Is this ok?...

I've created a new series now that we're past all the Wedding Magic (7-7-07 wedding date included). I've decided to create a nice paper series with questions that will provide you a little bit of information about paper etiquette, styles, fonts, techniques etc so you are more knowledgeable about this world of paper. Look for our Is This OK series on Fridays. Here's the kick off question for our series…

Once friends and family know you design wedding invitations suddenly you become the consummate expert on not just invitations but also weddings. Recently I was asked a question… "Is it ok to include where we're registered with our invitations?" Before I share my answer I have had many friends and family include these lovely cards with their beautiful designs that sometimes coordinate to your wedding colors On the front it says the name of the store with your names on the back (or vice versa). Of course because of their elegance and how well they fit into your wedding invitations its natural to think that if they give them to you then you should put them in your invitation. Right?

WRONG!

Including registry cards is considered impolite. Of course you ask... Says Who? Well plenty of etiquette experts, Emily Post included will tell you--Don't Do It! Why, you ask? Lets make it simple. This is an event that you are hosting and have invited close friends and family to celebrate with you. You're guest are invited to your wedding because you want them to come. To expect them to come and bring a gift in etiquette rules is expecting more from your guest than they really have to give. In all honesty my dear Bride you should not expect a gift. GASP! I know the world of registry will crumble on those words—OK not really. Before you stop eyeing that lovely Kate Spade or Vera Wang place setting and flatwear, I do have to say we all know you will get gifts. What we should focus on is how to tell invited guest where to go to get your Kate Spade place settings.

Instead of placing that lovely card in your invites, use it in your bridal shower invitations. What will happen is those friends and family invited to your showers will spread the word about where you're registered. It's ok if people ask your parents or other friends because that way they know specifically where to go to find you a gift. Now I know many of us want to use the cards but everything you get Ms. Bride from your vendors you don't have to use and the registry cards are something that should not mix with your wedding invitations.

How much for a wedding invite

Recently I've noticed more and more brides creating their own invitations. Why? Many of them are shocked at the cost for a wedding invite or just don't feel that the amount wanted for an invitation or as some translate it to be "just paper" will cost.
I think I have an opinion on this and while I think if you have the talent definitely DIY your invites but don't resolve yourself to looking at your invitation as just a piece of paper.

When you think about your weding invitation what comes to mind? Is it whimsical? romantic? modern? vintage? or exude elegance? The choice comes from your wedding theme, the colors for your special day but more importantly what inspires you. Finding your wedding invite is not an easy task because it says so much to your guest. Not just when and where your wedding will take place but it gives clues to your style the theme of the wedding and possibly hints to what can be expected. Thinking your invite is just a piece of paper devalues the purpose of this mighty powerful communication tool. Yes, wedding invites can become pricy if you're watching your budget but before you decide to write off the cost as being a waste have you done your homework? Ask yourself these questions...

1.How can this cost be minimized-are there excess expenses like multiple inks or printing techniques or getting caught up in the invitation extras (like menu cards, escort cards etc.) that are eating away at your invitation budget? If so before you say yes, think about how you can cut cost to stay within budget.

2. Have you found a designer or stationary line that matches your budget? Finding the right person to design or help you find your invites who isn't about "making the sell" will help in the long run.

3. Are your eyes bigger than your stomach? Meaning have you been lured by all the prettiness that you forget what you can spend?

4. Has anyone provided ways for you to maximize your budget? For example mixing printing techniques, thinking about embellishments to increase the loveliness of a simple invite. Sometimes an invite can be just as classy without all the pocket folds and extras.

5. Are you flexible. Sometimes we want what we want with no exceptions that we don't realize there are other ways to do it that are just as lovely.

I know I know for someone who's embarking into the invitation business I should maybe say "spend spend spend" but having been around brides and knowing that so many never realize that invitations are not just important piece of the budget but also more than $250 that I should share my thoughts. Plus, this knowledge has sparked me to create a line of invitations that allow the bride on a budget to maximize her cost and maybe limit one of her DIY projects.

