Invitations: What Will You Say?

The wording of your invitation sets the tone for the entire affair. So, what will your invitations say? (expert advice)

Your wedding invitations will be the first inkling your guests have as to what sort of wedding they will be attending.  Of course, the main purpose of your invitations is to ask your friends, family, co-workers or other individuals to help you celebrate one of the biggest days of your life. However, there is a slew of different ways to say the same thing – so, with your invitations, what will you say?photo by Chewing the Cud

Visit PW's own invite shop here!

Traditional Wedding Invitations

If your wedding will be very traditional, you probably want to go with the traditional wedding invitation.  The variation in wording depends on who is paying for the wedding.  The accepted rule is that the person paying for the wedding is mentioned first on the invitations.

If the bride and groom are paying, their names come first:

“You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of John Groom and Jane Bride.”

If the bride or groom’s parents are paying, their names come first:

“Mr. and Mrs. Bride request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Ms. Jane Bride…”

Of course, this information is followed by the date, time, location and reception details.  While it’s perfectly fine to use the accepted and traditional wedding invitation wording, more adventurous couples may prefer wording with a twist.

Casual Wedding Invitations

If your wedding will be very relaxed and casual, you will probably want to soften the wording on the wedding invitations.  By following the traditional outline, but creating your own casual message – you can provide the necessary details and still put some of yourself and your future spouse into the invitation wording.  For instance, for a very casual, laid-back wedding, it may go something like this:

“John Groom and Jane Bride ask that you share the celebration of love and happiness at their wedding…”

Of course, for a casual wedding invitation, the wording is entirely up to you.  Keep it fun and light, humorous but most of all – allow it to reflect a bit of you and your sweetheart!

Themed Wedding Invitations

If your wedding will be a themed wedding, such as a fairytale wedding or a tropical beach wedding – you can set the mood with your invitation wording.  For instance, a fairytale wedding invitation could include the following:

“Join the royal princess and her knight in shining armor as they join in marriage and begin their storybook life together.”

For a tropical themed wedding, the wording may go something like this:

“Aloha!  John Groom and Jane Bride ask that you be present at their wedding celebration…”

Wedding invitations should reflect the styles and personalities of the bride and groom.  Whether you go with the traditional style wedding invitations or opt for more unique wording – allow a bit of yourself to come through as your family and friends read them.

Invitations pictured in this article are by Chewing the Cud

NOTe: from http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/invitations-what-will-you-say

Tips: On Choosing Bridesmaids Dresses

Here is an article I read from the Project Wedding website about choosing bridesmaids dresses. It epitomized everything that I have planned initially and more.

Bridesmaids Dresses for Less

Being a bridemaid can cost a bundle, but your girls will thank you when you score them dresses for less. (expert advice)

Since bridesmaid dresses come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, it's pretty easy to locate a bridesmaid dress for less than the usual $200 or so price range that many of these kinds of dresses tend to fall into. Times are changing in the world of wedding planning and many brides are finding it easier to save money and please her attendants by granting a bit of freedom in the selection process of bridesmaid dresses for less.photo by Leah Lee Photography

Same Color, Different Dress
You know you want fuschia bridesmaids dresses for less, but haven’t been able to pin down the exact style that floats your boat. Sometimes, it's more cost efficient to allow bridesmaids to choose their own wedding attire with the concession that they must stick with your chosen color. Often times, this is a decent approach to keeping your attendants happy with their dresses.

Your best friend that frets over her thighs can cover them up as much as she wants with a gown that flows below the waist, while your cousin can choose the strapless number that complements her shoulders. Transferring the responsibility of bridesmaids dresses for less will also save you the time and energy that would have gone into deciding on a single style for all of your attendants. In the long run, money is also saved, as bridesmaids can choose to dress for less with not as much fuss over alterations.

Save Money With Tea-Length Bridesmaid Dresses
A popular style in bridesmaid dresses for less is the tea-length style that allows an attendant to get further use out of the garment. Usually, this kind of dress fits close to the body at the top and then flares out at the bottom. Hemlines usually break in the middle of the calf. Another style popular amongst bridesmaid dresses for less is one that presents a halter top look, which is quite flattering for women with small shoulders. An attendant with wider hips will also enjoy the style of this dress.

Cocktail Dresses
A less expensive but attractive choice in bridesmaid dresses for less is to outfit your attendants in cocktail dresses, which cost less than full-length gowns. Your bridesmaid can also choose to wear this type of dress at another event – making it a decent investment.

End of Season Shopping
Bridesmaid dresses for less are often found when you scout out gowns that go on sale at the end of a season. The bride who plans well ahead of time can take advantage of this opportunity.

Starry Starry Night

I never thought coming up with a wedding theme would be this challenging. Our venue owner who specializes in themed weddings told us to check out the internet for ideas. The problem is there are so many delightful wedding themes online! So I had to research for sometime until finally I came upon the following sites which helped me envision our own wedding theme.

