How to Plan Your Wedding Using Pinterest

Pinterest is an amazing way to plan any party, find new cooking recipes, locate good books and of course, it is one of the best ways to plan a wedding.  But, be careful!  Planning a wedding can be overwhelming enough without of barrage of ideas being hurled at you from all directions as fast as you can scroll down the page.  With any type of wedding planning, the use of Pinterest should be done so with some thoughtful useful strategies.  Otherwise, you may end up totally confused, over budget and not any closer to checking the items off your to do list.  Here are four ever so important things that Pinterest can help you with in your planning.

1.       Floral Arrangements:  Pinterest has an endless number of images for wedding flowers, bouquets, boutonnieres and table reception arrangements.  Use these images to narrow down the overall look that you want for your wedding.  Here you will be able to decide what types of flowers you would like and what colors you want to incorporate.  All this is wonderful, but a strong word of caution is coming your way!  Understand that most of the images you see are over the top, no holds bar and no wedding budget floral arrangements.  They are often ideas that people have and these people may not have had a budget to contend with for their event.  Flowers are an expensive part of the wedding and the bigger the arrangements, the bigger the bank needs to be to pay for them.  So, realize when you are pinning these glorious florals that they may need to be downsized to fit your budget and that will change the look.

2.       Wedding Dresses:  Pinterest is also a great place to find pictures of wedding dresses.  The latest trends for the upcoming seasons are sure to be found here.  You can definitely narrow your search on Pinterest and decide what you like and don’t like.  Once you have decided on your dress, just a word of caution!  This dress may not be found anywhere but a foreign country or a place that isn’t realistic for you to travel to.  So, be prepared for the possibility of needing to settle on something similar.  And of course, the image you fall in love with might be $10,000 over your budget.  Just sayin!  Be prepared to consider alternatives that won’t break your wedding budget.

3.       Bridesmaid Dresses:  Pinterest is sure to have the perfect style and color of bridesmaid dress that you are looking for to complete your bridal party look.  But, again, be sure you can actually find the dress before you get your heart set on it and be sure you have considered who you have asked to be your bridesmaids.  We have a great article on our Wedding Tips page that can help with this, “Tips for Selecting Your Bridesmaid Dresses.”  If you really want the dress you have pinned, consider hiring a seamstress and finding a pattern and material for her.  Don’t expect this to be any cheaper, however. With clothing’s mass production these days, a seamstress might actually cost you more.

4.       Wedding Invitations:  Pinterest is also a great place to find the style of wedding invitations you are looking for.  Everything from handmade to the less expensive online invitations can be found.  Be careful when you start pinning though and getting your heart set on a particular invitation.  Custom made invitations can be well over $2,000 and often this is an unexpected wedding expense that could cause you to go over your wedding budget.  A great alternative is going with an online stationery store.  These stores typically have the same paper quality, printing process and even the same styles that you would find in a stationery store.  Since they don’t have the brick and mortar overhead costs, their wedding invitation prices can be as much as half the cost.

Here at Occasions In Print, we pass that savings along to our clients while offering high quality, distinct wedding invitations.  Be sure and visit us today and find your perfect wedding invitation.

 

Wedding Accessories from Occasions In Print

Wedding Accessories are sort of the red headed step child of the wedding planning world.  They get left until last and sometimes are even after thoughts for couples planning.  At Occasions In Print we really strive to be a one stop shopping experience.  Once the wedding invitations and save the date cards are selected, simply jump over to our Wedding Accessories page and get all your coordinating pieces.  We have everything from aisle runners for the ceremony to cake toppers for the reception.  And if you have a specific theme, we have matching sets to help with every detail of your wedding.  Here are a few of our favorite wedding accessories.

