weddings
Wedding Invitations - 10 Ways to Save Money
Saturday, December 27th, 2008 | Relationships | No Comments
When it comes to your wedding invitations, you probably know about how much of your wedding budget will be spent on them. If you could spend even less without sacrificing style and quality, that extra money could be spent elsewhere on your wedding or saved for future use.
Steps to saving a little money on your wedding invitations do not have to be huge to be cost effective. In fact, sometimes just planning ahead can save you both dollars and stress.
Of course, the most obvious step would be to trim down your guest list resulting in fewer invitations to order but that is not always practical when you have plenty of family and friends with whom to celebrate your special day.
There are also many other ways to ease your wedding invitation budget:
1. Shop around to find that perfect style that fits your budget. The Internet provides the convenience of shopping from your computer when it fits your schedule.
2. Place your order early to prevent paying more for expedited shipping methods. Having plenty of time to assemble and address your invitations will also eliminate last-minute pressure.
3. Be sure to order some extra invitations to allow for last-minute guests and to save a few for keepsakes. It’s definitely cheaper to order more initially than to place an order for only a few invitations later. Typically, the cost per invitation goes down as the quantity of your order increases. If the option of ordering a few extra envelopes is offered, you may want to also do this to cover any addressing mistakes that could happen.
4. Select cheap wedding invitations such as a classic single-panel card style that is simple yet elegant and tends to cost less per invitation, especially when ordered in quantity.
5. Choose a seal and send wedding invitation. This economical all-in-one design folds up and seals into its own self-mailing piece. Without the double mailing envelopes, this style tends to cost less per invitation and eliminates the extra cost of response cards with return envelopes. Instead, a response postcard is attached to the invitation and is included in the invitation price. It is easily removed and mailed back by your guests requiring only a postcard return stamp.
6. Be cautious of styles that are larger in size, consist of multiple layers, or include embellishments. Their size and possible extra weight could increase the amount of postage required for mailing.
7. When offered ink color choices, select black ink which is normally included in the invitation price. There is an additional per-item-ordered cost for colored inks. This means a separate ink charge for the invitations, response cards, reception cards, return address printing, etc., which can add up.
8. Pass on the option of having a colored lining on your inner envelopes which costs extra.
9. Include your reception information right on your invitation to eliminate the cost of a separate reception card (having less weight in the envelope might even save you from affixing extra postage). If space allows, your dinner and reception details can be added on as extra lines aligned with the rest of your verse printing. Some invitation styles allow the option of a corner copy – 3-4 lines that appear in the bottom left or right corner usually in a smaller sized font. There may be a small extra charge for these lines. Corner copy is not recommended for narrow or tea length styles.
10. Order your thank you or informal notes at the same time you place your wedding invitation order to avoid separate shipping costs and to eliminate the need to order them at a later time. With most invitation styles these can be printed on matching paper.
Every little bit helps if you are looking for money saving options for your unique wedding invitations. Everyone has their own vision of how their invitations will look and only you know what you are willing to compromise on in fulfilling your dream. Just remember that your invitations provide your guests with their first glance of your wedding.
There’s More to Wedding Invitations Than You Might Think
Thursday, December 4th, 2008 | Relationships | No Comments
Everybody talks about wedding invitations, but what about all the terms related to them. Here are explanations of some of the more common ones that you’ll probably encounter while invitation shopping.
Seal n Send Invitations: This simple wedding invitation style is also economical for several reasons. It is a single-folded piece with the response postcard attached to the invitation by a perforation for easy removal. Since the response piece is a postcard, you will save on postage for the return mailing. It folds up into a self-mailer piece eliminating an extra mailing envelope. Prices for this product normally include seals along with a printed return address on both the back flap and on the perforated response postcard.
Reception Cards: If there isn’t enough room on your wedding invitation for listing your reception details, reception cards can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert. Please keep in mind that this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.
Response Cards: These cards are essential to planning for your dinner/reception since an accurate guest attendance count will be needed for food and seating preparations. The response card along with its mailing envelope will be inserted with your wedding invitation. It’s courtesy to include a postage stamp on the return mailing envelope which will already be printed with your chosen mailing address. Your guests can then conveniently fill it out and send it back to you.
Map/Direction Cards: These direction cards would be included as a convenience for any guests who might not be familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.
Lined Inner Envelopes: For a small charge, you can request your inner envelopes have a colored lining to add a special touch to your wedding invitation ensemble. Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.
Printed Invitation Envelope Flaps: This option of having your return address printed on the outside envelope can save you valuable time and ensure that undeliverable wedding invitations are returned to you. There is a small cost involved but it also gives an address to those who might not be able to attend but still want to send you a card or gift.
Envelope Seals: These self-adhesive labels add just the right finishing touch. They are available in many styles and are used on your outer envelope making it look like they are holding the flap down even though it has already been sealed.
