From Wedding Invitations to Favors: How to Make Your Wedding Stand Out
April 13, 2009 by Unique Wedding Ideas
Filed under About Weddings
Everyone wants their wedding to be unique and memorable, but finding the best way to accomplish this is not always easy. While many people will look for elaborate ways to make sure that guests remember their wedding for years to come, there are actually a number of small things that you can do to help ensure that memories of your wedding will always bring joy. Best of all, quite a few of these basic methods of making your wedding stand out will cost quite a bit less than all of the work that will go into coming up with an elaborate wedding plan.
Much of the work of making your wedding memorable can be accomplished simply by making sure that every part of your wedding is well-presented. This includes choosing the right invitations and the perfect color scheme, but also involves planning out the reception and any other after-ceremony activities so that decorating for the entire wedding can fall within an overall design plan. Here are some things to think about when planning your wedding so that you will be able to make it stand out easily in the memories of your guests.
Invitations
The first thing your guests are going to see in regards to your wedding will be the invitations that you send out. Make sure you choose invitations that not only are pleasant to look at but that also fit in well with your wedding’s overall theme. Whether you choose a “Garden of Love” design on your invitations for an outdoor wedding or choose a “Bible by Candlelight” option because you are having a deeply religious ceremony, try to keep the wedding plan in mind and match it to the invites that you send out. If you can match the invitation colors to those colors that you plan on using in the wedding party then your guests will already be accustomed to the wedding colors before they arrive at the event.
Color Considerations
Many people forget that color is a great way to tie a wedding together, instead coordinating bridesmaid dresses and then choosing unrelated color schemes for other parts of the wedding. Try and establish an overall theme in regards to the colors that you use in your wedding, letting accents of your colors appear in everything from the invitations to the wedding party’s clothes.
You might even choose to have the wedding’s colors appear as accents on the wedding cake to really tie everything together with a colorful splash. Remember that the use of color does not have to be overpowering, and that a central theme of colors can be used to great effect as small accents against a white or neutral background.
Place Settings
If you are going to have assigned seating at your reception or wedding dinner, don’t forget to take the time to make personalized place settings for each of your guests. Not only will this make finding assigned seats much easier, but it can add a very professional touch to your wedding even if you have planned everything at home by yourself. Do not forget to incorporate the wedding’s colors into the place settings, and if possible use the same fonts and designs from the invitation to better tie everything together and create a more distinct theme for the post-ceremony activities.
Wedding Favors
Having matching wedding favors can not only provide guests with yet another connection to the wedding’s central theme and chosen colors, but it can also give them a physical reminder that will bring to mind memories of your wedding whenever they see it. Wedding favors do not have to be either elaborate or expensive; they can include everything from small soaps and candles in wedding colors to individual-sized bubble mixes or birdseed sachets to allow the bride and groom to make a grand entrance or exit from the reception hall. By using tasteful wedding favors you may even give others ideas for small things that they could do to help their own wedding have a much larger impact on their guests.
Other Decoration Concerns
Unless you are going for an over-the-top decoration scheme, it is generally best to keep your wedding and reception decorations minimal enough that your guests are not going to feel overpowered by how much work went into getting the decorations ready. Remember that the goal is to impress your guests and to give them a night to remember, but you want to make sure that they remember more than just how complex some of the decoration items were. Incorporate any colors and themes that were included in the rest of your wedding planning, making sure that you remember the small connections that can make a big difference in how your wedding is taken in as a whole by those you invite.
Thanks to Rachel Jackson for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Much of the work of making your wedding memorable can be accomplished simply by making sure that every part of your wedding is well-presented. This includes choosing the right invitations and the perfect color scheme, but also involves planning out the reception and any other after-ceremony activities so that decorating for the entire wedding can fall within an overall design plan. Here are some things to think about when planning your wedding so that you will be able to make it stand out easily in the memories of your guests.
