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The Art of Crafting Perfect Wedding Invitations: A Comprehensive Guide

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weddingplanning

The Art of Crafting Perfect Wedding Invitations: A Comprehensive Guide

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Paperjam Press

Your wedding invitations are the opening act, the prelude to the grand symphony that is your special day. They set the tone, convey the style, and hint at the magic awaiting your guests. Crafting these invitations is an art, a delightful journey that reflects your love story. Here’s a comprehensive guide and checklist to ensure your wedding invitations sparkle and leave a lasting impression.

The Essentials:

1. Define Your Vision:

Have you already determined your wedding theme and style? Once you decide on a theme that resonates with your personalities (rustic, modern, traditional, whimsical, or??) and a color palette that complements your theme and overall aesthetic, you’re making great progress! Don’t forget to narrow down the tone by considering the mood you want to evoke. Is it elegant, casual, romantic, or festive?

2. Elements of the Invitation:

  • Invitation Wording: Craft your words thoughtfully, including the who, what, when, and where. Ensure clarity and warmth in the message. And make it fun and happy – you’re getting married!
  • Design Elements: Incorporate motifs, illustrations, or monograms that resonate with your theme.
  • Paper and Texture: Select high-quality paper and consider texture for a tactile experience.

3. Details Matter:

  • RSVP Information: Clearly mention the deadline and methods for RSVPs. Are you accepting them online? Are you including RSVP cards with stamped return envelopes?
  • Accommodation and Travel Info: Include details about accommodations, directions, and transportation options for out-of-town guests. (And lock in those room blocks while you’re at it!)
  • Registry Details: If you opt to include registry information, do so subtly. Though most guests are appreciative for the information so they don’t have to go searching.

The Checklist:

1. Timeline:

  • Set a Timeline: Work with your stationery team to establish a schedule for designing, proofreading, printing, and mailing the invitations. Aim to send them out at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding.

2. Guest List and Quantity:

  • Compile Your Guest List: Gather addresses and double-check for accuracy.
  • Order Sufficient Quantity: Ensure you have extras for keepsakes and unforeseen additions.

3. Design and Wording:

  • Create a Design: Work with your designer or use online tools to craft a design that aligns with your vision.
  • Wording Review: Review the text for accuracy and etiquette. Quadruple-check dates, times, and names.

4. Printing and Assembly:

  • Select Printing Method: Decide between professional printing, DIY, or digital invitations.
  • Assemble Invitations: If necessary, gather materials for assembling, such as ribbons, seals, or envelopes. Working with a stationery designer will give you access to all their tools and they can incorporate these special features into your masterpieces!

5. Postage and Mailing:

  • Weigh and Stamp: Ensure correct postage for each invitation, especially if they include additional cards or heavier elements.
  • Mail with Time to Spare: Aim to send invitations out at least two months before the wedding date. And if you’re planning a destination wedding or know that a lot of guests will be traveling to your wedding, make sure to send out the Save The Date cards with plenty of time for guests to make travel arrangements!

6. Follow-Up:

  • Track RSVPs: Keep track of responses and follow up with non-responders politely. Keep a Google Doc you can share with your planner so you know who will be joining you on your special day.
  • Final Guest Count: Use RSVPs to finalize guest counts for seating, catering, and other arrangements.

Your wedding invitations are a glimpse into the beauty and joy that await on your big day. Pour your love and personality into them, and they’ll become cherished mementos for both you and your guests. While you’re at it, check out amazing stationery designers on WedBrilliant who can support you and help kick off your wedding perfectly!

Tips for Managing Friends and Family While Keeping Everyone Happy

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Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times for engaged couples, but it can also bring about challenges and headaches when it comes to managing the expectations and opinions of friends and family. Balancing your own vision with the desires of loved ones can sometimes be tricky. However, with open communication, compromise, and a few practical strategies, you can navigate the wedding planning process while keeping everyone happy.

  1. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish open and honest communication from the beginning. Clearly communicate your vision and priorities to your loved ones. Setting boundaries will help manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
  2. Involve Key Individuals: Identify key individuals whose opinions are especially important to you. Involve them in specific decision-making processes, such as selecting the venue or choosing the menu. By actively seeking their input, you show that their opinions matter while still maintaining control over your overall vision.
  3. Delegate Responsibilities: Assign tasks to willing family members and friends. This not only helps alleviate your workload but also makes them feel involved and valued. Consider assigning roles such as organizing transportation, managing the guest list, or overseeing decorations.
  4. Practice Active Listening: Listen attentively to the suggestions and concerns of your loved ones. Show empathy and understanding even if you ultimately make decisions that differ from their suggestions. Being receptive and acknowledging their viewpoints can go a long way in maintaining harmony.
  5. Compromise with Grace: Wedding planning often requires compromise. Be open to alternative ideas that align with your values and budget. Seek solutions that meet the needs of both parties involved, ensuring a sense of inclusion and harmony.
  6. Prioritize Self-Care: Amidst the whirlwind of wedding planning, remember to prioritize self-care. Take breaks when needed, do things that make you happy and reduce stress, and spend quality time with your partner. A refreshed and relaxed mindset will help you navigate any challenges you face more effectively.

