Formal Wear: Decoding your invitation

Invitation clarification: Decode your invitation

“Black Tie”
Classic tuxedo with white shirt, vest or cummerbund, black tie, and black patent shoes. A black tie is not required; any color of accessory is acceptable.

“Black Tie preferred”
Formal evening attire. This is defined as black tuxedo, white dinner jacket (Memorial Day through Labor Day,) or dark tuxedo (no tailcoats). Non-formal dress suits would be appropriate, but would not be the host’s preference.

“Black Tie Optional”
Formal dress is still appropriate. This includes black tuxedo, white dinner jacket (Memorial Day through Labor Day), and dark modern tuxedo. Tailcoats are not needed.

“Black Tie Invited”
Formal attire is not required, but formal attire can be worn if the guest prefers. Tailcoats are not appropriate.

“White Tie or Full Dress”
White wing-collar shirt, crisp white pique vest, and white tie or classic black trousers with formal satin stripe, traditional black tailcoat and black patent shoes.





Dress the part!
Planner Girl:)

Is the Economy changing your wedding plans?

The average wedding cost in 2009 was $28,385. This average is less than a 5% decrease than 2008 weddings.

Most 2010 brides are cutting back in several ways, but they are still planning a wedding that will be unforgetable! Know where to cut and where to spend!

Here are some ways to cut costs without cutting quality:

Rethink the guest list

Invite close family and friends. Don't feel obligated to invite distant relatives that you're not close to. It's also OK to not invite co-workers that you don’t regularly hang out with.

Floral

Use more candles and fewer flowers. Use smaller containers, which require fewer flowers to fill. Ask your florist which flowers will give you the same look for less.

Alcohol

Give fewer options- beer, wine, signature drink. Open the bar after dinner to minimize the amount of time guests are drinking.

Music
Fewer musicians costs less money. Hire one string (harp or violin) rather than a trio or quartet. Select a band with fewer members. Have the band start after dinner is served to minimize the amount of time they are on your money clock.

Linens and chairs
Have a love of specialty linens and chavari chairs? Use them sparingly. Use them for the head tables only rather than on every table.

Play the numbers
Who says you have to have one per person? Not every guest will take a program or even a favor. Rule of thumb is to have programs for 75% and favors for 85%. By the time you’re ready to leave, many of your guests will have already left. Provide send away items (birdseed, bubbles) for 75% of your RSVP.

Don't nix the coordinator!
I may be a little biased, but seriously- do hire a coordinator. A professional coordinator will save you time and money. They have connections and knowledge that will save you money. Often their knowledge can save you their fee!

You can have a beautiful wedding, even on a budget!

Planner Girl:)

Trash the Dress Session

Trash the dress sessions occur after the wedding. They are a great way to get photos that you would not do prior to the wedding. They often result in grass stains, water spots, etc. on the dress! Some brides really push the envelope and truely trash the dress. For example, by diving into ponds, dragging it behind a car, and other activities that leave little hope for recovery of the dress!

Here are some photos from a recent trash the dress session. Jennie has offered some tips from her experience! The session was at Honeysuckle Hills with photography by Regina Woods.

"Remember to bring bug spray if you are planning on being outdoors"

"Let your photographer be creative"

"The water was so cold!"

"Got just a little wet!"

"This is your chance to get the photos you didn't get at the wedding. Don't be afraid to let the photographer know what you want!"
 
 
 
 
Wear it and then... keep it, trash it, sell it, or pass it forward!
Planner Girl:)