I personally chose this planner but something else might work best for you.

      http://www.amazon.com/Emily-Posts-Wedding-Planner-4e/dp/0060745037/ref=pd_bbs_2/104-7788937-1559147?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1187459471&sr=8-2

      wedding planners groups

      http://www.nawp.com/

      http://afwpi.com/

      http://www.weddingsbeautiful.com/

      http://www.aa-wp.com/?rext=2092

  19. QUESTION:
    Best Wedding Planning Book & website?
    There are so many books out what would be the best Wedding planning book & website

    Thank You

    • ANSWER:

      http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Ultimate-Wedding-Workbook-Organizer-2nd-Edition/Elizabeth-Lluch/e/9781887169691/?itm=3&USRI=wedding+organizer

      http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Complete-Wedding-Planner-Organizer/Elizabeth-Lluch/e/9781887169660/?itm=1&USRI=wedding+organizer

      http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Everything-Wedding-Organizer/Shelly-Hagen/e/9781593376406/?itm=2&USRI=wedding+organizer

      http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Home-gift/Tying-the-Knot-The-Complete-Wedding-Organizer/e/9781593599782/?itm=6&USRI=wedding+organizer

  20. QUESTION:
    can anyone help me design the cover page of my wedding planning book?
    i need to design the cover page of my book A-Z OF WEDDING PLANNING & ORGANIZATION. i need someone to assist me please and forward the design to my email

    • ANSWER:
      Yes I can if you’re going to pay me for doing it

  21. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know of a good reference, book, or website for wedding planning?
    I’m in the very early stages of planning our wedding but I have no idea where to even start. Does anyone know of a good reference, book, or website? Any thoughts?

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      theknot.com is a really great website, but there are a LOT of really great websites out there. The thing that helped me the most was going to bridal shows in my area and organizing all the information in a big binder. Then I knew that all my stuff came from local vendors!! I also found it helpful to join an online community of people who were also planning weddings at the time (none of my friends are married and I’m the oldest, so I’ve never had any kind of experience with it) – usually you’ll find them at wedding websites or on journal websites like livejournal or opendiary.

      Good luck!!

  22. QUESTION:
    I am looking for a wedding planning book to buy? Any suggestions of a good one?

    • ANSWER:
      I know a planning book called: The Ultimate Wedding Planning Kit by Wedding Experts Elizabeth & Alex Lluch, Founder of WeddingSolutions.com. I have it, and it is pretty good. Hope that helped!

  23. QUESTION:
    Wedding Planning book…. what do you think?
    Ok so i know this is a long shot, BUT…… i have to tell you the whole story.

    Ok so i am currently planning my wedding, and well my partner and i are working our bums off and no matter how much we try to save money on our wedding costs its just not working, so i have found other ways to make the wedding more affordable.
    eg online!! i have found ebay.com and ebay.com.au GREAT!! online honeymoon travel and also online sites for weddng dresses.
    so far the costs for our wedding have skyrocket-ed for our reception and ceremoney but we cut costs on everything else, decorations etc.

    I am wanting to make a book on wedding planning the cheap way, well not cheap and nasty way but cheaper way.
    If you are planning your own wedding and wanted help and well didnt want to spend a fortune but still wanted the wedding of your dreams would you buy something like that?

    If you have thought of this or think its a good idea id love your comments?
    Or if you have had your wedding and wish there was a book like this out there comments please!!!

    thanks in advanced
    opps, geez sorry about the few spelling mistakes, it was a very fast typing mode.

    • ANSWER:
      no. i looked at a few books like low cost wedding or something like that. but i didn’t want to read a book. i did a few searches on line. and with a diy wedding it is cheaper anyway.

      my mom did get a mother of the bride book, that she read and helped her out.

  24. QUESTION:
    Which wedding planning book/mag is a must for a scared newbie?
    Hi Yahooers,

    My guy is starting to speak details on the Big Step and seems ready to propose shortly. I am creative but have no clue where to start; I am not one of those women who has been planning my wedding since I was 12 (no offense lol).

    But, this is the situation- my fam is small and mainly in the South, his family is huge, as in Dugger huge, and they’re in Virginia.

    I want it to be classy and romantic but we can’t afford some tens of thousands of dollars wedding. I don’t want to go “cheap” either w folding chairs. An in between, you know?

    I’m thinking Vegas. Not cheesy, but we love Vegas.

    Around to my question- what book and/or magazine did you get that really cut to the chase and helped you plan practically? I don’t want a wedding planner. And don’t hold back girls, I want the one that you wrinkled and found really really handy.

    Thanks so much!!!

