Top 10 Wedding Flowers - Pro's and Cons

1. Calla Lilies

These flowers are known for their elegance and variety of colour, like white, orange, yellow and burgundy. Calla lilies are perfect for weddings because their trumpet like appearance looks as though they are heralding the union.

Uses:Can be used alone to create stunning bridal party bouquets or table centerpieces but they also work well in arrangements with other flowers, like roses.

Pros: No filler flowers are required to make a calla lily bouquet stand out as this is the perfect stand alone flower. A do-it-yourselfer's  dream, simply tie a white sheer ribbon around 5 or more calla lilies and voila! Easy and elegant.

Cons: Calla Lilies are extremely unforgiving if handled incorrectly. They mark easily and show signs of wear and tear when mishandled.

2. Daisies

Daisies are always an excellent choice; they add simplicity to the bouquet and are available in a vast array of colors. They represent purity and innocence and are considered a flower for all occasions.

Uses: Can be used for both centerpieces and bouquets. You can have a few long stems in a vase or create a low compact arrangement using their wide petals to cover the spaces in between for a dramatic effect.

Pros: Daisies are very versatile, and affordable. Plus, they can be used for both formal and informal events.

Cons: Works well with wires from inside the stem but don't hold up well when wire wrapped.

3. Hyacinths

One of its stalks houses several small, fragrant flowers. Available in purple, blue, pink, white, and yellow, this flower is versatile and fun and its scent is said to calm the nerves.

Uses: Can be used as the only flower of the arrangement or the individual flowers from the stalk can be removed and incorporated into an arrangement. Their small flowers can also be used to make flower tiaras and their short stems make them perfect for low arrangements. They can be used as centerpieces and cake flowers. Plus, they make great hand tied bouquets!

Pros: Works well with all spring blooms, especially hydrangeas.

Cons: Hyacinths are a spring bloom; so finding them in the off season may be difficult and expensive. Also, their short stems won't work well with tall arrangements.

4. Hydrangeas

They are very popular for their volume; their clusters of flowers give the illusion of many flowers bunched together. Blue is the most popular variety but they are also available in pink and white.

Uses: Perfect for monochromatic bouquets or arrangements. They can easily be used for the bridal party bouquets or for the centerpieces, with other flowers or alone.

Pros: Hydrangeas are very sturdy and can last a long time out of water. They are also beautiful when dried; so, if you are looking for flowers that you can preserve, the hydrangea is your best bet! Plus, they are available almost all year long and they work well with most flowers!

Cons: Their versatility is limited to bouquets and arrangements as they are not suitable in boutonnieres or corsages.

5. Lily of the Valley

Little bell shaped flowers that are loved for their natural perfume and delicate appearance.

Uses: They are rarely used as a stand alone flower. A few sprigs of "lily of the valley" can be used in the bride's and bridesmaids' bouquets as well as in corsages and boutonnieres.

Pros: The addition of these small flowers to a bouquet creates a big impact with their fresh scent and woodsy appeal.

Cons: Flimsy stems make them difficult to work with.

6. Orchid

This is a tropical flower which brings an exotic yet elegant look to your floral bouquets. Orchids are available in many dramatic colors and with so many varieties to choose from, you can take the look from simply exotic to downright striking.

Uses: Orchids mixed with softer flowers like roses and lilies add interest to a bouquet or arrangement. They also look great alone or you can add some simple green foliage for a modern approach. Orchids make great hair accessories, too. One or two stems are all you need to create a stunning bridal hair look.

Pros: Orchids add sophistication and elegance to any affair.

Cons: These flowers are temperamental; so, following the temperature and handling instructions when making your own orchid arrangements is vital.

7. Peonies

A multi-petal flower that blooms early in the season and that is available in many bright beautiful colors, the most common being red, pink and white.

Uses: Can be used in bridal party bouquets or arrangements and are perfect for monochromatic flower themes.

Pros: Flowers bloom so big that it only takes about 4 or 5 of them to create one bouquet! They work well with most flowers but are very good alone as well. Plus, their sturdy stems make them one of the most versatile wedding flowers.

Cons: T flowers are too large to use as boutonnieres. They don't work very well when wire wrapped; so, hand tied peony bouquets are the safest bet.

8. Roses

The all time favorite wedding flower! Available in many colors all of which have special meaning: white means purity and innocence, red means love and passion, pink means happiness, and yellow means friendship.

