Thanking the people who have attended your wedding or bought you a gift is a very important part of proper etiquette. It is impolite and even frowned upon to forget to send notes to guests to thank them for taking the time out of their schedules to attend your wedding. This is especially true if they gave you a gift for your wedding. Being certain that those who have been so kind to you are made to feel appreciated is an important part of the follow-up for any successful wedding.

The best time to send your Thank You notes out is within two weeks of returning from your honeymoon. This serves two purposes. It shows the gift giver that you appreciate their thoughts and gifts by thanking them in a timely manner. It also ensures that you do not forget to do it. The longer you let them go, the easier it is to make excuses not to do them. Forgetting to send Thank You notes to friends and family in a timely manner after your wedding can cause many problems in the future, so be sure to do this as soon as possible.

The exception to the two-week rule is if somebody sends you a gift before the wedding. If they are thoughtful enough to ship a gift to you and your soon-to-be spouse before the wedding, you should send them a Thank You note immediately. It will only take a minute to sit down and write a short Thank You message to this person and they will know that you appreciate their thought.

When filling out your Thank You notes, mention the gift that the person has given. If you open your gifts at the reception, it is a good idea to have a close family member next to you when opening the gifts so they can write down who gave what. This speeds along the process and keeps your guests from getting bored. If you open the gifts at home, be certain to keep some type of record of the gifts and who gave them. It is important to mention the gift in the Thank You note so the giver knows that you filled the cards out personally. It will give it that extra touch that will ensure that the giver does not feel slighted by an impersonal message.

If a wedding guest gives you money as a gift, they should also get a note of thanks. However, with money gifts, it is not appropriate to mention the amount of money that was given. It is sufficient to simply say “thank you” and mention that the money was used for something practical rather than something silly. If you’d like, you can even tell the giver what the money was specifically used for, such as a new comforter for your marriage bed. Mentioning what the money was used for often makes the giver feel like they have done something to help a pair of newlyweds begin their new life together.

Thank You notes are almost as important as the invitations themselves. It lets the giver know that their gift has, in some way, helped you and your spouse begin a new life together. Even though you registered for gifts and they bought something from the registry, they still put money and thought into what to get you because they care. Sending them a Thank You note in timely manner is the best thing you can do to show your appreciation.

Nowadays, when a couple is ready to make a decision about which style of wedding ceremony they would like to have, they are faced with endless options. For many couples, they are moving away from formal religious ceremonies and are seeking out other ways to exchange their vows. However, the standard wedding ceremony program still remains very traditional.

In stepping away from tradition and opting for a non-religious ceremony, some couples are asking a friend or a family member to perform the ritual. However, an important part of the role for the person who officiates, is to provide guidance in preparing and crafting the wedding vows, as well as for the overall ceremony.

Should the bride and groom decide to simply take on the task of planning their wedding ceremony on their own, there are many considerations. In order to have a well-planned ceremony, there are certain elements that should not be overlooked, but which can be customized to reflect the couple’s personality.

Some of these critical wedding ceremony components to consider are: the processional for the entrance of the bride, the groom and other members of the wedding party, if desired; the music, poetry, literature or other wedding readings, including those from the Bible, as desired; the witnesses who you wish to sign your wedding certificate; the wedding vows, whether standard or custom written by the couple; the exchanging of the wedding rings; the lighting of a unity candle of other type of unity ceremony; any type of blessing or benediction on the marriage; any community or familiar commitment to support and uphold the union; the newlyweds’ first kiss and the recessional during the exit of the bride and groom.

Another important aspect of planning the wedding ceremony is in choosing the wedding location. This is not only proper for the solemnity of the occasion but it will also inspire the couple and reflect their personality. For those couples who wish to have their nuptial ceremony at the place where they, or their family worship, then their perfect location is already a given.

For others seeking a less traditional venue for the exchange of their vows, the choice can sometimes be quite a challenge as there are so many wedding locations and wedding receptions sites to choose from. More and more often, many of the best reception sites also feature superb settings for hosting the wedding ceremony as well. This offers a very convenient option which simplifies the day for the bride and groom and guests alike.

The primary thing that should be kept in mind while making the decisions that will effect your wedding ceremony, is to hold tight to your wishes and your desires for your special day. While opinions of family and friends can be valuable, it should always come down to what the bride and groom feel best about since it is their day to celebrate.

