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Many newcomers and single friends often say that getting married is very troublesome. Before preparing for the wedding, they think that marriage is just a matter between two people, but later it also involves two families and their respective social circles. It involves many complicated "tasks" such as bride price, dowry, buying and decorating a house, proposal and engagement, obtaining a marriage certificate and health check, the three golds and diamond rings, wedding dresses and hotels, wedding cars and wedding items, the four key roles (emcee, photographer, videographer, makeup artist), blocking the door for the bride, bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the wedding process.

I have specially organized a powerful and detailed comprehensive wedding process and checklist for everyone, saving time and money; the bride and groom just need to follow it!

Here is the 【Table of Contents】↓↓

I. Prepare for the Wedding 6 Months in Advance to Create the Perfect Wedding#

(1) Wedding Countdown 6 Months #

1. Proposal: You can prepare a ceremonial proposal with a diamond ring and flowers.

2. Obtain a marriage certificate and health check: Pre-marital health check, and obtain the marriage certificate at the civil affairs bureau.

3. Confirm the wedding date and budget: Communicate with each other about the wedding date, choose an auspicious wedding date; confirm the wedding ceremony, banquet style, number of guests, and approximate budget.

4. Draft the guest list and book the hotel venue: Estimate the number of guests to determine the number of tables; confirm the banquet venue, and if it’s a hotel, make sure to book in advance, otherwise, you might not get your desired venue. Popular hotels should be booked at least 5-6 months in advance. Besides hotels/wedding halls, you can also choose lawn weddings, beach weddings, or set up a venue in your own yard.
5. Wedding planning company: Choose a cost-effective wedding planning company, confirm the four key roles for the wedding day: emcee, photographer, videographer, makeup artist, and wedding car fleet. These roles are very important, and neglecting them will definitely lead to regrets! You can also find a professional wedding planner from a wedding service platform to help you solve problems, save money, and avoid pitfalls.

The costs of a wedding generally fall into five major categories:

1. Banquet costs

Meal costs + venue fees + banquet beverages, sometimes there will also be additional service fees, etc.

2. Wedding planning costs

Planning and coordination + wedding decoration, which can be directly handled by the wedding planning company.
3. Costs for the four key roles

Photographer, videographer, makeup artist, emcee, and sometimes a wedding planner is also included.

4. Wedding items costs

Suits, wedding dresses, wedding shoes, wedding candies, cigarettes and alcohol, desserts, wedding favors, and items for decorating the wedding room, etc.

5. Other costs

Mainly includes red envelopes for blocking the door, red envelopes for the groomsmen and bridesmaids, and in some regions, there are customs for giving red envelopes to matchmakers, etc.

So, which wedding item costs the most?

In recent years, wedding costs have continued to rise, generally increasing by about 5%. Holding a wedding has become synonymous with "burning money." Among these, the most expensive parts are the banquet and wedding services. These two items are also important factors in holding a perfect wedding~

Overview of the wedding budget checklist

1. Banquet

****The banquet costs generally account for 40%-45% of the total costs, including venue fees, meal costs, and on-site decoration costs, making it the largest expense. After determining the total costs, the couple should reserve 50% for the banquet.

Currently, the price per table for banquet meals ranges from 3000 to 5000, so you can estimate the approximate meal costs based on the number of guests.

2. Wedding services

Including wedding planning, wedding decoration, and the four key roles, costs generally account for 15%-20% of the total costs.

Among them, the emcee's fee is relatively high because he is a key figure in the wedding ceremony. Currently, hiring an emcee costs between 1000-2000 yuan, while the prices for photographers and makeup artists are usually around 1000 yuan.

3. Wedding dresses

Including outfits for the bride and groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and parents, usually accounting for 15% of the total costs.

If the budget is limited, it is recommended to choose rental options, which can be much cheaper. For example, renting a three-piece bridal outfit generally costs around 500-2000 yuan per day. 👉

4. Jewelry

The cost of jewelry accounts for 10%-15% of the total costs, mainly for wedding rings, necklaces, crowns, and other accessories.

If you want to buy diamond-studded wedding rings, the price will be higher, generally ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 yuan, while ordinary plain wedding rings are relatively affordable, around 5,000 to 15,000 yuan.

5. Wedding photos

Currently, popular wedding photo packages generally cost between 5000-8000 yuan, accounting for 5%-8% of the total costs. Couples can choose suitable vendors based on their needs and preferences; the more sets of photos taken, the more expensive it will be. In a wedding photo package, one set of wedding photos = one outfit + one scene.

Photography agencies usually start with three sets, with each set consisting of a dozen to a hundred photos.

Choosing 3-5 sets of photos is most suitable.
Taking wedding photos is a physically demanding task. Besides different styles of makeup, there are also outdoor travel, lunch, and rest time.

