The Ultimate Wedding Stationery Timeline

The wedding planning process needs an ultimate timeline of its own! Between cake tastings, dress fittings, and everything else on the never-ending to-do list that is planning a wedding, having a planning guide and timeline is seriously helpful! With wedding season about to kick off now is the perfect time to talk all things wedding plans, but rather than a full on wedding planning guide I am going to bring all of you something of a smaller scale!

I’ve recently been asked to team up with online stationery design company, Basic Invite, and as promised, I’m going to bring you a shorter, but no less important timeline… a timeline to wedding stationery! Elegant wedding invitations and stationery play a pretty large role throughout the entirety of the wedding planning process and because of the role they play, it’s important that you’re planning ahead, sticking to the schedule, and following up promptly and with proper etiquette.

If you’re wedding is in the early summer – say late June or any of the remaining spring days you’re probably already be a pro when it comes to elegant wedding invitations since they’ve hopefully been sealed and sent by now. But for all you brides getting hitched later in the year or next year this is perfect timing… So, get comfy and get ready for some serious note taking!

Let’s start with the basics… what makes up a wedding invitation suite? Well, that depends. Each wedding is different and there are always going to be exceptions to the rule. Brides should keep in mind things like the number of guests, budget, and any other important factors that make their wedding different while making these choices and planning their special day.

Traditionally, a wedding suite is made up of 6 pieces.

A single wedding invitation, and five enclosure cards.
Enclosure cards are; rsvp’s, registry, accommodations, directions, and reception cards

If you’re used to seeing box store wedding invitations you may only be familiar with seeing a save the date followed by a single wedding invitation that contains all the info a guest needs along with an rsvp card. But if you’ve ever received a wedding invitation in the mail that comes along with more than just an rsvp, those are your enclosure cards and it probably means that the couple hopped online to create a custom suite or paid the big bucks to have something custom made by a local boutique shop.

When it comes to how many enclosure cards you choose for your day, there is no right or wrong answer. Just be sure the info you send out is clear and correct so you’re guest’s have everything they need at their finger tips. The most important part is lining up the timing!

The pros over at Basic Invite suggest starting your wedding stationery journey 8+ months out. No matter how long you’ve been engaged or how short, having your color palette set and your style in mind going into the wedding invitation process – 8+ months will have you on the right track!

Next up, save the dates. Once you’ve decided on a style and colors it’s time to officially kick off your walk down the aisle with custom save the dates. 6+ months out be sure to order your save the dates so they are ready to be sent out a month prior to your wedding invitations. You will want to send out your save the dates about 4+ months before the wedding followed by your wedding invitations so be sure to order your wedding invites as soon as your save the dates are in the mail!

3+ months prior to your wedding is the best time to send out your wedding invitations. It gives guests plenty of time to plan ahead, mark their calendars, and rsvp’s with enough time to spare. Once your invites are all squared away remember to order any of your wedding day stationery like your menus, programs, and place cards.

Pro Tip: If you’re having a destination wedding make sure guests are aware of that prior to sending invitations – so, be sure to make that detail apparent on your save the date cards. Sending out your invitations a couple of weeks early is one option or giving guests a bit longer to respond back is another alternative. Doing this can help give you the best turn out for your romantic weekend getaway or destination wedding!

Once you break the timeline down it really isn’t that much to keep track of. At this point, you’re married and all you have to worry about after the honeymoon is sending out your announcements and thank you notes! And then it’s truly time to enjoy being newlyweds!

Don’t forget to order your wedding announcements and write and send out your thank you notes about 2 weeks after the wedding. The guests who couldn’t make it will want to feel like they we’re a part of your big day and receiving a photo-wedding announcement with the happy couple will be a great and unexpected surprise! When it comes to thank you notes, couples often times post-pone writing out their thank you notes because the honeymoon phase has taken over, but try taking your thank you notes with you for the plane ride to your honeymoon destination and get them sealed and sent ASAP! Its details like this that your guests will appreciate and remember for years to come.

Stationery Timeline Recap:

8+ months: pick your colors and order samples
6+ months: order your save the date cards
4+ months: send your save the dates and order your wedding invitations
3+ months: send out your wedding invitations and order your wedding day stationery & thank you notes
2 weeks post wedding: order wedding announcements and send your thank you notes!

