Backyard Wedding Tips

   A backyard wedding you say? Whether you are trying to save on your budget, looking for an earth-friendly place to have your wedding or just have a really great backyard (or a friend's that you can use), having a backyard wedding can be a more intimate place to hold your ceremony. So here are a few tips to help you out in your decision.


Consider the Space
   Your backyard may be a fantastic backdrop, out there are limitations to the number of guests you can have. May sure this plan is realistic for the space you have. There will need to be plenty of room for chairs and tables. And a spot for dancing, if you choose. Also consider how many bathrooms are available to accommodate everyone.


Equipment 
   Stuff. Yes you will need to consider all the stuff that you will need for your wedding. I'm not talking about the dress and cake. You will need to budget for rental of chairs and tables, linens and buffet tables and a sound system.  Factor in these costs before you start to plan. You will also need to consider electricity and accessibility to it. You may also need a generator. So after all these items are factored in - it may be cheaper to book someplace else that can provide all this.


Food and Drinks
   Handling food and drinks can often be a cost-saving. But many couples will find a day that goes much smoother if they hire a caterer to handle all the food preparation, service and clean up. 


Weather
   Your backyard may be filled with awesome flowers in the spring, but does it rain often that time of year? Weather is always a factor to consider when planning an outdoor event. Make sure you have a backup plan just in case Mother Nature has a different idea. (I have been to a few weddings when there was no Plan B. And finding a tent big enough in the 11th hour for 100 guests was impossible. - I was left standing in the rain with a kind guest holding an umbrella so I could get some good images.)  And I know it sounds funny - but be careful of the sun. You want to be sure that the sun isn't going to blind your wedding guests or you while you are saying your 'I do's'.  Offering your guests sunscreen and paper umbrellas are a great way to help protect your guests and add a little style at the same time.

Pets and Pests
  If you are planning a wedding at your home, it's important to consider your furry friends and what all this commotion will do to them. If they are people lovers and good with guests and the social scene, then having them at your party is up to you. If, however, they are not, it may be a good idea to make arrangements for a quieter place for them to hang for the day. Also if your four-legged friends are staying - don't forget to have someone feed & walk them at their usual time. This will help keep them on some type of schedule and lessen the chance for unwanted accidents or misbehavior. (You may also want to consider your neighbors pets. The last thing you want is your neighbors dog howling during your wedding vows. See 'Permission below'.)
  Be aware. Often outdoors equals bugs. Make sure you have considered this in your plans. You may want to have citronella candles and bug spray on hand if necessary.


Permission
   You should also check with your local government or complex association to make sure there won't be any issues with noise ordinances and parking. The last thing you want is the neighbors calling the cops on your party. Speaking of which,  it would be a great idea to let your neighbors know what you are planning.  You can even invite them over for a drink at the reception as a nice gesture.


Clean Up
  Yes, having a party at your house means that you or someone you designate will have to clean up the mess.  Often if you have rented your equipment, the service company will provide delivery/pick up (make sure you know that up front.) And caterers should also be in charge of cleaning up after their service. But don't forget all the little things that will need to be done once those big items are gone. Someone will need to be in charge of all the miscellaneous cleaning before (including lawn maintenance) and after the wedding. So unless you want to do it yourself or have a trusted friend, you may want to consider adding a cleaning service to your budget.


I love outdoor weddings!  Happy planning! Need some inspirations?Here are a few other articles to help:
Wedding Budget Worksheet
Garden Themed Wedding on Etsy.com
Inspiration: Garden Theme Cake
Real Wedding: Beth & Joe's DIY Wedding

Planning A Destination Wedding

Deciding to plan your wedding in a foreign location can be a really fun way to celebrate your special day. But where do you begin? Here are a few simple tips to help you get started.


