Ideas For Wedding Planning

Design Ideas For Elite Do It Yourself Wedding Invitations: Part 3

Francina — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:24:37 +0000

Previously we looked at basic design ideas and the layout for your elite do-it-yourself wedding invitations. Now we will continue with equipment and materials needed.

1. The most important item you will need is of course paper. Make sure you use fairly heavy card stock for the basic invitation and then thinner or lighter paper for embellishment or added interest.

The latter can be found in the scrap booking section at hobby stores and are available in beautiful vellums, pearlescent finishes and many shades and patterns. You can even use handmade sheets to add a very personal touch.

You can then buy card sheets and have it cut in the right size by a copy shop for a professional look or use your own cutting and scoring tool if you have one.

Another very practical and economical option will be to purchase blank pre-made cards. These can be bought separately or in packets and are already scored for easy folding. It is also available in a variety of sizes and colors so you are bound to easily find something that will work for you.

2. You will also have to have access to a printer. It does not have to be color and ink jets work just fine or you can go to a copy shop or Internet café to have it printed.

3. Start of with items you already have at home to keep costs down like a ruler, adhesive, pencil and scissors. These are very basic things that will get the job done but there are very handy tools available at any hobby and craft center.

Some of these tools will include a paper cutter that will allow you to cut up to five sheets at a time and many of them also have a scoring tool to make your folds with.

4. Then of course there are all the embellishment and decorations - all the beautiful little ready-made shells, buttons, flowers and knick knacks to add to your cards. Be selective since these can be a bit expensive especially if you have to make a lot of cards.

You can also use ready printed designs for you cards that can literally just be glued on but they are pricey.

Stamps and stencils are another way to decorate your cards as well as free downloadable illustrations.

As you can see the tools you will need for creating elite do-it-yourself wedding invitations are really basic things you may already have. The temptation is strong to use a lot of the pretty things in your design ideas but beware of over dressing your cards.

Design Ideas For Elite Do-It-Yourself Wedding Invitations: Part 2

Francina — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:14:08 +0000

In the previous post we talked about basic design ideas of elite do-it-yourself wedding invitations. Today we will look at the layout and in particular the font you use, spacing and images. You want your invitations to be legible to all people and therefore the basic design should not have too many elements to detract from the text.

You have to take the following into consideration when planning the layout:

The size of the font

Having an easy to read, clear font

You can mix up different font styles but we very careful

Try different line spacing to determine which one reads the easiest

Leave enough open space between images and text

Have enough contrast between images and text

FONTS

Would you rather have something traditional or formal or contemporary or fun? A great resource for fonts is http://www.1001freefonts.com/.

You can even combine one or two different fonts but be very selective since it can become illegible. Sometimes even just changing the weight and size of the fonts will create the desired effect.

Larger sized fonts are usually used for headlines and a safe size for the body will be 12 or 14. It is not recommended to go smaller than size 8 since it becomes hard to read for most people.

SPACING

Attention is drawn to certain elements by leaving “white” space around the names of the bride and groom for instance. It makes the names stand out as very important information.

Determining the spacing between lines will depend on the font size, the amount and position of text and whether caps are used or not. It is best to play with different settings until you are satisfied.

TEXT AND IMAGES

If you decide to use an image on your invitations, be sure to pay attention to the following. Make sure you leave enough space between an image and text otherwise the text will not stand out as it is supposed to. And if you have text over a background image ensure to have enough contrast between the two elements for the best visual effect.

Like I said before creating design ideas for elite do-it-yourself wedding invitations is a matter of breaking it into separate steps and then following the steps. Stay tuned for the next step!

Design Ideas For Elite Do-It-Yourself Wedding Invitations: Part 1

Francina — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:29:58 +0000

You really do not have to be a very creative person or even like to do art-and-craft projects to be able to make your own wedding invitations. And the best part of it all is that it will be totally unique and in a style that is true to the couple. We will therefore take a look at some design ideas for really elite do-it-yourself wedding invitations that may give you some inspiration.

All the details of planning a wedding can be totally overwhelming but you can overcome that by breaking the whole picture into little compartments or “bite-sized” pieces. Take one thing at a time and finish it before moving on to the next otherwise you will feel like you are running around in circles.

The same applies to the wedding invitations. The following number of posts will elaborate on the different aspects of designing and creating you own wedding invitations. Where do you start? What color? What design and can I do it? The answer is yes you can.

Maybe you have seen a design somewhere that you really like but it is very expensive. So take some of the details in that design and create your own unique invitation!

Some points you will have to consider are:

The balance on the page. Will objects on the invitation be symmetrical or asymmetrical (in other words will it be evenly distributed or not?)

Proportion

Dominance

Rule of thirds

Visual center

Color

This may sound very confusing to you but it really isn’t and if you have a good eye for design, you will “feel” when the balance and other aspects are acceptable. Hopefully this post got you started on getting some design ideas for elite do-it-yourself wedding invitations. Stay tuned for the next post or even better sign up for my feed!

Elegant And Inexpensive Do It Yourself Wedding Flowers

Francina — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:51:19 +0000

There are so many expenses when planning a wedding that any suggestions to save some money are very welcome. One idea is to have do-it-yourself wedding flowers. It can be really inexpensive but yet elegant, beautiful and unique.

But where to begin if you haven’t arranged flowers before? Let alone making boutonnieres and corsages (which by the way are not nearly as difficult as you may think!)

The following points may be a motivation for you to do this:

Save money on your wedding flowers

Have a truly unique bridal bouquet design

Have exactly the color or colors you prefer

You will have to learn about:

When different flowers are more
available and therefore less expensive

Different types of flowers

How to treat flowers to make them
last longer

How to tape flowers

What tools you will need

It is a lot of new information but fortunately there are step-by-step directions available online with clear pictures and directions with every step. So if you are ready for do-it-yourself, inexpensive but elegant wedding flowers, help is at hand. You go girl!

Inexpensive Wedding Flowers: Do It Yourself Wedding Bouquets

Francina — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:13:45 +0000

I have never been to a wedding where the bride did not have a bouquet. And although this tradition has been around since ancient times when brides carried bouquets made of herbs to keep away evil spirits, there is no reason why you cannot have inexpensive wedding flowers by having a “do-it-yourself” wedding bouquet.

Designs have become bolder and more unique which is a wonderful thing. More and more interesting materials are being used in bridal bouquets and it gives the designer (you) a lot more to work with besides various flowers.

The bridal bouquet is certainly the “focal point” of all the flowers for the wedding and it can be either something really special and elaborate or very plain but elegant. Here are some ideas for do-it-yourself wedding bouquets:

There are many ways to personalize your bouquet like adding a monogram to it. You can for instance have the groom’s first letter of his last name (or both the bride and groom’s) printed on the ribbon that will be used for the bouquet. Another way to include monograms is to use piping or wiring shaped in the relevant letter and inserted in the bouquet among the flowers.

The latest trend is to go with really bold colors and to mix it up as well. Orange and hot pink, purple and red or a mix of citrus colors. You don’t have to use pastels or light colors anymore. Or you can have a monochromatic theme and use just one favorite color. This is a fun touch to any wedding and the bouquet really pops against the dress!

A very practical (but beautiful) solution for keeping cost down in these hard economic times is to make use of a “breakaway bouquet”. Although this appears to be one big bouquet, it is actually two or three in one which can be taken apart easily and be used separately for the tossing bouquet and to give to the matron of honor or even as decorations at the reception.

If you really want to go with something different, you must think texture. And not just in the flowers but using different materials to add texture to the bouquet. This adds a three dimensional feel which is very unique. Select flowers that have different textures to use together. Then maybe add some special elements to enhance the dimensional look.

There are many ways to save and have inexpensive wedding flowers and one way is to have a do-it-yourself wedding bouquet. It can still be very elegant but also unique and besides you will have the satisfaction of having done it yourself (not the mention the extra money for something else – like shoes!)

Wedding Favors: Unique And Personalized But Wholesale And Cheap

Francina — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:08:26 +0000

To have or not to have. Wedding favors that is! It can become a dilemma as to whether you should have wedding favors at your wedding or not. Many people will feel it is a waste of money especially at these trying economic times. But what if you can buy unique and personalized wedding favors cheap because it is wholesale?

That should change the picture all together right? It does add a nice personal touch to any wedding after all – just a little keepsake to thank people for joining you in your celebration. And it will be even a whole lot better if it is something practical and useful.

Here are some ideas to get your mind going:

An eco-friendly set of bamboo coasters (4 for $1.50)

Mini pillar candles (4 for $1.80)

Seashell scented soaps (great for a beach wedding – 2 for $1.90)

Personalized bottled water for $1.35 (this will be especially welcome on a hot summer’s day!)

Boxed and scented heart-shaped soaps for $1.80

Stainless steel heart-shaped cookie cutters for $1.75

A three-in-one glass picture frame/coaster/name card holder for $1.84

Personalized travel candles for $2.50

This is just a few ideas that jumped out at me. You can find a lot more ideas for cheap, but very unique and personalized wholesale wedding favors here. Enjoy the planning!

Second Wedding Etiquette On Different Topics

Francina — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:49:38 +0000

Etiquette is basically the “rules” set by society to do things a certain way that is acceptable to all. In this post we will take a look at different aspects of the correct etiquette for second weddings.

1. With a second wedding it is assumed that the couple already
has most of the items necessary for running a household and
therefore it is not considered correct etiquette to register for
gifts. Having said that it has become quite common to
give gifts for encore weddings.

