The Etiquette of the RSVP

Let's start with the meaning:  In English RSVP means "Please Respond".  The anagram is a French abbreviation for Repondez Vous Sil Vous Plait or "respond you please".

A little history:  As the seniors say, "in the olden days" people did not send response cards with their invitations.  Wedding invitations were answered in your own handwriting on your own stationery.  As people began to get busier they no longer had the time to write a written reply.  Since hosts and hostesses could not risk not receiving responses, they began to send reply cards with their invitations.  As more and more invitations were sent with reply cards, reply cards became more acceptable.  Today, they are sent with almost every wedding invitation.

There are many elements available when choosing how to present your response cards.  Traditionally, there is a response card and envelope.  If you want your guests to mail back the response cards, the envelopes must be pre-addressed and include the proper amount of postage.

If you are trying to cut down on costs another option would be post card style response card.  You can eliminate the response envelope and the postage is less.  While reply postcards are slightly less formal than response cards with envelopes, it’s still totally appropriate for a formal event.  Keep your post cards custom and coordinating by matching with the look and feel of your invitations. This really makes a big difference in the visual aspect of the cards as well as keeping them formal. 

Another modern development in wedding response cards is the option of allowing your guests to reply to an online wedding website. While not a traditional element, website response cards are very useful for your guests to respond, and provide additional information.

This option is more budget friendly because it gets rid of the response envelope and the return postage. There are a lot of wedding websites that are user friendly and free.  On the RSVP card you would direct your guests to visit your wedding website where they can reply online. This is an accurate way of getting a head count for your event which can be very helpful and cost effective if you are paying per person.  

Another reason why wedding websites are great is because you can provide more information to your guests that can sometimes be too much to add to your invitations such as information on other group events, accommodations, directions, local attractions, and miscellaneous information that might be useful to guests.

This can also help with the touchy subject of registry information which is considered to be very improper.  If you feel like you have to let people know where you are registered then you can list the information on your website. This is a much better way to get the word out.   

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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And the Pic of the Week Is....

Great centerpiece for baby and bridal showers.

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What's Your Color (Part 3)

In part one I gave you tips on choosing your main color, part two choosing your coordinating color, now part three.

Now that brides have finally decided to do it “their way”, the combinations of colors that are being used are bold, more vibrant, and unexpected.    

Today I will show you some color combinations that I hope will inspire you in the right direction towards choosing your wedding colors or at least get you thinking about it.  

Now Let's Get Inspired!!!

Magenta - Orange - Yellow

Only the couples that are energetic with a fresh attitude need to apply.  Perfect for a spring or summer wedding that will definitely give your guests something to talk about.   

Champagne Pink - Brown

Depending on which you use as the main color, this combination of colors can give you an endless amount of ideas.  Choosing brown as the prominent color make this palette perfect for a fall or winter wedding.

Red - Orange - Chocolate

I would have never thought about red and orange together until my niece chose her prom dress.  These colors are   gorgeous to me.  If you and your groom are sassy and sexy these will blow your autumn wedding out the park.

Various Shades of Green

What says spring like the color green. Enough said.  

Shades of Purple

This is my sister's signature color.  Do you have one?  Use your favorite color in its various shades, you won't be surprised at the result.

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The Dress Is White...Or Is It?

Here comes the bride, all dressed in white…..or not.  The modern bride is smart, traditional, daring, adventurous, exciting, full of life, and most of all she is not yesterday’s bride.  She is no longer limited to the traditional “white” wedding gown and as in every aspect of the wedding, she now has options, options, and options.

Choosing a colored wedding dress is not easy as you think. Your traditionalists may raise a brow or two so if the majority of your guests are conservative you may want to think twice.  Another issue would be your color choice, with so many shades to choose from, your decision may become somewhat difficult.  

Here are a few tips to help pick the perfect color:

*  Choose a color that you love and will look good on you.

*  Pick a shade that will blend well with the wedding.

*  Choose something that expresses your personality and style.

*  Select colors that blend well with the season.

Color is a great way to stand out with your wedding gown. Just be careful, you don’t want to look like you’re going on a prom or to a black tie dinner.

Let’s get inspired! 

