Guest Post: 10 Steps to Achieving Perfect Wedding Invitations

There are hundreds of little details to consider when arranging a wedding and undertaking such a task can be daunting. It can be tempting to rush through certain jobs to get them ticked off your list and as a result many couples will buy their wedding invitations without giving them suitable thought. This can be a huge mistake and lead to problems further down the line. Your wedding invitations really are very important and taking a little time to get the right ones will give you a good framework to plan the rest of the event. Considering the 10 factors below should help ensure that you end up with the right invites for your big day.

Wedding Invitations by Paper Themes

1) Theme or design
Themed weddings are becoming increasingly popular and if you are going for such an event then you should of course incorporate this into your invitation design. If you won’t be including any theme then your key consideration is whether the wedding is going to have a contemporary feel, or be more traditional. You may wish to contemplate the feel that your planned venue delivers when making this choice.

2) Matching color
Getting the right color scheme for your invites will usually mean incorporating the shades that will be present on the day. The most popular choices are to include colors of the flowers that will be used in the bride’s bouquet or the bridesmaid’s dresses.

3) Setting the tone
The type of language that you use within the text of your invites can play a big role in setting the tone of the wedding day. If you go for more archaic and formal wording; this is an indicator to guests that it will be a more formal affair. Where wording is more casual, guests will expect a more relaxed affair.

Black Enchanting Wedding Invitation

4) Suitable font
Another important aspect of the wording is the font that is used. If you are going for a traditional wedding then it is best to utilize a flowing font.  Where the celebration will be more modern, bold fonts with sharp edges are better suited.

5) Important details
Making sure that you get all the right information on the invites might seem like an obvious point to raise.  However, you would be surprised at just how many couples order and then realize that something has been omitted. Double check that you have got all of your details correct, before placing your order. To be absolutely certain that everything is as it should be you may even want to get a friend or family member to review them for you, as it is easy to overlook an error when checking something that you have become familiar with.

6) Considering size
There is no real rule over how big your wedding invitations should be.  Just be sure that they are big enough to display all of the required information without looking cramped. Of course, going for really big invites can look a bit odd and detract from the message you are retying to convey to your guests. You are usually looking at 9 x 18cm for the smallest invites, with the biggest ones at around 15 x 22cm.

7) A means of reply
Whether you include a separate RSVP, or a tear off tab on the invite; it is essential that proposed guests have means to advise you as to whether they shall be attending. If you forget to do this then you will be waiting a long time before you can finalize numbers, which can impact on all manner of details, from seating plans to catering requirements.  And do remember to include a return address!

8) Incorporating ribbons

Gilded Rose Invitation Kit

Whether or not to include a ribbon on your wedding invitations is really down to personal preference, although they are more suited to traditional ceremonies. If you do decide to go for ribbons make sure that they aren’t too big - which can overpower the invite itself. Also take into consideration that your envelopes will have to be a little larger to allow for the ribbon.

9) Finishing touches
Once your ordered invitations have arrived you can get busy writing the recipients names in, either yourself or by hiring a professional wedding calligrapher. However, before you start the process make sure that you have a nice pen to do the job right. Silver and gold ink always looks nice and the classic fountain pen is also a popular choice. If you don’t have anything suitable in the house when the invites arrive; avoid the temptation to get started with a roller ball pen. Otherwise your impatience can leave your beautiful invites looking a little on the tacky side.

10) Timing is everything
Now all that is left is to post and deliver your invites. But when is the right time to do so?  If you have already sent out save the date cards, then there is somewhat less urgency, as people know when you big day is going to be. In such cases 2 months before the set date will be fine. However, if your wedding invitations will provide the first concrete information to many people in terms of date and venue then you should try to get them to your invited guests around 3 to 4 months before the date. If you don’t you run the risk that some of your intended guests will have made other plans, such as booking a holiday.

A guest post by Michael Smith at Paper Themes, the one-stop-shop for wedding stationery. The Paper Themes brand has been in the wedding stationery market for over 100 years and is located in the UK. They design and provide personalized wedding stationery for happy brides-to-be across England and overseas.