Uses: Roses can be used in all your wedding florals from the corsages and boutonnieres to the bouquets and centerpieces. They can be mixed with other flowers or left to stand alone and can be used in tall arrangements as well as low compact ones.

Pros: They are long lasting, sturdy, fragrant, and are just big enough to be seen without being overwhelming.

Cons: Roses that are still closed are not quite at their best yet those that are too open look sloppy. They have to be opened just enough to be at their most beautiful.

9. Stephanotis

This very traditional and famous wedding flower consists of small, delicate, white flowers that stand for "happiness in marriage".

Uses: they can be used in bouquets, as hair accessories, and in corsages or boutonnieres. They work beautifully with white lilies or white orchids and are a beautiful addition to most bridal bouquets, especially those consisting primarily of roses.

Pros: They are often referred to as floral "jewelry" because their star shaped flowers added to a bouquet look like stars.

Cons:Their short flimsy stems must always be wired and taped before being used making stephanotis a more difficult stem to work with, especially for the do-it-yourselfer.

10. Tulips

This perfect spring flower is available in almost any colour you can imagine. Just like roses, tulips, too, carry special meaning depending on their colour: ivory or cream tulips mean "love you forever", red reflects a "declaration of love" and yellow means "hopelessly in love".

Uses: They make excellent bridal party bouquets and beautiful centrepieces.

Pros: Work  well with almost all flowers and are long lasting.

Cons: Don't do well when wire wrapped so they should always be hand tied into bouquets. For this reason, they do not work well as corsages or boutonnieres but make great bridal bouquets and centerpieces.

♥ For a listing of of some of my favorite flower books on Amazon CLICK HERE!

Do you have to mention parents by name on the invitations?

Do you have to mention parents by name on the Wedding Invitations?

No! Here's an example: ''Together with their parents, Jennifer Ann Baldwin and Lawrence James Miller request the honor of your presence at their marriage on the fifth of June..."

This helps avoid dilemmas faced by couples with step-parents, by couples who have a deceased parent, and by those whose parents aren't involved in the planning of the wedding.

Plan a Spring Wedding - 28 Ways to Tie in the Season

By  Cori Russell

The tulips are blooming, the temperatures are rising - what a perfect time for a wedding! Get started planning your spring themed wedding now with these inspiring ideas for spring weddings...

Spring Theme Weddings - Things to Consider

Daylight saving time - In 2008, daylight saving time begins on Sunday March 9th, after which the sun will set an hour later. Keep this date in mind if you envision a sunset outdoor ceremony.

Prom factor - May and June are prime prom months, so be sure to book your transportation and locations early.

Variable weather - spring weather can be unpredictable. An unseasonably warm and sunny Friday can give way to a miserably cold and rainy Saturday. Be prepared for both extremes.

All in the Details - Spring Wedding Ideas

Invitations & Stationery

* Add a spring motif - such as a tulip or butterfly - to your stationery suite

* Consider color - use paper or inks in a spring color palette - pastels, greens, etc.

* Get whimsical - find a fun, flirty font to evoke a festive spring feeling

* An added touch - insert a sprinkling of silk flowers into each envelope

Location

* Garden settings abound - take advantage of budding leaves and flowers with botanical gardens, mansions with lush grounds, or another venue with a pristine garden or courtyard.

* Take it indoors - if an outdoor setting isn't possible - find an indoor venue with panoramic picture windows affording lots of sunlight and a bright airy ambiance.

Décor Elements

* Color palette - 1) green and white - an elegant accompaniment to a garden setting. 2) yellow and green -another fresh, natural color pairing. 3) preppy - combine hot pink with green or mango (think polka dots and gingham). 4) chocolate brown - this trendy hue works well for spring - pair with pale blue or pink.

* Go wild with patterns - create a playful effect - think gingham, polka dots, eyelet lace, swiss dots and stripes.

* Add some greens - grasses and greenery are a natural for outdoor garden settings. Drape over arbors and incorporate in arrangements

Flowers

* Seasonal blooms - classics include tulips, daffodils, lilies (especially calla lilies and easter lilies), magnolias, gardenias, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, apple or cherry blossoms. View our complete list of spring wedding flowers

* Creative containers - put your arrangements in simple, homespun containers like wicker baskets, watering cans, teapots, or urns.

* Potted plants - potted arrangements create a natural, organic look. Best of all -you can plant them for a timeless reminder of your wedding

Menu

* In Season - serve a main dish featuring ham or lamb

* Fresh produce - round out the meal with a bounty of fresh fruits and young vegetables like baby carrots, baby asparagus and new potatoes

* Elegant sides - serve mini quiches or update traditional deviled eggs by adding salmon or crabmeat

* Bar favorites - a spring menu seems to call for champagne. Mix up a batch of mimosas for a morning wedding, or create a festive champagne cocktail.