Now that you have a better ideas of what all goes into wedding stationery and the skills to stay organized and on top of things, head over to Basic Invite and use coupon code 15FF51 for 15% off everything site wide! Basic Invite makes it easy to shop online because of their endless customization options and 180 custom color choices. Just click on any design you like and scroll to see the matching suite. Play with customization options and colors until you’ve familiarized yourself with the website and have a solid idea of the style you’re going for. Then, get to customizing and check those mini-milestones off your list!

April 17, 2018

Wedding Woes? 3 Tips that Make Wedding Planning Easier!

Congratulations! You’re engaged to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with! You’re overjoyed with love and happiness until you remember you have a wedding to plan.

At first, you’re excited. You get to plan a big party celebrating everlasting love. However, if you’re like most individuals, you become overwhelmed with venue details, color patterns, flower arrangements, food, and the list goes on and on. In fact, more than 96% of individuals admit wedding planning is extremely stressful.

If you’re feeling stressed and worn out planning the “best day of your life,” try following these three simple tips:

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Did you know that the average wedding costs $28,386.00? This number only increases every year. Before you even consider a venue, dress, or even the invitations, set a budget and STICK TO IT. Knowing your budget will help you plan how much money you want to spend in certain areas and prevent financial stress. Are planning on spending $5,000 on your dress? Maybe you should DIY your centerpieces. This will help you will prevent exceeding your funds.

Go to Bridal Expos and Buy Wedding Planner Booklets

Attend bridal expos! It’s a lot of fun. These shows also give you ideas for your big day. At a Bridal Expo, you’ll have opportunities to win an all expense paid honeymoon, wedding dress, and so much more. You’re also given the chance to purchase wedding planner “planners.” These booklets help keep your wedding planning organized, with different sections dedicated to seating arrangements, invitations, venue, bridesmaids, and other important aspects of the wedding.

Remember Why…

Wedding planning is stressful and there isn’t much you can do about it. When you find yourself worrying about throwing the ideal wedding, remember why you’re doing it. Your wedding is a celebration of your union with the love of your life. There is nothing more perfect or beautiful than that.

If you need a makeup artist for your wedding, download Mobile Styles today. Discover talented artists who’ll make sure you’ll look your best on your wedding day.

*For more on beauty, head over to Mobile Styles

February 23, 2018

9 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations For People in Love

Andaman and nine other most romantic honeymoon destinations for people in love

Planning your honeymoon should be perfect. A blissful start to a new life together builds the foundation of love and romance. There are so many places for newlyweds to spend their first vacation together, but these ten places always stand out –

Seychelles

Seychelles is an exotic getaway for people in love. It is the perfect honeymoon destination for solitude seekers looking to bask in the glorious sun and sip amazing wine at the same time. Walk through the mystical rainforests and indulge in water activities during your stay. Travel to La Digue and Mahe Islands to soak in the tropical sun with your loved one by your side.

Andaman Nicobar tour package

A collection of the most beautiful islands, where each one has a different experience to offer. Newlyweds often choose Andaman due to the richness of adventure, nature, and experiences this archipelago has to offer. The islands have some of the most romantic beaches in the world, perfect for honeymooners. You will also find a suitable Andaman Nicobar tour package that fits your budget to have a smooth vacationing experience.

Morocco

Have you always dreamt of losing track of time with your beloved by your side on the dunes? Morocco is the romantic fairytale place with the charm of a desert and white sandy beaches. Enjoy the subtle Mediterranean nuances of romance as you absorb the new smells, the unique heritage, breathtaking colors and new culture of this unique city.

Jaisalmer

No one has experienced the true beauty of nature and solitude unless they have stepped on the sandy dunes on Jaisalmer to witness the sunset. Mount Abu, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner are all nearby from the camel safari and desert carnival capital of India.

Turkey

Not a lot of people can deny the understated charms that Turkey brings to international travel. It has always been a favorite among the honeymooners interested in panoramic views of nature, calm surroundings, rich cultural heritage, amazing shopping experience and great food. Do not forget to book your ticket for a ride in the hot air balloon across the azure sky over the colorful streets of Turkey.

