4/30/07

DIY Wedding Invitations

Claddagh Wedding Invitations and Envelopes




By Jane Martin

The first step in DIY wedding invitations is to gather the information needed. Addresses, times, the actual event and other instructions the attendees will require. It is also helpful to know at least about how many you'

Look at the numbers of invitations you plan to create and the budget you have. This will tell you how complex you can get without spending too much time or money on the project.

It is not difficult to find ready made kits to help you. Some are essentially blank cards with wedding related clip art and some decorative borders. Others not only include cards but computer programs to aid in the creation of the invitations. While helpful they are not essential especially if you have software already on your computer (which is often better than the software in the kits) and the skills to use them.

When you start the DIY wedding invitations, the two keys to keep in mind are clarity and beauty. You want the cards to be attractive and lovely, and you don't want the card to be difficult to read. Don't be afraid to design in a publishing or word processing program, print out samples and make changes. Always print before making a decision, as no matter how hard they try, images on screen and on paper aren't the same thing. Use ordinary paper until you get the results you want, then you can go to using the actual paper you intend. Don't be afraid to experiment. You can use a paper cutter, hole punch, tape and more than one kind of paper to create impressive effects at the cost of time and effort.

The cards you create have a huge advantage over professionally made cards. They can perfectly reflect your personality and desires, instead of what someone else thinks is appropriate. If the number of cards isn't too high, it is possible to add a color picture of the couple. Even if the guest list is too large for the ink required, the guests with parts in the wedding can get such personal attention.

For some, there is a tendency to think that printing is the end of the process, except for putting the cards into an envelope. Don't be afraid to sign the cards, if there aren't too many, or to use attachments like colored card stock shaped like a heart or butterfly, or a ribbon.

Once you have the design finalized, create one. Test your plan to see if it really looks like you desire before you start a large print batch. Depending on the design chosen and the printer, this process can take some time, so plan around any need to keep feeding cards into the printer or keep any eye on the printing.

Once you have created your DIY wedding invitations, check them against the guest list, collate them into envelopes and send them out, with one less task for you to worry about.




Recommended Sites:




Sponsors: http://funweddings.blogspot.com http://merrybrides.wordpress.com http://weddingsbyashlee.blog.com www.windsor.weddingwindow.com

About the Author
Jane Martin is an ex-wedding planner who now provides free help and advice to brides and grooms. Her latest projects include www.theonlineweddingguide.co.uk and www.weddingplansecrets.com




InvitationBox.com

at
Labels: ,

4/26/07

How to Create a Customized Wedding


(MS) - More so than ever, soon-to-be-wed couples are establishing their own traditions by looking for ways to impart a custom feel into their weddings - without breaking the bank. Weddings have a tendency to be contagious, and chances are, you've already been invited to a number of weddings this year. After a while the same traditions can become tedious and routine. If you are planning your own wedding, you may be competing with others you know for unique ideas.

Did you know that according to the latest findings, 2.4 million weddings occur annually? That's a lot of bouquet tossing and wedding band renditions of "The Wind Beneath my Wings" to sit through. It's no wonder most brides want their ceremony and reception to be different. Maybe you're inspired by the lavish celebrity affairs, many of whom fly entourages to exotic locales like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes did last year in Italy, or clean out florists' supplies of an entire species of flower all in the effort to be different. Celebrities have the bankrolls to do so. But you, too, can have a custom affair with an average wedding budget. So apart from choosing personal wedding songs and outlandish bridesmaids' gowns, what can you do to be unique? Plenty.

"With a creative imagination and some internet resources, you can host a custom wedding," says Ava Jordon, an Illinois wedding planner. "From personalized stationery to memorable keepsakes, there are a number of ways to put your special touch on the affair."

1. On Location: Change the setting of the wedding. Think beyond the local reception hall. Investigate a park, theater, museum or even a building rooftop. You may be able to get these venues for a steal. Also, destination weddings are growing in popularity. According to the American Wedding Study conducted by the Conde Nast Bridal Group in 2006, about 16 percent of all couples have a destination wedding, a 400 percent increase in the past 10 years. Your destination can be a Caribbean island, the San Francisco Bay or a European castle.