Announcements: For those who won’t be invited to your wedding but you would still like them to know about your marriage, you can mail them an announcement card. Even though they are mailed either on your wedding day or immediately after with the wording announcing that your wedding has already taken place, they can be printed on paper matching your invitations.
Informal Notes: These are used separately from your wedding invitations but should be included with your original order since they are usually printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs. The front of the card is personalized with either your names or monogram and the inside is blank for your personal written thank you note. Any leftovers can be used long after the wedding for other purposes. Blank mailing envelopes are included with them.
Not all of the above items are necessary to make your wedding invitations complete.This is your special day so you will ultimately decide what will be included in your invitation ensemble.
White Gold Engagement Ring Setting: The Best Choice
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 | Relationships | No Comments
In buying an engagement ring, there are a few steps that are going to be involved. If you want to get a white gold engagement ring setting, you will need to choose which setting is going to be best. Whether you end up opting for a unique engagement ring setting or any other, here is some information that will help ensure you make the right choice.
Setting Choices
There are a few white gold engagement ring setting choices that you will want to be aware of. As it is one of the most popular and for good reason, the prong is one of the first that you will want to consider.
The prong will be a great choice as your white gold engagement ring setting, for one because the hooks used here are slender and discreet, and so they are hardly noticeable, and so that the diamond used in the ring will receive an equal amount of light from all directions.
Another great choice for a white gold engagement ring setting is the bezel setting. To make sure that the diamond is kept securely in place, this setting has a metal rim which surrounds it. The rim extends slightly above the diamond, which is a very functional feature because it ensures that all the edges are well protected and the diamond will not fall out or get chipped.
Or perhaps you would prefer the pave ring setting, and if you love diamonds then you will really love this setting, because it makes the diamond stand out more than any other setting choice. It is basically a cluster of small diamonds encrusted along the surface of the band, and tiny beads or small prongs are used to secure the diamonds in place.
It is important that you take the look that you are going for to choose the right ring setting. So of course you are going to want it to be just perfect and make sure that she sees it and says yes, after all, this is the ring that you are going to be using to ask that special lady in your life to marry you.
Remember how important it is for you to choose the right white gold engagement ring setting, because an attractive engagement ring setting will really make all the difference and can make even the most inexpensive diamond ring look like it is worth a million bucks.
View more articles at www.engagementrings.jsgenterprises.com.
Wedding Invitations - How to be Creative Even on the Outside
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 | Relationships | No Comments
Invitations to a wedding are welcome pieces of mail that people enjoy receiving. It’s fun to open up that envelope knowing there’s an invitation inside. But amidst all of today’s junk mail, how can you make your envelope stand out to get your guests’ attention?
Why not consider being creative with the outside appearance of your ready-to-mail wedding invitation using any of these suggestions.
- Shape - With so many wedding invitation designs available today, you could easily select a uniquely shaped style such as square or tea length. The mailing envelope will then reflect that same distinctive size to fit the invitation.
- Style - Another option is to select a Seal and Send wedding invitation style. This all-in-one invitation is designed to be folded into a self-mailing piece eliminating the need for a mailing envelope. The response card is attached to the invitation so it can be easily detached by your wedding guest along the perforation. Since it is a postcard, the return mailing envelope is eliminated and your postage cost will be less.
- Color - How about using color for emphasis? Some wedding invitations now come with colored mailing envelopes. In particular, self-mailer invitations often include a colored envelopment that holds your invitation card and has a built-in pocket for keeping any extra enclosures. It then folds up to wrap around your invitation pieces to become its own self-mailing piece.
- Decorative Seals - Adding a seal to your wedding invitation envelope could be that extra touch you’ve been looking for. Even though your envelope is sealed, you can choose to place a special seal on the back so it gives the illusion that it is actually holding the flap down. There are often seal personalization choices, from monograms to first names. Their appearance can be clear, white, silver, gold, embossed, etc.
- Custom Wedding Stamps - There are now websites that offer you the option of creating your own personalized postage stamps using an uploaded photo or choosing from ready-to-use wedding designs. This is a great way to dress up your wedding invitation envelopes to reflect your personal style.
You want to be sure your wedding invitation gets the attention of your guests as soon as it arrives and that it doesn’t get lost in their sea of junk mail. Using any of the above ideas will also start creating excitement before they even open your invitation.
Should You Send Save the Date Cards to Your Guests?
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 | Relationships | No Comments
You’ve probably heard about Save the Dates since they have become quite popular with brides but you might not know exactly what purpose they serve. Proper etiquette doesn’t dictate that these advance notices have to be sent but in today’s world it helps your guests in their planning so they can be sure to be with you sharing in the celebration of one of the most important days of your life.
