In this Inspiration Board: 

Martha Stewart Weddings

Sylvia Weinstock Cakes

Amy Atlas Events

The Bride Shop – At Zazzle

 

Enjoy!

 

~Michelle

 

 

My last blog entry centered around Budget Tips for Invitations.  Let’s take a look at Budget Tips for the Reception.  By all means, this is not exhaustive!  There are money saving tips all over the place!  Just take a look at some of your favorite Wedding Sites!

Beware of hidden costs!  They can sneak around the corner and get you!  So your Reception site vendor says that you can have chairs decorated with Tulle and a ribbon of your color.  The cost? $$$.  Do you need chair covers?  How about going with just a sash of your color?  Don’t be lulled into multiple menu/meat choices.  You don’t have to have multiple menu/meat choices.  Just have one meat.  If you feel that you would like your guests to have multiple choices, consider a Finger Food dinner, or work with your vendor to supply smaller portions of two different choices.  Don’t ever forget, Vendors will negotiate.  The worst they can say is “no”.  Skip the dessert course, you already have cake!

While we are on the topic of vendors.  Look for a one-stop venue to save $$
(your Wedding Ceremony and Reception will be held in one location).  Also, look for a location that will let you bring your own caterers, alcohol, food, etc., without penalty.  This will take some organizing, but will save you lots of your hard-budgeted dollars.  Consider having your Wedding and Reception on an off-day.  Even Friday nights are cheaper than Saturday.  Sundays are cheaper, too.  When you call to get estimates and quotes, don’t tell them that you are getting married, tell them that you are holding a dinner for X amount of people.  You will find that the estimate is a lot different!  Take a step back and take a look at your family and friends.  Maybe someone has a beautiful home or property (even a barn!) that would be willing to host your Ceremony and Reception.  If you have your Ceremony outside, you have the natural decor, which means less flowers, less ribbon, less cost!  You could even have a backyard BBQ!  Most of the time, outdoor locations = free Venues!

When it comes to your Wedding Cake, you definitely have alternatives.  Lots of them!  You could have a Candy Bar, Pie Bar or a Cupcake Bar.  Use Butter cream Icing instead of Fondant, or consider using fruits, flowers and/or ribbon.  Also consider a smaller cake along with a sheet cake, or even a Fake Cake.  Yes, I said a Fake Cake. At Cake Rental, you can design your own, or use one of their pre-designed cakes.  Some locations and/or bakeries will make you a cake that is part real and part fake!

 

 

Or take a look at Fake The Cake.

 

 

Or check out Ultimate Fake Cakes.

 

For your Reception decorations, use your Ceremony flowers at the reception.  Delegate a family member to help transport.  For your centerpieces, consider fruit or vegetable centerpieces, intertwined with fresh cut flowers or greenery.  Remember the greenery is less expensive than blooms.

Don’t get caught up in favor overload.  Skip the favor or have something small, such as a candy bar in a small cellophane gift bag.  Make sure that favors can be re-used (or edible) and the packaging can be re-used.

For alcoholic beverages, check to see if your venue will let you bring your own (this is a much cheaper option, sometimes).  Check out an alcohol superstore such as Lukas Liquor.  Make sure that they will allow you to bring back unopened bottles.

Okay.  I think that’s it for now.

~Michelle

There are lots of ways to trim your budget.  Let’s talk about Invitations.  Let’s face it, Invitations can be a big drain on your budget.  There are ways to get around this.  This first and most obvious is DIY, baby!  But let’s talk about ways you can trim USING DIY!

Save-the-Dates.  This is quite a simple way to DIY.  Most craft stores (and some department stores) have Save-the-Date’s in a kit.  As with other elements of DIY invitations, use a Postcard as your Save-the-Date.  A tip: USPS has postal rules for Postcards, too. Vista Print can make you Save-the-Date postcards any way you want them!

 

Inserts?  Who needs those?  You don’t!  Most of the information can be provided using your Wedding Website, including directions, local hotels, etc.  This way you can save on postage (weight = $) and save some trees! Forget the Ceremony Programs and Menu Cards.  Again, keep your guests in the know with your Free Wedding Website!  You can let everyone know who your attendants are, and exactly how your Wedding Program will occur.  Or, DIY!