    PS I already know about The Knot :)
    BTW I do see a church or traditional wedding. Nothing like Elvis or Michael officiating. Thanx!

    • ANSWER:
      I know you already know about the knot, but honestly, that was my lifesaver! I don’t think I could have planned my wedding the way I wanted with out it.

      Another thing I found useful was Brides Magazine. All the bridal mags are mostly ads, but Brides seemed to have more helpful content than the rest.

      Another site that helped me with DIY stuff was cheapchicweddings.com

      I used weddingwire.com to help pick out songs

      Something else you should do, is get on the mailing list for Nevada/Las Vegas brides. Most states have a bridal magazine that is very helpful for finding the best local vendors.

      I bought a notebook and that became my planning bible. I cut out pictures and pasted them in there, hairstyles, cakes, dresses, I wrote all of my ideas down in there, all of my vendor contact info, everything. You name it, the info I needed was put in it. My husband got so sick of seeing me carry it around that he would start telling me not to bring it places because he said I didn’t need it where we were going, but you never know when an idea will hit you, so I carried it everywhere! It was a diary sized notebook, so it fit in my purse.

  25. QUESTION:
    What is the most useful wedding (planning) books?
    What do you find the most useful wedding book?
    My fav is The DIY Wedding: Celebrate Your Day Your Way by Kelly Bare, what about yours?

    • ANSWER:
      I’m a big fan of The DIY Bride: 40 Fun Projects for Your Ultimate One-of-a-Kind Wedding by Khris Cochran. It has some excellent information in it, and you can find it at Amazon.

      Also, if you’re looking for something new and fun, Susan Southerland, a wedding planner from the Central Florida area, has a great wedding planning DVD that provides great tips for planning your wedding: http://www.perfectweddingguide.com/dvd.

      You can search for the DIY book as well as the DVD (and other wedding planning books) at Amazon (but I bet you already knew that!) ;)

      Happy Planning!

  26. QUESTION:
    What it the best wedding planning workbook/guide?
    I just got engaged and I’m getting married in October. I will be planning the wedding by myself. I have no idea what I’m doing and was wondering if anyone could tell me a good wedding planning book/guide that would be suitable for someone like me. Thank you very much!

    • ANSWER:
      The Knot’s site helped me plan my wedding.

      There are lots of wedding planning books available on Amazon – check the reviews to see which one will suit your needs.

      Don’t let the planning stress you out – this is supposed to be a happy time. Just keep yourself organized (I kept a notebook with me at all times) and remember that it’s only a party. It’s not worth going crazy over.

  27. QUESTION:
    Where can I get wedding planning books?
    Where can I order wedding planning books like the kind to be a wedding planner? Not too expensive though and maybe they come with a movie or something but ones that have good training in them.

    • ANSWER:
      Amazon.com has a number of wedding planning books that you can check out

      FabJob Guide to Become a Wedding Planner http://www.amazon.com/FabJob-Become-Wedding-Planner-Guides/dp/1894638379/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228059377&sr=1-10
      Start Your Own Wedding Consultant Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Success http://www.amazon.com/Start-Wedding-Consultant-Business-Step/dp/1891984748/ref=pd_sim_b_1
      Wedding Directing: How to Be a Professional Wedding Director http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Directing-How-Professional-Director/dp/0759695784/ref=pd_sim_b_5

      Or if you want wedding planners

      The Complete Wedding Planner & Organizer http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Wedding-Planner-Organizer/dp/1887169660/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228059541&sr=1-1
      The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Calendars, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions http://www.amazon.com/Knot-Ultimate-Wedding-Planner-Worksheets/dp/0767902475/ref=pd_sim_b_2

      These books are less than . Or borrow them from your library

  28. QUESTION:
    Best wedding planning book?
    I am looking for a wedding organizer book. I would like one that is 3 ring bound so that I can organize it well. Any advice?

    • ANSWER:
      You honestly don’t need to spend money on a book. I have been given three different planning books as engagement gifts from friends and besides flipping through them once, I don’t use them. You don’t need to spend money on something like that when so much stuff is free and then you can just put in it a binder with three-whole page protectors to store contracts/stuff from venues/vendors.

      I have accounts at theknot.com and Weddingbells.ca and I don’t even use them! I have everything in an excel spread sheet because then I can customize it to the way I like. I used the lists and budgets from free online site (Martha Stewart Weddings has one too) and transfered what i needed to Excel, a I have a worksheet for each item with my overall budget being first (a page for favour costs, invitation budget, venue/catering, etc). Then I just printed it out to store in a folder.