Invitations
The first thing your guests are going to see in regards to your wedding will be the invitations that you send out. Make sure you choose invitations that not only are pleasant to look at but that also fit in well with your wedding’s overall theme. Whether you choose a “Garden of Love” design on your invitations for an outdoor wedding or choose a “Bible by Candlelight” option because you are having a deeply religious ceremony, try to keep the wedding plan in mind and match it to the invites that you send out. If you can match the invitation colors to those colors that you plan on using in the wedding party then your guests will already be accustomed to the wedding colors before they arrive at the event.
Color Considerations
Many people forget that color is a great way to tie a wedding together, instead coordinating bridesmaid dresses and then choosing unrelated color schemes for other parts of the wedding. Try and establish an overall theme in regards to the colors that you use in your wedding, letting accents of your colors appear in everything from the invitations to the wedding party’s clothes.
You might even choose to have the wedding’s colors appear as accents on the wedding cake to really tie everything together with a colorful splash. Remember that the use of color does not have to be overpowering, and that a central theme of colors can be used to great effect as small accents against a white or neutral background.
Place Settings
If you are going to have assigned seating at your reception or wedding dinner, don’t forget to take the time to make personalized place settings for each of your guests. Not only will this make finding assigned seats much easier, but it can add a very professional touch to your wedding even if you have planned everything at home by yourself. Do not forget to incorporate the wedding’s colors into the place settings, and if possible use the same fonts and designs from the invitation to better tie everything together and create a more distinct theme for the post-ceremony activities.
Wedding Favors
Having matching wedding favors can not only provide guests with yet another connection to the wedding’s central theme and chosen colors, but it can also give them a physical reminder that will bring to mind memories of your wedding whenever they see it. Wedding favors do not have to be either elaborate or expensive; they can include everything from small soaps and candles in wedding colors to individual-sized bubble mixes or birdseed sachets to allow the bride and groom to make a grand entrance or exit from the reception hall. By using tasteful wedding favors you may even give others ideas for small things that they could do to help their own wedding have a much larger impact on their guests.
Other Decoration Concerns
Unless you are going for an over-the-top decoration scheme, it is generally best to keep your wedding and reception decorations minimal enough that your guests are not going to feel overpowered by how much work went into getting the decorations ready. Remember that the goal is to impress your guests and to give them a night to remember, but you want to make sure that they remember more than just how complex some of the decoration items were. Incorporate any colors and themes that were included in the rest of your wedding planning, making sure that you remember the small connections that can make a big difference in how your wedding is taken in as a whole by those you invite.
Thanks to Rachel Jackson for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Rachel Jackson is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about everything from fashion to family, cooking to pet care. Ms. Jackson also focuses on family events, such as weddings, as well as specific aspects of a wedding such as the wedding favors.
Indian Wedding Cards
March 25, 2009 by Unique Wedding Ideas
Filed under About Weddings
India is a land of great diversity, it is full of colors. A multitude of religions exist under the Indian sky, they all have unique ceremonies and rituals associated with them. Wedding is one of the most important events of an individual, as well as a family’s life. For Indians, wedding is extremely special. They celebrate it with great pomp and show. Most Indians try to make their wedding the most memorable event of their lives. They aim to make everything associated with the wedding special.
Wedding invitations form an important part of every wedding. People try to have wedding cards that are beautiful, creatively designed and one of a kind. Married couples preserve their wedding cards, so that they can refer to them in future and experience the nostalgia of their wedding.
Every religion has some unique features associated with wedding cards. The cards are different depending upon the region as well, for example a north Indian’s wedding invitation card would differ from that of a south Indian’s wedding card, or for that matter, the wedding card of a north easterner.
Indian wedding invitation cards can be divided into the following categories:
Hindu Wedding Cards Muslim Wedding Cards Sikh Wedding Cards Scroll Wedding Invitations Multi-faith Wedding Invitations - Interfaith cards Designer Wedding Cards Non Religious wedding Cards and E-Wedding Cards
Indian wedding cards stand out prominently with their exquisite designing and intricate detailing. They offer a wonderful blend of style and artistry. They are filled with eye pleasing colors and distinctive textures. They are made on a variety of papers, from imported to hand made ones. Though earlier wedding invitation cards were solely made from paper, nowadays the card designers have been making creative use of a variety of materials to make the cards. Hindu wedding cards often come studded with Kundan stones.