2. Break the rules: Okay, so there really aren't hard-set rules in weddings, except for those that your house of worship may require. Still, people become accustomed to certain traditions. Go against the norm. If the groom wants a female "best man" that's his prerogative. If the bride wants to ditch the white gown and wear a drop-dead-gorgeous red dress, she certainly has the right. The first dance at the reception doesn't have to be a sappy love song. Choose an up-tempo number or your favorite rock hit. It's a celebration after all. Some guests' jaws may drop initially, but soon they'll understand you're just expressing creative license.

3. Personalize stationery: Couples can show their personalities through the stationery they choose - from quirky save-the-date fridge magnets to thank you notes that all form a cohesive theme. A well-designed invitation set not only establishes the mood of the event, it also informs guests of what to do and when. But traditionally stationery doesn't offer many opportunities for personalization, especially if you're planning a wedding that has unique communication needs, such as a destination wedding. Checkerboard Ltd. has a line of wedding stationery called Blue Moon that opens up the possibilities for customization. It provides all the elements couples need to communicate with their guests when they are planning destination weddings or have special requirements where stationery needs to be more than just a response card and ceremony announcement. For example, Blue Moon sets include save-the-date cards, invitations to special activities, schedule of events, stickers forlocal maps and guidebooks, tags for gift bags, maps, directions cards, welcome letters, programs, and custom folders to keep all these documents together. Styles include tropical, al fresco and island botanical themes, beautiful alpine imagery, and seasonal designs. Most invitations can be customized for almost any destination, whether it's overseas or the next town over.

4. Take the cake: Instead of a tiered wedding cake go for a custom creation. If you've ever tuned into the Food Network you know that cakes can be designed in all shapes and sizes. Or maybe you prefer something even more unique? Whether a series of individual cupcakes, gourmet brownies or your favorite pie, allow your preferences to set the scene instead of feeling the need to conform.

5. Free DIY favors: Guests look forward to taking home a memento from the wedding. But usually it's just something that ends up collecting dust on a shelf. Who likes those Jordon almonds anyway? For intimate weddings, such as destination wedding affairs where the guest list may be considerably smaller, you can personalize favors for each couple that attends the event. Offer a sweet sentiment and words of thanks for their attendance. Blue Moon has a series of matching wedding favors that you can print out for free on a home computer and assemble yourself at www.checkernet.com/favors. From playing card packages, to CD holders, to flower favor boxes, you can calm stress with some wedding-themed origami and present something truly unique that won't be a budget-breaker.

Think unique and whimsical for your wedding and definitely stand out from the crowd. It's your special day so make the most of it and enjoy and remember the day forever.


Recommended Sites
  • Find the perfect invitation for your special day. Choose from hundreds of designs, customize your text, preview and order online.
at
Labels: , ,

4/24/07

Wedding Venues - 4 Steps to Finding Your Reception Site


By Cori Locklin

When it comes to your wedding reception, the venue is undeniably the most important piece of the planning puzzle. No other element can reflect a desired mood or style quite like the setting in which the event is held. The wedding venue should be the first major decision in your planning process. Once you have selected your site, you will find that everything else begins to fall into place.

Daunted by the task? Don't be. While you should approach venue selection with care, a little pre-planning will help narrow down the options. Before meeting with the first facility manager, consider three factors to determine the type of venue that is perfect for you.

1. Theme and Style of Event -

Different types of wedding venues set the stage for specific styles of wedding reception. Before deciding, determine the type of affair you would like to host.

Today's wedding receptions are about personality and creativity. Consider your personal style. Do you want your wedding to be a reflection or a departure from that? Just because you tend to be more city-chic does not mean you can't throw a country-style foot stomping hoe down of a wedding (it can be done in an equally fabulous manner).

Put some thought into this, and envision your perfect wedding reception. The theme and style you wish to reflect will help dictate the type of wedding venue you choose. Remember that options abound beyond hotel ballrooms, banquet halls and country clubs. Also consider mansions and historic sites, museums or parks. The sky is the limit!

2. Geographic Location -

Where do you want to get married? In your hometown? In your fiance's home town? In the town where you currently live? How about a Caribbean island? With today's jet-set couples, the possibilities really are endless. Don't be afraid to consider something different or unexpected. Perhaps the style or theme of your wedding will dictate the location—a tiki-style hut by the beach, a rustic farmhouse in the country, a posh ballroom overlooking a metropolitan cityscape. You get the idea…

3. Size -

OK—so you have decided to get married in an historic mansion near your hometown. Great—you're almost there! But before you get in your car and start touring wedding venues, there is one final criteria to consider - capacity. No matter how beautiful a place may be, if you anticipate a guest list of 300, cramming them into a facility that seats 150 will quickly turn an elegant affair into a mob of angry guests. Most reception sites make setting capacity information readily available. If not, give a quick call to the general phone number and find out. Make sure to differentiate the capacities for the type of wedding reception you envision (seated dinner, buffet, cocktail reception etc.) There may also be different capacities based on the setting with or without a dance floor.