Wedding Accessories

Wedding Accessories

Wedding Accessories

Wedding Accessories

Wedding Accessories

Wedding Accessories

Wedding Accessories

Wedding Accessories

Unique Wedding Invitations from Occasions In Print

For today's wedding planning, it is all about the bride and groom expressing their personality, wedding style and their individual take on what a wedding means.  In years past, the wedding invitations were somewhat set apart from the wedding itself and not much thought was given to the style, color or flare of the invite.  Things have changed, however, when it comes to what couples are looking for in their wedding invitations.  The invitation is now recognized as the starting point of the wedding celebration and the opportunity for the couple to announce their wedding style with the distinct look and feel of their wedding invitations.  With this in mind, all shapes and sizes can be found in the market place to fit every wedding theme and color scheme.  Here at Occasions In Print, we have selected a few of our favorite Unique Wedding Invitations.

Unique Wedding Invitations

Unique Wedding Invitations

Unique Wedding Invitations

Unique Wedding Invitations

Unique Wedding Invitations

Unique Wedding Invitations

Unique Wedding Invitations

Unique Wedding Invitations

Unique Wedding Invitations

Unique Wedding Invitations

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.​

Bride and Groom Wedding Invitations from Occasions In Print

"This day I will marry my friend.  The one I laugh with, live for, dream with, Love."  Such beautiful words written on a wedding invitation.  And what better way to display the love between two people than with the sweet picture of a bride and groom.  Whether it is children dressed to play the part or a whimsical portrait, nothing will set the tone for your wedding better than a Bride and Groom Wedding Invitation from Occasions In Print.  We have a beautiful selection and here are a few of our favorites.

Bride and Groom Wedding Invitations

Bride and Groom Wedding Invitations

Bride and Groom Wedding Invitations

Bride and Groom Wedding Invitations

Bride and Groom Wedding Invitations

Bride and Groom Wedding Invitations

Bride and Groom Wedding Invitations

Bride and Groom Wedding Invitations

How to Prepare and Mail Your Wedding Invitations

So, you've found your ideal Wedding Invitations! Now what do you do? There are most likely numerous questions you have in relation to how many to order, addressing the invitations and who gets an invite. Considering that the Wedding Invitations will set the tone for your upcoming wedding, it is important to remember the recognized etiquette of a wedding while ordering and mailing out your invitations.

1. Who gets an Invitation? Of course all your guests that you wish to invite should get an invitation. In addition, your wedding party should also get an invitation as well as clergy and parents. The wedding party understands they are invited, but this gives you the opportunity to formally invite a spouse or provide the option for a guest to attend with a single attendant. This holds true for any clergy you wish to invite.
   
2. How many invitations do I order? Once you have compiled your guest list, it is always best to add on at least an additional 25 invitations. If you have the option to just order additional envelopes, this is advised as well just in case errors are made during the address writing. Having additional wedding invitations on hand is ideal for keepsake purposes as well as return mailed and the last minute invites you may want to send.
   
3. When are Send the Date Cards mailed? Send the Date Cards can be mailed anywhere from six to nine months before the wedding. These are still considered optional in terms of etiquette, but about 90% of couples today are choosing to send them in order to ensure family and friends across the country and world are able to attend. If you are planning a destination wedding, these really are a must as travel and hotels will need to be booked.
   
4. When are Wedding Invitations mailed? Traditionally, wedding invitations are mailed six to eight weeks prior to the day. However, if you are having a destination wedding, you may elect to send out the invitations eight to ten weeks ahead in order to ensure that all accommodations can be made by your guests.
   
5. Do I really need a Reception Card? A Reception Card isn't necessary, if the reception is immediately following the ceremony and if it is at the same location. A Reception Card is proper etiquette, if the reception is at a different location. The Reception Card is also the appropriate way to communicate what type of party you are hosting. For example, if you are hosting an "Adult Only" reception, the card is the avenue to communicate this important information. Directions should also be provided or at least the address of the reception.
   
6. Do I really need a Respond Card? A Respond Card is the most traditional way for your guests to acknowledge the invitation and advise as to whether or not they will be attending. Although some couples are electing to print a website on the invitation itself for guests to RSVP online, this is not the proper way to solicit a response and it does take away from the invitation which is typically a keepsake considering the personalized verse and wedding details.
   