Taking three sets of photos takes about 7 hours, which is relatively sufficient; four sets of wedding photos take about 8-9 hours; five sets take around 10 hours.

If you take more, it will be almost impossible to complete in one day, and the results will not be very outstanding when you are very tired.

Choose to shoot in the off-season.
The off-season for wedding photo shoots is from May to August.

Because the weather is hot, there are significant discounts for shooting. Don’t miss out if you want to save money!

👉 Compare prices
To ensure the authenticity of guest photos, compare prices and choose carefully.

👉 Keep an eye on vendor promotions
On special holidays, vendors usually have many promotional activities and group buying events, such as Valentine's Day, 520, Qixi Festival, Double Eleven, etc.

6. Others

Including wedding cars, red envelopes, cigarettes, candies, wedding favors, etc., accounting for 5%-10% of the total costs. These items should be determined based on personal capability and standards. For example, if you can borrow a wedding car from a friend, you can save money for other projects.

7. Reserve fund

After arranging all expenses, reserve about 5% as a contingency fund. For example, if the number of invited guests exceeds the estimate, you may need to increase the number of tables; if the desired wedding dress exceeds the budget, the reserve fund can be used to cover it.

Here’s a budget table for different levels of weddings, which can provide a more intuitive understanding.
👇👇

Tips for Saving Money on Weddings#

1. Compare prices among various wedding planning companies and banquet hotels, and make sure to conduct on-site inspections.

2. Except for May-June and September-October, the remaining months are generally the off-season for weddings, so try to avoid peak periods.

3. It’s best to book hotels 6 months to a year in advance, as this will provide a lot of room for negotiation.

4. Look for newly opened hotels, as they tend to offer more discounts, and their food and environment are usually not too bad.

5. Try to refine the guest list.

6. Choose seasonal flowers for the wedding, as off-season flowers tend to be more expensive.

7. Rent wedding dresses instead of buying, as custom-made options are relatively expensive.

8. You can borrow a wedding car from a friend, but remember to prepare some red envelope gifts.

9. Honeymoon trips should not be spontaneous; consider traveling during the off-season.

10. You can choose to buy loose diamonds and have someone set them into finished rings.

11. You can buy wedding items in bulk from one supplier to get a better discount.

12. Choose a wedding photography company/studio: The Wedding Diary app has a wealth of quality vendors to choose from (both nationwide and local), where you can view cases, select packages, and compare prices. You are sure to find a wedding photo style you like. Wedding photo shoots can be done in studios, outdoor locations, or travel shoots. Generally, shooting 3-5 sets is reasonable, with a total price between 5k-10k. Wedding photos should be booked and shot at least 2-4 months in advance, as the retouching and production cycle is long. Shooting too late may lead to timing and quality issues. Additionally, there may be temporary extra charges for wedding photo shoots. This article on 【Wedding Preparation - Wedding Photography】 has detailed tips on avoiding pitfalls in wedding photography, which you can scroll down to view.

13. Personal care: Create a weight loss and skincare plan. Many soon-to-be brides and grooms will start exercising, practicing yoga, and brides may begin some cosmetic procedures to present their best selves for this important moment in life.

(2) Wedding Countdown 3 Months #

1. Purchase wedding rings and the three golds: one diamond ring and one pair of wedding rings. It is recommended to buy an additional pair of zircon rings to use as fake rings during the wedding ceremony to prevent losing the real ones due to busyness; the three golds refer to gold rings, gold bracelets, and gold necklaces. The four golds include gold earrings, and the five golds add a gold ankle chain or gold pendant. The three golds are prepared by the groom's family for the future bride to express their affection and importance towards her. Generally, they are given to the bride on the engagement day or when the wedding date is confirmed. This article on 【Wedding Preparation - Diamond Rings and Three Golds】 has detailed tips on how to choose and avoid pitfalls, which you can scroll down to view.

2. Confirm bridesmaids, groomsmen, siblings, and flower girls: Bridesmaids and groomsmen must be paired, with one bridesmaid corresponding to one groomsman. Do bridesmaids and groomsmen have to be unmarried? It is best if they are unmarried, as this is a custom in many places. Of course, married siblings can also be invited, but they should be those who have happy marriages.

3. Choose wedding dresses: If you are customizing wedding dresses and suits, you need to communicate with the designer and get measured in advance, as the production time will be longer; if renting wedding dresses, you should select and reserve them early. Different wedding segments require different outfits, and most brides now prepare 4 outfits and 2 pairs of shoes: morning robe, traditional dress, main wedding dress, and reception dress, along with high-heeled wedding shoes and flat shoes. The groom should prepare a suit, traditional shirt, tie, cufflinks, socks, watch, etc.

4. Custom outfits for parents: Generally, mothers need 1-2 outfits, and fathers need 1 suit; rental and customization for bridesmaids and groomsmen outfits.