Wedding Cake

* Coconut Confection - coconut frosting and fillings make a quintessential spring treat

* Crazy for carrot - carrot cake with cream cheese icing is another springtime fave.

* Light and fluffy - go with angel food cake and fresh strawberries or strawberry cream

* Whimsical adornments - decorate with bright, fanciful details like ribbon, swiss dots or swirl patterns.

Attire

* Loosen up - feel free to relax the dress code a bit, especially if the wedding will take place outside

* Lighten up - lighter fabrics like lace or cotton create a perfect springtime look

* Wedding gown - Add some color with a sash or detailed embroidery

* Bridesmaids dresses - Pastels are a springtime classic. Keep yours fresh by choosing a color and allowing each of your maids to select a different hue. Or go in another direction with a bolder turquoise, fuschia or mango.

* Avoid satin shoes - they don't hold up well under springtime showers

* The guys - They'll look seasonably appropriate in tan suits, colored shirts and ties. For a formal evening affair, a basic tux always works.

Favors

* Keep love blooming - with packs of flower seeds

* Plant it - give miniature potted plants or herbs

Getaway

* Horse-drawn carriage - this Cinderella-like getaway make a fitting finale to an ethereal springtime wedding.


♥  For more great wedding advice please follow us on Merry Brides Twitters  and Merry Brides Tumbles for daily fun wedding tips.

20 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Band or DJ for Your Wedding

 

The Band or Deejay is going to play an integral, visible role at your wedding, so you want to meet them in person if at all possible. Don't let yourself get intimidated by that cool musician vibe you still need to ask questions.

Here are twenty questions you may consider asking.

♥ What's your overall approach to playing weddings? How do you pace the event?

♥ How many hours of playing time are included in the contract?

♥ What are the option for the size of the band and the number of vocalist?

♥ What do you typically wear to play a wedding? Some bands bill for tuxedo rentals if they need to wear black-tie, while others own tuxes, so find out if there's a charge.

♥ Will you learn a song I request i you don't know it? How much advance notice do you need? Is there a fee to arranging the music?

♥ Do you require any equipment or instrument rentals, such as a piano? Is there anything else I will need to provide for you, such as a table for a record or CD player?

♥ Do you bring your own sound system?

♥ Do you need extra electrical power for your equipment?

♥ Do you need a certain style of stage? What size stage do you require?

♥ Do you want the bandleader to be the emcee of the reception or to stay in the background. If he's going to play the emcee, ask him how he views that role and make sure you're both on the same page.

♥ Review their playlist and identify your favorite songs. It's a good way to get a feel for each other's tastes.

♥ Discuss whether they take requests and how you want to handle it. You may not want guests taking the music into their own hands.

♥ Ask how long they've been performing at weddings. How many have you done in the same year? Ask for references from a couple of weddings they have done.

♥ How many breaks will you take? How long is each break? Many bands need a fifteen-to-twenty minute break each hour.

♥ How is music handled during breaks? Is continuous music and option? Some bands can leave one or two musicians onstage to play dung breaks. If not, do you bring recorded music to play? Does a deejay bring a set of recorded music?

♥ What kind of backup plan do you have if one or more band members falls ill or has an emergency on the day of the wedding?

♥ Do you have liability Insurance?

♥ Find out how long they need to set up. Emphasize that you want them set up and playing before the first guests walk in. Some bands like to arrive at the last minute, and they're still setting up as guests arrive

♥ Would you like a meal? It's customary to provide one but worth checking, in case they prefer to bring their own food.

♥ If you have a special theme, ask if they have song suggestions.

Jasmine MacDonald is the editor of Merry Brides Tumbles and Merry Brides which will provide you with daily ideas and tips to help you plan the wedding of your dreams while staying within your budget.

For more great wedding tips please be sure to follow us on Merry Brides Twitters and Merry Weddings

Tips for the Pregnant Bride - Dressing for two

 

By Jasmine MacDonald

These days, it's not so unusual to see a bride coming down the aisle with a a noticeable bump - and what of it? Times have changed. But since a pregnant body leads to its own set of aesthetic considerations, you'll find some tips for comfortable dressing below.

To camouflage your pregnancy a dress with an empire waist will be your best friend. It's forgiving to an expanding belly and shows off a newly lush bustline.

