Thank You Notes.

The generosity from your friends and family was overwhelming but your thank you notes don’t have to be. Implement a process.

• Review the thank you list with your spouse to ensure no one has been left off. Discuss any special moments that should be acknowledged beyond the gift itself.
• Once you have your list the next step is to divide and concur the note writing with your spouse. This can be done by simply separating the sides of the family and then sort through your list of friends.
• To make the task more manageable sort your piles by “like gifts.” This will allow you to use similar language and finish small clusters all at once.
• Organize your list to support the process you are going to implement. Maybe you are in excel and can add a column to mark who is assigned to that person/couple/family as well as a column to list the date the thank you was mailed.
• Thank you notes should be completed in six months. If you need an incentive to complete the task don’t cash a check until you send out the thank you note.

Pro tip: Put time aside to write these notes together. Memories will flutter back and it will be a sweet time to reflect on the day.

Photographer Timing & Lighting.

Taking advantage of natural light requires planning-to-be-flexible. Here are a few tips to help structure that flexibility in order to ensure all your photos are captured and time with family and friends is maximized.

1) When reviewing your shot list with your photographer discuss any photos that MUST be taken at a specific time 2) Review your day-of timing e.g. when the sun will set, when candles/sparklers/bonfires will be lit and note if/when time needs to be set aside with the photographer 3) Make sure your photographer is scheduled to stay through those specific events or designate a talented friend to be a substitute photographer (acknowledging your friend is not a professionals) 4) Be prepared to be pulled away from your guests to capture some of these photos

 

Easy Cuts From the Budget.

Rachel Cruz is a phenomenal resource for financial advice. Her video blogs (vlogs) are straight forward, offer real world advice, and practical solutions for finding financial security. Her vlog three ways to save when planning a wedding is just as helpful. Her advice – look for alternatives, substitutions, or opportunities to cut back on 1) flowers 2) the dress 3) pinterest projects.

Event Permitting.

(101314 Boston, MA) Runners start in Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women in Boston, Monday, Oct. 13, 2014. Staff Photo by Chitose Suzuki

Something to remember when planning outdoor events or events in temporary spaces, the permitting process! Work with your city’s Office of Special Events, Health Services, or Public Works Department to ensure you have the correct permitting, from all the necessary entities. Double check the event date listed on each permit, required deadlines for submitting the various applications, associated cost for each permit, and if you need to appeal to a committee (and when they meet!). Pay close attention to permits required for serving or selling alcohol and if you plan to have an open flame.

pop. fizz. clink

Too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Add character to your champagne toast with rock candy, cotton candy or sipping cups. If champagne isn’t in your price range, great alternative sparking wines include prosecco or lambrusco. For those under 21 checkout champagne flavored jelly beans. Whether service is professional or casual some favorite tips:

• To open, don’t twist the cork. Instead take a tight grip of the cork (cage loosened, but still on) and twist the base of the bottle–this gives you a much better hold–until you slowly remove the cork. – Champagne 101: How To Drink It Like A Pro, Forbes
  
• Champagne is best served between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, should breathe for 15 minutes before serving and kept chilled between pours.

• To bring out the freshness and fruitiness of champagne try pairing with salty foods. Read: champagne is not ideal for toasting with cake – sweet sparkling wine should be substituted if paired with the final course.

Wedding Calligraphy.

A lot of thought goes into selecting your wedding invitation and envelop. It’s the first time you’ll share the style and tone of your wedding with guests. With all the consideration you put into the invitation you’ll also take some time selecting the perfect stamp as well as the way you’d like to address the envelop. Calligraphy is the most popular way for address envelops as it’s stunning, elegant, and adds a personal touch. If professional calligraphy is out of your price range, try taking a DIY class with Letting by Liz, an online workshop with Modern Calligraphy or selecting a comparable printable font.

For calligraphy inspiration on Instagram check out bliss_lettering, lemontreecalligraphy, and oldcity_calligraphy.

Beer Trucks.

With Spring less than 20 days away, I’m looking froward to upcoming outdoor weddings.

Brides who take advantage of outdoor space generally create a unique atmosphere by leveraging a natural backdrop, and customizing a blank slate of open space. While the task of transforming the space is exciting, the catering logistics can be a bit more daunting. Specially, how to provide beer, wine, and spirits to your guest. This can be a difficult or impossible task for both large scale and boutique catering companies. A few vendors that provide certified bartenders, and creative bar setup are Hive, and Ipswich Ale Brewery. Hive located in Boston Mass, is an exciting way to bring craft beer and mixology to any party through a refurbished 1980s trailer. Ipswich Ale Brewery located in Ipswich Mass, offers a variety of unique tapmobiles each providing 3-8 taps.

Fall Centerpieces.

As vibrant Summer colors have faded out, it is now the perfect time to think beyond floral arrangements. Fall is as easy time to mix and match mediums in your centerpieces and throughout the venue increasing texture, functionality, and seasonal items. Pick a color theme and carry those colors throughout your mix mediums. Build a few strong pieces on the buffets, bars, and reception to stabilize the event’s decor. Then add proportionately smaller centerpieces to the guests’ tables. The focal point of the centerpieces and the larger pieces should match. In the pictures above leafy greens were the uniting elements throughout the event. The shared element was a significant portion of the table centerpieces based on its height and size. This helped to build a cohesive feel throughout the venue. Complementary fruit and a seasonal tray were then incorporated to enhanced the centerpiece. You could also include vegetables, candles, gourds and mason jars. Mix and match the centerpieces within the venue so no one Fall item is too overwhelming i.e. inadvertently creating a pumpkin patch. Pre-plated seasonal desserts can also serve as inexpensive centerpieces or additional decor during the event.

Postcards.

Postcards are the new trend in save-the-dates. They are a cheap and easy option that will save you both time and money. Compared to traditional printed save-the-dates, postcards have a faster turnaround time, easier general assembly, and cheaper postage. Most companies will also allow you to order custom quantities, which is extremely helpful for smaller weddings. To make the most of the limited space focus on your names, the date, and link for your website – where guests can expect to find additional detail. Some reliable/unexpected companies for wedding postcard are Staples, Shutterfly, and Paper Source.

Postcards can also be a fun idea for informal thank you notes.