So I'm off to continue creating the invitation line that I feel is stylish but not going to break your bank or cause your wedding budget to eliminate party favors because of unexpected invitation cost.

(invite image copyright people st. clair 2007)

Wedding Season is Over

Well it is for us anyways. Sure we'll still talk about weddings but just like a wedding when it's over, we too have to move on. So I hope you enjoyed the wedding features and look out for plenty more because we love weddings and to stop talking about weddings would just be crazy! For our last entry to close out our wedding series lets talk about your guest book.

Sign the Guestbook

Have you been to weddings where there is that lovely book where you and other guest have scribbled your name in super small print (to make sure it’s on the same line) so you can tell the Bride and Groom “I attended your Wedding?” In the end the Bride who is looking over the book can’t tell who you are because the writing is so illegible. I know I talked about this briefly in another blog post, but this time I want to devote full blog attention to your guest book. Let’s talk about some cool ways to remember this special moment and the guest who were there to share it with you.

Before I continue, I should say that in the grand scheme of weddings you don’t need a guest book. But if you are like so many brides who are sentimental and want to incorporate these special memories into something you can look back on twenty years from now, try one of these ideas instead of the classic guest book.

Did you take engagement photos? If so why not create a book through sites like my publisher or Blurbwhere you can upload those lovely pictures that very few people see and create a book of those wonderful engagement shots. If you give yourself some white space while creating your book, so that you can have rooms for guest to sign your book. Be sure to leave some pens so that guest can sign their best wishes among your photos.

If you didn’t take engagement photos use pictures of the two of you through your relationship. From special nights out to vacations and create a photo montage of your relationship. This will allow guest who may have been with you at certain events remember those moments of your relationship and sign a cute note that helps you remember another aspect of that event.

Bring in the Photo Booth I know you have heard so many people mention the photo booth but it’s a great idea so I’m jumping on the bandwagon and say having a photo booth is a fun and interactive way to engage guest and what better way to have guest snap shots of themselves and then post them in a photo album for you and write messages of best wishes. All you need is a photo album I love Kolo but there are plenty others and if you choose black background get some silver or white markers but for a white background select some colorful markers in your theme colors. Give your guest some instructions (maybe have someone man the table early that night) and at the end of the night collect the book and compile the photos (have a friend assist if you’re honeymooning). You can do this idea with a regular Polaroid too so have fun!

The other timeless and ever popular “make a wish” cards are also perfect. Through some research and lots of reading a lot of brides are getting creative with their guest book. Why? Who wants a book of scribbles that you will not read? Exactly so feel free take an idea or share one of your own with me.

Want a Cupcake?

I don't know what it is about these delectable delights but I LOVE them! As I was traveling through my normal blogs and online shopping, I came across a few wonderful cookbooks devoted to cupcakes. This girl is in heaven and I'm sharing these books with you because you may be able to use these recipes for your next bridal shower or any celebration so indulge and think about having a cupcake —-cookbook that is.

The Cupcakes! Deck: 25 Sweet & Delightful Recipes features a variety of cupcake recipes and don't worry about trying to prop up a book to keep your page and not run into a cupcake catastrophe, these recipes are on handy cards that make cooking so effortless and easy!



From this cookbook I uncovered a slew of cupcake cookbooks that lead me into a sugar rush overload of cupcake goodness. One book that currently posses is Cupcakes! (Paperback) by Elinor Klivans (Author), France Ruffenach (Photographer).



If you need a cupcake fix and feel like baking check out these books but if you're needs are more immediate run to your local bakery and ask for their most indulgent flavor and enjoy!

Style Boards

Hello, I just love creating these inspiration boards so let your mind just imagine how these theme concepts can work for you. I am posting one today. I call it Flirt, and it channels the 50s style with the lovely dress and fitted bridesmaids skirts and fun details that are hip and flirty.



Envision red and pink details with a circular theme. As you can see the circular theme is in the dress, flowers, coasters and favors with lovely pink and red details. For floral bouquets for the Bride and Bridesmaids pull a old style idea of large wrist corsages for the bridesmaids with a lovely pink and red round bouquet of peopnies or ranaculus.