An A-line silhouette is also a good bet, though it tends to favor those in the first four to five months of pregnancy.

Stay away from extremely fitted styles, as your shape can change drastically in a few short weeks. You want your dress to be free flowing and comfortable

Fluid fabrics or those with some stretch to them are better bets than stiff, heavy materials which will make you uncomfortable..

Your likely to feel warmer than usual when pregnant, so it's best to avoid long sleeves, heavy satin, and anything else that can make you feel hot during the warmer months.

Whether or not you need a maternity gown will depend on how far along you are by the wedding date. Several designers offer maternity sizes and most bridesmaids' manufacturers make maternity styles. Hint: To save money order a bridesmaid dress in ivory and wear it as a wedding dress.

Wait as long as possible to buy the dress and push alterations to the last few weeks so the dress will fit on your wedding day.

♥ Please visit our sister sites Merry Brides Twitters and Merry Brides

Paint Theme Wedding ~ Adorable

 

The front of invitation

 

Back

 

Shown with homemade black envelopes

Paint Can favors

 

 

I love this “paint-themed” wedding which was dreamt up by my friend Helen. The invitations paid homage to paint swatches and the favors were miniature paint cans filled with candy.
Helen’s wedding was held in an old paint factory that has been converted into an exhibition space. The building had a real industrial feel to it and she wanted to have invitations that were contemporary and that had reference to the paint factory without being too corny.

She made her own favors by purchasing small 125ml paint tins online, making her own labels and filling the tins with yummy treats.

Best Man's Wedding Duties

♥ By Ashlee Williams

 

Traditionally the groom chooses his best man. This important role is usually filled by a best friend or a family member such as a brother, cousin, or even a father. It is also acceptable for the groom to choose a close female friend or family member to stand up with him - she is referred to as an attendant.

The best man's duties are many and varied. Here is a list of some of his (her) duties:

1. Checks on last minute details such as transportation and accommodations for out-of-town ushers.

2. Makes sure the groom is properly dressed and at the wedding site on time.

3. Pays the ceremony officiant his fee immediately after the ceremony. The groom is responsible for this fee and gives the money to the best man before the ceremony.

4. Carries the bride's wedding ring down the aisle.

5. Makes sure the ushers are all properly dressed and at the ceremony on time. Also makes sure the ushers understand how to seat the guests.

6. May sign the marriage license as a witness.

7. Proposes the first toast at the reception to the happy couple.

8. May stand in the receiving line or circulate with guests.

9. Sits to the right of the bride.

10. Tries to make sure the guests feel welcome by introducing people around.

11. Along with the Maid/Matron of honor, collects any gifts and cards at the reception and delivers them to the couple's home.

12. Holds and protects the couples luggage and travel documents during the reception. It is a good idea to place items in the trunk of a car.

13. After the reception he escorts the bride and groom to the "get-away-car" or drives them to the airport.

14. Makes sure that all the tuxedos are returned to the store the first business day after the wedding. The longer you keep the tuxes the more money it will cost you.

♥ Please visit our sister site Merry Brides Twitters and Merry Brides DIY for more great wedding advice.

New Year Resolutions for the Bride-To-Be

Sorry I am about a week late but  I wanted to take a chance to share good wishes and hopefully, some good advice.  There are a lot of you newbie engaged ladies out there, and as you start a new year as the future Mrs. So-and-So, here are some Bridal solutions for you to consider adopting in 2011  to keep wedding planning FUN in those moments of STRESS.  Congratulations!!!!!

1. Resolve to not lose sight of the Day After the Wedding. And I’m not talking about your post wedding brunch! You are marrying the most amazing guy person! You are lucky to have each other.  After the cake is cut, the gifts are packed the the adorable favors taken home, you guys will have one another. So while the wedding is important, remember the next day is the real start of your new lives!  If you keep that in mind, you’ll inevitably have MUCH more fun planning it all.

2. Resolve to be a gracious bride.
Oh, these people will MAKE YOUR CRAZY at times.  Bridesmaids WILL be selfish at times and guests will sometimes pull some CRAZY, wacky stuff (what do you mean you want to bring your cousin and her 3 kids?????) BUUUUT, if you keep your head above the fray and remember to be GRACIOUS and thankful, your memories of your engagement will be MUCH sweeter. No one likes a Bridezilla, not even herself! (Seriously, I can’t tell you how many past bridezillas have called me months later to say “I’m not really like that!”)

