Tuesday, June 1, 2010

It's Finally Here...


On May 17, 2010, in conjunction with the Greeting Card Association, the US Postal Service unveiled the first in a new series of 64 cent postage stamps at the National Stationery Show, New York.

No more guessing the number of stamps to place on a square envelope or an extra wide envelope! The new 64 cent stamp will cover the additional postage required to send out a card with an irregular shape.

The first stamp design in the series, features the Monarch Butterfly- the most recognized butterfly in North America. Beginning mid-Summer, all participating manufacturers will print a silhouette image of a butterfly on their envelopes to make customers aware that the butterfly stamp or equivalent postage is needed to mail the card.

Great news for 2010 Spring and Summer brides!

Friday, May 14, 2010

I WISH I Did That!


It's been incredibly busy at the studio as we head into the peak of wedding season. As I work closely with couples planning their wedding, it occurred to me today that there hasn't been a time when I did not reminisce about my own wedding day during a consultation. For those who I've met with, this may explain the possible 3 second day-dream silence :).

Just the other day (not during a consultation of course), I was thinking back at how I wish I was more creative with our Guest Book and Wish Jar. With so much going on in planning a wedding, this detail tends to be one of the last things on a Bride's checklist.... including mine- way back when!

Just as luck may have it, out of about 1,000 pictures taken at our wedding, Joe and I did not have a single picture of our Guest Book and Wish Jar. They were placed at a view point at the entrance to our reception and must have been overlooked. Luckily, they were not missed by our guests as they were filled with tons of sweet, warm wishes. I tried to search for a jar and setting online that best reminded me of my wedding, and to no surprise, Martha Stewart had a near exact photo of our wish jar as shown above (minus the Susan & Jim part)... in fact, I think that may the exact jar we used!

Today, the two wedding wish jars grace our mantle and are filled with sea shells collected from the different places that we have traveled to. I placed the wish cards written by our guests in a small glass box on my night stand. It means the world to me to be able to read a wish at any time, and be reminded of the special day all over again. My husband thinks I'm nuts... Boys!


What I WISH I did...


About a year ago, I read about the sweetest way to have your guests write you a wedding wish. I couldn't remember where I first read about the idea, but again, Martha Stewart- inventor of all things wedding- had the same idea on her DIY website, and I WISH I did this for my wedding. The concept is amazing. You provide your guests with pre-addressed (to your house) stamped postcards. They write their wishes to the happy couple on the postcard, and a friend mails the postcards to you throughout your first year of being married. How amazing would that be to receive wishes in your mailbox when you get back from your honeymoon... or, first year anniversary?!

I love this idea and wanted to share it with all planning Brides-To-Be! For more unique Guest Books and Well Wishes ideas, visit Martha Stewart's site.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Wedding Reality


{click to enlarge graphs, or visit bridepop for complete article}

Have you ever wondered what the average breakdown cost of a wedding is? Wonder no more! Bridepop posted an infograph of "The True Cost of an Average Wedding" back in January, that I thought was very helpful and interesting. Although these expenses definitely differ across the cities and states of the US, these statistics do provide insight into the different vendors and expenses involved in an average wedding.

Per bridepop, the wedding industry brings in over $71 billion annually. The "Weddings by the Numbers" infograph is definitely another infograph to take a peek at. Find your city and see how you compare!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Happy Planning...



Congratulations on your engagement! The big planning books are out, and wedding time is definitely in the air! For some couples, wedding planning is feared, but for others, every minute is cherished as the planning slowly becomes a full-time job in itself. Wedding planning doesn't have to be stressful. With some organization, and the resources to get you started, begin your planning as early as possible. And, ALWAYS try to enjoy every moment- your big day will come before you know it!

Ceremony Magazine published a great way to begin organizing::

What you will need:
Portable file box with manila folders or a three-ring binder with pocket folders

How to Organize:
Group information and label your pocket folders according to the following categories-
- Fashion & Beauty
- Planning
- Venues
- Catering & Cakes
- Flowers & Decor
- Invitations & Gifts
- Photography & Cinema
- Entertainment & Travel

What to Keep:
- Ideas and inspirational pictures (anything visual will help your florist or cake designer tremendously)
- Contracts
- Receipts
- Vendor contacts
- Bridal party contacts
- Timeline planner & checklist
- Budget checklist
- Guest list
- Bridal registry checklist
- Pages for notes

If you prefer to organize online, The Knot has a great Wedding Planner Toolbar.

For budgeting resources, REALSIMPLE has a helpful section on Wedding Budget 101, including a handy Wedding Budget Worksheet.

I hope you find these organization inspirations helpful. Happy planning...