| Congrats to you, beautiful bride! Are you ready | | | | choice of appetizer. If you can't seem to get your |
| for the big day? Of course you're not - you just | | | | input into the planning of one of your other |
| got engaged last weekend and you've only slightly | | | | parties, there is no need to worry about a foiled |
| recovered from the excitement of showing off | | | | wedding. The big day is still under your control. If |
| that new princess-cut rock on your hand. You've | | | | you're truly afraid of what might be planned for |
| stumbled across this article because you're | | | | you, make sure the planner agrees with you on |
| overwhelmed and you don't know where to begin. | | | | invitation and party guidelines because although |
| You're thinking, "I'm not a bridezilla! I want my | | | | the party may be a surprise, it is still a celebration |
| bridesmaids to be happy!" but at the same time, | | | | of your upcoming wedding. |
| you want everything to be perfect, unique, and | | | | Wedding invitations: The invitation to your actual |
| memorable. | | | | wedding is going to be a classy yet eye-catching |
| The details of a wedding are what make its | | | | number that allows your personality and the |
| guests think back on it for years to come. Some | | | | strength of your and your fiance's relationship to |
| particular details like save-the-date cards, | | | | shine through, right? Easier said than done. Some |
| engagement party/wedding shower/bridal shower | | | | people match the colors of their invitations to the |
| invitations, wedding invitations, and thank you | | | | color theme of their wedding, while others chose |
| cards are particular items that can set your | | | | to stay classic with all white or ivory invitations |
| wedding apart from all the others that your | | | | despite the fact that their upcoming wedding |
| friends are planning, regardless of the budget. | | | | might include a rainbow of color coordinates. With |
| Save the date cards: These charming little | | | | invitations, it's easy to keep it simple yet unique - |
| reminders should be sent out in the mail | | | | there are hundreds of options available for |
| approximately 4 months before your wedding, if | | | | backgrounds, and once that has been chosen, the |
| not sooner. They are important if you are planning | | | | font and wording that you pick will complete your |
| a destination wedding, if your wedding date is | | | | distinctive invitation. When choosing an invitation, |
| near a holiday, or if you are expecting many | | | | keep in mind that it will be hanging on the |
| people to travel in order to get to your wedding. | | | | refrigerators of your guests homes for 2 months |
| Save the dates are a convenient, advanced-notice | | | | before the big date - what would you want on |
| option, and are much classier than an e-mail or a | | | | your fridge? |
| phone call. | | | | Thank you cards: It is proper etiquette to send a |
| Engagement party/wedding shower/bridal shower | | | | thank you card to anyone who attended the |
| invitations: The first invitation that will go out is | | | | wedding, sent you a gift, or both. Also, you don't |
| typically for the engagement party (if your family | | | | want to wait very long before writing and sending |
| chooses to have one for you). This is usually a | | | | them. How long did it take you to cash their |
| simple invitation, chosen by someone other than | | | | checks? You've got plenty of time to get away |
| the bride or groom. Similarly, any wedding shower | | | | on that honeymoon and relax post-wedding, but |
| or bridal shower that might be thrown before the | | | | when you come home and start ravaging the |
| wedding might be entirely planned by someone | | | | cards and gifts, be sure to keep track of |
| other than the bride. | | | | everything. Standard rule is that you have three |
| Look down at your pretty ring and take a deep | | | | months to write and mail those thank you cards |
| breath - no one is going to judge you on your | | | | with your gifts and guest list fresh in your mind. |
| mom's tacky decorations, or your best friend's | | | | |