Monthly Archives: July 2011

29Jul2011

Say Hello to the A-Team!

The NEW A-Team is here (ok, so it’s a little cheesy, but we just couldn’t take ourselves too seriously).

So, without further ado, meet the bloggers!

The 'A' Team at Ann's Bridal BargainsRobin (lower left) is our Style Expert.  She’ll be bringing you unique and fresh product ideas from save the dates, to wedding invitations, to wedding accessories.

Carynn (lower right) is our Party Planner (and a half!).  She is thrilled to bring you new ideas for tablescapes, favors, food presentation, centerpieces …all those little details that tie your wedding together.

Shanna (upper right) is our resident Etiquette Consultant.  Look for tips and advice on going with tradition and how trends are changing those, plus great wedding planning tips.

And Jackie (upper left) is the Bargain Finder.  Be sure to follow her to get the scoop on special deals and offers, bargains, giveaways, sweepstakes, and more from all sorts of budget-savvy wedding and registry sites.

To learn more about the A-Team, read the bios to learn what we do at Ann’s, what cheap means to us, something you wouldn’t expect from us, and more!

We are so excited to start bringing you more ideas on how to pull off a budget-savvy wedding that doesn’t look it.

Have questions for us?  Just add a comment to one of our most recent posts, or to this one.

 

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28Jul2011

Helpful Tips for Print-Your-Own Wedding Invitations

Print-your-own wedding invitations are affordable and easy when you have the right information to get you started. Here are some helpful tips hot off the press from Ann’s!

Posh Pockets DIY Wedding Invitation Kits

Hearts Entwined DIY Wedding Invitation Kits

Loving Swirls DIY Wedding Invitation Kits

 

 

 

5 Steps for Print-Perfect Wedding Invitations

1. Identify the size of invitation card you’ll be printing. Most printers are capable of printing different sizes, so don’t feel like you have to use 8½” x 11” sheets of paper.

 

2. Create a template on your computer. You can use Microsoft Word or similar software. (Ann’s provides free printing templates and tips with most of our print-your-own wedding invitations.)

 

3. Begin typing your wording and customizing the layout, typestyles and font sizes.

 

4. When you’re finished customizing, adjust the print settings. Go to File: Print: Properties, and change the default paper size to your card size. Load the printer with no more than 20 cards at a time. Use the manual feed tray for laser printers.

 

5. Run a test print to determine if all settings and positioning are correct. Make adjustments if needed and run another test print until the invitation is perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

10 Tips to Help the Process Run Smoothly

 

1. Use card stock paper to create wedding invitations with a quality look and feel. Don’t worry, most home printers can handle thicker paper stock but you’ll want to check your printer’s manufacturer’s guidelines to see paperweight restrictions.

 

2. Depending on the size of your wedding invitations, you can print several invites to one 8½” x 11” sheet and trim afterward or you can cut the cards down beforehand and print the individual cards. Home printers are capable of printing different sizes.

 

3. If you are not using a laser printer, be sure to allow drying time. Dry invitations individually, not stacked.

 

4. When you run your test print, place a sticker at the top of the invitation to help determine proper positioning and spacing.

 

5. Address your envelopes using the printer or print return address labels that coordinate with your wedding invitation ensemble. (Tip: envelopes feed better when opened, so no pre-folding.)

 

6. Print extras! You’ll need spares for mistakes, and printing extras with the original batch is much easier than going through the process again later.

 

7. Print practice cards on the “Draft” or “Fast” setting — saves ink and money. When you start printing your invitations, print at the highest quality.

 

8. Have lots of copying or cutting to do? Take it to a copy shop. They’ll charge a fee, but it might be worth the time you’ll save and the quality job they’ll do. This is especially helpful for enclosures.

 

9. Be careful with vellum. Laser printers work best with vellum, but there is vellum specifically designed for inkjet printers if that’s what you plan to use.

 

10. Check the packaging for helpful information. Print-your-own wedding invitations will often come with a website for free software, templates and help.

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25Jul2011

25 Ways to Use Wedding Favor Labels

So many uses for such a simple item! Wedding favor labels and personalized seals are an excellent, inexpensive option for adding a personal touch throughout your wedding. We’ve listed our top 25 ideas just for you!

1. Use this trick on clear glass.
Personalize clear glass votive holders or vases with clear, personalized seals and put one seal on each item.

 

2. Give gifts an extra loving touch.
Wedding favor labels are a great way to dress up bridal party gifts. Add them to the front of attendant bags or as the finishing touch on gift-wrap.

 

3. Work with contrasting colors.
Brightly colored seals against dark favor boxes create a dramatic look. Place the seal left or right of center for contemporary flair.

