Photo Invitations

Make your invitations personal by adding a sweet photo of you and your fiance. You could use your engagement photo, or you could use a photo from your earlier days as a couple. Just remember to use a good photo that you both are comfortable with, and avoid a photo that looks more silly than sweet (like a picture of the two of you making funny faces inside a photo booth).

Textured Invitations

Turn your invitations into a piece of art by applying special details and textures like lace accents, raised printing/artwork, or letterpress. Consult with a specialty stationary store to find out all the available options.

Eco-Chic Invitations

You can easily celebrate your big day and save the planet by choosing environmentally-friendly wedding invitations. Your options are plentiful, and include everything from recycled paper to handmade tree-free paper designs. Unfortunately, most invitation shops won’t sell these types of products, but you can find them on the web. Notable websites include Sweet Invitations and New & Blue.

Make Your Own Invitations

The only surefire way to get truly one-of-a-kind invites is to make them yourself. If you are very creative and have extra time, taking the do-it-yourself approach is a fabulous idea. All you need is the basic supplies (quality card stock, invitation creation software, a printer) and a little imagination.

1. A Wedding Planner Book

Whether you hire a professional or not, a wedding planner book will aid you in the process of organizing everything. Find a large book that looks kind of like the notebook you carried back in high school. You can use it to store lists, pictures, phone numbers, honeymoon information, and more.

2. A Cell Phone with Digital Camera

Okay, most people already own a smartphone that comes with a camera, but if you don’t, you can purchase a cheap digital camera at a local electronics shop. The camera will come in handy whenever inspiration hits. Did you see a pair of striped curtains at a restaurant that inspired a perfect idea for your wedding cake? Snap a photo, and send it to your fiance!

3. A Chic and Portable Jewelry Pouch

Once you have your favorite jewels for the day you get married, you should keep them safe in a chic jewelry pouch. Look for something that is portable and small enough to fit into your makeup bag. Keep your pouch safe in a special drawer, then it will be ready for your big day.

4. Bridal Emergency Kit

What goes is in your bag may vary, but all should carry the following items: extra cash, bobby pins, a small bottle of hair spray, breath mints, and fashion tape.

Choosing the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer – Your favorite niece and nephew could serve as the flower girl and ring bearer respectively. If you or your fiance have really young children or toddlers, you might want to consider having them involved in the wedding. When you ask the children to become involved with the festivities, there is little doubt that they will be delighted to help, but you should make sure that they understand their part and what they have to do. You can also have the bridesmaids and groomsmen help the young attendants practice their duties at the rehearsal dinner.

Giving Gifts – This is certainly not mandatory, but it is a nice gesture. Kids love gifts, and even though you may be tempted to buy them their favorite toy, it’s better to give them something that can serve as a keepsake. A plush teddy bear or an engraved piggy bank are great ideas. As with all attendant gifts, you should not feel compelled to spend more than you originally planned for. Your wedding is a gift, as it is because it brings all the families together to share one priceless moment.

Does a Second Wedding Have to be Small and Simple?

This rule only matters if you want a simplified ceremony and reception. Many couples choose to have smaller nuptials for a second wedding, but if you still want a big celebration, that’s up to you! You could also have a small and intimate ceremony for those who are closest to you, then host a bigger reception party after. Second time brides will also be relieved to know that they can wear a traditional white gown, register for gifts, and go on a honeymoon!

Do Churches Allow Second Weddings?

The good news is that many denominations allow people to marry a second time; however, before you consult your priest or preacher, make sure to find out if there are any special rules, or if counseling sessions are required. If your home church doesn’t allow second weddings, you can always look for another church, or you can hold the ceremony at a country club or garden.

Is it Mandatory that my Children be Involved in the Wedding?

Most parents and kids want to share this special event as a family, but if your kids are too young or have conflicting views about the wedding, then don’t push them to be involved. For kids who do want to be involved in the wedding, offer them a choice of either being an attendant (flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaid, groomsman) or you can give them a special task such as reading a meaningful excerpt or poem. You can also have the entire family join together to light a candle to show unity in the family.

1- Never Scrimp On Essentials

It’s perfectly acceptable to save on small things like wedding favors or flowers but it’s never okay to scrimp on the things that matter the most like photography and food. There are plenty of ways, however, to save money without sacrificing quality like ordering the most basic bridal photography package available or hosting your wedding even earlier in the day so you could serve an elegant (but affordable) brunch instead of a pricey dinner.

2- Don’t Expect Perfection

Nothing in life ever goes 100% smoothly and neither will your wedding. Problems will arise, people will bicker a little every now and then, and there will be disappointments. Just remember to keep the most important thing in mind: you and your fiance are getting married. That is the whole reason you’re celebrating.

3- Don’t Email Invitations

Some things of tradition never die and wedding invitations are one of them! Not only is emailing the invitations a major faux pas, but the guests might never show up because everyone’s invitations ended up in the spam box.

4- Don’t Plan On Getting Hitched During The Holidays

A Valentine’s Day wedding may sound romantic, but unfortunately everyone else agrees. Not only will it be harder to reserve venues, catering, photography, and the honeymoon vacation, but you can expect your limo to be late and your guests a little unhappy as it puts a small dink into their holiday plans.

Should You Register For Gifts?