4. Now Find Your Site! -

Find as many venues that meet these initial criteria as you can. Use this handy online Wedding Venues search to find reception sites and services in your area that meet your needs, and narrow down your list. Then schedule appointments to tour each venue and meet with the manager. After that—it's decision making time!


Recommended Links

    DesignerShoes.com!...Specialty store for Brides who leave a larger footprint

    Wedding Supplies and Favors

    Miniature Wedding Cake candles


    Sponsors: Fun Wedding Great Wedding Advice Merry Brides Plan a Wedding www.Elegala.com

    Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for Elegala.com and Elegala Magazine (and a recent bride!). Elegala is a comprehensive ad-free wedding planning resource featuring a nationwide directory of wedding reception sites and their recommended vendors, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process. Wedding Reception visit Elegala.com, your ultimate wedding resource. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Locklin

    at
    Labels: ,

    4/23/07

    Tips for Setting Your Reception Schedule


    By: George Meszaros

    Wedding receptions normally last between three to five hours. A careful planner should make a timetable. It is going to help everyone involved with your wedding including your guests, your caterer, the band, and the photographer. Keeping with the planned schedule can enhance your and your guests’ overall experience.

    Regardless of the style or the duration of your reception, planning can benefit everyone. It is imperative that you plan ahead and establish a sequence of events for your reception. Spending time and effort before the wedding can save you from a lot of confusion and unnecessary distractions on your wedding day.

    You can expect better results from any plan that is put in writing. Be sure to give a copy to your wedding vendors, your wedding attendants and family members so they know where they need to be and when.

    Be as detailed as possible when preparing your reception itinerary. Include names, the order of events, specific locations and song titles of special dances.

    As you prepare your schedule, don't be too concerned about exact times. The times on your schedule should act only as a guide and to keep things moving in the right direction and make sure that everything gets done! The order of events is more important than the time of events. The order of events is up to you, but once established you should stick with it.

    Because wedding guests should not begin dancing until after the bride and groom have had their first dance, some brides prefer to do their first dance with their husband very early into the reception, before dinner is served. Other brides prefer to do it after dinner, when the "real dancing begins".

    If you put in the effort to have every minute planned out, you should complete the process by preparing a printed wedding and reception schedule for your guests. Include the approximate arrival time of the bride and groom, first dance, cake cutting, special toasts to the bride and groom, picture taking, tossing of the bride's bouquet and garter, etc. Getting everything organized ahead of time helps you and your guests to have a lovely wedding reception.



    Recommended Sites


    Sponsors: Merry Brides Fun Weddings Wedding Planning Great Wedding Advice SweetReflections Discount Wedding Bands Planning a beach wedding?


    Article Source: http://www.wedding-wisdom.com George Meszaros www.sweet-reflections.com
    at
    Labels: ,

    4/19/07

    5 Awesome Wedding Favors

    Author: Gabriel Adams

    Couples exchanging vows today want their wedding favors to be as unique as they are and express something personal about themselves. Thank your guests for sharing in this very special time by giving them a token of your appreciation that's thoughtful and memorable, a true reflection of your most important day.

    Wedding favors don't have to end up costing more than the honeymoon does. In fact, just the opposite is true because favors that are simple and elegant, but meaningful, often convey your message best. And those that are personally made are increasingly popular and lend an extra special touch to any wedding by giving your friends and family the perfect souvenir of your big day.

    Whether the sky's the limit as far as price is concerned or you and your bridesmaids will be crafting every piece by hand to save a few dollars, here are five ideas for awesome wedding favors that will leave a lasting impression on your guests and add to the overall ambiance of your wedding.

    A Toast to the Happy Couple
    A wedding favor that's grown in popularity as of late, are personalized wine or champagne bottles complete with your names and the date of your ceremony. To save on funds, the bottles could be given to each couple instead of per person placed in a decorative bag in the colors of the wedding party's attire.

