Wedding Planning Basics

Weddings

Congratulations, you're engaged! You and your fiancé are probably really excited and somewhat anxious to start planning your wedding, and it may be hard to figure out where to start!

Sheraton Dover Hotel Wedding Planning Basics

No worries -- The Sheraton Dover Hotel Sales Team is here to help you plan your wedding, every step of the way. Sure, people will try to convince you it's all about guest lists and budgets -- and that's definitely a big part of it.

But not just yet…
When deciding on a location, have a season and a few potential dates in mind but be flexible, since the most desirable dates at the Sheraton Dover Hotel book up early.

Step 1: Get inspired.

Not yet ready for reality? Stick with the fun stuff -- think about colors you like, the seasons that make sense for your celebration, and any must-haves you'll want to incorporate. Then decide on your location, and book it! Have a season and a few potential dates in mind but be flexible, since the most desirable date’s book up early.

Step 2: Get started.

Next, get down to the nitty-gritty.

Wedding Checklist

Create a personalized month-by-month to-do list for your wedding date (chose an approximate date for your wedding, if you don't know exactly when).

Step 3: Book it!

Congrats! Now you have a real, live wedding date! Here's where the fun really begins: With your fabulously chic vision in mind, bring your wedding to life. Schedule appointments to meet with all wedding associated vendors and services at your earliest convenience, after work or on weekends by the following month. Add these to your checklist so you don't forget. Appointments are going to start to pile up!

Officiator and Venue for the Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception Venue with Food & Beverages
Bridal Gown, Matron of Honor and Bride’s Mates Dresses
Tuxedo Rentals Groom, Best Man and Ushers
Transportation and/or Limousine Service
Florist
Cake Baker
Musicians
Photographer
Videographer
Invitations

Based on all your wedding costs and expenses, develop a wedding budget with a total estimated budget number that you can live with your available finances. Based on industry-wide averages, we'll give you a breakdown of what percentage of your budget you can expect to spend where. Track your payments, add in your own items, and see how much money you have left.
Starting with the wedding ceremony, choose a mutually acceptable religious place of worship or other venue to officiate your wedding ceremony. Schedule a date with the pastor or officiator of your place or worship or other venue of choice.
The Sheraton Dover Hotel offers a seamless approach to all your wedding needs. As an enhancement to our wedding packages, we can provide a separate room to host your wedding ceremony. We can also recommend or provide an officiate to preside over your service(s), regardless of religious preference. This makes for a better experience for the wedding party and all your guests. Hosting all the events at one venue reduces the need for the wedding party to be transported from one place to another, thus reducing the costs for limousine services. The guests do not have travel so this eliminates the stress factor of the guest’s showing-up for the reception.
The Sheraton Dover Hotel can service and host all your wedding and associated events, including, but not limited to:
- Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
- Wedding Rehearsal Dinners
- Wedding Ceremonies
- Wedding Receptions with Dinner/Dances
- Hotel rooms including: Standard, Junior Suites, Hospitality Suites and Club level Rooms. A Standard room is provided for the Bride and Groom in all Sheraton Dover Hotel wedding packages.
- Post Wedding Breakfast or Brunch Packages available
The Sheraton Dover Hotel offers their all-inclusive wedding package starting at $65.00 per person that includes everything that you will need to make that special day, one to remember.

Step 4: Guests and Etiquette

Sure, this day is all about the two of you, but it's also all about the people who'll come to celebrate with you.

Developing your guest list for the wedding.

Based on your budgeted cost and expenses for your wedding determines how many guests to invite.
Create a guest list Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your list of guests (import addresses right from your spreadsheet); to record gifts you get, and note when you've sent thank-you notes.

If you're ready... Contact Us!

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts - Dover, Delaware