If you are not sure about the entire dress in one color, try a two tone gown

 

Just enough purple to see the color but not too much to be overwhelming

There's nothing like a platinum bride - Cynthia Bailey chose a gown that was stunning

Don't be afraid of red but make sure you can pull it off and it goes with the scheme of the wedding

Be as subtle or as bold as you like

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Fresh or Silk?

I believe flowers are nature’s way of saying anything can be beautiful. 

The decision whether to use fresh flowers or artificial flowers can involve many factors such as budget, allergic reactions, weather, refrigeration, or preservation just to name a few.  Whether you chose silk or real flowers, you should weigh your options and make your choice based on your budget and what type of wedding you are having.

You can find absolutely stunning silk flowers theses days that people will have to touch or try to smell before they realize they aren't real. They'll always look good and can be a precious keepsake of your special day.

Using real flowers lends an air of romance to your celebration. The smells seem to let people know something special is going on. If you don't have a huge budget for flowers, consider only getting fresh flowers for the bride, a boutonniere for the groom, and flowers for the parents.  Also, you do not have to have fresh flowers for your toss bouquet. 

The key to getting what you want is knowing what you want; height, colors, scent, etc.  Truthfully, everyone will not remember what kind of flowers were there, so do whatever your heart desires and what your budget can afford.

Let's get some inspiration, Fresh or Silk, can you tell?

 

 

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All About Him!

The wedding day is not just for brides anymore.  Nowadays the groom has a lot of input into what that spectacular day will look like, how he wants the guests to feel, and every other aspect of the day.   

Also, like most men, the groom likes to add a little fun to the attire of his groomsmen as well as himself.  Ties are a good way for the men to express themselves and have fun too. 

Let’s take a look and get inspired!

We all know about the traditional ties.  Just so you know, they are still great!

Now For The "Fun Stuff"

 

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Remembering Your Guests

Last week it was the seating chart, this week it's the guest book.  

We all are familiar with the “guest book”.  This is a book used for your guest to write down their name & address so you can send them a thank you for attending your wedding or event.  It usually gets tucked away after the thank you's are mailed, sometimes never to be seen again.

How about changing the dynamics and presenting something that will be memorable for you and your guests.  Check out these inspirational ideas and give your guests a reason to want to sign the "guest book".

 Your guest can sign their name on a balloon fingerprint or a family tree.  

Afterwards, frame for a fun reminder.

 Order an engagement puzzle or use a favorite picture puzzle.  Your guests can sign each piece and later you will have a great time putting the pieces back together.

Little Couple Fingerprinting 

Make your guest book a part of your home. Your guests can sign a chair, bench, or bookcase. 

You decide.

Create a decorative calendar and have your guests sign on their birth date.  How surprised will they be when a card arrives from you on their birthday.

Guest Book Envelope Scrapbook

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What's Your Color?

Everyone has a favorite color.  It’s probably a color that goes well with your skin or a color that you formed an attachment to when you were younger.  Whatever it is and however you captured it, own it.

2012 is the year of using bold vibrant colors.  Most brides want to incorporate their favorite color when deciding what will be their “wedding colors”.  Don't be afraid to mix your favorite color with a color you would least expect to match.  Your planner will be able to assist on how and where to display your colors in a beautiful and unique way.  Pantone has chosen Tangerine Tango as their color for 2012.  Try it with your fav, you may be surprised at the results.

Inspiration boards are a good way to see your vision come to life.  They will allow you to decide and/or change if needed.  In the meantime check out these boards for inspiration.

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Comfort Food at My Wedding Reception?

Mini Tacos and Tequila Shots, fun!!

Whether it’s a cocktail reception, during the cocktail hour, or an after dinner snack many couples are choosing to have comfort foods at their wedding reception. You can serve almost any type of food in a mini form; macaroni and cheese, spaghetti & meatballs, pheasant under glass, and the every popular mini burger.  

Comfort food is familiar and there’s always something your guests will enjoy.  So when creating your menu think about the comfort foods that you and your fiancé enjoy and incorporate yourselves into the food. 

Chips and Salsa Scoops

Fried Chicken w/Miniature Bottles of Coca Cola

An all time favorite, Grilled Cheese

Pheasant Under Glass, uhmmmm!

A Little Potted Shrimp Anyone?

Lobster Rolls, a very good treat to have

                                                     

Can you get more comfortable than Spaghetti & Meatballs

                                         

                                               

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