    Let Your Love Grow
    If your wedding decorations or bouquets feature a specific flower or a few types of flowers, consider giving guests nicely decorated seed packets to plant at home. This way, a part of your wedding lives on and it gives guests a lovely reminder of your nuptials. You could also place a single flower in a vase or pot at each place setting as well.

    Light Up The Night
    You can never go wrong with candles, and presentation, of course, is of the utmost importance. Instead of simply wrapping a plain candle in a piece of tulle and tying it with a ribbon, why not put some extra time and thought into the process to truly personalize the favors? Candles can be used in conjunction with a variety of other things such as colorful marbles, sea shells or potpourri, just to name a few.

    Picture Perfect
    Many couples are opting for true personalization by using photos of themselves in their favors. Pictures can be put into little frames or used in other creative ways such as placed inside snow globes for a winter themed wedding, for example.

    Dream Theme
    Theme weddings are all the rage with specifically tailored favors to match. Consider the couple getting married in a public zoo that passed out animal crackers wrapped in colorful tulle as their favors. Or the bride and groom who married on the beach and personally collected sand and made decorative candle holders for their guests.

    Whether your wedding is being held in a castle right out of a fairy tale or a simpler affair in your own backyard, with a little research and some brainstorming, you can create wedding favors that are as unique and special as you and your beloved are.



    Recommended Sites:



    Our sponsors:
    Bridal Jewlery Pfaltzgraff Gift Registry Merry Brides Fun Weddings Weddings Wedding Window Bridal Gifts & Wedding Keepsakes Brides

      About the Author: Visit our Modern wedding website with competitive prices on wedding products, wedding favours available to order online.

      at
      Labels: , ,

      4/3/07

      Planning Colors for Your Wedding: Wedding Dresses, Flowers, and More

      Personalized Wedding Favors at My Wedding Favors

      By Chris Robertson

      Dreaming about your wedding is one thing; planning it is another. From wedding dresses to cakes and tuxedos to flowers - every aspect of your wedding must be carefully planned to "fall in place" on the big day! If you've been to one wedding or several, you probably realize the importance of wedding colors. Everything about the wedding is planned according the colors the bride chooses. So, here's a quick guide to help you plan your wedding colors.

      Choose the Right Colors for Your Wedding Dresses

      Many brides use their favorite colors for their wedding dresses - pink, red, fuchsia, burgundy, plum, mauve, purple, or blue. But before you choose colors, see if you can't find some photos of various weddings from the past. Look at a variety of color patterns and combinations before making your choice. You might find colors that you like much better than your usual favorites.

      Consider how the colors of your wedding dresses will look with other colorful items once it is all put together for the big wedding day. The bridesmaid dresses will be matched with flowers, tuxedos, mother of the bride dresses, flower girl dresses, accessories, and even the reception decor.

      Wedding Dresses with a Touch of Color

      A growing trend is to add a touch of color to the bride's wedding gown. This is perfect for the bride who wants more than the traditional wedding gown. Some brides have color sprinkled throughout their wedding gown with embroidery. The gorgeous embroidery patterns come to life on the wedding dress when color highlights are added. These are usually available in a variety of colors painted on an ivory white wedding gown.

      Test Wedding Color Combinations

      Don't be afraid to match unusual colors before making your choice. Some color combinations might surprise you. For example, not many would choose bright peach, bright yellow and white, but these are actually beautiful when coordinated together in wedding flower arrangements with yellow dresses! Try out a variety of combinations to find the right wedding colors for you.

      Choose Colors that Compliment You

      It's your special day. Choose colors that compliment your hair and skin tone. You'll want colors that make you look wonderful on your wedding day. If you normally look great in red, then you'll probably look fantastic amidst red decor and red bridesmaid dresses. Maybe you can even add some red embroidery colors to your wedding gown. Whatever color suits you should work fine for the wedding.

      Other Considerations

      Other things to consider before choosing your wedding colors include the colors of the church or building where the wedding will be held as well as the reception hall, the types of flowers available for that time of year (if using real ones), and the availability of wedding dresses in those colors.

      Once you choose colors for your wedding dresses and flowers, you're ready to start planning the wedding. To save time, you can find a wide variety of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and even prom dresses online. Be sure to choose the colors you love. After all, it is your special day!



      Recommended Sites


      Sponsors: Majon International Merry Brides Great Wedding Planning Advice
      Fun Weddings Create your very own wedding website - Free Trial Offer

      Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International , one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Plan Your Wedding Colors or Majon's Clothing for Women directory. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
      at
      Labels: ,
      Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)