29Nov2012

New Wedding Invitations with Today’s Hottest Design Trends

Meet the newest additions to our collection of discount wedding invitations and learn a little about the fabulous design trends behind each one.

Sultry Blooms Wedding Invitation in GrapevineSultry Blooms – Grapevine

Watercolor

Watercolor designs have become HUGE in the last year, and florals are always popular for weddings. What we love about our new watercolor wedding invitations is the rich, saturated color scheme of the flowers.

 

Pastel Patterns Wedding InvitationPastel Patterns

Patterns

Fun and funky have always been close friends of modern fashion. Patterns are an eye-catching way to capture that unique look while showing off some real personality! What we love about these wedding invitations is the bold nature of mixed patterns in soft pastels.

Planted in Paradise Wedding InvitationPlanted in Paradise

Tropical

Tropical is topical purely because the amount of destination weddings has been steadily increasing. What we love about our new destination wedding invitations is how they entice your wedding guests to plant themselves in paradise right alongside the two of you!

 

Filigree Perch Wedding InvitationFiligree Perch

Vintage

Vintage is the ultimate in wedding fashion trends right now. Brides have fallen in love with romantic design elements like flourishes, flowers, damask and lace. We love all those things about these new vintage wedding invitations, but what we really love is the affordable thermography printing that gives them the exquisite look of engraving.

 

You’ll find many of these design trends on our wedding favors and wedding napkins. Check them out and see how to coordinate a stylish look throughout your wedding ceremony and reception.

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22Nov2012

Happy Thanksgiving from the A-Team

Happy Thanksgiving from the A-Team

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19Nov2012

Finding the Right Wedding Invitation Wording for Blended Families

Ann’s just recently added several blended family wedding invitation verses to our selection, hoping to capture the love and meaning behind becoming one family. See below for a few of our favorites and be sure to look at all the options when personalizing your wedding invitations.

Blending Families through Marraige

Couples with children from a previous marriage or relationship are often looking for meaningful ways to bring their children into the wedding ceremony. Consider having the children “host” the wedding. The wedding invitation wording could look something like this:

[child’s name]

and

[child’s name]

invite you to the ceremony

that will make them brother and sister

and that will make their parents

[bride’s name]

and

[groom’s name]

husband and wife

on [day, month]

[year]

[location]

[address]

[city, state]

 

Wedding invitation wording is also an excellent way to recognize children. Here are a few of our favorites!

 

What a beautiful day it will be

when the woman of my heart becomes my wife

and the child/children I love become part of my life

[bride’s name] and [groom’s name]

invite you to share in the beauty of a ceremony

that will unite them in marriage

and complete the adoption of

[child’s/children’s names here]

Please share their joy at the creation of their new family

on [day, month]

[year]

at [time]

[location]

[address]

[city, state]

 

It is not our task to question

the circumstances that have formed our lives,

only to give thanks for the steps we have taken

down the path that brought us together.

[bride’s name] and [groom’s name]

along with

[child, children’s names]

invite you to share in their joy

as they are married

and create a new family

on [day, month]

[year]

at [time]

[location]

[address]

[city, state]

You can also create a custom verse of your own. Take a look through the many verses we have to offer, and use those examples to create something heartfelt and unique for your blended family situation.

We also LOVE the idea of a unity sand ceremony for the blending of families! See if this is a good option for your big day by reading Is the Unity Sand Ceremony right for your wedding?

 

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15Nov2012

Adding Flair to Your Wedding Day Hair

Here at Ann’s, we’re all about adding flair to the wedding day hair. Whether it’s a funky veil, wispy feathers or sparkling rhinestones, unique hair accessories are a must-do for your up-do, down-do or short hair-do!

 

Wedding Hairstyles

 

Hairbands and Tiaras – metal hairbands and tiaras with sparkling rhinestones and faux gems look gorgeous and stay in place for a no-fuss accent you’ll forget is even there.

 

Unique Veils – Your veil will play a big role in the hairstyle you choose. Birdcage veils with vintage-style netting are super popular due to a resurgence of 1920s style. We really love the long veil set beneath the hairstyle shown below. How elegant!