People’s lives are getting increasingly busier and more tightly scheduled so that’s where Save the Date announcements come in handy. You want to make sure that your guests, especially family and close friends, keep the date of your wedding open when planning their schedules. To accomplish this, your Save the Dates should be sent shortly after setting your wedding date, especially if your date lands around a holiday time or is a number of months away.
Guests who will have to travel to be in attendance will find them especially helpful for giving them plenty of travel preparation time particularly if you are having a destination wedding.
It’s easy to be creative when sending out your Save the Dates since there are so many different varieties and designs available.
· Magnets have become a favorite selection and why not since your guests can easily stick them onto their refrigerator as their reminder. Magnet styles can include those that feature your photo and some show the calendar month with your wedding date marked.
· Calendar Sticker Cards are a fun, unique way of asking your guests to mark your wedding date on their schedule. Your date will appear on the card and also on the attached seal which can be removed and affixed to their calendar on that specific date.
· Announcement Cards can be as creative or as simple as you like. They come in varying designs, colors and themes from whimsical to more traditional. To be creative, select a uniquely shaped save the date card that matches your wedding theme. Shape choices might include a leaf or a shell.
All Save the Date designs are printed with your wedding date and names; some even give the option of including the wedding location. Blank mailing envelopes are usually included in the price no matter which design you choose. Be sure to list at the bottom of your Save the Date the added line “invitation to follow”, so guests won’t assume that this is the actual wedding invitation. This is also why it’s imperative that everyone who receives your Save the Date will also receive your wedding invitation.
Wedding invitations play an important role in planning your wedding, and in today’s society, Save the Dates are becoming increasingly popular because of your guests’ busy schedules. You want to do everything you can to make sure family and friends will be able to share in the joy of your wedding day.
Bridal Showers-How to Be a Hit
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 | Relationships | No Comments
There is no doubt about it, planning a bridal party takes a lot of time and a little bit of work. When it comes to the timing which goes into producing a bridal shower there are a bunch of opinions on when the plans for the bridal shower should be made. The truth of the matter is that there are a lot of variables which will affect the way the bridal shower should be held and when it should be given. When planning a bridal shower some of the factors which must be considered will include the number of people which will be attending, the availability of a rental facility in which to have the bridal shower and how far away that the guests may live from the location of the bridal shower.
The eats which you are planning to makeserve will also to determine a lot about the timing of the bridal shower. Some bridal showers feature a formal lunch where others will use an informal picnic format. If you decide to go with the formal meal, then you’ll need extra time to plan the menu and to hire an outsider. The important advice is to get help. If you can afford to hire help, great. If not, make a list for 1-4 of the family members to assist with catering the event.
One of the most important decisions that will have to be made is how much time do you want to allow between having the party and the wedding ceremony. There are no hard set rules on what is considered to be the right amount of time from the bridal shower to the ceremony. As a rule of thumb, it is acceptable to hold the bridal shower from as much as two months away from the wedding to 2 weeks from the wedding.
Once the decision has been made to give the bride a bridal shower, you will need to decide exactly how much time that you will need to make all the decisions. If the bridal shower will be held at a public facility you will need to give extra time because of the booking arrangements for the shower.
The invitations are another timing decision to recognize. You definitely will want them to go out with enough time for the ones invited to be able to RSVP. It is a good idea to send the bridal shower invitations out around a month or so before the actual event. This will allow more the time for all of your guests to make time on their calendar to be at the bridal shower.
Last thought is that the important thing it is not who doesn’t come, but who actually shows up.
The Right Banquet Theme can bring Your Event Together
Sunday, November 30th, 2008 | Relationships | No Comments
A banquet is something that has a purpose behind it’s occurring. It could be a celebration related to your work, a retirement party, a wedding reception or some other celebration, you are still creating a night which is going to be special. To added more because the the night to be a success and for your guests to have a great time, tying everything together with a theme is the best way to make the decorations and the presentations all work toward this goal.
Although you may be limited due to the type of event, you can get creative with the theme and style of the party. Seasons can give you some good ideas for how to decorate and how to create the right mood for the evening. A December feast connotes a winter or Christmas motif, on the other hand early summer would have you think of an image and decor of vacation or beach.
It’s a good idea to put together a committee of people to brainstorm an appropriate theme for the banquet. For occasions such as prom or a seasonal party, you have a great deal of thematic leverage. You can compose a theme based on colors or ideas related to functions where there is a particular aim to the banquet, events such as a wedding party or a corporate Christmas gathering, that can kindle creative sparks in your committee.
Brainstorming in a committee has its advantage, that is, you benefit from the different talents of the group. The team has experts who know how to thematically get what you want with a budget you can afford If the committee’s creative members are asked to come up with banquet themes to make a memorable event, you can eventually decide on a theme that’s exciting and at the same time, realistic.
