Planning your wedding can be stressful. Among all the choices a bride is faced with, stationery is one of the many things a bride must decide upon when planning for her big day. With hundreds of options between invitations, programs, menus, and more, these simple paper products can often cause a world of stress. Before going and spending a fortune on every pretty card you see, stop, and consider what is really needed to make your big day function as needed. Though every wedding is different, we’ve compiled a list of a few stationary products that will help your big day function with ease. Continue reading "The Wedding Stationery Guide" »
Top 3 Winter Wedding Invitations
If you're newly engaged and have set the date for your winter wedding, the next step is to let your friends and family know with invitations! You want your invitations to coordinate with your wedding, so make sure you've decided on your style and color scheme. Continue reading "Top 3 Winter Wedding Invitations" »
How to Tell Wedding Guests That Kids Aren't Invited
Not inviting kids to your wedding may sound like a taboo, but it's actually something that is perfectly acceptable these days. If you have made the decision to have an adults only wedding and reception, you may be struggling with how to tell your friends and family members to leave the little ones at home. Not everyone is going to be happy with your decision, but that's okay. It is your decision to make, so it should be respected. Continue reading "How to Tell Wedding Guests That Kids Aren't Invited" »
How to Address Your Save the Dates
He asked, she said yes, and now you have both agreed on a date. While not necessary, sending out save the dates prior to invitations is a great way to announce your engagement and also allow your guests to begin clearing their calendars. Continue reading "How to Address Your Save the Dates" »
Your Simple Guide to Wedding Invitations
Invitations are a sneak peek to your guests of what your wedding will be like. It's really your first chance to show them the tone of your big day. What information to include on them can seem a bit overwhelming, but moving through your wedding invites like a pro can be quite simple with the help of a basic checklist.
1. WHO
-Couple’s full names
-Parents’ names (Optional)
-Stepparents’ names (Optional)
-Other hosts’ names (Optional)
Continue reading "Your Simple Guide to Wedding Invitations" »
Tips for Unforgettable Wedding Invitations
There is so much planning that goes into a wedding. So many details and dates to remember that you may get things a bit mixed up. One aspect of your wedding that you must get right is your wedding invitation. They contain very important details for everyone. Wedding and Party Network has a few tips for your wedding invitations.
When to order
When do you order your wedding invitations? Definitely give yourself enough time to find invitations that match the style of your wedding. You want to do your research for your invitations. This is the first thing your guests will see, therefore, these are first impressions for your wedding. So, searching for your wedding invitations should be the first thing you do after you've set a date, time, and location. Ordering them the sooner the better but giving yourself plenty of time to find the perfect invitation for your wedding is the way to go. Don't forget to check order time and policies as well. Definitely order them atleast four months in advance and your save the dates even sooner.When should you send your wedding invitations
- Save the dates – Send these out 6-8 months in advance. This gives your guests a heads up of when your wedding will take place so they can put it on their calendar and book hotels or travel plans if it's a destination wedding.
- Wedding invitations – These should be mailed 6-8 weeks before the wedding. You don't want to send them out too soon that they'll forget and too late otherwise your guests won't be able to make it. Also, be aware of holidays, school events, or major occasions.
- Other wedding stationery – Don't forget about the table numbers, place cards, programs, RSVP cards, and thank you cards.
A little extra
- Order extra – Always order extra. 10-20 extra invitations should be good. You never know who your parents may invite or people you may have forgotten.
- Important information – Make a list of all the names and addresses of your guests. Having a list will also give you a great way to get the final head count for your caterer, venue, and if you are block off hotel rooms.
Wedding invitations are truly important. They are the first impression of your wedding and contain very important details. Make sure to put a lot of thought into your wedding invitations.
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Not in Saint Louis, MO? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find wedding invitations near you!
Ask the Celebration Advisor: Facebook Invites for Wedding
Ask The Celebration Advisor:
My fiance and I would like to save money on invitations and were thinking about using Facebook to send out invitations to our friends and family. We're still using regular invitations for our parents and grandparents and older family members, but we were going to use invitations on Facebook for our friends and younger family members. Is this ok? We don't want to offend anyone, but we have to save where we can.
Thanks,
Jen
Celebration Advisor Reply:
Jen,
Congratulations on your engagement! Thank you for turning to Wedding and Party Network to plan your wedding. By finding talented, local vendors, you are choosing the best for your wedding and saving money at the same time! Now, to your question…
At nearly 400 million users, Facebook has become a formidable means of quick and easy communication. However, that does not make it a substitute for formal invitations, no matter how effective the Events tool is. Formal communication may be rare, but it is still an important part of announcing one of the most special days of your life.
The good news is you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars sending invitations the old-fashioned way. There are countless creative options for your wedding invitations. The less formal the affair, the more fun you can have. Everything from vintage post cards to custom photographs featuring the event information can be sent. Today's biggest trends are about making your wedding about you, so have some fun! Have a local artist draw a portrait of the two of you, or break out the glue gun and make your own; the sky is the limit!
If you are having a more formal affair, a more traditional invitation is needed. Contact your local print shop or stationery vendor to find specials or sales. Find card stock at a discount and ask to have invitations printed. There are many options for invitations. Contact your local stationery vendor to learn more about your chocies.
