Invitation Etiquette
by Wedding Paper Divas
Children Guests…
If you’re not sure about whether or not a child of an invited couple should receive his or her own invitation, a good rule of thumb is that any young guest over 16 years old should receive his or her own invitation.
No, it’s not the fun part of planning your wedding, but it’s an integral part and doing it right away will cause you far less stress in the long run and allow you to plan your wedding in a much more organized fashion.
This meeting should be with whomever will be paying or helping to pay for the wedding.
But first, get your vision just right…To get more tips on how to kick off your wedding right, click here.
Wedding pictures hold some of the happiest memories of a lifetime, so be sure you consider all the angles when preparing to be photographed on the big day.
Exfoliate and moisturize- Don’t forget that the most important step is good skincare for a clean, smooth base. Soft, supple skin will be the best canvas for any makeup to look great on.
Don’t go changing- Brides shouldn’t try new skincare products, or anything that may irritate skin during the wedding countdown. Don’t be tempted to get cosmetic or skin treatments too close to the date, especially if you haven’t experienced the procedure before.
Build from a solid foundation- Be sure that your foundation is the right color and formulation for your skin. Color correcting concealers, like green/yellow for redness, and peach/yellow for undereye circles are a much better choice than simply layering on more makeup. Remember that redness will be easily picked up in photographs so take care to balance that out, and stay away from more pink based foundations.
Define eyes and brows- While its important to line and define eyes so they pop in photos, keep in mind that dark shadow will make eyes recede and look smaller. For big bright eyes, highlight the inner corners and brow bone with an off-white, light pink or pale gold shadow or crayon.
Make sure brows are properly framing the face- everyone looks better and younger with defined brows. Fill the arches with powder or a solid pigment and brush.
Skip the glitter- Radiance-enhancing or shimmery foundations make faces look too slick and shiny for photos, so if you must, keep the sheen only on cheekbones and the cupid’s bow for highlighting purposes. Always finish the t-zone with powder, and and blot any oiliness as needed.
Consider your lighting- Do take the time to stop and think about if the event/ photos will be taking place indoors or out, and at what time of day. Indoor photos will be taken with flash, so it’s important to use powder to combat shine and to also be sure foundation is matched well. If outdoors, soften makeup a bit as it can easily look too heavy or harsh in sunlight.
Personalize the look- The older you are, the more important it is to avoid shimmery eye makeup, as it tends to bring attention to fine lines. Black eyeliner can also look too harsh for older women (same goes for liquid liner). Many fair blondes may be more suited for eyeliner and mascara in the brown tones so as to not look overdone.
Content provided by Sarah Logan on behalf of ASI (esthetics school, NY). It offers aesthetics certification classes and specialized coursework in cosmetic laser training, as well as microdermabrasion training.
So, you think you know your friends do you? It’s been said a thousand times – if you want to know who your real friends are, just have a wedding. It brings out the best and worst in people. And, for some reason, even the (usually) most tactful, level-headed people do, ask and say some of the most tactless, rude and selfish things.
Take my friend Mary (names changed to protect the ‘not so’ innocent) for example. Mary is getting married in November. She has very specific ideas of how she wants her wedding to look (as most brides do), has picked out her exact colors to fall in line with her ‘not over the top’ Fall Theme – a warm sienna brown and burnt orange. She shares the exciting news along with decor ideas with her ‘friends’ who later become her bridesmaids who know full well the colors of the wedding. One would surmise at this point that being a bridesmaid will likely require you to wear one of these chosen colors. Also, one would surmise that accepting said responsibility of becoming a bridesmaid, you are ready to wear whatever your friend chooses because, let’s face it, that’s one of the main jobs of the bridesmaid. My friend Mary was cognizant of price and body shapes and struggled long and hard to accomodate both. So, she was befuddled, nay hurt when one bridesmaid in particular (we’ll call her Katy) tried to change Mary’s mind about the color she chose for the dress. “Okay” Mary thought, “Katy just wanted to express her opinion, we’ve talked it out, she understands this is the color I really want and that’s that.” A few weeks go by, and all women head to the dress shop to try on dresses when in a complete and total Bridesmaidzilla moment, Katy announces, “I don’t want to spend this kind of money on a dress I will never wear and if you can’t change the color, then I think I need to step down from being in your wedding”. Mary, understandably, was hurt, shocked and quite frankly kinda pissed. She stood her ground and explained to Katy that she was very sorry she felt that way, but that she would not be changing the color of the dress and hoped that she would still come to the wedding and enjoy herself as a guest (that’s the classy way to handle such a situation – you go Mary). Katy, probably being a bit shocked, proceeded to add salt to the wound by exclaiming, “well both me and [Maid of Honor] don’t like the color of the dress and wanted to tell you earlier”. Ummm, rude and immature much?
