Save The Date

My save the dates have arrived! I absolutely adore them. They're the perfect balance of bold and bright yet classic and vintage.

The blue color coordinates perfectly with the USPS polar bear postcard stamps, as does the season. We'll be shipping them out in January after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. 

Props to Penelope at Shadowboxer, Ink for the lovely design.   

Before You Book The Hotel Accommodations

Hotel Questions

• discounted room rate?
• perks or complimentary activities for guests? (complimentary breakfast? beach activities? etc)
• guaranteed or non-guaranteed room block? ("guaranteed" means you would be responsible for paying any rooms not booked that weekend, don't do this)
• how big can non-guaranteed room block be?
• can you add additional rooms to the block later if more needed?
• can rooms vary between king beds and two queen beds?  
• bridal suite complimentary? (they should give this to you for free for all of the business you're giving their property)
• wedding party rooms at special discount?
• fee for distributing gift bags?
• gift bags distributed at lobby check-in or directly to rooms?
• any after-party locations that remain open after reception? can they offer drink discounts to hotel guests?
• do they provide invitation inserts about the property/accommodations?
• do they have a large hospitality room for rent

Vintage Postcard STDs

I am obsessed with the idea of vintage postcard save the dates. They're bright, fun, casual and destination perfection! And let's not forget the incredible affordability factor when printing sans envelopes and mailing with $.28 stamps. It's a must for any big city bride. 

Look how pretty!

Click here to view all 50 states. 

Before You Book The Venue

Ceremony Questions

• ceremony fees?
• any required vendors? - (flowers? music?)
• chairs included?
• microphone, PA system, podium included? 
• aisle runner included?
• sparkling water/wine at arrival included?
• parking permits for guests and vendors included? how many? how do we obtain and distribute?
• what time can deliveries arrive day of? (flowers, cake, favors, etc)
• rain plan? when will this call be made? (one hour before? morning of?)
• other weddings taking place the same day?
• when can rehearsal take place? is there a fee?

Reception Questions

• price per head?
• any guest minimum requirement?
• any maximum capacity?
• tax and gratuity fees? 
• necessary to tip staff after gratuities above?
• price include all waitstaff, maitre de, bartenders, coat check, bathroom attandants, security?
• price include day-of wedding coordinator? (if they don't include one, definitely hire one or have a super awesome aunt!)
• any required vendors? (catering? flowers? music? tent? chairs?)
• what is their vendor minimum insurance requirement?
• how large of a band can comfortably play in reception space? (8-piece? 10-piece?)
• tables and chairs included?
• votive candles included for each table?
• dance floor included?
• linens included? what color choices available?
• any noise ordinances? (end reception at specific time due to music)
• price for extending the reception? based on price per head or % of event total?
• does meal include dessert?
• cake cutting fees?
• how many entree options?
• do you need to know entree choices in advance? (ie: do you have to include in your invitation RSVP design)
• cost of vendor meals? (band/DJ, photo, video)
• are vendor meals hot or cold? (some vendors require hot meals in their contract)
• cost of gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, child meals?
• how many hors d'oeuvres and/or stations included in cocktail hour? hot or cold?
• additional fees to pass out favors?
• can waitstaff refill cookie bar or do you need to assign that job to friends?
• additional fees for photobooth? space for photobooth?
• other receptions taking place same day and/or same time?
• when is the food tasting? how many people can attend?
• what size tables work best for your guest numbers - 8-rounds? 10-rounds? 12-rounds?
• what table arrangement works best for bride and groom? (sweetheart table? wedding party round table? wedding party long table?)
• if we label dinner tables with names instead of numbers, does waitstaff also need a number on the signs? 
• when is seating chart due to venue? (back time RSVP deadline)
• do escort cards need to be delivered alphabetized?
• any regulations on bride & groom exit (many venues wouldn't allow sparklers, rice, bubbles, etc)

Wedding Websites

You don't want to put this part of planning off. It's the go-to directory for your guests for all things wedding. It's your ceremony start time, your hotel room block, your reception location, your activities and events, your wedding party bios and let's not forget your registry!

Personally, I loved designing our wedsite. Invitations tend to be so proper and polite. This is the place to cut loose and have some fun!

Here are some favorites to consider:

eWedding

Wedding Wire

Wedding Window

Wedding Tracker

The Knot

Bridal Lingo

As I began my wedding planning by scouring the Internet for the best blogs, sites, stores and bridal boards, I came across many acronyms that I hadn't before seen. And worse, acronyms I had seen that now hold a very different connotation. I present to you: STD.

We all suffered through sex-education classes and know the precautions to preventing sexually transmitted diseases. So why did I find myself skimming post after post of busy brides enamored by the arrival of their very own STDs?? Turns out, there's a whole other language that I wasn't aware of. And if I was going to understand and communicate with my fellow fiancee friends, I needed to quickly get up to speed on what these brides were sharing.

STD: Save The Date
FI: Fiance

FH: Future Husband

FW: Future Wife

MOH: Maid of Honor
BM: Bridesmaid
GM: Groomsman
FG: Flower Girl
RB: Ring Bearer
MOB: Mother of the Bride
FOB: Father of the Bride
MIL: Mother in Law
FIL: Father in Law
DW: Destination Wedding
RD: Rehearsal Dinner
OOTG: Out Of Town Guest
HM: Honeymoon
NWR: Not Wedding Related