Regulations
  OK I know this is starting off with the nitty-gritty.  But this is all something that will need to be considered when planning and budgeting for a destination wedding. So here goes, let's get this out of the way. Every state/country/island has their own requirements and licenses that are necessary to be legitimately married there. To check out some of the latest regulations at your destination of choice visit LoveTripper.com  And be sure to follow up to determine if there is additional red tape once you are back in your home state/country that will need to be taken care of. (ie blood work tests & additional costs/fees) 


Weather
  Make sure you check the seasonal weather in the month you are planning to be wed.  You don't want to spend months planning your event only to have to deal with weather issues like hurricanes or extraordinary heat/cold. 
  Check out the local events. Make sure it's not spring break season as flights and hotels will be more expensive. 


Visit the Location
  As romantic as a destination wedding sounds, its always a good idea to add to your budget a plan to visit the location ahead of time. You don't want to show up a few days before your wedding with 50 guests in tow only to find that the photo on the resort's website is outdated or your dreamy resort is partly under construction.
   It is also a good idea to consider using a local event coordinator. They will be able to refer you to local vendors with whom they have worked with before and know how to get special deals for you and your guests on food and hotel. If they are familiar with working with out of towners (which should be one of your requirements) then all the better. They should be familiar with local customs, and speak both english and the local language. 
   When visiting, plan to meet with as many vendors as possible. It's always a good idea to see them face-to-face. You will feel better knowing who they are ahead of your big day. 


Budget
  Decide how much you and your fiance will be spending on your wedding. Stick to your budget. If you are spending more in one area, know that you will need to spend less in another area. Destination weddings are a great way to help trim your guest list and keep the budget in check. Just don't forget to pad the amount and add room for incidentals (forgotten tooth brush etc). Don't forget to ask about additional fees the hotel may have (ie transportation fees and departure taxes.) Check out special deals for dining and consider using local markets for picnic lunches and local restaurants not on the resort. (also be aware of the safety of the area. Some locales although beautiful at the resort are not safe for travel beyond.)
   Whenever possible, always use a credit card when traveling international. Credit cards shop for the best currency rates and can help save you money. And speaking of money - having all your money cash leaves too many opportunities for theft to occur. Credit cards, if lost or stolen can be replaced. 


Your Stuff
   Don't forget when planning everything out, that you will have to bring it all with you. So consider shipping some items ahead of you or buying things local. Special linens and paper goods that are nicer then the standard stock white linens the hotel offers can be easily shipped back and forth.
  Very important items like your dress, shoes and jewelry should be in your carry-on, to be sure of it's arrival. Having to replace your dress three days before your wedding day will cause more stress then having to forego fancy table linens. 


Guest List
  When planning your guest list, try to keep it simple.  You can't assume that because your wedding is far away that your guests will not come. Choosing a really great location is enticing for many guests to want to go so don't be surprised if they all show up.  (Plan on at least 70 percent to be coming).


Save-the-Date
  Mailing out your Save-the-Date cards six months in advance is a great idea. This will give your guests a chance to plan ahead their vacation time,  search out good deals & begin to budget for the trip.  


Who Pays
  Typically guests should expect to pay for their own travel expenses. But to help out your guests, pricing out airfare and hotel should be researched ahead of time for them to give an idea of what they could be spending.  Many hotels will allow for special rates if there is a chance they can book a block of rooms out. Call ahead to see if any of the local hotels can give you and your guests a deal. (Can't get the deal if you don't ask.) It's also a good idea to search out 3 different price points for your guests to choose from.  Be sure to check on the transportation arrangements. (IE if the hotel offers pick ups at the airport to hotel.)
  Also consider hiring a travel consultant if you are concerned with the logistics and finding great rates. (especially if you have guests traveling from different parts of the world.)
  While the guests are paying for their own travel arrangements, it is expected for the bride & groom to pay for tab for food and beverages. Having your wedding at an all-inclusive resort can help with the cost. 


Rehearsal Dinner  Questions
  Now normally, your entire wedding party is invited to your rehearsal dinner, but do you have to invite everyone else? In a destination wedding situation, it is proper etiquette to invite all your guests since they have traveled far to see you. This will have to be included in your budget if planning this.  But in the end, if this is not realistic for your budget, simply just invite the wedding party and your closest family to the dinner. But extending and invitation for cocktails after the dinner is a great way to keep your guests included and show your appreciation for coming.

Showers & Gifts 
  Inviting guests to your shower and not your wedding is considered very poor etiquette. But the exception to the rule is the destination wedding. Just be sure that the person planning the event/shower politely informs your guests that the actual wedding is a very intimate affair and only a small number of people will be attending. 
  When planning your gift registration, be sure to leave out that information in your invitations. Instead assign a family member or someone in the bridal party to help spread the word. Also know that guests may not want to bring the glassware they bought all the way to another country and worry about how you will get it back.  Expect to receive gifts delivered to your home instead. 


Special Thanks
  Make sure to show your guests how much you appreciate them travelling and giving up vacation time to be at your wedding day. It's always a good idea to have a special party favor that they can cherish.  Also if everyone is staying at the same hotel, arranging a special gift basket at the front desk at check-in is a great way to start off their trip! Creating a themed welcome basket to have in their rooms for arrival including maps, coupons and  a list of local activities available will get things started off for an event they will never forget!


Have fun!
   Things may not all go exactly as planned. Things can happen. But staying positive and having a great energy will allow your guests to do the same. The wedding day is about you and your fiance and not the color of the flowers or the appetizer that wasn't quite what you ordered.  Just roll with it. You will be laughing about that on the plane ride home.

Do I have to invite them?

So you want to plan an intimate wedding with your closest family & friends and don't know who you have to invite.  

Distant Relatives
  If you have not heard from your dad's distant cousin since you were seven years old, it's not likely she will be upset if you do not invite her.  But if your great aunt remembers your birthday every year, it's usually a good idea to invite her.

Work Colleagues
  You may spend about fifty hours a week sitting across the office from them, but do you really want them at your wedding? And if you invite one do you have to invite them all? You can feel relived to know that you don't have to. But the few who have become a part of your outside world, you may want to consider. If someone at the office asks why they were not invited, just let her know that you just couldn't invite everyone you hoped to & you still value her friendship. 

Single Guests & a Date
  Do you have to invite a +1 for your single friends?  The shortest answer is no. But excluding someone that means a lot to a friend may end up with hurt feelings. So if you only have a handful of single friends, it is always a nice gesture to allow them to bring a guest. This is especially true if your friends are traveling from out of town. 

Children
   If you do not include the name of the children on the invitation, you guests should know that kids are not invited. But if you have family or friend that you know may show up with kids in tow, don't be afraid to take a passive-aggressive approach. Simply call to let them know that several other guests have called to ask about children and you wanted to let them know. 

Inspiration Love

Why not use those symbols and colors all around you as inspiration for your wedding day? 

Heart carved into the rock at the ocean cliffs. 

Wedding Budget Worksheet

I just found an awesome downloadable worksheet that can help brides-to-be keep there budgets on track. Go to Real Simple to download your copy!

When Do I Book My Vendors? Pt4

Fourth Wedding Planning Timeline

How exciting! You are almost there! And it may feel overwhelming right now. But hopefully you have been following the planning tips and previous wedding planning schedule - and are right on time.

Month Before

* Get your marriage license. This process differs depending on your county and state. 

* Have your 3rd dress fitting.  You may also want to schedule this the week before for peace of mind unless your dress fits perfectly at this 3rd fitting

* Enter your RSVP's into you guest list database. Don;t be afraid to call those who you have not heard from.

* Mail out the rehearsal dinner invites.

* Order the alcohol. Since your headcount is complete, you can have an accurate order.

* Mail out your final payments to vendors. You don't want to be worrying about making payments the week or day of. 

* Confirm your hair and makeup appointments.

* Get your hair cut and colored if necessary.

* Send out the directions to all those who are drivers of the wedding party and family. Rented cars, chauffeurs will have time to organize their route.

* Organize a seating chart. Make this chart first on a board & guest names on sticky notes. This way you can move them around until you have a completed arrangement.

* Write your vows! If you are choosing to write your own vows - now is a great time to do it. Don't wait until the night before! 

Week of

* Send the final guest count to your caterer and the venue coordinator & your personal coordinator. Most venue need to know this 72 hours before your wedding.

* Delegate smaller wedding tasks to your wedding party and friends. IE who will carry the flowers from the church to the reception, who will bustle the dress, who is in charge of gifts, and someone to hand out tips to your vendors. (If you hired a coordinator, they also may be able to handle some of the smaller details depending on what you agreed on.)

* Confirm the arrival time with all your vendors if they haven't called you to check in.

* Make arrangements to pick up or have delivered your dress.

* Wear your wedding day shoes around to help break them in. Try to dance in them! 

* Check in with your photographer on the list of important photographs and family members

* Organize tips for your vendors to be given out day-of

* Book a massage or spa treatment, manicure etc to help you relax

* Assemble your welcome baskets for out-of-town guests

* Confirm your honeymoon arrangements & pack for your trip.

For other monthly planning tasks to help keep you on schedule:

 Sixteen to Nine Months

Eight Months

Seven to Six Months

Five to Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

Month Before

Week of Your Wedding

When Do I Book My Vendors? Pt3

A continuation on this weeks tip: Wedding Planning Timeline

Three Months 

* Finalize the flowers and the menu. (Season choices will help keep down the cost)

* Finalize your schedule. Make sure you know the timeline of your ceremony and reception.

* Now is a good time to send this timeline to your vendors. Giving them a preview of the schedule will allow them to suggest changes for a better flow.

* Make your list of all the people giving readings at the ceremony and speeches at the reception. 

* Print your programs and menus. (You can choose to make something simple on your home computer if this is not within your stationary budget.)

* Order or make your favors. This is where you can be creative. (See our latest DIY favors/placement cards art project)

* Have your second dress fitting. Purchase your undergarments. (Save the cut-off fabric from your dress! This can be used creatively as a wrap for your flowers or another decorative detail. IE a small bag.)

* Buy your rings! Doing this now will allow time for resizing.

Two Months

* Meet with your DJ/band. This is the time to review the playlist. Now remember, you cannot dictate every song that is played. But you can suggest nicely that the band or DJ pick up a few songs not in their normal playlist.

* Meet with your photographer. If you like, schedule a walk-thru and suggest locations for photographs.

* Touch base with all your vendors about the schedule. You can do this via a quick phone call, or schedule a lunch for them to all meet up at. 

* Submit your wedding announcement to the newspaper. (Check with the publication about the photograph used as some have strict rules about this)

* Send your invitations! Mailing your invitations now allows for guest to make travel arrangements if necessary.  Set your RSVP for roughly 3 weeks after the postmarked date.

* Enjoy your bachelorette party! Feel free to suggest this idea to your friends if they haven't mentioned it. They will want to celebrate your upcoming-big day too!

For other monthly planning tasks to help keep you on schedule:

 Sixteen to Nine Months

Eight Months

Seven to Six Months

Five to Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

Month Before

Week of Your Wedding

Wedding Inspiration of the Day: DIY Seating Place Cards

Spring is bloom! And the celebrate, here is a little bit of inspiration from Mother Nature!

This is a very easy DIY project! If you are not the crafty type - no worries! This is so easy!  You will only need to following supplies:

Hot Glue Gun (with glue sticks)

A pair of Paper Edging Scissors (approx. $2 ea)

12x12"  Scrapbooking paper ($.89 to $2 per sheet)

A few sheets of heavy weight printer paper 8.5x11"(I suggest buying an off-white or textured paper)

Fresh, dried or fake flowers (depending how far in advance you want to make these)

Roll on Tape  (roughly $3)

Box of Toothpicks (at any grocery store $.89)

Spanish Moss ($1.25 - $4 depending on quantity needed)

Small 2" flower pots (found on Ebay for $.99/ bulk also available)

A printer available for printing heavier weight papers

(Note most of these supplies can be purchased at www.createforless.com)

First Step: I designed a quick spread sheet using Microsoft Excel. Each column I made 2"Wx1.25"H.  I choose a font that I liked (or in your case matches you wedding theme/stationary.)  You can take the guest list information directly from your RSVP list so you know how many you will be making.  (Don't forget to select the option for 'Border-Type'  in your formatting palette so you have a cut-guide). Print on the heavy-weight  printer paper.  Ok so the hardest part is done!

Second Step: Use the edging scissors (available in all sorts of patterns), cut on the inside of your guide line. Then measure and cut the patterned paper (3"Wx 2.25"H). Use the roll-on tape to adhere the two pieces of paper together.

Third Step: Having your hot glue gun ready, use a small dab to glue the toothpick to the back of your paper. Rotate the toothpick in a circle so that the glue blob is all around the toothpick.

Fourth Step: Loosely stuff some of your spanish moss into your pot. If you are concerned about the moss staying in the pot, you can always place a little dab of hot glue into the sides of the pot near the bottom.

Fifth Step: Place your now dry card-on-toothpick into your pot.  And Whaalaah! you are done!

You can also choose to use live plants, succulents or fresh herbs instead of fake potted plants. And then your placement card becomes a favor to your guests as well!

If you have any questions about this DIY project or have ideas of your own you would like to share, please email me at ArtfulBride@gmail.com .

When Do I Book My Vendors? Pt2

Seven to Six Months

* Begin to organize your wedding day timeline. For example, what time will the cake cutting be? (Don't forget to include when you expect your vendors to be on site.)

* This is the time you will want to select your invitation design & get your order out to the calligrapher.

* Mail out your Save-the-Dates.

* Meet with your officiant to map out the ceremony and organize all the official documents you will need. (This varies on the county and religion. A counseling session may also be required.)

* Book your florist.

* Time to get the girls together to shop for your bridesmaids gowns.

* Book your transportation for your day of. (limo or buses, classic cars, shuttles etc.)

* Book any additional necessities for your location. IE lighting components, portable toilets etc.

* Start Planning your honeymoon! You will find better deals available by booking airfare and hotels in advance.

Five to Four Months

* Check in on your wedding invitations. Request your samples & make any revisions necessary.

* Shop for your shoes and have your first dress fitt

ing. Don't forget to bring the shoes so the length of your gown can be determined.

* Time to order the cake! Test 3 different bakers. Be aware that some bakers require more of a lead time then others.

* Compile your song list to coordinate with the events of the day.

* Book your rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner plans.

* Find your hairdresser and makeup artist. Make a few appointments to try out a few on days when you have plans out. This will be a good test to see if the style lasts. And be sure to take a snapshot of the do & makeup for the wedding day.

* Plan out the goodies you will be including in your welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

* Forward your guest list to your bridal shower planner.

For other monthly planning tasks to help keep you on schedule:

 Sixteen to Nine Months
Eight Months
Seven to Six Months
Five to Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

Month Before

Week of Your Wedding

How long should an engagement be?

The average couple in America is engaged for 16 months, according to ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants).  But whatever length of time you choose, the planning process is comprised of two major categories - the booking of vendors and the final coordination of the day & its details.  And there are pros and cons with a short engagement or a long one.

Long Engagement

The advantages of having a longer engagement (over a year) really only occur if you get a jump start on your planning. Having a longer engagement means you can basically have first pick of your favorite vendors, since many popular contractors are booked well in advance. And booking over a year in advance will also allow you to book the venues in the month that you and your fiance desire. Once your vendors are booked, you will have a nice stretch of time in the middle for non-wedding planning free time. You will also have more time to save for a few extras and custom details you may want to add.  That being said, you have more time to rethink your options and may end up spending more money to change previous decisions. 

Short Engagement

A short engagement also means a less time to plan.  The two parts, booking and organizing, become condensed into one timeframe. You will generally find yourself concentrated on the four different items that your guests will notice the most. This list includes, the wedding gown, food, entertainment and decorations. Many smaller customized details will be left out . (ie monogrammed hand towels - that honestly your guest won't remember anyway.) And since these extra details are generally left out, this will help save on your budget (or allow you to deligate that money to another area).  If you choose a shorter engagement, it is very important to write a detailed list of all the components that are most important to your wedding day. Start with the absolute must-haves and work your way down to the little extras. Be realistic on your timeframe & always overestimate the time it takes to have that task completed. IE Do you really have enough time to have a custom gown made? 

So whichever you & your fiance choose, remember to stick to your budget, be realistic on the time frame (by over estimating on both) Your engagement should be an exciting time and not a stressful one. So if finishing school exams collides with the wedding day then it may be best to push the date back. Or if you just can't wait to be married to your best friend - then go for it! And remember have fun!  

When Do I Book My Vendors? Pt1

   I had the pleasure of a surprise visit this past weekend from some out-of-town friends.  And was delighted to hear that they have become engaged!  And being only engaged for a few days, they are truly at the beginning stage of their wedding day.  After chatting for some time, we came around to the topic of when should to book the vendors.  And then I thought - What a great topic for the blog!!  So many brides-to-be have no idea where to begin. This will after all be one of the biggest events you will ever plan. But not to worry! It's important to stay organized.  If you are not the 'organized type', do not fret! Thats why the Artful Bride is here!  Below is generally the order you should be prepared to book vendors and complete the tasks of planning. 

1.  Start with your budget! Decide how much is within your means.( For more info read here). Who is helping you with the bills? And by what means are they contributing? (financially, with their time and/or expertise)

2.  How much time do you have?  Do you want a short or long engagement? (Read more about the pros and cons to length of engagement here).

3.  How elaborate an event do you want? (guest number, attire style etc)

Ok so once the 3 big questions have been answered, you are ready to move on the the task of planning out your calendar. I am going to assume for all intents and purposes that you are planning with 16 months ahead of you. (Shorter engagements will obviously require condensing this time frame.)

Sixteen to Nine Months

* Start an inspiration binder! In hear you will place you tear outs of inspirations, whether it be color schemes, flowers, dress ideas, decorations, magazines and food.

* Work out the budget. Determine what you need, then what you want. Determine the amount of time it will take to achieve these details.

* Your guest list. This is a good time to write up a list with columns  that include name, contact info, rsvp, gift and anything else that is important.  And remember cutting down on your guest list will help you save the most money.

* Book your venue! This is when you will need to decide if your ceremony & reception will be in the same location.  Your schedule for the day needs to take into consideration the travel time between the locations. (remember if you are planning a city wedding to account for daily traffic.)

* This is also a great time to hire a planner.

* Choose your wedding party.

* Book your officiant

* Begin your research on photographers, bands, florists, and your caterer. (add these names to a vendor contact list once you begin to narrow them down)

* Throw your engagement party!

Eight Months

* Book your photographer & videographer.

* Book the entertainment

* Start meeting caterers if your location does not provide one. You will need to book this month or early next month. This is very important!

* Dress shopping! This way you have time for alterations & custom gown orders. (3 fittings is normal)

* Book hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Choose 3 different hotels so guests have a choice of price point.

* Start your wedding website!  You can create your site for free using the Wedding Channel.

Ok so now you can begin your planning.  I will continue posting your monthly schedule information over a series this week so as not to overwhelm you. Links will be available below as they are posted.

Sixteen to Nine Months

Eight Months

Seven to Six Months

Five to Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

Month Before

Week of Your Wedding!

And Congrats again to Matt & Emily!!