I feel horrible for my friend Mary. She is a good person who is not expecting more from a friend than any other Bride would. She is not requiring Katy to stuff her bra, get fake nails, dye her hair or any number of Bridezilla requests. She simply asked for her bridesmaid to wear her chosen color of dress as discussed ad nauseum prior to going to the dress shop. I am pissed that Katy is so selfish. How dare she turn what is supposed to be a fun and exciting day for everyone into a day/moment all about her. Quite frankly, who gives a rat’s butt what a bridesmaid is wearing? Who’s looking at her anyway? At the most, and I do mean at the most a bridesmaid could request to bring a change of clothes once all the pictures are done, but even that crosses the boundary into rude territory.
If you are ever asked to be a bridesmaid remember that this day is not about you. Selfish behavior is not acceptable from any party (Bridemaid, Bride, parents, etc.). Common courtesy and asking yourself if your actions or words could be hurtful before doing or saying something can go a long way. It is one day – wear the darn dress and get on with your life. Either you can afford to spend the money for your friend’s special day or not. It has nothing to do with spending money on a dress you will never wear again. If you couldn’t afford it, you should have said something when you were originally asked. If you know you’re too selfish, then decline immediately with honesty by explaining you simply don’t make a good bridesmaid.
It’s just ugly and gross to do this to someone you consider a friend.
I’m not sure where I originally found this, but I can say that I did not author it – it is the verbage I found and used on my own rehearsal dinner invitations, so I thought I’d share it with all of you in case you’re looking for some creative wording for your rehearsal dinner invitations.
Rehearsal Dinner
for
[Name] and [Name]
Before they say “I do”
There is one more thing to do
Practice makes perfect, Moms always say
So that’s what we will do on this day.
[Date of Rehearsal]
Bridal Party meet at [Ceremony location]
[Ceremony location address]
All others meet at [Name of Rehearsal Dinner location]
[Address of Rehearsal Dinner Location]
RSVP to [Name] by [date] [Phone Number]
Today’s featured article is written by Tonya Shadoan of Circle City Planners. We love this spunky, fun loving wedding planner. Talk to her or any of her team members and your sold – they have impeccable taste and will help you take your wedding to the next level!
When it comes to Circle City Planners and Circle City Designers what color comes to mind??? Well, you guessed it … PINK. Not only do we love pink,we live and breathe pink from our office, to our clothes, right down to the shoes we wear, it’s all about pink.
I fought loving and showcasing pink for the longest time when I began my business years ago. But what I found out was that I always went back to the color that made me feel most comfortable. PINK, PINK, PINK.
It’s so fun to see the grooms come into our office and sit in our girly, zebra chairs surrounded by the bubble gum shades on the walls. I try not to scare them off too much, but warn them that the next few months to almost a year they will spend hours in that exact chair smiling at their lovely brides.
But pink doesn’t have to be you, that’s the great thing about my job. I help you discover your favorite color.
What does your favorite color say about you? We take color very personal, finding and discovering what soothes your soul when it comes to your wedding colors. Are you wanting to create a cozy, warm environment OR are you trying to convey a wild, fun-entertaining feel for your event? No matter what color you decide, it’s all about how it makes you feel.
I don’t like to design a wedding around colors; I like to find inspirational elements in your environment that evoke a feeling between you and your groom. That’s the difference between a good designer and a GREAT one. So the next time you are at Home Depot, go look at those paint swatches and see which ones make you smile.
Wedding Love and Hugs,
Tonya
What Do Your Wedding Colors Say About You?
Your wedding colors can greatly impact the style and ambience of your special day. Some colors create a fun, vibrant environment while others create a sense of sophistication. Choosing a color palette that reflects your personality will help create the style you want at your wedding.
White: White is symbolic of purity and innocence. This adds a clean, fresh color to any palette. Brides who choose white as part of their color scheme might be seeking a color that adds simplicity to their wedding.
Black: This is a conservative choice for any bride and compliments almost any color. Black is a classic, never trendy, modern choice for a bride. Brides who want to create an ambience of sophistication might choose black as part of their color palette.
Red: This is a romantic choice for brides. It can represent a bride who is outgoing or ambitious. Brides who choose red as part of their color palette might be wanting to add a dramatic feel to their special day.