 

4. Keep favors simple.
Clear favor bags are so versatile, and wedding favor labels make them even easier to use. Just fold the bag over once and wrap the seal around the folded edge.

 

5. Let the treat do the talking!
With clear favor containers like these favor boxes, all you need is a stylish favor label to add some character to each one.

 

6. Highlight your wedding colors.
Favor labels often come with a choice of imprint color, which means you can create a truly coordinated look with matching satin ribbon. Of course, we went one step further and used matching colored jellybeans!

 

7. Wrap up your favorite candy.
Make candy into some pretty sweet favors by adding a favor label to each piece. It’s easy, inexpensive and guests will love such a cute, tasty favor.

 

8. Get a modern look.
Pulling off a modern look doesn’t have to be difficult. Take these plain glass votives, for instance. A sleek, square favor label in black becomes a striking accent that adds modern flair to a classic favor idea.

 

9. Be practical AND fashionable.
Seal favor boxes while adding a touch of personalized fashion.

 

10. Decorate piece by piece.
Add round personalized seals to wrapped candies and sprinkle the candy along wedding reception tables or add to favor bags.

 

11. Make tasty treats even sweeter.
Wedding favor labels or personalized seals make lollipop favors even more fun!

 

12. Get creative.
Place fruit or other delicious things inside shot glasses and adorn with favor labels for a refreshing favor guests can keep long after the wedding.

 

13. Give favors a classic look.
Black and white favor labels will add a classic touch of style to any wedding favor. The swirl design shown here is simply perfect getting that classic look.

 

14. Always order extra.
Order extra wedding favor labels to use after the wedding. Use them to seal the first batch of holiday cards you send out as husband and wife!

 

15. Show your appreciation with a personal touch.
Find nice envelopes to use as gratuity envelopes and seal them with your favor labels. Recipients will appreciate the gift and the thoughtful detail.

 

16. Quench some thirst.
Warm summer weddings and destination weddings are the perfect venues for water bottle favors. Buy water bottles in bulk for the cheapest price, tear off the labels and replace with your favor labels. How clever!

 

17. Realize their true purpose.
We’ve given you lots of ideas for how to use wedding favor labels and personalized seals — all but their original purpose! Seal your wedding invitation envelopes for an impressive finishing touch to your ensemble.

 

18. Play matchmaker.
Match the color of your favor labels with colorful satin ribbon and add to favor boxes or bags for a beautiful wedding favor that showcases your wedding colors.

 

19. Let your refined taste shine.
Seals personalized with a single initial in script font are sophisticated and elegant. Add to ecru favor bags or favor boxes for a look that’s truly elegant.

 

20. Try this delicious idea.
Most chocolates come wrapped in nice packaging, which means all you need are favor labels in a coordinating color for personalized wedding favors that are delish!

 

21. Pass on the napkin rings.
Rectangular favor labels are great alternatives to napkin rings. They’re MUCH less expensive and they coordinate beautifully.

 

22. Treat them to a bucket o’ goodies!
Many couples are opting to create travel baskets or bags for guests attending their destination wedding. Use favor labels or seals to dress up the goodies you put inside.

 

23. Stay cool.
Put one label on each bottle, and guests are sure to stay cool with your refreshing beverage favors.

 

24. Make it special.
Secure invitations or wedding programs with favor labels or personalized seals. We love this idea because it feels like you’re opening something extra special!

 

25. Go from plain to pretty.
It’s amazing what you can do with ribbon, especially when topped off with a cute seal. We wrapped a rectangular glass dish with lilac satin ribbon and placed a seal over top for an adorable table centerpiece.

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Posted in Budget-Savvy Ideas and Tips, Wedding Reception | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment
21Jul2011

Checking it off the list! Helpful Tips for Assembling/Addressing Your Invitations

Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 5: Part 1

 

Assembling and addressing your wedding invitations are no easy tasks. Here are brief guides to help you tackle each of these important steps in the invitation process.

Assembly in 5 Easy Steps

1. Insert the wedding invitation into the inner envelope (if applicable). The printed side of the invitation should face you.

2. Place the reception card in front of the invitation with printed side up.

3. If you’re including other enclosures, like direction cards or accommodation cards, place them in front of the reception card printed side up.

4. The respond card is next. This card should be tucked under the flap of the respond card envelope, printed side up. Be sure to place a stamp on the envelope. Then place the card and envelope in front of the enclosures mentioned in step 3.

5. Once you have all the pieces assembled in the correct order, slide the inner envelope into the outer envelope with the front of the inner envelope facing you. If you don’t have an inner envelope, tuck the stacked invitation pieces into the outer envelope with the printed sides facing you.

