There really are no absolute deadlines for many of the steps in your wedding invitation process. Although there are some general timeframes that you may find helpful to avoid last-minute rushing since you have so many other things on your mind as well.

Here is a basic timeline to simply use as a guideline for your invitation planning:

9 months – 1 year

• Begin working on your guest list so you will know how many wedding invites (and maybe save the dates) to eventually order (one per single adult, couple or family invited).
• Start your wedding invitation shopping so you can narrow your choices down to only your favorites. Ordering samples, which are usually blank, will give you a chance to see the paper and design up close.
• If you are planning to mail out save the date cards to guests, begin searching for your preferred design of them as well.

7 to 8 months

• If you will be sending save the dates, place your order based on the number of guests to whom you will be mailing them as they are optional.
• Give some thought to how your wording will read by browsing through sample wedding invitation verses.

6 months

• If sending save the dates, prepare and mail them.
• Select your wedding invitation design and gather all the details that will be printed on them such as date, times, name and address of location(s), etc.
• Determine if you will also be ordering any invitation enclosures or added options – response cards, reception cards, direction/map cards, pre-printed return address on envelopes, decorative envelope seals, colored lining for inner envelopes, matching thank you or informal cards. Some of these options may not be available depending on your chosen style. You may also be able to order matching menu, table and place cards for your design. You will save on separate shipping costs by purchasing as many items as you can all in the same order.
• If you are including response cards, check with your dinner location to see how far in advance they need your final guest count so you can select the RSPV date that will be printed on them (typically 2-3 weeks before wedding). You also need to decide whose address will be printed on the response envelope or postcard meaning they will receive the replies.

4-5 months

• Finalize your wording and place your wedding invitation order. Remember to order some extras now so you won’t run out if there are last-minute guests to invite and so you also have a few as souvenirs. If the option is available, order some extra envelopes just to be safe.
• Check your guest list making sure you have complete addresses for everyone.
• Consider mailing your wedding invites using custom wedding stamps. Many online retailers provide you with the alternative of choosing from pre-designed wedding postage or simply uploading a photo to create your own stamp design. NOTE – Have one of your ready-to-mail invitations weighed at the Post Office BEFORE purchasing your postage stamps so you know you are using the correct amount for each one.

3-4 months

• Fold and/or assemble your wedding invitations, if necessary.
• Hand address mailing envelopes and write guest names on inside envelopes, if they are included.
• Purchase and apply postage stamps to the response card envelopes or response postcards, if they will be included.
• Assemble all wedding invitation pieces and insert them into already addressed envelopes.
• Take one fully assembled and sealed invitation to the Post Office to have it weighed to determine the correct amount of postage needed.
• Purchase your stamps or order custom wedding stamps with appropriate postage amount required for mailing.

6-8 weeks

• Seal the envelopes, apply postage stamps and mail them all at the same time directly at a Post Office location.

3-4 weeks

• Prepare and mail any other related wedding invitations…rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, etc.
• Keep track of the response cards as they are returned by checking off their names from your guest list.

2-3 weeks

• Contact any guests who didn’t mail back their response cards.
• Provide final guest count to reception/dinner location.

That pretty much takes care of everything related to your invitations prior to your wedding. The only thing left to do is to write and mail out your wedding thank you cards, especially if you ordered them with your wedding invitations. They should be sent out about a month after the wedding and no more than three months after.

Again, this is just a guideline for your wedding invitations process but hopefully it will help you stay organized which is the key for all of your wedding planning.

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Unless it’s ONE OF THOSE Showers, Stay Away from Inappropriate Gifts

Unless the shower is designated for gifts of the *ahem* more intimate nature, stay away from sex toys and risque lingerie.  One famous story is floating around the internet that regards a ninety-year-old grandmother who was so offended at a shower gift that she spit her dentures out and stormed away.  We want to avoid offended grandmothers.

Keep Your History To Yourself

There are countless stories out there about girls who attend the bridal showers of women who are marrying their ex boyfriends.  Maybe that’s not clear, so let’s put it into second person narrative.  You’re at a shower.  The girl who is getting married is getting married to a guy you used to date.  Whatever you do, do not talk about your relationship with this girl’s groom-to-be.  It’s in poor taste and makes everyone feel awkward.

Other Don’ts

Don’t:

tell dirty jokes
get naked
encourage anybody else to get naked
get wasted
get wasted and  naked
be mean to the  bride
be mean to the bride’s mother, grandmother, sister, best friend, etc.

If you follow these simple rules, you should be fine.  If you think of something other than one of these things to do to offend people, PULEASE write to tell me about it.

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Whether you are planning a fancy sit-down dinner or just appetizers, finding the right caterer is essential to a wonderful reception. But where do you find one if you have never thrown a catered party before? There are several places you can look to find caterers in your area.

The Phone Book

You can find the names of caterer’s in your area here. Many have web sites where you can find services and sometimes estimates. But only use this as a starting point. Never hire a caterer without first checking them out.

Friends and Family

Know someone who has hosted a catered event? Ask them who they used, if they liked the caterer, and how much they were charged per person. A satisfied customer is the best referral.

At Work

When your company hosts a catered event, who do they use? If you’ve been to one of their parties you already know if the food is good. Ask the event coordinator for the caterer’s contact information, and what they charge. It’s always possible you can get a discount because you work for the company.

Now that you have a list of possible caterers, it is time to get some quotes. Always get a written quote that spells out each item you want and the estimated cost. You should know by now what kind of reception you want, but it doesn’t hurt to ask about other kinds as well. You may find it more cost effective to have a different type of reception.

Don’t forget to ask questions while getting those quotes. Here are some questions you should ask during the quote meeting.

License and Liability

1. What is your license number?

2. Do you have liability coverage, as well as liquor liability coverage?

All of these protect you from liability should something go wrong during the reception. Hiring an unlicensed caterer is a disaster waiting to happen.

Costs

1. What is the estimated cost per person for my ideal reception?

2. How about my second and third choice?

3. What are some of the additional costs we might incur during the planning stages?

4. Is there a ceiling on anticipated food price increases?

While these costs are all going to be estimated, a good caterer should be able to give you an idea of the final costs.

Staff

1. What is the standard attire for their wait staff?

2. What is the staff-to-guest ratio?

3. If the reception runs late do to unforeseen circumstances, what are the overtime costs?

4. Is extra time even possible, or will there be a job booked after ours?

You don’t want to have your reception manned by an unprofessional wait staff. On the same note, you don’t want to have too few staff taking care of your guests. If there are problems that cause your party to run late, you want to be sure to have the caterer and their staff sticks around for the end.

Food and drink concerns

1. Is there a set menu, or can we pick from different food items?

2. Can your kitchen staff handle special dietary restrictions – allergies, diabetic or kosher menu requirements?

3. How much food will we need for our number of guests?

4. How many bottles of wine and/or champagne will we need for our number of guests?

5. What about non-alcoholic drinks, are those included with the cost of the meal or as a separate item?

6. Do you have refrigeration if the reception is held out doors?

These are basic food and drink questions; no doubt you will have many more event specific questions. Knowing how much food and drink will be needed is the sign of a good caterer. There isn’t a lot of guess work here; experience should dictate the amounts needed.

References

1. Do you have a list of past clients?

2. Is it possible to view the catering of another reception to check food display, wait staff, and service?

3. Can you sample the food on the menu suggested by the caterer?

Some caterers are more than willing to let you see a set up, and watch their staff in action, but it is really up to the customer if that is possible. Do not take it as a sign that they are trying to hide something from you. Some customers aren’t willing to let strangers into their events.

Policy questions

1. Have you worked at my reception site before?

2. Do you set the tables and provide linens? Is there an additional cost for that service?

3. Do you clean up the food and drink, and remove the trash?

4. Will I receive a confirmation letter with the details of my party spelled out?

5. What is the payment policy? Can I pay by check, credit card, or is cash the only option?

6. What is the tipping policy for the wait staff and set up people?

7. What is the minimum number of guests needed? And when do I have to provide the final guest count?

It’s nice to have a confirmation letter, with all the details in it, so you know for sure that everything you discussed with the caterer has been understood. Also having a set date to provide the final count is crucial for both you and your caterer.

A final note. Always check out a caterer with the Better Business Bureau in your area. Most BBB’s are online and checking for problems is quite easy.

Finding the right caterer will make your reception run smoother and make your special day even more special.

Dawn Arkin is a writer who loves to plan and attend weddings. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations.

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Pictures of your wedding and reception are something you will treasure for the rest of your life. You want someone taking those pictures who know what they are doing, and how to get the memorable shots.

Professional vs a Friend?

Most brides and grooms face this decision. They have a friend who loves to take pictures as a hobby and offers to take their wedding pictures as a gift. Saving money is something everyone wants to do, but there are some places you shouldn’t scrimp on. Your wedding photographs are one of those things. Unless your friend has a job as a photographer, hiring a professional is the best choice. Professionals will have the best equipment and have the knowledge to get the right shots.

When should you start looking for a photographer?

Your best bet is to hire one in plenty of time, preferable a year prior to your wedding date. Many photographers are booked far in advance, especially the really good ones.

How do I find a good one?

Finding a good photographer is not very hard. Wedding and bridal shows are wonderful places to get names and pricing information. Bridal magazines are another good place to look. Asking a friend who has had a wedding recently is an excellent way to not only find a photographer, but get a referral as well. You can also find listings for photographers in the yellow pages, but use this only to get a listing. Never hire someone without checking them out first.

Researching your choices

There are numerous ways to check out the photographers on your list. Most professionals have a web site. While you must remember the photographer put all that information on their site, it is still a good place to begin. They should have examples of their work, along with photo packages and pricing. You will also want to contact the Better Business Bureau in your area to see if the photographer has been reported. Most BBB’s have web sites, so checking is easy.

References

Any photographer in business should be able to give a list of past customers. When you call, be sure to ask the following questions:

1. Was the photographer on time?

2. Was the cost reasonable?

3. Did you get the pictures you wanted?

4. Did you get them in the time frame you were quoted?

5. Did you have any problems with the photographers, or their staff?

Past clients are more inclined to be honest with a potential customer than with the photographer themselves.

Once you have narrowed the list down to your favorites, it is time to start calling them for quotes. Remember to always get a quote in writing. It makes it easier later on to remember what the photographer promised. Here are eleven questions you should ask any potential photographer.

1. Are you licensed?

2. How long have you been a photographer?

3. Will you be taking my pictures, or will one of your staff?

4. If one of your staff will be taking the pictures, will I get a chance to meet them ahead of time?

5. Do you have set packages available, and what are the costs for each of them?

6. How long will I have to wait for my pictures?

7. Do you do wedding albums too, or do I have to supply my own?

8. How much time will you spend at my wedding? At my reception?

9. is there a charge for overtime, should there are problems or it takes longer than you originally quoted?

10. Do you do the traditional poses, as well as your own unique ones?

11. Will my photos be available online for family and friends to order for themselves, or must I do all my ordering through your directly?

You will have more event related questions to ask your potential photographer. One question you should ask yourself is if you are comfortable with this photographer. A professional photographer will strive to make your special day run smooth. A professional photographer won’t be pushy, rude, rushed, or annoyed. If the photographer you are interviewing seems to be any of these things, do not hire him. You will be stressed enough before, during and after your wedding; you don’t need your photographer to make it worse.

A wedding is a special even and deserves to be remembered. Photographs are an excellent way to show the beauty of the day and hiring the right photographer will make your memories all the more special.

Dawn Arkin is a writer who loves to plan and attend weddings. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations.

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In addition to saving the wedding guests time and possibly money, you won’t have to use your free time returning gifts you don’t need (or want) or gifts that you got two of (or four). No bad gifts and no returns, sound like a nice gift for yourself. And after the honeymoon is over, you’ll appreciate the extra time you will have saved.

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Last year I was honored to attend an unconventional kind of wedding.  In fact, my hubs was part of the wedding party.  The wedding took place on Halloween, and I decided that since the happy couple’s one year anniversary approacheth, that that I would not only tell you about the happy day, I’d let the bride do it.  Megan was nice enough to answer some questions for me and send me some photos, so enjoy!

1.  What made you choose Halloween as your wedding date?

I absolutely adore Halloween! It has always been my favorite holiday. The dressing up, the scary decorations, the fall weather and of course, fall foods, like sweet potatoes! My daughters are the same way and dressing up is just plain fun! You can be all the things that aren’t “real” the other 364 days of the year.  And everyone knows Jamie loves anything dark and gory! Add to that our family’s love of anything macabre and you get the perfect day for our wedding. Not to mention it is an easy date for the groom to remember! The movie “The Corpse Bride” sealed the deal, it was the inspiration for the whole thing.

2.  Who did you choose to officiate your ceremony, and how did you know him/her?

Leighton Paquette preformed the ceremony. My aunt introduced him to us. The amazing thing was, I really only got to talk to him a couple of times. Maybe the longest conversation was an hour. And yet he nailed it. Jamie and I aren’t your typical couple. We’re square pegs trying to fit into a world of round holes. And Leighton got that. It wasn’t your typical stuffy or religious ceremony, it was ours and it was perfect. He said let him know if you have any questions for him. However,he wasn’t licensed to make it legal so another friend of the family who is filled out our marriage license.

3.  What was the significance of having your wedding on Halloween?

LOL we got to dress up and be yet ourselves and for once no one gave us strange looks for it. I’ve always felt like Halloween is an opportunity for those of us who are a little…..out there, to be truly free of society’s expectations for one night.

4.  What did you choose as your attire for the wedding and why?

I wanted to go with something fairy like but without dealing with wings. My mother, Debbie deTreville, is a wonderful seamstress, and she and my step-father, Jason Allen, designed a beautiful dress just by listening to me babble about a few I had seen that I liked. I wanted fairy-tale without the poofy Cinderella dress. It was a beautiful royal purple with iridescent wing like pieces attached at the upper arms and wrists. They both worked incredibly hard until the wee hours of the morning to get everything completed on time. They also did almost all of the decorations and all of the flowers. Jason (Jae) also carved several exquisite pumpkins to grace the tables.

5.  What did the groom choose as his attire for the wedding and why?

Jamie wore a black suit and red shirt and black top hat with a skull topped cane. He chose that mainly because I wouldn’t let him wear jeans and the “tuxedo t-shit”. However, he looked wonderful in it. He picked it all out himself and I have to say, his taste was fabulous.

6.  What were your instructions to your wedding party as to how they should dress?

We told them to wear whatever costume they wanted only to keep in mind there would be children in attendance. As lond as no one dressed like a bride or groom we were fine with it. We ended up with 2 Greek goddesses, a Renaissance princess, and a disco diva as bridesmaids, and a bodyguard, a convict, a pirate and Einstein as groomsman. Our oldest Samantha was a perfect little fairy flower-girl and the younger one, Jessica, was a spooky skeleton fairy ring bearer, which was all their idea and matched their personalities. My grandfather gave me away as Grandpa Munster aka Dracula. It was all so perfect!

7.  What were your requests/suggestions to your wedding guests as to how they should dress?

We asked everyone to either choose a costume or to wear something afternoon wedding appropriate. We did however, ask that everyone be respectful of the children who would be in attendance and not wear anything too scary or risky. As it turned out, everyone who turned up was in  costume except a couple grandparents who wore church clothes, and with the rest of the costumes floating around, they looked like it was a purposeful Halloween choice.

8.  What type of music did you choose for the reception?

A very eclectic mix spun out by my dad, Kevin Carter who also helped my Aunt Kerstan with photos. we tried to stick with classic rock and roll and a few Halloween themed songs. Since it was a pretty neutral ground for me and Jamie.

9.  What was your first dance song and why?

“Always with me Always with you” by Joe Satriani.

Jamie introduced that song to me early in our relationship and it just became our song. He even used to play parts from it for me on the guitar.

10.  After one year of wedded bliss, how do you plan to celebrate your anniversary?

Maybe with a night out just the two of us….that’s a rare enough occurrence. Trick-or-Treating with the kids will top off our weekend.

Thank you, Megan, for telling us about your special day, and for letting our readers know that it’s fine to be yourself and do what YOU want to do on your wedding day.

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The key to giving a winter wedding gift is to think of something ideal for the season. Some gifts simply lend themselves more easily to the season than others do. Giving the bride and groom a gift that is suited for the winter is something that is more thoughtful than you might at first think. If the bride and groom get married during the winter, your giving them a winter themed gift means that they will think of winter and their wedding every time they use it. Some gifts they may use year-round – but for special winter themed gifts they will use them even more during winter months and this will bring a special smile to their faces as they remember their wedding day and the moments they shared with you.

Hot chocolate machine. This is a sweet treat ideal for the bride starting a new life. A winter wedding means moving into a new house when it is cold and often snowy. A hot chocolate machine makes yummy hot chocolate at the push of a button. This tempting treat is sweet and also romantic. Chocolate is actually an aphrodisiac, ideal for newlyweds. Include all of the hot chocolate fixins’ with this gift like whipped cream and sprinkles.

Bread maker. A bread maker machine is a great gift for a new bride. What could be more delicious in the wintertime than hot, freshly made bread? Bread makers today are quite easy to use. A bread maker used to be a bit tricky to operate but today they are rather simple to use and create delicious fresh bread at the push of a few buttons. You can make many varieties of bread in a bread maker.

Ice skating lessons. Many say that the first year of marriage is the hardest. Often couples simply have to adjust to being with each other, and not “dating.” Giving newlyweds ice skating lessons is some romantic fun for them to look forward to. They can have fun on the ice and enjoy ice skating during this winter – and then for every winter following. Your thoughtful gift of ice skating lessons this year could mean they ice skate for the rest of their lives – thinking of you as they start of on the ice! Those couples certainly look happy as they skate side by side holding hands on the ice. We’re sure you’d agree.

Tanning sessions. This might look funny on a winter wedding shower gift list, but the fact is that many winter wedding couples go to tropical destinations for their honeymoon. It is so important to get that base tan for protection before you go into the sun. A nice tan also looks wonderful in your wedding photographs. If the bride and groom enjoy tanning, tanning sessions could be a thoughtful gift they would enjoy. A little imported summer sun for the wintry weather.

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