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RAM Construction: 10 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Home

As a calligrapher, I cater many of my posts to things of wedding nature for my bridal clients. But after the honeymoon, there's still things to read up on - like how to take care of your new home together! In this guest post contributed by RAM Construction (carpenter and home remodeling contractor in Massachusetts' North Shore), he discusses the top 10 questions you should ask before purchasing a new home.

Finding your dream home can be a challenging experience: especially since you are physically visiting houses that must stack up to all that dreamy criteria in your head. While it's great to visit open houses, it's not enough to just do a walk-through. In order to paint a comprehensive picture of your investment, you should ask the right questions for every house you visit, and don't be afraid to ask!

Here are some essentials every potential homeowner should ask when viewing a home. Print this out as a worksheet if you have to, especially if you have a few houses in mind without a method to compare them. So let's get started!

1) What am I buying?

Ask exactly what is included in the sale, including land, that spacious garage, and other fittings. You'd hate to  invest in your new home and realize that you've now got to purchase a boiler.

2) How much will my bills be?
It's not enough to just determine what your monthly mortgage payment is: you'll need to know how much your utilities and council tax bills will be. Determine whether the house uses electricity, gas, or both, and ask the seller what you might expect to pay for these bills.

3) Who’s lived here before me?
While not many people think to ask this question, it's a good way to approach the condition of the house that you're interested in. New homes that have just been placed on the market ensure that it hasn't had any previous neglectful owners.

4) Have there ever been any issues with the boiler?
Boiler issues are extremely expensive, so always inquire as to whether there have ever been any faults with the boiler, and details on when it was last serviced.

5) Is it insulated?
A properly insulated home will save you hundreds in heating bills. Ask the seller about the cavity and loft wall insulation: if the home doesn't have any, you will need to pay for a new remodeling project.

6) Has it been remodeled?
If the home you're viewing isn't new, ask about previous remodeling projects that the house has undergone. Be sure to request building and planning consent forms so you can see the history of the house.

7) Is central heating installed?
This is a big one: ask if the house comes with full central heating. If not, you could pay a great deal for individual heaters or remodeling projects to fit radiators. If there is central heating, ask how old it is and if it has a history of problems.

8) How new is the décor?
A house with dated decor may require you to invest in updates when you move in. In this case, you'll have to evaluate whether this is something you are willing to do and how much it will cost.

9) What’s the surrounding area like?
This is good to both research online and to ask the real estate agent or seller. Ask about local amenities that are important to you, and inquire about the crime rate.

10) What are the neighbors like?
Take time to ask about the neighbors! You'll be living next to them for years to come, so it's a good idea to get to know the street atmosphere. Ask how long they've lived in the area, who they are (i.e., young couples like you or big families?) This could save you a lot of frustration in the long run, and maybe be a deciding factor if you're in a deadlock between a few properties.

So go look at some houses, and good luck! And if you're local to Massachusetts' North Shore, contact me for any remodeling questions or projects and I'd be more than happy to help out.


Source: The Most Important Checks You Must Make Before Moving Into a New House

About the Author: Rick McManus of RAM Construction in a local Massachusetts' North Shore carpenter who has owned and operated his own business for several years. He specializes in indoor and exterior remodeling, as well as home construction projects such as deck construction and home additions. For more information, please visit this great business' home construction website to contact him about how you can get started on your next home improvement project!

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11 Tips for Wedding Dresses

I received the following guest post on wedding dress tips, and thought it would be great for my bride wedding calligraphy clients and readers that are looking for some fun (and budget-saving!) wedding-dress reading before their big day. Enjoy!

1) Wedding dresses should be purchased at least a few months before the ceremony. It takes about a month for the gown to arrive. Once it arrives, you will need to take it to an expert seamstress to have the gown fitted and altered.

2) Never use foundation on your décolletage. The powder can stain wedding dresses an unattractive yellow or tan color.