(Want a visual? Visit our blog post, A Simple Guide to Assembling Your Wedding Invitations for illustrated instructions.)

 

Addressing the Situation

What are inner envelopes?

The inner envelope is still a common part of the wedding invitation ensemble, but has become a more traditional/formal element. Its purpose is to hold the invitation and all the enclosures together within the main envelope. The inner envelope is slightly smaller and has no adhesive on the flap. You will find many of today’s wedding invitations don’t include an inner envelope option.

 

How are inner envelopes addressed?

If your invitation includes an inner envelope, it will be addressed with the names of each guest. You may address inner envelopes formally or informally, as shown below. If you are allowing single guests to bring a date, add “and guest” or the guest’s first and last name. If children are invited, write the children’s first names under their parents’ names.

Formal Addressing guide

Informal Addressing guide

What are outer envelopes?

The outer envelope holds the entire invitation. It includes an adhesive flap for sealing and is addressed for mailing. Almost all wedding invitations come with outer envelopes.

 

How are outer envelopes addressed?

Outer envelopes are normally addressed in a formal manner, meaning titles and last names. No abbreviations are used except for titles, such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., and Jr. That means all words in the address are spelled out (St. would be Street, Blvd. would be Boulevard, etc.) Sound like a lot of work? It is! So order your invitations early to give yourself some time or take advantage of Ann’s envelope-addressing service.

 

(For more addressing details, check out Top 10 Things to Remember When Addressing Your Wedding Invitations.)

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18Jul2011

Get these looks for cheap! Wedding Reception Ideas for Less

We’ve gathered three looks that you can recreate for less, and you’ll find some tips below each wedding reception idea on how to get started.

Photography By: GETMARRIED

Love the look of polished silver and crystal? You can have it! You can recreate this elegant wedding cake table to coordinate beautifully with your wedding reception decorations.

Get this look for cheap (plus a romantic twist)! Ann’s offers heart-themed accessories, which fit this look beautifully. Check out the Heart-Handled Serving Set, Open Hearts Flute Set and the Acrylic Cake Stand.

 

Photography By: Seven Degrees Images

Vibrantly colored wedding reception decorations paired with bright bunches of flowers and petals create a passionate look.

Get this look for cheap! The colors here are beautiful, but you can get this look for less by toning them down a bit. Try wrapping chairs with White Gossamer and using one strip of colorful ribbon or cloth to accent. Sprinkle Silk Rose Petals along the tables and choose less expensive, clear Glass Votives. Place colorful, Personalized Wedding Napkins at each place setting. The nice part about toning down the color is that the color you do feature will really stand out!

 

Photography By: LARGO PHOTOGRAPHY

Beautiful in its simplicity, this wedding reception idea is perfect for accent tables but could easily be used on all of your reception tables due to its subtle, charming style.

Get this look for cheap! First of all, gerbera daisies are an affordable flower that can add color and impact. Also, one stem placed in clear glass Bud Vases makes this look even easier (great for wedding favors, too). Clear Glass Votives placed among the flowers allow the vases to catch the candle light, creating romantic lighting on your tables. Don’t forget to check out Place Cards, too.

 

How are you decorating your wedding reception?  Let us know your inspiration for your wedding reception decorations and comment below.

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Posted in Budget-Savvy Ideas and Tips, Wedding Reception, Wedding Tips | Tagged , , | 2 Comments
16Jul2011

They’re here! See the Blog Favor Challenge Creations

Our lead designer has completed the winning favor challenge ideas, and they’re now available for purchase. Check them out!

 

Sunflower Power

A bright yellow, 2-Piece favor box is accented with a personalized favor label featuring a sunflower design! Black ribbon adds the finishing touch.

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn Apples

Caramel apples are wrapped in clear favor bags and tied closed with satin ribbon. A personalized maple leaf favor tag in brown creates the final accent.

 

 

 

 

 

Jammin’ Favors

A mason drinking jar is filled with delicious berries and covered with cloth. Satin ribbons in coordinating colors seal the cloth lid and feature a personalized tag printed with a website for the couple’s favorite jam recipes. So creative!

 

 

 

Thank you for sharing you wedding favor ideas.  Do you have more ideas?  We would love to hear from you!

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15Jul2011

Fall Wedding Favors: What’s your favorite fall look?

Check out these fall wedding favor ideas designed to be easy, attractive and inexpensive. We’ve divided them up into 6 different looks. Pick your favorite!

Classic

Initials and Heart Favor Labels – We’ve combined your love for nature with your love for each other all in one simple favor label, which you can use to dress up a variety of things at your wedding. Use them on favor bags (as shown), as the finishing touch to gifts or placed on wedding programs.