5. Confirm the wedding plan: Confirm the wedding style and finalize the wedding decoration plan with the planner.

6. Taste the banquet dishes, confirm the number of tables, and purchase necessary beverages and cigarettes.

7. Purchase wedding items: Select and purchase paper invitations and small gifts; wedding room decorations: auspicious decorations, wedding stickers, balloons, bedding sets, stuffed toys; bride's arrival checklist: tea set, kneeling cushions, red envelopes, door-blocking props; banquet checklist: sign-in items, wedding candies, game prizes for wedding favors, etc.

(2) Wedding Countdown 3 Months #

1. Purchase wedding rings and the three golds: one diamond ring and one pair of wedding rings. It is recommended to buy an additional pair of zircon rings to use as fake rings during the wedding ceremony to prevent losing the real ones due to busyness; the three golds refer to gold rings, gold bracelets, and gold necklaces. The four golds include gold earrings, and the five golds add a gold ankle chain or gold pendant. The three golds are prepared by the groom's family for the future bride to express their affection and importance towards her. Generally, they are given to the bride on the engagement day or when the wedding date is confirmed. This article on 【Wedding Preparation - Diamond Rings and Three Golds】 has detailed tips on how to choose and avoid pitfalls, which you can scroll down to view.

2. Confirm bridesmaids, groomsmen, siblings, and flower girls: Bridesmaids and groomsmen must be paired, with one bridesmaid corresponding to one groomsman. Do bridesmaids and groomsmen have to be unmarried? It is best if they are unmarried, as this is a custom in many places. Of course, married siblings can also be invited, but they should be those who have happy marriages.

3. Choose wedding dresses: If you are customizing wedding dresses and suits, you need to communicate with the designer and get measured in advance, as the production time will be longer; if renting wedding dresses, you should select and reserve them early. Different wedding segments require different outfits, and most brides now prepare 4 outfits and 2 pairs of shoes: morning robe, traditional dress, main wedding dress, and reception dress, along with high-heeled wedding shoes and flat shoes. The groom should prepare a suit, traditional shirt, tie, cufflinks, socks, watch, etc.

4. Custom outfits for parents: Generally, mothers need 1-2 outfits, and fathers need 1 suit; rental and customization for bridesmaids and groomsmen outfits.

5. Confirm the wedding plan: Confirm the wedding style and finalize the wedding decoration plan with the planner.

6. Taste the banquet dishes, confirm the number of tables, and purchase necessary beverages and cigarettes.

7. Purchase wedding items: Select and purchase paper invitations and small gifts; wedding room decorations: auspicious decorations, wedding stickers, balloons, bedding sets, stuffed toys; bride's arrival checklist: tea set, kneeling cushions, red envelopes, door-blocking props; banquet checklist: sign-in items, wedding candies, game prizes for wedding favors, etc.

8. Honeymoon planning: If there are plans for a honeymoon, confirm the honeymoon travel destination, arrange flights, and prepare the itinerary in advance.

(3) Wedding Countdown 1 Month #

1. Confirm the list of assistants for the wedding day, notify out-of-town/foreign relatives and friends, and arrange transportation and accommodation for their arrival.

2. Confirm the wedding process: Confirm the wedding reception process and wedding ceremony details with the wedding planner, butler, and emcee.

3. Send out paper invitations and create electronic invitations using templates available on the Wedding Diary app. Send the completed electronic invitations to guests one by one, and you can also post them on social media.

4. Beauty, hair, and makeup trials: It is recommended to try the bride's makeup in advance, as the skill levels of different makeup artists vary; choose one that suits you; focus on weight loss and skincare, correct posture, and practice smiling.

5. Confirm the number of tables and menu: Confirm the guest list, create a draft guest list, design, produce, and print it. Confirm the banquet dishes, and make sure to taste them in advance.

How to Choose a Banquet? How to Arrange Seating? One Tip to Solve It!#

6. Confirm the item list: Bride and groom's attire, items for the bride's arrival, and banquet items.

7. Confirm the wedding playlist: The wedding playlist can be selected based on the wedding style.

(4) Wedding Countdown 1-2 Weeks #

1. Coordinate with the banquet venue, wedding planner, four key roles, and wedding car to confirm the final details for the day, ensuring all preparations are complete.

2. The bride and family should complete hair styling, manicures, and eyelash extensions.

3. Order the necessary bouquets and fresh flowers from the florist.

4. Contact important guests again by phone.

5. Confirm the photography and videography routes, arrival times and locations, and restaurant details.

6. Print the necessary forms for the wedding and contact information for all personnel.

(5) Wedding Countdown 1-2 Days#

1. Confirm the wedding dress and accessories, pack them separately. Prepare a wedding emergency kit: makeup kit, paper and pen, tissues, power bank, red envelopes, sewing kit, band-aids, mouth freshener spray, eye drops, lipstick, etc.