When you decide to go DIY, you will definitely need some tools.  Don’t scrimp on the paper, you don’t want to run out.  But DO test out a sheet before you order bulk.  Your printer might not like your paper.  Or, if you DIY the invites, you can get a pretty good deal sometimes at a local copy center.  Spray adhesive is the best (not glue), but use it in a well-ventilated area.  And, it can get VERY sticky!  DON’T use scissors.  DO buy a paper-cutter (and extra blades), it will be the best $15 that you spend!

Letterpess is expensive.  It looks great but can use up a lot of your Budget $.  If you just can’t get away from the idea of Letterpress, DIY.  Yes, you can.  You can buy embossers….even at Office Depot (customizable)!

 

If you aren’t DIY’ing it, only get one color on your invitations.  Extra colors mean extra $, too!  You can use a rubber stamp and any color you like, to use on the envelopes.

You can DIY your Save-the-Dates, your Invites, your RSVP card, Programs, Table Numbers, Seating Cards, Thank-You Cards, plus!  If you own Photoshop, you can do GREAT things with that program!  As mentioned above, you can purchase kits at many craft stores.  They provide you with everything that you need, including the templates.  Plug N Play Invites!  Or go partial DIY another way, buy pockets, pochettes or other cool enclosures from Cards and Pockets.  You will love working with the company and they even have samples!

 

 

Just remember the postal rules.  It’s best to get an invite checked BEFORE you decide on the 7” X 7” Square invites.  Most of the Wedding Websites can offer you some great tid-bits of information as well as FREE templates and ideas.  Some even tell you every step in order to make those invites!

 

Enjoy!

~Michelle

Okay, so don’t just go the norm.  Have something a little different!  Do something a little different!

 

1.  In your Wedding Invitation, insert a slip of paper that requests everyone bring a photo of themselves to include in your “guestbook”.  When guests arrive, they can adhere the picture to the guestbook, along with their names, a short comment, anything!  As an additional item.  Make it into a Scrapbooking Guest Book!  Go to Michael’s, or any craft store, and purchase scrapbooking paper, even a Wedding Theme!  You can even include little “dumafliggies” (you know, all those little stickers and add-ons that you buy for scrapbooking).  Cut the paper into squares and leave lots of colored pencils and/or markers.

 

2.  Instead of a Guest Book, how about a photo booth?  Very cool!  Your guests will have so much fun!  They can then insert them into a scrapbook using easy adhesive.  Or!  Find a Polaroid Camera and some film!  Set up an area where your guests can snap a photo using goofy props.  Then, again, they can use adhesive (easy to use adhesive) that they can attach the photos with.  In the space provided at the bottom of the snapshot, they can write a little message.

 

3.  Wishing Trees are becoming quite popular.  Use an artificial palm tree (or a REAL one!) and decorate it.  Provide a table with cut up pieces of heavy cardstock and pens so that your guests can write you a wish.  The paper should not be folded, so take care not to make the pieces too big.  Punch holes in the top of the cardstock piece so that it can be hung, using an ornament hook, onto the tree.  Make sure to leave some directions so that your guests aren’t scared away by not knowing what to do.

 

4.  Question and Answer Session.  Print out thought provoking questions on heavy cardstock paper (again, smaller pieces).  Place them in a neat stack on a table.  Ask guests to choose a question and answer it on the back of the card.  When they are finished answering the question, they put the cards into a large glass bowl.  These can then be left in the bowl for your new home, or mount the questions and answers into an album/scrapbook.  Ask questions like “What is the secret to a great marriage?” or “What is your best memory of the bride/groom?”  The more interesting the question, the better the answer!

 

5.  Have a picture frame with a mat.  Ask guests to sign it for a memento to hang up in your (new) home.

 

Have Fun!

Michelle

This idea is all over the web.  However, your battle with the box can be quite difficult.  They are definitely beautiful!  They can also be very costly, depending on “how” you do-up the beautiful box.

Here are some beautiful Wedding Invitation Box concepts.

Here is one woman’s battle with the box. Invitation Invasion.  They are beautiful.  I’ll give you that.  They can be VERY expensive.  Some of the sites that I checked out were satin boxes.  =$$$$$.  Just like the Bride above can DIY.  So can you!  Work?  Yes!

 

If you decide to go DIY.  Check out some of the links that were provided in the article.  And….if you have any other great links to share, please do!

 

Enjoy!

~Michelle

Here are some great ideas for Wedding Favors for your guests!  Some are a little less expensive than others….some can be DIY and some have to be bought.  If you like one of them, use your imagination to make it work for you!