Here's to wedded bliss!

Jewelry Chemistry

I know I may be late coming to this wedding party but I found a lovely little discovery for you brides or bridesmaids searching for jewelry to go with you bridesmaid gown that does not look like prom 1989. While the 80's have been making a comeback, when it comes to jewelry let's take what we've learned from the 80's and progress to 2007. Dear Ms. Bride check out Chemistry Bridal. It's a cool and innovative way to find jewelry that matches your bridesmaid's dresses and personalities while staying in the same color family. Whether you're looking for just necklaces or a jeweled ensemble of necklace, bracelet and ring they have it and its simply lovely. What makes this site even better they'll customize the designs for you.

I love these little details! If you need a few more jewelry sites to visit check out our recent posting Lovely Wedding Bling.

Tiaras for Cake Who Knew!
As I was searching through various bridal websites I came across paris tiara and remembered an article in Inside Weddings or InStyle Weddings that talked about changing your cake toppers from the traditional to the unique. For those of you planning elegant, opulent weddings filled with bridal bling think about a cake tiara. These are beautiful on top of a lovely decorated cake. Plus it's a different way to showcase your cake. Need help finding a beautiful cake tiara? Try Paris Tiaras



Hope you are inspired to creatively think outside the box for your wedding day. Start with Jewelry.

White Hot Bridal Shower

When I created this inspiration board for a bridal shower the words of Billy Idol hit my head "Its a nice day for a white wedding" and from those words I thought... Why not create a shower that is totally white. Celebrate the purity of love with an all white wedding shower. The inspiration board gets you started with a variety of decoration elements.


Envision white candies, tea sandwhiches, a cool game like a memory scrapbook or yearbook where your guest schedule activities with you or for you for a year. Plus a signature white drink like white chocolate martini with white chocolate truffle features. Think white bouquets throughout your venue of various flowers and paper lanterns around your buffet and large diamonds to use with centerpieces.If you want a gift theme think linens for bedrooms,kitchen and dining room. Ask guest to wear whit like these cute dresses from j.crew Most of all take plenty pictures and have fun.

(photos:martha stewart;wedding favorites;j.crew;brides magazine)

Here's to wedded bliss (in white)

Graffiti + Weddings= Wonderful?

Graffiti and Wedding are two words that obviously don't go together right? Well if you visit the site of Wonderful Graffiti, you will see just how these two words are the perfect pair. No matter your theme or design concept for your wedding wonderful graffiti knows how to fit in and provide just the right subtle touches to make your wedding stand out. From coasters to the dance floor this site has thought all the little cute details that will instantly create automatic envy from those who attend your wedding. It's easy to visit their site and want to purchase everything so hold back Brides and remember your theme and your budget but definitely indulge!

Here are some pictures of some of the products I think are great for weddings…

From the Black Tie Collection.





Some focal point designs that can be used at ceremonies or receptions



And on Dance Floors!


Now do you see how graffiti at a wedding can actually be wonderful? Go ahead add some graffiti to your wedding!

Discovering your Photography Style

Let's face it, the only time many of us really care about photography is when we get married. When most of us sit down with a photographer we really just let him/her do their magic but for your wedding it's definitely different. Suddenly we care about whether the pictures are black and white or color, if it falls into a documentary or photojournalism style and we now understand the methods behind a posed shot. Our new found knowledge is great but what's even better is helping the photographer identify what is your photo style. Some brides love all the posed shots they can get while others want all candid, but saying what you like to your photographer is so much harder than showing it. If you want your photographer to know your photography style say it with what they know best…Pictures.

My favorite pictures are always done by Annie Lebowitz she is a genius! She makes a posed shot have purpose and mean more than this person is standing there looking straight into the camera. Whenever I buy Vogue Magazine and notice she's done a photo spread I go straight to the spread and just look at the shots because there is an artistic quality to them. With that said, If I wanted to show a photographer my photo style—Annie Lebowitz would be one of many pictures I would display. The best way to do it is read through all the magazines you love (including your wedding mags) and identify those pictures that speak to you. Definitely include plenty of wedding photos too that display specific poses or background settings that you would like to recreate for your own wedding. By having your own photo vision and sharing that visual picture with your photographer during your initial meeting help them know your style but more importantly, it helps you to determine if this is the right photographer for you.

Some other helpful tips for choosing a photographer

1.They meet your budget. Find someone who knows your budget and will give you the best bang for your buck and not get wrapped up in extra cost.

2.Do you love their work? If you love the photos in their albums sick with them if you don't move on. If they have no samples of work to show you move on because you do not need to put money in their service without seeing what they can do.

3.Make a list of desired photos. If there are "Must Have" shots for your wedding list them and specify these shots in your contractual agreement. This way it will ensure you get what you've asked for. **If you're working with an event planner, they too can ensure those shots are also taken so share the list with them.

4.Do they listen to you? A photographer with their own vision for your wedding day will not work. Make sure you and your photographer have a good connection with each other if they hear your desires and can expand on your vision book them immediately!

By discovering your style it makes sharing with your photographer your vision of your day much easier. So go ahead scan through your favorite websites and magazines...Discover!

The Art of Saying Thank You

Imagine you're back from your honeymoon, celebrating your newlywed status and there are all those lovely gifts stacked in your floor. Before you dive in and relish in the lovely place settings, napkins or sheets get organized first by grabbing a notepad, pen so that when you open a gift you can write down what the gift is and who gave it to you so when you start sending out thank you notes you're not providing the same tired lines-- "Thank you for the lovely gift and attending our wedding, love Mr and Mrs."

These responses aren't personal and why be impersonal when the person who gave you the gift made it very personal for them. So when you say thanks say "Dear Aunt Linda, thank you for sharing in our special day it was wonderful to have you witness this special moment in our lives. The black and white polka dot bowls are perfect and we plan to use them immediately, Love Mr. and Mrs." When friends and family come to your wedding it's a big deal for them and you. Why not make the thank you a big deal too. One word of caution…don't try to do all your thank you notes in one day pace yourself and get the groom involved to this isn't just about you anymore….

IDEAS FOR THE THANK YOU NOTE.

If you need to be inspired get lovely custom stationary with your married names or have your invitation designer create a thank you not that matches your invitation suite. Use pictures from your wedding and have the photo on a postcard or note card and write your thank you note on the other side.

Hopefully these ideas will help you say thank you.

Romance Wins!

According to a USA Today snapshot poll of nearly 3,000 people surveyed 87 percent of adults would rather a romantic proposal over a huge diamond ring. Only 13 percent of adults wanted the large diamond ring. After reading this and seeing that more and more shows are coming out that don't focus on weddings but the proposal I thought… Proposals aren't about the ring anyways it's really about the sentiment, the expression of love. What girl wouldn't want a wonderfully romantic proposal over a big shiny diamond? It's the story you tell your kids and grandkids, eventually the big rock becomes too cumbersome as kids enter the picture and life becomes more active. Plus isn't love worth more than diamonds? Well it should be (that's my opinion).

As I thought further about this whole proposal statistic I couldn't help but think of the Sex in the City episode when Charlotte got engaged to Trey. In case you don't remember… I'll recap. Charlotte realized how she could get Trey to agree to any of her request from a trick Trey's mother Bunny would often used (a touch and squeeze of the wrist after making the request). So over dinner Charlotte tested this strategy out and says they should get married. Using the same technique as Bunny, Trey agrees. Charlotte is left confused, a bit perplexed and heartbroken. Why? That wasn't the proposal she wanted. She wanted the story, something romantic and beautiful and an arm squeeze over salad at dinner isn't how she envisioned her engagement story would go. So bothered and upset by it in the end of the episode Charlotte used another romantic moment shared by her and Trey in front of Tiffany's as her proposal story. All because she like so many women want the romantic declaration of love over the "So you wanna just do this" request.

Now I'm a girl who truly believes in love. I do think love can conquer all and that love without selfish motivations, demands or expectations is the best love anyone can have. This is love in its purest form and it is this kind of love that spurs a romantic proposal because the person planning the proposal is coming from their heart and not thinking about "if I don't do it like this, She will say no." Who doesn't want to have love they know comes from the heart? It's nice to know in a world where love sometimes seems like it doesn't exist and crazy seems to win every time that love is alive and well.
Here's to love!

Great Minds…

When it comes to a wedding the challenge for any bride is to take the same wedding concept and make it different, than every other wedding that is out there. If you're a bride who isn't tied to pink or must have roses and you're ready to think outside the box… well here are some cool ideas that may inspire you.

ESCORT CARDS

I've been to many weddings where the word "escort card" results in blank stares or confusion. If you fall in this bunch… move past this entry but if your interest is peeked (just a little) here are some cool ideas.

Those engagement pictures and bridal portraits you took and wondered who would see them beside mom, mom in law and grandmas well get more bang for your engagement photo buck by using those snapshots as your escort card. On one side have the photo and on the other write your guest name and table number. You can write these out, your friend with the pretty handwriting can do it (just offer a lovely gift for their work) or hire a calligrapher.

How do you do this? The photo sharing site flickr has a great site that will print your photos and send them back to you on cards just visit mini moo site to learn how to make your own mini moo cards.

Another idea I saw came from my favorite creative crafty resource Martha Stewart Weddings. The idea is to use childhood pictures of you and the groom and place them on paper and wrap chocolate bars with your photo. This is such a cute idea… here's more information.

INSTEAD OF THE SLIDE SHOW…

Think about new and different ways to incorporate those pictures into your wedding. One idea I saw that I just loved is a bride used photos of her and the groom at the age of the table number. So at table 10 your guest would see you at your 10-year old self. Another twist on this, if you want to incorporate family use those family pictures and you can designate the tables as family members names or based on locations if it's a family portrait somewhere special. Instead of having a slideshow think of bringing that show to all the tables and giving guest a piece of your family at their table. Have the evenings MC tell guest to check out the other tables to see your photos.

DID YOU SIGN THE GUEST BOOK?

The wedding guest book has improved from the white fabric covered book that guest scribble names and addresses into to wonderful tables where guest can make a wish, provide marriage advice or just write best wishes. If you want guest to leave you a wish or share wedding advice, do it these ideas are timeless and wonderful. Now if you're a bride looking for something different, here are some other ideas I've seen that are great too.

1.If you want guest to see your engagement photos create a book of your wedding shots sized down or justified to the left and leave that white space for guest to write their well wishes. What a cool way to combine your engagement photos and guest book into one functional piece that will be lovely on a coffee table. If you have an imac the photo software will let you make a book and have it published and sent to your doorstep. Just ask your photographer for a digital copy of your engagement snapshots.

2.If your budget permits have a photo book and have guest get in and take pictures of themselves post them to a blank photo album and write their wishes of joy and happiness. This is a bit labor intensive so you may want to have a wedding planner or someone assist in helping the guest. The best albums are by Kolo

Hopefully these ideas will get your creative juices flowing so that you can put your own twist on these great ideas.

Here's to wedded bliss!

Today I was in my favorite store (Target) and I came across the cover of the latest Brides magazine and it said "Go With Your Heart" I stood there thinking that is the best wedding advice anyone can give. Sure magazines and websites can give tips on how to save money on your reception or finding the perfect dress for less but in the end your wedding should be the one of your hearts true desire. Its easy for a Bride to hear everyone elses opinion but in the end the only one that matters is YOURS! So listen to your heart and you will not be steered wrong.

Now, I do have a new style board for you today. This one I call Pool Side Chic. Its cool, its fresh and hip but also looks like a party I'd love to put on a pretty dress and shoes and attend. So enjoy.



Picture Sources: Brides, Simple Sihlouettes,The Tiara Room

Remember If you follow your heart your wedding planning will be effortless and stress-free. This is your day!

Here's to Wedded Bliss!

Lovely Wedding Bling…

So I've been in the wedding spirit since June and so as I build story boards, and provide wedding advice I thought instead of sharing with you on how to find a wedding location that I'd talk about those delicious details that we all love so much. Today I want to talk about accessories. I know as brides finding the right shoe, earring, necklace or hair accessory is a challenge. I know you want everything to look perfect so while I was building the Haute Pink inspiration board, I was looking for hair pieces and thought I'd share some wonderful websites with you.

The first I'm sure many of you know about is Haute Bride. These hip, lovely hair pieces and jewels will make any wedding gown look wonderful. For those brides not big on veils the hair clips, and pins are perfect.

A new site I just found is called The Tiara Room. At first I thought it would be like any other accessory site but as I clicked through the gallery I was surprised and loved a lot of the items on this site. Here are a few of my favorite things from both websites…



(top brooches, hair pins, tiaras, bracelets from Haute Bride; Bottom from The Tiara Room.)

If many of you haven't noticed, I like when wedding companies put their own twist on the traditional. Need more sites? Here are some other fabulous wedding accessories companies to check out…

Designing Bride

White Aisle

Anna Bellagio

Tiger Lily Tiaras

Hopefully this will help you check something of that massive to do list!

Here's to wedded bliss.

Peoples Paper Wedding Planning Discoveries…

Hello friends. I've decided to not squeeze everything about wedding planning just in the month of June so while this month will still be filled with weddings. I've got a lot of other things to talk about too so let's start sharing!

DIY PAPER DÉCOR!



I was traveling through my favorite blogs and Something Old, Something New had a great project for all you DIY brides that I thought was just wonderful. It's of course from my favorite site Martha Stewart but this idea is great because its perfect for parties of all types and weddings too. Its a paper project where you use colorful paper bags to create lovely paper flowers. I was so excited about this project that I was ready to purchase a bunch of colorful bags from Michaels immediately! Well, I won't keep it to myself,here are the detailed instructions enjoy!

CREATE YOUR SIGNATURE DRINK!



For you brides who do not want to break the bank on the bar here's a great way to save money and have quality drinks that everyone will love. The company is called Stirrings and I've known about them for awhile and have used their cocktails for parties. These come in so many varieties that whether you want a full bar or just a signature drink this site is perfect. Oh yea, and they have a whole section devoted to weddings!!!

If this wasn't enough for you, stirrings also has a glass rimmers to make your drinks even more fabulous! Go ahead, click on the links and start creating and hey if you're lucky you may be able to get these lovely delights from your local store. Click on the store locator to find out if you can save on shipping while you're saving on alcohol.

WANT TO MAKE YOUR CAKE THE CENTER OF ATTENTION?



When I was looking through BBJ Linen and Party Mosaic for table linen inspiration for an inspiration board, I found a page dedicated to cake décor and while I had seen something like this on Mindy Weiss and other party planning websites, I had to share this definitely fabulous idea. Why not use these table skirts to make your cake the belle of the ball too! If you're hosting a shower and want it totally girly add in the chairs too!

I know I've filled you a bunch of information so enjoy and get on the internet and search we'll do more wedding talk tomorrow.

Cheers!

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

You're engaged and now thinking of who will possess the coveted role of…Bridesmaid. My dear bride selecting bridesmaids is no easy or simple task. If you select 10 girls you will be told it's too many. If you choose 3 you'll be told it's not enough so before you feel like accommodating others STOP. This wedding is about you and who you choose for bridesmaids is your prerogative. Now before your giddy engagement excitement causes you to ask everyone you know to be your bridesmaid here are some things to think about first.

1.How large do you want your bridal party to be?

Whether you choose 20 bridesmaids or 2, this choice is yours. Before you determine your number think first about the style of your wedding, and how you want your ceremony to be. Next think of your ceremony venue. If this location can accommodate 20 lovely bridesmaids standing at the front of the church then go for it! If it can't hold that large of a wedding party, rethink the number of bridesmaids. If you're having a big wedding with 500+ guest then 10 bridesmaids is ok, but so is having just two. Before you ask everyone to be your bridesmaid think about if those girlfriends would be better suited doing a ceremony reading, or if you have a extra social bubbly friend that's a perfect host. So before you invite everyone as your bridesmaid, think of your friend's personalities.