Little Mermaid Inspired Wedding Dress, Alfred Angelo

3) Trunk shows are planned well in advance, so bridal stores should be able to give you a list of dates. Trunk season is from January to May and each show lasts from one to three days. Appointments fill up quickly so call early!

4) "Normal" alterations include shortening straps, adding a bustle, adding a bra cup to the bust, and adjusting a hem. If the gown is too tight and bunching, no amount of alterations will make it comfortable and will fail to show your figure in its best light.

5) Bridal shops often have sales right after high school dances. Check out your local high schools’ websites to get a calendar of school events. If you’re able to shop during a weekday, you will usually get better service.

A-Line Wedding Dress, Simply Bridal

6) When deciding the dress budget, factor in the cost of accessories and alterations. Be aware that sleeve, bodice, and hemline alterations all have different costs. If you plan to lose weight, you will want to discuss it with your seamstress.

7) Create a log of likes and dislikes about various wedding dresses. You can start immediately by buying wedding magazines, ripping out pictures, and circling your favorite parts. You can also do this with accessories.

8) Most trunk shows offer a discount for placing your order on the spot, up to 20%. Even if the salon doesn't offer a discount, the designer may throw in a few extras (buttons down the back, additional length on the train) without charging you more.

9) Before buying a dress online, be aware of the shipping and restocking costs. If the dress seems too good to resist, call up your credit card company before you buy to see how you can protect yourself from unscrupulous sellers.

10) Details like beading and lace are often done by hand. It is often more economical to choose a simple and classic gown and dress it up with well-chosen accessories. You can wear the jewelry again, but not the dress.

11) Keep in mind that most of your guests will be staring at the back of your dress for most of the ceremony. Make sure the dress looks fantastic from all angles.

About the Author: Molly Warner is a writer for SimplyBridal.com, a well known retailer of high quality online wedding dresses. She's been planning her own wedding since she was a seven-year old flower girl and has written for various publications before deciding that her passion is in the bridal industry, especially wedding dresses. 

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Guest Post: How to Make the Perfect Homemade Bracelet your Man will Love (And Wear)

When you give a present to your boyfriend, fiance, or husband, for his birthday or for no special reason at all, you often wonder if he actually liked it or not. If he will ever use it or just store it inside his drawer. It is innate for men that they do not display how they truly feel, but like women, they do value whatever it is that you give him, especially if you had dedicated your time and effort in making that present.

There are many choices of gifts to give and choosing the perfect one, more often than not gives you a hard time. What you give should reflect you how special he is to you. A homemade bracelet wholeheartedly crafted for him would be a fine choice. Men are not fond of wearing jewelry. They can make do with just a watch or bracelet. So be sure that the bracelet you are to create will suit his taste and will actually be wearable.

Bracelets can be created from various raw supplies readily available in craft stores. Beads, leathers, chains you name it, there will always be one that will suit your man’s style.

Men's Leather Cuff, $50 from rainwheel

Leather bracelet

Leather is an uncomplicated material that will produce a numerous style of bracelets depending on how you construct it. A single strip of polished leather in a moderate width will look elegant if accentuated with a plain bar of metal. If you want an ethnic feel, start with a wide strip of leather then put a row of little holes on either side of the strip. Thread a long, thin leather cord through the holes in a crisscross pattern. Put a snap-on button on its end that will serve as the lock of the bracelet. Decorate the leather with some metal studs if you have a guy who loves to rock and roll. And not to forget the classic one, a simple braided strips of leather that goes well with any style.

Simple Beaded "Evil Eye" Bracelet, $10

Beaded bracelet

Beaded bracelets for men differ a lot in contrast to those specifically made for women. If you want to create a beaded bracelet for your guy, use beads that are larger in diameter and with rustic appeal. Go for materials made of wood, clay or stone. Use of thread that is thin enough to pass through the holes of the beads yet sturdy enough to hold them together is important to avoid bending due to the weight of the beads when the bracelet is being worn.