7. How do I provide the reception menu options? The Respond Card is the perfect place to outline to your guests what meal choices they will have at your reception. Selecting a meal is the indication they will be attending. Another line is then provided below the meal options for those who regretfully cannot attend.
   
8. How long should I give guests to RSVP? Your final number of guests is typically due to your venue about one to two weeks prior to your wedding. With this in mind, asking for the RSVP two to three weeks in advance will provide ample time for you to evaluate who has responded, call those who haven't and contact the venue with your final count. If you are planning a destination wedding and accommodations are a factor, asking for a response four weeks in advance is perfectly acceptable.
   
9. Where do I put my Return Address? Your return address should be printed in two places. The first is on the back of the outer envelope. This will ensure that any invitations that are not deliverable will be returned to you. This can be printed by your invitation vendor. The second place is on the front of the respond card envelope. This can also be printed by your invitation vendor and is typically printed at no additional charge. Be sure to place a postage stamp on the respond card envelope as well.
   
10. How should the invitations be addressed? The outer envelope can be mailed to a family just by indicating Mr. and Mrs. The outer envelope for a single person can just be addressed to that person. The inner envelope traditionally is the indication of who is actually being extended the invitation. If you are hosting a family oriented wedding where kids can attend the ceremony and reception, the invitation should be to the adults and "family." If you are just inviting the adults of the household, "family" should be left off. If you are inviting a single person who can bring a guest, the invitation should indicate the person's name and the word "guest." If you are just inviting the single person, it should only state his or her name.
    
11. Do the envelopes for the Wedding Invitations need to be handwritten? The return addresses can be printed for the invitations. However, everything else should be handwritten. This is, after all, a personal and intimate invitation.

How to Order Your Wedding Invitations

So, you've got your venue, reserved the date, considered your colors and theme and of course know the guy.  Now it is time to order your wedding invitations.  If you have done your homework, you are most likely ordering your invitations online as you have found that you can save sometimes more than 50% in comparison to ordering from a stationery store.  But, what do you need to order?  And what is a "Respond Card?"  All  the wedding lingo can be confusing and overwhelming.  Below are steps to help you understand the various components of the invitation and understand what you need for your wedding as not all pieces may be warranted.

1. Order the Invitation.  The Wedding Invitation itself is the first thing to consider and select when ordering your invitations.  This will have all the particulars of the wedding such as the date, time and location.  And, it will also contain your personalized verbiage which will indicate who is doing the inviting.  For example, if you and your fiance are hosting the wedding then this will be indicated by the verse outlining that you and he request the honor of guest's presence.  Wording examples can be found on our site under "Verses."  Make sure and order an additional 25 invitations for various reasons such as late additions to the guest list or returned mail.


2. Order the Respond Card.  The "Respond Card" is the card that your guest will be returning to you indicating that they will be in attendance or regretfully have to decline.  This care can also be utilized to outline the menu choices that are available to guest such as beef, chicken or fish.  The guests' indication of their meal preference is also the signal that they will be attending the wedding.  Our respond card's come with return envelopes that will automatically have your return address printed at no additional cost on the envelope.  Etiquette dictates that you place a stamp on the envelope so that guests can simply drop the card back in the mail to you.

3. Order the Informal Note.  The Informal Note Cards are an optional purchase at the time you order your Wedding Invitations.  These cards will match your invitations and can be used as Thank You Notes for your wedding gifts or to thank vendors, parents or other friends and family who contributed to the wedding.  It is a great idea to order these at the same time.  They will not only match your wedding invitations, but you will have them well in advance of your wedding so that you can get a head start on sending out Thank You Notes for all the wedding gifts.

Thank You Notes

4. Order Save the Date Cards. If you haven't already ordered your Save the Date Cards and you are ordering your Wedding Invitations at least six months in advance then it is a great time to place this order as well.  Not only will you most likely save on shipping costs, but you can also check another item off your list in one fair swoop.  Also, if you are ordering from collections like our Exclusive Collection II, you can order Save the Date Cards that match your Wedding Invitations.

Exclusive Collection II