      Just be sure your binder has pockets or you have a folder assigned for the wedding because you get a lot of stuff/contracts from vendors that you need to organize and can’t necessarily punch holes in.

      Good Luck!

  29. QUESTION:
    If you were making a friend a wedding planning book(3 ring binder) what would you put in it?
    Topics i have covered: timeline/table, hiring a consultant, invitations, stationary, printers, where they are registered, ceramony site, ceramony schedule, ceremony music, the officiant, the rehersal, the rehersal party, choosing a gown for the bride, the bridesmaids and any other attendants, grooms renting/buying info, groomsmes renting/buying info, the reception site, setting up the reception site, reception time schedule, seating plan, choosing a florist, the flower order (for everyone and everywhere), reception music, reception music schedule, choosing a baker, choosing a caterer, transportation, photographer, photography schedule, gift records, honeymoon info, and how to change your name after you get married

    i realize this is alot of info for the bride but this book is suppose to be the “anything and everything” book for her wedding
    this book isnt just information, its worksheets to fill out along with info and tips,

    • ANSWER:
      sounds great – don’t forget to include folders where she can keep receipts, notes, things she’s cut out from magazines…ect.

      For myself, I used a looseleaf notebook and the folders really helped for stuff I couldn’t hole punch.

  30. QUESTION:
    Can anyone suggest any good wedding planning books?
    I am recently engaged and I am starting to plan my wedding but I am unable to find any really good wedding planning books… any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      Ya A Brides Book i bought mine at Barnes and Nobles and its been i life saver but you may also want to buy bridal magazines if they have any cool ideas that you re thinking about using for yourself. I also use weddingchannel.com and theknot.com to help me along the way

  31. QUESTION:
    Recenty engaged . . Any suggestion on wedding planning books?
    I recently became engaged to the love of my life; however, I need help planning my wedding. If anyone has any suggestions for a good wedding planning book, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      I bought the “Dummies Guide to Weddings.” It was the best investment that I made. It answered a lot of questions.

  32. QUESTION:
    im planning my wedding and i need to find a free wedding book to plan my wedding?
    i am looking for a book like state farms had a few years ago because they don’t have there’s anymore..
    anyone know where i can get one? online for free
    i dont think i was clear enough i want a free book mailed to me lol sorry for the miss understanding
    and i use the knot.com alot thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Chabela had the right idea: www.theknot.com

      On theknot.com, you can not only organize all of your budgets, payments, and guest lists, but you can also find AMAZING ideas to help you plan everything from finding local vendors (reception halls, photographers, florists, officiants, etc) to a message board filled with brides from your area to talk to! They have an in depth dress search and ideas for favors. They have a “tv” sections with clips of the latest bridal fashion shows and real weddings. It truly has everything a bride could need or want. The best part about it is that it’s free!!! You just have to fill in a little information about yourself and you’re on! FREE!

  33. QUESTION:
    Looking 4 wedding planning book,that will help me out plan, and I can fill in lots of info. .and had divider?
    I want it to be very thorough, and pockets transparent so I can see the information I stick in there.. any one have any recommendations?

    • ANSWER:
      I found the Martha Steward planner to be the best. You can get it like 1/2 off at amazon.com. It’s divided into sections and it gives you sheets you can photocopy and do work on. It also has spots for budgets, guest list and ect. I like it because it also comes with a time line to kinda give you hints when you should start doing things. It has a couple of folder in the back and it has two transparent pockets with the zip lock tops (so you don’t lose anything) and a biz card (clear) holder. If anything- this book has too much information…. like the difference between a christian and a Jewish wedding. It also gives you a guide for flower and what colors they come in. I can’t say enough good things about it- it’s saving my sanity!! Good Luck.

  34. QUESTION:
    I need an opinion on the best wedding planning book. Which is the best one on the market now?
    I have looked at The Brides Essential Wedding Planner – Deluxe Edition by Amy Nebens and think it is pretty thorough, but I would love a book that has everything – checklists, suggestions, pictures and in a 3 ring binder.
    The Brides Essential Wedding Planner has all of the checklists, questions to ask vendors, some suggestions, but lacks some of the more in depth things like invitation wording and the more intricate details.

    And I don’t want to just find everything online and print it out. I’d spend a fortune on ink. I’m looking for a planner. Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      My mom bought me the Martha Stewart one, & it does have some great ideas & information, but the thing I use the most are the checklists, charts, & such. The actual binder is not very practical because it isn’t very sturdy & the top flap slides back & forth. So….I ended up making my own planner with just a regular 3-ring binder, some dividers, blank paper, & clear pockets to put pictures/magazine tear-outs/etc in. Then I trasferred all the useful lists & pictures from the M. Stewart planner over. It’s so much better, because I set it up the way I like it & the way that works best for me.

