Category Archives: Wedding Planning Guide

Ann’s Bridal Bargains would like to help you gain more helpful knowledge about every step of the wedding planning process. So we’re providing you with a downloadable, wedding planning checklist.  AND, we will be posting in-depth articles about each stage of the checklist. We’ve started with 12-month tasks and will continue all the way through the checklist to the final, 1-month tasks.  Just start at the end of this Wedding Planning Guide category to start reading more about the 12-month tasks, and work your way to the most current.


* Download your Wedding Planning Checklist today: Download Wedding Planning Checklist

Checklists are helpful, but sometimes a little more guidance is needed. Download Ann’s Wedding Planning Checklist today and visit us often for in-depth advice. You can even check off the topics as we go and jump for joy on your wedding day!

Bridal party Photograph: via GetMarried.com featuring photography by Moments in Time Photography

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Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 6: Part 3

Respond cards are the most common way for couples to tally an accurate guest count, which is essential for the caterer and for seating. Although a small part of the invitation ensemble, respond cards are an important part. They save you money on food and they save you the embarrassment of not having enough seating. Here we’ve compiled a few things you should know about respond cards before sending them with your invitations.

1. Respond cards are most common, but R.S.V.P. services are also available. You are given an account with a phone number, which you include on your invitations. Guests respond via the phone number and the service manages your guest list for you. To learn more about this option, check out the original R.S.V.P. service, www.rsvpservices.com.

2. Respond cards are usually sold separately from the invitation, although Ann’s does offer value sets that include a respond card or respond postcard with the invitation, like this Dramatic Accent Invitation in Amethyst with Free Respond Cards.

Dramatic Accent - Amethyst - Wedding Invitation wtih Respond Card

3. Consider response postcards. They’re simple and economical. With postage always on the rise, the savings can really add up.

4. All respond cards include a simple verse, such as “Please respond on or before [date here],” and a place for guests to write their names. You will often see this in the form of “M” with a blank line after it. The “M” begins the guest’s title (Mr., Mrs., or Miss) and the name goes after. Many of today’s respond cards include a space for number of people attending, or number of “accepts” and number of “rejects.”

5. Menu choices are included on the respond card if you decide to go that route.

6. The respond-by date should be three to four weeks before the wedding. You will need time to contact guests who have not responded and to create a final guest list. The caterer will need the head count two weeks before the wedding.

Damask Arches - Black - Thank You Note Folder and Envelope

7. Respond cards come with printed respond envelopes for no extra cost at Ann’s. The respond envelopes should include the return address of the person keeping track of the guest count. This could be the bride and groom, or the task could be assigned to a relative or close friend.

8. Respond envelopes should be pre-stamped, always. This is for your guests’ convenience and your own. You want to make responding as easy as possible since your food and seating depend on it.

9. Keep track of the responses by maintaining a numbered guest list. Write a number on the back of each respond card that corresponds with the appropriate guest on your guest list. This allows you to verify that you’re marking the correct person just in case you can’t read their handwriting.

10. Once it’s time to assemble your wedding invitation ensemble — respond card and all — read, Helpful Tips for Assembling/Addressing Your Invitations.

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Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 6; Part 2

Here are 5 tips for mailing those wedding invitations.

  1. Wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding so your guests have plenty of time to respond and make travel plans.
  2. See A Simple Guide to Assembling your Wedding Invitations, for step-by-step instructinos on assembling your wedding invitation ensemble.
  3. Weigh a fully assembled invitation with all enclosure cards and envelopes at the post office to determine exact postage needed. (Note: many invitations mail for the cost of a standard postage stamp, but some styles may cost more due to unique size and shape.)
  4. Make addressing envelopes easier by ordering your envelopes printed with your return address. Most invitation retailers offer envelope addressing. (Tip: use the same ink color and lettering style as your invitations for a fully coordinated look.)
  5. Don’t forget envelope seals! They add the perfect finishing touch to your invitation ensemble. Order extra seals as accents for gifts, favors and thank you notes.

