26. If children will be attending your reception, DO arrange a children’s menu with the caterer.
27. DON'T be intimidated by terms such as “off-premises caterer” or “outside caterer.” These terms simply refer to catering companies that operate out of an independent kitchen and travel to different venues to provide their services.
28. DO consider a seating scroll, a beautiful alternative to the more common seating cards. The large scroll that sits on an easel, the seating scroll has the names of each couple written in calligraphy, along with the table number where they are seated.
29. DON'T dismiss the idea of preserving your bridal gown.You may want to give it to your daughter 25 years from now, and you’ll want it to be in good condition when you do.
30. DO burn candle wicks slightly before the ceremony to ensure they will be easy to light during the event.
31. DO arm your guest-book attendants with Scotch tape and instructions to make sure every card is securely taped to the appropriate gift. After all the handling and transporting your gifts will get, you can rest assured the cards will remain attached. No more guessing when sending thank-you notes.
32. DON'T forget about the vegetarians on your guest list. Fortunately, it is easy to accommodate virtually all dining preferences and restrictions with a little planning.
33. DO take advantage of a wedding consultant’s experience in wedding decision making. His or her ability to keep you sane during the planning process is well worth the expense.
34. DO be prompt with your thank-you notes.You may have heard that brides are allotted up to a year to express gratitude for their gifts. It is better to show your appreciation immediately, signing, sealing and sending them within three months.
35. If possible, DO invite all guests to both the ceremony and reception.
36. DON'T seat divorced parents at the same table. Let them each host their own table to avoid any uncomfortable situations.
37. If you want to continue your festivities into the early morning hours, DO consider chartering a transportation company to shuttle you and your bridal party to some of the hot nightspots.
38. DON'T forget to confirm that tax and gratuities are included in all vendor prices. If they’re not, find out how much they are.
39. DO find out the deadline for menu selection.
40. DO begin searching for your musical group or DJ 6 to 12 months prior to your wedding.
41. DON'T ignore the details. After your first dance, have the band play the song your parents chose for their first dance as husband and wife.
42. DO find a special pearledged or silver container to place your ceremony program in. This same bowl may be used to hold gift cards at the reception.
43. DON'T forget to apply for a passport at least three months in advance if you are planning on travelingabroad for your honeymoon. For travel in some countries you may need certain vaccinations, so be sure to ask your travel agent.
44. DO consider a handmade guest book and photo album made with fine paper and bound in specialty ribbons.
45. DON'T restrict your taste buds to the common white wedding cake. Chocolatefrosted wedding cakes are perfect for the bride who is a little more daring.
46. DO consider the white bar when planning your beverage menu. Gin, vodka, champagne,water and wine: just enough to keep each guest smiling.
47. DON'T go over three minutes when delivering a toast.
48. If the healthy glow of a tan is a must, DO consider a safe and reliable self-tanning lotion, available at beauty counters across the country.
49. DO store your wedding photos carefully, as well as video and even audio samples from the ceremony and reception.
50. DO force yourself to stop a couple of times throughout your reception and take it all in.This is what you have worked and planned for – enjoy yourself.

< Wedding Dos and Don'ts 1-25