Five Easy Ways to Stay Within Your Wedding Budget

There is no doubt that a wedding today can be more expensive than a down payment on a new house.  Between the cost of the venue and the cost of the food, an entire wedding budget can be chewed up leaving little left for all the other important details that will make your day a grand event.  If you don’t want to settle on location or the sit down dinner you have wanted as part of your reception since you were 12, there are a few other steps you can take to help you reign in your budget and still have the wedding of your dreams.

Consider a Videographer instead of Photographer.  Most videographers today are about half of the cost of a photographer.  So, if you find a photography package for around $3000, you are likely to find a videographer for about $1500.  But don’t think you will miss out on the captured image of photography.  The key is to find a videographer that has the capability and technology to capture images within the video and turn them into pictures.  This is not a complicated or really unique process, it is just important to determine if the videographer has the computer setup to accomplish it.  Or, if you do research and find that once you have the video, you can do it yourself, even better.

Consider a Second Hand Dress.  Second hand dress doesn’t mean that you would lose any elegance, style or compromise on the condition of the dress.  There are thousands of brides who have elected to sell their gowns after the wedding.  And remember, these are dresses that for the most part have only been worn for less than 24 hours.  E-Bay is a great resource for gently used wedding dresses as well as Craig’s List.  Wedding Dresses can be compared to cars – a new car the minute you drive it off the lot losing a huge amount of its value, but is still in pristine condition.  So it is with a wedding dress.  

Order Flowers Based on the Season.  When planning your wedding consider the time of year and what flowers are going to be in season.  Florists will always have the seasonal flowers readily available and at a lower price than those that are out of season.  Be sure to do your research ahead of time and plan accordingly.  This will greatly reduce the cost of flowers.

Consider a Smaller Bridal Party.  Most couples want to share their big day with as many close friends and family as possible standing in their wedding party.  A large bridal party makes for a great photo and of course, great bachelorette and bachelor parties, however, the bigger the party, the bigger the expense.  Each bridesmaid will need a bouquet and each groomsman will need a boutonniere.   This can increase the flower cost dramatically.  There is also the traditional bridal party gift that is given to each attendant and the rehearsal dinner cost.  Electing to have only one or two attendants will decrease your overall costs and allow you take those dollars and put them towards the more expensive elements of the wedding like the venue and food. 

Order Wedding Invitations Online.  Wedding Invitations can also be a big expense within the wedding budget.  Custom wedding invitations can run in the thousands of dollars. In addition, brick and mortar stationery stores mark up their products in consideration of their store overhead costs.  Ordering your wedding invitations on line is a great way to save money and get the exact same quality and often the exact same product anywhere from 50% to 70% cheaper.  Online stores do not have the overhead expenses and consequently can pass along the savings to customers.  Most fine stationery stores carry the beautiful stationery company Carlson Craft.  These invitations can also be found online at a greatly reduced price and they are exactly the same.

DIY Wedding Invitations from Occasions In Print

We know there are brides out there that just can't help but want to find do-it-yourself projects to not only cut the cost of their weddings, but to also feel as if they have put their personal touch on everything from the flower arrangements to the Wedding Invitations.  Occasions In Print offers a whole line of stationery that is perfect for the DIY Wedding Invitation project.  And the great thing about our products is that you don't have to give up style, elegance or paper quality in order to send out beautiful wedding invitations that you made yourself.  Here are a few of our favorite options.

DIY Wedding Invitations - Mocha Pocket

DIY Wedding Invitations - Bright White Pocket with slits

DIY Wedding Invitations - Homemade Ecru Wrap

DIY Wedding Invitations - Stripes Send -n- Seal

DIY Wedding Invitations - Border in Red (multiple colors available)

DIY Wedding Invitations - Gold Shimmer Pocket

DIY Wedding Invitations - Pewter Pocket Wrap

DIY Wedding Invitations - Silver Shimmer Pocket

Six Tasks on Your Post Wedding To Do List

The champagne bottles are tipped over, the confetti lays on the floor and your guests have gone home to rest.  Now you and your new spouse are off on your honeymoon.  You've not a care in the world and your only focus now is enjoying your much needed vacation and escape from reality.  The last thing you are thinking about is the tasks that need to be completed when you return.  However, vacations don't last forever and before you know it, you will be back in town and possibly overwhelmed at the prospect of organizing your post wedding to do list. Below are the six steps that will need to be taken upon your return.  Understanding what these are and how you will accomplish them, will lead to a stress free return back to reality.

Order Wedding Pictures.  Most photographers today utilize online proofing.  This means that within a few weeks, your photos will be available for you to preview and order.  This may seem like an easy step, but consider that you could have as many as 800 images to review and make selections for a wedding album or family and friends.  And because this is for both of you, it will most likely require you both looking at the images and deciding which ones you love and want to order.  Setting aside specific time that you both are available without disruption will be the best and least stressful way to tackle this project.  And it is a project - don't underestimate the discussions that will ensue over picture selections!

Preserve the Wedding Dress.  It may seem silly to have this on your post wedding to do list, but life will get busy quickly after you return and before you know it, the wedding dress has gotten pushed to the back of the closet and forgotten about.  The next time it is seen is when you are painting and need to empty the closet out.  It is then that you realize it has been nearly eight years and you have never taken care of this step.  So, put it on your post wedding step list and check it off early.  Or, if you are electing to donate it or sell it, do it early as well so that it is in the best condition. 

Host Appreciation Dinner.  There were probably many contributors to your wedding.  Parents, siblings and close friends may have all pitched in and supported the efforts of your very special day.  Be sure to have a plan to thank everyone and let them know how much it meant to you that they were there.  If you have a new home or have combined two houses and want to showcase all your new wedding presents, hosting a dinner is a great way to say thank you and show off your post wedding home.  A nice dinner out is always well received too.  The main point is to have the step on your list and be ready to plan something when you get back from your honeymoon.​

Send Out Thank You Notes.  If you have gotten a jump start on your thank you notes as gifts came in prior to the wedding then this may not be such an overwhelming task to complete.  However, if you have procrastinated like most people do with their homework, you have a big challenge ahead of you.  The best way to tackle this step is to first create an Excel spreadsheet with gift, sender and address.  If a spreadsheet isn't possible then making a list on any piece of paper that you can check off as you go will enable you to stop and start the process without forgetting where you are at.  This list also becomes extremely valuable if you plan to send out holiday cards or even birth announcements as it is your master address list of friends and family.  Next, block out specific time to work on these notes.  If you need help on what to say or how to handle a particular scenario, refer to Wedding Advice page.

Return Gifts.  This is one step that you don't want to procrastinate in accomplishing.  Not only do most stores have policies on returning items, including gifts, but you may find that an item you simply want to exchange​ has now been discontinued and is no longer available if you have waited too long.  And realistically, if you are wanting store credit in order to select another item, this is a shopping spree that is easy on your wallet.

Write Vendor Reviews.  Participating in someone's wedding is a very personal and sometimes intimate interaction.  For most vendors, they are passionate about what they do and love the end result of a happy couple and a beautiful wedding.  Today, personal accounts of an experience with a vendor carry a tremendous amount of weight with future brides and grooms.  If your vendor met your expectations and added to the richness of your day, be sure and let them know.  Even if it is just a quick e-mail directly to them, it will mean the world and enable them to give other couples that same experience.​

How to Enjoy Your Wedding Reception

Your wedding reception will most likely be a whirlwind event that is over before you know it.  It will be filled with friends and family as well as food and dancing.  Yes, this is a party to celebrate the ceremony the preceded and it is a time to celebrate you and your new spouse as a couple.  Making sure you enjoy the reception is critical. Believe it or not, things can get overwhelming and chaotic if you don't plan ahead.  Occasions In Print has a few suggestions on how to ensure you enjoy your reception.
  
1. Visit Each Table.  If you don't have a receiving line then you and your spouse must have a plan to visit each table.  Typically the easiest time to do this is right after people are done eating.  This will give you the opportunity to thank everyone for coming and make sure that you spoke with everyone.  Take your camera man around with you so that he can get shots of you with your various guests.  There will come a day when you forget who attended your wedding and photos are a great way to keep those memories alive.

2. Family Pictures.  Be sure to get pictures at the reception of all your family members.  Sometimes relatives will get lost in the crowd and your photographer may not know who is related to you.  This is especially critical if you have family members who won't be out on the dance floor.  Photographers tend to drift towards where the action is in order to capture the candid moments of your reception.  If you have family who aren't likely to be in the midst of the action, be sure to let you photographer know ahead of time.

3. Take a quiet moment.  There is a ton of action and traditional events that occur at wedding receptions.  From the bouquet toss to the line dancing, the reception will be filled with activity.  Be sure and take a few quiet moments with your new spouse to remember that you are now married and that the party is for the wonderful life you are beginning. Don't let the reception go by and then remember that you haven't even had a moment of piece just to gaze into each other's eyes.