Envelope Seals

P.S. Double- and triple-check that all names are spelled correctly and titles are accurate before mailing wedding invitations. Misspelling a guest’s name is not only discourteous, it’s embarrassing.

Happy Inviting!

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Wedding Planning Checklist:  Section 6: Part 1

1. Refer to your vendor contact sheet (you have one, right?) If not, no worries. You can start one anytime. It will include the name of each vendor, address, email address, phone number and contact you’ve been working with.

 

2. Review your contracts with each vendor so you are well prepared to call and verify important details.

 

3. Call each vendor 1-2 months before the wedding to finalize arrangements. Vendors include ceremony musicians, reception deejay or band, caterer, cake baker, florist, limo service, photographers, videographer and officiant.

 

4. Verify timeframes! You probably have the important details figured out at this point, but the one thing you should check and double check are times! Your wedding day will be on a tight schedule. Verify each vendor’s timeframe for the wedding day, and make sure that fits with your itinerary.

 

5. Ask any last-minute questions you might have. Wondering if you can have votives in bags for ambiance down the aisle? Wondering how the wedding party will be introduced at the reception? If you’re not sure what questions to ask, ask the vendor if there are last-minute things couples often forget. They should have some helpful feedback for you.

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Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 5: Part 4

 

It’s three months before the wedding, and everything is falling into place. Now is the time to confirm your honeymoon reservations and make sure you have passports, visas, etc. And, of course, you have to tackle packing at some point.

 

Packing for your honeymoon must be tailored to fit your destination, but here are 10 helpful tips for packing light and being organized — regardless of where you’re vacationing:

 

1. Packing Light. Pack only what you need for clothing (many couples tend to over-pack, causing unnecessary expense). Choose clothes that mix and match. Pack a swimming suit and one formal outfit. Purchase an outfit or two at your honeymoon location as a fun memento.

 

2. Roll or Lay Flat — Don’t Fold. Folded clothes can take up more room in your luggage. Try rolling clothes or lying them flat to take up less space.

 

3. Don’t Pack Duplicate Items. Pack your bags at the same time as your spouse/spouse-to-be if possible. Make sure not to pack duplicate items, such as contact solution, toothpaste, sunscreen and other toiletries.

 

4. Rely on the Hotel’s Complementary Benefits. Find out what your hotel provides FREE with each room (shampoo, conditioner, a hair dryer and an alarm clock are standard). These items, and any others your hotel may provide, don’t need to be packed.

 

5. Pay Attention to the Weather. Check the weather forecast in the area you are visiting. Pack clothes according to the most up-to-date predictions. Consider temperature variations, as well. Some locations are hot during the day, but cool down quite a bit in the evening.

 

6. Be Romantic. Don’t let packing light get in the way of romance. Pack a small gift to surprise your spouse. Also, bring along honeymoon gear, like lingerie, of course, and some fun items like “Just Married” T-shirts.

 

7. Capture Memories. Pack your camera and/or camcorder along with chargers and extra batteries. Also, bring along plastic, re-sealable bags to store mementos such as sand and seashells. They can also prove handy for packing damp swimming suits or keeping your camera safe from water damage. Bring a small journal, too. There will be lots of moments and stories you’ll want to write down so you can remember everything in detail later.

 

8. Keep “Must-Haves” in Your Carry-on Bag. Airline tickets, identification (driver’s license, passport, visas), traveler’s checks, credit cards, cash, prescription medications, contraceptives and important phone numbers should be packed in one of your carry-on bags.

 

9. Remember to Pack the Important Extras! An extra pair of glasses or contacts, asthma inhaler, box of allergy medication, camera/camcorder battery and other important extras can help make you more comfortable and your honeymoon vacation run more smoothly.