      If you choose to make your own planner, you can find all the helpful checklists I was referring to online. Check marthastewart.com/weddings, theknot.com, or weddingchannel.com.

      *Edit: You can also find nearly all the same checklists in Martha Stewart’s wedding magazines.

  35. QUESTION:
    I want to start a wedding consulting/event planning business.?
    Can anyone recommend good books and/or trade publications for me? Not looking for wedding planning books, looking for how to books. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you’re interested in.

      I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

      Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you’ll inevitably have as well as many you haven’t anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

      Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

      * How To Start A Wedding Planning Business by Cho Phillips, Sherrie Wilkolaski
      * Start Your Own Wedding Consultant Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Success by Eileen Figure Sandlin
      * FabJob Guide to Become a Wedding Planner by Catherine Goulet
      * How to Start a Home-Based Event Planning Business by Jill Moran
      * Start Your Own Event Planning Business: Your Step by Step Guide to Success by Krista Turner

      I also posted links to some free articles in the source box.

      Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

  36. QUESTION:
    How long after getting engaged should you start planning the wedding?
    LIke how long should you wait before you hire a wedding planning and book a venue and all that?

    • ANSWER:
      Depend on conveniences of both parties. I think 3 months are enough.

  37. QUESTION:
    need a wedding planning book ?!?!?!?
    Im using theknot.com to keep up with my payments on things and what I need to pay for. But I need something that tells me WHEN i need to get things done by. I havent found anything like that on theknot.com.

    Help?
    That is exactly what I mean. And I just bought a “the knot” magazine and there wasnt one in there. I’ll check others but thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Have you looked in wedding magazines? Most of the ones I have bought have a calendar with a checklist showing you what needs to be done at what stage in the planning. Eg. 6 months before, 3 months before…etc leading up to the day.
      I think this is the kind of thing you mean.

  38. QUESTION:
    What are some websites or books on planning a wedding?
    My best friend is getting married and I purchased her one book called The Wedding book. She wants to find websites or books on the time line to do everything like send out save-the-date, invitations, looking for place, etc. Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      I love www.weddingwire.com it’s a great wedding planning site. You can even seat your guests at the reception! :)

  39. QUESTION:
    Suggestions for a wedding planning organizer or book?
    Hello,

    I just became engaged over the weekend, and it’s quite exciting! We have yet to set a date etc…I will start thinking about details in the next 3 months or so…yet, I would love to get a hold of any books, mostly a wedding organizer, or a scrapbook of some sort to insert any ideas…since, I will not be using a wedding planner (I’m on a budget) I would love to hear any of your suggestions…I really don’t know how to begin!

    Thank you!

    • ANSWER:
      There are lots of cute ones in major bookstores. I found that the pockets were too small and too few, and there was a lot of writing on topics that didnt pertain to me, or I already knew about. So I used a large binder and made labels for each new section as we planned. Whenever I got an idea or was gathering information on something, I stuck it in that section of the binder. I used the internet for questions on etiquette and so forth, and I used my calculator for budgeting.
      After the wedding, I went through the binder and pulled anything that I used in the wedding, or things I saved while planning, and made a nice scrapbook that matched my wedding stationery.
      This is just my suggestion. Happy planning!

  40. QUESTION:
    What is this book about a father dying while the bride is planning her wedding?
    My wife is looking for a book that we saw at Target, I believe it is fiction. It is about a woman who is planning her wedding and in the process, her father passes away. I hope someone can help because we didn’t buy it then, and now it is no where to be found. Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Driftwood Lane
      By Denise hunter

      Widow’s walk
      Nikki Leigh

      Both these books are about a women that were planning a wedding and her father dies’

      Driftwood Lane is on Target on line not at stores
      Widow’s walk is not on Target website

  41. QUESTION:
    Planning wedding reception, how to estimate size room to book before you know how many guests will attend?
    We booked a room that accommodates 120 people max on the assumption that many relatives from across the country would not be able to attend. Turns out many of them are actually coming, and we’ve run out of space at the reception. How could we have planned this better? Book a larger room to play it safe? But then you’re committing to extra expense that may not be necessary…

    • ANSWER:
      When you spoke to your venue you should have told them how many guests you were inviting and how many you expected, if they are good they would have been able to put you in a room that will hold everyone if you got 100% yes replies, but not look sparse if not filled to capacity. Most of the time they have guaranteed minimums on the rooms and that should be around the estimated number you expect to come, so when you sign your contract you are only promising and responsible the amount you expect.

      Its too late now though, it will be a tight squeeze, but I’m sure it will be fine. I would also recommend talking to your venue, if they dont have another event book in a larger room they probably wouldnt have a problem moving you guys over to the bigger room.

      Good luck

  42. QUESTION:
    Do you need to book a wedding chapel in advance when planning to elope in Vegas?
    My fiance and I are planning to elope in Vegas in May. I know that for most of the hotel chapels, you need to book in advance, but are there other chapels off the strip where you can just go and get married without booking? Feel free to share your experiences! Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      No you don’t. Many weddings in Vegas actually take place on the fly :) They are famous for that. But if you do have a specific chapel in mind, it never hurts to call them and find out their policy

  43. QUESTION:
    Suggested books for wedding planning?
    I am recently engaged and feel ready to start planning the wedding. However, going into the bookstore to find a book sounds completely daunting! If anyone has any suggestions, or books to avoid, I’d appreciate it! Thank you!

    • ANSWER:
      I suggest before you actually take the plunge is to read Monica Mendez Leahy’s “1001 Questions To Ask Before You Get Married”. Then the two of you should have an open forum about it. That way you two won’t have any surprises when you’re actually already in the stage of “married life.”

  44. QUESTION:
    I am overwhelmed by all the wedding planning books out there. I want to get one though. Any suggestions?
    I would like one that is very thorough, and that I can write in. I also want it to look nice so that I can keep it as a keepsake.

    • ANSWER:
      Just a suggestion, but here is a book you can print, punch and insert into a binder of your choice.

      You don’t have to print the pages you don’t want, can add other pages, and truly customize it how you want. There is a ton of helpful information on this website.

      http://www.pashweddings.com/library/weddingchecklists.php

      Another version is available at:

      http://www.bridesclub.com/bridesclub-wedding-planner.cfm

  45. QUESTION:
    What is the best “Wedding Planning” guide/book?

    • ANSWER:
      Miss Manners’ Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior, or any other Miss Manners book on weddings.

  46. QUESTION:
    Wedding planning books?
    My boyfriend proposed to me about a month ago, and we are starting to get serious about planning the wedding since we finally have the time and money to do so. I know there are a LOT of books about this for straight people, I was wondering if there was a wedding planning book for gay people? We are pretty clueless as to what goes into a wedding, and how to plan it. And we don’t have parental support to rely on, so we are kind of on our own with this. Any, and all help will be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!!!

    • ANSWER:
      Gay and Lesbian Weddings: Planning the Perfect Same-Sex Ceremony (Paperback)
      by David Toussaint (Author)
      Amazon.com

  47. QUESTION:
    What magazine or book is the most helpful when it comes to wedding planning?
    I need one that will give me lots of good tips!
    What has been most helpful to you?

    Thanks! =)

    • ANSWER:
      The knot has been most helpful, and its free. There are so many pictures to get ideas from, they have some DIY sections, they have etiquette sections, a checklist for planning, a budgeter, and so much more. I would be clueless and lost without it.

  48. QUESTION:
    Ever read/used these wedding planning books?
    The Bride’s Essential Wedding Planner-Deluxe Edition by Amy Nebens
    and The Engaged Groom by Doug Gordon…
    If so what did you think of them?
    Also, how do you feel/what do you think about planning a wedding with a date range of 6-9 months?

    If you have any other suggestions on planning books (along with a “critique”) they would be very much appreciated.
    I haven’t purchased these books yet but they got great reviews on Barnes and Noble….. they are at the top of the bestsellers list for wedding planning.

    • ANSWER:
      Books become dated quickly. Use wedding websites like The Knot. It has more info than you can imagine.

  49. QUESTION:
    Did you find a online or book/binder style planner more helpful in planning your wedding?
    I am looking for wedding planners to help me be organized and there are so many to choose from. Did you find an online website with an organizer, or a book/binder planner more helpful? Which ones did you like/recommend? Are there any to stay away from.

    Thanks!!!

    • ANSWER:
      I used the planner on TheKnot.com. It was very helpful, especially since it posted ‘alerts’ as to what I should have accomplished, or should start thinking about, during that month or week. It had some things I didn’t even think of!

      I also bought a wedding binder organizer, but I never used it! I just kept all of the vendor info and contracts in a folder.

  50. QUESTION:
    I just got engaged and I wanted to see what the best book that someone would recommend for wedding planning?

    • ANSWER:
      half.com

      search “everything wedding”
      they have planners, checklists, outdoor wedding helpers etc

      the everything series is awesome.
      i used one

      on half.com they are about -3 each used but not written in!


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