Wedding Freebie! Free Issue of Bridal Guide Magazine

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Free Issue of Bridal Guide Magazine

Every bride enjoys a freebie and remember to make some memories! 

Great Gifts and Decor From Candle Bay

When searching for event or everyday home decor, stop by Candle Bay and check 

out their selection. 

They have a great rewards program that is free to sign up for and when you do, you'll receive 25,000 FREE Candle Coins ($5.00) to spend towards product.

When you sign up, use Referral Number 52876

Rewards Sign-Up Here

Save The Date And Invitation Writing 101

Set The Tone With Your Invitations:  Use consistent colors, themes, wording and design for your save the dates, invitation sets and thank you notes. These items (S-T-Ds and Invitations) are your guests' go-to reference for the style and formality of your event.

What Needs To Be On My Save The Dates: Include both of your names, the wedding date, city and state of your wedding, travel info and a wedding website if you've created one. Remember our first point; this is where you start to set the tone of your event for your guests. Make them reflect both of you.

Etiquette: Select how much etiquette you're following based on the formality and theme of your event. No matter what tone you're going for you always need to pay attention to the following: Spelling, Grammar, Clear Wording, and Properly Addressed Envelopes

Take Into Account Your Invite and Guest List: What does this have to do with invitations? Lots!! We make all our clients draft two lists and invite list (everyone you are inviting) and from that a guest list (everyone who is attending) forms itself from RSVPs. By making an invite list based on your budget, you determine how much you can spend on S-T-Ds, invites and TYs, as well as if you need to scale back your list. It's better to know as early as possible so your event doesn't get out of hand.

The 9 Things That Must Be On Your Wedding Invitations: (1.) Inviting hosts (2.) Request Line 

(3.) Bride (4.) Groom (5.) Date (6.) Year (7.) Time (8.) Location (9.) City and State

What Enclosures Should I Have: Invitation suites most often include RSVP cards and Guest Information Cards. Let your enclosures suit the needs of your event, some others to consider are map and/or direction cards, reception cards and travel cards.

Where Can You Save In Your Budget: Save on postage. Send a postcard as your Save The Date and have your RSVP cards be postcards as well, the lower postage rate makes a difference. Include necessary enclosures only, if you don't need it, don't use it. You can also not purchase the heavier weighted paper enclosures and print your own on lighter weight paper if you feel you need the enclosure. Get a better invitation price when you order. Order 25 extra; there are always mistakes, a forgotten someone and you'll want one for a scrapbook or two. 

It Just Might Rain (Or Worse) On Your Parade

    It's hard to imagine clouds in the sky when you've invisioned the perfect outdoor event. However, the truth is, you have to! Not having a backup plan for weather situations when you're having an outdoor even is worse than the bad weather itself! Here are some ideas to keep in mind to have a smooth outdoor event with or without mother natures cooperation.

(1.) Look at venues that have both indoor and outdoor areas. Do this for a few different reasons: you will have a place to go if clouds or worst start darkening the sky and be aware of your guests; not everyone will want to spend the entire time outside. By having somewhere guests can go inside you'll maximize the time they can be there, especially if it is extremely sunny, hot, windy, chilly, etc. 
If you find a venue that has both indoor and outdoor space, make sure to ask the right questions; Do you have to reserve inside space as well when booking the outside area? What is the additional cost? What is your maximum number  of allowed guests in each area and plan your numbers accordingly.

(2.) Have a tent available. You'll be the best host/hostess in town if you put this in your budget. You're not only planning ahead if you have any weather situations, but even if the weather is perfect, you're giving guests the chance to get out of the sun, or away from the main area for a few minutes. This is great for the elderly and parents with their small children. 

(3.) Can your decor survive the weather? Plan all your decorations based on your climate, both good and bad. Nothing looks worse than flowers blowing all over the place or receiving littering charge because your paper napkins are all over the venue's pond. 

Plan ahead and make some memories! :)