I decided to have two theme options (just in case my first will not be doable at least i still got another up in my sleeve)

First one : Starry Starry Night

A Star Theme Wedding
Fallen Love from Heaven

A star theme wedding. A starry night, the summer breeze... What a perfect scenario for a wedding celebration.

Setting the scene

A very pretty idea will be to have a Star dust girl instead of the traditional flower girl. Have the little one sprinkle star confetti or glitter instead of flower petals. -- This seems to be a very nice twist that I like to do.

Have everyone enter the venue through a TWINKLE STAR ARCHWAY

You can use silver linen for your table and chairs. Or use white linen and add the silver in the detailing. You can use it in napkin rings, in a sash around your chair covers, etc. You could also spread silver star confetti on the tables.

For your centerpiece you could use pillar candles in blue white or silver. Or have a flat bowl filed with water and place star shaped floating candles in it.

You could also use star shaped paper lamps or small strings of lights to simulate the stars. Some brides like the idea of placing these strings of lights (like the ones you use in Christmas)through tiny holes in a black or blue board to recreate the sky.

You could also place a SHOOTING STAR COLUMNS PAIR

Another idea is to use star shaped balloons to form a bouquet for your table. And you could name each table after a star or constellation. Star shaped garlands are another option.

Many brides are deciding to have a beautiful star shaped ice sculpture at the reception as part of the theme.

Dressing the part

Your wedding gown should have silver embroidered details (is you find one with stars even better). You could also have crystal stars sewn in your gown to incorporate the theme. Wear a star garter. You can buy them or create one by adding a star charm with hot glue to your garter.

This is the perfect theme to wear a very sparkling tiara. So have a hair accessory full of crystals.

The cake

You could have a traditional wedding cake adorned with stars or a star shaped topper.
Another idea is to have a star shaped tiered cake.

And if you are really up to something unconventional go with a small wedding cake and cupcakes for each table decorated with sugar stars or star shaped charms.

Article from: http://www.creative-theme-wedding-ideas.com/star-theme-wedding.html

Twinkling Star-Light Invitations

Look for designs that signify a star wedding theme. If you'd like to make your own, select midnight blue or black paper and print your wording in gold lettering. If the gold lettering on black is too dark for you, print your wording in black onto a beige or light gold background paper that's been cut to fit inside the black card stock (leave a 1/4" border of black around the edges.)

Add gold stars down one side and across the tops of the invitations. You could also buy star-shaped stencils and gold glitter acrylic paints and stencil the designs on the invitations.

Silver Stars: 100 Personalized Invitations / Announcements $1.46 Unique silver invitation has silver foil stars on base card. Wording is printed on sheer overlay. Both pieces have pre-cut holes for attaching silv... [Read more]	Catch a Falling Star: 100 Personalized Invitations / Announcements $1.03 Bright white invitation has silver foil star design. Bright white reception, respond, and informal/thank you cards are available. [Read more]	Stars In Your Eyes: 100 Personalized Invitations / Announcements $0.90 Invitation has stars design. Design and wording on invitation/announcement will be printed in one ink color of choice. Bright white enclosure cards... [Read more]
Golden Star Gala: 100 Personalized Invitations / Announcements $1.04 Shimmering invitations has a red and purple border with gold stars and swirls. Matching enclosure cards are available. [Read more]	One Wish, One Love: 100 Personalized Wedding Invitations $1.33 Bright white invitation has silver foil stars design. The color of the design cannot be changed. Matching enclosure cards are available. [Read more]	Celestial Celebration: 100 Personalized Invitations / Announcements $1.92 Black invitation features a silver shooting star design border. Invitation wording will be printed in matte silver ink only. Matching reception, re...[Read more]

Starry Night Wedding Decorations

Use glittering tulle or star-imprinted gossamer on walls and tables.
Round up some dead bare tree-branches and paint them either black, midnight blue or gold. Secure them in pots filled with sand and string small white lights on the branches.
String lights from the corners of the room to the center of the ceiling. Hang a large moon from the center. (To make the moon, cut out the moon shape from cardboard and cover in gold foil paper) or use a gold-mirrored disco ball.
Hang foil covered cardboard stars from ceiling. Make the stars different sizes and hang them at different heights. Or you may choose to use star shaped mylar balloons.
Paint foam board black and cut into star shapes. Poke holes through the board large enough to insert twinkle lights through the holes. Create a "collage" of 5 to 7 stars in varying sizes to hang on the wall behind the head table.