 

10. Include a Collapsible Bag. You’ll want an extra bag for your trip home to fill with souvenirs or dirty laundry — this bag will provide the additional space. You may want to ship some souvenirs home separately if space is still tight.

 

Of course, if you’re packing for a destination wedding, things will be a bit different. Consider finding some inexpensive wedding favors that pack easily. We suggest favor boxes or favor bags. Fill them with whatever treats or mementos you find at your special destination.

 

For more tips on honeymoons, check out our post on 10 Money-Saving Tips for a Budget-Friendly Honeymoon.

 

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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…

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Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 5: Part 2

Before deciding what route you’re going to take for wedding day transportation, check out these pointers to guide you in the right direction. Also, check out our favorite ideas for fabulous getaway photo ops!

 

1. What’s your budget?

Estimate about one percent of your budget for wedding day transportation. This includes all transportation for the bride and groom. Wedding-party transportation and guest shuttles are optional.

 

2. Wedding-party transport before the ceremony.

This can range from carpooling or borrowing a minivan to renting a limousine. Keep in mind that you do want separate transportation for the women and the men, and parents usually drive separately as well.

 

3. Wedding-party transport after the ceremony.

This is where the couple will often shell out the money for a limousine or other creative forms of transportation (see our favorites below). If the couple rents a limousine for the bridal party, it’s only the bridal party that participates. Parents and plus ones will meet them at the reception.

 

4. Guest transport before and after reception.

Many couples opt to allow guests to find their own transportation, but if you’d like to provide transportation from your ceremony to your reception or from your reception to the hotel, renting a school bus might be an affordable option.

 

5. Shuttle services.

A shuttle service is a great form of guest transportation, but often expensive. Talk to the hotel you’ve reserved for guests. They may have a shuttle service available for later in the evening for an affordable cost.

 

6. Want guest transport but can’t afford it?

Make sure taxi information is readily available. Also, some reception sites will have taxis ready at the end of the evening if you request it.

 

7. When to reserve.

Our checklist says to reserve wedding day transportation three months in advance. If you’re renting a limo, start shopping around six months ahead of time so you can look into best rates and perks between companies.

 

8. Rent from the same company.

If you’re renting more than one vehicle (two limos, a limo and shuttle, etc.), rent with the same company for cheaper rates. Also, consider renting a black van instead of a limo. They look nice, they’re comfortable and they’re less expensive.

 

9. Read contracts closely.

Be sure to ask about minimum hour requirements, charges for mileage and drivers’ qualifications. You want to well aware of additional costs and credibility.

 

10. Arrange transportation for elderly guests.

You don’t need to rent a car or hire a driver, but do ask a few family members to take care of transporting elderly guests.

 

BONUS:  5 Ideas for Great Photo Ops!

Now the fun part! These days, it seems wedding day transportation is pretty much determined by what provides the best photo op. So here are a few of our favorite ideas for creating a wonderful wedding getaway that’s snapshot-worthy!

1. Tandem Bike – More and more couples are bringing their love for biking into their wedding. Jump on individual or tandem bikes after the ceremony for a super cute photo!

 

2. Classic Car – Whether you rent one or borrow one, this getaway vehicle is the coolest of cool.

 

3. Horse and Buggy – Such a romantic idea for country or city weddings. You’ll never get tired of looking at your wedding photos taken in this old-school mode of transportation. (Consider a horse and sleigh for winter weddings.)

 

4. Trolley – How fun would it be to get a photo of your whole wedding party on a trolley!

 

5. On the Water – If you’re ceremony or reception is near the water, take advantage! Dare to jump in a canoe, on a paddleboat or gather the whole wedding party on a pontoon for an hour of drinks before the reception.

 

And for more information on planning a flawless wedding day transportation specifically using a limousines you can check out the interview between GetMarried.com and the experts at D&G Limousines.  Happy travels!

 

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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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Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 4: Part 4

When you think accessories, you think sparkling bridal jewelry and shimmering heels. When we think accessories, we think so much more! That’s our job after all, to help you remember the important details that might slip your mind in all the excitement of wedding planning.

