Planning Your Wedding - Let's Look At Wedding Stationery*

 

*This is a collaborative post. All opinions my own*

 

My partner and I are planning on getting married in the next few years, and although we’re not officially engaged yet, we’re both very excited at the prospect of planning our perfect wedding day. We’ve talked about what theme we’d like, the style, the time of year, where the venue will be and even the colour of the bridesmaids dresses. If you've recently got engaged or are about to plan a wedding then you'll know that as exciting as it is, there's an awful lot of work involved too. I was once the maid of honour at a friends wedding and helped out with various aspects of organising so I know just how much effort goes into planning even the tiniest details. Initially I'd recommend sitting down and writing a list including your budget and also everything you know you'll want or need for your big day. Here are some suggestions in no particular order just to get you started;

 

• Date for the big day
  
• Venue both for ceremony and wedding party
  
• Caterer
• Menu
  
• Wedding cake
  
• Wedding dress 
• Bridesmaids
• Groomsmen 
• Photographer 
• Band 
• Flowers
• Rings
• First dance
• Guest list 
• Invites and RSVPS
  
• Seating plan
• Place cards
  
• Honeymoon 
• Hair and makeup

 

At first this may send you into a tailspin, afterall there is a lot that goes into planning a wedding but do not panic. With a little bit of organisation and a helping hand, you can really enjoy the experience and plan the perfect day. Once you've written your comprehensive list, break it down into sections of what needs to be done imminently or at least twelve months prior to the big day and what needs to wait until nearer the time. If you’re not sure, then you can find plenty of guides online or even download yourself a handy checklist.  

 

 

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, a notoriously busy time for proposals so I’ll be writing more wedding posts in the future on the various aspects of wedding planning, but for this post I’m going to focus on wedding stationery.

  

Wedding Stationery 

 

 

I’ve received various wedding invitations over the years and I have to say that some have definitely been more memorable than others. My kind of perfect invitation gives me an inkling into the theme or style of the wedding and how formal it is. When I was maid of honour we tried - and failed - to make the invitations. We had this idea that sounded great in principle but it just didn't translate once we got practical. I'd definitely recommend having your stationery professionally made. It makes such a difference and removes the stress of doing it yourself. 

 

Whether you realise it or not, wedding stationery will feature hugely as you plan your wedding. Most people think wedding stationery is just invitations but there's also table plans, rsvp cards, menus, placecards, wedding programme, checklists... The list goes on! 

 

I ordered a wedding sample pack from Aura Print who provide various wedding stationery such as save the dates, invitations, RSVP cards, table/seating plans, name and place cards and thank you cards. All the photos you see of wedding stationery throughout this post are images of Aura Print samples.

 

 

My sample pack dropped through the letterbox just two days after I had placed my order and I was delightfully surprised. It was beautifully packaged in a sturdy but elegant black envelope. Inside I unwrapped pink tissue paper to find a selection of beautiful designs all printed on quality card. The samples didn't just look the part, they really felt it too. 

 

I particularly loved how the samples had been presented together. Great care had been taken and I really appreciated that touch. My favourite of all the personalised wedding designs was the Rock Rose Wedding Stationery which also features as my header photo today. Described by Aura Print as bursting autumn florals with rock roses for perfectly graceful autumn weddings, this would be my personal go-to! The framed centre makes sure all the relevant wedding information can still be seen clearly whilst still looking elegant. I also loved how luxurious and thick the card felt, there was no doubting the quality. 

 

My second favourite was the Prism Wedding Stationery seen just above which features deep florals, sage greenery and is finished off with faux rose gold print. Overall both of these designs had such a professional air and finish to them.

All the designs are custom made in house and each design is fully customisable. If you prefer a fully bespoke design then AuraPrint can work with you to create a one of a kind design. Designs worth mentioning that weren't featured in my sample pack but that look beautiful on the website are from the Ferragni, Levigne, and Blossom range.

The website is super user friendly which I love. At the click of a button you can see the many design choices available for wedding stationery. If you'd prefer to search by theme then there's that facility too. Choose from elegant, floral, geometric, modern, summer, royal, rustic, traditional, vintage, winter or wreath weddings.

Top left is a place card from the Summer Mint range. The invitations from this same range are beautiful featuring pastel mint greens and blossom pinks so do check them out if you're planning a summer wedding. Top right is a thank you card from the Hitched range which is perfect for a woodland, forest or rustic themed wedding and is printed on Kraft Brown paper. Bottom left is the Snow Meadow design ideal for an elegant winter wedding. It features pale blue artwork incorporating cool greys and red winter berries. Bottom right is an RSVP from the Secret Garden range which features fresh greenery, white petals and sage. Perfect for a spring or summer wedding. 

 

Whichever design you opt for, remember to take your time choosing and make sure you really love it. Many of your guests will keep your wedding stationery as a keepsake for many years to come, it might be a nice touch to keep an invite or two to add to your own wedding album too.

 

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Here's How To Guarantee You Impress Your Wedding Guests

Are you in the throes of planning the perfect wedding? If so, then you might be interested in guaranteeing that your guests are impressed. There are a range of different options worth exploring here. 

Musical Decisions

First, you might want to think about choosing the right music for your wedding. The right wedding can set the tone for your wedding and ensure that it feels fantastic. There are lots of different musical choices depending on your preference. For instance, you might want to consider live wedding music. This can make your wedding feel more vibrant and immersive. Alternatively, if you want to cut the cost of your wedding, you should think about just setting up some remote speakers around your venue. That way you can let people choose the music that they want to listen to at your wedding. 

The Right Venue

Of course, if you want to impress your guests, then you should definitely think carefully about your choice of venue. For instance, you should make sure that you have a great venue where you have a wonderful space to take wedding photographs outside. This could be a lovely park space or a beautiful chateaux from this denver wedding venue company. Either one will have its own advantages, so make sure to pick one that resonates with you. Do be aware that the best and most popular wedding venues book up fast. So, it’s important to make sure that you are quick to select the dates that you want and then get the wedding venue to match. Make sure that you ask the venue owner about the different facilities and the number of guests that you can have. It’s important to make sure that your guests aren’t going to feel cramped in your wedding space. 

Unique Features

Next, you might want to consider some unique features that could be included as part of your wedding. For instance, you might want to think about entertainment options for your guests. This could include a photo booth where they will be able to take pictures during your special day. Or, if you are having kids, it could be worth hiring an entertainer for them so that they don’t take over your day completely. 

The Menu

Finally, you should take the time to choose the right menu for your wedding. After all, it’s the food and drink that guests are going to appreciate the most, particularly at your wedding reception. There are lots of great choices for your wedding menu. We do recommend that you explore a few different caterers before narrowing it down to one that will match your budget and requirements. Special diet considerations are important too and will ensure that your guests feel as though you are taking full care of all their needs. 

We hope this helps you understand everything that you need to consider to guarantee that you do impress your wedding guests. By taking these steps you will be able to make sure that your wedding is an event your guests won’t soon forget. That’s important because you have to remember that your guests could be heading to multiple weddings throughout the year. You don’t want yours to get lost in the shuffle of events already in their planners.

*Contributed by Sam Jones. Photo Pexels Source CCO License

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5 Things Guests Will Appreciate For Your Wedding

 

 

There’s a lot to think about when planning your wedding and ensuring it’s the perfect day for you. But it’s important to be aware that this isn’t just a day for you and your partner. You need to make sure that your guests have a great time too. By doing this, you can guarantee that your wedding is a tremendous success and that everyone has a great time. Here are some of the possibilities that you can explore. 

Open Bar

We’re not saying that your wedding needs alcohol running to keep your guests happy and entertained. However, it could certainly help and it’s not as expensive as you might assume. If you’re using a catering service, then they’ll probably recommend this option to you. Usually, you will be able to pay a fixed rate rather than add up all the drinks that your guests dive into. Don’t forget, if you are having an open bar, you should also make sure that you have plenty of options for people who aren’t drinking. There will always be designated drivers at your wedding. 

If you’re planning on providing the food and drink yourself, then you need to make sure that you have enough alcohol to sustain an open bar which can be quite tricky. At least one bottle per person is a smart choice here and if you’re worried that this is going to cause your budget to balloon, there’s no need. You just need to look for offers on alcohol when you go shopping. 

Varied Menues 

You need to think about the menus that you offer guests at your wedding as well. For instance, you need to make sure that you have options for different dietary requirements. You can allow guests to tell you about any dietary requirements when they RSVP. Key examples include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free meals to name just a few that you should keep in mind. There are other possibilities too but this largely depends on who will be attending your wedding. 

One of the easiest ways to guarantee a varied menu is with a buffet. That way you can guarantee that everything is included. 

Awesome Entertainment 

Next, you might want to think about the entertainment that you choose for your wedding. As with everything else when planning your wedding, there are a lot of different possibilities to explore here. However, you should always keep in mind the type of entertainment that your guests will want. For instance, music is important here. If you are planning to invest in the services of a musician or DJ, then you need to guarantee that they are great. You should always check the reviews of a service like this before committing to hiring them. 