Indian wedding cards also commonly feature quotes from the religious books, for example Hindu wedding cards, have quotations from the Bhagwad Gita, the Muslim wedding cards have quotes from Quran, while the Sikh wedding cards, carry quotes from the Guru Granth Sahib. These quotes are usually meant to bless the marrying couple with good wishes for their married life.
The variety in Indian wedding cards means that they are available in a very wide price range, from the extremely affordable ones to the exorbitantly priced ones. Those who can afford it, also get their cards designed from reputed artists and designers.
Thanks to Ricky Lee for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Wedding invitations form an important part of every wedding. People try to have wedding cards that are beautiful, creatively designed and one of a kind. Married couples preserve their wedding cards, so that they can refer to them in future and experience the nostalgia of their wedding.
Every religion has some unique features associated with wedding cards. The cards are different depending upon the region as well, for example a north Indian’s wedding invitation card would differ from that of a south Indian’s wedding card, or for that matter, the wedding card of a north easterner.
Indian wedding invitation cards can be divided into the following categories:
Hindu Wedding Cards Muslim Wedding Cards Sikh Wedding Cards Scroll Wedding Invitations Multi-faith Wedding Invitations - Interfaith cards Designer Wedding Cards Non Religious wedding Cards and E-Wedding Cards
Indian wedding cards stand out prominently with their exquisite designing and intricate detailing. They offer a wonderful blend of style and artistry. They are filled with eye pleasing colors and distinctive textures. They are made on a variety of papers, from imported to hand made ones. Though earlier wedding invitation cards were solely made from paper, nowadays the card designers have been making creative use of a variety of materials to make the cards. Hindu wedding cards often come studded with Kundan stones.
Indian wedding cards also commonly feature quotes from the religious books, for example Hindu wedding cards, have quotations from the Bhagwad Gita, the Muslim wedding cards have quotes from Quran, while the Sikh wedding cards, carry quotes from the Guru Granth Sahib. These quotes are usually meant to bless the marrying couple with good wishes for their married life.
The variety in Indian wedding cards means that they are available in a very wide price range, from the extremely affordable ones to the exorbitantly priced ones. Those who can afford it, also get their cards designed from reputed artists and designers.
Thanks to Ricky Lee for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Ricky Lee is a writer for magazines featuring information on Indian culture and recommends Parekhcards for Indian Wedding Invitation.
Tips for Choosing a Style for Your Wedding Invitations
March 21, 2009 by Unique Wedding Ideas
Filed under About Weddings
Wedding invitations come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, that means you may have a tough decision to make when it comes time to choose the wedding invitation that is right for you. You can choose from a wide range of colors, fonts and designs. These are all available in a variety of styles. Some styles that you can choose from are the following: classic, contemporary and destination.
The style of your wedding invitation should reflect the theme of your wedding. By choosing your wedding invitation style first, you can narrow down the options, making it easier to find a design that works well for you. Here are some great tips for choosing the perfect style for your wedding invitations.
First, consider that the wedding invitations are a reflection of the wedding theme. If you are going to have an informal beach wedding, choosing an elegant style for your wedding invitation might throw them off a bit. Similarly, if you want your wedding to be a black tie affair, sending out a bright colored modern wedding invitation may be confusing to your guests. Although you should be clear about the dress code and other elements in the invitation itself, the style really sets the tone. Even though you may really like one particular style, it may not be the best choice for your wedding if it does not match the theme you have chosen.
The theme chosen for your wedding affects the style you should consider when choosing a wedding invitation. Weddings can take place during any time of the year and color and styles reflect that. A fall wedding is usually more formal and a classic style invitation is an excellent choice for this type of wedding. Classic style invitations are usually white with black lace or a grey border. This provides your guests with the information that this wedding is formal.
Contemporary wedding invitations are similar to the classic style as they are also a great choice for a formal wedding. The main difference is that the contemporary or modern style provides more of a laid-back feel than the classic variety. Modern style invitations may contain an illustrated image of a wedding party, palm tree, or even a photo of the bride and groom. If you are not looking for invitations with fun illustrations, there are other options to consider within this category. There are also simple monochromatic invitations that are very similar to that of the classic theme.