Don’t forget this is all temporary! And don’t forget that priority #1 is you and your partner and your happiness! But, by involving your loved ones, setting clear boundaries, and practicing open communication, you can create a wedding that reflects your unique vision while nurturing the relationships that matter most and getting that perfect happily ever after.

 

 

Wedding Planning Made Easy: 5 Ways Social Media Can Help

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Leveraging support from The Knot, Zola, and WeddingWire, among others!

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and couples preparing for their wedding can leverage its power to make the wedding planning process more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some of the best ways for couples to use social media as they prepare for their wedding:

  1. A wedding website is an excellent way to keep your guests informed about the wedding details. There are many companies that offer customizable wedding websites, including The Knot, Zola, and WeddingWire. You can use social media to share the website link and invite your guests to RSVP and leave messages.
  2. Share updates and behind-the-scenes photos of the wedding preparations on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This will give your friends and family an insight into your wedding planning journey. Some couples even create a private Instagram account to share these updates exclusively with their wedding party.
  3. Pinterest is an excellent platform for wedding inspiration. You can create a board and share it with your partner, wedding planner, or bridesmaids to help you make decisions. Companies like Zola also offer an integrated feature called “Wedding Checklist” that suggests items to add to your board based on your preferences.
  4. Creating a unique wedding hashtag is a fun way to collect all the pictures and posts related to your wedding. You can use the hashtag to encourage your guests to share their pictures and memories. Websites like WeddingWire also offer a hashtag generator that suggests unique hashtags based on your names and wedding details.
  5. If some of your guests can’t attend the wedding, consider live streaming it on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. This will allow them to participate in your special day and share the joy with you. Some companies like The Knot also offer virtual wedding packages that include live streaming services and online coordination with vendors.

Social media can be a useful tool as you prepare for your wedding. By using it wisely and taking advantage of the services offered by companies such as The Knot, Zola, and WeddingWire, the planning process is bound to be more enjoyable and memorable.

Top Summer Wedding Trends: From Dresses to Décor!

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As the summer season approaches, many brides- and grooms-to-be are finalizing their wedding plans and preparing for their big day. With the pandemic slowly winding down and life returning to a sense of normalcy, weddings are becoming more extravagant and stylish than ever before.

  1. Bold Colors: Summer is the perfect time to experiment with bold, vibrant colors that pop. This year, brides are opting for bright hues like fuchsia, coral, and royal blue to add a splash of color to their wedding day. Bold colors are making their way into wedding dresses as well, with dresses featuring colorful embroidery, beading, and appliques.
  2. Ethereal Dresses: While some brides are opting for bold colors, others are choosing ethereal, whimsical dresses that capture the essence of summer. Flowing fabrics like chiffon, tulle, and organza are popular choices, as they create a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for a summer wedding. Brides are also opting for dresses with unique detailing like floral appliques, delicate beading, and sheer lace.
  3. Nature-Inspired Décor: With the natural beauty of summer all around, many couples are opting for nature-inspired décor to complement their wedding day. Rustic touches like wooden accents, burlap table runners, and wildflowers are popular choices, as they create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Greenery is also a popular choice, with brides opting for lush, leafy arrangements in their bouquets and centerpieces.
  4. Non-Traditional Venues: As weddings become more personalized, couples are looking for non-traditional venues to make their big day stand out. Outdoor weddings are more popular than ever, with brides and grooms opting for picturesque locations like vineyards, gardens, and beaches. Rooftop venues are also becoming increasingly popular, providing stunning views of city skylines.
  5. Personalized Details: From custom favors to unique signage, couples are looking for ways to add personalized touches to their wedding day. Personalized wedding favors like monogrammed candles or customized cookies are a popular choice, as are unique signs that add a touch of whimsy to the décor. Brides and grooms are also opting for personalized touches in their wedding attire, such as custom embroidery or a unique veil.

Summer weddings are all about embracing the season and celebrating the natural beauty that surrounds us. Whether you’re planning a rustic outdoor wedding or a chic rooftop affair, incorporating these summer wedding trends will help you create a day that’s as beautiful and unique as you are.

Gorgeous Upstate New York Wedding Venue

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We know what you’re thinking. What do weddings look like next year? How do you plan to have that special day, host all the guests you want, keep everyone healthy and feeling safe, and still get that day you have dreamed of? There are options! Consider a 3-hour mini, all-inclusive wedding at a venue like WedBrilliant member, Wolf Oak Acres. Or book the venue for the entire day and enjoy full use of the private, climate controlled, handicap accessible, award winning venue in upstate New York.

Wolf Oak Acres offers an on-site shuttle for the bridal party and guests, linens, gorgeous furnishings, decor, set-up and tear-down, optional on-site lodging, 200 acres of pristine landscaped grounds with multiple outdoor ceremony locations, an indoor ceremony site with a stunning cobblestone fireplace, bridal party changing rooms, a full kitchen, and all the other amenities you may need!

