Sharing the Big News!

 Sharing the News

 

 

Inviting friends and family members to share your happiness over your pending marriage is a wonderful and exciting part of being engaged.  And one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the selection of all parts of your paper trousseau.  

• You should plan to order all of the items you’ll need at one time to insure that all pieces coordinate.  Make a  list of various paper items you will need so you are well prepared when making choices. Stationary purchases can be just a few items or an extensive list.

• Engagement Announcments
• Save the Dates
• Invitations
• R.S.V.P.
• Order of Service ( Programs)
• Seating Chart
• Table Place Cards
• Menus
• Thank you Notes

• If you are planning to invite out of town guests or if your wedding is planned for a holiday weekend, it is very wise to send Save the Date cards.  These are usually sent out four – six months prior to the wedding date.  But a word of caution:  Be sure that those guests who receive Save the Date cards remain on your invitation list.   That means that you must have the number of guests planned for the wedding and reception firmly in mind when you place the invitation order.

• Because invitations offer guests a preview of the formality and tone of the wedding, a great deal of thought should go into their selection.  Formal wording should be used for formal weddings.  Individuality can be expressed by choosing unique sizes, textures, colors, overlays and/or ribbon trims.

Elegant and Sophisticated---

to fun and rustic----

and even a little silly!

• Unless the wedding is an extremely small and intimate affair, a reply card with a self- stamped, pre- addressed envelope is usually enclosed with the invitation.

• Programs, while optional, are very nice to have for guests as they describe the ceremony and the identity of the participants.

• Thank you notes should be ordered at this time as well.  There are several options for incorporating the names of the couple on these notes. BE sure to take the time to write something personal...signing your name isn't an option!

• Plan to send your invitations six – eight weeks before the event.

Contemporary Traditional ???

Contemporary Traditional

Do those two terms seem contradictory?  At one time they may have, but more and more couples are looking for ways to place their personal stamp on their wedding plans.  The term “unique” is heard more and more as brides search for ways to make their weddings memorable for them and their guests.

Our consultants have lots of ideas on how to do just that, so do stop in to chat with them about ways to personalize your wedding ceremony and reception.

·         Consider replacing the traditional bachelor or bachelorette party with a get together that combines both events.  Consider a hike, beach party, bike ride, cook-out, softball game or evening out at a skating rink or bowling alley.

·         Rather than hold the rehearsal dinner at a typical restaurant’s party room, book an art museum, a university facility, a park or a historical building to serve as a special setting for your event.

·         Supplement your florist’s handiwork and create reception decor with native wild flowers, leaves, twigs, fruits and herbs from a local grower or farmer’s market.

·         Some brides have decided to let their bridesmaids select their own gowns based on a color scheme and degree of formality.  This works well when you admire their taste in clothes.  It is wise to set some guidelines – degree of coverage desired, tailored or fluffy, plain or elaborate, length etc.  But within those parameters, maids can choose their own wearable outfits.  Many bridal salons have several designers who can work to truly individualize a bridesmaid’s gown within the “look” of the wedding.

·         If you have a unique reception venue chosen, consider hiring a local chef you admire or a culinary school to put a special spin on your reception menu.  Think about including family food traditions that may be important to both the bride and groom.  If you can’t afford a sit down dinner, there is nothing wrong with having a desert reception or a small plate limited cocktail reception and wedding cake.

Pasta Bar....

So, mix the old and the new.....and voila! You have something familiar, yet different!

Using Technology to Plan your Wedding.......

Using  Technology

Brides who are used to communicating with electronic “tools” may be tempted to “do it all” with technology when they think of wedding planning.  But we caution our brides to take a careful look at the world of Eplanning.   There simply are times when the bride needs to leave the keyboard or apps and do some of her planning face to face.

The Internet will be a help in searching out reception sites that may fit one’s budget, but a bride simply must check it out in person.  She may be able to hear music played by a band she is considering, but nothing beats meeting the group in person.

Cake makers can show photographs of some of their creations on line, but until you’ve tasted the actual product, how can you decide?

Ordering your wedding gown or bridesmaid’s dresses on line is also a bad idea.  Sizing and quality can vary widely so you and your maids should try on your gown choices before making a purchase.  To assure that gowns will be in on time, don’t risk ordering from an online resource.  Shop a reputable store that stands behind its merchandise.

Before registering online for wedding gifts, we recommend that you meet with an expert sales associate at a major retailer.  They have years of experience helping couples select registry items.

Brides may be tempted to send “virtual invitations”, but once again we caution brides against that.  Use the Internet to enter pertinent information about your wedding but plan to send printed invitations.  As one bride put it, “I may be old fashioned, but there is a touch of class I want associated with my wedding and an electronic invitation doesn’t cut it.” 

We advise our brides to be careful about disclosing information about their weddings on the social networks.  Here we feel that “less is more”.  Certainly share the joy of the upcoming wedding but don’t constantly post updates on the status of your plans.  Don’t go overboard posting photos.  A select few are a nice touch.  Too many will leave a bad impression.

By all means use the Internet as an information resource to get ideas and lists of vendors to visit.  But make the key decisions in person with family input as appropriate. 

Etiquette on a Budget....

WEDDING NOTES – Etiquette on a Budget

Quiet elegance is always in style. 

Consider a few white lilies for the bridal bouquet instead of an elaborate arrangement.

A garden luncheon can be as charming as a 5 course sit down dinner.

Select fewer attendants.  The larger the wedding and number of attendants, the greater the expense.

But no matter how limited the budget, the rules of etiquette still apply. 

Having a reception which serves only punch and cake is acceptable.  Asking guests to buy their own dinners is not.

Having an alcohol free reception is fine.  Having a cash bar isn’t. You would not ask a guest to pay

for a drink if you had a celebration at your home....so don't when your home isn't big enough for your

celebration. Consider one signature drink or an adult punch.

Registering for things the couple would like and need is fine.  Asking for money instead of gifts isn’t.

Sending email invitations instead of printed or handwritten ones for a small intimate wedding isn’t OK.

Neglecting to send thank you notes within an acceptable time frame is not appropriate.

Every part of a wedding, even one done on a very limited budget, should be done with style and good taste.  An affordable wedding can be just as memorable as a lavish one.  Guests will remember the beautiful personal touches, not how much was spent on the wedding.

If you have questions about any aspect of wedding etiquette do stop in a talk with one of our experienced consultants.  We are here to help you have the wedding you want

 Sharing the News

Inviting friends and family members to share your happiness over your pending marriage is a wonderful and exciting part of being engaged.  And one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the selection of all parts of your paper trousseau. 

You should plan to order all of the items you’ll need at one time to insure that all pieces coordinate. 

• If you are planning to invite out of town guests or if your wedding is planned for a holiday weekend, it is very wise to send Save the Date cards.  These are usually sent out four – six months prior to the wedding date.  But a word of caution:  Be sure that those guests who receive Save the Date cards remain on your invitation list.   That means that you must have the number of guests planned for the wedding and reception firmly in mind when you place the invitation order.

• Because invitations offer guests a preview of the formality and tone of the wedding, a great deal of thought should go into their selection.  Formal wording should be used for formal weddings.  Individuality can be expressed by choosing unique sizes, textures, colors, overlays and/or ribbon trims.

• Unless the wedding is an extremely small and intimate affair, a reply card with a self- stamped, pre- addressed envelope is usually enclosed with the invitation.

• Programs, while optional, are very nice to have for guests as they describe the ceremony and the identity of the participants.

The Rainy Day Wedding Blues.......or Smiles?

While most Brides are not this happy on a rainy wedding day, there is no reason not to be!

When talking with my brides the number one fear they all have is weather! Living in Nebraska,
we all have heard more than once " If you don't like the weather, wait a few moments,"

We have also all experienced a beautiful sunny afternoon outside, when a sudden thunderstorm
blows in ,in a matter of moments.

Since you can't control it, you need to make make the most of it! No pouting!!!!

Gorgeous photos are heading your way!



As long as you are able to say your vows, and become husband & wife, the day IS successful!

What to do if the weather is not cooperating?

Be prepared! Don't get caught off guard!

Purchase umbrellas that compliment your wedding color.

 

Creative and useful bridesmaid gift!



Keep in mind, while the weather may not be ideal, you are still getting married! Unlike,
those brides who have had their churches and venues devastated by hurricanes & floods!

Rain symbolizes blessings, cleansing, unity, and a new day!




So keep in mind:

Stay positive, enjoy this special day!
Rain most likely will mean, staying cooler! No sweaty make up or humid hair!
Rain can be cozy and romantic...resulting in softer, intimate photos!
Collect rain water, and save for your first child's baptism.
Personalized umbrellas are a wonderful keepsake!

Fruit & Flowers!

Summer and Fall weddings have the advantage of adding fruits ( and Veggies) into their
tablescapes!

While fruit and flowers inside the refrigerator don't mix do to the ethylene gases, on the table
for the evening, they mingle well together! Often using produce that is in season
will save you money and keep you within your budget. Fruit can stretch your centerpiece
size!

So next time you are at the grocery store or farmer's market...think out side the box
and consider this fresh and simple addition!

For Summer wedding...think Citrus!







or some summer berries or cherries!

How simple..yet so beautiful!


and of course, Apples for Fall!






apples can also be used as place card holder and for tea light candles

or......even on your cake!



Be creative, have fun..and look to nature!

Don't forget the vegetables!




and don't forget!

The "modern" 4th anniversary gift is....

Fruit & Flowers....so you can re-create your centerpiece for that special anniversary!

A few Tips:

To keep apples from turning brown:

Ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C. Look for it in the canning section or pharmacy as powder. Apply directly or dissolved in water (1/2 tsp. per 2 1/2 cups of water).

Lemon or lime juice. It's not as effective as ascorbic acid, but it'll do in a pinch, and they're more readily available. The juice can be diluted up to 3:1. Lemon juice will have a less obvious taste than lime juice.

Use Ginger ale. Soak in ginger ale for 10 min .

Citrus can be sliced and stored in covered container.

Don't forget to check with your grocery for bulk discounts.