If you are planning a destination wedding at the beach, you should not consider using a modern or classic style invitation. A wedding at the beach is very informal and this should be considered when deciding which invitations to utilize. One suggestion is to consider a photo invitation as this allows you to include a photo of the location. This allows your guests to get a sense of what to expect at the ceremony.
Another thing to consider when choosing the theme for your wedding invitations is your budget. Although you can find wedding invitations in all styles no matter what your price range may be, some styles may always be more expensive. Anything that is embossed, includes multiple elements, or is larger than a traditional size may cost more. Remember, although you want your wedding invitations to be reflections of you, you still need to set a budget when making these decisions. If you spend too much on wedding invitations, you may not be able to properly plan the rest of your wedding necessities.
With wedding invitation styles, your personal needs also come into play. Some minimalist styles, although very inexpensive, may not have all of the elements you need for planning your wedding. Consider whether your wedding invitations come with RSVP cards, save the card cards, and return envelopes. Some styles do not include these elements, which mean that you have to order them separately.
There are many styles available when choosing a wedding invitation. When deciding which is best for your wedding, be sure to consider the location, budget and theme. The theme is important as this helps narrow down colors and invitation styles and formality of the ceremony. For example, if you are choosing a destination wedding at the beach during the month of August, you should consider a light blue informal invitation that may also have an image of the ocean.
Classic and contemporary are also excellent choices to consider because they inform your guests of a traditional wedding that is most likely taking place in a formal location. Budget is also an important aspect to consider and this helps narrow down the list of possible invitation choices. Consider these tips when planning your wedding and you should have a better understanding of how to decide the right invitation style for your wedding.
Thanks to Lisa Parker for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
The style of your wedding invitation should reflect the theme of your wedding. By choosing your wedding invitation style first, you can narrow down the options, making it easier to find a design that works well for you. Here are some great tips for choosing the perfect style for your wedding invitations.
First, consider that the wedding invitations are a reflection of the wedding theme. If you are going to have an informal beach wedding, choosing an elegant style for your wedding invitation might throw them off a bit. Similarly, if you want your wedding to be a black tie affair, sending out a bright colored modern wedding invitation may be confusing to your guests. Although you should be clear about the dress code and other elements in the invitation itself, the style really sets the tone. Even though you may really like one particular style, it may not be the best choice for your wedding if it does not match the theme you have chosen.
The theme chosen for your wedding affects the style you should consider when choosing a wedding invitation. Weddings can take place during any time of the year and color and styles reflect that. A fall wedding is usually more formal and a classic style invitation is an excellent choice for this type of wedding. Classic style invitations are usually white with black lace or a grey border. This provides your guests with the information that this wedding is formal.
Contemporary wedding invitations are similar to the classic style as they are also a great choice for a formal wedding. The main difference is that the contemporary or modern style provides more of a laid-back feel than the classic variety. Modern style invitations may contain an illustrated image of a wedding party, palm tree, or even a photo of the bride and groom. If you are not looking for invitations with fun illustrations, there are other options to consider within this category. There are also simple monochromatic invitations that are very similar to that of the classic theme.
If you are planning a destination wedding at the beach, you should not consider using a modern or classic style invitation. A wedding at the beach is very informal and this should be considered when deciding which invitations to utilize. One suggestion is to consider a photo invitation as this allows you to include a photo of the location. This allows your guests to get a sense of what to expect at the ceremony.
Another thing to consider when choosing the theme for your wedding invitations is your budget. Although you can find wedding invitations in all styles no matter what your price range may be, some styles may always be more expensive. Anything that is embossed, includes multiple elements, or is larger than a traditional size may cost more. Remember, although you want your wedding invitations to be reflections of you, you still need to set a budget when making these decisions. If you spend too much on wedding invitations, you may not be able to properly plan the rest of your wedding necessities.
With wedding invitation styles, your personal needs also come into play. Some minimalist styles, although very inexpensive, may not have all of the elements you need for planning your wedding. Consider whether your wedding invitations come with RSVP cards, save the card cards, and return envelopes. Some styles do not include these elements, which mean that you have to order them separately.