 

Clips and Berets – An easy way to glamourize short hairstyles and an excellent way to accent the beautiful detail in long hairstyles.

 

Studded Bobby Pins –Easy to use and difficult to mess up, studded bobby pins are your go-to option for giving your hairstyle an added touch of beauty without a lot of effort.

 

Feathers – Fun, funky, glamorous, vintage, and the list goes on! Feathers can be used to create all kinds of looks, and they are HOT right now.

 
Have you scheduled a wedding-hair practice run with your stylist yet? You should! Read “Checking it off the list! How to Look Picture-Perfect on Your Wedding Day.”

 

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12Nov2012

Checking it off the list! How to Look Picture-Perfect on Your Wedding Day

You’ve got the perfect dress, veil, jewelry and shoes. But what about wedding hairstyles? Makeup? Final dress fitting? Here are a few easy steps to looking picture-perfect on your wedding day.

 

Wedding hair rehearsal

 

1. About a month before the wedding, check in with your stylist and set up a practice run for your wedding hairstyle and makeup (or do your own makeup to save money).

2. Bring your veil, jewelry and photos you’ve saved as ideas. Wear a button-up shirt for the hair rehearsal and your wedding day to protect your hair and make-up when undressing.

3. Take into consideration the neckline of your dress and your face shape. Have some photos of you in your dress for a reference when you meet with your stylist.

 

Wedding Make-up 

4. Choose something that reflects you. If you are a glamour girl, you’ll probably want an updo, curls or a fuller hairstyle. If you like things simple, you’ll want something more relaxed, graceful and natural.

5. Bring someone whose opinion you trust and if you’re not happy with the styling, say something! That’s what the practice run is for. The goal is to have your style decided before the day of the wedding.

6. If possible, try to schedule your wedding hairstyle practice run before your wedding dress fitting so you can see how it all looks together.

 

Wedding Hairstyle

 

7. Finalize your wedding dress fitting and fittings for your bridesmaids, if necessary, at least one month before the wedding. Bring special undergarments, shoes, veil and accessories to see the overall look and to ensure the alterations are accurate.

8. Pick up your gown about a week before the wedding. Try it on one last time to make sure it fits.

9. Bring your mom and/or maid of honor so they can learn how your dress should fit and how to do the bustle. Also ask how to get rid of wrinkles or what to do if you spill on the dress.

 

With these tasks checked off early, you’re sure to be an absolute knockout the day of the wedding! Visit us again on Thursday when we highlight some beautiful wedding hairstyles we love.

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09Nov2012

Show-Stopping Entrances and Getaways for the Bride and Groom

Want to make a grand entrance into your wedding or reception but not sure how?  Need some ideas for a memorable getaway as the new Mr. and Mrs? Here are 10 budget-friendly ideas that might fit your personalities and wedding style.

Make your grand entrance on a tractor!

The Grand Entrance

1.  For an outdoor country wedding, consider a horse-drawn carriage or a tractor to transport you to the aisle. Add some extra touches to the horses, carriage or tractor (flowers, tulle, etc.). Have a stepladder and a helping hand ready as you get down.

2.  Arrive to the ceremony in a limo — a classic means of transportation but also a practical one if dressing before you reach the ceremony. There’s plenty of space to spread out your dress and veil to help from wrinkling.

3.  Instead of the normal organ or piano music as you walk down the aisle, have a trumpet player announce your entrance. You’ll feel like royalty.

4.  Ask your flower girl and ring bearer to carry a banner, sign or DIY pennant that says “here comes the bride.”

Be whisked away on a golf cart to make your exit

A Memorable Exit

1.  Motorcycle (now that the wedding is over, let your hair blow in the wind!)

2.  Release doves as you walk out of the church.

3.  Make your getaway in a convertible or a classic car. Rent one or ask a family member or friend if they can chauffer you to your hotel after the reception.

4.  Give guests balloons to release as you drive off. Filling the air with your wedding colors would make a beautiful photograph.

