Recently one of you asked the following:

Where can I find Gujarati singing groups for a wedding on the East Coast (US)? Please help. Thanks. Looking for a group of live singers and musicians for a Gujarati Hindu wedding — a group that performs traditional Gujarati geet (songs) and Gujarati garba and Hindi film songs. Please post groups, website links, and contact information if possible. Thanks.

Let me start off by saying how happy we are that you asked us to inquire into this. Too many people are used to DJs at weddings. While a DJ/MC is necessary for the after party of the wedding to be official, we seldom appreciate the fun and joy a live wedding band or singer can bring to the wedding. Not to mention it makes the experience even more unique. So below please find two very well-known and very professional wedding singers/bands based on US East Coast who not only specialize in traditional Gujrati geet and garba, but Hindi film and pop music as well:

Natwar Thakkar

999 Enterprises Inc.

58 Hillcrest Avenue

Iselin NJ 08830

732-404-1098 / 732-283-0256

info@999enterprises.com / natwarthakkar@hotmail.com / kaushal_n_t@yahoo.com

Ritesh Rathod / Rupali Acharya

Medley Entertainment Inc

291 Pinelli Drive

Piscataway, NJ 08854

347-385-8587 / 732-356-1204 / 347-724-5202 / 718-205-2016

1-866-9MEDLEY

party@medleyentertainmentinc.com

We would like to thank our awesome friend the world-renowned DJ Magic Mike from Magic Sound for providing us with all the information! Thanks Mike!

Zoya Couture Invitation Suite

Who are you?
Arti Anand
ZOYA Couture
1-866-611-ZOYA (9692)
zoyacouture.com

What do you do?
Wedding Invitations (Custom Design and Ready to Order), Event Stationery (Place cards, table numbers, Menus, Programs, Signage), Marketing Collateral.

Where are you based?
Washington, DC – but we often work with brides around the nation. Samples are mailed, design and proofs discussed over phone and e-mail, and final orders sent via FedEx.

When and How did you get started in the South Asian wedding industry?
I grew up around weddings! My parents owned a South Asian wedding decor company and I spent my weekends helping them with the creative design and set-up. I had been doing freelance graphic and web design for several years before I decided to apply it to the wedding invitation industry.

Why do you do what you do?
I love weddings – there’s something magical about them. While South Asian weddings in particular are so glamorous, most couples in the States have a hard time selecting invitations that marry their South Asian heritage with their modern, chic lifestyle. I love working with couples to find their individual styles and translating that to invitations that they have envisioned.

Do you work exclusively on South Asian weddings?
Not exclusively, but a majority of our brides are of South Asian descent.

What are some mistakes you see most South Asian brides (and families) make?
Playing by the rules. Throw the rule book out! Brides and families begin their discussions with how they’ve seen other people do it, or how things have been done for generations. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try things differently. Create a wedding that’s beautiful to you, as its yours to experience and remember.

Do you only cater to certain budgets only?
We try our best to work with all budgets, but find that most of our brides are generally looking for exclusive, luxurious invitations that no one else has seen or done before. From silk folios to engraved coins – our creative brides always find unique ways to make their invitations stand out!

Describe a particularly memorable wedding you’ve worked on.
The invitation suite captured in the attached image (captured by Regetis Photography) is for a South Asian destination wedding in Puerto Rico in early 2010. It has been so much fun working with the extremely creative couple and their wedding planner. They have great style and will be reflecting this design theme throughout their wedding day materials. We’re excited to see how the events come together!

What’s your number one wedding tip?
Enjoy every minute of it. Wedding planning can get stressful – but don’t let little setbacks bring you down. Remember that at the end of the day, the purpose of the day is to be united with the one you love! Best wishes with your wedding planning!

Gaye holud written in Bangla

Gaye holud or haldi also known as a  turmeric ceremony, is a traditional preparatory celebration, which takes place before the wedding. It is the tradition of applying holud or haldi (turmeric paste) on the bride and groom’s skin in order to beautify them for their wedding. Holud is an antiseptic which not only kills germs and bacteria, but also has a yellow hue which gives skin a unique color and glow.