There are many styles available when choosing a wedding invitation. When deciding which is best for your wedding, be sure to consider the location, budget and theme. The theme is important as this helps narrow down colors and invitation styles and formality of the ceremony. For example, if you are choosing a destination wedding at the beach during the month of August, you should consider a light blue informal invitation that may also have an image of the ocean.
Classic and contemporary are also excellent choices to consider because they inform your guests of a traditional wedding that is most likely taking place in a formal location. Budget is also an important aspect to consider and this helps narrow down the list of possible invitation choices. Consider these tips when planning your wedding and you should have a better understanding of how to decide the right invitation style for your wedding.
Thanks to Lisa Parker for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events, often focusing on a specific aspect of the event such as wedding invitations.
Consider Color When Choosing Your Wedding Invitations
March 16, 2009 by Unique Wedding Ideas
Filed under About Weddings
When planning your wedding, deciding what invitations to send is one of the first big decisions you will have to make. The proper wedding invitation will set the tone for the entire wedding. Are you planning a formal or informal wedding? A lavish affair, or a casual get together? Often there is no need to explicitly state such a thing on your invitations; you can relay the message simply by choosing wedding invitations which reflect the style, theme, and tone of your wedding. There are a variety of ways to add personality to your wedding invitations. Adding ribbon, trinkets and photographs to your invitations are all ways to express your personality and the type of ceremony you are planning.
Another way to add sparkle to your wedding invitation is by the use of color. Adding color to wedding invitations allows an element of personality to shine through, as well as add some unexpected spark and levity to what is normally a formal and traditional announcement. Color can add an air of festivity to traditional invitations, introduce your wedding colors to your guests or add a touch of personalization to a stock wedding invitation.
How can color be added to invitations?
When deciding on where to place color in your wedding invitations, there are a variety of choices. You can opt for the traditional cream or white card stock and add a personalized color for the writing on the card. If this does not fit your style, the invitation itself can be your main color, and the script can be white. Many couples opt to include their color choice in the lining of the envelope. Thus, the invitation can remain the traditional black and white, but a touch of color can be found inside the envelope as the invitees open it up. Another way to introduce color to your invitations is through a ribbon adornment.
Do you have to use light colored card stock?
The selection of colors in card stock has never been wider. Cards are available in many shades of greens, blues, pinks and browns. Depending on the look that you are going for, you may choose a subtle pastel or a vibrant bold color for your card stock. Generally, couples who are looking for a more traditional wedding invitation will choose a lighter color, as will those planning a casual ceremony. For those planning a contemporary ceremony or a more formal affair, bolder colors are a more common choice.
Traditional Wedding: Can you still add color to your invitations?
There are no rules for what is right and what is wrong when deciding how your wedding invitations should look. While a traditional wedding invitation is typically understated, adding a hint of color through ink, envelope linings or ribbon adornments are all acceptable and attractive options. If you are certain that you would like a traditional wedding, you may want to choose an understated color for these accents.
Can you choose any color you want?
The color choices for your wedding invitations are vast. While it would be an overstatement to say that you can choose any color you want for your wedding invitations, it would be accurate to say that the selection of colors available for wedding invitations has never been greater. Between the different color selections of card stock, ink, ribbons and envelope linings, it is possible to make your wedding invitations 100% unique even if you are choosing only stock options.
What rules should I follow when adding color to my wedding invitations?
There are no “written in stone” rules when planning your wedding. It is your wedding and your invitations, and you want to choose an invitation that expresses both you and your fiancé’s personality and the atmosphere you plan for the wedding. Whether you choose bold or subtle color, vibrant ribbon adornments or delicate lace edged ribbon, the invitation is uniquely yours. While there are suggestions on how to choose color for your wedding invitations, do not allow yourself to get stuck into a rigid template for how your wedding invitations should look.
Do I have to add color to my wedding invitations?
Just because technology has made it easier than ever to add color to your wedding invitations there is no reason to force yourself to add color if you do not want to. White or cream colored card stock with black or dark gray ink is still a popular as well as a correct option.
