WEDDING PROJECT MANAGEMENT

WEDDING: A wedding is the ceremony in which two people are united in marriage or a similar institution. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of wedding vows by the couple, presentation of a gift (offering, ring(s), symbolic item, flowers, money), and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or leader. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a wedding reception. Music, poetry, prayers or readings from Scripture or literature are also optionally incorporated into the ceremony.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Project management is the discipline of planning, organizing, securing and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. It is sometimes conflated with program management, however technically that is actually a higher level construction: a group of related and somehow interdependent projects.

PROCESS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Traditionally, project management includes a number of elements: four to five process groups, and a control system. Regardless of the methodology or terminology used, the same basic project management processes will be used.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRIANGLE: Budget (Cost) – The budget constraint refers to the budgeted amount available for the project.Schedule – The time constraint refers to the amount of time available to complete a project.Requirements – The scope/quality constraint refers to what must be done to produce the project’s end result.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND WEDDING:Wedding is a project. For a project, the key function of project management is to manage the project mangement triangle.

Timeline(schedule) for a wedding

12 – 16 Months before the weddingChoose a wedding date.Start a wedding file.Discuss & Choose the style and formality of your wedding.Select a ceremony location.

8 – 10 Months before the weddingPhotographer and Videographer. Decide on bridesmaids dresses.Start compiling names & addresses for the guest list.Sign up for a gift registry.

5 – 7 Months before the weddingFinalize the guest list. Shop for your wedding stationery.Arrange accommodations and select your wedding cake.

4 Months before the weddingBook your florist. Shop for your wedding bands.

3 Months before the weddingSend out your invitations.Arrange transportation/ limousine serviceBegin any necessary counseling

2 Months before the weddingChoose your wedding musicSelect a location for your rehearsal dinnerConfirm with formal wear shop

1 Month before the weddingDesign your wedding programs.Apply for your marriage license.Have a final gown fitting.

1 Day before the weddingGo through your list of things to do and make sure all your bases are covered.Pack your wedding day emergency kit.Get a manicure and pedicure.Take a steamy relaxing bath and put wedding attire and accessories together.Give rings to best man. Try to get a good night’s sleep!

YOUR WEDDING DAY!Have someone check the reception site.Dress for your wedding.Have candid photos taken with family. Enjoy, you’ve worked hard !!

AFTER THE HONEYMOON

Have your wedding gown and flowers preserved. Write Thank-You notes.Change your name.

Budget for the wedding(who pays for what): CeremonyBride and family pay for church or synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant’s fee.

ClothesBride and family pay for bride’s dress, veil, accessories, and trousseau (read: lingerie and honeymoon clothes).Groom and family pay for groom’s outfit.All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

FlowersBride and family pay for arrangements for church (including huppah if a Jewish wedding ceremony) and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.Groom and family pay for bride’s bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

HoneymoonGroom and family pay for complete honeymoon.

PhotographyBride and family pay for all wedding photos and video.

Prewedding Parties

Bride or groom’s family plans and hosts engagement party; if there is more than one, bride’s family hosts the first one.Groom’s family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids’ luncheon.Groom hosts and plans bachelors’ dinner.Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower.Best man and ushers host bachelor party.Friends may throw additional engagement parties or showers.

ReceptionBride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.

RingsBride and/or her family pay for groom’s ring.Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride’s rings.

StationeryBride and family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.

TransportationBride and family pay for wedding transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.

Scope of a wedding:A scope statement must be developed in order for the project to stay on track and so that the project objectives will be met.Many deliverables need to be decided upon and put into the scope statement.• Guest list• Travel plans for guests• Accommodation for guests• Invitation design• Flowers• Wedding Favours• Gift registry• Rehearsal dinner• Tables and chairs• Hair and makeup• Marriage commissioner & marriage license• Wedding speeches• Reception dinner/lunch• Seating chart• Honeymoon