5.  Create a fairy-tale getaway by riding off with your new hubby on horseback.

6.  Play your favorite song as you exit the wedding. You and your wedding party can dance as you walk out.

Still deciding on wedding day transportation for yourselves, your bridal party or your guests? Read Checking it off the list! Deciding Your Wedding Day Transportation for some practical ideas and a few just-for-fun ideas!

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    06Nov2012

    Vote for Your Favorite Invitation — You Could Win $100

    Help us choose which of these invitations will be added to Ann’s Bridal Bargains! Vote for your favorite design AND be entered for a chance to win $100 to spend site-wide at Ann’s.

    Which design is your favorite? Vote to win!

    Here’s how to vote

    1. Follow this link to enter the sweepstakes: http://woobox.com/t8j5qc.
    2. Like Ann’s Facebook page.
    3. Choose your favorite design and complete the entry form.
    4. Share our sweepstakes on your Facebook page and receive 5 additional contest entries for each friend that enters the contest using your link.
    5. Cross your fingers and hope you’ll win a $100 shopping spree on Ann’s!


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    03Nov2012

    Save More than Time During Daylight Savings

    Treat yourself to a little shopping spree at Ann’s Bridal Bargains and get extra savings on discount wedding invitations, reception decorations, wedding favors and more. Remember, you have an extra hour to shop, so make the most of it!

    Daylight Savings Sale

     

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    01Nov2012

    Our Favorite Ways to Make the Bride and Groom Kiss

    Wedding guests love to clink their glasses and put the happy newlyweds in the hot seat for a little PDA. However, couples are getting clever and creating their own versions of this fun tradition. Here are our favorites…

    Double Up

    Keep the respond cards you get back in the mail, tuck them into a cute basket and bring it to your reception. When guests clink their glasses, pull out a card to see who will be joining you in a kiss. Make them stand up, too!

    Love, Love, Love

    Make your guests sing a song with the word love in it. (Okay, you can let them just recite the lyrics if they’re too shy, but don’t tell anyone that.)

    Story Time

    Make your guests tell a story about the bride and/or groom. This can be risky, but a lot of fun!

     

    Game Show Style

    Make your guests answer a trivia question about one or both of you. Give the trivia questions to your DJ prior to the reception so he can facilitate the game.

     

    Got Skills?

    Have your guests come to the front of the room and play whatever game you have set up: bean bag toss, a putting green game or darts are all great options. You only kiss if the guest scores.

     

    Newlyweds’ Choice

    Make a list of people you want to see kiss — parents, grandparents, friends — and when the clinking starts, choose a couple to kiss in your place.

     

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    31Oct2012

    It’s a Nice Day for a Black Wedding

    Whether you’re hosting a Halloween wedding or an elegant, black and white wedding, we’ve got a few ideas to help you coordinate the perfect wedding look and keep your wedding budget in the black!

    Black Wedding Inspiration

    1. Sweet Ribbon Favor Boxes – Striking black and a unique shape make these favor boxes a real treat for guests.

    2. Black Favor Boxes – Sleek black favor boxes are personalized with your names, wedding date and choice of design for free. No tricks here, it’s really free!

    3. Blossoming Beauty Invitation – A haunting floral design frames your wording on these stunning, black and white wedding invitations.

    4. Vintage Banner Yard Sign – The sketched scroll design and gray spire accent give this yard sign a look so eye-catching it’s scary…

    5. Damask Arches Invitation – Arching doorways, vines and decorations are all perfect for setting the mood at your reception. Set the mood for the entire wedding with these Damask Arches wedding invitations.

    6. Band of Silver Invitation – An intricate pattern on shimmering silver brings a classic wedding touch to these black and white wedding invitations.

    7. Paper Lanterns – Scratch the spider idea, which is what you really wanted to hang from the ceiling, and go with something a bit more elegant and more affordable.

    8. Notepads – Just a cheap little favor guests can use to write groceries, notes to family, love potion recipes…

    9. Heart Window Favor Boxes – Guests can literally eat their heart out!

    10. Black Satin Garter – Black satin and white lace give this little garter a touch of burlesque appeal.

    11. Flair for Style Invitation – You’ve got a flair for style and a flair for planning a great party. Get the party started right with these memorable wedding invitations.

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