A pre-wedding ritual involving the application of turmeric to the bride and groom is a wide-spread tradition throughout South Asia and in West Indian culture,  it is a very important custom particular to Bengali weddings and sparks a huge celebration by Bengali Muslims, Hindus and Christians. This is also known as the henna/mehndi night in Northern parts of India and in Pakistan. To West Indians, it is known as dig dutty, matti khor, or simply dye rubbing. However, henna/mehndi night itself is also a preparatory celebration in South Asian weddings, where henna/mehndi is used to decorate the bride’s hands and feet as well as the rest of the female guests. This usually occurs only for the bride and usually attended, only by women. However, some do choose to combine the gaye holud and mehndi night together into one ceremony.

Traditionally, the bride and the groom has a separate gaye holud each at his/her respectable home, where the family members from one side attend the celebration at the opposite side. The bride and groom themselves do not participate in each other’s ceremony. The bride’s gaye holud occurs first, usually during noon. The bride wears yellow/orange outfit, adorned with flowers and is seated on a decorative dais (or piri) on a stage. The bride’s family and friends welcome the groom’s family with flowers and sweets as they enter the household bringing gifts and sweets, laying them in front of the sat bride. Everyone puts holud on the bride’s face and body and feeds her sweets, after which they enjoy a feast prepared by the bride’s family. There is always some form of entertainment as women sing and dance for the occasion.

Fruits and sweets for gaye holud ceremony

The groom’s gaye holud occurs right after, often on the night of the same day, since it is usually the day before the wedding. This time the bride’s family brings gifts and sweets, welcomed the same way by the groom’s family and friends. The gifts are laid in front of the sat groom and everyone puts holud on the groom and feeds him sweets, after which they enjoy a feast prepared by the groom’s family. Everyone dresses in yellow, orange and reddish outfits, especially the bride’s side of the family and friends who sometimes wear matching outfits just as bridesmaids do for American weddings.

However, nowadays, gaye holud is often celebrated together, and may occur at a venue rather than the homes of the couple. It can take place the day before the wedding or a few days earlier or even a week beforehand. A lot of brides choose to celebrate gaye holud and a henna/mehndi night back to back. The mehndi night is done before the gaye holud in most cases. In keeping with the tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other at this ceremony, some couples choose to do the ceremony side by side with a partition in the middle.

Gifts are a big part of the gaye holud ceremony. Everything is packed in decorative cane or bamboo trays, baskets and supdas (also known as kula). For the bride’s ceremony, the groom’s family usually brings the following:

Bridal outfit: the sari or lehenga to be worn for the wedding is usually given from by the groom’s family. It is folded decoratively in a tray, sometimes wrapped around a doll. The shoes and bangles can also be given together with the outfit.

Bridal saree

Bridal trousseau: these may include several trays and baskets of items such as perfume, lotion, shampoo, spa items, makeup, hair accessories, etc.

Gifts for the bride’s side of the family: these may include outfits for the bride’s immediate family members such as parents, siblings, aunts and cousins. Often so many gifts are being given that it is not possible to wrap all items in trays and baskets. As a result, some are done as so for show and others are packed in a red suitcase which is sent over to the bride’s home beforehand. The red suitcase is a ceremonial symbol of marriage which is used to pack up the bride’s belongings when leaving her home for the groom.

Gifts for the bride and her family

Sweets: sweets are a must-have for gaye holud. These are a symbol of happiness and celebration as traditionally sweets are used to celebrate any occasion and used for “muk misti”, which means feeding sweets. The family members often choose to bring homemade traditional desserts known as pithe or pitha.

Sweets and pitha

Fruits: bringing fruits is also part of the tradition. Elaborate fruit baskets made from real fruits such as watermelons are a common practice.