3. Resolve to Compromise (Sometimes). It’s your day your way, but when arguments arise with Mom or In-laws or DH, sometimes its better (and easier) to stop, drop and roll.  No, you don’t want to hire a band that your Mother-in-law loves or wear a dress just because your mom picked it out, but would it KILL you to have a menu card?  Probably not. Would a monogrammed napkin totally ruin the aesthetic of your wedding? Not really.  Don’t sweat the totally small stuff, and you’ll be able to put your foot down when it REALLY Matters. 

4.  Resolve to Trust your Team. Do your due diligence before you hire a vendor (Recommendations, ask around about them, look them up in magazines or online, check on insurance, etc) and then STOP DOUBTING them.  If you have hired a true professional, they will care about doing an amazing job almost as much as you do.  Energy, Negative, draining energy is constantly wasted Fretting over vendors who are already contracted.  Remember, every vendor is a pro, but also a human, and negative questioning has never extracted top performance, in my experience.

5. Resolve to Stick to Your Schedule. I have to go to the gym 5 or 6 times a week not to act like a crazy Rhymes with Witch around the office.  I know that about myself, so I have a schedule and I discipline myself to follow it.  If you (or your planner) has set up a schedule for planning tasks and chores for your, STICK TO IT.  It’s easy to let work and life derail you, but the more you spread out the TASKS of planning the wedding, the easier it is to NOT BE OVERWHELMED. Hire people in a timely manner, don’t drag out the process and stay on top of thank you notes and your registry.  Work is very important, but you MUST prioritize your wedding as well. 

6. Resolve to See the Big Picture. Read item 1, read Item 2 and combine.  If you find yourself freaking out 6 months from now over a ribbon on a favor box, stop, walk around the block, or your desk, and ask yourself why?  Maybe it’s not about the ribbon, and your annoyed that your fiance doesn’t care about the details you care about. Maybe you’re exhausted of making decisions.  Maybe you need a little break. But remember, a ribbon is still a ribbon. It’s one tiny element that helps make the picture of your day: a painting stroke in the masterpiece of your wedding.  It will not RUIN the image.  Step back, see how great everything else is and move forward.

7.  Resolve to Accept Possible Setbacks. Don’t take this as an omen, or as a “wait for shoe to drop”, please ladies, but sometimes there are random setbacks.  I’ve had a wedding that needed to be relocated 8 weeks before the big day.  Once, they put up a scaffold in front of a client’s venue the DAY before the wedding without anyone (even the venue) knowing.  A friend’s MOH was put on bedrest and she wasn’t able to be at the wedding.  They sound like horror stories, but ultimately, none of these things RUINED anyone’s wedding.  And remember that, girls and boys. Sometimes, life’s complications sneak into wedding world. But they will not and cannot ruin your dream day!

8. Resolve to Do What You Can Afford. You aren’t going to win any awards by having the world’s largest wedding that you go into debt for. Assess what you can afford and commit yourself to having a reception that fits into that goal.  Don’t be afraid to re-think what the wedding needs to be: maybe it’s a breakfast or brunch instead of dinner, or dessert reception with dancing. 

9. Resolve to Celebrate who YOU guys both ARE. This doesn’t need to conflict with resolving to compromise, but listen, you only do this once…. If you guys are quirky, don’t be afraid to be QUIRKY. If you are formal, be FORMAL.  Celebrate Culture, Celebrate Faith, Celebrate the things that made you love one another.  If you are enjoying your party, so will your guests, so make it something you would love to attend. Resolve to have it be the kind of celebration that you guys would ACTUALLY host.  If you would never have a sit down formal dinner, no one is telling you that you have to…. AND if you would NEVER have a low key cocktail party… well, consider cutting your guest list until you can have the kind of fabulous celebration you can swing…

10. Remember, PERSONAL is not generic and INSPIRING doesn’t mean replicating.Somewhere, personalizing a wedding (making it seem reflective of your personalities and unique to the two of you) got confused with slapping a monogram on anything that was imprintable and replicating every cute idea seen around the blogosphere.  Use blogs to INSPIRE, but try, really try to make it personal. It will pay off. If you are doing a photo booth, what are props you could use say something about the two of you?  Maybe a handle-bar moustache speaks volumes about the two of you, but maybe two hockey sticks might say even more.

Brides!  Enjoy this special, magical time in your lives!!!!  Enjoy this wonderful year where you wave your ring finger around and get constant manicures!!!! It’s special and FUN!  Happy 2011!  Looking forward to getting your questions this year! 

