Don't Try to Do It All Yourself

It may feel as though you should be able to do everything, but don't even try. Delegate some simple jobs to your friends and the wedding and reception will run more smoothly. Some things you can ask friends to do are. . .

• Attend the gift table to receive gifts brought to the ceremony or reception. Have a car parked close by and put the gifts in the trunk during the ceremony and reception.

• Act as an "usher" at the entrance, and direct guests to the gift table, guest book, restrooms, ceremony, and reception. Your guests will appreciate the ease with which they can find their way.
• Arrange the reception table cards. If they're in alphabetical order, they'll be easily found. Table numbers should be printed on the cards if you're assigning seats for your guests.
• Hand out wedding programs, bags with rice or seeds for tossing as the couple leaves, or wedding programs at the ceremony.
• Make plans to keep, give away, or remove floral centerpieces at the end of the day. If you're renting vases, they'll need to be collected.
• Gather any left over food or cake that you want to keep. Be sure that you bring food containers or bags if the reception site does not provide them.
• Check for personal items that are left after the occasion. Collect the guest book, mementos, candles, printed napkins, or menu cards.

With all the planning, hard work, and anticipation that goes into a wedding celebration, you'll want to have photos right away.

Here's how:

OUR BEST WEDDING TIP

• Locate a one-hour photo processing store near the reception site and confirm that they'll be open when you need them. Ask a friend to take snapshots of the pre-wedding activities and wedding ceremony. When the wedding is over and the reception starts, have the friend take the rolls of film to the store. Ask for 3 sets of prints. Request that the finished sets of prints be delivered to the reception site, or have the friend go back to pick them up. Quickly place one set of prints into a beautiful small box or small photo album. Give the photos to the bride and groom as they leave the party to go off on their honeymoon. Give the other sets of prints to the parents of the bride and groom. Everyone will treasure the extra effort and the instant reminder of the special day.

Get Tips for Do-It-Yourself Flowers.

Special Events | Color Schemes | Receptions | Reception Flowers | Details | DIY Tips | Flower Sources | Wedding Special