If soon-to-wed couple is not having a wedding party and concern like what should they do with the rings; who should hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony?

Traditionally, the bride hands her bouquet to her maid of honor, who stands closest to her during the ceremony, and the best man is responsible for the rings. In the absence of a wedding party, however, there are several alternatives.

One option is to ask a family member or close friend to perform both tasks. This person can remain standing at the side while bride and groom exchange vows, or that person can be seated until it’s time to return the bouquet to the bride. Just be sure to reserve a front-row seat for whom-ever you assign this role.

If rather not involve another party, the couple can ask the officiant to hold the rings, or can carry themselves. The groom can place the ring in his pocket (best to keep it in its box, so he can find easily), and can wear his on your thumb. In either case, a small table placed near the altar will provide a convenient resting spot for the bride’s bouquet while exchange rings.

The best way to find a florist is to ask for recommendations. Consult your caterer or wedding coordinator for suggestions, and talk with recently married friends about their experiences. Then have an introductory meeting with a few florists to see samples of their work and photographs of weddings they have done in the past. Be especially attentive to the florist’s style. If all the arrangements are overflowing with wildflowers and you are thinking of a tailored, formal look, that florist is not for you. Also, be honest about your budget. Prices can vary widely among vendors, and you will want to find one who can accommodate both your vision and your budget.

During your first meeting, discuss your ideas, and if possible bring pictures to illustrate them. A florist with wedding experience is preferable, since she will know to ask you about things you may want but could otherwise overlook, such as petals for your flower girl to toss.

After an introductory meeting, a florist will usually follow up with a proposal, which can then be fine tuned. If you want flowers on your cake, arrange for your florist to work with your baker. Establish what, if any, other decorations the florist will provide. All these details should be included in the contract.

One of the best ways to ensure that your photographer captures all the most important moments of your wedding on film is to provide him with a detailed wish list. Most professionals will automatically shoot key events such as the bride’s walk down the aisle and the kiss at the altar (though it never hurts to remind your photographer which of these you consider most important), but they will not necessarily know to shoot everything that has meaning to you.

A good place to begin a wish list is with special guests (grandparents, a friend from another country, and a couple with their brand-new baby) and groups (college roommates, your extended family) that you want to have pictures of. Designate a close friend or relative to assist your photographer in locating this people during the event (do not ask anyone who already has responsibilities). You can also instruct special guests to take it upon themselves to ask the photographer to snap their pictures. And be sure to brief your photographer on any awkward family relationship so he won’t ask two people who don’t speak to each other to pose together.

Think about other things too, that may not be obvious to your photographer. For example, if you are being married in a place that has special meaning to you, add a shot of the location to your list. Or if you have put a lot of effort into the details of your event and want to have a record of them, include favors and flower arrangements on your list.

One caveat: Your final list should include a manageable number of shots (be sure to discuss it ahead of time with the person you hire); it should not dictate your photographer’s every moment. A wedding is full of surprises, and your photographer will need the freedom to capture as many of them as possible.

Ready to head off on the jaunt of your dreams? Here’s the suggestive checklist that will keep you right on course.

6 months
•    Discuss and agree upon the type of honeymoon you both want (like beach, cruise, island-hopping, etc.) and set a budget you’ll stick to.
•    Start reading up on potential destinations. In travel books, magazines, newspapers. Consult a travel agent or travel websites for more ideas and suggestions.

5 months
•    Finalize your destination. Be sure to thoroughly research hotels, airlines, car-rental companies.
•    Ask your travel agent, the resort directly, or check out relevant websites about the many terrific honeymoon packages out there that are especially cost effective.

3 months
•    Make your reservations and send in all necessary deposits. Keep a record of confirmation numbers.
•    Ask what official travel documents you may need (like passport, visa, etc.)

2 months
•    Make sure have adequate luggage, as well as travel essentials like voltage converters, travel irons, etc.

1 month
•    Buy or borrow a camera if you need one, plus film, extra batteries, sunglasses and sunscreen.
•    Purchase trip insurance.
•    Pay off your credit cards.
•    Make a copy of your travel itinerary, plus phone and fax numbers where you can be reached, and leave this at home for an emergency.
•    Write up a list of everything you’ll want and need to pack, including clothes, toiletries and accessories.

1 week
•    Reconfirm travel arrangements.
•    Get travelers’ checks and/or a small amount of foreign cash.
•    Pack medications, a change of clothes and toothbrushes in your carry-on bag.

Day of departure
•    Make sure you have your tickets, passports and money in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage in the event it gets lost.
•    Reconfirm your flight before leaving home. Be sure to arrive at the airport early.

Wedding colors add romance to your special day. When you are choosing wedding colors, you are setting the tone for the entire event. There are as many choices as there are colors in the rainbow (literally!) but it may be that you can automatically filter out some choices once you start to think about details.

Do you have your heart set on particular flowers? You might want to base choices around that color. When picking wedding colors think about your bridal entourage dresses. Any colors that don’t sound appealing, you can automatically rule out from the color scheme. Considered the ceremony and reception are taking place, think about what colors are used in the carpeting, drapery and decor. In making sure you don’t clash with the surroundings, you may have to rule out those hues.

Once you’ve selected a color or two, you will want to further decide what color pattern to use. For instance, for a monochromatic wedding you would use just one color, but many shades of that color.

If you are using related colors, you will use colors next to each other on the color wheel. If you really like one color in particular, you might want to accent that color by using it among neutrals.

And if you are still not sure, visit your local fabric store. There are so many beautiful colors and patterns that you surely leave with at least a few new ideas. And if you make your choice while you are there, pick up several yards of a fabric that matches your scheme. You can always make bows to tie on chairs or staircases. For some reasons, you can visit your local Wedding Consultant to discuss with further assistance as your option!