Once you settle on a banquet theme in terms of a concept for the banquet, then you can put everyone to work to focus in on that theme. Once you have your theme in mind then subcommittees can coordinate the music, the speakers, the entertainment, the decorations and even the lighting so it all comes together beautifully. And if everybody does their job well, you’ll have a delightful banquet that will be remembered for a long time by those who are in attendance. Be sure to also read about Banquet Chairs
Silk Wedding Flowers Are Recession Proof
Friday, November 28th, 2008 | Relationships | No Comments
During this time of financial uneasiness, there area few winners beginning to emerge. Every year over 240,000 weddings take place in the UK - with the majority being in churches, next most popular is a registry office. No matter where you get married, some form of flower arrangement is expected as a minimum.
Fresh flowers, as we all know, cost a lot of money - and when there is a wedding involved the prices seem to miraculously double. Well there is some good news for both people getting married and people looking at ways of getting more value for money from their wedding - silk wedding flowers! yes its true, there has been a dramatic increase in the last 3 months (according to Cathy Frith owner of www.silkbridalflowers.co.uk) in people ordering entire wedding flower packages from silk flowers.
Modern day silk flowers are superb and can hardly be differentiated from the real thing iso long as you pay for quality silk flowers) and many couples are ordering silk flowers for their wedding as they can ben kept long after the wedding and used to decorate the home. They are also a superb momento of the day long after any real flowers would have rotted away.
About SilkBridalFlowers
SilkBridalFlowers.co.uk is owned by Woodside Crafts which is a small business dedicated to providing superior silk flowers and bouqouts for all occasions.
SilkBridalFlowers has grown out of a continuing demand for people wanting long lasting wedding flowers which can also be kept for life as a cherished memento. Also we have been successful in fulfilling the growing demand for high quality artificial flowers to brighten up the home or office.
We can supply bespoke bouquets for any occasion and we specialist in making exquisite wedding packages from the bridal bouquet right through to wedding table and wedding car decorations.
Please do contact us if you want a bouquet for any occasion, we are always happy to provide a free consultation service for a complete wedding package or if you just want a simple gift making with specific flowers.
Arrive at your wedding in style
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 | Relationships | No Comments
Arrive at your wedding in style.
There are many ideas for traveling to your wedding so why not try something different, after all it is your day.
Here are some wedding ideas worth considering.
Be a little bit daring and make a grand appearance and you don’t have to stick by the traditional rules of the bride and groom arriving separately either.
It does not have to be a limousine or a horse and buggy, how about a Harley Davidson motorbike.
Don’t be burdened by old rules that say you can’t do this or that — do what you like and love every moment of it.
It should be a day of total fun and relaxation from the time that you wake up in the morning to the time that you leave the reception to enjoy your honeymoon together and onwards for the rest of your life.
Consider any forms of transport that you or your partner might be passionate about and see if there is anyone who might be able to help out with bringing your wedding ideas to reality.
There are many people with hot rods, Ferraris and various other types of vehicles who would charge a fee to drive you to your wedding in their vehicle.
There are unique vehicle rental companies also where you can choose a special vehicle for your transport but there is often quite a substantial fee involved and it might even be cheaper turning up in a helicopter however you need to take into consideration getting your hair and dress blown around when getting out of the helicopter.
For the really adventurous how about parachuting in, now wouldn’t that be a jaw dropping wedding idea.
If you can afford it there really is nothing to prevent you from making a spectacular grand entrance.
Beach Wedding Ideas
Saturday, November 15th, 2008 | Relationships | No Comments
Dependent upon the weather, a beach wedding idea can be a unique and memorable occasion that has flair and casualness yet retains the romantic aspect of the freedom of being able to get away to the beach and do as you please.
This is a brilliant chance to have a wedding that people will never forget, without the expense that is associated with all the more traditional wedding ideas.
Of course there are many potential pitfalls with this idea but this alone should not be reason enough to put you off. Just make sure that you have done your homework.
There are of course always solutions to these problems and most of them are relatively cheap.
If you are living in an area where there are beautiful beaches within a reasonable distance from yourself, your friends and your family then it is well worth considering the idea of a beach wedding because the beach in itself will add beauty to the occasion.
Like any other wedding idea, good planning and preparation will make all the difference on the day and even though a beach wedding is a very casual affair there is still a great deal of planning and preparation to go into it if it is to work the way you want it to.
There are many other ideas that can be combined to add further effect to your wedding. Think about how you would like to arrive at your beach wedding, by boat perhaps or maybe even on a beach buggy. You can further personalize the occasion by your choice of music, clothing, food etc. In essence there are many, many ways for you to have a beach wedding. The only limitations are your budget and how far away from the traditional style wedding you are willing to stray.