DIY Wedding Stationey

I suspect that it is not until you actually start to plan a wedding that you begin to realize how expensive planning a wedding actually is, I know that was true for me. Sure I knew the big ticket items like hiring out the reception venue and catering would take a big bite out of the budget, but I never really thought of wedding stationery such as wedding invitations or RSVP cards as costing me a small fortune. Depending on the size of your wedding it can very easily end up costing you in the thousands just for your stationery, which is one of the primary reasons many couples opt to go down the DIY path when it comes to their wedding stationery.

Just one of the invitation designs offered by Fotolia

Creating and printing your own wedding stationery requires minimal equipment and supplies. Unless you plan to hand make and write each and every invitation individually, a computer and printer is essential. You will also need blank cardstock or template cardstock. You will most likely have sufficient software such as Microsoft Word, Publisher or graphic editing software. Often, the manufactures of the card stock will come bundled with editing software or have downloads available from their official website.

Many couples love to create their own wedding stationery to showcase their artistic talent. However, what if you are not artistically inclined or are reluctant to showcase your creative skills? Fortunately, there are many stock photography websites on the internet that have a catalog of wedding images and illustrations that can be incorporated into your wedding stationery.

Stock photography websites are sites that sell photographs, clipart, animations and images for a small fee (around $1) There is generally a license and terms of use for the images which you must abide by. Some stock images websites have strict licensing rules, only allowing you to use an image a certain amount of times before you must purchase a new license, whilst other sites offer you unlimited use of that image once you have purchased it.

One stock photograph website, which has a high catalog of images is Fotolia. They offer photographs, illustrations, vector and video. So far, I have found them to be one of the better priced stock photography websites with a good selection of quality images and unlimited use of the image once a license is purchased. They have a good selection of wedding photographs and illustrations as well as design elements such as headers and borders, much like what you see on wedding invitations from specialty stores.

If you have a large guest list, creating your own wedding invitations can take some time, so why not throw a working bee. Throw on some music, get some food and call your bridesmaids for help!

DWB: Is It Okay to Not Give The Attendants a Gift?

I was recently asked if it was okay to not give the attendants a small gift, the short answer is no. It is tradition for the bride and groom to give small gifts to the bridal party to thank them for all their support and for being part of your wedding day and this cost should be included in your wedding budget.

Remember, the bridesmaid and groomsmen have spent money buying their tux and gowns as well as contributing their time into your big day such as all those dress fittings, organising bridal showers and hen nights.   If money is tight, the gift needn’t be expensive, as it is more the thought that counts.  Don’t forget to include a  thank-you card with heartfelt words of gratitude and appreciation.

Wedding planning course

Many brides are taking wedding planning courses

Planning a wedding involves a lot of work and for those unfamiliar with the wedding industry it can seem daunting knowing where to start.  Some couples decide to hire a wedding planner, others enlist the help of friends and families who have planned their own weddings and can share their experiences.  However there is a another option; enrol in a wedding planning course.

If you are planning to do the bulk of your wedding planning yourself it can be of great benefit.   I am not referring to the fully pledged full time accredited wedding planning course, although you could do that if you wish,  but I am referring to a short evening wedding planning course.

TAFE runs some courses throughout the year through their adult learning classes. It’s especially good if you have had little experience with wedding planning, as it can give you a good overview on what is required to plan your wedding as well as like-minded people to bounce ideas off.  There are also some distance courses around that could be of use to you.

Get Bulk Wedding Supplies

If you are watching your wedding budget you are probably looking for ways to save money on your wedding. Consider taking a hands on direct approach to your wedding and order supplies in bulk, which consequently lowers the per item cost saving you money. For example, if you’re needing to order napkins for your wedding and know that the local supermarket stocks the ones that you want, ask them if they can give you a discount if you order in bulk quantities, this will probably mean ordering several cartons.

Contacting catering supplies stores or local distributors direct is also a good approach as it cuts out on the middle man passing on the savings to you. You can find many of these online doing a simple Google search or looking in your local yellow pages.

Wedding Gifts Upon Arrival to the Honeymoon.

Surprise Wedding Gifts at Hotel

Arranging to have the bride and grooms wedding present waiting for them at their hotel room can be a nice gesture.  You will need to arrange this with reception, and I would call the reception to confirm this on the day the newly married couple will arrive.  Of course this doesn’t apply to gifts such as dinner sets, but it is a nice gesture for gifts such as hampers of wine and chocolates.  Alternatively, you could give them gift certificates for nearby popular restaurants. I would avoid buying certificates for major attractions, as they may already have this inclusive in their wedding honeymoon packages.

Throw a wedding ‘working bee’

Making your own wedding items such as place cards, wedding favours and table decorations can cut your wedding costs. Throw a wedding work bee and ask close family and friends if they could help for a few hours. Don’t forget to provide refreshments and put on a great cd.

Bring Touching Memories to a Wedding Reception

Wedding receptions are a great chance for the wedding guests to learn a little more about the bride and groom. One touching way to achieve this is to have a video or slides played to show the wedding couple as kids and highlighting important moments in their life, first birthdays, graduations, formals and photos of the couple early in the relationship to the current day.

Have the best man, parents or maid of honour narrate this and it is sure to bring a few tears to the crowd. The reception venue may be equipped with all equipment needed or you may need to hire it independently. Inquire with the venue first to see if they allow this.

Know What is Acceptable in the Church

If you are planning on a church wedding, make sure that your wedding dress and bridesmaid gowns are acceptable for the church that your ceremony will take place. Some churches do not allow strapless wedding gowns, so you will want to find this out early on in your planning.

I have known brides who have had their heart set on a strapless gown, so they made alterations to have the straps removable. That way they are still respecting the churches wishes, yet they can remove the straps once the reception begins if they wish.

Wedding Video Booth

Set up a wedding video booth so that your guests can come and leave messages. All you need is an area that is out the way of the general reception traffic. Designate a person to control the camera. You can have the MC announce when the wedding booth is open for messages.

If you have a large guest list, the MC can keep things running smoothly by announcing which table can go to the booth. You could also set this up in the limbo time that happens before the bride and groom arrives at the reception.

Utilise a Wedding Event Planning Student

Do you want to hire wedding event planner, but cannot afford one. Why not enlist the help of a student wedding event planning student. Ring up a local training school and ask them if there are any students who would like to help you plan your wedding. They can use your wedding in their folio in lieu of payment.

If you are uneasy using a student, ask the school if there are any particular talented recent graduates who are looking to pave their way into the industry.

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