Mauritius

Apart from the crazy parties, carnivals, and lazy beaches, Mauritius has a wonderfully untouched countryside and country life waiting for you! Go on a romantic date on private islands or go dolphin watching to shake things up a bit. Trek to the craters of active volcanoes to spice up the relationship a bit.

Thailand

If you want to travel abroad but don’t have the budget, Thailand is the perfect option for you. This is a collection of the most exotic beaches and white sands that transports people from Indian soil to the unknown tropics within seconds. Live up your honeymoon nights in the white moonlight or enjoy relaxing couple’s massages in one of the thousands of exotic massage centers within the capital.

Shimla

No couple can think of a culturally diverse honeymoon, without thinking of Shimla at least once. It has been an uncontested favorite among young love for decades. Small hill-stations, lush greenery, rich heritage, great shops and amazing food welcome every couple from across the world.

Egypt

Egypt has been a favorite among everyone looking to dive into the history and heritage of the pharaohs. The desolate ruins and imposing pyramids inspire a different romance that is hard to find elsewhere. Shop at El Haram and soak up the sun at Alexandria before leaving for Luxor and Taba.

The Maldives

An exotic beach honeymoon is incomplete without the Maldives. Stay at luxury beach resorts, indulge in couple’s spas and massages, spice up your relationship in the solitude of the tropical islands far away from the clamor of the city life.

Spice up your love with the bounties these romantic locations have to offer!

February 5, 2018

Having a Military Wedding on a Budget

There are ways to plan a military wedding on a budget

Every young couple has issues to cope with when it comes time to prepare their wedding on a limited budget.

If the bride or the groom is in the military, there are additional challenges. These unions are steeped in tradition and are moving and touching.

But, before you begin your life together as a military family, there are some important issues to consider.

Photo Credit

Your financial health

Everything you do has consequences. The consequences of being a member of the military and accruing debt you cannot pay can damage your military career. The government can and will pull a soldier’s credit report if they are seeking a job in the armed forces where they need security clearance.

If the report is bad and you have debt that is not being paid properly, the security clearance will be revoked. It gets worse. Having debt that they cannot pay entitles the government to reclassify them involuntary or discharge them from the service. Most soldiers who have reached a level where they need security clearance will choose discharge over being dropped down to the level of a cook.

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Having a great wedding on a limited budget

In some ways having a military budget-wedding is easier. A bride and groom can have a civil service or take advantage of the military chapel. Formal dress uniforms are highly regarded and save the couple money renting a tux.

You will need to check with the Chaplain to get a copy of what is and is not allowed. For example, nothing can be added to the military uniform. That includes boutonnieres.

Taking advantage of the Saber Arch gives you the unique wedding that you dream of, and saves on decorations as the arch takes center stage. You can easily add this best rustic chalkboard for a garden wedding theme.

Wedding colors should complement the military uniform. Choose a bouquet that brings out the accent colors of the uniform. Red roses are a good match. Bridesmaids dresses in red, blue, tan, or olive are also a good choice.

Formal or casual seating?

If you are going to have a sit-down reception, you need to know the protocol. High ranking members of the military must be given seating of honor, together. Lower ranking military personnel can be given the choice of sitting at their own table or sitting with friends and family.

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Pastry?

In many cases the time for the bride and groom is limited. They may opt to have an afternoon wedding and simply serve pastry and punch. They may choose a traditional wedding cake. However, consider this. The cake is the most expensive option. It takes time to dispose of the leftover cake and there is a substantial amount of clean up.

A candy buffet is a good choice. It is less expensive. Very trendy and beautiful, and by buying bulk candy online, the candy is delivered right to the bride or groom. Leftovers are placed in treat bags and sent home with the guests. Clean up is not a problem.

Another choice is a cookie or donut bar. These are very popular and make a nice display. However, if they are not consumed immediately, they are not fresh after the event.

Incorporating your love for country and support of the United States military is an honored tradition. It costs less than traditional weddings, and the rules that are in place ensure an elegant affair. There is no better way to show your commitment to your partner and your country than a military wedding.
Related:
Tips to Help You End Up with the Best Wedding Photographs
4 Tips For Best Wedding Photographs
6 Types of Bridal Flowers That Will Complement Your Wedding Dress

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