Helpful Tips

Texas Marriage License Requirements

Age Requirements: 18 years
Cost: Varies
Waiting Period: 3 Days
Valid for: 30 Days
Identification: Valid ID
Blood Test: Not Required
Residency: Not Required

Wedding Planning Timeline

Careful planning will enable you to truly enjoy every moment of your wedding day. Arrangements for a large, formal wedding ideally begin at least 8-18 months in advance. However, many beautiful weddings are put together in considerably less time. Follow a timetable, read articles, and allow your wedding professional to assist you. It can be much more fun when you share the planning with your fiancé, your families, and your attendants.

Twelve to Eighteen Months

Create a budget and discuss the sharing of expenses
Decide on the overall tone or atmosphere of your wedding: formal, semi-formal, informal
Discuss color, themes, design and decoration ideas, and music selection
Select a wedding consultant
Reserve the location of the ceremony
Reserve the location of the reception
Reserve the location of the rehearsal dinner
Talk with your parents about their financial assistance
Begin researching your options

Six to Twelve Months

Compile combined families’ guest lists
Shop for wedding rings or begin to have rings designed
Interview and select a caterer
Shop and select a gown, veil, and accessories
Select attendants’ apparel
Interview and select a photographer
Interview and select a floral designer
Schedule an engagement photo session date
Interview and select a videographer
Select musicians and music for the ceremony and reception
Consult with your travel agent about honeymoon plans

Three to Six Months

Select and order men’s formal wear
Order invitations, personal stationery, and wedding programs
Professionally prepare and print map to be include in the invitation
Secure reservations and lodging for honeymoon
Register gift preferences with two or more bridal registries
Reserve rental items: candelabra, arches, linens, etc.
Reserve limousine, carriage, trolley, or coach transportation
Select make-up artist and begin skin care routine
Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
Plan exercise program in your routine
Sample and order wedding cakes

Six to Eight Weeks

Send local newspaper and/or The Wedded Bliss magazine your wedding announcement/photograph
Shop for trousseau wardrobe for honeymoon and parties
Mail invitations
Plan attendants’ gifts and gifts for each other
Review and finalize floral and decorating arrangements
Experiment with hairstyles and make-up with veil/hat
Select ceremony accessories: unity candle, ring pillow, etc.
Select reception decorations: balloons, candles, etc.
Confirm all professional services in writing
Schedule physical exams and update immunizations
Select photos for your video montage
Select your flower preservationist
Final gown fitting
Final attendants’ fitting

Two to Four Weeks

Schedule appointments for manicure, pedicure, facial, and massage
Mail invitations for rehearsal dinner
Send activity information to out-of-town guests from Convention Bureau and/or local Chamber of Commerce
Make toiletry baskets for reception
Schedule bridal portrait (remember make-up artist)
Make reservations for bridesmaids’ brunch/luncheon
Confirm honeymoon reservations; select luggage
Record gifts as you receive them; write thank-you notes
Schedule final appointments for hair stylist and make-up artist
Confirm time and wedding rehearsal schedule with everyone
Review reception seating; order place cards/calligrapher
Confirm wedding party transportation and arrival times
Confirm lodging for out-of-town guests
Arrange for professional gown and bouquet preservation
Arrange name/address changes on bank account, credit cards, driver’s license, social security and utilities

One to Two Weeks

Pick up wedding rings; check sizes and engravings
Final consultations with wedding consultant, florist, musicians, photographer, videographer, decorators, the rental company, etc.
Final guest count to reception facility and caterer
Remind men to pick up formal wear/shoes and check for fit
Complete a wedding-day schedule, including schedule from photographer; give everyone a copy at the rehearsal dinner
Pack for your honeymoon
Relax the day before
Your planning is complete
Your day will be wonderful

Top 50 Wedding Songs

At Last - Etta James
From This Moment - Shania Twain/Bryan White
Amazed - Lonestar
Unchained Melody - Righteous Bros.
I Cross My Heart - George Strait
I’ll Be - Edwin McCain
Valentine - Martina McBride/Jim Brickman
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
I Finally Found Someone - B. Streisand/B. Adams
After All - Cher/Peter Cetera
Always & Forever - Heatwave
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Always - Atlantic Starr
If You Sy My Eyes Are Beautiful - W. Houston/J. Jackson
Keeper Of The Stars - Tracy Byrd
Have I told You Lately - Van Morrison
Endless Love - Diana Ross/Lionel Richie
I’ll Always Love You - Taylor Dane
Everything I Do - Bryan Adams
True Companion - Marc Cohn
Power Of Love - Celine Dion
By Your Side - Sade
Spend My Life With you - Eric Benet/Tamia
Beautiful In My Eyes - Joshua Kadison
All My Life - Linda Rondstadt/Aaron Neville
The Way you Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
Love Of A Lifetime - Firehouse
Thank You For Loving Me - Bon Jovi
I Swear - John Michael Montgomery
Colour My World - Chicago
You’re My Best Friend - Queen
Give Me Forever (I Do) - John Tesh/James Ingram
I Could Not Ask For More - Edwin McCain
Your Love Amazes me - John Berry
Forever And Ever - Randy Travis
Just You And I - Eddie Rabbit/Crystal Gayle
Giving You The Rest Of My Life - Bob Carlisle
Suddenly - Billy Ocean
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
I Swear - All-4-One
Sea Of Love - Honeydrippers
On Bended Knee - Boyz II Men
It had To Be you - Harry Connick, Jr.
All My Life - K-CI & Jo Jo
Come What May - McGregor/Kidman (Moulin Rouge)
You’re The Inspiration - Chicago
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel

Top Father-Daughter Wedding Songs

My Girl - The Temptations
Thank Heaven For Little Girls - Gigi
Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole
The Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
My Dad - Paul Petersen
Hero - Mariah Carey
Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
Times of Your Life - Paul Anka
A Song For My Daughter - Steve Moser, Mikki Viereck, Ray Allaire
Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Through The Years - Kenny Rogers
Daddy's Hand - Holly Dunn
Daddy's Little Girl - Kippi Brannon
Daddy's Girl - Peter Cetera
Sunrise, Sunset - Fiddler On The Roof - Soundtrk
Lullabye - Billy Joel
A Whole New World - Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle
How Do You Fall In Love - Alabama
Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
Thank Heaven For Little Girls - Gigi
Father's Eyes - Amy Grant
Friends - Elton John
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel

Top Mother-Son Wedding Songs

Don't Know Much - Linda Rondstadt and Aaron Neville
Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
I.O.U - Jimmy Dean
Moon River - Andy Williams
Moon Dance - Van Morrison
'Til The End Of Time - Perry Como
Through The Years - Kenny Rogers
Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstong
In This Life - Bette Midler
You're The Inspiration - Chicago
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
Friends - Elton John
Wishing Tree - Sonia Dada
Blessed - Elton John
Hero - Mariah Carey
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
A Song For My Son - Steve Moser, Mikki Viereck, Ray Allaire
Sunrise, Sunset - Fiddler On The Roof - Sndtrk
In My Life - The Beatles
Ever I Saw Your face - Roberta Flasck
Greatest Love Of All - Whitney Houston
I Wish You Love - Natalie Cole
Thanks Again - Ricky Skaggs
Stand By Me - Ben E. King

Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Murphy’s Law states that if anything can go wrong, it will – at the worst possible moment. But you can break Murphy’s Law on your wedding day by being prepared for unexpected emergencies. By putting together an emergency kit, you can save your energy, and most importantly your sanity. To create your wedding day emergency kit, decorate a box or basket in coordinating wedding colors. As you think of all the possible things that could solve your wedding day emergencies, collect the items and put them in your box or basket. Before you know it, you’ll be more than prepared. Some of the items are available in travel sizes for convenience. This emergency kit also makes a creative bridal shower gift. Here’s a starter list of supplies.

Fingernail polish – one bottle in your color and one bottle of clear to fix runs in pantyhose
Nail files and trimmers
Extra pairs of pantyhose – one for bride and one for bridesmaids
Anti-static cling spray
Mirror, brush, comb, hairspray, bobby pins, and safety pins
Deodorant, perfume and body powder
Extra blush, waterproof mascara, eye-shadow, lipstick, facial powder
Cotton swabs, tissues, handy wipes, cotton balls
Spray-on spot remover
Hair dryer and curling iron
Sanitary needs
Telephone list of all members in the wedding party
Telephone list of your photographers, florist, caterer, limousine service, videographer
Also include your second and third choices of these services in case one cancels at the last minute
Plastic bags for quick clean-ups
Antacids, aspirin, allergy medicine and bottled water
Sewing kit, matching thread, extra buttons, and scissors
Clear packing tape
Hand soap, toothpaste, tooth brush
Extra earring backs
Contact lens supplies

Traditional Wedding Guideline
Who Pays for What?

There are no absolute rules about who pays for what any longer. The following list is a “traditional” guideline, for those who wish to follow tradition. Today, blended families, more financially stable couples marrying, and various other circumstances offer many alternatives in the sharing of wedding expenses. Meet with all concerned at the beginning of your planning to determine a realistic budget and exactly who will be responsible for which expenses so there will be no misunderstandings or hard feelings as things become “payable".

Bride:

Wedding ring for groom
Wedding gift for groom
Gifts for the bridal attendants
Personal stationary
Bridesmaids’ luncheon
Accommodating the out-of-town attendants
Bride’s physical examination and blood test
Gift for parents
Gown preservation

Groom:

Bride’s ring
Wedding gift for the bride
The marriage license
Gifts for best man
Groomsmen and ushers
Flowers: bride’s bouquet and going away corsage, corsages for mothers, and boutonnieres for the men in the wedding party
Accommodations for out-of-town ushers, groomsmen, or best man
Groom’s physical examination and blood test
Gloves, ties, or ascots for the men in the wedding party
Fee for officiate
The honeymoon
Transportation to airport
Gift for parents

Groom’s Family:

Special wedding attire
Their own traveling and hotel expenses
Wedding gift for the newlyweds
Rehearsal dinner
Welcome party for out-of-town guests
Optional expenses: the attendants’ wedding attire and formal wear, travel and hotel expenses to the wedding, bridal shower or bachelor party, wedding gift for the couple, transportation for bridal party to the ceremony and reception, security and insurance for gifts, welcome party for out-of-town guests

Important List of Who's In Charge
On Your Wedding Day

List the names of the people in charge along with their phone numbers for quick reference:

Rings
Bride’s Wedding Gown
Groom’s Tuxedo
Makeup
Gifts on Gift Table
Guest Book Table
Securing Gift Cards to Gifts
Paying Officiate
Transportation
Flowers
Aisle Runner
Distributing Flowers to Relatives
Videographer
Photographer
Deliver/Placement of Bridal Portrait
Lighting Candles Prior to Ceremony
Transportation of Gifts from Reception
Decorations on Car
Toast & Announcing the Couple
Food & Catering
Beverages & Bartender
Cake Knife & Cutting
Cake
Toast
Reception
Decorations
Music
Ceremony
Limousine or Carriage
Hotel Room
Accommodations
Bringing Marriage license (must be signed by clergy & witnesses)
Send-Off Toast to Bride & Groom