Congratulations on your engagement and welcome to Sacramento Bride & Groom's web site. We know that planning the wedding you’ve always dreamed of is hard work. The following on-line tips and information will provide you with plenty of help from Sacramento’s wedding industry experts. More information is available in every issue of Sacramento Bride & Groom magazine.
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Wedding Check List
A complete guide for the bride and groom on planning the wedding beginning 12 months in advance.
Download our Wedding Check List

Setting Your Wedding Budget
Once you and your fiancé agree on the style of your wedding it is time to establish abudget. A budget will help you allocate funds, make realistic choices and stay organized. Set your budget according to what you can afford. Most decisions you need to make will be determined by the amount of money you have to spend. It is best to discuss a realistic budget with both sets of parents in advance to work out the best solution for everyone.
Download our Wedding Budget Worksheets.

Getting Your Marriage License
The minimum age requirement for obtaining a marriage license in California is 18. The engaged couple must appear together to get the license. Issued by the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, the marriage license is valid in all counties in California and no health certificate is required. The license if valid for 90 days, there is no waiting period. The fee’s run from $39 to $57 for a public license.

Local County Clerk’s Offices
Sacramento 916-874-6334		Sutter 530-822-7120
El Dorado 530-621-5490		Yolo 530-666-8130
Placer 530-886-5600		San Jouquin 209-468-2362

Selecting Your Gown
Be sure to pick a full-service bridal salon with experienced consultants who are caring and sensitive to your needs. They will help you wade through the seemingly endless array of wedding gowns until you find the one that is perfectly you. There are beautiful gowns available in every price range, many for as little as $400 or a designer label for as much as $7000.

For the Groom
In the excitement of planning for your wedding, it may seem that all of the attention is focused on the bride, while you, the groom, have been forgotten. The first thing to remember is that on your wedding day, you and your bride both will be in the spotlight. To ensure that you look your best on the day of your wedding, carefully choose your clothing and accessories according to the time of day, location and style of the wedding.

Wedding Reception Guide
Sacramento has many reception sites to suit your wedding style, personal taste, guest list and budget.

SB&G’s list of reception sites provide you with basic information about some of Sacramento’s finest banquet facilities. Contact the catering manager for more information. Prices may be subject to change.

Planning a Wedding is Hard Work
Before you start planning your wedding, you may want to contact a bridal consultant. Using the services of a bridal consultant, or bridal coordinator as they are often called, can help you create a wedding that is memorable and stress free. Read the complete article in the current issue of Sacramento Bride & Groom.

Health and Beauty
With all eyes upon you as you make your way to the altar, it is important that you look and feel your best. Looking radiant on your wedding day doesn’t just happen, it takes planning. This is the time to get back to basics, with adequate sleep, exercise and a proper diet. Begin with a few tips:

• Start a good skin-care regimen as soon as possible.
• Have your makeup done professionally the day of the wedding.
• Have your hair done with the head piece at least twice before the wedding.
• A dazzling smile is easily attained through advancements in cosmetic dentistry.
• A good massage is good for detoxification and circulation, and it relieves stress.

The Bachelor Party
It is a popular tradition in Sacramento to celebrate the final days of being single with a gathering of friends. Once customary to have this party the night before the wedding, the tradition is changing. Today’s bachelor party is usually held the week before the wedding. Arrangements are usually made by the best man. However, it is perfectly acceptable for the groom to plan his own party. If alcohol is served, be sure to make advance arrangements for safe transportation home after the party.

Lake Tahoe - Wedding Wonderland
Each year, couples travel from all over the world to be married at Lake Tahoe, drawn by its grandeur, beauty and its myriad opportunities for magical, memorable weddings. Outdoor setting at Lake Tahoe are so breathtaking that the area is sometimes referred to as "God’s cathedral." For more information call, The North Lake Tahoe Wedding Association at 1-800-358-LOVE and The South Shore Wedding and honeymoon Association at 1-800-AT TAHOE.

Choosing a Professional Photographer
Photography is one of the biggest investments you will make in your wedding. Get quotes from at least five or six photographers over the phone before you begin the interviewing process. Quality is the first priority -- only excellence will do. Look at a photographer’s work before you make your final decision. Ask to see complete albums of individual weddings, rather than the best photos from several weddings in one album. Next to quality, customer service and personality are the most important aspects to evaluate. Once you have made your decision, get everything in writing. A signed contract protects both you and the photographer.