How to Simplify Your Wedding Guest List

When you stop and consider all the things you have to spend money on for your wedding guests (food, favors, venue space, etc...), you realize that the size of your guest list can make or break your wedding bank. We've all heard it over and over again..."the easiest way to cut down on your wedding expenses is to cut down the wedding guest list".

But how, exactly, do you determine who makes the cut? Answer: check out what is probably the best wedding hack I've seen in a long time. It's called Guest List in 30 Seconds--and it's awesome!

Via The Overwhelmed Bride

Wedding Monograms

Are you stuck on figuring out ways to personalize your wedding? Consider a wedding monogram. Hands down there is no easier way to personalize the look of your wedding than by slapping your initials all over it (in the loveliest of ways of course).

Monogram Uses

There is an endless list of possibilities on where and how you can use your wedding monogram. It’s commonly used on everything from invitations, napkins, cake toppers, menu cards, favors and of course in gobo lighting (that big lit up monogram you commonly see projected on reception dance floors and walls). 

Things to Consider

Since the monogram encompasses both the bride and grooms initials, both of you should be very involved in choosing the monogram for your wedding. Monograms come in so many styles and fonts that you will really have to carefully consider which one will best reflect your unique personalities and the tone you’re trying to create for your wedding.

Where to Find Your Monogram

This will largely depend on your budget. Your first choice would be to hire an experienced graphic designer, give them your ideas and ask them to help you create a custom monogram for your wedding. A cheaper alternative would be to choose from ready-made monograms. You can find lots of these on places like Etsy.

Once you have your wedding monogram ready, the fun begins as the possibilities on where and how to use it are ENDLESS.

belletristics

Wedding Planning Tip: Cocktail Hour Hors d’oeuvres

Do not skip hors d’oeuvres at your cocktail hour. There’s nothing worse than guests drinking for one or two hours with not enough food to eat.

Not sure whether to serve stationery hors d’oeuvres or passed hors d’oeuvres? As a rule of thumb, especially in a more casual atmospheres, stationery hors d’oeuvres are ok as long as there is enough to go around, and you set it up in a way where your guests don’t have to “stand in line” to grab a couple of appetizers (i.e., multiple stations or at least long double-sided tables). 

Always make sure your hors d’oeuvres are displayed in an attractive manner and not just thrown on a tray and haphazardly placed on a table. If you can, go ahead and splurge on passed hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour— they make a great first impression!

Style Me Pretty

Does the idea of all the attention on you as a bride freak you out?

Does the idea of all the attention on you freak you out? Many of the brides I work with tend to be on the introverted side. But that's ok! Here are some tips from Blissful Bride Coach Jennifer Gilchrist who is doing a 30-day series on becomming a blissful bride. Check her out:

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Nautical Wedding Favor Ideas

I love beach and nautical themed weddings. Below are of my favorite nautical-inspired wedding favor ideas that will add the perfect touch to these weddings. Design Tip: don't feel stuck by having to use the traditional navy blue, white and red colors. You can create a nautical theme using bright colors too!

Anchor Candy Cups, Nautical Twist Wine Bottle Stoppers, Sea Salt Favors, Sailor Knot Favor Boxes, Chevron Anchor Flasks, Mermaid Soap Favors, Compass Favor, Personalized Bottles