What about the men...

So you have bought the wedding gown, picked the bridesmaids and a flower girl dress, the mothers may have even reached their decisions.  So what about the men?  Its time to start thinking about them now. 

• Make a list...figure out who will be in a tuxedo and how you want it to look.
• Choose the styles...book an appointment with your tuxedo specialists and make your choices on what they will be wearing .
• Send the men in...start sending the men in to get measured and leave their deposits. Closer to the wedding when the tuxes are ready to be picke up they will go in agan and try on the tuxedo.  At this point they will get any last minute adjustments if any are needed.

                       

 

With so many different styles out there to choose from its a great idea to do a little research ahead of time.  This way you know what you are looking for when you get there and will feel a little more confident when the sales person starts using terms like Notch lapel or Full Dress.  Atleast you will know what they mean.  We have put together a small basic style guide to help you along.

When in doubt don't be afraid to ask questions, thats what the specialists are there for and they are more than happy to answer any thing.



Black, White and Green Inspirations...

Today we have a great idea for color inspiration...instead of the traditional black and white wedding we threw a pop of color in the mix and came up with this scrumptious color palatte.  Black, white and bright green (but not neon).  This color pop takes this color palatte to a new level, see for yourself.

Who wouldn't want this gorgeous color palatte for their wedding, it's very traditional and still fun!

Save Money on your Wedding Invitations...

We totally understand how much wedding invitations can cost, to put it mildly they are expensive!  So we have put together a few ways we have found that will help take that burden of cost lower.  Below are some of the ways that would help do this:

• Forget the upgrades, little details add up.  Don't go for the caligraphy or the envelope liners.
• Paper...choose a paper that is not imported or made of 100% cotton paper these can be more pricey and will drive the total cost of the invitation suite up.  Go for partially recycled paper (since green is good these days), they are less expensive and have a good amount of colors to choose from.
• Order more...order more than you expect to need, if you need 300 order 325, in the long run it will be cheaper.  Ordering more is good incase you mess up with something on it or have people you forgot to invite and need to send one out.
• Use a URL...Enclosing a map with the invitations suite can get expensive because each invitation will have to get one, instead put a URL to MapQuest or Google Maps.  This not only saves on paper (going green again) but it also saves on cost.  You could even enclose the URL for your wedding website or Facebook Wedding Fan Page that could have directions and a map.
• Do an online RSVP...With so many places offering wedding websites you can get one extremelly easily and for little to no cost.  You could have your guests RSVP to your wedding website.  This would save on an RSVP card (again going green).

These are not the only ways that its possible to save on your invitations, we suggest doing a bit of research yourselves and see what you can find and come up with.  We hope the ideas we gave you will be helpful as well. 

Until next time...
125 Bridal Boutique

Your Wedding Countdown

Your Wedding countdown is an important tool to help you along in your wedding planning process.  We have compiled a list of things  your should do and when, just keep in mind these are just guidelines and you still need to use your best judgement.

12 Months before:

• Decide on a budget
• Think about the size of your wedding and the style you want
• Reserve your ceremony and reception sites, these fill up quickly
• Browse magazines for gown styles and get a feel for what you want
• Choose your save the dates

10 Months before:

• Select your officiant and book them
• Mail out your save the date
• Select your attendants and let them know the good news
• Hire a wedding planner if needed
• Compile a guest list
• Look for your caterer, florist, music, photograher etc.

8 Months before:

• Order your wedding gown
• Book the caterer, florist, music, photographer etc. they book up quickly too
• Possibly create a wedding website or FB fanpage for all guests to visit

6 Months before:

• Meet with your vendors and discuss the details with them
• Order your invitations or if you are a DIY'er get started making them
• Shop for your bridesmaids attire and get them ordered
• Reserve your limo or other transportaion
• Talk to fiance about the tuxedos and how you picture them looking

4 Months before:

• Schedule your rehersal dinner
• Research your honeymoon and book it
• Put together a gift registry and tell everyone where you registered

2 Months before:

• Discuss with your officiant about readings and music for during the ceremony
• Check out marriage license procedures in your state
• Mail out your invitations

6 Weeks before:

• Do a hair and make up trial
• Buy attendant gifts
• Write your vows if you are doing so
• Send your announcement to the newspaper

2 Weeks before:

• Give your photographer specifics on special pictures you wish to have taken
• Get your marriage license
• Assemble your wedding favors

1 Week before:

• Write out your seating chart for the reception and place cards
• Pick up your bridal gown
• Confirm with all of your vendors
• Make sure caterer has a final count of people attending
• BREAK IN your shoes!! Wear them around the house to get used to them

The day before:

• Confirm all transportation for you and the wedding party
• Have your rehearsal dinner
• Get a mani/pedi

The BIG day:

• Eat small light meals that day so there is no passing out from lack of nutrients
• Do your hair and make up and get dressed 30 mins before your departure time
• Last but not least ENJOY yourself and RELAX the hard part is over!

Just keep in mind that all weddings are different from one another and this list is just a guideline for you to use along the way.