Pink: Brides who choose pink might be affectionate and nurturing. This adds a “girlish” feel to any wedding color palette. Light pinks can add a soft, romantic feel to a wedding day while brighter pinks add a sense of fun and excitement.
Purple: This color is often associated with royalty. A bride who chooses purple might be charming and witty. Purple often adds a sense of luxury to any color palette. This color was the hottest color in 2010 so brides who choose this color might be trendy.
Orange: Brides who choose orange are bold and spontaneous! Orange is a trendy hue that is typically found during the summer or fall months. Brides who choose orange might be extremely social and have an excitement for life!
Yellow: A bride who is cheerful and optimistic might choose this color as part of their wedding day. Yellow adds a sense of warmth to any wedding color palette. Along with orange, brides typically choose to add this color during the summer and fall months.
Green: Brides, who choose green as part of their wedding colors, might have a connection to nature. Green adds a clean, fresh color to the wedding palette. This color tends to represent someone who is responsible and refined.
Brown: This color represents comfort and honesty. Brides who choose brown might want to add a neutral color to their wedding color palette. Rich chocolate brown can add a dramatic effect while tan can add a modest effect.
Blue: A bride, who chooses blue as part of her wedding palette, might be compassionate and calm. Like pink, the feeling of blue can greatly depend on the hue of blue chosen by the bride. Teal creates a more fun, bold environment while midnight blue creates a sense of sophistication similar to black.
Tonya Shadoan is the owner of Circle City Planners. Brides are taken on the CCP journey exploring their wedding vision as our planners guide them through each step of the planning process. Tonya has earned the designation of Professional Bridal Consultant TM and is a Member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and International Special Events Society.
14074 Trade Center Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 | 317.770.4321
info@circlecityplanners.com | www.circlecityplanners.com
I was perusing my emails today and there was an orange blossom in one of them. Looking at it made me dream of warm spring days, fresh air with the wafting scent of orange blossoms, drinking crisp wine with friends as our kids ran around. Such an idyllic daydream, no? When I came out of my reverie, I thought that the orange blossom would be a good inspiration for a wedding theme and got to working on these two inspiration boards. What say you? Any comments, additions, suggestions, or even your own orange blossom inspiration board to share?
Orange Blossom Inspiration Board 1
Orange Blossom Inspiration Board 2
Here are the links for the items that I was able to find in the above boards:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/rubyandwillow: Orange Blossom Wedding Invitations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cathystotes: Orange Blossom Headband Fascinator
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lulubugjewelry: Orange Flower Necklace
http://www.etsy.com/shop/myneckcandy: Orange Blossom Earrings
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AFineDistraction: Orange Blossom Drop Earrings
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bellaseradesigns: Orange Blossom Gift Tags
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShoeBoxMemoriesDLuxe: Paper Blossoms
http://www.etsy.com/shop/inkOBSESSIONdesigns: Orange Blossom Bridal Shower Invitations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MudpieMarket: Orange Blossom Personalized Bag Tag
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperTigerWrap: Orange Blossom Wrapping Paper
http://www.etsy.com/shop/turbidblue: Neroli (Orange) Blossom Soap
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarlinCardCreations: Orange Blossom Save the Date Cards
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarlinCardCreations: Mod Orange Blossom Bridal Shower Invitations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoniRose: Brigitte Silk Chiffon Wedding Dress
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DarciJuliette: Convertible Orange Bridesmaid Dress
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kissmyattitude: Orange Blossom Special Bridesmaid Dress
Whether your rehearsal dinner or engagement party is at a fancy restaurant or an outdoor park, you want to look nicely put together as well as comfortable and appropriate for the occasion. I’ve put together 2 examples of rehearsal or engagement dinner outfits on opposite ends of the spectrum.
I received an email today from Etsy reminding me that Emerald is the color/birthstone of May and thought this could be great inspiration for a May bride or even a couple who shares May birthdays, or perhaps a way to incorporate a loved one into your wedding whose birthday is or was in May.
Pictured above are some fun items, I found on Etsy with the Emerald inspiration that could be used in a wedding with the links listed below:
The Emerald Headband would be a cute option as an accessory for your bridesmaid’s hair. Also shown is the headband used as a belt – I just love the peacock feather!
The Emerald Garter for the bride is super cute and will match your Emerald bridesmaid’s accessories too.
The Emerald Chandelier Necklace would be a stunning showpiece to wear for the Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom to wear with a lovely simple wedding day gown.
The Emerald Earrings would be a nice gift from you for your bridesmaids to wear with their bridal attire.
Don’t forget the Groom and his groomsmen! Shoes make the man and the Emerald Green Ferragamo Oxfords would be just the right touch for them to fit into your Emerald Wedding.