Rehearsal dinner invitations do not need to be as elaborate, elegant and dramatic as the wedding invitations, although they can match a theme wedding. Only basic details are included, such as the date, time and place of the dinner and an RSVP number. The couple can choose to print out the invitations themselves, use invitation kits or even seek out printers to do the job for them.

Searching for printers and suppliers of invitations for the rehearsal dinner is now easy. They can choose to go through the traditional route and send out invitations through snail mail or in person, or they can utilize websites that will help to customize invitations that can be sent by email. All they need to do is go to the website, pick out a design from the hundreds of invitation ideas, fill out the appropriate details and send. Or they can enlist the help of invitation kits to get invitation ideas and then have them printed. The couple can send out the invites or have the printer send them out. All the couple needs to do is supply the names and addresses of the guests.

Should the couple decide to have one, rehearsal dinners are meant to give the couple a chance to relax before the big day. It gives them a chance to just sit back and appreciate everything they’ve done and everything their family and friends has done for them. A rehearsal dinner will also give the couple the chance to talk to the people who matter the most. Just don’t forget to send out the rehearsal dinner invitations.

The power of light is always amazing when you are putting on a special wedding reception for your friends and family. Look to the addition of candles as favors to compliment any candlelit centerpiece for a special touch that your guests can then use once they get home. As well, many places offer individually wrapped votive candles that you can also have personalized with your names and your wedding date. Take it to a whole new level once you have the favors set up to match the theme colors of your wedding. Favors wedding guests can use, like candles, candle holders and handmade items are often popular.

Here is some good wedding advice. If you are going to be holding a garden themed or spring time wedding, then you may want to look into something that is able to be planted or floral in nature. This could mean anything from embellished seed packets that your guests can take home with them and plant in their very own vegetable or flower garden. Another marvelous idea would be to have favors such as a small potted plant for each place setting at your wedding reception. These types of favors wedding guests will love because they can be planted in their garden or in a pot and they will remember your wedding day fondly for years to come.

It may seem daunting to choose wedding party favors with all the choices available. Sometimes choosing favors wedding attendants will use and enjoy for years to come is a good idea. Jewelry engraved with the date of your wedding or the initials of the recipient is a thoughtful and personalized wedding gift. Another great gift is a basket stuffed with personal items from lotions, snacks, salts for baths and other luxury items.

Don’t let the stress of planning your wedding take the fun out of choosing favors wedding guests will love. Whether you go for the traditional or the more eclectic, just remember it’s your wedding and there are no wrong answers. However you choose to honor your guests is your choice and you can do it in any manner you deem appropriate, from fun gifts to gifts of tradition like jewelry and flasks.

Having children at a wedding, however, poses a myriad of problems. Do you leave the children to their own devices and hope they behave and don’t get in the way? Do you provide a room with childcare so they are “present” but not too much under foot? Perhaps the best solution is a simple mix of both, with a smattering of fun built in.

First of all, if children are invited to the wedding, take into consideration the ages of the children. Babies will have to stay with mom and/or dad, for a variety of reasons. So planning to have all the children in another room might not be feasible. But if the children are toddlers up to about age 12, you can provide a separate room for them with childcare and a make a number of activities available to them.

If the children will be in a separate room at the reception, you can provide a coloring table, perhaps a TV with an appropriate movie ready to roll, and some board games. That could probably be enough for the duration of the wedding reception. Be aware of a few things: there should be a ratio of at least 1 adult for every 5 children if the children are toddlers, or 1 adult to every 10 children if the kids are older. Don’t expect the kids to take up the activities on their own, but rather tell the childcare provider to get the kids involved in the activities by doing them him or herself.

What if the children will be part of the reception festivities? What activities can be geared specifically to children at the reception? There are plenty of things you can do, really. You can certainly plan a coloring table at the back of the reception hall or room. There, you can provide loads of paper, coloring books, markers and crayons. Paints are not recommended, for obvious reasons, and moms will thank you if you remember to supply the kids with washable markers and crayons only.

The art table can be more than just coloring, however. Buy a huge bag of pipe cleaners. Kids can amuse themselves for long periods of time, making animals, odd figures and the like. Make sure you have at least 20 or more pipe cleaners for each child, however, as children can go through these quickly. Think about “clean” clay, the new products that don’t stick to anything and don’t leave a trace on furniture. With a few different colors, kids can create a variety of figures, faces or forms.

Many brides like to plan more formally for their small guests. There are several options if this is the route you want to take. One popular option is to have paid entertainment on hand just for the children. This can take place in a separate room or toward the back of the reception room or hall if it’s large and the guest list is big. You can hire a clown or a balloon artist. You can have someone braid the children’s hair and provide temporary tattoos. If there is a separate room available, you can even hire a children’s musician to come and entertain the kids. The options are endless.

If no plans are made for the children, but they arrive at the wedding expecting entertainment, you’ll have to make some plans. One option is a “child only” dance, which allows only the children on the dance floor. This is not only cute to watch, and could be entertaining as well, but it will bring a smile to the face of every grandma and grandpa present.

Something that should be taken into consideration when selecting the flowers to use in a wedding is that
sometimes there are people who have allergies and may be affected by the scent of the flowers.

When you are choosing the type of flowers for your wedding, think about yourself and your attendants
especially. Are there any sensitive noses? The last thing that you will need on your wedding day Is to
have yourself or one of your attendants having a sneezing fit in the middle of the ceremony.

Once you have chosen what type of flower you want to have for your wedding, the next thing is to decide on
the colors. Usually the colors for bridesmaids and groomsmen will correspond to the colors of the
bridesmaids’ dresses for the bouquets. But when it comes to the grandmothers and mothers flowers it may
be a good idea to find out what color their dresses will be so their flowers will match.

So that there aren’t a lot of flowers left over from the reception, it’s not a bad idea to mark a chair and
whoever sits in that chair gets to take home the centerpiece. This way the flowers can be enjoyed for
longer than a day and you don’t have to worry about what to do with them.

The first thing you’ll need to consider for your invitations is the layout or theme.  Is there a wedding theme that is being used by the bride and groom?  If you are considering a theme, this will make the process easier.  But, if there isn’t one, you must come up with the design.  Flowers such as roses or lilies are a great choice.  You can personalize the invitation by selecting a photo of the bride and groom and having it copied in black and white.  This makes for a beautiful invitation to any wedding shower.

If you need additional ideas for the invitations, take your search online to an online bridal party provider.  The good news is that you’ll find countless options to consider there as well as a number of different ideas you can take and make your own.  For example, you may see a beautiful calligraphy-style invitation.  You can take this idea and make it your own with a few simple learned skills or even find someone that has this skill already. Or, perhaps you like the texture of the papers used in pre-made invitations.  That’s fine!  Head to the paper outlet website and pick the perfect paper for your tastes.

The bottom line is simple.  Since so many individuals have excellent quality printers at home and all of the supplies you need, including the ideas, are available online, there is no reason why you can’t make your own bridal shower invitations.  There is no need to break the bank over your invitations.  Just get out the creative gloves and start working on it.  Chances are you will love the finished, personal end result and so will the bride and the groom.  Making your own bridal invitations and wow your guests and save on your budget.

With so many types of families to address in a wedding invitation, creating one with the proper wording could be complicated. The ideal way to write a wedding invitation is to keep it in a formal format. When composing, the first thing to consider is the host of the event. The very first names your wedding guests will see on their invitation are basically the names of those who will be paying for the ceremony and ensuing celebratory party. By tradition, the parents of the bride normally host this occasion. So, it should read, “Mr. and Mrs. John Doe” or “John and Jane Doe.” If both the bride and the groom are hosting, then the lines may read, “Ms. Jenny Doe and Mr. Sam Smith.” It can also be “Together with their families, Jenny Doe and Sam Smith.” The following line requests their attendance. When your wedding ceremony is held at a place of worship, then the line can read “Request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter.” Take note that the British spelling is used for the word ‘honour’. The term daughter is just used as one example. It should be the gender of the person whose parents are hosting.

Invitation wording when the ceremony is held in a secular place is different from the wording where the ceremony takes place inside a church. If the parents are hosting, it is ideal to have it read “Request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter.” Or it is suitable to have it “would be delighted for you to attend the marriage of their daughter.” Another thing is that the name of the bride should come first in the wedding invitation with her first and middle name, and then the groom’s name follows, with his title and his full name.

As with the date and time, the right invitation wording is to have them spelled out in full, with no abbreviations, and the month and the day should be capitalized. For example, if the wedding ceremony is at 10:30 a.m., then the time must be read “at half after ten o’clock in the morning. With wording a wedding invitation, there are a lot of considerations brides-to-be must keep in mind.

It is not that hard to create your own wedding veil.  To make this wedding craft, you will need a length of bridal illusion in the desired length.  You will also need a comb to attach it to your hair and a hat or headpiece to cover the comb.  Sew large running stitches about an inch from the end of the illusion and gather it tightly.  Now  sew the veil to the comb.  Top with hat or headpiece.   As an alternative, you can decorate a wide-brimmed straw hat with silk flowers, ribbon, and pearls.

The bouquets and floral arrangements can also be personally crafted.  For a simple outdoor wedding, consider wild flowers.  They are free and have a charm all their own.  Bouquets can be arranged in large clear vases, with a bow tied elegantly around.

Favors for the guests are particularly appropriate wedding crafts.  Refrigerator magnets are a simple and well-received favor.  A really nice idea is to make a magnetic picture frame and include a picture of the couple.  You could cut a frame out of craft foam in one of the wedding colors, arrange over the photo, and glue all onto a cardboard backing.  Place self-adhesive magnet tape on the back of the cardboard.  Decorate the front of the frame with foil heart stickers and a monogram of the couple’s last name.

Bows for the ends of the pews or rows make simple wedding crafts.  Wide velvet ribbons are nice for fall and winter weddings, while satin is more appropriate for spring and summer weddings.  Loop some flat lace in with the ribbons.  In the center of the completed bow, attach some silk flowers and pearl sprays with a hot glue gun.

Perhaps you’d like to try your hand at decorating your own cake.  Check the craft section of the department store for pans and gadgets of all types to help you create a cake to remember.  Do remember, though, that it takes a steady hand.  Be sure to practice before starting on the real cake.

Preparing for a wedding can be expensive, but with wedding crafts, you can take some of the sting out.  Plan early, however, because it will take a little while to make favors for everyone and all the other little details you will want to take care of.  Maybe creating wedding crafts will even relieve some of those wedding jitters.  In any event, crafting your own wedding items is a way to have a personal, beautiful, and less expensive wedding.

So, what type of New Year’s resolutions should you and your new spouse make together?

The Merger of Finances

If you just got married or will do so soon, your finances may still be separate.  Make this the year to merge them together.  When doing so, decide on a course of action.  Should you just add each other to your individual checking and savings accounts or close those accounts and create a new one?

In addition to merging finances, it is important to discuss the process.  If your husband or wife has poor spending habits, the extra money in your accounts may be spent right away.  Discuss how you want to spend extra money together.  Have this discussion before you find yourself indebt.

Merging finances is a step that most newlyweds take, but it is optional.  Does your new spouse have a money management problem or do you want to keep your financial independence?  If so, do not merge your finances.  Instead, develop a plan that ensures everyone is contributing equally to your new household.  For example, spilt the rent or mortgage payments, one pays the phone bill while the other pays the cable bill, and so forth.

The Merger of Two Households

When two households combine into one, many items end up in storage.  Of course, it is okay to leave these items there, but think about the result.  Have you lost valuable space in your garage or are you paying monthly storage fees?  If so, end the madness now and truly merge your households into one.

If you and your spouse are living together, items should already be packed and stored.  Before deciding to throw away, donate, or sell these items, review them again.  If you moved into your husband’s home, your coffee table may have automatically went into storage.  But, is yours the better coffee table?  If so, make the switch.

As previously stated, you have the option of selling or donating all duplicate items, such as home appliances, furniture, and home décor. Donating is nice, but consider the long-term future.  Although you received money for wedding gifts, secure your financial future by selling the items you no longer need.  Host a yard sale, turn to eBay.com or Craigslist.org.  Take the money and save it or enjoy a nice dinner for a date night.
Spend Time with Friends

Newlyweds often spend a lot of time together.  Of course this is good, but it is also where a lot of friendships start going bad.  Don’t let this happen.  Just because you are starting a new life with your spouse, you should not forget about your old.  For that reason, spend time with your friends and let your spouse do the same.  Opt for lunch or coffee with the girls or watching a game of football with the boys.

Quality time with friends is important, but consider combining your two lives.  Plan joint activities, such as a dinner party where both you and your partner can invite friends.

The merger of two households, finances, and continuing relationships with friends, are important to a new relationship.  So, start yours off on the right foot by making a joint New Year’s resolution with your new spouse.