A wedding guest list can quickly spiral out of control.  Before you know it, your intimate wedding of 25 close friends and family can turn into a large party of your closest 300 friends.  I don’t know about you, but I do not have 300 people that I would consider ‘close’.  I probably don’t even have 50.  Having a small wedding can not only keep costs down, but it also creates a more intimate memory for you and your new spouse.  If you are having trouble scaling down that list, consider a destination wedding.  By having your wedding out of town, you are automatically excluding a large group of people.  No need to invite Joan from accounting if you are flying to the islands.  If you have trouble making cuts, use this rule…if you haven’t seen or spoken regularly to the person within the last year, you can safely leave them off the list.

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Let’s face it, deciding on your guest list can be one of the biggest challenges of planning a wedding.  There are the obligatory invites, family, close friends, etc. Then there are the ones that could cause controversy.  If you invite ‘Sally’ from the office, do you have to invite Lisa, Kim and Amy?  Sometimes inviting one friend opens up the possibility of inviting others that you may not be close to. The reality is a wedding cost money and the more people you invite the more it is going cost.  So, if you can’t afford to invite everyone from accounting, then don’t!

There are also guests you KNOW aren’t going to attend the wedding.  Do you send them invitation just to be polite?  This can be tricky.  If you have extended family and friends who live out of town and you know they won’t attend, don’t feel obligated to send an invite.  In fact, it may be viewed as you are just scamming for a gift.  However, there is a chance that these people may feel slighted not to even be asked.  Make sure that these people know the reason you opted not send an invite was because you didn’t want them to feel the need to send a gift.  That keeps everyone happy and no one gets their feelings hurt.   If in doubt, send the invite and let them decide if they want to send a gift or not.

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Given that many families today are a little more complex, wedding invitation wordy can get tricky.  Many times parents have gotten divorced, remarried, or sometimes they are no longer present in the couple’s life for one reason or another.

Traditional wording will begin with the parents of the bride.  This is usually because the family of the bride is finically responsible for the wedding.   More than likely, the bride and groom and even the groom’s family is contributing to the cost of the wedding.  So, the rational for the wording doesn’t necessarily apply in every situation.

Let’s not forget the addition of step-parents.  In many cases step parents are a major part of the family.  However, it can be a source of tension among other family members.  This doesn’t always make for an easy situation on how to include everyone on the wedding inviation.  How do you keep everyone happy?

If you are afraid of offending someone and can’t please everyone, you may want to leave family off the invitation all together and just keep the names of the bride and groom.  If you feel that is too exclusive, consider using general wording such as ‘The Family of the Bride’ or ‘The Family of the Groom’.

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

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To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

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The word “calligraphy” literally means “beautiful writing” and is commonly known as “the art of the written word.” It traditionally has been used in the holy scriptures, royal correspondence, works of art and many other significant events. It only makes sense for the discerning bride to consider using a calligrapher to help with her overall wedding scheme and design.

“Why choose a calligrapher?” you might ask. Your wedding invitation is the first thing your guests will see about your wedding. It sets the tone for your whole day. Many calligraphers can help you achieve the impressive look you desire by writing in a style that can fit in with any theme, from modern to traditional. As the bride, you decide what is the impression you want to make and then you go from there. The calligraphy on the envelope helps set the mood for your wedding. A beautifully addressed envelope or handwritten calligraphy placecards tells your guests “I thought about you today”. They know the extra work went into making a special impression and many keep the artwork as a souvenir of the time they had at your wedding.

When choosing a calligrapher, it is important to keep in mind several things. The first of these is cost. It may be more economical to hire a calligrapher to design one copy of your invitation or menus to be printed rather than having each handwritten. Or you may choose a calligrapher to do just your placecards while you handwrite the addresses on your invitations yourself (or have a friend help out!). Your budget will dictate how much you are able to do. The cost is only the first thing to take into consideration.

The second thing to keep in mind if you are interested in using a calligrapher is the time involved in completing your project whether it be invitations, placecards, menus or everything for your wedding day; as with any art form, calligraphy takes time so it is important to take that into consideration when choosing your invitations or even earlier. Wedding invitations should be mailed at least 6-8 weeks before your wedding and the calligraphy itself may take anywhere from 1 week per 100 invitations or more (especially from January to May and again from July to September, in particular) depending on the calligrapher. Many calligraphers may be booked up and unable to accommodate you if you wait until the last minute to book them (or charge rush fees that will increase all of your overall costs!). The best advice is to start to look for a calligrapher at least as early as you start to look at invitations (not waiting until you actually order them!).

The third thing to keep in mind when choosing a calligrapher is to know what you want and be sure to ask for samples from everyone. It is tragic when you hire someone to address the envelopes that you so carefully chose to set the tone for your whole day only to realize once they were complete that they were not anything at all like you expected! This, in part, goes back to the cost. A cheaper calligrapher who is does not have pretty handwriting or uses pens other that what you expected may end up costing you more in the long run if you have to re-order all new envelopes because the writing was not at all what you expected! Look at their portfolio, ask how they got started in the business, how long they have been doing calligraphy and discuss your vision and be sure the person is on the same page as you. Some calligraphers may only be proficient in a few styles, none of which fit your specific needs while others may be able to scribe in a wide enough variety of styles to design a custom style for your whole wedding.

How do you find this calligrapher that is right for you? Ask from referrals from your wedding consultant, paper and invitation retailers, or from other brides who have used calligraphers. In addition to this, many bridal websites have links pages which will take you directly to calligrapher websites. It is important to make informed decisions and get the calligrapher that is right for you. When talking about adding the special touches that make your day memorable, not only to you but to all of your guests, the calligrapher you choose is someone you want to be able to trust to make your dream day a dream come true!

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To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

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If you are wondering what a Momzilla is exactly, you probably don’t have one.  However, if you have a mom or mother-in-law to be that is a little out of control, you may have Momzilla.  Some brides find themselves living out the wedding fantasy of their moms.  From the dress to the reception, mom has an opinion of how things should be.  While input is usually appreciated, a Momzilla will take over the day and forget the focus is about the bride.  

Where it gets tricky is that many times the parents are paying for the wedding and feel that their input trumps the opinions of the happy couple.  The reality is that if they are footing the bill, you may have to put up with some decisions you don’t agree with in the end.  

So if your mom is throwing a tantrum when things don’t go her way, politely remind her that it is your day and while you want her to be a part of it, you need to create the wedding of YOUR dreams.

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To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

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As you plan your wedding, you are going to want to think about transportation.  You will need to consider how you and your wedding party will get to and from the wedding and the reception.  Remember that some bridal party members may be flying in from out of town.  If you aren’t planning on renting a limo or other transportation, make sure they have someone they can share a ride with on the day of the wedding.

You may want to consider at least renting a limo or a town car for you and your hubby.  You will be dressed up in the gown of your dreams.  Scrunching into the back of a Honda Civic may not be the fantasy you have dreamt about on your wedding day.

Wedding transportation can be as unique as the bride and groom.  You can opt for a traditional method like a limousine, or go with something a little different like trolley or a party bus.  

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To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

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Sending a thank you note is such an important part of being a bride.  Don’t wait until after the wedding to start sending the notes.  Once you get engaged, you will receive weddings up to and past the wedding itself. If you receive a gift, take time and send the thank you note within a few days.  Some etiquette books will say you have up to three months to send a thank you.  I personally think a thank you should be sent within two weeks of receiving a gift.  The exception may be giving your self a little extra time with the honeymoon.  So, unless you are taking a one month honeymoon, you still should be able to send out all the thank you notes within 30 days of your wedding. 

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

When it comes to weddings and wedding planning it can be quite difficult to be unique.  After all, just about every theme, no matter how unusual, has likely been used before.  From horseback weddings to weddings at the local grocery store, it seems there is nothing new under the sun.

That does not mean, of course, that you cannot put your own unique twist on your special day.  There are many ways to make your nuptials your own, from the cake you choose to the wedding invitations you send.  With a little bit of creativity and style you can create wedding invitations that are a true reflection of your own unique taste.

Wedding invitations are a great way to express your creativity, since these simple pieces of paper are the first impression many guests will have.  First impressions are always important, and you can make that first impression a great one with the right wedding invitations.

One of the best ways to make your wedding invitations unique is to make them yourself.  These days there are plenty of ways to create your own handmade wedding invitations, and the impression they make is more than worth the effort expended.  If you have a good quality color printer, a computer and some design skills you may be able to create your own memorable wedding invitations without ever leaving home.