Wedding Ceremony Accessories include any kind of decoration or accessory that adds to the overall look and feel of your wedding ceremony. Here’s what most brides purchase for their ceremony:

Unity Candle or Unity Sand Kit – the unity ceremony is a common tradition, which involves either lighting a unity candle or today’s popular alternative of pouring sand into a unity vase.

 

Ring Bearer Pillow – a classic accessory needed for the ring bearer in your wedding party.

 

 

 

Flower Girl Basket - a classic accessory needed for the flower girl in your wedding party.

 

Aisle Runner – adds an elegant touch to any church aisle and looks fabulous in photos!

 

 

 

Wedding Reception Accessories include everything from decorations and centerpieces to wedding favors and serving sets. Here’s what most brides purchase for their reception:

 

Napkins – add color, stylish detail and personalization to any wedding reception.

 

Favor Boxes – a popular choice available in lots of colors and styles! Fill with treats and embellish with accents, such as ribbon and charms.

 

 

 

Toasting Flutes – a special touch for the head table, which the bridal party will love using during the wedding toasts.

 

Guest Book and Pen – needed at the entrance of the church if you’d like a record of guests in attendance.

 

Cake Server Sets – a beautiful complement to your wedding cake that’s needed for slicing and serving.

 

Cake Toppers – the finishing touch for your wedding cake creation.

 

Place Cards – indicate where guests will be sitting for an assigned seating reception.

 

Matchbooks a traditional favor that’s perfect on its own or combined with other items.

 

Reception Decorations – use any variety of decorations to add to your reception’s theme and ambience.

 

 

Reception Centerpieces – reception table centerpieces should coordinate perfectly with your décor.

 

 

 

 

Garters – for wearing throughout the ceremony and tossing at the reception, of course!

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Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 4: Part 3

As you begin your search for wedding invitations, check out this post, Choosing the Perfect Wedding Invitations — 5 Questions to Ask Yourself. These helpful questions will steer you in the right direction and help you narrow down your choices.

Or if you are about to order your wedding invitations, here are some important things to remember before ordering — and a checklist of stationery pieces you may need.

 

Deciding how many wedding invitations to order.

It’s easier to calculate than you think. When determining the quantity you’ll need, make note of these simple guidelines:

• One invitation should be sent per couple

• Children under 18 years old can be included on their parents’ invitations; older children, especially those not living at home, should receive their own invitations

• Send one invitation to single guests; you may write “and guest” on the inner envelope if they are welcome to bring a date, or send a separate invitation to the guest’s date

• Include 25 extra invitations with your order so you’ll be covered in case of last-minute guest list additions. You’ll also have a few left as keepsakes! It costs far less to include 25 extra invitations with your initial order than to place a new order for 25 invitations.

Common mistakes made when mailing invitations.

• Ordering invitations too late; therefore, sending the invitations too late. Couples should order wedding invitations about 4 months ahead of time. This allows time for addressing and sending invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding, which gives guests plenty of time to make travel plans, adjust schedules, find babysitters, etc.

• Spending too much or too little on postage. Take a fully assembled invitation with all enclosure cards and envelopes to be weighed at the post office to determine exact postage needed. Many invitations mail for the cost of a standard stamp. Some styles cost more due to size and/or shape (eg. marquis [square] invitations).

• Licking every envelope — not necessary!  An envelope moistener is totally worth a few dollars.

Accidentally using old addresses. The best defense you have against someone not receiving an invitation is making sure you know they didn’t receive it. Making your return address clean and legible is important. If your handwriting isn’t the best, or you want to save time on addressing, have us print your envelopes with the return address. Choose the same ink color and typestyle as your invitations for a fully coordinated look.

 

The Checklist: The invitation…plus everything else you need.

The basics that you need include:

Wedding Invitations – Of course.

