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Weddings 101: Make your walk down the aisle a walk in the park
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Posted by djkyle Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 1 comment He finally proposed, and she said YES! Now what?

That dilemma is facing many Kern County brides-to-be this April. What do you do first? How much time and money should be allocated to the monumental task of tying the knot?

Here are a few facts about weddings for consideration: 

Average cost:
A typical wedding in our area can range from a simple $500 courthouse affair to an extravagant event with guests in the hundreds. The average cost is $22,167.

Most expensive item on the budget:
The biggest bite out of the budget usually comes from food/catering. When you purchase catering from any larger hotel or restaurant, the facility itself is gratis, providing you meet the minimum meal count requirements.

Most important to the bride before the wedding:
The dress and her overall appearance.

Most important after the wedding:
The memories as evidenced in guest recollections, photo and video.

Least obvious important consideration:
Master of Ceremony / disc jockey / entertainment. Let’s face it: in 10 years no one will remember if they had chicken, beef or fish to eat, but everyone will remember whether or not they had a great time at the event. 

Ironically, entertainment accounts for less than 6 percent of the average budget, but is credited with 80 to 90 percent of the perceived success of the event.

Let’s walk through planning an average wedding using the time guidelines published in the Kern County Bridal Association’s Free Wedding Planner, "The Wedding Book."

Keep in mind that these time lines can be consolidated as needed to fit into any schedule.

12 to 18 months before the wedding

• Select a wedding date and time.  Keep in mind any religious counseling requirements, school and work schedules.

• Make announcements to friends and family. Consider using a save-the-date announcement mailed to the entire guest list if you have 9 to 18 months before the wedding.

• Set a tentative budget.

• Designate the wedding party. 

• Choose ceremony and reception locations. 

• Attend area bridal shows. The next Kern County Bridal Association Bridal Show is Sunday, April 9, at Holiday Inn Select. Call 633-9200 for tickets and information.

 9 to 12 months before the wedding

• Decide on a color scheme for attire, flowers and decorations. Tip: Keep colors seasonal to keep the costs reasonable.

• Order bridal attire. 

• Interview, select and confirm photographer with deposit. 

• Interview, select and confirm videographer with deposit. 

• Select florist / decorator and confirm with deposit. 

• Select MC, disc Jockey and/or musicians and confirm with deposit. 

For a complete list, obtain your free planner at over 50 KCBA member locations, or call The Wedding Center at 633-9200.

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Comment From: withlove

If you bride-to-be's go to the Kern County Bridal Association Bridal Show on April 9th they give out those free wedding planning guides (pink books). They're like mini-wedding phone books with helpful tips. They're great!!