No matter how you choose to personalize your wedding invitations, the addition of color makes it easier to do. The addition of color to ink, ribbons or envelopes create a special and personalized invitation that will serve as a keepsake of your special day for years to come.
Thanks to Rachel Jackson for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Another way to add sparkle to your wedding invitation is by the use of color. Adding color to wedding invitations allows an element of personality to shine through, as well as add some unexpected spark and levity to what is normally a formal and traditional announcement. Color can add an air of festivity to traditional invitations, introduce your wedding colors to your guests or add a touch of personalization to a stock wedding invitation.
How can color be added to invitations?
When deciding on where to place color in your wedding invitations, there are a variety of choices. You can opt for the traditional cream or white card stock and add a personalized color for the writing on the card. If this does not fit your style, the invitation itself can be your main color, and the script can be white. Many couples opt to include their color choice in the lining of the envelope. Thus, the invitation can remain the traditional black and white, but a touch of color can be found inside the envelope as the invitees open it up. Another way to introduce color to your invitations is through a ribbon adornment.
Do you have to use light colored card stock?
The selection of colors in card stock has never been wider. Cards are available in many shades of greens, blues, pinks and browns. Depending on the look that you are going for, you may choose a subtle pastel or a vibrant bold color for your card stock. Generally, couples who are looking for a more traditional wedding invitation will choose a lighter color, as will those planning a casual ceremony. For those planning a contemporary ceremony or a more formal affair, bolder colors are a more common choice.
Traditional Wedding: Can you still add color to your invitations?
There are no rules for what is right and what is wrong when deciding how your wedding invitations should look. While a traditional wedding invitation is typically understated, adding a hint of color through ink, envelope linings or ribbon adornments are all acceptable and attractive options. If you are certain that you would like a traditional wedding, you may want to choose an understated color for these accents.
Can you choose any color you want?
The color choices for your wedding invitations are vast. While it would be an overstatement to say that you can choose any color you want for your wedding invitations, it would be accurate to say that the selection of colors available for wedding invitations has never been greater. Between the different color selections of card stock, ink, ribbons and envelope linings, it is possible to make your wedding invitations 100% unique even if you are choosing only stock options.
What rules should I follow when adding color to my wedding invitations?
There are no “written in stone” rules when planning your wedding. It is your wedding and your invitations, and you want to choose an invitation that expresses both you and your fiancé’s personality and the atmosphere you plan for the wedding. Whether you choose bold or subtle color, vibrant ribbon adornments or delicate lace edged ribbon, the invitation is uniquely yours. While there are suggestions on how to choose color for your wedding invitations, do not allow yourself to get stuck into a rigid template for how your wedding invitations should look.
Do I have to add color to my wedding invitations?
Just because technology has made it easier than ever to add color to your wedding invitations there is no reason to force yourself to add color if you do not want to. White or cream colored card stock with black or dark gray ink is still a popular as well as a correct option.
No matter how you choose to personalize your wedding invitations, the addition of color makes it easier to do. The addition of color to ink, ribbons or envelopes create a special and personalized invitation that will serve as a keepsake of your special day for years to come.
Thanks to Rachel Jackson for contributing this article to our Weddings blog:
Rachel Jackson is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and other family events. Ms. Jackson often writes about specific aspects of a weeding such as the wedding invitations.
When should I start assembling my wedding invitations?
February 6, 2009 by Unique Wedding Ideas
Filed under More Wedding Answers
Can you answer kirsteygoodwin’s question about Weddings?:
My invitations for my wedding just came in today! My wedding is in 4 months and 17 days. We are going to send them out one month before the wedding, so people can get time off and such. When would be a good time to start stuffing my evelopes. I have the invite, a map, and the ceremony invite. I want to know when I should start assembling the invites, and addressing them?
White Wedding Flowers
My invitations for my wedding just came in today! My wedding is in 4 months and 17 days. We are going to send them out one month before the wedding, so people can get time off and such. When would be a good time to start stuffing my evelopes. I have the invite, a map, and the ceremony invite. I want to know when I should start assembling the invites, and addressing them?
White Wedding Flowers
