Gorgeous invitations ordered (check), oversize postage purchased (check), guest addresses confirmed (check), start numbering the response cards (huh???)

Some quick advice on saving you and your fiancé from unnecessary pressure when the RSVP’s start rolling in:

• Avoid offering meal options, consider a dual plate or single entrée
• Number your RSVP’s – this will help determine the guests who forget to write in their name
• Create a spreadsheet in advance to help you track the guests, be sure to include a column for table assignments
• Do not invite more people than you can contentedly budget for

Those little munchkins in your wedding always seem to add excitement to the photos and wedding video. Let’s face it… you picked them because they are adorable and whether they are carrying a pillow or basket make sure you get them a gift as meaningful as their sassy personality. One of my favs:

These cute coin banks from Susy Jack

All the major planning should be done – the last 30 days should be used to wrap up minor details. A quick list on what you should focus on: 

• Bride: Have final gown fitting. Bring your maid of honor along to learn how to bustle your dress. Have the dress pressed and bring it home.
• Call all bridesmaids. Make sure they have their gowns ready for the wedding.
• Make last-minute adjustments with vendors.
• Create a wedding program to hand out to guests.
• Do paperwork for official documents if you are having your name changed.
• Confirm wedding night and honeymoon reservations
• Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet sent a response.
• Deliver final song list to your DJ or bandleader for reception. Provide a final song requests and songs you don’t want played.
• Finalize wedding day timeline and details
• Provide transportation providers a schedule and addresses for pickups on wedding day.
• Plan reception seating chart.
• Print place and table cards.

If your list is longer or you feel that you are behind – contact a month of planner immediately!

1. Divvy up the writing: Use a divide-and-conquer strategy. Each of you should plan to pen your own notes to your respective relatives and close friends.
   
2. Don’t wait: Prompt equals polite: Gifts received before the wedding should be acknowledged within two weeks; for those that come after, send notes within one month.
   
3. Got cash? Keep it classy: Thank the sender for her “generous gift,” and mention your plans for it. (“We’re putting it towards a car”.) Never, ever mention the amount.
   
4. Otherwise, be specific: As with cash, explain how you plan to use a present. (“We can’t wait to serve Rob’s famous melon cosmos in our new martini glasses.”)
   
5. Never say a gift arrived broken: If an item arrives damaged, notify the store immediately; it can probably be replaced without involving the giver.
   
6. Stick to stationary: None of the following should replace a mailed paper note; a phone call, e-mail, text, IM shout-out, Facebook status update, or tweet.
   
7. Get personal: Tell the giver that you’re excited to see her at the happened, or, if it happened already, that you enjoyed spending time with her on your big day.
   
8. Give groups their due: Did your gang pitch in to buy a couch? Write each person her own note, acknowledging how lucky you are to have such fab friends.
   
9. Skip the photos: Cards with wedding pics are cute, but the images can really hold up the process. Send notes (that match your theme, perhaps) now; send photos later.
   
10. Don’t sign jointly: Whoever writes the note should sign the note, but feel free to use language like “Josh and I adore the crepe pan.”
    

In a recent article from Brides magazine.

Etsy is one of my favorite places to shop for unique and custom items. Recently, while searching for a wrap for one of our clients we came across some really chic silk wraps by Bonzie. These wraps are the perfect complement to most any bridal gown. Absolutely stunning!