Even if you would prefer to let someone else do the hard work you can still put your own unique spin on the wedding invitations you choose.  Many vendors, including many online stores, allow wedding planners to create their own wedding invitations with just a few simple steps.  From adding special photographs to including a special Bible verse or set of song lyrics, there are many ways to dress up those plain wedding invitations and give them your own unique stamp.

Even if you choose off the shelf wedding invitations you can still make them your own with just a little bit of effort and creativity.  For instance, if your wedding will incorporate some favorite flowers, why not press and dry a few of those special flowers and include a dried blossom with each RSVP card?  Perhaps you can even include a blossom from your own garden as an extra special gesture.

If your wedding has a unique theme, like a beach party or fairy tale theme, why not let the wedding invitations you choose reflect that special theme?  From attaching a drink umbrella to adding a special picture, there are many ways to let your creativity show through as you address and mail your wedding invitations.  These simple enhancements can transform even the most ordinary wedding invitations into cherished keepsakes your guests will remember long after the wedding date has come and gone.

By Bonnie Conrad

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To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

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Do I really need to send out Save the Date Cards?  If so, how early do I send them out?  What is the purpose of sending out Save the Date Cards?

Save the Date Cards announce to all your family and friends the date of your wedding and simply ask them to reserve that day especially for you.  They can be very useful for guests that will be having to travel long distances to attend the wedding.  If someone is coming from out of the country,  making needed arrangements early can save them a great deal of money on their traveling expenses.  Also Save the Date Cards can be very helpful for a destination wedding.  Giving early notice to all who plan to attend gives them the opportunity to request vacation from their employer and helps them save them a substantial amount of money on their travel expenses.

In order to give your guests plenty of notice Save the Date Cards should be mailed out a minimum of 4-6 months before your wedding date and as long as 12-15 months in advance if you will have many guests traveling from afar.  This will allow your guests ample time to make all the necessary travel arrangements so that they will be able to attend your special event.

Save the Date Cards are not meant to be formal.  The main purpose is just to let your family and friends know the actual date of the wedding so that they can plan ahead. There are many styles to choose from.  When deciding on a Save the Date Card, you may want to try and match your wedding invitations.  Save the date cards are mostly used as card stock or magnets and they are normally post card size.  You can add a picture of you and your fiancé, or embellishments that are sure to add a personal touch.  Most brides prefer the Save the Date Magnets because your guests can put it on their refrigerator and it serves as a constant reminder.

Here are some guidelines for what is needed on the card or magnet: both the bride and grooms name, the wedding date and location of the wedding.  You can feel free to add any other information you feel will assist your guest in making their plans.  You will also want to include the wording “invitation to follow” so that your guests will know that an official wedding invitation with more specific information will be mailed to them at a later date.

It is also recommended that you include other helpful information with your Save the Date Card such as airline, car rental and hotel information that will make things easier on your guests.  They may also be interested in other special events or attractions in your area.  If possible also try to acquire group discount rates for your guests by calling specialty companies and seeing if they do offer group discounts. It is customary for most vendors to set up a group code or use your last name for booking purposes.  You can provide this information and any other group information when you mail your Save The Date cards!!

Have a great time planning for your special day!

By Jeff Fain

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

How much time is needed to plan, order and mail out my wedding invitations?  Here is some helpful advice on when to order and mail out your wedding invitations.

Are you unsure how far in advance to order your wedding invitations?  It is my recommendation that you order your Wedding Invitations at least four weeks prior to mailing them out to your guests.  This will allow you plenty of time to place your order and receive your Wedding Invitations.  You then be able double check your order to make sure you have received everything you ordered and no mistakes were made.  It will also allow you enough time for a reprint is needed and give you plenty of time to address all the envelopes.

Wedding invitations should be mailed out so that your guest will receive them at least  six to eight weeks prior to the Wedding date.  This will allow your guest enough time to make travel plans and return the respond card you included with your Wedding Invitation.  Typically the respond by date should be two weeks prior to your wedding date.  This should allow you enough time to make your final preparations based on the number of guests that will be attending your wedding.

You will have many other things to take care of as your wedding approaches and the last thing you need is to have to rush to get your wedding invitations addressed and mailed out.  There will undoubtedly be last minute names to add and address changes to deal with so please allow yourself plenty of time to accomplish this task.

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com