4. Eat! Eat! Eat!  This maybe one of the most critical items on this list.  It is so important that you eat at your reception.  Yes, you may have a lot of people to say hello to and yes, you may feel that you need to get the party started by being out on the dance floor, but none of that will be truly enjoyed unless you have a full stomach and a clear head.  The stress of the day and the cocktails of the night will catch up to you quickly if you don't take the time to eat.  And let's face it,  you have paid good money for the food, so be sure and partake.

5. Gift and Flower Plan.  It is really important to have a gift and flower plan prior to the day of your wedding and reception.  Have a designated person or persons who will be responsible for getting all your gifts either back to your house or to wherever you plan to open them.  The flowers also need to be assigned to someone.  These make great decorations for the morning after brunch or select a place that takes flower donations.  Don't leave this decision until the last few minutes of the reception and end the night by scrambling to find someone who has a vehicle large enough, knows where to go and is willing, possibly late at night, to deliver these items for  you.

At Occasions In Print, we are all about helping create the first impression with the elegance and distinction that reflects your style and sensibility. Our Wedding Invitations, Birth Announcements and Stationery are of the highest quality and greatest value. Each can be personalized and previewed. We offer fine stationery store quality, but with low online prices
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How to Select Your Wedding Colors

One of the first things brides tend to consider during the wedding planning process is the theme for their wedding and reception and the colors that best compliment it.  If you are at this stage in your planning journey, it is important to take a few minutes and consider the steps outlined below.  Moving full speed ahead without contemplation may result in an overwhelming moment that could require you to start all over with your color selection.  This could be costly if you have already made investments in particular items that do not fit once you have considered the big picture.  Start with step one below and avoid this planning pitfall.

 

1. Venue/Location: Prior to taking a firm stand on your wedding colors, it is extremely important to consider where the ceremony and reception are taking place.  It could be that you will be married at a church that is orange and brown and hold your reception at a local restaurant that is blue and white.  If your thought is "to heck with it, I don't care what the colors are for the two venues, I want purple and pink for my colors,"  then you can swiftly move on to step number two below.  However, if you do want to take location colors into consideration then it is paramount that you wait on selecting your colors until after you have secured the location for your wedding.

2. Bridesmaid Attire:  Although this is your big day and nothing and no one should upstage you, it is a smart move to ensure that your bridesmaids are dressed in a color that is flattering.  So, when pondering what colors to chose take into account who your bridesmaids are and what shades would agree with their skin tone.  Otherwise, you may end up with some very unhappy bridesmaids.

3. Color Shades:  Once you know your location and your bridesmaids, considering colors becomes much easier.  It is extremely important, however, that you understand what shade of colors you are looking for when purchasing items like table linens, reception decorations and bridesmaid dresses.  If you select an obscure color of bridesmaid dress and then want to find the same color in table linens, you may find yourself in an uphill battle.  This doesn't mean that you have to give up the bridesmaid dress you love; it just means that you will have to get creative with your colors and maybe add an additional color to your palette.  The best overall approach is to always look at the big picture when narrowing down your color shades.

4. Time of Year:  There are classic colors such as Black and White that can be utilized year round for weddings.  However, some colors are best reserved for the time of year they are seen in nature or cultural events.  For example, the more earth tones such as brown, green and even gold are found in the fall.  Likewise, green and red are associated with the holiday season.  Because this is your day, you can always buck the norm and ultimately chose the colors you love.  But, considering the time of year with you color selection may make items such as flower selection a lot easier.

5. Flowers: Some color combinations will result in flowers that match exactly such as lemon and white.  However, color combinations such as green and black will require the introduction of additional colors in order to include flower arrangements.   This can all work out beautifully provided you consider the flowers while considering your colors.  Complimenting flowers are always a wonderful addition to wedding colors and don't have to be picked up again in any other component of your wedding.

6. Groomsmen Attire: Another matter to consider when deliberating wedding colors is what the groom and his attendants will wear. If you have always envisioned the groomsmen in black tuxedos with matching cummerbunds and bow ties then be sure to select a mainstream color that you know will be in stock at the rental shop.  If you have told your fiancé to decide what to wear, it is probably best to collaborate at least on the colors so that again, you don't end up with colors that can't be matched with any other element.  If you have completely different ideas that will put the groomsmen in unique outfits then be sure to coordinate this vision with all the other items listed above.

7. Wedding Invitations: The last but just as important consideration is your wedding invitations.  Because these will set the tone and establish your theme and colors, it is crucial that the wedding invitations be part of the color puzzle.  If yo have an unlimited budget and know that you will have custom invites made then you can probably skip this step.  However, if you don't plan to spend $1,000 on your invitations then looking at options that will complete your vision is vital prior to solidifying your colors. Do this and your friend and family with have the first impression you want for your wedding day.

Seven steps to consider when selecting your wedding colors.