The lovely gradient Emerald Chiffon dress would be a beautiful summer or spring option for a bridesmaid dress and I bet this would be one they would want to wear again and again. It’s a good style to fit many different body shapes too.
The Emerald Garden Necklace would be a pretty option for your bridesmaids to wear with a simple bridesmaids dress, especially if you’re wedding theme incorporates other garden elements.
In response to one of our reader’s comments who asked how she could incorporate her love for tiger lilies and her fiance’s love of baby blue, we’ve come up with the color scheme of orange and baby blue. Not only are orange and blue complimentary colors, but they are very retro while being very hip and modern. They great colors for a wedding too because they instill a sense of whimsy and fun while still providing for that bit of romance.
Here is our inspiration board for Margot and others:
This is the seventh tip in our series of quick tips from The Wedding Scene Specialist, Aimee Hardenbergh of True Wedding Events.
Quick Tip #7:
Preferred Vendor verses Exclusive Vendor. What is the difference? If your unique venue has a list of preferred vendors it means that they prefer that you work with these vendors but do not require it. Vendors can be on the preferred list for many reasons and some of them may just be because they have paid to be on the list! Don’t feel any obligation to use them. If you do, still ask for at least 3 references. An Exclusive Vendor is another story. You have to use that vendor if you book that venue. Some venues have good reasons for this and I would not hesitate to ask why that vendor is the exclusive provider for that service at their property. Ask for the last 3 couples that used the Exclusive Vendor and find out the couple’s experience before you sign with the property. Just because they are Preferred or Exclusive doesn’t always mean they are fabulous. Still do your homework!
True Wedding Events
Aimee Hardenbergh
The Wedding Scene Specialist
www.trueweddingevents.com
aimee@trueweddingevents.com
This is the sixth tip in our series of quick tips from The Wedding Scene Specialist, Aimee Hardenbergh of True Wedding Events.
Quick Tip #6:
An important factor to consider when choosing your wedding venue is if you will be providing transportation for your guests. Most couples are shocked to discover how expensive shuttles are to rent. If you don’t want your guests drinking and driving, and you cannot afford to provide transportation, then you may want to consider having your reception in a hotel.
True Wedding Events
Aimee Hardenbergh
The Wedding Scene Specialist
www.trueweddingevents.com
aimee@trueweddingevents.com
This is the fifth tip in our series of quick tips from The Wedding Scene Specialist, Aimee Hardenbergh of True Wedding Events.
Quick Tip #5:
Look at your day of wedding venue appointments as a date. Make it fun! When you call to schedule your appointment, ask for a recommendation for a local lunch or dinner spot. You may find a new favorite place to eat or even the perfect spot for your Rehearsal Dinner!
True Wedding Events
Aimee Hardenbergh
The Wedding Scene Specialist
www.trueweddingevents.com
aimee@trueweddingevents.com
Most people who have pets will agree that they are part of their family. It is becoming quite common to include your pet (usually a dog, but not always). We’ve posted on this topic before about what to look out for when including your pet in your wedding, so this is just a fun little post to show you a cute little doo dad you can have your doggie wear as she romps down the aisle. Check out the designers other items too, there’s a really cute bow tie for the boy doggies too.
From Etsy designer, shop KCQ, this collar corsage is perfect for any wedding or special occasion: a gorgeous floral corsage made specifically for your dog! This collar accessory has all the elements of wedding luxury – hand stitched, duchess satin flower, decorated with tiny pink freshwater pearls sits atop a delicate arrangement of Venice lace, pearl garland and velvet ribbon.
This is the fourth tip in our series of quick tips from The Wedding Scene Specialist, Aimee Hardenbergh of True Wedding Events.
Quick Tip #4:
When scheduling your visits to possible wedding venues, try to be thoughtful about where they are located and the distance between them for travel time. Venue representatives typically will have appointments scheduled back to back and if you are late for your appointment, you will be cutting your appointment short. Don’t rush and don’t over schedule yourself.
True Wedding Events
Aimee Hardenbergh
The Wedding Scene Specialist
www.trueweddingevents.com
aimee@trueweddingevents.com
This is the third tip in our series of quick tips from The Wedding Scene Specialist, Aimee Hardenbergh of True Wedding Events.
Quick Tip #3:
When you are researching your wedding venue, are you acting like an undercover spy or like a bride that is organized and has her act together? Not giving your real name, contact information, number of guests and your preferred date is only going to work against you. Venues are legitimate businesses and act in a professional manner (or at least they should be!). They respond to so many inquiries that they can spot couples that are just “venue shopping” (yes, it is a past time for some!) and couples that are serious.
