Trash the dress, TTD, or Rock the Frock. All are names we are hearing in the world of weddings for brides to consider the day after they say “I Do”. TTD emerged roughly around 2006-2007 and has been gaining popularity ever since. It is a great consideration if you aren’t sure about what to do with your dress after the big day.

Would you wear your mother’s circa 1970′s dress?

Some girls are deciding to not take the dress to cleaners to have it preserved. Let’s face it, the dress is cleaned, treated, and put in a cardboard box… then what? Yes, most people at the time of decision-making dream of keeping their dress so if they have a daughter they can wear it on their wedding day. A nice thought, in theory, but how often does this happen? If I hadn’t gotten a hold of my mother’s dress and taken a pair of scissors to it when I was 7 to play dress-up, I still wouldn’t have worn it. Not doing any discredit to my mothers’ taste, but it was a typical 70′s fashion and not my style!

Show off your personal style

Trashing the dress is an amazing opportunity to show off personal style, either by yourself or as a couple. You need a good photographer who is creative and allows you to express yourself artistically. This is your chance to have fun! Dress your look up with fun accessories, like some flashy jewelry, hats, or shoes. TTD doesn’t necessarily have to involve frolicking in the ocean waves or jumping into a lake. Let’s face it, not all of us have these environments at our disposal. Alternative choices: the woods, a salvage yard, the county fair, a farm, or even puddle jumping after a rainy day. It’s up to you!

Add to that amazing wedding album

By completing a trash session you will have another amazing album to show family and friends. This one will be more you as a couple because you will be able to incorporate items that represent you and your husband. Now when you bring out the wedding photos to share memories, you will have a collection that will knock the socks off everyone! Let me see your work!

Images from jamesrubiophotography.com, enpointephotography.com, divinecaroline.com, chelseanicoleblog.com, 1313blog.com, studio6-23.com, theloveliestday.com, weddingpaperdivas.com, redheartphoto.com, Jenna Rose Photography, and daveandcharlotte.com

Related posts:

1. Say “Yes” to Your Bridesmaid Dress!
2. The Short Dress: Cool for School or Missed the Bus?
3. Plenty of Personalization Please!

What’s the biggest stress while planning your wedding? There is no use trying to skirt around the issue. You don’t have to be Einstein to figure it out, yep it’s your budget. Nothing can bring more stress and concern to a newly engaged couple than figuring out out how to pay for their wedding. In this ever changing economy, nothing is for certain anymore. Couples around the country struggle everyday to make ends meet. I want to share with you some of the information I have found to keep the spending under control and leave you and your fiance with minimal debt after you say “I do.”

Create a budget, not a “budget wedding”

There is a difference between having a “budget” for your wedding and having a “budget wedding!” You can make smart choices and still have the beautiful wedding you have always dreamed of. Yes, to do this some sacrifices have to be made, but in the end you and your future husband will be satisfied with the end results. Let’s hash out the terms, “budget” does not equal cheap. What you should be thinking is “budget” equals smart! It is so easy to whip out the credit cards and spend, spend, spend! I could max one out in no time… but where does that leave you? It’s time to be fiscally responsible, and this is the best time to start!

Crunch those numbers

One of the first suggestions made by the experts is to look at your current finances. The estimated wedding cost for 2008-2009 for only 150 guest was approximately $20-$28,000! Most of the surveyed couples were taken form urban and residential areas, but let’s face it… this is where most of us reside! I know my wedding was around this ballpark range, and we are still paying it off! It was worth every penny spent, but I want to make sure others don’t spend beyond their range, because it can happen super fast!

What are your current holdings?

Add up the following monies to see where your starting point is:

1. Both your checking accounts (or if joint account, then your holdings together)
2. Savings accounts (same rules for joint!)
3. Bonds or stock holdings ( add only holdings you can actually cash out, not estimated value!)
4. Any monies that have been offered by friends and family

Now comes the time to figure out how much you can afford as a couple. It seems that these days the bride and groom try to foot most the bill if they can. This is not always the situation though. Our parents contributed significant amounts to our wedding, most families still do. If budget hasn’t come up with your family yet, take the initiative. It is great if parents can contribute, and most feel that they want to. The days of one side paying for this and the other side paying for that is over! Try breaking up costs into aspects like; one family takes church, cake, and flowers, while the other is responsible for the reception and invitations. This leaves you and your fiance with a good idea of what expenses will be out of your pocket.