Hilsa (ilish) fish dressed as a couple (courtesy of Wikipedia - Arman Aziz)

Fish: Bangladesh is known for its rivers and streams which is why fish is a major part of the diet of Bengali people. As a result, giving fish to the bride’s family is a customary. Usually two large fishes are given – dressed as a wedding couple. One is wrapped in a sari or lehenga and may have a nose ring or earrings attached, representing the bride, while the other is wrapped in men’s clothing such as a Punjabi set or fotua and lungi, the traditional Bengali men’s attire, representing the groom. Nowadays, actual fish is usually replaced with sweets molded as fish.

Sweets molded in fish shapes

Paan: Paan or betel leaf, which is a palate cleanser and a breath freshener, is offered by the groom’s family as a sign of hospitality. This is offered at the gaye holud to the bride’s family, which is served by the bride’s mother to everyone on the wedding day. It is served with supari (areca nut), chuun (a lime paste), and mukhwas (a mix of seeds, nuts and candies).

Hould, mehndi, upton paste: The groom’s family brings the Holud paste to apply on the bride in a decorative bowl or basket as well. The holud paste is a mixture of turmeric and either mustard oil, milk or water. Mehndi is also provided for decorating the bride’s hands and feet. Some women prefer not to apply the holud and therefore a substitute is used such as upton mix or sandalwood.

Supda (kula)

Rakhi: The groom’s mother brings a rakhi to tie on the bride’s wrist as a symbol of a new relationship formed.

DIY Rakhi

For the groom’s ceremony, the bride’s family usually brings the following:

Groom’s wedding outfit: similarly, the groom’s outfit is usually a gift from the bride’s family. It is wrapped nicely as well along with the shoes and brought in a decorative tray.

Groom’s trousseau: these may include several trays and baskets of items such as cologne, grooming items, ties, shirts, accessories, etc.

Gifts for the groom’s side of the family: these may include outfits for the groom’s immediate family members such as parents, siblings, aunts and cousins. As with the brid’s gifts, so many gifts are being given that some are decoratively packed and brought in during the ceremony for show and others are packed ahead and sent over to the groom’s home beforehand.

Gifts for the groom and his family

Sweets: again, sweets are brought by the bride’s family which sometimes include homemade traditional desserts known as pithe or pitha.

Sweets and pitha

Fruits: elaborate fruit baskets made from real fruits such as watermelons are brought as well.

Hould, mehndi, upton paste: The bride’s family also brings the holud paste to apply on the groom in a decorative bowl or basket. This may be substituted by upton mix or sandalwood.

Supda (kula) with mehndi

Supda (kula) with holud and upton mix

Rakhi: The bride’s’s mother brings a rakhi to tie on the groom’s wrist as a symbol of a new relationship formed.

Fruits and sweets for gaye holud ceremony

Courtesy of Chocal8kiss

Who are you?

Chocal8kiss

Pastry Chef/Owner: Sonam Sondhi

1-888-YUM-CAKE

www.Chocal8kiss.com

Facebook Group- Chocal8kiss

What do you do?

Specialize in custom created wedding and specialty cakes, desserts, and hand made chocolates.

Where are you based?

central New Jersey.

When and How did you get started in the South Asian wedding industry?

I was working full time as a pastry chef at a high end restaurant when a family friend had asked me to do their wedding cake…..three months later I was so busy with orders I quit my job.

Courtesy of Chocal8kiss

Why do you do what you do?

I love food. When your passion is your career you cant go wrong.

Do you work exclusively on South Asian weddings?

No, but we do focus our attention a little more to the South Asian brides. As a young South Asian myself I know they are looking for the professionalism and taste of other high end bakeries but want a desi touch to their flavors and designs without paying the ridiculous price tag.

Describe some of your inspirations.

Inspiration comes from everywhere, a beautiful print, saris and beaded work, colors, and even other cakes.

What are some mistakes you see most South Asian brides (and families) make?

