Invite Designer - Creative Wedding Planning & Ideas

After all your planning and anticipation, your wedding day has finally arrived!  Since this is a day full of excitement, chances are you’re going to forget some things.  Here’s a checklist for your wedding day to help make it go as smoothly as it can.  Where possible, delegate the supervision of these activities to others.  You have enough to occupy your time!

Places, everybody!  Does everyone know where they’re supposed to be and when?  Do the ushers know where to seat the families and friends of the bride and groom?  Do the musicians know the order of music?  Do the photographer and videographer know the special moments you specifically want captured on film?  What about the catering staff - when will they arrive and set up?  Before your wedding day, consider what everyone needs to do and make a checklist for each of them. 

Ring Toss.  Knowing who has the rings shouldn’t be a toss up.  Make sure the Best Man has the bride’s wedding band and the Maid of Honor has the groom’s.

Necessities.  Along with your wedding gown and accessories, pack along emergency items, such as extra hosiery; health products - antacids, pain killers, band aids, menstrual products; static cling spray; sewing kit and safety pins; lint remover; clear nail polish (for nylon runs); phone numbers of wedding party and vendors; and crazy glue or an extra pair of shoes if you break a heel.  Also pack along everything for your trip if you’re leaving for your honeymoon right from the reception.

Paperwork.  Bring along your marriage license and any permits you need.  If you’re leaving for your honeymoon directly after the reception, make sure you have your travel documents and confirmations.

Pampering.  Before you have to kick it into high gear, take a long, hot shower or bath to relax.  Pamper yourself as much as possible because you’re going to need those extra reserves for the big day ahead of you.  Also, when you have your hair and makeup done, remember to wear a button up shirt, so nothing will get messed up when changing into your wedding gown. 

Let them eat cake.  Make sure you bring along your cake cutter and lifter.

Epilogue.  When the last of the guests have left, assign a couple friends or family members to check the wedding and reception areas for anything left behind.

A checklist for your wedding day will help things run smoother.  While your wedding day is one of the most special days in your life, it is also one of the most stressful.  Be good to yourself during this time.  Making a checklist will help you organize and remain calm.  Perhaps the most important item not mentioned on this checklist is:  breathe!  Relax; everything will turn out just right.

If you’re like most people, the thought of your upcoming wedding leaves you breathless with excited anticipation, yet filled with dread at the same time. The cost of a wedding nowadays can put a damper on anyone’s mood. There are, however, ways to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your dream day. Here are the top ten ways to save money on your wedding, so you can look forward to your day with joy.

1.  Flowers.  Most people don’t realize how costly flowers can be.  Get creative by using wildflowers from a friend’s garden.  These wildflowers can be used in the bridal or flower girl bouquets, headpieces, and centerpieces at your reception.  If your wedding is during cold months, try dried flowers.  If you’ve been planning your wedding far in advance, perhaps you could even dry your friend’s wildflowers and put them into your lovely wedding decor.  Another option are silk flowers.

2.  Wedding dress.  A wedding dress is often the single most expensive purchase.  You can save money on your gown without going broke by considering a wedding gown rental.  Wedding gown rental boutiques are in most major cities.  They carry very fashionable wedding attire in very good condition.  After all, the gown was only worn once.  Additionally, you can also wear a wedding gown that has been worn by someone in your family or your groom’s family.  This is a sentimental touch that will be meaningful to you, your groom, and your families.  Many dresses can be altered to fit you or to add your creative touches. 

3.  Decorations.  When decorating for your reception, you don’t have to go broke.  You can get great deals on little vases, candles, and candle holders at a dollar store.  No one will suspect that these are dollar items when you spruce them up with a little bouquet of flowers or when you light the candles.

4.  Invitations.  If you’re creative, or have some creative friends and family, consider do-it-yourself invitations.  Many online stores offer such kits; these will save you money and add a personal touch to your invitations.

5.  Wedding Cake.  Consider purchasing a plain wedding cake and decorating it yourself with fresh flowers.  There’s a wealth of information online for tips on how to decorate a wedding cake.  There are even wedding cake kits you can purchase where all the decorations and serving platters are supplied.  All you have to supply is the cake. 

6.  Reception.  Consider holding your reception in a local hotel.  Ask to see if they’ll offer a package discount package if your out of town guests stay there, and you’ll rent their reception/party room.  Dinners at hotels generally come with everything - good food, wait staff, and a live DJ.  If you don’t want a catered affair and you have a small guest list, choose a private room at your favorite restaurant. 

7.  Photography and Videography.  Many people spend a lot for wedding photographs and videos.  If you want formal wedding pictures, shop around for the best package deal.  Make sure your photographer gives you the negatives, so you can make more copies in the future.  Most people don’t keep a photographer for the actual wedding ceremony and reception because friends and family will be taking plenty of photos.  Did you know it’s quite fashionable to place a few disposable cameras on reception tables, expressly encouraging people to take photos of the festivities.  With many people taking photos, you’re sure to get a lot of quality pictures.

Hiring a videographer can be just as costly as a photographer.  Have a couple of your friends and family take videos of your wedding and reception.  Nowadays, many people have video cameras; such owners are itching to record, so let them!  If there are particular scenes you want them to capture, make a list.  After all, you’re the director of your special day!

8.  Music.  The choice of music will determine how much you can save in music costs.  A good pianist or organist costs a lot less than a string quartet.  You can also play recorded music if there’s a good sound system available.  At the reception, consider hiring a DJ to play recorded music.  A DJ is a lot cheaper than a live band.

9.  Appearance.  Have a friend or family member help you with your hair and makeup.  You can even consider their help as a wedding gift to you.  After all, they are helping you cut costs and make you look beautiful.

10.  Planning ahead.  If you have a long engagement, you have time to plan ahead and take advantage of sales.  Oftentimes bridal shops will have super sales once or twice a year.  Also, think outside the box:  you don’t have to purchase items such as shoes at a bridal shop.  You can purchase cheaper white shoes during the summer at regular shoe stores.  Decorations, such as flowers and candles, can be purchased when you see them on sale.

There are many ways to save money on your wedding.  All it takes is a little time and creativity!