Wedding Invitation Kits - Things to Consider When Shopping for Your Invitations

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One of the most personal and important choices you will make when planning your wedding is your wedding invitation. When you are distracted and dazzled by all of the other happenings going on around you, it is easy to lose sight of exactly what type of invitation you need to choose. This time can be extremely challenging and finding ways to "shortcut" your to do list can often times seem daunting. An option many couples are choosing today is to purchase wedding invitation kits which not only can save you a bundle, but actually make it easy for you to make your own invitations and add that personal touch to your special day.

When shopping for the perfect kits there are some things you need to keep in mind to make it a successful plan for both yourself and your guests.

1. Set aside time to shop. Yes, this may seem like a no brainer but when planning a wedding, nothing is a no-brainer. There is so much on your plate, the time seems to fly by and often things catch up to you in a way you had not planned. So it is important to mark time on your calendar to do nothing but shop for your kits. The internet offers a large array of on-line retailers who offer a large variety of choices of wedding invitation kits and many retailers such as Walmart and Target have a nice variety directly off of the shelf. There are printable kits, diy kits and some are already pre-printed and ready to go, depending on personal preference. If you go the on-line route, remember that ordering early will ensure you get your invitations in plenty of time to add your own special touches and to be sure that they fit the bill. If there is a problem or issue, you will be able to adjust and make changes without causing yourself undue stress.

2. Know your color scheme and type of affair. Once you have set aside the time, make sure you know exactly what it is you are looking for in the way of an invitation. In other words, is your wedding formal and fancy or casual? Is your color scheme pink and white or hunter green and chocolate brown? Knowing these things ahead of time will help tremendously when shopping.

3. Set aside a budget. Although wedding invitation kits are much more budget friendly than professionally printed invitations, you can still spend a pretty penny on the "extras" if you haven't set aside a dollar amount for the invites. The whole purpose of choosing kits is usually twofold
a). You want to be involved in every aspect of the design, wording and outcome
b). You want to save money and cut costs without losing the beauty and elegance of your invitation

So knowing these 2 things are paramount to understanding exactly what it is you want to spend when starting to shop for your kits. Some things to consider when shopping are the type of card; do you want a single panel card only or are you looking for a more elegant touch by embellishing your invitation with vellum. Do you plan to print your own and add the reception information directly on the invite or have the traditional separate reception card? Do you want special seals, stamps, embellishments? All of the little extras and embellishments cost so just be sure you know what it is you are looking to spend.

4. Give your guests enough time to respond. Sometimes when preparing your own invitations you get so caught up in the design, shopping and wording you forget to be sure the project can be finished early enough to allow the guests time to respond. Remember, once the invitation is complete, you still need to stuff, address and seal the envelopes. Be sure to allot time for the back end of the invitation. Wedding invitations should be mailed out 8 weeks in advance of the wedding day. Many people need more time than that to make travel arrangements. If your budget allows, a "save the date" card can be sent anywhere from 4 to 12 months prior to the date so that might be a good option depending on your circumstances.

The most important thing to remember when shopping for your wedding invitation kits is to plan ahead before jumping into the water. Shopping without having a goal in mind is similar to getting in your car and driving without a destination. Creating your own wedding invitations is probably one of the most personal and exciting things you will do when planning a wedding. Make it fun and stress free so that the process is an enjoyable one and the end result is exactly as planned.

Anne Reese is a Consultant passionate about helping couples reduce stress and help take the guesswork out of do it yourself Wedding Invitation Kits by providing some basic information on cost, choices and where the best places are to find that one of a kind invitation for the happy couple's special day. For more information on where to find the best kits, diy invitations, designs, wording and etiquette, visit http://www.weddinginvitation-kits.com/.

Pink Bridesmaid Dress: Tips for Looking Great in Pink

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Pink is a very popular theme for weddings and seems to be timeless. With the simplicity and softness of the color to the bold and standout of varying shades, it is a color that most brides find a way to fit into their wedding day. Now you are in a wedding and the bride has decided on pink bridesmaid dresses for her day. But you have never been a "pink" lady and you are fretting about how to make it all work. So how can you change it up and still look good?

Here are some great tips to help keep all eyes on the bride and not the color of your bridesmaid dress.

1. Makeup. Wearing a bright colored eye shadow or blush is never a good idea when your dress color is doing the talking. Opting for a more muted or skin toned color will help to accentuate the beauty of the dress without interfering or clashing with the colors. It is best to wear a neutral shade of lipstick along with a muted eye shadow. Tone down the eyes and instead accentuate them with a little liner and mascara. You could even try some subtle falsh eyelashes but be careful not to overdo it or you will have a different issue all together. The point here is to draw attention to your eyes and face rather than your dress, but not in a bad way. A soft pink blush or one that complements your skin tone is best to keep the overall color scheme neutral. By following some common sense makeup tips the only thing that will stand out is you and not your makeup.

2. Shoes. If the bride agrees, opt for a pair of nude sandals or shoes neutral or muted in color. This way the first thing the eye sees will be you and not your shoes. Sometimes black looks beautiful with pink if it is a bolder color pink and sandals are great because regardless of the color shoe, the skin tone contrasts with the color of the sandal and helps to tone down the shoe if it is a brighter color.

3. Wear a Cover Up. If it is a chilly evening or day, a cover up is always a great way to break up a color. Choose a shrug or shawl once again in a nice muted color. Since the cover up will more than likely only be used to go in and out of cars and venues, it is not as important as the makeup, shoes and accessories but you want to be prepared for pictures in the event someone starts snapping away.

4. Accessorize. Don't over accessorize but wear something you love that makes you feel good about yourself. Your favorite necklace or earrings. Maybe you have a bracelet that you always wear and means something special to you. As long as it is simple and doesn't clash with the color of the dress, it is fine to wear. If it makes you feel good, wear it.

5. Redhead?. Some say redheads should stay away from pinks but not necessarily. Just be sure to tone down the makeup and pull your hair up or back with some elegant pins to keep the color of your hair from clashing with the pink in the dress. This will help to detract from the colors clashing and the focus will shift to your face, rather than your hair color.

Pink Bridesmaid Dresses are a beautiful compliment to the bride's color theme. The tone of the wedding will be set with your walk down the aisle as you and the bridal party introduce the guests to the bride for the first time.

Following these common sense tips will go a long way in helping you look and feel your best and enable you to enjoy the day and relish in your friend's happiness.

Anne Reese is a Consultant passionate about helping couples reduce stress and help take the guesswork out of your wedding day by providing some basic information on cost, choices and where the best places are to find that one of a kind invitation, wedding dress or bridesmaid dress with an emphasis on pink bridesmaid dresses [http://www.pinkbridesmaiddressesblog.com] and how to work with varying colors, shapes and styles for the happy couple's special day. For more information for that one of a kind dress, visit [http://www.pinkbridesmaiddressesblog.com].

Sample Wedding Invitations: Secrets to Creating Your Own Wedding Invitation Samples

Creating wedding invitations used to be unheard of in the past. Most brides chose the traditional route of picking a design, a font and an "out of the box" invitation with a little wording changed here and there. But today, it is not only possible to create a beautifully crafted hand-made invitation that rivals any professionally printed one, but a very accepted way of doing things especially in today's rough economical climate. Creating sample wedding invitations before you push the button is a great way to not only see the end result before you jump, but gives you the freedom to experiment while you are searching for that perfect invitation.

Now depending on whether you choose to create your invitation from scratch or create it using one of the many on-line sites which allow you to pick and choose your design, fonts and paper stock, doing it yourself is a great option for today's bride. By creating some samples first, you will be able to show them to friends and relatives to get some opinions before you make a decision.

Creating samples goes a long way in alleviating the biggest stress factor of all when planning any event. The "unknown" factor. Having a sample in hand gives you the assurance that the final product will be exactly what you expected with no surprises. And no bride wants the wrong type of "surprises" on her journey. The following are some secrets and quick tips to creating your own sample wedding invitations.

Word processing program. Essential if you plan on creating your own invitations from scratch. Word is the most universally known and works extremely well. Open office is also a free software which works great. It might be a little more quirky than word but overall for the price it can't be beat. Most software applications have downloadable templates for wedding invitations. Simply browse through the selection of templates and pick a few favorites so you can take a look at different styles. There are also many on-line sites which have templates that can be downloaded free of charge.

Pick a Card Stock. Decide on the type of card stock and buy a small quantity first to be sure it works well with your printer. If you are opting for layers or can't decide on the color, then buy a small quantity in the different colors just to get an idea of how each will look. Go small when making samples. The whole idea here is to find what you want before you spend. Be sure to use the same stock grade that you plan on using for your invite so you get a true picture of the look and feel of the invitation.

Decide on printing. Since you are creating wedding invitation samples, it is a good idea to be sure you have a high quality printer. Most invitations and card stock work well with home printers but some card stock is too heavy and should be professionally printed. By printing them off at home first you will get a much better idea of how the paper stock works with your printer. If you don't have a good quality printer, then you can always print a sample copy on plain white paper and take it to a local printer and have them duplicate the invitation on various stocks. The standard wedding invitation size is 8 1/2 x 11 but choose whatever size suits your tastes.

Final Touches. If your invitation is folded, then fold your invitation and trim away any excess. Embellish each invitation differently adding your own personal touches to each so you get a good idea of which ones look best.

Creating your own sample wedding invitations is a great way to get a glimpse into the style and type of wedding invitation which will look best for your affair without spending a small fortune up front. Eliminating the "unknown" factor will go a long way in reducing the stress and anxiety that comes with planning a wedding and will ensure that your invitation will be exactly what you had envisioned.

Anne Reese is a Consultant passionate about helping couples reduce stress and help take the guesswork out of do it yourself wedding invitation kits by providing some basic information on cost, choices and where the best places are to find that one of a kind invitation for the happy couple's special day. For more information on where to find the best kits, DIY invitations, designs, wording and etiquette, visit http://www.weddinginvitation-kits.com/.

Wedding Invitation Kits: How to Properly Stuff and Address Your Envelopes

Wedding Invitation Kits are a great way to express yourself by designing and creating your own invitation from selecting the font to adding the final personal touches. Once you have put your heart and soul into every last detail of the invite, there is still one final step that needs to be done. Assembling and stuffing the invitation. Assembling and stuffing the invitation may seem like a trivial part of the process but it is a very important step in the completion of the invitation. In fact, if you've made it this far, the next few steps should not be that difficult and should go smoothly.

1. Addressing the envelopes. Addressing the envelopes is the first step in the final process. It is important to note that the envelopes need to be addressed before stuffing as any writing may bleed through the envelope onto the invitation or indentations may form on the actual invitation if it is inside the envelope when addressing.

The outer envelope should include your return address, either on the front of the envelope in the upper left hand corner or on the back flap of the envelope. Formal titles such as Mr., Mrs., and Dr. should be used. Once the outer envelope has been addressed, you can then address the smaller inner envelope. On the smaller inner envelope you will want to use the first names of the guests invited such as Aunt Katie, Uncle Rob and Family. If the guest is single, then you can write their name plus guest, i.e., "Janine and guest."

2. Assembling the Insertions. One of the more popular ways to assemble insertions is in order of size. Insertions can include the reply or rsvp card, reception card, response envelope, map, directions or any other incidentals you want to include with the invitation. Start by placing the largest insert on the bottom facing upwards and then place the insertions on top of the invitation. Since wedding invitation kits are typically one sheet of paper, it is a good idea to place a piece of tissue over the wording and between the invitation and the inserts to keep the wording from being exposed. The tissue will not only work functionally by covering the wording but will add a touch of elegance and class to the invitation.

3. Stuffing the envelopes. It is very important to note when stuffing the envelopes that the first thing you want your guests to see when they open your invitation is the front of the invite, not the back. When using an inner envelope, be sure to place the invitation and the insertions into this envelope being careful to keep the writing on top facing the flap. Do not tuck or seal the inner envelope. Next, place the inner envelope (unsealed and untucked) into the outer envelope with the writing towards the flap. Once the inner envelope is placed properly into the outer envelope, you can seal the outer envelope with a dampened sponge. If you are using a seal, apply it once you have closed and sealed the outer envelope. Add stamps and head to the post office.

Creating your own beautiful invitations with wedding invitation kits is a great, budget friendly option to the traditional invitations. Assembling and stuffing your invitations is a step often overlooked but a very important final step as the invitation is the first glimpse into your wedding day most guests will see.

Make it as memorable as the special day you are about to experience.

Anne Reese is a Consultant passionate about helping couples reduce stress and help take the guesswork out of do it yourself Wedding Invitation Kits by providing some basic information on cost, choices and where the best places are to find that one of a kind invitation for the happy couple's special day. For more information on where to find the best kits, diy invitations, designs, wording and etiquette, visit http://www.weddinginvitation-kits.com/.

Pink Bridesmaid Dresses: How to Choose the Right Color

There is such an array of beautiful colors today when choosing bridesmaid dresses. With so many choices, it can sometimes be a little overwhelming when it comes time to pick the perfect color for your bridesmaids. If your bridal party is small, then the choices may not be as daunting, but the larger the party, the larger your choice becomes and the more difficult it becomes to pick a color that looks good on everyone. For instance, if pink is your theme, pink bridesmaid dresses may not be suitable for everyone so a little tweak here and there may be needed to keep everyone happy and looking their best.

The following are some great tips for choosing a color that both compliments your bridesmaids and their individuality and is the perfect match for the theme of your wedding.

Time of Year and Time of Day This is one the most important driving factors of your choice. A summertime light and breezy color does not always work in the fall and vice versa. The time of day also is a deciding factor. Be cognizant of the bridemaids shape, sizes and coloring. For instance, solid pink bridesmaid dresses will not always work on certain skin tones.

Opting for different shades within the same color family or mixing and matching two contrasting colors is a great way to change it up a bit and works with any season. Also, adding embellishments of silver to pink or conversely pink to silver will work well on different bridesmaids. It is like an all in one fix where one color may not do the trick but the other makes up for the deficiencies and is a perfect solution.

Type of Affair Is your wedding going to be casual, formal or a beach destination wedding? Lighter pastel shades work well for casual weddings where the darker, richer hues such as black or deep hunter green work with more formal affairs.

If you are going casual but it is a nighttime affair, then using contrasting colors of both light and dark will work well for any affair. Layering chocolate-brown with pink is a great way to add richness yet keeping it lighter with pink shading.

If it is a destination wedding, then let your imagination run wild. Most colors work well, but like the destination, if it is tropical then think tropical and choose colors that fit into that theme. Nighttime or daytime, when it is a destination or tropical wedding, the location drives the choices.

The final word on bridesmaid dresses. Choose a color that you both like and works with your theme. If you don't like it, it doesn't matter how good it looks on your bridesmaids and what time of year or day it is, you will never be happy.

After all, it is your day. Hopefully, this will be the most memorable and wonderful day of your life. You need to be happy and satisfied with the choices you make. It is necessary to take everything into account and make decisions based on all factors.

Take your time and enjoy every moment of your planning process. Make your day one to remember forever; in a good way.

Anne Reese is a Consultant passionate about helping couples reduce stress and help take the guesswork out of your wedding day by providing some basic information on cost, choices and where the best places are to find that one of a kind invitation, wedding dress or bridesmaid dress with an emphasis on pink bridesmaid dresses [http://www.pinkbridesmaiddressesblog.com] and how to work with varying colors, shapes and styles for the happy couple's special day. For more information for that one of a kind dress, visit [http://www.pinkbridesmaiddressesblog.com].

Wedding Invitation Kits - Do it Yourself Wedding Invitation Kits

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You found your soul mate and now you are on your way to planning your wedding day together. There is so much to get done and so much to plan for that sometimes it can all seem overwhelming. One of the most important decisions you will make when planning will be your wedding invitation. But it seems that most couples overlook one of the easiest and most affordable options to a wedding invitation - do it yourself wedding invitation kits.

In today's economy it can be a struggle to plan for such an important day. Sometimes a couple is forced to cut back and forgo some of the frills that they ordinarily would have included when planning. But with do it yourself wedding invitation kits, there is no need to cut back on quality or quantity.

Actually, there has never been a better time to create your own wedding invitations. That's right - create. With a wedding invitation kit you have the ability to create your own designs, calligraphy fonts, wording for a fraction of the cost of a traditional invitation but without the hassles of doing everything on your own.

Wedding invitation kits come in a wide variety of choices, from very formal (complete seal and send invitations to handmade, cotton papers) to very casual. There are beautiful printable sheets to rich, blend luxurious card stock. Depending on how much you do yourself and how much time you have, it is actually possible to create a beautiful, personalized invitation that looks like you paid a professional a pretty penny to create.

Some things to consider before you get started include determining the theme of your wedding. Remember, you want your invitation to reflect the theme of your wedding and with do it yourself wedding invitation kits you have more flexibility with creativity.

If your wedding is formal, then be sure your invitations reflect that theme. Engraved black, gold or silver text against a white or cream background. With a formal invitation there should be no graphics. Many times blotter tissue is often used for a touch of elegance and the wording should be on the right, inside fold of the invitation.

With a casual wedding, your creative juices can flow more freely. Since it less formal, just about anything goes. A handcrafted card on heavy, cream colored paper with a sheet of tissue paper is often times sufficient. For a more personalized touch, add a photograph or hand write each card individually depending on your skills with calligraphy.

Let your imagination take over - create an artful design, add a poem. Do it yourself wedding invitation kits are not only less expensive, but they allow your wedding to more accurately reflect your vision and your theme - the sky is the limit with creativity.

Keep in mind, that although the cost of doing it yourself is considerably cheaper, the quality of your invitation does not suffer. With wedding invitation kits, you can find everything you need in one kit for an amazing value. All you do is complete the design on your computer, run it through your printer (or, if you prefer, take them to a local printing shop like Kinko's and have them do the printing). Either way, your wallet will thank you but your guests will never know the difference. In fact, the end result will not only be just as beautiful and professional looking, but will reflect who you are as a couple better than any "off the rack" version will do.

Wedding invitation kits can be found at your local department stores, but the best options for finding deals without sacrificing value is on-line. Do a search for wedding invitation kits and start shopping. Your options are greater on line and many times so is the value. Plus you already have enough running around to do for your wedding day, so why not shop on line, make a selection and have it delivered right to your door without ever leaving your house.

Do it yourself wedding invitation kits can be a beautiful presentation and window into your magical day together. They are not only inexpensive, but with a little creativity and smart shopping your savings can be amazing. Saving money no longer means sacrificing value.

This is your special and magical day. Make it even more special by planning together and working together to create the ultimate invitation of your dreams.

Anne Reese is a Consultant passionate about helping couples reduce stress and save time and money while planning for their special day. Interests include reading, writing, fine wines and spending time with family. Strong love of family.

Wedding Invitation Kits

Wedding Invitation Kits - 4 Quick and Easy Steps for the Perfect Wedding Invitation Text

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Wedding Invitation Kits are a great way to save time and money and enable the happy couple to create their own unique theme based invitation with their personal stamp on it. But trying to choose the right wording or text for an invitation is often the trickiest part, especially when certain circumstances create those "sticky" situations.

So what are some of the ways to get around this "stickiness" and what wording should be included on a wedding invitation? Below are some easy tips to create the perfect invitation for any situation.

1. Adults Only Wedding and Reception. Ugh. This one is always a no win situation right? Not necessarily. If approached correctly, it could not only end up being a win-win, but might actually leave no "hard feelings" in its wake. One tried and true method for communication is not necessarily the invitation, but rather word of mouth. Gently (or as tactfully as possible) mention that your affair is going to be a more formal and fancy "cocktail" themed affair. If you are not comfortable that this message will resonate with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bob (who have 5 children between them) then send a small, personalized note along with the invitation explaining the reasons for this decision. You could say it is for financial or budgetary reasons, the type of affair, etc.

Or, if you have a more direct type personality, simply word the invitation directly with something like "the reception and wedding are adult only affairs". This is pretty black and white and to the point. Doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for misinterpretation.

2. Required Text. What should all be included on the wedding invitation? Well, the right and wrong protocols are a little muddy due to the constantly changing landscape of today's family. With divorced, remarried, single and widowed parents, a more free form method of choosing the wording comes into play. Most invitations today allow for informal or personal touches which is a great way to express yourself as a couple and wedding invitation kits are the perfect option for allowing you to be as formal or as casual as you like when creating your wedding invitation text.

But some things absolutely need to be on the invitation the most important being the wedding date including:
a) When (date and time);
b) Where (ceremony and reception location) along with a map card. If you have a wedding website, do a dry run a few days before the wedding to check for detours, roadblocks, construction or any other possible bumps that would interfere with the timing of your affair. Then simply post an update on your site so your guests can quickly check in and keep informed of any last minute problems.

3. Formal Invitations. There are certain rules of etiquette which should be followed when wording a formal invitation. Write out the full names along with the middle names (if they have one). Do not use middle initials. It is better to leave off the middle name entirely rather than use an initial. If you want to keep it very formal, then use the "Queens English" when spelling out words such as "honour" and "favour". Also, be sure to spell out everything including times, dates, addresses, hours, etc. Use Roman Numerals for names such as Robert Johnson, II.

4. Religious vs. Non Religious or Casual Ceremonies. For a religious ceremony, it is always good etiquette to say "request the honour (honor) of your presence". For a non-religious or more casual ceremony you could simply say "request the pleasure of your company".

Regardless of which wedding invitation kits and text you choose, the important thing to remember is have fun and keep it stress free. Everything falls into place in the end so be sure to take it all in and enjoy every moment.

Anne Reese is a Consultant passionate about helping couples reduce stress and help take the guesswork out of do it yourself wedding invitation kits by providing some basic information on cost, choices and where the best places are to find that one of a kind invitation for the happy couple's special day. For more information on where to find the best kits, diy invitations, designs, wording and etiquette, visit http://www.weddinginvitation-kits.com/.