I think sometimes the older generation thinks of the wedding cake as a formality or unnecessary. I look at it as a centerpiece, it brings out the couples character, it’s an amazing back drop to all the pictures, and with every tier a different flavor why not have something different other than the usual desi sweets that everyone is tired of anyway.

Courtesy of Chocal8kiss

Do you cater to certain budgets only?

Not at all- there are basic price ranges but our quality and prices beat anyone else’s.

Tell us about your strongest area.

There are many but I think what really brings our brides to us is our unique cakes, some brides want really unique designs and the time and unlimited options we give them is always better than a pushy 10 minute meeting where they force you to pick out of a book and charge crazy extras for every change you make. Not to mention the fact that all our cakes are made fresh- no box cake, no canned fruit, no custard made of powder.

Tell us about your weakest area.

We don’t take too many orders in one weekend. It is actually a really strong point but when the summer is wedding season, it becomes very difficult accepting too many orders.

How would you describe your working style?

Calm and understanding- its your wedding, what you want it what you get.

Describe a particularly memorable wedding you’ve worked on.

They all are its hard to pin point just one and I keep in touch with so many of my brides. Seeing their reaction at the time of the delivery is always worth all the work.

What’s your number one wedding tip?

Enjoy your wedding! Don’t get so caught up in the planning and stress you forget why you are doing it all, enjoy every minute of it and take time out for yourselves.

Courtesy of Chocal8kiss

Priya & James from FilmJones on Vimeo.

Who are you?

Wes Jones

www.filmjones.com

Wes@filmjones.com

917-568-3718

What do you do?

I mix vintage super-8mm home movie film with high-end HD video to create an artistic portrait of the wedding day, a unique and exceptional alternative to traditional videography.

Where are you based?

I work in the New York metro area, but I’ve travelled all over for weddings– from California to Jamaica.

When and How did you get started in the South Asian wedding industry?

My unique style appeals to certain South Asian brides and they have sought me out. I did my first South Asian weddings in 2008.

Why do you do what you do?

I love all types filmmaking and doing commissioned films for weddings is a great way for me to practice my art and make people happy, while making a living at it.

Do you work exclusively on South Asian weddings?

No, I do about 20-25 wedding films per year of all different types. I create all the films personally, and who I do them for is just a matter of who books me before I am filled up for the year.

Describe some of your inspirations.

I’m inspired a lot by the music I use in my films– artists like Sigur Ros and Yo La Tengo– the films of Wes Anderson and the Coen Brothers. Also the aesthetic and style of the late 50’s/early 60’s– From the Rat Pack to Mad Men to Mod.

What are some mistakes you see most South Asian brides (and families) make?

Most of my South Asian brides have joked about how their families always show up so late to weddings, but I guess that’s not a mistake if you are expecting it!

Do you only cater to certain budgets only?

Because of the materials and techniques I use to create my films, prices run from $3000-$5000, and I only rarely go below that. If you are looking for something very basic, then I am probably not for you. If you are searching for something fantastic that you can’t describe and did not know even existed, then we will be a great match.

Tell us about your strongest area.

My strongest area is originality and personal attention. I spend a lot of time on my work and each film is a unique work of art, specifically designed for the couple and the event. Too many wedding video-makers–even the good ones–fall victim to a cookie-cutter mentally.

Tell us about your weakest area.

My dad, who’s in manufacturing, would say that my weakest area is turnaround time. But I say that six months after the wedding is the perfect time to relive the event, and most of my clients agree.

How would you describe your working style?

I’m very mellow and I try to be an invisible fly-on-the-wall throughout the day. Hyperactive photographers of the “stop-what-you-are-doing-so-I-can-take-your-picture” approach tend to stress me out. Life is too short.

Describe a particularly memorable wedding you’ve worked on.

I did a wedding this summer where the bride and groom were in an indie-rock band together and they jammed and played a few songs at the reception.

What’s your number one wedding tip?

Don’t forget to relax and enjoy your day– amid the hectic pace of everything too many couples do. See each other before hand and do something fun together (not just pose for pictures).