Response Cards – These are how you tally who is attending your wedding, and are essential for the caterer.

Reception Cards – Inform guests when and where the post-wedding celebration is.

Envelopes – Inner and outer envelopes are included with all discount wedding invitations and response cards. Upgrade to a lined inner envelope to add color.

Thank You Cards – A thank you card should be sent to every wedding guest.

 

Additional Stationery that takes you beyond the basics include:

Save the Date Cards – They are a wonderful way to notify your guests well in advance of the event.  Save the Dates can be sent out four to twelve months in advance allowing important family and friends who will need to travel to your wedding location.

Announcements – If you had a small wedding or a destination wedding, you may want to send wedding announcements to friends and family who couldn’t make it. Any of our discount wedding invitations can be used as wedding announcements with just a change of wording.

Direction/Map Cards – Although direction cards aren’t a requirement, they’re quickly becoming a standard addition to the invitation ensemble.

Accommodations Cards – If you have several guests who will be traveling, it’s courteous to reserve accommodations or present them with hotel information near the wedding site.

At Home Cards – If you will be moving shortly before or after the wedding, include at home cards with your invitations.

Informal Cards – Informal cards are printed with your names and can be used for both thank yous and as correspondence after the wedding.

Seals – Envelope seals secure your invitation ensemble and they add a stylish finishing touch. You can even order extra seals and use them to accent gifts, favors, thank you notes and gratuity envelopes.

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Wedding Planning Checklist: Section 4: Part 2 of 2

 

 

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but these days money has become a pretty close friend of the bride and groom as well. We’re giving you a quick rundown of what to look for when shopping genuine diamonds, but we’re also providing you with some less expensive alternatives that look gorgeous but won’t leave you in the poor house.

 

 

Shopping genuine diamonds? Remember the four Cs.

Cut – During the cutting process, artisans sculpt tiny angles — known as facets — into a raw stone. Poor sculpting creates dullness. The cutting process also creates the shape. Shapes include round brilliant (more that 80% of diamonds), pear, marquis, emerald, asscher, cushion, princess and heart. When shopping for diamond rings, look for brilliance (how it reflects light), fire (it flashes color) and scintillation (it sparkles). Be sure to examine the stone in a variety of different lighting.

Color – There are two categories of color: colorless and fancy. Colorless diamonds are graded on a scale of D (completely clear) to Z (traces of yellow, brown or gray). Most colorless diamonds found in jewelry stores range from D to L. Fancy diamonds (yellow, pink, blue and other naturally colored stones) are rare and more expensive.

Clarity – Most diamonds contain two types of imperfections: internal flaws (inclusions) and surface flaws (blemishes). Flawless stones exist but are very rare. Most jewelers have never seen one. Many jewelry stores sell diamonds that are considered “eye clean,” which means inclusions are only seen under 10x magnification. And believe it or not, a few inclusions can be a good thing. They’re like fingerprints, making each diamond unique.

Carat – Carat refers to a diamond’s weight. Each carat contains 100 points. A 75-point diamond weighs 75 carats and is smaller than a 100-point diamond that weighs 100 carats. Carats aren’t always a reflection of cost. A diamond cutter could choose to leave in a flaw and the stone would be bigger but less brilliant and less expensive. When shopping, remember that stones weighing just under full are much less expensive.

 

Looking for affordable alternatives?

Why should your fiancé pay two months worth of salary for something you can find at a much lower cost — and just as beautiful and meaningful? If you’re interested in diamond alternatives, check these places out.

Synthetic diamonds are created to be gorgeous, conflict-free and affordable. 

Moissanite, a fairly new discovery, has become a popular alternative to diamonds. It’s just as brilliant, very durable and more affordable.

High-grade cubic zirconia is a lovely and super affordable alternative to diamonds.

If you’re a more down-to-earth kind of couple, check out Turtle Love Co. for unique, beautiful options — many of which include colorful gemstones.

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