2. What do you expect your bridesmaid's duties to be? Don't let the inner bridezilla creep out and posses you into thinking bridesmaid equals slave driver. If that is your mindset you will have a revolt and probably some injured friendships. Here are the traditional expectations of bridesmaids and maid of honors courtesy of bridesmaid 101.com


A Bridesmaid is usually a close friend or sister who takes more of an active part in the wedding experience. Many times there are multiple bridesmaids that the bride chooses. In history, the bridesmaid would protect the bride against evil by wearing similar clothing to the bride's attire. This would confuse any "evil spirit" as to who the bride was.
Being a bridesmaid has some important and fun tasks such as helping with the Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party. Your support for the bride as well as being a great listener will help keep your friend focused and relaxed while having a great time.

The maid of honor is usually a sister or close friend of the bride. It is absolutely okay to have more than one Maid or Matron of Honor in recent times since many brides have a few close friends they want to be included. In history Maids of Honor became more common when weddings were planned. For several days before the marriage, a "senior' maid of honor attended to the bride-to-be. This maid or matron of honor, as we know her today, made sure that the bridal wreath was completed and helped the bride get ready for the wedding. In addition, she helped the bride decorate for the wedding feast.

Being the Maid of Honor has a significant responsibility for you. You are the one who keeps things organized and under control as well as being the "crisis counselor" for the bride :) Your moral support and planning will help make a difference in the outcome of the wedding experience from beginning to end!

So whoever you choose be aware of who you know will stand up to the challenge and not flake out.

3.Are you aware of your bridesmaid's budgets? When we think of our weddings we think of our Vera Wang gown and our designer everything. Before you make request of your bridesmaids to purchase a dress, shoes, have their hair and nails done plus other expenses think about their pocketbooks. While it's an honor to be a bridesmaid, it's also an honor to have them in your wedding so be mindful of their budgets. Think sensibly on a dress that's beautiful and affordable and maybe as a bridesmaid gift purchase the shoes or their jewelry. You could even treat them to their manicures and pedicures. The choice is yours but while your bridesmaids are being good to you with all their help and support—be good to them too.

4.Just because you're related doesn't mean they have to be your bridesmaid. Even if you and your cousin Brenda grew up together, that does not give her automatic bridesmaid status. If you and your cousin are close friends and you can't imagine not having her as a bridesmaid well ask her to be one but if you're doing it to please your mom and your aunt, don't do it because you'll be bothered by it the whole time.

5.You don't owe any friends repayment of them making you a bridesmaid. I hear this all logic all the time. "I was a bridesmaid in her wedding so I have to make her one in mine." No, no you don't. When someone selects you as a bridesmaid, it's because you are important to them and they want you to share in this special moment with them. Not because they expect repayment.

When my best friend got married, I being tired of donning the chiffon or silk shantung gown told her I'd do something far more valuable for her than wear a dress and I'd help her plan her wedding. Now, of course this was my way to end my reoccurring role of bridesmaid but it worked---temporarily. As I helped her navigate through the often overwhelming world of weddings it was as we were selecting bridesmaid's dresses that my best friend shocked me by purchasing a dress for me. While it was a lovely black dress that I wore a few times after her wedding, I was expecting to be her bridesmaid but in reality we've been friends since we were 13 how would I not be her bridesmaid. What I was doing for her by helping her plan her wedding is doing just that—being her bridesmaid. So when you think about who to select as your bridesmaids think about who's important to you. Not every friend has to stand up there in the dress but they could help in so many other ways. Believe me, if you're planning a wedding whether you have a wedding planner to help or not you need your friends there to walk with you to the next important step of your life.

Here's to Wedded Bliss!

More Inspiration

So I was hit by inspiration again... The wedding I directed had the theme colors of green apple and white so I was inspired to create a board that uses the same theme with my own vision of this color concept.(to see board close up, click on the image)



The Details:
TOP ROW:Bridal Gown: Melisa Sweet;Bride Shoes:Kate Spade-Greta;Bridesmaid:JCrew;Bridesmaids shoes: Manolo Blahnik-Neiman Marcus;MIDDLE ROW:Necklace fantasia-Saks Fifth Ave.;Floral Bouquet-Bride and Bloom Magazine;Escort Cards-Bride and Bloom Magazine;Bridesmaid Necklace-Anna Bellagio; BOTTOM ROW:bridesmaid bouquet-bride and bloom;Centerpiece-Bride and Bloom Magazine;Beaded Ribbon-white aisle;Cake-lovin sullivan cakes.

Continue to find things that inspire you.

Complete Inspiration

I know you missed Peoples Papers wonderful post, but don't worry we're back! This weekend I was coordinating a wedding. Yes, while I'm a girl who loves paper, I'm also a girl who loves a good party and throws even better ones. So I put on my coordinator hat and had a wonderful time this weekend being a wedding director. So instead of writing much today I'll share an inspiration board. Its not my parisian theme but one thats just as great. I was inspired by coffee and cream (maybe because after my wedding weekend I was so tired) Enjoy the board!



Board Details
Bride's Dress: Monique Lhuillier; Favor idea: BouleLa chocolate cookies; Cake: Cakeworks, chocolate toffee cake; Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale; Jewelry: white aisle; Shoes:Filippa Scott-Trixie Sandal;Flowers: Art Fool NY

Go and Inspire!

Missing Your Wedding fix?

Sorry for not providing you with your daily wedding fix. While Peoples Paper is all about the love of paper and parties, the other side of People (the party planner) is the coordinator for a wedding this weekend. We'll have plenty to share this weekend about the wedding we're actually involved in but we'll also have some great post. So hang tight its all coming and once it does you won't think you missed anything.

Please Save the Date!

There was a time when all you needed to do was find a beautiful wedding invitation and send it to guest. Now that's not the case, you must ask your guest to save the date. Why? Well it ensures friends and family do not plan their vacations on the weekend of your wedding. If you have other engaged friends this pre-invite tells them to not plan their wedding on the same date. The save the date card has become necessary as our lives get busy. Save the dates are especially necessary for destination event and summer weddings so guest can map out their travel and vacation plans. Save the dates are traditionally creative and allow you to do anything you can to cleverly announce your wedding date and have your guest mark their calendars.

Here are some cool options for how you can have your guest save the date!
(picture provided by Brides.com)





The key things to include in your save the date are of course the date (duh) Location and who's getting married. From there you can keep it short and simple or infuse some of your creativity into your design. For example tell your proposal story or if you two met in a funny or interesting way share that story.

But here are some things to be aware of when creating your save the date.

1. Do think about the quality as it is the first thing about your wedding people will see. Don't just sent out some quick printed with limited style announcement because it speaks for your wedding. Who wants "quickie" attached to their wedding?

2.Don't over do your save the date. Don't go overboard with the save the date because all it is suppose to do is tell friends and family to mark that date on their calendars so Keep It Simple and Stylish!

3. Plan to send out your Save The Date card shortly after you have reserved your venues and secured the date. It would be really horrible if you send out your cards saying "Save the Date June 10th" and couldn't reserve June 10th anywhere. Send out your save the dates once you have secured the key components to your wedding....The Ceremony and Reception venues.

4. Think Logos and Monograms for destination events. Really you can use logos and mongrams for your event even if its not a destination. But this is a perfect way to set the look for your event so why not take it to the hilt?

5. Customize your stamps. Yes you heard me right. Customize your stamps! Use some of those extra engagement photos or have the designer of your invites convert your graphic motif, logo or monogram into your stamp. How cool is that right? For more info visit photo stamps

6. Like any printed material do not wait until the last minute. I just doesn't make any sense for Save the Date cards to be sent a couple of months before your invitations (it kinda alters its purpose).

If you don't want to send out a traditional card there are plenty of creative ways to tell friends and family SAVE THE DATE! here are some links below.

Save the Date Stickers
Magnet Street Weddings

Here's to Wedded Bliss!