You can definitely include more than just music at your wedding too. For instance, you can think about investing in some fun party games. This is a great choice as it is going to help your guests feel like kids again and have some real fun at your wedding. For instance, you could set up a cornhole game for your guests to enjoy. This is also going to be a great idea if you are planning on having kids at your wedding as well as adults. It’s a sure way to ensure that you can keep them entertained too. 

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Forget The Poses 

One thing that a lot of guests hate about attending weddings is having to pose for lots of different photos. You can deal with this issue by ensuring that you don’t include this type of wedding photography at your wedding celebration. Instead, you can think about using a documentary style photographer. You will find that a lot of professional wedding photographers do now advertise this service and it can be quite wonderful. With this option your wedding photographer will essentially act as one of your guests, interacting with people at your wedding. 

At the same time, they will work to get shots of things that you may have missed at your wedding. This could include fun reactions to speeches or shots of your first dance. They may even get the look in your partner's eyes when you say I do. This is an incredibly exciting and romantic concept which a lot of couples love the idea of. 

The big benefit for your guests is that they won’t have to spend a lot of time posing for different shots at your wedding. It will also make your wedding far more streamlined. 

Easy Location 

Regardless of where your wedding is being held, you should make sure that it is an easy place for your guests to access. To guarantee this, you need to think about transport links. Don’t pick a place that is difficult for your guests to reach by public transport. Remember, many of them won’t want to drive, particularly if you are going to take our advice and have an open bar. You should also check that the venue you choose does provide secure parking. If it doesn’t, then this could definitely be an issue for some of your guests because they will want to make sure that their car remains secure throughout your celebration. 

It’s possible that you are planning a destination wedding. There is nothing wrong with this idea. However, many guests will expect you to at least contribute to their travel. Particularly, if the location in question is quite far away. This is something that you may need to factor into your budget, even if a lot of guests don’t take you up on this offer. 

You might also want to think about whether there are places to stay nearby. A lot of venues that you can choose will provide accommodation and this is often going to be ideal. 

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We hope you love these ideas and look forward to incorporating them into your own wedding plans. With these choices, you can guarantee that you’re not the one who has a great time at your wedding. Your guests are going to love it too. 

 

*Header image Pexels CCO License 

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Choosing The Perfect Wedding Rings

Choosing your wedding rings is fun and exciting but can also be quite daunting. We have listed below a few tips to make your journey into buying your wedding rings a little easier.

Set A Budget

When setting a budget for your wedding, ensure that you include the cost of your wedding rings. You will be wearing these rings for the rest of your life, so spending a little more if you can afford to can make a big difference in the quality of rings you choose. If you are thinking of getting your rings engraved, then incorporate this into your budget too.

Choose The Right Size

When buying your wedding ring, make sure you buy the right size. You will be wearing your ring every day and overtime our fingers can swell from the weather change, exercise or pregnancy, ensure your ring has a little breathing room but is not too loose that it falls off. Have your finger professionally measured on a day when your body temperature is normal.

Narrow Down What Metal You Want

It is common to choose a metal that compliments the engagement ring. Choose from metals such as gold, silver, platinum, rose gold, white gold and titanium. Metals can vary in weight so ensure you try on a few different variations of metals to see what feels right to you both.

Buy Your Rings Together

Think about choosing your wedding rings together, this way you can buy rings that complement each other. Wedding rings don't have to be fancy, a simple understated band is just what you need. Remember, the engagement ring usually has a gem and stands out, having a simple band next to it will make your hand look less busy.

Consider The Maintenance

Depending on what metal you get can determine how you clean your rings. For a low-maintenance ring, choose a gold or platinum ring, all you have to do is rub it with a lint-free cloth. For other metals, you will need to soak it in water and gently brush with a small soft brush such as a toothbrush or eyebrow brush. Be careful when you are cleaning your ring as brushing too aggressively can make stones come loose.

Choose Style and Comfort

When choosing a ring, you want it to look the part and be comfortable. Try to stay away from current trends and choose a ring that will be timeless and suit your style throughout the years. Think about styles such as braided rings or a diamond eternity band. Talk to a jeweler about your preferences and see what options they come up with if you are getting diamonds, ask them about vvs diamonds info. For more inspiration, check out sites such as Pinterest to find what you are looking for.

Don't Leave It Too Late 

Trying on rings is the fun part, but don't leave it too late to start looking. Give yourselves three months before your wedding to start browsing. You will also need to keep in mind if you are having a custom ring made or getting it engraved as this can take a little longer, so speak to your jeweler to see timeframes.

 

*Contributed by Sam Jones. Photo source Watoker Derrick Okello on Unsplash

 

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