Surfer Hemp Leather Bracelet Wristband, $8 from LeatherBracelet1

Hemp bracelet
Hemp bracelet has become especially popular nowadays. It is unique, comfortable to wear and very affordable. It is made of hemp twine, a tough fiber derived from an Asian plant. The signature color of this twine is tan, its natural shade, and is fitting for men’s taste. To make one, you have to be knowledgeable on how to do different styles of knots, weaves and braids to produce a unique design. This style of bracelet carries no clasps or locks to keep it in place. Instead, they use a long cord that is knotted adjoining with the other end to adjust depending on the size of the wrist.


Now it is up to you to decide on what style will be best to create for him. Keep in mind that whatever bracelet type you settle on, work on it with love. Your handcraft may not be perfectly polished, but it will not matter a bit. What is important is that you give you best to give him a perfect gift that comes from your heart.

About the author: Sarah is the relationship manager of Nanostyle. NanoStyle is the first and only to imprint 24kt gold on Cubic Zirconia jewelry. The company is famous for creating elegant love pendants and Christian pendants. 



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EverlastingInvites Guest Post: Fall Weddings

We all know how popular June weddings are. June has been the most popular time of the year to get married. With the flowers and leaves fresh in bloom, it is no wonder that it is a chosen time of the year for making new promises and commitments to each other.

Though most weddings occur during the summer months, Fall weddings have been becoming more popular and with good reason. While June may have flowers and trees in bloom, Autumns palette is in full bloom with an array of the most enchanting and romantic colors. The hot days of summer are gone yet the days are still warm and beautiful.

Fall Wedding Invitations from EverlastingInvites

Fall allows for fun themes with Halloween, and Thanksgiving / Harvest time. Possible  themes could be centered around pumpkins, apples or Autumn foliage. Color options are endless from golden greens, burnt orange, yellows, eggplant, browns and various reds including merlot, burgundy, and cranberry.

With all that Autumn has to offer, you really cannot go wrong with planning the perfect wedding. A great place to start is with custom wedding invitations from Everlasting Invites to help you get started on the perfect fall-theme wedding of your dreams!

 

-This guest post written by EverlastingInvites, a professional graphic designer based out of Fitzwilliam, NH. Visit her sites for more information and images of her custom wedding invitations:
www.everlastinginvites.etsy.com
www.everlastinginvites.com

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Coquette Bath Guest Post: Wedding Gifts

Your wedding is your special day, reflecting your internal commitment to one another, the outer celebration will be unique for everyone. We all dream over the fantasy wedding events (like the recent televised marriage of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge (Will & Katherine) but in reality, you're on a budget, aren't you? And you're trying to offer the best possible memories to everyone without going too crazy.

Choosing the right invitation, service arrangement, dress and music is vital. But so are other littler things. Such as the gifts given to your attendants, the parents of both bride and groom, and little gifts given in remembrance to your guests. While not the standard wedding gift, Cari of Coquette Bath & Home™ does have a few suggestions about unique and memorable wedding gifts.

"I've been making soap, candles and such for more than 10 years. About 7 years ago, I started getting requests for wedding favors. And that's when I began doing custom sachets and jar candles." Sachets are a very lovely memory of your event. Packaged in a customized (if you choose) container, this is a gift that not only will be used, but the gentle fragrance will remind folks for months about your special day.

Ditto jar candles. Cari's about to introduce a very cute boxed jar candle (coming this fall) in a variety of scents, but for now, you could opt for one of her 6oz travel candles in a variety of great fragrances. And even if the scent you want isn't listed, she can do that for you, too! "Brides have special needs, and I work hard to make their dreams come alive."

Wedding candles and sachets (particularly with custom labels) are special order. Contact Cari at info@coquettebath.com for all the information. Want a special bridesmaid gift? She highly recommends her wonderful roll-on perfume oils (at just $7.25 each!). And, for everyone, even if you don't want to buy custom, check out her site and use code Sorbet11 to save 15% off all orders until 8/31/11! Previously reduced items and jar candles (the big heavy ones) are excluded as are special orders from this code. Enjoy!

Visit the Coquette Bath Website
Read more from the Coquette Bath Blog


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