Gold Confetti Stars $2.95 Wild and Crazy Mardi Gras Fun Starts with Decorations! The Gold Fanci Fetti Confetti Stars are a great addition to any party. Liven up your celebra... [Read more]	Star Whirl Decorations $4.95 An Awards Night To Remember! Make your awards night memorable for everyone. Hollywood has got nothing on you, when you use these fantastic oscar ni... [Read more]	Silver Star Table Runner $10.95 Party 'till the Ball Drops with New Years Decorations! The silver star table runner is a great addition to your New Years tables. A great complimen... [Read more]
Black & Gold Star Centerpiece $4.99 An Awards Night To Remember! Make your awards night memorable for everyone. Hollywood has got nothing on you, when you use these fantastic oscar ni...[Read more]

Shoot For The Stars Table Decor

Think starry night when considering your table decorating options, such as blue and/or black tablecloths with gold accents. Use table place cards that are in the shape of stars and consider naming your tables after stars and comets instead of just using numbers.

Cover tables in midnight blue or black tablecloths. Add a table topper in either gold lame or gold gossamer. Star table skirting is also available.
Sprinkle gold star confetti on tables.
Glue dark blue pillar candles to a round mirror. Add gold star decals to the candles. Tie a shimmering gold ribbon around all the candles.
You could also use star-shaped candle holders and midnight blue or gold taper candles for centerpieces.
Create a falling star theme wedding centerpiece using shooting star picks and baby's breath stuck in florist foam. Place in a terracotta pot that's been decorated to match the star theme.

Wishes Come True Wedding Favors

Some easy favor ideas are star-shaped: keychains, cookie cutters tied together with ribbon, cookies, soaps, chocolates, etc.
Give your guests star fairy wands with a tag that asks them to "wish upon the star".
A fun item are the glow in the dark stars that you stick to ceilings and walls.
Star-shaped floating candles make lovely favors.
Consider using playing cards with celestial themes on the back as thank you gifts.

Wish Upon A Star Bottle Stopper with Rhinestone Accents in Tall Showcase Display Box $3.50 This high quality stopper has lots of special touches like five tiny rhinestones and an engraved "Wish Upon Star" detail. It arrives in a... [Read more]	Gold Milk Chocolate Stars: 5LB Box $59.50 Yummy twinkly stars. make a chocolate constellation in your mouth! Solid milk chocolate molded into a star shape, covered in elegant gold foil. The... [Read more]	Stars Favor Labels $19.60 These self adhesive labels feature a celebratory design in a wide range of color choices. Each label is self-adhesive and measures 6 5/8" wide... [Read more]
Stars Small Favor Labels $15.80 These self adhesive labels feature a celebratory stars design in a wide range of color choices. Each label is self-adhesive and measures 6 3/4"... [Read more]	Stars Bitty Bags $4.50 Oodles of red, white and blue stars cover this adorable favor bag, gusseted for extra room so you can stuff it full of your favorite treats. Each c...[Read more]	Star Light Crystal Star Keychains $1.08 Star light star bright - as favors for all occasions these crystal star keychains are just right Well, here`s a shining example of a useful and fun...[Read more]

Star Theme Wedding Cake

Go with a star-shaped layer cake or create a series of cakes in varying star sizes.
Add a spray of shooting stars to any cake design.
Have your wedding cake created in the shape of a half moon surrounded with miniature cakes in star shapes.
When it's time to cut the cake, light sparklers that have been inserted to the top of the wedding cake.

Music Suggestions for a Star Theme Wedding

Since you'll be dancing amongst the stars, select songs that fit this theme and are suitable for a wedding, especially the first dance. Some ideas are:

"Keeper of the Stars" by Tracy Byrd
"When You Wish Upon a Star" from the Disney Movie Pinicchio
"Stars Would Fall" by Monk & Neagle.

Entertainment

Play favorite songs with the words "moon and/or stars" in the lyrics.
If possible, set up a telescope and gaze at the stars in the night sky.
Make up a trivia game based on the solar system. Use questions about the zodiac, astrology, the comet names, etc. Place them on the tables for guests to enjoy.

Article from: http://www.wedthemes.com/star-theme-wedding.shtml

Starry Starry Night

Capture the essence of a celestial marriage celebration with this starry night theme wedding idea. Look for designs that signify a star wedding theme. For your invitation, select midnight blue or black paper and have your wording printed in gold lettering.

You can ask your invitation supplier to add gold stars down one side and across the tops of the invitations. You could also buy star-shaped stencils and gold glitter acrylic paints and stencil the designs on the invitations.

You can also work with an all white palette and incorporate vintage looking street lights throughout the space. Votive candles, white roses and orchids as finishing touches can successfully bring the tablescape to life. Look at the amazing styling below.

Wishes Come True Wedding Favors:
• Some easy favor ideas are star-shaped: keychains, cookie cutters tied together with ribbon, cookies, soaps, chocolates, etc.
• Give your guests star fairy wands with a tag that asks them to “wish upon the star”.
• A fun item are the glow in the dark stars that you stick to ceilings and walls.
• Star-shaped floating candles make lovely favors.
• Consider using playing cards with celestial themes on the back as thank you gifts.

Credits for the article goes to micanonymous: http://micanonymous.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/my-top-30-wedding-theme-ideas/

A very festive cake