 

 

Serve your own Brew!  Or serve your own wine!  You can buy these or you can make them.  You can do this with decorative labels!  These can also serve double-duty as a Seating Card. Try http://weddingwinefavors.com.

 

 

If you’re having a dessert bar, how about serving up some extra take-home love with these Smores Gifts?   Mmmmm….chocolate.

 

 

Scrabble Magnets.  There is a complete “how-to-do” posted at Project Wedding: http://bit.ly/clOS6q.

 

 

Fortune Cookies.  This can work even if you don’t have a Asian Theme for your Wedding.  Try personalized Fortune Cookies too!  http://www.beau-coup.com/ or http://fancyfortunecookies.com/.

 

 

Bamboo Wedding Favors.  This can be a DIY project.  You can buy the Bamboo and compile them, or, buy them 100% complete.  Check out http://www.natureperfect.com/ or http://www.easternleaf.com/ or  http://www.buyluckybamboo.com.

 

 

Plantable Wedding Favors.  Go green with plantable seeds!  Try http://www.wonderfulweddingfavors.com/ or http://bit.ly/9uy1Pl .

 

 

Give a plant!  Maybe a signature flower that is part of your Wedding Theme or Ceremony.  This can be a DIY project, also.  Or, try http://bit.ly/cHPNpr.

 

Enjoy!

~Michelle

This topic is quickly making it’s way around Wedding DIY sites.  However, this isn’t a new discussion.  Typically, the best thing about a finger food reception is the cost.  Your food budget can almost be cut in half!  You can include quite a few different choices and even create an ethnic or themed finger food reception.

 

There are a couple of tidbits of information that we should discuss.  First of all, remember that, typically, Wedding Reception have a full meal.  You will want to make sure that your guests are aware that you will be having hors d’oeuvres, so that they aren’t expecting a meal.  Also, the time of the day that you have the reception will be an indication to your guests.

 

So, on with the pictures! Let’s take a look at the board below.  These Brides and Grooms chose to go with Fruits, Cheeses, Crackers, Breads and Veggies.  Choose any, or all.  The decorations and presentation for the food tables can add greatly to the decor of the Reception. I love the presentation of the Cheese Tray that also includes tags telling the name of the cheese.

 

 

Let’s take a look at the following pictures.  Here you have traditional and not-so-traditional foods.  Bruschetta, Pinwheels, Cordon Bleu, Dumplings, Shrimp Cocktail, Salmon and Skewers.  Use your imagination for what to include INSIDE them.

 

Sandwiches or Tea Sandwiches.  The term “sandwich” can be used lightly.  Use crackers, and all kinds of toppings can be used.  Look up Tea Sandwich Recipes on the internet and you’ll find gobs!

 

A couple of tidbits to remember when you are doing a food bar.  Remember ALL of your guests.  Different tastes and different preferences.  Just be sure to have a good selection.  As to have it catered or not?  That just depends on your budget.  You can have it fully catered, partially catered (+plus you and your family) or not catered at all and do the creating yourself.

 

Have fun!

~Michelle

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More DIY….

 

1.  Use DIY Bouquets and Boutonnières.

2.  Did you know that anyone can become an Officiant?  They can do so online.  Ask a favorite family member to do the honors.

3.  Have your guests RSVP online at your free Website, or via phone (to save on the postage).

4.  Have a reception luncheon or brunch.  Purchase the food from a local catering place.

5.  Do have a Wedding Cake, but make it a smaller one.  Order a sheet cake to complement the servings.  Also, use a Buttercream icing instead of Fondant.  Or have a “fake cake”.  Yes, you can do that.  What’s the harm?  People will still have their cake.

6. Have your hair and make-up done by a Beauty School student.

7.  Believe it or not, we have a Goodwill store by us and there are plenty of Wedding Dresses and a fraction of the cost!

8.  Use favors as seating or place cards.

9.  Buy the alcohol yourself.  Hire someone to tend the beverages. Or have just beer and wine instead of liquor.

10.  Have a dessert buffet with Cookies, Cupcakes, etc.

11.  Beg, Borrow, Steal (okay…..just kidding).

12.  Use a one-stop Venue.  This is a very thrifty choice!

13.  Make your own invitations.  You wouldn’t believe how simple it can be!  Also, many stores now carry “Make Your Own” Invitation lines, such as Martha Stewart.  Also, do an RSVP postcard, it will save on the postage.