Now you’re getting closer to developing a “working budget”

I say working because as you plan and begin to drop deposits your budget will fluctuate. At this point it is important for you and your fiance to figure out what your “wiggle room” will be. It may be difficult to do, but try to figure out a percentage (%) you can go over without putting you in the red. Start saving from now until the wedding day. Think about making a “wedding account”, a separate savings account especially for the wedding. You can also take out a low interest credit card designated for wedding charges ONLY! Keep adding money when possible to your wedding account and use it to pay off your credit card. Get organized! Your best budget tools; a calculator, 3 ring binder, and folders. These are your weapons, don’t go to battle without them! Always keep a “running total” so there are no surprises.

Time to make a preliminary guest list

Now that you have a budget established, it is a good idea to make out a preliminary guest list. Your list will change, but you need a basic idea of how many guests to expect. It will help determine where you will be able to have your ceremony and reception. The guest list is difficult, but a professional rule of thumb; stop at first cousins or with relatives/friends you haven’t seen in five years. Another tidbit from the pros, have and adult only reception. My husband and I did that and it was wonderful (even though we did have to bend to accommodate a good friend)! If inviting coworkers, only invite those you are close to. I know it can be hard, but even Emily Post says you aren’t expected to invite the whole office! This goes the same for your wedding party… pick those who are the closest to you. You don’t have to include your cousins because they included you. Just explain the situation, they are still invited but will play a different role.

What style of wedding do you want to have?

Decide what part of your wedding is most important to you. If you want a formal wedding, then plan on spending more for your reception. You’ll probably need to budget more for a sit down dinner and will need a formal reception hall. Be smart and shop around. You may fall in love with the first venue you see, but go look at others to be sure your money is being spent wisely! Know when you have to make your deposit and how much it will cost in total. This is what your working budget is for! Make sure you are adding your deposits into your budget, unless you have money set aside especially for this. Deposits add up quickly, and almost every vendor requires one. Big mistakes couples make is forgetting to add in the “extras”, like bridal party gifts and taxes/gratuities. Did you know that when taxes and gratuities are included it can add up to almost 25% of your total cost? That is a huge amount, so please add them in to make sure you have the appropriate funds!

basic breakdown of the average spending percentages for your wedding

1. Food and beverage (a.k.a. Reception) – 45%
2. Photography/Videography – 12-15%
3. Flowers/Decor – 8-10%
4. Invitations – 8%
5. Music/DJ – 5%
6. Ceremony – 5%
7. Attire (Bride – dress and accessories, Groom – Tux and shoes) – 3%
8. Rings – 2-4%
9. Cake – 2%
10. Transportation – 2%
11. Miscellaneous – 5-7%

Keep organized, especially receipts and contracts!

As you continue to keep account of your expenditures, KEEP your receipts and contracts! You may have everything all organized, but no receipt = no proof of purchase. I know you wouldn’t think any vendor is out to get you, but everyone is in the business to make money. You may run into someone who isn’t the most honest, which is why you need to research and be savvy with your business transactions. Rule of thumb… if it feels wrong, GET OUT! Resources I really like to help keep your budget on track is a “cost of wedding estimator”. It gives you an estimate of what people are spending on weddings in your area. It can be found on costofwedding.com, just type in your zip code and you’ll get results! Other sites we like are weddingdetails.com or theknot.com, where you can download budget worksheets and templates. Plus all sites offer great information to couples who are working with a budget.

Consider a wedding planner

My last thought to leave you with is to consider a wedding planner. They are the experts and know the majority of vendors in the area, plus they have great working relationships with these vendors and may be able to work some “deals”! These professionals can keep you on track and will relieve a lot of the stresses put upon you by having to deal with vendors. Allowing you to relax and actually ENJOY the wedding planning process! Working with a budget can be frustrating and down right upsetting at times. As long as you establish ground rules from the start you should be fine. Good like and hopefully some of these “pearls” will help you along the way.

Images from bridalbuds.com, grtu.net, theweddingguide.com, kellyoshiroevents.com, shefaly.co.uk, cameradepartment.tv, monette.sumulong.com, retailpackaging.com,

Related posts:

1. Hot or Not: Bridezilla… Will you be the next Beast?
2. Bridal Bling, Is there such a thing as TOO much?
3. Backyard Wedding Bonanza

Oh Mom, how we love thee… there are just too many ways! We all call on mom when the times get tough. Mom is there to give unconditional love and support and always seems to have the right answer (even though we don’t always let her know it!). Mom has the pearls of wisdom we seek on more than a few occasions in life. As a women, she provides us the added companionship and support through the awkward years and is a reflection on how we begin to nurture our families. So now its’ your wedding day and you call on her expertise to guide you over the next few months of appointments and decisions for your big day. Even though the wedding planning process is arduous, mom will be there with a big plate of chocolate chip cookies when the times get rough!

Bring on the homemade chocolate chip cookies

Speaking of moms’ homemade chocolate chip cookies provided the inspiration for this blog piece. The word on the street this wedding season is the incorporation of “comfort foods”. You know, the foods we eat for Sunday dinner, the foods we crave in the cooler months or when we need to feel better… mine is mom’s meatloaf! I know, some of you are probably gasping at this comment, but really her meatloaf will always be the best! This year chefs and brides are using these home-spun treats as inspiration for their wedding menus, and I must say they are very intriguing.

An alternative to the traditional h’orderves?

I am seeing a lot of brides and grooms choosing to use these “comfort foods” in a variety of ways; some are serving these foods as an alternative to traditional h’orderves while others are providing a dinner plate, or “Blue plate” specials for sit-down service. Chef’s are taking the traditional comfort foods and adding a “sophisticated” twist! For dinner, they are suggesting gourmet mac-n-cheese with a lobster crumble topping and bacon brown sugar brussels sprouts, individual wild mushroom and pancetta pizzas, and meatloaf with wild mushroom and truffle gravy served with a side of garlic chive mashed potatoes. Anyone hungry yet? All resemble foods we grew up on and love, but are dresses up for a formal dinner!

You don’t have to be throwing an outdoor or less formal wedding to have these foods on your menus, in fact you can use them for any event and for almost all times of day! The worst is when you are at a wedding and you don’t want to eat the food. You don’t have to empty your pocketbook with these alternatives either. Some will be more expensive than others, but you can still choose foods you love without as big a cost. You want beef tenderloin? Fine, have beef tenderloin served on small rolls or on toasted flatbreads. Serve sushi…very chic right now, healthy, and delicious! Plus, it will allow for a wide range of selection; choose from tempura, traditional seafood rolls, or a variety of vegetarian options.

Let your hungry guests munch

If on a budget, choose to have a finger food appetizer reception. Some couples are choosing to have an extended “cocktail hour” allowing guests to mix and mingle instead of the traditional assigned seating. It is a little less formal, but you can keep guests’ appetites at bay with a revolving spread of food and bussed services. Let them munch on mini sliders and fries, soft baked pretzels with dipping sauces, and tempura dipped chicken tenders! Satisfy their sweet tooth by providing a dessert table filled with lemon bars, sugar doughnuts, and apple pie shooters. My husband and I attended a late afternoon wedding with such a reception and it was very chic. The couple still had all traditional events like cake cutting and bouquet toss. After the wedding we hit the local clubs and bars in the area. It was a good alternative to the typical reception activities!

Keep the foods you love close to your heart

Whatever option you choose to go with, you will be sure to have an event that will please even the pickiest of eaters. I love this trend and hope to see it stick around for another season. There are so many yummy selections to choose from and even create! Keep the foods you love close to your heart and share them with friends and family at your wedding reception. It will be a delightfully delicious day!

Images from howto-simplify.com, macheesmo.com, pickycook.com, designspongeonline.com, thevegasweddingplanner.com, foodnetwork.com, ordinaryrecipesmadegourmet.com, manolobrides.com, capetowndailyphoto.com, chicago.grubstreet.com, and cookinglight.com

Related posts:

1. Wedding with a Tuxedo Twist
2. Hot or Not: Bridezilla… Will you be the next Beast?
3. Green Wedding Part 1: Who Knew GREEN Could Be So Yummy!

Oh how we love to reminisce of times past. Thinking back to days of youth and sharing fond memories. Now it’s your wedding day and time to make new memories! The thought of planning a wedding can seem like a daunting task for a lot of brides-to-be, but it doesn’t have to be! I understand the pressure of not knowing which linens will go best with the lighting, and what flowers go best with the china and room decorations. My advice to you busy brides; pick a theme first and the rest of your ensemble will fall neatly into place. By choosing your theme you will then be able to research ideas that will make your decision-making process less tedious.

A “history” of the vintage style

Today I want to inspire you with some pulls I found while researching for this blog. I’ve chosen to write about an extremely popular trend right now, which is Vintage. If you have read other Cachic Design blogs about trends, you may have seen our Retro Wedding piece. In that blog we defined “Vintage” from “Retro”. Vintage holds the style, ideals, and literature from the early Victorian periods up to WWII. Retro, follows the second world war all the way into the early 1980′s (anyone feel old yet!). Vintage style has a special place in my heart. I love everything it encompasses: the flashy golds, diamonds, and pearls, the beautiful use of soft romantic color, the clean lines of the architecture and art, the ideals, the literature, and the clothing!

Vintage defines a time when class and sophistication were the defining factors in ones’ life. You strive to look your best and present your best self. Now doesn’t that sound like something you want for your wedding day? Your best self image? Vintage inspired weddings are beautiful. They allow a range of options to choose from and will give your guests a warm and romantic feeling as they celebrate your nuptials. By choosing a Vintage inspired theme for your wedding day, you will truly create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Beautiful inspirations

Don’t be intimidated by this era. Yes, the Prohibitionist and a world war does cast a shadow over the time period, but be inspired by the beauty of it! Think of books like The Age of Innocence and The Great Gatsby… both with dark times, but beautiful romantic stories. Picture ladies in lace and pearls having tea in glass-enclosed parlors. Men in suites sipping brandy and smoking cigars in oaken-walled chambers, and large gardens laden with flowering vines and flowers in soft gentle hues…starting to sound better isn’t it? Use these images as you begin to plan your wedding motif.

Start with choosing your wedding dress

I always like to start with the dress, because it will serve as a platform for your inspiration. I love silk, but it does not always hold up the best. Especially if you choose an outdoor venue and if it will be humid. Instead look at pieces that are made of lace and tulle with satin detailing. They are true to the vintage fashion and the materials will hold up much better. Let’s face it, it will be a long day and you want to look you best! Nataya is a Russian vintage gown designer. Her designs are true to the vintage fashion, but are newly made gowns. You can choose to go with a contemporary designer who makes vintage gowns, or go find a “true” piece to wear. Now that you have chosen your dress, you have a better idea of which materials will work with your theme.

English garden theme or an elegant dinner party?

I do have to add, there is a small distinction you must decide at this point. Do you want to have a less formal English garden theme, or an elegant dinner party? Both yield beautiful results, but the time of day you have your wedding will really determine this for you. If you choose an early to mid-day outdoor wedding, then use a lot of florals. I mean florals on everything… cake, tables, china, and table linens. You cannot go wrong with flowers and floral patterns. Use it to your fullest benefit by picking soft hues of pinks, greens, and blues. One rule of thumb; if you plan to use a floral pattern on your table linens, forgo the use of chair covers. The beauty of this choice is that you can mix and match. Go to a thrift store and find old chairs and scatter them in between the regular chairs at your tables, or use them for the head table. Same with the china. It doesn’t all have to match! This option is perfect for the budget bride. Forget the public gardens and have it in your backyard (or family, or close friends yards)!

On the other hand, the evening weddings should be a little more cohesive. Think regal… big candelabras, lush florals, golds, diamonds, and sleek linens. I love satin for this choice of wedding. There are plenty of synthetic materials available if satin is not in the budget (and they look just as amazing!). Chair covers are still not my favorite choice. If available, the chivari chair is a great option. It comes in a variety of colors and can be dressed up with a bow or fresh flowers. I like a monochromatic color theme or the use of just a few colors. My pick for this theme is cream and gold. You can choose to add a few colors here and there, but this color choice really gives a powerful feel but is still soft and romantic. My suggestion is to add as much candlelight as allowed by your vendor. It will look amazing in person and in your photos.

For the rest of your décor, keep with your initial theme

For the day weddings; put your girls in soft, light dresses. The guys can wear suites and ties. Evening weddings should be formal with your ladies in a more refined dress. It doesn’t have to be ankle or full length, but it should have more mature lines and detailing. Men should wear tuxedos…no question. You still have the option of a vest and tie in place of the bow tie, but men should really be in tuxes. Decorate you cake with ribbon made of sugar or fondant. Find an old broach and use it in your design, either as inspiration or on the cake itself. Pick shimmery paints and leafing for the evenings. You day girls can go crazy with the fresh flowers on your cake. If budget allows, rent a vintage Ford or Mercedes as your get away car. Have a photo booth for your guests enjoyment and ditch the DJ and go with a Swing band instead. You can use old picture frames and hat boxes as decorations on your sign in table. Really, the skies the limit for you. Just be inventive and a little experimental with it. I promise you then end product will be totally worth it!

Images from chasingdreams.net, uberbrides.com, touchofblissevents.com, slatersparke.com, oncewed.com, projectwedding.com, maisiefantaisie.co.uk, dolcesposa.com, pksrent.com, vinatran.org, and ruffledblog.com

Related posts:

1. Retro Wedding: The Heart of Rock n’ Roll still Beats
2. Top Wedding Gown Trends for 2010
3. Rustic Wedding: Not Just Any Outdoor Event

Who says this day isn’t all about YOU!!! Well, actually is SHOULD be about the both of you, but there are plenty of brides who will think, and act, otherwise. In any case the H-O-T trend in wedding planning…personalization! Put your personal touches on everything in 2010. Take this opportunity to really make your wedding as unique as you and your hubby-to-be are by incorporating YOU (as in 2!); things you share in common, your initials, or your places you’ve been together.

Take this trend and run with it as far as you can. Use travel as a theme by picking a vacation destination the two of you enjoyed…the beach, London, Venice, L.A., N.Y.C., like I said the skies the limit. Pick a theme based on some interest shared in common; photography, sports, movies. A big theme right now is Hollywood glam! Incorporate your look into everything; from the style of gown/tuxes you choose and use it through your décor, music, cake, and favors.

Along the way, think about using a monogram…very hot right now. Design one yourself using a template found on the net, or hook up with a designer. Most of your wedding invitation vendors will have a graphic designer employed or will be able to point you in the right direction. Monograms are usually reasonably priced but beware, you are paying for a professional design and the manpower generating the idea! Monograms are being used everywhere…as holograms on the dance floor, on your invitations, favors, programs, menus, centerpieces, etc. Plus they set a very elegant tone to any wedding. It may just be the touch that elevates your garden party from backyard BBQ to Tavern on the Green!

Do use some discrimination as you choose what and where to personalize. Even though I said to take your monogram and plaster it on anything that moves…please don’t! Take that sentence with a grain of salt. Too much can really be too much. Just be sure that at the end of the day you are happy with the results. This is one of the biggest days of your life so make it the best you can….good luck!

Images from instyleweddings.com, beau-coup.com, marthastewartweddings.com

Related posts:

1. Lovely Lace
2. Boogie Nights and Sparkling Lights
3. Wedding with a Tuxedo Twist

So you have decided to throw a green wedding, or like the idea of it anyway. This is the one area in the wedding industry right now that is getting huge press. “Green” seems to the trend setter in 2010 for brides to follow. Choosing to follow this type of outline for your big day may seem appealing to some brides-to-be, but may make others a little gun-shy at the thought of committing to entirely eco-friendly wedding. We are here to tell you today that there a many options to explore before you completely veto this hot trend.

Erase every stereotype image of the peace-sign flashing, granola and bark eating, flowers in your long flowing hair hippie that you were already picturing when your hear the term “Green”. Yes, it’s true a long time ago they did exist, but in our modern day “hippie” has now been transformed into the term “eco-chic”!

So, what is it that is really holding a lot of brides back from jumping feet-first into this latest trend? Food. Believe it or not, from all the research I have found it really has come down to the menu. Couples are very concerned that guests will be forced to rummage through selections of vegetarian or raw foods, and cake that the bride and groom won’t even want to cut into! I am here to tell you this is not the case.

If you are using a venue that has an on site caterer, check to see if they carry an organic selection of meats and vegetables. If you are choosing from a list of vendors, see if you can find a caterer who is agreeable in pulling stock from local farmers in the area for your wedding menu. You can still have chicken, seafood, and even steak if you want…just choose organic. You’ll be doing your guests a favor too by choosing foods that haven’t been over processed and injected with antibiotics. Ask your baker if she is able to use organic sugar, flour, and eggs. If you are choosing to add a desert bar, check to see if a sugar substitute (like Stevia) can be used. Choose wines from vineyards around your state and replace soda with fresh lemonade and sparkling waters. Check to see if there is a dairy within driving distance. If so, take a day trip and sample their selection of cheeses. Use them in your hors d’oeuvre or give samples out as gifts for your guests.

Believe me, going eco-chic when choosing foods for your wedding reception menu does not have to be a drag. You can still have all the foods you want, just choose organic. If your venue allows, see if you can “recycle” your left-overs. Work with your site program director to see if they will allow you and your guests to package up your excess food at the end of the night and take it home. Another option would be to check with the food pantries or shelters in your area to see if they would accept food donations (don’t be surprised if most won’t take prepared foods, but they may accept items in unopened packaging). If choosing “green” is an option, I encourage you to do so. Not only will it be delicious, it will leave a positive imprint on our environment and for it’s future inhabitants!

Images from Back to Earth Catering, EcoCaters, cakes-you-can-bake.com, and Kai Organic

Related posts:

1. Green Wedding Part 3: Green, Eco-Friendly,
   and Organic Décor
2. Green Wedding Part 2: Eco-Chic Wedding Dresses
3. Green Gourmet

I can’t believe it has taken me this LONG to blog on the candy craze, especially since my husband and I used this same trend at our wedding and it was a HUGE success! I L-O-V-E the Candy Bar idea, and it makes a very bold statement when assembled correctly. Your guests will delight when they see the collection of confectionery treats that await them at your reception.

I really fell in love with this trend after seeing it in all the magazines and on almost every bridal show on television. What I learned is that this ensemble of treats played a major role in our reception. As my husband and I ventured around the room greeting our guests, I was amazed to hear everyone raving about the Candy Bar….like it was some unheard of phenomenon. Other than serving as snacks in between appetizers, dinner, and the cake cutting, it allowed guests to mingle and encouraged conversations with other party-goers other than the guests at their table. My husband I came to find out it was the best favor we could have given our guests!

Try out different shapes of containers and placing them on different leveled tiers. The best containers we find tend to be just plain clear glass. Try a variety out. Go to a craft store and start pulling different ones from the shelves. Try mixing and matching them there to get your ideas flowing (just remember, you break you buy!). Choose candies that match your color palate for the wedding. My husband and I used personalized M&M’s in addition to a number of other candies. The options are endless and you don’t have to spend a boat-load of money either. There are a number of discount candy stores online where you can order in bulk! We used little paper baskets from a craft store and personalized them with our monogram and ribbons that matched our color scheme. Check with your reception site, there is a good chance they may have equipment you can rent instead of buying a lot of vases you may never use again. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

Images from chutes and ladders, and halfninja

Related posts:

1. Dessert Anyone? As if cake at a wedding isn’t enough.
2. Indian Summer Sweets
3. Hot or Not: Bridezilla… Will you be the next Beast?

Luckily there are many creative minds behind Martha Stewart and many brilliant visionaries hard at work collaborating each issue of her wedding magazine. All designers, pouring their energy into making one of the best D.I.Y. sections of the entire wedding industry. Their “Good Things” section has some great D.I.Y. projects. This season for Summer 2009 they have these wonderful fans that can be crafted for your guests so they won’t feel the full effects of the sweltering summer heat!

“Easy Breezy” is the tag line for these little wonders! You can go online and download all the templates…templates and clip art you need for free. Really….I said FREE!! They also give some other great tips for assembly and other alternatives if you would like to add some extra flourishes. Some suggestions involve hiring a calligrapher to draw a monogram or there is even a link to an artist Julia Swaney in Portland, Oregon who will decorate these fans (at cost). You just assemble.

These fans seem like a great alternative to beat the heat. Put your vows on one side and they become your program. You can also use them as a favor and will be a silent alternative to the flapping of paper fold-over programs, so everyone can hear you and your husband exchange vows! You want the best for both you and your guests. Keep them cool so they have stories to tell of the wonderful food and decor, instead of tales of the heat!

Images from marthastewartweddings.com

Related posts:

1. Indian Summer Sweets
2. Seasonal Delights: Highlight – Chocolate Brown and Pink
3. Turquoise and Yellow Wedding

I happened to stumble on a great article from Modern Bride. In their How-to Guide section in the Oct/Nov 2009 issue the editors have put together a sample of what they feel a great thank you letter should include. After looking at it, I do agree it is a good example. The article uses some great bullet pointers allowing you and your husband to incorporate personal touches/memories from you wedding day that you experienced with your guests. It gives you a nice format which can still be used as a template so your notes won’t sound like a cookie-cutter card you would send out around the Holidays! Adding personal touches like what you plan on doing with the item or mentioning the special effort your guest(s) went through to get to your wedding are just a few of the suggestions mentioned in this article that will make your thank-you’s get noticed!

The timeline alone for when thank-you notes should go out can get confusing. When my husband and I were completing our post wedding notes, the acceptable length between receiving a gift and note sent was around 3-4 months. After reading this editorial the new standard is 6-8 weeks which is a little shorter than the previously adopted credo. Whichever timeline you and your husband choose to adhere to will be fine, but in the event you notes do go out later than said timeline, make sure they are thoughtfully put together.

To keep from wanting to pull your hair out after signing your hundredth note out of 300, split up the thank-you writing task. My husband and I only had to worry about 120 notes, but still we decided to share the task. My husband was accountable for his family/friends and I was responsible for mine. It worked out great and we got most completed in one sitting. Looking back, it would have been a god-send to have an article like this at our disposal. After the honeymoon, the thank-you notes are the ties drawing together your bridal experience. Even though we dread doing them, they are a special part of the process. Try to enjoy the remainder of the ride, even if it isn’t as exciting as finding your dream dress or the perfect color of pink roses to match your table linens. If you follow these simple directions Modern Bride has put together for you, you can’t go wrong!

Images from MODERNBRIDE OCT/NOV 2009

Related posts:

1. Plenty of Personalization Please!
2. Save the Date Invitation!
3. Unveiled: Keeping with Tradition or Past it’s Time?

Magnolias are beautiful and smell amazing, but are extremely fragile and may not be able to keep up with all of your activities on your big day.

Martha Stewart and crew have created a great alternative and one that may be more budget friendly than out finicky southern blooms. Make your own flowers after downloading instructions off the Martha Stewart Weddings website! Replicate their fragrance by dousing your paper petals with a magnolia fragrance spray which you should be able to pick up at any home or beauty boutique. Good luck and have fun with this one, the pay off is a beautiful floral display you and your husband can be proud of!

marthastewartweddings.com

Related posts:

1. Good Little Girls
2. Petals and Pinafores
3. Lovely Lace