Wedding Statewide Services
The State of Florida is proud is host events of all sizes. For those who must do their planning from a distance, there are a number of statewide professionals able to help!

Advice... Prior to planning their destination event, couples need to make a basic plan. If you've signed up for a wedding package, the services of a planner are probably included. If not, try to earmark part of your budget (about 10 percent of the total) for a wedding planner. The planner can shoulder the burden of researching, auditioning, and securing local vendors.

In addition to assisting the couple, your planner is also behind-the-scenes, creating gift bags for guests, greeting everyone at the airport, keeping people busy with fun activities once there, vetting special requests (babysitters, dry cleaners, and so on), and getting everyone where they need to be on time.

Prior to hiring a planner or local vendor check their references closely and thoroughly. Be sure the references are people for whom the vendor did an event similar to yours. For example, a recommendation from a couple who had 10 guests doesn't help if you're inviting 100. Also ask for the names of other vendors who worked those events and use them as further references regarding the company in question.

What you need to know... In the state of Florida, the legal age for marriage is 18 years old. Couples under 18 must have parental consent. Florida has a three-day waiting period and couple's must present a valid photo ID to obtain the marriage license, which is valid for 60 days. Licenses are valid out of county issued, but not out of state. Residency or blood tests are not required. Couple's must sign the license together. The fee is $93.50 (contact the local Clerk of the Circuit Court), which can be reduced upon completion of a premarital course.
From flowers to officiates, the following special event vendors will provide couples (and their families) with recommended local services.

[Central Florida] Florida Wedding Services
Specializing in small and intimate services throughout Central Florida, Florida Wedding Services provides pre-arranged packaged services for couples to choose. Whether you're planning an elaborate event or small celebration, no detail goes overlooked.
Orlando garden and beach ceremonies are available.
877-429-0004 | www.floridaweddingservices.com

[Central Florida] Sunshine Celebrations Event Planning & Consulting
Utilize the services and knowledge of Sunshine Celebrations, Central Florida's one-stop shop for everything eventful! With the assistance of Angela and Dee Newell, celebrations are given a professional and unique touch, as these co-coordinators treat your festivity as if it were their own.
Whether your next Central Florida event is formal or informal, intimate or immense, call Sunshine Celebrations and watch as they coordinate only the area's finest vendors to bring your next event to life!
866-317-4316 | www.youreventconsultant.com

[North Florida] Imagine Wedding Planning & Design
Celebrate every milestone of your life! Whether it's an engagement, wedding, birthday, or anniversary, trust the services of a professional to seamlessly orchestrate each and every detail right along beside you! The mission of Imagine Wedding and Event Planning is to assist clients, from site selection to place settings, and encourage them to enjoy the entirety of their day without stress and worry.
850-591-3010 | www.imaginebrides.com

[Central East] A Day to Cherish
Through careful listening, and detailed planning, A Day to Cherish has been providing couples with weddings beyond expectations since 2003. A Day To Cherish can take the vision of your most special day, expertly plan and creatively design it with all of your personal touches, and deliver a day you will cherish - all the while relieving stress, saving time, and staying within budget.
Unique to A Day To Cherish from other local planning services is that weddings and vow renewals are their only focus. Knowing that planning a stunning wedding requires appointments with vendors, reviewing seemingly endless choices, and giving special attention to countless details, these professionals work full-time and year-round in the Vero Beach area. With 30 years of wedding planning experience, couples can trust A Day to Cherish to plan weddings creatively and with the high quality and style.
772-299-5717 | www.a-day-to-cherish.com

[Central West] Wedding & Event Professionals Tampa Bay
Ensuring that each aspect of your event will run smoothly with the other, the Wedding & Event Professionals of Tampa Bay are a group of area event specialists, hand picked, and highly-sought.
Each member of the association is renowned for their service and utmost care, hosting events and celebrations of all sizes throughout the Central West Coast. From catering to photographers, honeymoon planning to bridal wear, couples will find this "one stop" shopping for their wedding services is the very best Tampa Bay offers.
In addition to their services, Wedding & Event Professionals of Tampa Bay Wedding give away WEPTB GIFT CERTIFICATE every month. Brides can register on line to win the monthly drawing of $100. Register on line today to become eligible for the next monthly drawing. Brides also have a chance to win $300 at our Bridal Shows. Check the web site for the next bridal shows date and location.
800-919-4686 | www.weddingeventprofessionals.com

Forever In Love
Announce or renew your vows to one another with an ocean breeze as your witness. At Forever In Love, Linda Guaida, a Notary Public, is available to help couples to simplify their celebration and remember the overall experience as joyful.
Although "on the whim" services are welcomed, Linda features a menu of available services including a simple "I Do" package with customized wedding vows to the more elaborate "Ultimate Love Package", that includes a bottle of champagne, music, flowers, a cake, and more!
Visit the Forever In Love Website for a complete list of services and recommended vendors.
305-793-1572 | www.foreverinlove.net

Savannah Grogg, creator of As Two Become One Soirees, and a Certified Wedding Specialist, provides couples and families with one complete event source. Specializing in weddings and events, from two to 500 guests and up, every detail is brought to life with the finest in personal and trustworthy service.
Savannah and her team bring 15 years of event planning experience to couples who deserve only the best memories of their celebrations. Custom or co-coordinated packages are available with individualized services available to meet the needs of every bride's budget.
850-855-8630 | www.astwobecomeonesoirees.com

Florida's Upcoming Wedding Shows & Events
July 27/08 - Miami Summer Bridal Show (Jungle Island, Miami)
Don't miss Miami's finest wedding planning event!
You'll find everything you need to plan your "perfect wedding" under one roof! Prizes to the first 50 Brides. Fashion Show. Win Thousands in Door Prizes! Meet Miami's Top Wedding Professionals All in One Day!

August 17/08 - Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show (Crowne Plaza West Palm Beach)
Every Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show features South Florida's finest wedding professionals. They're prepared and ready to answer all of your wedding planning questions. You'll find the dress of your dreams, Bridal Salons, Cakes, DJ's Country Clubs, Hotels, Invitations, Photographers, Videographers, Limo's, Florists, Formalwear, Gift Registries, Reception Sites, Make-Up Artists, Caterers, Honeymoon Travel Agents! Every Bride receives a FREE CD Bridal Name Change Kit ($40.00 value)

August 24/08 - Tampa Bay's Best Wedding & Party Extravaganza Show (Sirata Beach Resort)
A woman's lifestyle event with healthcare seminars on cosmetic, plastic surgery, medi spas and fitness.
Fashion show for all occasions from resort wear to evening wear, wedding and party fashions.
Taste of Tampa Bay featuring the best restaurants, caterers, and complimentary champagne and wine.