Diya Lounge

Who are you?

Diya Fusion Indian Cuisine

Diya lounge

43 Rockaway Avenue

Valley Stream, NY 11580

(516) 872-2223

www.diyalounge.com

What do you do?

We operate a restaurant, bar and banquet hall. We provide off-premises catering from a small affair in your backyard to a formal affair in a banquet hall or hotel.

Diya Lounge

Where are you based?

We are based in Valley Stream, NY, a 5 minutes drive from the Queens border.

When and How did you get started in the South Asian wedding industry?

We started three years ago. We want to give the bride and groom innovative yet traditional Indian foods for their wedding reception.

Diya Lounge

Why do you do what you do?

We enjoy our customers delight at our delicious food. We want to introduce a new style of Indian cooking. We are privileged to be a part of their special event.

Do you work exclusively on South Asian weddings?

We cater all groups, Americans, spanish, Jamaican, West Indians, etc. We are able to offer other cuisine in addition to our Indian cuisine, we offer Chinese, Italian, Spanish and American.

Diya Lounge

Describe some of your inspirations.

Our inspiration is to be “go to” caterers for all types of parties and events. We have the knowledge and professionalism to achieve this goal.

What are some mistakes you see most South Asian brides (and families) make?

Most families are conservative when it comes to food. Times have changed. The bride & groom and their families have to be daring and mix in non- traditional food with Indian food. It’s fine to have the traditional food for dinner but families should consider taking a chance during the cocktail hours. The food during that time is more important then the dinner.

Diya Lounge

Do you only cater to certain budgets only?

No, we cater to any budget. Our philosophy is to work with the bride & groom and their families. With numerous choices on the menu, we can cater to fit any budget and still maintain our highest standards.

Tell us about your strongest area.

Our strength lies within our organization. We have a team of chefs and managers who are multi-talented.

Diya Lounge

Tell us about your weakest area.

Every organization has weaknesses. We learn, we progress. Its important not to focus on the weakness, but how quickly we recognize and solve the problem at hand. That’s our strength, knowing people who can solve problems immediately so the affair is not compromised.

How would you describe your working style?

Organized and professional! We are very particular about being organized and working in a professional manner. Our team follows that lead, from the kitchen staff to the managers on the floor.

Diya Lounge

Describe a particularly memorable wedding you’ve worked on.

It was a wedding in July at Chateau Braind. We had several food stations set up. The affair was a tremendous success and everyone enjoyed the quality and taste of our food and our presentation.

What’s your number one wedding tip?

Plan ahead of time and don’t be afraid to take a risk when it comes to food. Caterers are always willing to work with the bride and groom. If a catering hall limits you to certain caterers don’t be afraid to speak up and have your chosen caterer there. Banquet halls need your business as much as you need them.

Diya Lounge

Jan and Mike of Party Booths! at Dulhan Expo (Oct'09)

Who are you?

Party Booths! (Digital Photo Booth Rentals)

www.partybooths.com

1-866-437-0297

Where are you based?

Party Booths is a Nation Wide photo booth company, servicing the lower 48 states and parts of southern Canada. We also have one international location in Israel. Because we are national, and have locations in every state, we do not charge ANY travel fees, set-up fees, or delivery charges.

What do you do?

We provide photo booth rental services to weddings and other grand occasions. Our services include:

- unlimited use of the photo booth by you and your guests during your specified number of rental hours

- an on-site attendant to set-up, tear-down, and monitor the booth during your rental

- a 1 year web-posting of all images to your private, password-protected web gallery

- a disc mailed to you after the event with all images

- a personalized banner or monogram across the bottom of all index prints

What are the benefits of having a photo booth at a wedding?

It’s fun!