14.  Hire a “new” vendor, such as a Photographer or Videographer who is just starting out.  Check with local colleges.

 

Hope some of these tips can help you as you plan the day of your life!

~Michelle

Historically, Stationary requirements were based on the formality of your Wedding.  Today, that really doesn’t hold true.  Your stationary requirements can include many different elements, but, many of them are NOT necessities and can be used when the Bride and Groom WANT to include them.
The following is a list of different elements of a Stationary Ensemble and their uses.  Again, many of these need only be included if you want to include them.

· Invitation- Okay, this is one element that IS a necessity.  This is to let your guest know that there is an upcoming Wedding!

· Reception Card- This element can be put on the Invitation.  If your reception will occur at the same location as the Wedding Ceremony, wording is usually included on the Invitation, but it does not have to be on the Invitation and can have a separate card.

· Response Card- This is an element that, for the most part, must be included in your Stationary Ensemble. Invitations for non-traditional Weddings occasionally include this information on the Invitation.  That is not my preferred method.

· Map/Direction Insert – If you have guests coming from out of town, this is a courtesy for your guests.  Often, the back of this insert will include information about a local hotel that might be holding a block of rooms for your guests.

· Pew Cards/Within the Ribbon – These cards inform guests about a special seating arrangement that is occurring at the Wedding Ceremony.  If there are special circumstances that exist or, if there is a possibility that you might have space constraints, you will want to make sure that special guests have a place to sit.  Then, a ribbon is placed
on both ends of these pews.  Tip: Make sure that your Ushers are aware of this!

· At-Home Cards – If you will be moving to a new location shortly before/after your wedding, this is used to notify people of your new address.  Tip:  If you decide to use this element, you could also make them using postcards.

· Place Cards – These are used to notify your guests where they will be seated at the Reception.  These are NOT included in your Invitation envelope, they are placed outside of the reception area where guests can obtain them before they go in.  There are two schools of though on the use of Place Cards.  One opinion is that Place Cards are not necessary.   Your guests can find their own seat next to someone that they might know, Place Cards might be to restrictive.  Another opinion is that you want special family members to sit at a specified location.  Also, you might have someone coming that doesn’t know anyone else at your Reception.  In that case, you will want to ensure that they are included with another group of guests and that they are not sitting at a table alone.

· Engagement Notices – These are used to let people know that you and your Fiancé are taking the leap!  Often, these are used to notify guests that are out of town that there will be a Wedding coming up, so that they can plan accordingly for travel arrangements.

· Thank You Notes – These notes are a necessity.  They are used to thank your guests for their gift(s) and for attending on your Special Day.  More recently, this part of the Stationary Ensemble is dropping by the wayside – this is unacceptable!  Proper Etiquette requires that you send these to your guests.

Tip: Cut down on costs by obtaining plan Thank You Cards at a local craft store.

· Save The Dates – This is also a way to let your guests know what is coming, to allow them to make tentative plans to attend.  Tip: If you send an Engagement Notice, consider NOT using a Save The Date Card.  Your guests will tire of receiving notices about your upcoming nuptials.  Also, the postage can be costly!

· Rehearsal Dinner – This is used to let people know that they are invited to the Rehearsal Dinner.

· Announcement – Often, these are used to notify people after the Ceremony and Reception has taken place.  These are used for individuals that you could not/ did not invite, due to various reasons, such as, having a small ceremony or having a Destination Wedding.

· Other Wedding Stationary – Included in this group are items that might be printed by your stationer, and might be offered at a discount if you use them for your other Stationary needs.

– Wedding Programs – This can be used as a "favor".  This is to let your guests know what will be happening during your ceremony and who will be involved/included.
– Printed Napkins/Matches – These can be used as a "favor".
– Bridal Shower Invitations
– Bridesmaid Brunch Invitation
– Gift Tags – To attach to your "favor" for your guests.
– Menu Card – This can also be used as a "favor".  This is used to let your guests know what
will be served, especially if there is a choice that will be offered to them.  These are placed
at their seat at the Reception.
– Welcome Itinerary – If you have guest coming from out of town and your have special
weekend plans for them, are having a "Weekend Wedding", or want to make your guests
aware of local attractions, a Welcome Itinerary is a courtesy to your guests.

I hope that this helps you to make some decisions about your Stationary Ensemble and your
needs.  Please contact me with any questions at weddingcreations@atmichellesplace.com

 

~Michelle

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