2. Decorate the new house: The new house can be decorated by bridesmaids, groomsmen, and siblings.

3. Host out-of-town relatives and friends.

4. The couple should rest early. On the day, they will be styled, so remember not to use conditioner when washing hair, and you can apply a hydrating mask before bed to ensure better makeup adherence the next day.

5. Prepare red envelopes: It’s best to use new bills, and you can exchange them at a nearby bank. Prepare 50 large red envelopes and 100 small red envelopes for blocking the door.

6. Create groups for the wedding day staff: groups for bridesmaids and groomsmen, wedding car group, makeup artist group, photographer group, etc.

7. Wedding rehearsal: Briefly walk through the wedding day process to avoid mistakes on the day. Practice the toast and walking posture.

8. Prepare two bottles of "fake wine" and quick snacks for the bride and groom: During the banquet, the couple will toast with almost all guests, and even if the groom can drink a lot, it’s necessary to prepare "fake wine"! Besides the bridesmaids and groomsmen, do not let others touch those two special bottles.

For white wine: ① Mix with water, leaving about 3cm of wine in the bottle, then fill with boiled water/mineral water (be careful not to use tap water, as it will create bubbles); ② Use Sprite instead, and remember to open the bottle the night before to release the gas, otherwise, it will bubble.

For red wine: Buy dark grape juice and pour it into an empty red wine bottle.

(6) On the Wedding Day (Example)#

The couple should relax, encourage each other, and maintain a happy mood.

1. Civil Affairs Bureau working hours

The Civil Affairs Bureau is open Monday to Saturday.

Summer: 9:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00

Winter: 9:00-12:00, 13:30-17:00

Ps: The working hours may vary slightly in different cities and regions; you can check the time for your city. For example, in Hangzhou, it is from 8:30 to 11:30 in the morning and from 14:00 to 17:00 in the afternoon, with Saturday on duty.

2. Questions and Answers about Obtaining a Marriage Certificate

① How to choose the time to obtain the certificate? If you want it to have special meaning, you can choose one person's birthday, meaningful numbers like 520, 217, 527, etc., or choose the 999th or 1314th day of being together, anniversary dates, etc.

② Is an oath required when obtaining the certificate? The rules vary by location; some places do not require it.

③ Will there be someone at the civil affairs bureau to help take photos? There is no dedicated person to take photos; you can ask a photographer or a stranger who is also obtaining a certificate to help take pictures.

④ Can it be processed on holidays? The normal working hours of the civil affairs bureau are Monday to Saturday, and the first day of holidays is generally also available, but the specific situation still depends on the local civil affairs bureau (the regulations vary by city).

⑤ How many days in advance can marriage registration be booked online? It can be booked 2-30 days in advance.

⑥ Can divorced singles hide or pretend to be first-time married? No, as the national network is connected, marriage registration information can be checked in the background. Divorced singles should not hide anything.

⑦ If the party's ID card is lost, can a temporary ID be used to register for marriage? Yes.

⑧ Do both parties need to be present for marriage and divorce registration? Both parties must be present; no delegation or agency is allowed.

3. Process and materials for obtaining a marriage certificate

1. Required materials: ID card, household registration book original, and 3 recent 2-inch half-length photos without hats.

Note: If one party's household registration is not local, and if it is a family household, then providing the original household registration book is sufficient. If it is a collective household, a copy of the first page of the collective household registration and their own page must be provided, along with a household registration certificate from the current residence.

2. Process

① Marriage registration appointment: There are online, phone, and on-site methods. Each registration office has 70 appointment slots available each day, filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If the slots are full, you can only queue on-site.

Appointment methods: You can use the 【Wedding Diary APP】— Tools — Marriage Appointment Registration; register on the civil affairs bureau's official website; or make an appointment through Alipay, WeChat, etc.

② Fill out the form on-site, issue the certificate, and take the oath.

4. Dressing and photography for obtaining the certificate

1. Ceremony attire: Little white dress, veil; couple's matching white T-shirts/shirts; clothing with commemorative significance. You can buy flowers and small props.

V. Wedding Budget Allocation #

1. Composition of the wedding budget:

Wedding planning 10%

Banquet 40%

Wedding photography 10%

Four key roles 5%

Jewelry 15%

Wedding dresses 5%

Wedding items 5%

Honeymoon 10%

Reserve fund (for emergencies) 10%

Note: This expenditure is flexible; the above is for reference only. Couples can create their own budget table based on their budget and adjust wedding expenses accordingly.

2. Essential knowledge for pre-wedding preparations:

The expenses involved in the entire wedding preparation can be quite numerous. If reasonable arrangements are not made in advance, two situations often arise:

① Choosing the best for everything, leading to a serious mismatch between the overall wedding expenses and one's financial capacity. The wedding may be satisfactory, but afterward, the financial pressure is immense.

② In an effort to save money, choosing the cheapest options for everything, leading to reluctance to buy anything. In the end, money may be saved, but the wedding becomes a lasting regret.

PS: If both parents are involved in the wedding or are funding it, a wedding preparation group can be established.

3. Confirming the wedding budget:

When planning the wedding budget in the early stages, it is recommended to refer to these two dimensions:

① Ask married friends around you how much they spent on their weddings and what the major expenses were. If the situations are similar, you can ask them for advice on what expenses can be avoided.

② Pay attention to some wedding industry accounts and apps, such as bride communities; or refer to some brides' wedding preparation diaries. Do more research to understand market trends before planning your budget. This form of budget planning will have stronger controllability, but prices will fluctuate slightly each year due to overall industry influences.

VI. Wedding Preparation #
(1) Diamond Rings #

1. How should newcomers choose diamond rings? What is the best way to select a diamond ring for the best value? The core factors for choosing a diamond ring:

① Carat weight: This refers to the size of the diamond and is the most direct factor affecting the price. Only diamonds over 30 points have GIA certification, and the size depends on personal preference.

② Color: G grade and above are generally safe; the higher the grade, the more expensive the diamond. H is a middle value; if the budget is tight, this is a good choice, but avoid I grade and below, as they may appear yellowish, which affects aesthetics.

③ Clarity: Choose SI1 and above, which are generally safe. Clarity simply refers to the degree of inclusions and impurities in the diamond; after all, it is a mineral, and not every diamond is flawless, while clarity is at a level where inclusions are difficult to see with the naked eye.

④ Cut: Remember these three: ratio grade, symmetry grade, and polish grade.

2. Should you customize a diamond ring or buy a brand?

Both customization and brands have their pros and cons, and it depends on the couple's needs (price, ceremonial significance, etc.).

① Benefits of customization: There is basically no brand premium, and you can buy a larger diamond at the same price. For example, a brand's 10,000 yuan can buy a 30-point diamond, while customization can buy a 50-point diamond. However, newcomers should be careful to choose a reliable studio! Customization may seem cheaper, but there are risks involved, especially for those who are not familiar with diamonds.

② Benefits of brands: You don’t have to choose the diamond yourself, which is simple and reliable, and you can enjoy the ceremonial significance brought by the brand concept.

3. Budget for purchasing diamond rings

Budget around 5,000 - 10,000 yuan: 30-40 point diamond ring

Budget around 10,000 - 15,000 yuan: 50 point diamond ring

Budget around 20,000 yuan: 70 point diamond ring

Budget around 30,000 - 80,000 yuan: 1-carat diamond ring

Budget over 100,000 yuan: 2-carat diamond ring

(2) Three Golds#

1. What are the three golds for weddings?

Generally, the three golds refer to: gold earrings, gold necklaces, and gold rings, or gold earrings, gold necklaces, and gold bracelets.

The five golds refer to: gold earrings, gold necklaces, gold bracelets, gold rings, and gold pendants, or gold earrings, gold necklaces, gold bracelets, gold rings, and gold ankle chains.

If they are to be worn regularly, it is best to choose moderately sized, stylish designs to avoid looking too ostentatious.

2. Dowry ≠ Three Golds! Who buys the three golds?

The three golds are prepared by the groom's family for the future bride to express their affection and importance towards her. They are generally part of the bride price given by the groom's family to the bride's family, usually presented on the engagement day or when the wedding date is confirmed.

For dowry jewelry, parents with means may prepare dragon and phoenix bracelets, gold chains, etc., and relatives may also give some gold jewelry to express their good wishes for the daughter and hope that she marries well. On the morning of the wedding day, the mother will adorn the daughter with these items.

Thus, the three golds and dowry jewelry are distinct.

3. How to choose the three golds?

① Markings: Jewelry on the market will clearly indicate the relevant quality inspection agency's testing marks, purity, manufacturer code, materials, and the quality of the main diamond (0.10 carats and above). Therefore, gold jewelry generally has markings like "pure gold," "thousand pure gold," "Au," "18K gold," "G," etc.

② Appearance: The surface of gold jewelry should be bright and clean, without obvious processing marks or sharp edges, and should feel smooth. The surface should not have air holes, impurities, etc. Additionally, carefully check for cracks to avoid buying second-hand processed jewelry.

③ Color: The gold content of gold jewelry is generally categorized as "seven green, eight yellow, nine purple, ten red." For example, if the jewelry reaches a seven-tenths gold content, the color should be yellow with a hint of green; if it reaches nine-tenths, it should be yellow with a hint of purple.

④ Weight: The specific gravity of gold is generally 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter; the closer the specific gravity is to 19.3 grams, the higher the purity.

⑤ Sound: High-quality gold makes a dull sound when dropped, while lower-quality gold jewelry makes a loud, sharp sound and may bounce.

⑥ Softness: The higher the quality of gold jewelry, the softer and less elastic it is. Biting it with teeth or pricking it with a needle will leave light marks, and bending it will not break. If burned, it will not change color.

Ultimately, it is best to choose well-known brands and purchase from reputable stores to ensure quality and after-sales service.

4. Daily maintenance of the three golds?

Avoid direct contact with high volatile substances like perfume and hair spray;

Gold jewelry is soft, so when not worn, wrap it in a soft cloth before placing it in the jewelry box, and avoid rubbing, colliding, or pressing it against hard objects to prevent deformation or breakage;

Remove gold jewelry while swimming to avoid chemical reactions with seawater or pool water;

Avoid storing gold jewelry with chemicals like acids, alkalis, tin, lead, iodine, and cosmetics, as this can cause discoloration;

Pure gold jewelry may develop white spots when exposed to silver water; cleaning it with alcohol can restore its original color.

If you are worried about damaging the jewelry's quality, take it to a professional jewelry maintenance store or the after-sales service center.

When booking a hotel

1. Check if there are nearby bus or subway stations, how long it takes to walk, and how easy it is to find the hotel.

• For hotels that are relatively remote, inquire whether they provide shuttle services.

Also ask:

① Can firecrackers or fireworks be set off at the hotel entrance?

② Can the wedding couple's names be posted on the hotel entrance?
2. Check the size of the parking lot and how many cars it can accommodate.

Also ask:

① How many parking spaces can be allocated for each family on the wedding day?

② How is parking charged? Are there free parking vouchers available?

ps: It’s best to ask the vendor for free parking vouchers and distribute them to driving guests in advance, and then settle all parking voucher costs with the hotel separately to avoid guests paying for parking.

3. Check if the shape is regular; odd shapes may affect wedding decorations.

Check for columns; columns can obstruct guests' views, so try to choose a banquet hall without columns for better visibility and decoration.

Also ask:

① Is there a venue fee or wedding planning entrance fee?

② What is the time for wedding planning entrance and decoration? What is the latest departure time on the wedding day? How is overtime charged?
4. Check the decoration environment for damaged floors or ceilings, potential tripping hazards like wires, whether the carpet is flat, and if there are any odors.

Check the decoration style to see if it fits your wedding theme: some hotels have European-style column decorations, which may not be suitable for a Chinese wedding.

Also ask:
① In summer or winter, can the air conditioning keep up?

② Is electricity free? When does it get cut off? How will power outages be handled?

5. Check the ceiling height; a height of 4-9 meters is preferable. Anything below 4 meters can feel oppressive and is not good for decoration. If you can't tell how high it is, you can directly ask the hotel.

6. Check the T-stage; avoid choosing a T-stage less than 1 meter wide, as it will be crowded for the bride and groom.

7. Check the lighting; have the hotel turn on all the lights in the banquet hall to see the overall effect, whether it is bright enough, whether it is too glaring, and whether it is warm or cold light.

Also ask: Is the lighting adjustable? Is there a lighting technician to operate it?

8. Check if there is an LED screen; turn it on to see if the effect is clear.

• Are there holographic projections or other electronic devices available?

Also ask: Is there a fee? How much is it? What is the pixel count? (The smaller the pixel count, the clearer the image; ideally, it should be P3 or smaller.)

9. Check the sound system; have the hotel test the microphone to see if there is any harsh noise, and then play some music to check the sound quality. The sound system should not be too close to the dining tables.

Also ask: How many microphones are there? Are they wired or wireless? Can they be used for free?

10. Check the overall banquet tables.

Check how many tables can fit in the hall; this is one of the most important selection criteria. Also check if the arrangement of tables is reasonable, if there is enough space between tables, and if there is room for the stage and aisles. The banquet tables should not be too close to the stage.

11. Check if the tables and chairs are complete and their quality.

Check if the tablecloths are clean and free of stains; check if the tableware is clean, complete, and without missing pieces, and if the set is complete.

12. Check if there is a separate reception area outside the banquet hall or an area that can be used to set up a reception area.

Also ask:

① Is the reception area shared? A separate reception area is more convenient for decoration and looks more impressive.

② Can the reception area be decorated?

Check if the banquet hall has a bridal room or makeup room; this is essential, as the bride needs a private space to change clothes and makeup on the wedding day, and also a place to store valuables.

The scene will definitely be very interesting, and these high-energy moments should not be missed.

⑦ Tea ceremony and name change:

Many emotional couples become overwhelmed with emotions during this segment.

⑧ Princess carry:

When the groom successfully carries the bride during the wedding reception, there will definitely be an uncontainable joy and sense of achievement on his face, while the bride will generally be shy, and the wedding dress will naturally fall beautifully.

⑨ The bride leaves in the wedding car, and the bride gets out of the wedding car.

⑩ FIRST LOOK:

The emcee will announce the start of the wedding, introduce the couple, take photos with the couple, take photos with the bridesmaids and groomsmen, have the groomsmen and bridesmaids enter, have the groom enter, have the bride walk down the aisle with her father, the vow segment, the couple toasting, the couple kissing, the bouquet toss segment, the couple toasting to the guests, and a panoramic photo of all guests at the wedding.

4. Makeup artist (makeup for the day)

1. When to book a makeup artist?

Good makeup artists have tight schedules, especially during the wedding peak season, so it’s best to book 6 months to a year in advance. If it’s the off-season, generally 1-3 months is sufficient.

2. Budget for wedding makeup

The price of makeup artists varies by region and the level of the makeup artist; generally, ordinary makeup artists charge around 300-600 yuan; mid-level prices range from 800-1600 yuan; high-end prices range from 1800-3600 yuan. Be sure to clarify how the makeup fees are calculated: is it for the whole day, by the hour, or by the number of styles? It’s best to book for the whole day. Be sure to have a makeup trial in advance! Otherwise, if you find the makeup unsuitable on the day, it will be too late!

3. How to find a wedding makeup artist?

Contact styling studios or independent makeup artists through various platforms; makeup artists recommended by wedding planners; or makeup artists that come with or collaborate with wedding dress vendors.

4. Evaluation criteria:

① Check the makeup products: Check if the types and shades of makeup products are complete, if they are brand-name products, and if there are different products for different skin types;

② Check professionalism: Skill level, makeup techniques, and ability to handle different styles;

③ Check the makeup effect: See if the makeup looks natural, if the details are in place, and if the hair accessories match harmoniously.

5. Wedding makeup service process

① Schedule a makeup trial, discuss the hairstyle and makeup design for the day, and take notes.

② Confirm the time and location for the next morning the day before the wedding, and remind the bride about her beauty and skincare preparations (arrive at the bride's house three hours before the wedding);

③ Arrive on time and complete the makeup and styling, check the bride's overall look in the wedding dress, and make improvements if necessary;

④ Full styling: Touch up makeup before the ceremony, and change outfits after the ceremony.

(7) Wedding Cars #
How to choose wedding cars on the wedding day? Color, quantity, and seating arrangements are all important.

1. Avoid retracing steps.

The wedding car route should be planned in advance to avoid hospitals, crematoriums, funeral homes, etc. It’s better to take a longer route than to retrace steps.

2. The number of wedding cars is generally even.

Even numbers symbolize pairs and harmony. Among odd numbers, 9 can also be chosen, symbolizing longevity. Therefore, 6, 8, and 9 are all acceptable numbers.

3. The color of wedding cars is significant; generally, black, white, and red are chosen. Black represents low-key elegance, red is festive, and white symbolizes the purity of the couple's relationship, signifying a lifelong partnership.
The "white-headed" wedding car combination has two options: ① One main wedding car in white, with the following cars in black/red/white; ② Two white cars at the front and back of the fleet, with any color in between.

(8) Wedding Item Procurement#

(9) Blocking the Door for the Bride#

Includes Q&A, intelligence, talent, and physical challenges, etc.

(10) Wedding Banquet Seating Chart

1. When arranging seats, pay attention to the elderly, pregnant women, and children, placing them near the entrance. Keep them away from the serving area to prevent food spills; keep them away from hazards like wires, sockets, and fire extinguishers. Families with children can be seated together for common interests.

2. Scatter guests can be seated at one table, inviting outgoing friends to liven up the atmosphere, or they can fill in at tables that are not full. However, remind friends to look out for each other, and single guests can be seated next to other single friends.

3. If parents are divorced or have strained relationships, it is advisable to arrange two small main tables, seating relatives on either side of the parents.

(11) Clear Task List for Bridesmaids #

1. Be clear about these tasks

1. Prepare in advance: Personal weight loss and skincare; items: breast pads or seamless underwear, simple style shoes in uniform colors, cosmetics, throat lozenges, tissues, mobile phones, etc.

2. Arrive a day early: Help the bride decorate the new house the day before the wedding; participate in the wedding rehearsal and remember the positions and tasks.

3. External liaison: Save the contact information for the four key roles, the bride's parents, and the hotel wedding planning team for easy communication on the wedding day.

4. Familiarize yourself with the process and understand the wedding reception process, task assignments, and games. If there are multiple bridesmaids, tasks must be assigned to individuals, and each bridesmaid should be very clear about her responsibilities. Be clear, attentive, reliable, responsive, and quick to act, with the bride's needs as the priority. Ensure the bride can find someone at any time.