Contact for more information:

Katrina Blanchard – 315-762-3090
katrina@wolfoakacres.com

www.wolfoakacres.com

The Wedding Hacker Expo is Coming… Here’s Your Free Ticket and Gift

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Guys! So excited it’s finally August because that means The Wedding Hacker Virtual Expo is this month!! Mark your calendars for August 17 and 18!

If you are engaged and planning your wedding, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Also, did we mention that it’s all completely FREE and online? So yes, tune into this first-of-its-kind virtual event with us and watch from the comfort of your home, local coffee shop, work… (we won’t tell)!

30 world-class personal finance and wedding pros (including WedBrilliant founder, Melissa Wilmot!) will walk you through topics such as:

  • How to Score a Luxury Wedding Day Look for a Fraction of the Price
  • Five Steps to Setting a Solid Financial Foundation with Your Future Spouse
  • Honeymoon Hacking: The Simple Way to Earn a Free Honeymoon While Planning Your Wedding
  • How to Plan a Wedding that Photographs Beautifully
  • How to Work with Your Wedding Venue to Negotiate a Win-Win
  • How to Cut the Drama from Your Wedding (Or at Least Control It)

In addition to a free ticket to the expo, we are also giving FREE digital copies of The Wedding Hacker: A Budget-Minded Playbook. This 130+ page book discusses:

  • Money-saving guidance for your wedding day
  • Wedding industry secrets
  • Scoring the best deals
  • Owning your wedding day vision
  • How to enjoy the wedding planning journey!

Snag your FREE TICKET and your free digital copy of The Wedding Hacker: A Budget-Minded Playbook TODAY! See you there!

Photo Booth Fun

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We’re excited to share a little about WedBrilliant pros, Fun Fab Photo Booths & DJs. Looking for a fun, reliable provider of photo booth rentals in the Houston, College Station, Galveston, Huntsville or Bay City areas? Check them out.

They offer open air, enclosed and green screen options with the highest quality photos and guaranteed fun for your wedding guests. All of their rentals include flash drives, custom graphics, on-site attendants with great customer service, print outs for your guests, and of course fun props!

We love a good photo booth and the fun it creates! Check out Fun Fab Photo Booths & DJs, and head over to post your own wedding needs for WedBrilliant vendors to submit customized bids on!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Polled Our DJs: How much do they charge?

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We launched WedBrilliant with the express purpose of helping our happily engaged couples find great wedding vendors and get bids on all your wedding needs. But, if you’re starting the wedding planning process and not sure how much budget to allocate to various components of your wedding, we are here to help you out. We polled our talented DJs around the nation and are sharing the average amount they charge for weddings… Now that you know this info, head over to request bids for your own wedding!

How much do you charge couples for basic wedding DJ services for approximately 3-6 hours?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brrrr… It’s Time To Plan Summer Weddings!

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It may be the week of Halloween, but there’s no better time to kick start summer wedding planning! We have visions of tea lights, pastel flowers and fruity signature cocktails dancing in our heads. So, without further ado, here’s a short list of action items every summer bride and groom need to be focused on right now.

1. Sign up for free on WedBrilliant.com (if you haven’t already!) and begin to post your wedding needs. These can range from linens for the reception to a DJ with AV and lighting equipment. You don’t have to post all your requests at once, you can always return and add more. If you have the time, select the option to post your bid requests for 3 weeks so WedBrilliant vendors have plenty of time to view your needs and submit bids. Once you start getting bids, read through them and take a look at vendor reviews and photos to make your decision. It’s all free for couples to use – so get started!

Photo Courtesy: Catherine Colgan Photography
Photo Courtesy: Catherine Colgan Photography

2. Have you selected your venue? If so, great – that’s one of the biggest hurdles since those can often book up quickly, especially in summer months! If you haven’t, turn your attention to figuring that out right away. If your ideal spot is already booked on your wedding date, consider a Friday or Sunday wedding instead. Or ask the venue if they might accommodate two weddings in one day. If yours is a morning wedding with a wedding brunch, some venues can still keep the evening wedding they might already have on the books! Win win.

3. Now’s the time to really drill down on a theme, or at least what you want your colors to be. This is such an important piece that truly impacts so many different facets of your wedding planning. Once you’ve determined what your color scheme will be, get thinking about accents for the bridal party (bridesmaids dresses, ties, etc.), flowers, and your stationery…

4. Speaking of stationery… gather some ideas for save the dates, invitations, programs and more (have you checked out our fun Pinterest board?), post your needs on WedBrilliant to receive bids from fabulous wedding stationery designers across the country, and then really start focusing on the wording. Every couple has a different style and voice, so decide what yours is and put some ideas down on paper! Just writing down ideas, no matter how many times, can be extremely helpful!

Good luck planning! Before you know it, the trees will be blossoming again and your special day will be around the corner!