True Wedding Events
Aimee Hardenbergh
The Wedding Scene Specialist
www.trueweddingevents.com
aimee@trueweddingevents.com
This is the second tip in our series of quick tips from The Wedding Scene Specialist, Aimee Hardenbergh of True Wedding Events.
Quick Tip #2:
Before you begin looking at possible wedding venues, set your budget. That probably sounds like a broken record to you. But there is a reason you hear it over and over again! Having your wedding in a unique venue usually requires a substantial rental fee just for the use of the property. If you have no idea what your budget is and you overextend yourself in just renting the venue, then you may find yourself cutting corners and being unhappy with all of the other aspects of your wedding. Don’t be venue rich and wedding poor!
True Wedding Events
Aimee Hardenbergh
The Wedding Scene Specialist
www.trueweddingevents.com
aimee@trueweddingevents.com
This week we will be featuring wedding quick tips from The Wedding Scene Specialist, Aimee Hardenbergh of True Wedding Events. True Wedding Events specializes in Unique Venues in Washington, DC, Alexandria, Leesburg and everywhere in between! Without further ado, here is Aimee’s first wedding venue quick tip:
The key to a successful venue search begins with …virtual drum roll please…the quality of your inquiry. If you’re using http://www.getmarried.com/ or http://www.theknot.com/ or any other online resource for your search, it is especially important that you double check how you’ve entered your contact information. A venue has no way of figuring out what is wrong with an email address that you provide or an incorrect phone number. One wrong number or letter means that you are not going to get the information that you are looking for!
True Wedding Events
Aimee Hardenbergh
The Wedding Scene Specialist
http://www.trueweddingevents.com/
aimee@trueweddingevents.com
I LOOOOVE catalogs. Seriously, they are like window shopping, but so much safer since I have time to back out before spending way too much money. The number of catalogs I receive drives my husband nutty, but ocassionally he’ll come across one that he knows he shouldn’t throw directly into the recycle bin. One such catalog came in our mailbox the other day, Plow & Hearth. I liked everything on the cover which is dangerous from the start.
As spring and summer approach, my itch to start planning lots of outdoor parties at our house kicks into high gear along with my itch to buy things for said parties. Catalogs are where I can imagine my dream backyard perfectly decorated with every cool and comfortable amenity and every party luxury that would make my home the house where everyone wants to come to for a summertime party.
I save these catalogs, mark the pages and insert them into my listideas.com wish list registry (a very cool website by the way) where I can always return and slowly purchase every last item;) This week, I found these super cute, super cool items at Plow & Hearth and thought I would share them with our readers because I could see them being used for weddings, parties, nesting & more.
Imagine these in place of a traditional arch for your wedding day. You could buy two tall ones for where the two of you will be standing and two shorter ones for the start of the aisle.
We have a craftsman home, so it’s so nice to see that Mission style is having a bit of a comeback. I love these Mission style window planter boxes. 
This is where people in the industry think outside the box when designing a wedding or party and so should you. Imagine using these river rock stepping stones under your centerpieces on your tables. If you’re having a ‘green’ or garden chic wedding, this would be a cool little extra. 
Monograms are still a big hit at weddings. These monogram garden flags are beautiful, show your monogram on both sides, can be purchased with or without a wrought iron flag stand that can be put into the ground, and best of all, are quite economical. 
Loving these for a fun retro outdoor wedding or party. Best of all? They’re solar! 
I want these in every color!! Buy red, white & blue for a festive 4th of July party, or bright colors for a cheery spring or summer party. 
Hello spring ! Everywhere you look there are flowers sprouting up outside and in magazines. Now is the time to collect and clip all those beautiful flowers that are popping up everywhere! What better and fun way to recycle your magazines than clipping some colorful flowers to use in a project?
This project is addictive. I sat watching TV one night going through all my magazine stacks, clipping away, and then folding my small squares into paper flowers, I ended up with a pile of flowers in my lap, in all different colors!
Fun and so happy to have made use of all my magazines for a second time!
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED
HERE’S WHERE TO GET IT
Flower & garden, and home magazines. Your garden, nursery or craft store that has a floral section, for branches.
HERE’S HOW TO MAKE IT
Tip: Making bigger and smaller square templates will give you different sizes of flowers. This looks great if you want to make a bouquet of flowers, glued onto branches and put into a vase. You can also glue the small single flowers onto the branches to mix it up.
By: YLE Crafty Chic- Sharon Tittle
San Diego Family Hotels 