After you have decided to send invitations, it is fine to create a Facebook Event to let your friends know about your wedding. However, no one should be invited on Facebook that has not recieved an invitation via mail. Not only is it confusing for recipients, it could lead to numerous extra guests at your wedding. Therefore, forego Facebook as your means of sending wedding invitations and send out creative, inexpensive formal invitations instead. Remind your guests using Facebook, and rest assured that your guests have been treated properly and your wedding planning is going smoothly!
Top 8 Tips For Planning A Wedding Without Breaking The Bank
Did you know that the average wedding costs over $23,000? While there is no shame in spending more or less than this, the averaged wedding costs can still add up quickly. Most brides overshoot their wedding budget goals by as much as 15%! To avoid breaking the bank with your wedding planning, here are some budget-friendly tips for brides-to-be!
Wedding Budget Tip 1: Avoid The Busy Season
The majority of weddings occur between May and October. In fact, October is the new June. Late fall weddings and winter weddings are beautiful and allow brides to reduce costs by catching vendors and wedding supplies when they're not in great demand!
Also, consider marrying on a Friday or throughout the week. Marrying on a weekday may be less traditional, but it's a fun and unique way to make your ceremony special (and save money!). Weekend weddings are great but reception halls charge the most for Saturday evening weddings. By marrying on a Friday, you'll be able to save on the reception costs, enjoy great options for the ceremony location, and spend a three day weekend with your groom!
Wedding Budget Tip 2: Pass Up The Dessert Tray
Wedding cakes are a huge reception expense. Since this is the most important piece at the reception, no bride wants to cut it out completely. Instead, opt for a smaller wedding cake. Also consider a cupcake wedding cake. This tasty trend allows guests to enjoy a small portion of the same great flavor. The biggest treat for you? Cupcake cakes usually run about $60 compared to hundreds for a traditional wedding cake.
If a smaller version of your dream cake won't feed everyone, consider having a sheet cake of the same flavor along with your wedding cake. An evening of dancing, drinks and good food doesn't leave much room for dessert. Consider passing up extra dessert options which quickly add up (on the hips as well)!
Wedding Budget Tip 3: Go Green With The Wedding Flowers
Opt for more greenery in the reception arrangements. Most guests won't know which flowers are in or out of season so trim the cost of your wedding flowers by using more greenery. The wedding ceremony flowers are a beautiful addition to the ceremony but remember that this is where guests spend the least amount of time. Most spend more time at the reception so consider putting the budget emphasis on your wedding reception flowers instead.
Wedding Budget Tip 4: Go Green With The Wedding Invitations
In the age of technology and conservation, eco-friendly wedding invitations are a big perk. If you want to send standard wedding invitations, consider replacing the RSVP cards with a note on the invitation that asks guests to RSVP at your wedding website. Wedding websites will save a ton on less important wedding stationery. (Oh, and invitation liners are unnecessary. You're breaking no etiquette by opting out on these.)
Wedding Budget Tip 5: Double Up With Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a must-have for most brides according to traditional wedding etiquette. Wedding favors can be practical and functional though! Consider favors that double as place cards or serve a purpose after the wedding. Personalized bottles of bubbles serves as wedding favors and can be used instead of tossing rice or bird seed after the ceremony.
Wedding Budget Tip 6: Opt For A Cocktail Reception
This is a good way to glam up your reception without spending lots of money on food and decorations. Waiters carrying trays of hor d'oeuvres is a glamorous look and a frugal choice for brides. Many wedding caterers have their own wait staff, so consider hiring a local caterer with wait staff for a glamorous but easy-on-the-wallet reception.
Wedding Budget Tip 7: Buy The Music, Not The Band
A band at the wedding is always fun, but consider a single musician or a dj instead. Going this route with wedding reception entertainment will save costs simply because you're paying for one person instead of multiple people.
Wedding Budget Tip 8: Share The Menus
Instead of giving each guest a menu at the reception, opt for one or two per table. These can look elegant when placed between beautiful table settings or when stood on either side of the table's centerpice. This saves paper and printing costs plus adds to the decor of the table.
Sending And Selecting Wedding Invitations Tips
Wedding Invitations Tips
Selecting and Sending
Creating the perfect wedding invitation is an exciting part of every ceremony. Brides along with bridesmaids, family, and friends gather together to shop for, select, and send the announcement of the happy couple’s union. It is an experience to be cherished as the bridal party talks and laughs together while addressing envelopes. Special memories are created when mother, daughter, and future son-in-law sit together at the family table to prepare a wedding guest list and number the invitations needed.
There are thousands of styles of wedding invitations from which to choose. Materials, colors, patterns, wording, fonts and more come together to provide a huge array of choices. There is no need to be overwhelmed by choice as it clearly means that your perfect wedding invitation is out there! Discovering and preparing the right wedding invitation is fun and easy with help from these great tips! Continue reading "Sending And Selecting Wedding Invitations Tips" »
Wedding Invitation Wording Tips
Modern ceremonies have taken on a vast array of new roles. Traditional weddings are coming into the age of blended families, military weddings, and same-sex unions. Adjusting wedding invitation wording to reflect these changes may seem like a large task but following etiquette guidelines to properly word wedding invitations is as simple as following the guide below and filling in the blanks with your personalized information. Continue reading "Wedding Invitation Wording Tips" »