Wedding Invitations

When do you need "At Home" cards?
If you happen to be moving to a new home, whether it’s a local move or across the country, you need to notify your friends of your new information.

Why is it proper to send "At Home" cards?
By sending your family and friends an "at home" cards it informs them of your new address and lets them know whether or not you are keeping your maiden name. Usually, they are mailed with the announcement or mailed separately after the wedding.

When do you need wedding announcements?
If your circle of friends and relatives is larger than the list you intend to
invite to you wedding ceremony, or if you have a private wedding, you will want
to send an announcement of your wedding in the place of wedding invitations.

Also if you are having a destination wedding, obviously many of your friends
will not be able to attend. In this case you would want to send out wedding
announcements to let them know that you got married. You might include an
invitation for a celebration back home which they could attend to help you
celebrate at a later date.

Why is it proper to send wedding announcements?
Wedding Announcements include the wedding date, but never the time or location
of ceremony. They should be mailed the day of the wedding.

When do you need  Wedding Invitations?
Wedding invitations are used for anyone you want to attend the cermony (even if they are ill or too far away to actually come). Always list who is getting married, on what day, of what year (spelled out in fill), at what time, and the location. What type of invitation you send it totally up to you and if possible should fit the theme of your wedding. You may want to send traditional wedding invitations, or contemporary wedding invitations or anything inbetween.
Why it’s proper:
An occasion this important rates more than a casual invitation. Elegance is enhanced by coordinating with lined inner envelopes. It’s nice if you can find unique wedding invitations that fit your taste that can set the tone of your wedding.

Over the next dozen blog entries, I wll discuss the different elements of your wedding invitation ensemble and accessory items  -  what you need, when and why. First of all there are the:
Engagement Announcements -
When you need them - Becasue of school, military service or other plans, your wedding date may be far in the future. If you want people to know you are engaged, send out an Engagement Announcement using the Wedding Invitation format.
Why it’s proper - Either formal or informal copy is proper to let people know your exciting news.

Are you creative when it comes to being romantic?  Most of us aren’t. This is the traditional day in which lovers express their love for each other with cards, and candy and/or flowers, and a special meal.

It’s certainly a great day for the retail industry not to mention the postal service. According to Wikepedia, the Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making Valentine’ day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, second only to Christmas. They also estimate that women purchase approximately 85% of all valentines.
 
While it’s nice to do something special for your special someone on this day - you better because it is expected and you don’t want to be a scrooge - but it is even more meaningful it you can plan a repeat performace when it is least expected. To get some romantic ideas, check out our book resources here: Recommended Reading. Because they are ebooks, you con download them and immediately apply what you read.

You’ve done it! You’re married! All your hard work and
preparation has been worth it all. I hope that your day was glorious!

• Now just enjoy your
  honeymoon!
• Contact a Flower Preservation
  Vendor to preserve your Bouquet.
• Contact a Gown Preservation
  Vendor to hand clean, press and preserve your bridal gown.
• Finish writing your thank you
  notes.
• Take care of any legal
  concerns you didn’t get to before the wedding such as name and address
  changes.

• If no one has already done something like this for you as a wedding gift, take
  one of your left over wedding invitations and preserve it in some way either by
  framing it in some way or have it applied to a plaque or waxed onto a large
  display candle.

• Start your new life as husband and wife. There will definitely be some
  adjustments to be made. New issues will develop - many good, some not so
  good.  One thing to keep in mind is the importance of focusing on the
  positive and good things about your spouse and being willing to forgive. As
  good as your intentions are, there will be times that you will disappoint one
  another, and it is very important to be able to forgive and move on. Have fun!

    So…this is your big day - Your Wedding Day!
Congratulations. Over the last few months, you have probably planned the
biggest party of your lifetime and now it is time for you to enjoy the fruits
of your labor. Not only that, you get to be the star of the show - all eyes
will be on you as your family and friends share in this momentous celebration
of a life time. What’s left to do? Well, there are just a few loose ends you
need to tie up.

• Visit your beauty salon for hair
  styling and make-up (bring your veil and headpiece with you.
• Make sure that the wedding
  gown is pressed and steamed.
• Bring a change of clothes if
  you are leaving for your honeymoon.
• Be sure that both you and
  your fiancé eat something nutritious. You will need the energy.
• Don’t forget the rings and
  license.
• Send out your wedding
  announcements.
• Get dressed 1 - 1 1/2 hours
  before the ceremony.
• Try to relax and enjoy the
  day - unwind yourself…and savor the unfolding of your special day. Let
  someone else take care of any last minute unavoidable details. If anything
  goes differently than planned, chances are, you are the only ones who will
  notice.
• Hug your family.
• Thank all who helped.
• Include your new in-laws into
  your happiness and in the limelight.
• Laugh and enjoy your day to
  the fullest. This should be the happiest day of your life!

Congratulations again! Next time we will touch on the few
things left to do after the wedding.

Well, tomorrow is your big day!  Take a deep breath. You are almost married. Tomorrow is your wedding day - a day you will remember for the rest of your life.

• Visit you Beauty Salon fo a maicure and pedicure. If you can afford it, get a massage.
• Try to relax as much as possible today and get plenty of rest. Take a nap if you can.
• Attend and enjoy the rehersal and dinner. Whatever you do, don’t drink too much!
• Get to be early and sleep in as late as possible.

Calm down and take a deep breath. There still is a lot to do
but it is manageable if you have been following our wedding planning checklist
all along.

• Verify final details with all
  service providers.  Inform them of any changes.
• Finalize the guest count,
  making necessary changes to seating chart.
• Confirm transportation for
  the wedding party.
• Confirm that the photographer
  understands the list of pictures you have requested.
• Confirm that the videographer
  understands your specific requests.
• Verify that all wedding
  attire has been picked up and fits.
• Confirm that all attendants
  know when to arrive at the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and wedding
  ceremony. Confirm that all attendants have a copy of the wedding schedule
  you created.
• Pack for your honeymoon.
• Pay bills that will be due
  while you are away.
• Continue to write thank you
  notes, if possible.
• Pick up your marriage license.

You’re almost there! Only two weeks to go and a few more
details to wrap up:

• Confirm final details with
  all wedding professionals you have hired. Confirm wedding night hotel
  reservation.
• Give caterer your guest count
• Finalize seating chart for
  reception.
• Submit names for place cards
  to calligrapher or write out yourself.
• Give a wedding day schedule
  to all attendants.
• Finish addressing your
  wedding announcements.
• Pick up your wedding dress.
• Have your bridal portrait
  taken.
• Break in your wedding shoes.
• Fill out a change-of-address
  form at the post office.

Be sure to keep an eye out for any wedding invitations that
may have been returned due to a bad address.