Barbara Cochran

We have prepared a checklist for the Bride & Groom. Feel free to use the link below to print the Wedding Checklist. Make as many copies as you need. And congratulations on your engagement.

Click here to print a pdf copy of the Wedding Checklist you see below.

WEDDING   IDEAS

It’s your wedding, so make it a wedding to remember. If you search the internet you will find all sorts of ideas to use at your wedding. Also, talk to friends that had a wedding. See what they recommend, things they did, things they wish they had done, things they wanted to try, things they would not recommend,  etc.  Your wedding planner as well as your minister may have some great ideas. 

Whatever ideas you come up with. WRITE THEM DOWN. Think about them, what is involved, discuss your new ideas with your partner. Make sure they are comfortable with your new idea. Research the cost, the time involved, people you need, think about it and make sure it is something you and your partner agree on.

Just a word of advice. Nothing to wild and crazy or you may never get people to come to one of your events again.

Listed below are just a few ideas thaatt we have gotten from folks we talked to. 

1. Create a QR code. Your wedding planner should be able to help you. Or the person who does your invitation. The purpose is to let people scan the QR code and it takes them to your photos, guest list or any other information you wish to relay to anyone about your wedding.
2. Rent a food truck, coffee truck. Even if you serve alcohol, a coffee truck might not be a bad idea. A dessert truck is also an option. These folks will set up where ever you want and serve whatever you ask them to. A few other ideas might include a taco bar, s’mores bar, donuts, maybe even an oster bar, wine tasting, etc.
3. A Time Capsule – Write notes to each other, include some picture, goals, predictions. Seal your time treasure, put it away for a set number of years. When the time comes to open it. Have a party invite your friends and family to your time capsule open. By this time you probably don’t remeber all the things you put in the capsule. So you may have a few surprises yourself. 
4. Tell a story. You can do this a few different ways. Your wedding planner should be able to help with this. Print a paper tabloid size with what looks like news article about you and your partnet, major milestones in your life, how you met, your deams, and your goals, maybe a few interesting tidbits about your life before you met. Or you can rent a video screen and tell your story on the screen. Either way it should be interesting. If you do a video create an mp4 so you can share it with others. Maybe include it is your QR code.
5. A photo booth is a great way to have fun at your wedding. Get your guests involved and when sending out your thank you cards include their photos with the card. They will remember your wedding for years to come. 
6. Signs- A neon sign will catch their attention and give you something to hold on to for years to come. The mirror signs, the wooden and metal and plastic sign all look great and serve your purpose. But a neon sign is different and stand out from all the others. Most sign makers can help you with this, if not they can recommend someone who can help.
7. Customizer your wedding. Napkins, labels for the wine bottles, even your cookies. These can all be customized. Your wedding planner can help with these ideas.
8. Ideas from your guests. Leave a box with pens and blank postcards out. Ask your friends and family to share something about you and put it is the box. After the wedding draw out a few and read them for everyone to enjoy.
9. Rent an inflatable for the kids, a bouncy house, a slide, etc. Something to entertain the kids. Find a responsible adult to supervisor.
10. The first row at your wedding should be reserved for the wedding party. 
11. It is tradition that the groom waits at the alter for his bride as she walks down the aisle with the person who is giving her away. Another idea might be if you walk down together, hand in hand beginning your new life together
12. Have a theme. There are hundreds of themes to choose from. Romantic with candles, fairy lights, pastel colors, etc;  Love Story with stories about how you met, your goals, what drew you to each other, etc; other themes might include fantasy such as Game of Thrones, Star Trek, Jungle Theme, traditional theme, religious theme, so many to choose from. Just decide what fits your budget, your personality and what you want for your wedding. Have a wedding to remember.
13. Cartoon artist to draw the kids and your guests. Give them something to take home to remember the wedding of a lifetime.
14. If your doing an outdoor wedding. Pony rides for the kids. Horse and buggy for the adults. Maybe park in the lot and have the horse carriage bring them to the back for the wedding. Also a great way for the married couple to exit the wedding. Having their transportation about a mile or so away. 
15. Games and non-dancing activities. Cornhole, horse shoes, badmitting, Jenga, Karaoke, etc.
16. Put up a large chalkboard for guests to leave messages on.
17. Give you guests something when they depart. A small gift basket with some cookies, couple small bottles of wine, a hand written note, etc.
18. Live stream your wedding for guest who are unable to attend. Military folks that are deployed, guest that are unable to attend because of illness, etc. Also have a videographer there that can capture your wedding on film. For you and you family and friends.
19. Take song requests for the band / DJ.
20. Have someone do a triva test about the gloom and bridge. Might be some interesting facts come out.
21. Make a grand exit for the bride and groom. Something different. Horse and carriage, motorcycle, pedal cab, horseback, etc. Then have the limo or whatever transportation they have arranged about a mile away waiting on them. 
22. Create a vision board for your wedding. Adding ideas and pictures as you go before the wedding day. Even after have ideas about your honeymoon and even after that.
23. Have a party when you return from your honeymoon with a few close friends and family to celebrate a life filled with happiness, love and fondness for each other. 
24. After the wedding. Set goals as a couple for the next 1, 3, 5 and 10 years.

These are just a few ideas. It’s your wedding so have fun with it. Make it an event not just a wedding. Make it the most important event in your life.

Your wedding planning, friends, family, minister, soon to be partner may have some ideas. Listen to others, talk to others, research the internet, talk to your vendors. Your vendors, minister and wedding planner have no doubt been to and seen more weddings than you. Draw on their experience and expertise. But above all make sure your soon to be partner is included in all the wedding ideas and plans. 

GOOD LUCK  and CONGRATULATIONS

These ideas can be used at wedding or other type events. Look thru our list and see if there is anything you like.

1. Hire a Magician. Everyone loves magic, kids and adults. Having a magician at your event is sure to make your event something everyone enjoy.
2. Karaoke is something that most people will enjoy. Some just love to listen but others like to participate and show others there skill.
3. Scavenger Hunt – These can cover a small outdoor area, an office or an entire city. Clues need to make sense and give important information. 
4. Organize a run or cycle event. You may be able to get help from your local chamber. Give the proceeds to a local charity.
5. Pet show, talent show, etc. These type events always bring out the best of people. 
6. Murder Mystery Dinner Party
7. Escape Room Adventures
8. Casino Night. If there is a riverboat near by then this is perfect for your area.
9. Summer Outdoor Movie Night with lawn seating 
10. Host a Job Fair for your local community.
11. Bingo or Trivia event
12. Sponsor Workshops and Seminars on a variety of topics. 

The list of events and ideas is only limited by your imagination. 

For more information about these events and more. Talk to your friends, family, co-workers, etc. Contact people at your local chamber, schools, churches for ideas and assistance in setting up an event. 

Don’t forget the internet, a valuable source of information. New ideas, instructions on how to make things happen. Get sponsors and recruit helpers to help you plan and implement your ideas and turn them into reality.