Are you pinning?

Are you looking for inspiration for your wedding day? Have you joined the millions are other people that are pinning? I'm talking about Pinterest. Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that you can collect all of the pictures that you want to organize. It's so much better than carrying around a heavy binder with clippings of photos from everywhere. Be sure to visit our page on Pinterest. Feel free to start following us!

Wedding Guest List 101

One of the first things that you should tackle in your wedding planning process is your guest list. You should consider what family, friends, and coworkers that you want to invite. Your fiance will also have people that he will want to invite. Let's not forget both sets of parents will remind you of people that you must include. Before you know it, you have a huge guest list.
Your guest list is very important because it determines everything from the number of invitations, place cards, and guest favors that you order to the size of the room and number of tables and chairs that need to be reserved. The more tables and chairs you need, the more linens and centerpieces you will need as well. Your guest list also determines the amount of food, beverages, and staff you must pay for to have happy guests.
Some people choose to have two guest lists. The first list is the must invite list. Those close family members and friends that you can not see celebrating one of the most important days of your life without. The second group are people that you would like to attend if someone from the first list is unable to make it. This method works well for many people. Use whatever system works best for you and your family so that you will have an enjoyable day.

Ways to Cut Wedding Costs (Tip #2)

I wanted to share with you another great way to save money on your wedding during the recession. But this is a great tip to use no mater what the economy is doing. Think about having your wedding on an off peak day! Saturday is the standard wedding day for most people so naturally it is the most expensive day to rent space for a wedding. However wedding venues do offer discounts if you choose to have your wedding on a Friday or Sunday though. You could save some money, be a little creative at the same time, and still have the wedding of your dreams!

Ways to Cut Wedding Costs (Tip # 1)

Let me start by saying that your wedding planner can give you wonderful tips on how to save money on your wedding. That being said, I will share with you a great way to save a ton of money on your wedding. Cut down on your guest list!
Between your list of people you want to invite, your fiance's list, and both sets of parent's lists, before you know it your guest list is huge. What you can do is separate the guests into two lists. List A can be the people you absolutely have to invite. List B can be the list of people you want to invite if you can.
A great way to look at your guest list is to consider what inviting each person includes. For every person that you invite it means an invitation, a program, a meal, a few drinks, a slice of cake, a rented chair for the ceremony, a rented chair for the reception, and a guest favor at the very least. If you cut your guest list by 8-10 people, you just saved yourself a rented table, 8-10 rental chairs, rented linen for that table, a centerpiece, food and beverage for 8-10 people, invitations, programs, and favors for them!
Cutting your guest list may also allow you to rent a smaller less expensive reception room and cut down on the staff needed to be hired. So even though your mom may want you to invite your second cousin, if you have not seen or heard from them in several years, think about the cost vs. the savings of inviting them. Happy planning!

Setting Your Wedding Goals

Congratulations on your engagement! Now what? You have some big decisions ahead of you. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track.

#1 Hire a professional wedding planner to assist you in this process. A wedding planner can help you find the best venues and vendors to fit your needs. She can assist you with creating a timeline and budget, selecting invitations, photographer, flowers, cakes, linen, transportation, lodging, and much more.

#2 The earlier you get started, the better. So don't procrastinate.

#3 Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Be honest with yourself about what you and your family's financial comfort zone is.

#4 Include the groom in decisions. It is his day too.

#5 Once you have decided on your wedding gown, flowers or cake, stop looking in wedding magazines for more ideas.

#6 Remember that it is really about what happens after "I do." Don't loose sight of that.

#7 On your wedding day, relax and enjoy your day!