Remember you can always email me at merrybrides@yahoo.com if you have any wedding planning dilemas.

Please visit our sister sites for more great wedding advice DIY Merry Brides ♥ Merry Brides Twitters ♥ Merry Brides FAQ's

Peppermint Inspired Wedding Cake - Adorable!

While hopping around the internet in search of inspiration, I stumbled across this absolutely adorable cake from Sweetapolita. Though perhaps it’s a little more Christmas-y than general winter, I decided I had to post it anyway because one, I love baker’s twine; two, I love peppermint; three, I love when my two favorite things come together to create an amazing design. It’s whimsical, sweet, and perfect for a holiday time wedding. Rosie did such a great job with this one!

Wedding Veil Glossary

Decisions, decisions...there are so many bridal veil styles to choose from....how do you know which kind of veil is right for you?

Veil Glossary:

Cathedral

The cathedral veil is the most formal, longest veil. This veil falls down toward your train, below floor length and beyond.

Chapel Veil

The chapel veil is a long, formal veil that extends to floor length.

Waltz Veil

The Waltz veil falls between the bride's knee and the ankle. One length shorter than the chapel length.

Fingertip

The fingertip veil is a very popular length that extends past the waist to the fingertips. This veil is both formal and manageable.

Elbow Length

  

The Elbow-Length veil that falls to the bride's elbow, typically about 25 to 28 inches long.

Flyaway

 

A shoulder-length, multilayered veil. The flyaway veil is not as formal as the other longer styles.

Waterfall, Cascade, or Fountain

Waterfall, Cascade or Fountain veil is no a length, but the style of gathering of veil fabric that creates a cascade of fabric on either side of the face. Shoulder or elbow-length is the appropriate length for this veil effect.

Merry Brides: Preview "Wedding Veil Glossary"

Merry Brides: Preview "Wedding Veil Glossary"

How to Save the Date Wedding Announcements

By Ashlee Williams

Save the dates should be a fun, low stress way to spread the news that your officially getting married.

I Do's of Save The Date Cards

♥ Keep the announcement simple; you don't need to list any specific wedding information. Here is a sample of wording:

Stephen Anderson and Kristin Davis
are getting married
Saturday, Nov 16, 2011
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Formal Invitation to Follow

♥ Send your cards 6-8 months prior to the wedding - eight months in advance is best if many of your guests will be traveling from out of town and need to make arrangements.

♥ Save the dates are not absolutely necessary, but it may be a good idea to send them. Especially; if you are having a destination wedding or a wedding that takes place on a major holiday weekend (Thanksgiving, Christmas) then the cards are a must to let your guests know far enough in advance to avoid conflicting plans.

♥ Be creative and stylish with your Save the Dates. For an ultra formal wedding it's customary to send a formal layered card with an envelope. However, for a more "fun" wedding your card options are limitless. For a fall wedding you could send a leaf in a box with the announcement on a small card, or maybe send a leaf shaped announcement. For a destination wedding, you couldh have post cards sent from the location saying "Can't wait to see you here on December 15 for our special day!" For beach weddings, you could send a message in a bottle with your rolled up note of information. Use your imagination to make your announcement as unigue as you are.

♥ Remember, a save the date card is like a pre-invitation - once you send it to a person, by the standards of etiquette you have invited them to a wedding and must them a formal invitation too.

♥ Even if a recipient of your save the date card lets you know they cannot attend before the invites are officially sent, you must send them one anyway.

Dont's for Save the Date Cards

♥ Evites (as trendy as they are) or emails do not count as save the dates. Don't send save the dates through the Internet - always send them through the Postal Service.

♥ If you are inviting someone to bring a guest with them, don't forget to address the save the date to that person with the words "and guest". Decide in advance who your inviting with and without a guest to avoid confusion later on.

♥ Don't forget to send save the dtes to even the VIP's; your bridal party, and groomsmen, and even your parents! Just because they are involved doesn't mean they shouldn't feel like valued guests too.

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♥ Recommended online Resources ♥

Invitations By Dawn

 

Beach Bliss Save The Date

Discount Save the Dates at Ann's Bridal Bargains - Shop Now!

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 For more great wedding advice please visit our sister sites Merry Brides,  Merry Brides Twitters,  Merry Brides DIY

Fun Ideas For Your Engagement Party

Traditionally, an engagement party is smaller and less formal than a wedding reception. It’s meant to allow family members and close friends to get to know each other before the big day. Here are a few fun ideas for a uniquely non-reception engagement party: