Monthly Archives: September 2011

29Sep2011

Be Prepared with a Bride’s Emergency Kit

As a bride-to-be striving for the wedding day of your dreams, it’s best to be prepared. Below is a list of must-haves to help you avoid any mishaps or potential disasters that might rear up throughout the day. Sometimes even the smallest item can be a lifesaver!

As a bride-to-be striving for the wedding day of your dreams, it’s best to be prepared. Below is a list of must-haves to help you avoid any mishaps or potential disasters that might rear up throughout the day. Sometimes even the smallest item can be a lifesaver!

P.S. Looking for useful wedding favors for your guests? Check out our personalized notepads, matchbooks and sewing kits.

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Etiquette | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
26Sep2011

Share the Love with Heart Wedding Invitations and Accessories!

You’re getting married and it’s all about the LOVE! What better way to show it than with hearts?



The heart has long been used as a symbol referring to the spiritual and emotional core of a human being. The word “heart” is often used in poetry to refer to the soul, and stylized depictions of hearts are used to represent love.

 

Heart wedding invitations, favors and accessories are all great ways to symbolize your love throughout your wedding. Ann’s offers everything from contemporary to traditional designs, as well as a range of colors from classics like pinks and reds to current color trends like purple.

 

Take your love wedding theme a step further and add romantic quotations to your programs, favors, napkins or thank you notes. Each table could have its own romantic quotation instead of a table number. I recently attended a wedding where each table displayed the word “love” in a foreign language. How beautiful!

 

How will you share the love with your guests?

 

Here is a helpful reference if you like some of the items shown above.  1.)  Interlocking Hearts wedding invitation 2.) Skipped a Beat wedding invitation 3.) Hearts and Flourish wedding invitation 4.) Close at Heart Grapevine wedding invitation 5.) Heart Shaped Favor Box 6.) Initials and Heart Lipstick Favor Labels 7.) Heart Favor Tags 8.) Double Heart Pick/Cake Top

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Favors, Wedding Invitations & Stationery, Wedding Themes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
22Sep2011

The Paper Color Mystery Solved for You!

What is bright white compared to white? Is ecru the same as cream? Is ivory kind of like ecru? All great questions and easily answered!

 

 

BRIGHT WHITE – stunningly white paper that’s crisp and clear. It’s the perfect prelude to a “white” wedding. Feel free to order a sample of a “bright white” invite and a “white” invite to compare. Example: Going Twice wedding invitation shown here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHITE – this smooth, almost vanilla-colored invitation paper has been the favorite of brides and grooms for decades. Sometimes called traditional white or soft white. Example: Snow White wedding invitation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ECRU – a subtle touch of creamy color gives ecru paper warmth, which is perfect for an elegant wedding. Ecru is sometimes called cream, but should not be confused with ivory. Example: Going Once wedding invitation shown here.

 

 

 

 

IVORY – close to white but with tints of yellow, cream or peach. We don’t use the term ivory for our invitations, but we do have ivory accessories and decorations.

 

Helpful Fact: Ecru comes from the French word écru, which means “raw” or “unbleached.” In the world of modern day weddings, ecru is simply a color. It doesn’t necessarily mean the paper or material is raw or unbleached.

 

Shop our complete collection of discount wedding invitations to see all of your options for bright white, white and ecru invitations.

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Invitations & Stationery, Wedding Tips | Tagged , | Leave a comment
21Sep2011

The August Winner of Ann’s Bridal Bargains Shopping Spree Is…

Congratulations to Sofia of LA! Sofia signed up to become a member of Ann’s Bridal Bargains in August and was randomly selected to win the Ann’s $500 Shopping Spree! She can spend her $500 on anything at Ann’s – wedding invitations, ceremony accessories, reception accessories, you name it!

Sofia and her fiancé, Jongho, are just starting to plan a beautiful, 2012 winter wonderland wedding in crystal white and blue. The couple met each other at a party hosted by one of Sofia’s friends, and Jongho proposed at their favorite restaurant. Awww…

While the couple is just getting their feet wet wedding planning, they are determined to have fun and have vowed not to let it stress them out. Sofia adds, “Ask friends and family for referrals and don’t be shy to ask for help when you feel overwhelmed.” Great money and stress saving tip!

Congrats to the happy couple, and here’s to creating a beautiful, budget-savvy winter wonderland wedding!

Want to win September’s $500 Shopping Spree? Just visit http://www.annsbridalbargaings.com, and watch your email next month! Believe it or not, winners don’t always respond so we have to select a new winner. Watch for this subject line in your email: You Won the September Ann’s Bridal Bargains $500 Shopping Spree!

Good luck!

You May Also Like
Posted in Ann's Shopping Spree, Contests and Giveaways | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
19Sep2011

Satin Ribbon Rolls. The Perfect DIY Wedding Decorations

Satin Ribbon is a great way to decorate and accessorize, adding a pop of color to the ceremony or reception. That pop of color can go a long way, which is why bargain brides should check out 100-yard satin ribbon rolls — the next best thing to wholesale ribbon!

Just think, 100 yards is 300 feet, which equals 3,600 inches of satin ribbon all on one convenient roll. You’d have to buy ten, 10-yard rolls at your local craft store, and that only works if they have 10 rolls of the color you’re looking for.

 

Let your imagination go wild! You can do great things with that much ribbon. Choose from 15 gorgeous colors available at Ann’s, and don’t forget to check out personalized ribbon and curling ribbon. Even more ribbon options are coming this fall!

 

Here are a few Google search terms to help unravel your creativity.

• Ribbon Centerpieces

• Decorate Tables with Ribbons

• Ribbon Wands

• Decorating with Ribbons

• Make it with Ribbons

• Roses with Ribbons

 

What are you doing with ribbon for your wedding?

You May Also Like
Posted in Budget-Savvy Ideas and Tips, DIY Wedding Ideas | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment
15Sep2011

Checking it off the list! Planning the Wedding Rehearsal and Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 5: Part 3

Your wedding details are all falling into place, and now it’s time to plan the wedding rehearsal and dinner. The rehearsal dinner is meant to be casual and fun, so you have the creative freedom to do what you like. Here are a few pointers to get you started.

 

• The rehearsal is usually planned for the day or evening before the wedding with a rehearsal dinner immediately following.

• You will want to invite the officiant, wedding party and both sets of parents to the rehearsal.

• Traditionally, the groom’s parents host/pay for the rehearsal dinner, but it’s perfectly acceptable for the bride’s parents or the couple to host.

• Since the rehearsal dinner is a rather small event, you can have your pick of free venues: a local park, your parents’ home, your home, etc.

• Anyone can be invited to the rehearsal dinner, but keep the guest list small to keep costs down.

• If your rehearsal dinner involves more guests than the rehearsal participants, we recommend mailing wedding rehearsal dinner invitations. You can create a rehearsal dinner invitation out of any wedding invitation on Ann’s with just a change of wording.

• Consider a potluck event or a buffet-style meal featuring inexpensive food that feeds many (pasta, tacos and stews are just a few ideas).

• If your rehearsal dinner is catered, be sure to send an invite with a respond card so you can get a head count for the caterer.

• Friends and family may toast the bride and groom. This typically happens after grace is said and before the meal begins.

• After toasts are given, the groom and/or bride should give a toast of thanks for any toasts given in their honor and for everyone’s attendance.

• Many couples choose to hand out the bridal party gifts and gifts for the parents at the rehearsal dinner, usually right after their toast of thanks.

• Make sure the evening ends somewhat early to allow you and your guests a full-night of sleep before the big day.

 

What would your perfect rehearsal dinner be? Grilling, bowling, favorite restaurant…

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Planning Guide | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
12Sep2011

Be inspired by the peacock’s rainbow of colors!

From rich brown to royal blue, the peacock’s dazzling feathers become an amazing wedding theme. Below you’ll see a few ideas for highlighting the peacock’s beauty and colors throughout your wedding.

1,2,6,7. Start by finding the perfect peacock wedding invitation to introduce your theme. Then begin searching for coordinating peacock accessories for your ceremony and reception.

 

3,4,5. Another great way to pull the peacock’s colors into your wedding reception is to mix and match up to three napkin colors, then add a peacock feather design cut. This design cut can also be used on other items like favor boxes, cake bags, place cards or matches.

 

Add peacock feathers to your centerpieces, bridal bouquets and boutonnieres. Consider using them as beautiful hair accessories as well.

 

Get creative! Ask your baker to airbrush feather designs on your cake or if you know any artists, have them paint or draw the peacock feather onto your seating chart and wedding sign.

 

Did you know? The peacock is representative of glory, resurrection, renewal, royalty, integrity, kindness and beauty. Do some research and check out its historical and religious meanings to see if it is a perfect fit for your wedding!

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Themes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
08Sep2011

Proper Wedding Announcement Wording and Etiquette

As much as you want to invite ALL of your friends and family to your wedding, it just isn’t possible when working on a budget. That’s why wedding announcements are a wonderful thing — you get to share the great news with everyone even if you couldn’t invite them to the wedding.

 

Use the wedding invitations you chose and customize them with wedding announcement wording, or order entirely different wedding announcements.

Wedding announcements should be sent right after your ceremony. We suggest having them addressed and stamped prior to your wedding day. Then ask a friend or family member to be responsible for mailing them since you’ll be a little busy.

 

Need some wedding announcement wording examples? We’ve got a few right here for you! Remember, you can be as plain or creative as you would like with your wording. The following examples are just guidelines:

 

Basic Wording

BRIDE
and
GROOM
have the honour of announcing
their marriage
on DAY
YEAR
LOCATION
CITY, STATE

Creative Announcement

Making their friendship so true
after great times and happiness,
they’ve said “I do!”

BRIDE
and
GROOM
were married
on DATE
CITY, STATE

Destination Wedding Announcement (without post-wedding reception)
We set sail
for a much-needed vacation,
and we tied the knot
in a tropical destination!

BRIDE
and
GROOM
were married
DATE
LOCATION

Destination Wedding (with post-wedding reception)

We set sail
for a much-needed vacation,
and we tied the knot
in a tropical destination!

BRIDE
and
GROOM
were married
DATE
LOCATION

Please join them
for a celebration
on DAY
YEAR
TIME
LOCATION
CITY, STATE

Bride and Groom with Children

BRIDE
and
GROOM
together with their children
are happy to announce
their marriage
on DAY
YEAR
CITY, STATE

Traditional Announcement from Parents (Note: an announcement can be sent from anyone: both sets of parents, one set of parents, the bride and groom or even another family member. )

BRIDE PARENTS
GROOM PARENTS
have the honour of announcing
the marriage of
BRIDE
to
GROOM
on DAY
YEAR
LOCATION
CITY, STATE

Visit www.verseit.com for more wedding announcement wording examples along with wording ideas for many other occasions.

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Invitations & Stationery, Wedding Tips | Tagged , | Leave a comment
05Sep2011

10 Ways to Pamper Yourself this Labor Day Weekend

Take a break from wedding planning and enjoy the long weekend. You deserve it! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

 

1. Streeeetch. Give yourself 5 minutes to energize in the morning and wind down at night. Stretching paired with deep breathing is one of the best ways to de-stress.

 

2. Spend some much-needed time outdoors soaking up the sun’s warm rays. (We recommend sunscreen, of course.)

 

3. Visit the local farmer’s market and get yourself a bouquet of wildflowers to brighten up your home all weekend long.

 

4. If you’re at the lake, by a creek or along the ocean, dip your feet in some calm, cool waters. There’s nothing more refreshing.

 

5. Then, get a pedicure. (You didn’t think this whole list was going to be all naturál, did you?)

 

6. Devour a tasty treat you know you shouldn’t have, like your favorite bag of chips or some chocolate treasure from the local bakery.

 

7. Meet with a good friend for morning coffee or breakfast. There’s something so pleasant about early morning visits!

 

8. Take a long walk in your favorite part of town or nearby park. Don’t have one? Find one!

 

9. Get a massage — you can’t have a list of relaxation tips without this classic.

 

10. Buy one new item of décor for your home — a new plant, vase, floor rug, etc. Every time you admire it, you’ll be reminded of your relaxing weekend spent doing whatever made you happy.

 

What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself?

You May Also Like
Posted in Wedding Tips | Tagged , | Leave a comment
01Sep2011

Get Free Wedding Invitations from Ann’s Bridal Bargains

Style doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and your wedding invitations shouldn’t either. However, when budgeting for your wedding, it’s recommended that 5% of your budget is for the wedding invitation ensemble, which includes your invitation, reception card, respond card, direction/accommodation cards, and the necessary envelopes. Wait, what?! 5%? If that doesn’t quite add up for you, consider how important the wedding invitation ensemble is to you and weigh your options carefully.

 

And… consider this deal from Ann’s. Now through midnight (CST), September 7, you can get FREE wedding invitations! This deal is good on invites only, but what you save on your wedding invitations could make up for what you spend on reception cards, respond cards and other enclosures. So, what’s the scoop?  Here’s what you need to know:

 

For every 100 invitations (discount wedding invitations, seal and sends, sep and sends) you put in your shopping cart, you get 25 free! For example, let’s say you need 150 invitations. You’ll add 150 invitations to your shopping cart, apply promo code STYLESALE and you’ll see the cost of 25 of those invitations discounted from your cart. That could be some big bucks!

Damask Arches Grapevine Wedding Invitation

Love Declared Seal and Send Wedding Invitation

 

The invitation sets the tone for your big day. It gives guests a glimpse at what they can expect — from how to dress, to the location, to the gift. Whether it’s the design, color, or your special touch that makes it the perfect invite, you’ll be inviting guests in style — without paying a fortune.

 

What’s the most important element of the invitation for you? Design? Color? Originality? Let us know!


You May Also Like
Posted in Bargains and Special Offers, Wedding Invitations & Stationery | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment