TIPS/ADVICE

• INVITES HAVE YOU IN A SPIN?
• INVITE DONT'S
• GOING GREEN
• CREATE AN INVITE MEMENTO
• DO I NEED A SEATING PLAN?
• FIND YOUR DREAM CAKE ON A BUDGET
• CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER

Wedding invitation planning…you may not realise just how many steps there really are to organizing and preparing your invitations. From creating your guest list to finalising all your ceremony and reception details, many things affect your wedding invitation preparations.

There really are no absolute deadlines for many of the steps in your wedding invitation process. Although there are some general time frames that you may find helpful to avoid a last-minute rush as you already have so many other things on your mind.

Here is a general time line to use as a guide for your invitation planning:

 
9 MONTHS – 1 YEAR

** Begin working on your guest list so you will know how many wedding invites (and maybe save the dates) to eventually order. 
Generally one per single adult, couple or family invited is typical.

** Start looking around and investigating choices so you can narrow down your favourites when the time comes. Be sure to order samples, which are usually blank, so you can personally see the paper and design.

** If you're planning to mail out save the date cards to guests, begin searching for your preferred design of them as well.

7 to 8 MONTHS

** If you will be sending save the dates, place your order based on the number of guests to whom you will be mailing them as they are optional.
** Review sample wedding invitation verses and give some thought as to how your wording will read.

6 MONTHS

** If sending save the dates, prepare and mail them.

** Select your wedding invitation design and gather all the details that will be printed on them such as date, times, name and address of location(s), etc.

** Determine what invitation enclosures or extras you will want to add  – reception cards, response cards, pre-printed return address on envelopes, direction/map cards, decorative envelope seals, colored lining for inner envelopes, matching thank you cards or informal notes, etc. Some of these options may not be available depending on your chosen style so best to find that out early so you can make adjustments. You may also be able to arrange matching menu, table and place cards with your chosen design.

** If you are including response cards, check with your dinner location to see how far in advance they need your final guest count so you can select the RSVP date that will be printed on them (typically 2-3 weeks before wedding). You also need to decide whose address will be printed on the response envelope or postcard meaning they will receive the replies.

4-5 MONTHS

** Finalise your wording and if necessary place your wedding invitation order. Remember to add extras so you don’t run out if there are last-minute guests to invite and you are left with a souvenir. If the option is available, order some extra envelopes just to be safe.

** Review your guest list to make sure you have current addresses for everyone.

** Custom wedding stamps for mailing your wedding invites are also available from Australia post and add an even more personal touch. NOTE - Be sure to have one of your ready-to-mail invitations weighed at a Post Office BEFORE you purchase any postage stamps to make sure you are using the correct amount for each invitation.

3-4 MONTHS

** Fold and/or assemble your wedding invitations, if necessary.

** Hand address mailing envelopes and write guest names on inside envelopes, if they are included.

** Purchase and apply postage stamps to the response card envelopes or response postcards, if they will be included.

** Assemble all wedding invitation pieces and insert them into already addressed envelopes.

** Take one fully assembled and sealed invitation to the Post Office to have it weighed to determine the correct amount of postage needed.

** Purchase your stamps or order custom wedding stamps with appropriate postage amount required for mailing.

6-8 WEEKS

** Seal the envelopes, apply postage stamps and mail them all at the same time directly at a Post Office location.

3-4 WEEKS

** Prepare and mail any other wedding-related invitations…rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, etc.

** Keep track of the response cards as they are returned by checking off their names from your guest list.

2-3 WEEEKS

** Contact any guests who didn’t mail back their response cards.

** Provide final guest count to reception/dinner location.

Thank you cards should typically be mailed out about a month after the wedding but no more than three months after.

Again, this is just a guideline for your wedding invitation process and will hopefully help to keep you organised and stress free during all of your wedding planning.

Here is a list of don'ts when it comes to invitations. For easy reference, they are arranged in order as to when each item may fit into your preparations.

** Don't order the same number of wedding invitations as the number of guests on your list - those numbers won't match. eg: . 
generally one invitation per single adult, couple or family invited is required and DONT forget to order a few extras!

** Don't exclude wedding party attendants, parents and the officiator from your invitation mailing list. Even though you know they will be attending, it is still proper to send them an invitation if only to be kept as a souvenir.

** Don't finalize your order until you have proofed everything several times and had someone else also thoroughly review all the information.

** Don't abbreviate words except for name titles such as Mr., Mrs., etc. Names of streets, cities and states should not be shortened but instead entirely spelled out.

** Don't include your gift registry information or monetary gift request on your invites. This type of information should be spread by word of mouth or you may want to include an insert listing your wedding website if you have created one. Websites are a great place to reveal that type of information to guests.

** Don't print the words 'no children' on the invitations even if that is your desire. There are many ways of expressing your wishes without seeming harsh. In this case along with you heart felt request, exclude the childrens names as well as the phrase 'and family' on the envelope which will give an initial hint about your feelings on children at your wedding.

** Don't stuff the envelopes until after they have been hand addressed to avoid an uneven writing surface and making indentations on your invitations.

** Don't use printed mailing labels when it comes to addressing your invitation envelopes. Names and addresses should be handwritten according to etiquette and for a personal touch.

** Don't include adult children living at home on the family invitation since anyone age 18 and older should receive their own invite and personally addressed envelope.

** Don't include response card envelopes without postage already attached. It's a common courtesy so guests can easily mail them back.

** Don't mail your invitations without listing a return address so the Post Office can return any undeliverable ones.

** Don't guess as to how much postage is needed for mailing your wedding invites. Have one ready-to-mail invitation weighed at the Post Office to find out the proper amount required for each one.

** Don't overlook sending thank you cards and should be sent to everyone that received an invitation including your parents also to all those who attended or participated in your wedding or remembered you with a gift. Your thank you notes will be greatly appreciated .

When it comes to your wedding invitations, the DON'TS are just as important as the DO'S.

In today’s society, green can mean so much more than just the color of your wedding invitations. 'Going green' is a very popular topic these days even when it comes to wedding planning and can start with your invites. There are a number of easy ways to be more environmentally conscience with your invitations some of which may even save you some money.

The biggest way is having your invitations printed on recycled paper stock. Designs on recycled papers have come a long way in giving you some gorgeous choices.

Another way to 'think green' with your wedding invitations is to simply reduce the amount of paper used for your invitation ensemble. Suggested ways to save on paper include:

* Select an invitation style that comes with only one envelope for mailing thus eliminating the familiar inner envelope. An example of this style is a self-mailer invitation where the envelopment wraps around all of your pieces and seals up to become the actual mailing envelope. Another benefit of having only one envelope is that you will save on your handwriting time. This style may require extra postage depending on its overall size.

* Use a response postcard to eliminate the need for a return mailing envelope and to save on postage.

* Opt for a seal and send wedding invitation which gets mailed without a separate envelope. This economical all-in-one design folds up and seals into its own self-mailing piece. This style also has a response postcard attached for easy removal and mailing back by your guests.

* Choose a smaller sized single-panel invitation card instead of a larger folded or layered style.

* Include your reception information on your invitation to avoid including a separate reception card (having less weight in the envelope may even save you from affixing extra postage). If space allows, your dinner and reception details can be added on as extra lines aligned with the rest of your verse printing, or some invitation styles allow the option of a corner copy – 3-4 lines that appear in the bottom left or right corner usually in a smaller sized font. There may be a small extra charge for corner copy which is not recommended for narrow or tea length styles.

* Set up a personal wedding website to give your guests easy access to online maps, directions, area hotels, gift registry information, etc., instead of printing extra invitation insert pieces.

Today it is easier than ever to make earth-friendly choices when selecting your wedding invitations without sacrificing quality and style. Every little bit helps when it comes to saving our planet and some of your choices might even save you some ‘green’ (money) in the process.

As a record of important details from your special day, your wedding invitation is uniquely a one-of-a-kind remembrance. It's more than likely that your invitation will be stored away in your wedding album so what can you do to keep it special?

Why not create a memento of your wedding invitation that is more permanent and can be easily displayed in your home as a special remembrance. Especially since all the formal details of your wedding day appear within your invitation text – date, time of ceremony, time of dinner/reception, name and address of ceremony location, name and address of dinner/reception locale – as well as maybe a special verse or quote chosen by you and your fiancé. The invitation design itself may also be symbolic of the colors or theme of your wedding.

Having your invitation wording permanently imprinted on a keepsake item is a wonderful way to uniquely commemorate your wedding day. Here are some suggested items that can be engraved with your wedding invitation verse:

** Photo Album – A great way to personalize a wedding album is to have your invitation wording elegantly engraved on the front cover. This way every time you look through your cherished wedding pictures you will be able to see your invitation verse too.

** Wedding Invitation Frame – Create a lasting symbol by using a beautiful glass frame to showcase your favorite wedding photo as well as feature your delicately etched invitation verse.

** Glass Block – A simple, but elegant, glass or lucite sculpture piece can be engraved with your wedding invitation text creating an exquisite symbol of your special day.

** Commemorative Plate – Easily hung on a wall or placed on an easel for table-top display, a decorative plate engraved or etched with your invitation verse will make a wonderful memento for years to come.

With all of your planning and preparations, creating a wedding invitation keepsake may not be a high priority before your wedding, but this is easily something you can have designed later since you may even receive one of these personalized items as a wedding gift.

Your wedding is without a doubt one of the most important days of your life so give some thought to creating a lasting souvenir of your wedding invitation to preserve all the details of your special day. As the years go by, you will undoubtedly be glad you did.

Do I need a Seating Plan?
If you have a small, informal reception, you may not feel you need a plan. However for larger numbers, or a sit down meal, both you and your guests may benefit from a seating plan. Guests are saved from a mad panic of trying to find a seat on a table with their friends/family and you can place people where they’ll be happiest! The wedding meal may last for 2-3 hours and is a significant part of the day. If your guests are sitting with people they get along with, it will make a big difference to their overall enjoyment of the day.

There are a number of options for the seating plan:
• No plan at all – best for stand up buffets or small and informal events.
• Assign guests to tables – you allocate guests to tables but the choice of seat is theirs.
• Assign guests to seats – you specify the seats at which each guest will sit.

If you remember only one thing…
Do what you think would make you and your guests most comfortable.

The Top Table Dilemma
While the traditional top table (Bride and Groom seated at a long table flanked by the wedding party) is still favoured by most, alternatives are often being introduced as family structures get more complicated. See the traditional layout as pictured above.

There are alternative arrangements – these are useful when parents have split up and are possibly with a new partner. Alternatively, you may want to avoid the top table altogether and have a romantic table for two, or sit with other friends/family.

Top Tips for Other Tables
1. Seating tables with just one family group will let them relax, but won’t do much to encourage mingling. However, a table where no one knows anyone else might be a bit daunting for most people! Try and arrange a mix on each table – so everyone knows a few people. By thinking about guest’s ages and interests you can make sure that each table is likely to get on and have fun!

2. Where to sit singles can also create a dilemma. On one hand you might want to try out a little matchmaking, but on the other, this could be rather uncomfortable and awkward for your guests (it might be very obvious too!). Certainly avoid a ‘singles’ table but generally do whatever you feel is best for your guests.

3. If you are using round tables, the general etiquette is to seat males and females alternately around the table. If you are using long tables, seat couples opposite one another and then alternate male/females along the table.

4. The tables closest to the Bride and Groom should be reserved for the closest friends and family.

5. Give each table a name or number. Table names could be themed - for example people, objects or places that are relevant to you as a couple. Names also remove the perceived hierarchy of tables. You should create a name card for each table (your venue may do this for you) so that guests can easily find their table.

6. If you are assigning guests to specific seats you should create name place cards. These could also show menu choices (if you are offering them) or indicate vegetarians. The waiting staff will really appreciate this and it will allow them to give a more seamless service. You should also give a paper copy of your plan to the venue so that they can see where people are seated.

Creating the Plan
Start arranging your seating plan early. You can start doing this before all your RSVPs have come in as most of your close friends and family will probably be definitely attending, even if they haven’t formally replied yet.

To begin creating your plan, get a general idea from your venue how tables will be arranged in the room, determine whether you’ll be using round or long tables or a mixture of both, and work out how many people you can sit at each table.

Arranging the plan can take a long time and might involve numerous revisions. Many people cut up pieces of paper for each guest and table and use these to try out different layouts. Thankfully, over the last few years software (web-based, for download or even Excel spreadsheets) has become available to make the task simpler. It can save you not only hours of your time but also reduce the stress in the lead up to the big day by simplifying last minute changes.

1. Start by looking through magazines, brochures and the Internet for ideas. Find the designs that speak to you, and make a scrapbook. Don't worry if you can't find a cake that is exactly what you want, mix and match elements from different cakes to create a cake that is uniquely you.


2. It's time to start searching for your cake maker. Wedding directories are a great way to find local suppliers, but also look to your friends and family for recommendations. Make a shortlist of suppliers and start phoning around. Most cake makers will provide you with a complimentary cake tasting, stay away from the ones that don't. Once you are happy with what they can offer you, book in for your tasting and consultation.


3. Attend your consultation/tasting. Bring all your ideas, magazines and things that have inspired you, and have a good chat to the cake maker about what you want, style, colours and decorations. This will help the cake maker to give you a quote. Also consider things like delivery and set-up fees.


4. When booking your tasting make sure to mention any particular flavours you are interested in, so that the cake maker can have them at the ready for you, then all that is left is to enjoy.



Finding a wedding cake on a budget


You might think that a beautiful wedding cake is out of reach if you have a limited budget. It certainly doesn't have to be.
There are several ways of reducing the price of your cake without having to sacrifice on quality. Here are a few tips.


1. By limiting the amount of intricate decoration you can often shave $100s of the price.


2. Sugar flowers take a lot of time to make and the price tag will show this. Substituting sugar flowers for fresh flowers can help keep the price down while still having a great looking cake.


3. A tall, layered 1 tier cake can really have the wow factor. Decorate with fresh flowers and a stand out colour icing, and you'll be sure to have your guests talking. A sheet cake iced in the same colour icing can be cut up and served to the guests.


4. You can save on set-up and delivery fees by having family or a friend pick up you cake and set it all up for you.


5. Cake toppers can be expensive, especially if they are custom made. Save money by borrowing one from family or use fresh flowers. Or if a topper is not too important to you, two "wedding bands" can be just what you need to top it all off nicely, and you can get them for less then $10 from a craft shop.


6. A fake cake can also be an option of you would still like a beautifully adorned cake without the price tag. The cake will be made from polystyrene, then iced and decorated like a traditional wedding cake. By making the top tier in cake, you can still have a cutting ceremony, and a sheet cake can be cut up for your guests.


7. A cupcake tower can be elegant and chic, and by having the cupcakes double as favours for the guests you can save money as well.

Information Courtesy of Marit from The Cake Shoppe

Your wedding is a special day that you will remember for the rest of your life and you don’t want to leave it to just anyone to capture it for you. Here are a few items you should consider when selecting a photographer for your day.

•Registered business name with an ABN – Photographers with a registered business name and ABN are subject to associated business and taxation laws, which will offer you much more protection. If there does happen to be a dispute a registered business name will enable you to seek assistance from the Department of Consumer Affairs etc.

•The photographer will be with you most of the day, so one of the most important considerations is how well you think you can work with the person. If dealing with a studio, ask to meet the photographer who will be assigned to your wedding and ask to see a portfolio of that individuals work before signing any contracts.

•Look at as many photos as possible – Most photographers will show you the best of the best, so ask to see whole weddings or a larger number of photos

•Ask about equipment – Questions about equipment may start to confuse you, however the most important items to note are that the person is using SLR equipment (brand is not relevant) and has backups of all items.

•Make sure there is a clear contract which outlines rights, responsibilities (of all parties) and inclusions. Make sure it is very clear what is included in the quoted price and what’s not. Ask for a clear price list on the items which aren’t included.

•Find out where the photos are printed – Photos printed at professional labs are still far superior to any home based system. Also ask whether you will have the choice of what photos are printed, whether they are printed in Matte or Gloss, with or without borders etc. (Again make sure this is documented)

•If the photographer is attending the reception ask about their expectations. Weddings are expensive and photographers should consider it a privilege to be a part of your day. If you choose to provide a meal and drinks, I’m sure it will be appreciated, however you should not feel under any obligation to provide anything. Avoid people who insist they must be supplied.

•Discuss the style of photos you like with the photographer and whether they can provide them. Its quite common for wedding photos to have soft focus or similar effects applied to them, if you don’t like this ask that the photographer supply the images in the style you prefer. If they wont or cant, go somewhere else!

•Be wary of Photographers/Studios who are openly critical of their opposition. This is a negative approach to business and may be an indicator of how they will interact with you on the day.

•Ask how the photographer will deal with bad weather

•Ask about copyright, reprint rights etc.

•Ask if they have current insurance

What equipment would a professional photographer be using??

Smaller print sizes can hide significant flaws with photos that will not become apparent until you attempt to print that image at a larger size. Out of focus, lack of sharpness, back focusing can easily be hidden at small sizes, blow it up and suddenly that nice photo you wanted on canvas in your living room has to be thrown out because it looks pretty ordinary.

I cant advise regarding other brand equipment but with Nikon I suggest you look for people who are using pro level equipment as their main camera. Its OK to have a lower level camera as a backup but probably shouldn't be relying on that as their main.

With Nikon its fairly easy to identify which cameras are pro level. All pro level cameras have model numbers with D and three digits or D with one digit (and possibly an X) IE, D200, D300, D3, D2X.

Another way to tell the difference is that pro level cameras have no program or auto modes, the photographer has to think for themselves. Consumer cameras will have a number of program modes such as sports, landscape and portrait.

Lenses are also very important. Generally most lenses under $1,000 are not very sharp, there are some exceptions though. Most professionals would be using lenses which have an aperture of F2.8 or less. These lenses are worth a lot of money however the results are significantly superior to the cheaper lens both in colour and sharpness.

Lenses are probably more important than the camera model, a good photographer will still get fantastic results on the consumer cameras using professional lenses.

So when interviewing photographers look for people using pro level camera bodies as well as pro level lenses, that enlargement you wanted just may depend on it.

Some helpful tips when choosing locations

How much more would your wedding photos mean to you if they were taken in the place you first met??

Consider these things when thinking about your photo locations

Where did you first meet?

Where did the proposal happen?

Where do you like to spend together?

Your favourite restaurant or hotel?

Where was your first date?

If you think about it you can come up with some locations which will have some meaning to you and will add so much more to your photos.

Don’t be afraid to ask venues, most will be more than happy to let you have photos particularly if you explain why you would like to have them taken in a particular spot.

Regards

Ricky