 

Trendy

Flourish Favor Labels – Flourishes and swirls are a huge trend right now, which means our trendy brides on a budget should jump all over flourish favor labels. They’re inexpensive, easy to use and create a stylish accent on everything from candy to water bottles.

 

Traditional

Mocha Matches – Matches are a traditional favor that fit pretty much any style of wedding, but they’re also great for combining with other favors. Tie personalized wedding matches to votive candles for a charming favor. Or drop them in a clear favor bag with a marshmallow, chocolate and a graham cracker, and you’ve got an adorable s’more kit wedding favor!

 

Contemporary

Dotted Border Favor Labels – Kiwi is a hot color for fall. It’s a naturally vibrant color that fits in perfectly with an autumn palette. Add a kick of kiwi to everything from wedding favors to bouquet stems with dotted border favor labels in the eye-catching color.

 

Refined

Brown Damask Favor Boxes – If your fall wedding is leaning more toward sophisticated and refined, damask favor boxes are a beautiful option. Fill with treats that coordinate with your accent colors — an impressive detail that won’t go unnoticed.

 

Natural

Mocha Favor Boxes – Autumn weddings rely on natural beauty. Fill mocha favor boxes with nature-inspired treats for a favor that’s naturally cute! Try these ideas: “bee” unique with chocolate-covered honeycomb; rock the party with rock candy; show your earthy side with gummy worms; create a buzz with chocolate-covered coffee beans.

 

Please share how you have used brown or other fall accent colors in your wedding ceremony or reception…and let us know, which look is your favorite?

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14Jul2011

Falling for Fall: The perfect details for your fall wedding!

Beautifully coordinated weddings rely on the perfect details to pull the theme and look together. Here are a few inexpensive ideas for getting the details you need to complete your fall wedding look.

• Get Practical

Find ceremony accessories that coordinate with your fall theme. Accessories are necessities that should also be stylish. Our mocha and ivory collection, for example, uses fashionable damask with luxurious satin to create wedding essentials that coordinate beautifully with fall weddings.

 

 

• Add Color

During the ceremony you can add color with your guest book and pen and our favorite fall set is the Mocha Satin Guest Book and Pen.  You can also find satin ribbon in your wedding colors and add to table centerpieces, bouquets, wedding programs or wedding favors. You’d be amazed at what you can do with a little ribbon.

 

• Get Personal

Personalization is a great way to create a look that’s all your own. Find wedding napkins in your wedding colors and personalize them with your names and wedding date, or names, wedding date and design. There are plenty of fall designs to choose from.

 

• Decorate for Cheap

Autumn lends well to a budget weddings because you can use nature’s bounty as decorations. Create table centerpieces by filling glass vases or wooden bowls with mixed fruit, gourds or pinecones — add a bit of colorful ribbon and you’re done. Find large branches, place them upright in flowerpots or pails, then hang wedding favors from them. It’s all about getting creative.

 

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14Jul2011

The Semi-Annual Sale has been EXTENDED!

We’re so excited to announce that because we had an overwhelming response from brides, we are pleased to extend the sale to MONDAY, July 18th!  Now you can save even more money on discounted wedding invitations and accessories.

Remember to enter the promo code SEMIANNS at checkout to receive your discount. Sorry, this offer is not valid with other offers or on previous purchases.  Only a couple days left because this offer expires on 7/18/2011, midnight, CT.

Happy Shopping!

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13Jul2011

Congratulations, Sheena and Ryan! You’re the Shopping Spree Winners for June

Sheena met her fiancé, Ryan, through PlentyOfFish.com. A good friend made a profile for Sheena after moving away so they could keep in touch. Ryan messaged her and after about a year they met as friends and started dating shortly after. They’ve been together for four years now!

Sheena and Ryan plan on a traditional wedding in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri with a main wedding color of purple and an accent color that is yet to be decided. They’ll receive $500 to use anytime on anything site-wide at Ann’s Bridal Bargains, and it sounds like Ann’s is the perfect place for them to shop.

“I’m a nursing student, so I’m planning on a tight budget. You have no idea how much this means to me!” says Sheena.

Lucky for Sheena, $500 goes a long way at Ann’s. We’ve got all kinds of wedding necessities at affordable prices, from save the dates to bridal party gifts.

Congrats again to the happy couple! We’re excited to help you keep your beautiful wedding within a reasonable budget. Have fun shopping!

Sincerely,

The Ann’s Bridal Bargains Team,

P.S. Sign up to be a member at Ann’s Bridal Bargains and you could be next month’s $500 Shopping Spree winner!

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Posted in Ann's Shopping Spree, Contests and Giveaways, Real Weddings | Tagged , , | Leave a comment