5) Division of labor among bridesmaids

If there are 2 bridesmaids:

① Bridesmaid 1 (lively and cheerful): Host the reception, create an atmosphere, and liaise with the four key roles.

② Bridesmaid 2 (attentive and responsible): Personal assistant, focus on the bride's makeup, and keep the wedding bag.

If there are 3 bridesmaids:

① Bridesmaid 1 (lively and cheerful): Host the reception, create an atmosphere, and liaise with the four key roles.

② Bridesmaid 2 (attentive): Focus on the bride's makeup and organize outfits.

③ Bridesmaid 3 (responsible): Personal assistant, keep the wedding bag.

If there are 4 bridesmaids:

① Bridesmaid 1 (lively): Host the reception, create an atmosphere.

② Bridesmaid 2 (lively): Liaise with the four key roles.

③ Bridesmaid 3 (attentive): Focus on the bride's makeup and organize outfits.

④ Bridesmaid 4 (responsible): Personal assistant, keep the wedding bag.

VII. Wedding Taboos #
(1) Taboos for Choosing an Auspicious Wedding Date #

1. When selecting an auspicious date, try to avoid the months of March, July, and September. In traditional Chinese wedding customs, it is best to avoid "ghost months," which have ominous connotations. March includes Qingming Festival, July includes the Ghost Festival, and September includes the Chongyang Festival, making it unsuitable for joyous occasions.

2. The third, seventh, thirteenth, eighteenth, twenty-second, and twenty-seventh days of each month are said to be the days of "Three Niang Sha," when she specifically disrupts weddings, so it is best to avoid these days.

3. There is a saying in folk customs, "No marriage in the first month, no engagement in the twelfth month," meaning no weddings in January and no engagements in December.

4. The auspicious wedding date should not coincide with the birthdays of the bride and groom's parents.

5. The chosen wedding date should not conflict with the zodiac signs of the bride and groom.

6. "Widow years" are not suitable for weddings.

These taboos regarding auspicious dates can serve as references for setting the wedding date. The success of a marriage is based on the emotional foundation between the couple, not just on selecting an auspicious date; reasonable arrangements should still be made from a scientific perspective.

(2) Taboos on the Wedding Day #

1. The bride's wedding dress should not have pockets, as this is believed to take away the family's wealth and good fortune. Therefore, generally, neither Chinese nor Western wedding dresses will have pockets.

2. The bride should not leave her family home without crying. The more she cries, the wealthier she will become. However, once she arrives at the groom's home, regardless of whether it is due to emotion or excitement, it is advisable not to cry excessively.

3. When the bride enters the groom's home, she must step over the threshold and not step on it, as this is considered inauspicious.

4. On the wedding day, the bride should avoid lying on the wedding bed (before going to sleep at night), as this symbolizes being bedridden for a year, which is inauspicious. Therefore, for a happy life ahead, one must endure even if tired.

5. On the wedding day, it is advisable for the bride and groom not to fan themselves. "Fan" sounds like "scatter," which implies separation, so it is best to avoid this. Even if it is hot, do not use a fan.

6. The wedding candies prepared for guests are for them to eat, and the bride and groom should not eat them. If they are hungry, they can eat other foods to stave off hunger, as eating wedding candies is considered inauspicious and may consume their good fortune.

7. When the groom goes to pick up the bride, aunts and maternal relatives should not accompany him. The word "aunt" sounds like "lonely," and "maternal" sounds like "doubt," which is considered inauspicious.

8. Pregnant women and those related to funerals should ideally not participate in the bride's arrival or reception segments, and it is best not to visit the couple's wedding room or touch the wedding bed. Although the couple cannot directly say this, they should still be cautious.

9. On the wedding day, do not say goodbye, as this implies "remarriage," so it is essential to avoid saying goodbye.

10. Everything for the wedding should be brand new. The clothes, shoes, and items used by the couple should all be new.

11. The items prepared for the day should preferably be in even numbers.

(3) Taboos for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen#

1. Some zodiac taboos are used to avoid conflicts between the energies of the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the couple. Fewer people believe in this now, but older generations say that zodiac conflicts may lead to bumps in the road after marriage, affecting happiness.

2. It is best for bridesmaids and groomsmen to be unmarried. This is a custom in many places. Of course, married friends can also be invited, but they should be those who have happy marriages.

A small disclaimer: The above is for the reference of couples and families who want to understand these matters. Whether to believe in them is up to the individual. Specific taboos can be understood by consulting local customs and respected elders before the wedding.

Marriage itself is a joyful event, and seeking auspiciousness is not unreasonable. We young people are open-minded, but it is inevitable that older family members may care about these matters. By accommodating the elders and making them happy, we also gain more blessings.