Your friends may feel they want to give you something anyway
and you can indeed register for gifts like for your first wedding.
You may want to specify themes like art, linen or any
other area you may have a need.

2. The same etiquette applies to a bridal shower for
second weddings. A great idea for a second
wedding shower is to ask for items to stock the liquor cabinet
like glasses, ice buckets, shakers or a favorite bottle of
liquor which you can all enjoy together at some later date!

3. Next we will look at the correct etiquette on the cost
of a second wedding. You should not ask your
parents to pay for the wedding since they presumably already
paid for your first wedding. If they offer to help out it is okay
to accept.

You and your partner should discuss all the expenses in detail
and determine who will pay for what. Another way to do this
is to split all the expenses and pay equal amounts since you
are both getting married. I find the Wedding Cost Estimator
quite helpful.

Hopefully these rules on etiquette for second weddings helped to clarify some issues for you. You can read more about second wedding etiquette here.

Ideas For Wedding Dresses For A Second Marriage

Francina — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:09:03 +0000

Used to be that it was frowned upon if a bride wore white or a traditional wedding dress when getting married a second time. Not so anymore. You will certainly hear various opinions on which way to go with second wedding gowns. Use your own discretion and find out what the correct etiquette is for wedding dresses for a second marriage.

Basically you can wear any color you want in any style you want. Your choice will be affected by several factors like:

1. If you eloped the first time, maybe you are still dreaming about that fairytale dress and would like to wear that now

2. Perhaps your first wedding was your dream wedding and you would like to be a bit more subtle this time

3. Even if you had your perfect gown the first time, there’s no reason why you cannot have it again

The choice is entirely yours and heaven knows there are so many designs to choose from. You know your body type and what will suit you or not. Does it go with your personality and do you feel comfortable in it? You are wiser and more mature now and your taste probably changed from when you got married the first time anyway.

Here are some ideas as to which direction you may want to go:

A stylish brocade suit in any color

A sexy cocktail dress

A floor length elegant sheath dress

Or that designer number you love and looks great on you but does not justify the cost. Well now you have the perfect opportunity to buy it without feeling guilty!

You can certainly go to town with all the wedding dresses available for second marriages. Have fun and enjoy the selection process. After all it does not happen all that often that one gets a chance to play with second wedding gowns!

Second Wedding Ideas That Include Children

Francina — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:35:01 +0000

Many people are finding love a second time and are searching for second wedding ideas that include children from previous marriages. The children will most likely be a part of your new married life and it will make them feel special and valued if they are included in some way in the preparations and/or the ceremony and reception.

The thought of you getting married again may be a very unsettling idea to any child. They may feel like they have to take second place and how you handle the situation will to a large extent determine the bond of the family after the wedding. Including children in either the ceremony or the reception is a small token that can really go a long way to pave the way for a happy marriage.

Apart from the regular ways to include children in weddings like inviting them to be a ring bearer, flower girl, best man or maid of honor depending on their age, here are a few different ideas of including children in your second wedding:

Including them in a family vow after the bride and groom’s vows

Include their name or names on the invitations reading something like:
“Samantha Locklear and Jonathan Emery invite you to celebrate their wedding with them and their children Joshua, May and Heather as they become one family.”

If they are old enough, have them read something at the ceremony

One of them can propose a special toast at the reception

Some couples prefer to give a small piece of jewelry to the children. Then after the exchanging of the rings by the bride and groom, there will be an exchanging of the gifts with something like: “This gift is a symbol of our new family and of our love for you.”

If this is too over the top for you, you can simply ask the officiant to bless the new family.

As you can see there are several second wedding ideas that include children. You have to decide which will work for your wedding and which will suit different children’s personalities.

Etiquette And Ideas For Planning A Second Wedding Ceremony

Francina — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:11:21 +0000

One of the first choices you will have to make if you are planning your second wedding will be if you want a traditional, religious or civil ceremony. There are many ideas and etiquette for second weddings nowadays and any of these will be acceptable.

Although the person conducting the ceremony will play an important role in putting the ceremony together you will be able to put your own personal spin on it. Perhaps you do not want a traditional wedding but want to make a few subtle changes. It is often refreshing to change things a bit. It will keep your guests interested and prevent them from becoming bored.

These are some things you will have to think about regarding the ceremony:

1. Music

2. Literature, poetry or readings from the Bible

3. The processional or entrance of the bride and groom or bridal party

4. Wedding vows (more about this in the next post)

5. Exchanging of rings or gifts

6. Attendants to sign the marriage register

7. Lighting the unity candle or similar ceremony

8. The first kiss

9. The recessional or leaving the church

Remember that this is only a guide. You can mix things up and add your personal touch. It is your wedding and you certainly do not have to repeat what has been done before. Collect etiquette and ideas for second weddings from different sources to provide more options.