People are amazed how much fun it is. It’s one of those things that once you get into it, and come up with a theme for a session, your mind cannot stop coming up with different things to try. The photo booth gets pictures that other means just can’t seem to capture. That curtain on the doorway seems to be an instigator. Partybooths.com includes in all packages a DVD of all the images taken at each event. This DVD’s images are not right protected, and do not print pictures that say Partybooths.com all over them, they are yours. Partybooths.com also includes in all packages a 12 month password protected web posting. This allows your guests (if you choose) to see all the pictures taken that night a few days after the event. If they want prints of those images, they can get them from our hosting site. This prevents you having an endless list of prints to make for others from your DVD. Partybooths.com also has a photo guest book option. This option supplies double prints on location for each session, pens, glue, and scissors with the premise that each guest will select one of these copies to glue in a scrapbook, and add a note to the guest(s) of honor. This keepsake is priceless. The photos are archive quality, which means they will not fade for years! The photos have also been used as a favor, as post cards (they are 4×6), and as part of the thank you cards sent out after an event. The digital copies have been used on facebook, and myspace sites as well. Partybooths.com is a better option to camera’s on the tables. One of the things with those is people will take a picture they decide are not a good idea and take the camera home with them, so others do not see it. The problem is, other guest’s pictures are on it too. Not the case with a Partybooth – you get ALL the pictures whether they want you to see them or not! This in itself can be fun. Each print has a bar at the bottom, which can be text, or some sort of monogram, there is no extra charge for this title bar.

Party Booths!

When and How did you get started in the South Asian wedding industry?

After being booked for South Asian weddings, we discovered their unique beauty and charm. We then sought out to find a South Asian bridal expo, which covered the New York and New Jersey area.

Why do you do what you do?

It is very gratifying to be part of these very special occasions in people’s lives.

Do you work exclusively on South Asian weddings?

We don’t even work exclusively on weddings. While approximately 80% of our bookings are wedding receptions, we also service corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteens, school events, and more.

What are some mistakes you see most South Asian brides (and families) make?

When it comes to the party booth, placing it in a room separate from the rest of the reception activities. Brides should have the booth somewhere where guests can see it from their dining tables, and have their entertainers announce the complimentary photos to the guests.

Do you cater to certain budgets only?

Party Booths tries to cater to all budgets. This is why our booths start at such a reasonable $895, and go up to $1,935. We want to be affordable for more people. All of our literature and web material states our pricing in an upfront, easy-to-understand manner. We don’t “get you” by adding hidden fees after you’ve placed your deposit.

Tell us about your strongest area.

The fact is we are open, honest, and upfront. As you are planning your wedding, you may discover that this is something you don’t see in most photo booth companies, or even most wedding vendors.

Party Booths!

What is your number one wedding tip?

Celebrate your individuality within your wedding!

The Sari-Clad Bride team partying it up in the booth!

2. Ishq – Sukhbir

3. Dil Le Gayi – Jassi

4. Mauja hi Mauja – Jab We Met

5. Khaike Paan (old or new Don)

6. Kajra Re – Bunty aur Babli

7. Deewanangi – Om Shanti Om

8. Rang Barse – Silsila

9. Shava Shava – K3G

10. Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

– list compiled by DJ Magic Mike

The perfect bridal shower

Although the traditional Mehndi night is more or less the Desi version of a bridal shower, westernized versions of bridal showers have become a popular addition to South Asian-American wedding culture. The Sari-Clad Bride understands the responsibilities that come with planning a bridal shower so here are our guidelines to make your shower-planning a breeze:

At least 6 weeks ahead:

• Consult the bride: Whether you are planning a surprise shower or not, it is necessary and helpful to consult the bride about what kind of event she would like, possible guests, shower registry and date (or dates if it is a surprise!). After all it is her shower and you want to make sure that she is happy with the outcome.

• Consult bridesmaids, family and close friends for help: Even if you want to throw a shower for your bride all by yourself because you love her that much, it is courteous that you ask her friends and family if they would like to help host or be part of it. This also helps to take some of the financial burden off your shoulders.

• Set a guest list, time and date: You must make sure there are no scheduling conflicts with the more important guests such as the bride and groom’s mothers, wedding party, closest family members and friends. Collect contact information for all your guests to send out the invitations.

At least 5 weeks ahead:

• Set a venue and theme: Consult your co-hosts about where to throw the shower and what kind of theme, if any, you should have. You should already have a good idea as to what the bride wants by now. When choosing a venue, keep your guest list in mind. Be considerate towards the size of your venue as well as the location. You want to make sure it is easily accessible by your guests. If you are considering a location which needs reservation, this is the time to do so. Make sure the theme you choose is appropriate for your venue as well. Keep in mind the type of decorations you will need to carry out your theme.

• Choose food and entertainment: Whether you decide to intertwine these with your theme or not, you should decide this by now. When setting a menu, again, keep in mind whether your guests have preferences such as halal or vegetarian food. Figure out if you would like to cook, have a pot-luck or have it catered. Don’t forget the cake! Also decide on the games, activities, music, etc for the shower. For Desi showers, you might have someone sing or dance for the bride, or decide to have a henna artist do henna for the guests. Think about how many games you would want and whether to have prizes for winners. Choose what kind of invitations and party favors you would like for the event.

• Assign duties and budget yourself: This should be done as early as possible. Have all duties divided amongst your co-hosts and/or helpers so that you are not burdened with everything at the last minute. Choose responsible people and learn to have faith! Estimate how much you will spend on the venue, decoration, food, entertainment, and miscellaneous items such as invitations, party favors, utensils, etc.

At least 4 weeks ahead:

• Send out invitations: You need to give sufficient time for your guests to confirm or decline. You should ask for your guests to RSVP as soon as possible or at the latest two weeks before your event.

• Book entertainment: If you plan on having a DJ, a henna artist, or have close friends or family members perform, now is the time to contact them. Discuss what they would like to do and what they might need at the shower.

• Order online: if you are ordering items online, such as party favors or personalized items, decorations, etc, you should give yourself enough time to receive and if necessary, return or exchange your items before your event.

At least 3 weeks ahead:

• Regroup with your co-hosts and helpers: Make sure everyone is on the same page. This is a good time to discuss any changes in plans and timing issues and if duties need to be reassigned.

At least 2 weeks ahead:

• Confirm with your guests: You should always do so before ordering food and/or buying groceries. Find out if additional guests will be joining.

• Place your orders: Start placing orders for cake, catered food and equipment, flowers and rentals for decorations, such as tables and chairs. Don’t forget the bridal chair!

• Go shopping: Start picking up items for your decorations, linens, utensils, party favors, shower gifts, games, and prizes.

At least 1 week ahead:

• Grocery shopping: If you are cooking for your event, this is the time to pick up all necessary items. Don’t forget the drinks!

• Confirm specifics: Make sure your venue reservation is in place. If your guests offered to bring food, contact them as well to make sure they still are. Contact all those who are providing entertainment to confirm date and time. Contact all vendors to confirm orders and deliveries.

• Finishing touches: If you are providing your own music, make the CDs you need, assemble party favors and games if needed, wrap gifts and prizes, create personalized items and decorations.

The day before:

• Prepare in advance: Do all you can do today. This goes for decorations, prep-work for cooking, picking up chairs, tables and rentals, and any other last-minute necessities.

The day of:

• Prepare all food and drinks: Whether you are cooking yourself or having your guests bring items or catering, you should have all your food prepared and ready to be served.

• Run your errands: Pick up anything all necessary items such as the cake, treats, flowers and rental equipment. Don’t’ forget the ice!

• Arrive early: The host and co-hosts should be there to receive guests. That means you should be the first ones there. You should also be there to receive any deliveries to arrive.

• Last -minute details: Don’t forget to take lots of pictures, have a book or poster for your guests to sign and wish the bride well, have a place for all the bride’s gifts and distribute the party favors. Make sure you have a list of the guests and their gifts to the bride so that she can send out thank you notes.