Most engaged couples make a gift registry to ensure that they get gifts they really want and prevent duplicates from being sent (like 3 toasters). If this is your first wedding or you want to set up your home as a haven to entertain friends, a gift registry is a wonderful thing! If this is your second (or third) marriage or you already live together and thus have set up your home, you might have no need for a registry. If this is the case, you might want to sign up for an alternative registry or have guests send you money instead.

When Should You Register For Gifts?

You should register at least six months in advance or at least right after you send out the invites.

How Do I Let My Guests Know Where I’m Registered

Word of mouth is the preferred way. But remember never to solicit the registry info and always wait until a guests ask you about it. The same rule of thumb applies to monetary gifts. It’s never polite to bring up the subject without being asked first.

How Long Should I Wait Until Sending The Thank-You Notes?

You should send each note as you get each gift. If you must wait, do not  send the thank-you notes more than a month after the wedding.

What Gifts Should You Choose For The Registry?

This depends on what the couple wants. If you dream of going to on long camping trips and experiencing adventure treks, you should register for camping gear, bikes, and hiking gear. If you want to create a home for a future family, then you will want to register for furniture and picture frames.

1-Gourmet Goodies

If you’ve got the extra money to splurge, why not send your guests home with delicious edible favors that they’ll really want to eat! Think small boxes of chocolate covered strawberries, tubs of gourmet popcorn, or packs of rich dark chocolate cookies. The best place to buy treats is at any specialty gourmet shop like Godiva or Edible Arrangements.

2- Involve Your Favorite Charity

If there is a charity that is near and dear to your heart, why not skip the traditional favors and ask for a donation instead? Get creative and create pretty or unique cards that explain your charity and how to donate. Remember, there is nothing tacky about asking for donations as long you don’t make the guests feel obliged to donate.

3- Give Them Something They Can Use

Nobody really needs (or wants) wedding bubbles, coasters, or candles; but most people could use pens, notepads, or soaps.  The important thing to remember when selecting favors is to ask yourself, “Is this something that my guests will really appreciate?” You want to find a small favor that is universally appealing to most of your guests.

1- Decide The Service And Style

Are you going to have a formal sit down dinner and have a waiter offer them a choice of two or three different dishes? Or are you going to set up different buffet stations and let the guests serve themselves? No matter what type of service you choose for your wedding, make sure that you find a catering company with your ideal vision.

2- Consider Giving Your Guests a Choice

Unless your wedding is really small and intimate with 15 or less, you will definitely want to consider variety. Not everyone wants to eat meat and some people may have allergies or religious obligations that might limit what they can eat, so it’s a smart idea to give guests a choice.  Consider one meat dish, one seafood dish, and maybe a vegetarian/vegan dish.

3- Find A Company That Lets You Rent Extras

The ideal catering service will also let you rent important accessories like dinnerware, fine china, stemware, tablecloth, and napkins. Find out the company’s policy and how much more it’s going to cost before you actually sign the contract. And remember that it never hurts to ask for an discount, so be sure to ask if you can get one.

1- Decide On Who Is Hosting

Traditionally it was the groom’s parents who hosted the rehearsal dinner, but these days anyone can host it. If you and your fiance are planning the event or are closely involved with someone who is, you will need to decide on the essentials of when and where.

2-  Fine Tune The Details

After you decide when you’re having the wedding rehearsal (usually the evening before the wedding) and where, you need to decide who you’re going to invite.  Most rehearsal dinners are smaller and more intimate than the wedding, so you won’t need to invite that many people. You should invite everyone involved in the wedding party though. If you’re holding the party at someone’s home and money permits, you might want to hire a caterer.  If you’re on a very limited budget, you might want to get creative and host a potluck style dinner where everyone is encouraged to bring their own favorite dish.

3- Send Out The Invitations

Unless the rehearsal dinner is an exclusive party, you should send out invitations to formally invite the guests. Even if you’re planning a low-key and casual affair, you still want to send out invitations as a reminder. The invitations you choose don’t have to be as formal as the wedding invites and you can easily create and print them out from your computer.

Serve Classic Meals With A Gourmet Twist

Because brunch is really just breakfast and lunch rolled in one meal, most people don’t expect elaborate dishes with rare ingredients. Instead, you should keep it simple but special. Think French Toast with Fresh Blueberries and Creme or Omelette with Goat Cheese and Bacon Bits.  Get creative with your favorite meals!

Keep The Whole Atmosphere Warm

Save the dramatic accents and decor for lavish nighttime receptions! Keep the reception area simple and modern. Use warm shades like cream, brown, deep chocolate, sunny yellow, or sage. Light up the room with small votive candles and try to limit each centerpiece to one per table. Can’t decide on the perfect centerpiece? Fill up a clear vase with fresh gerbera daisies in vivid hues. And don’t forget to keep the music light and upbeat! Hire a jazz band or singer to cover soft rock hits from the 80s and 90s.

Don’t Forget Cake and Champagne

What is a wedding without a chocolate cake covered in buttercream frosting? Ditto for champagne! No matter how low key your reception brunch is, you should not forget to serve chilled wine and at least one unforgettable dessert. If you really want to add a special touch to the brunch, skip the cake and offer a mini dessert bar that serves a variety of brownies, cupcakes, and cookies.