My husband + I wanted a beautifully and thoughtfully decorated wedding - but we also wanted it to be ecologically responsible, economically reasonable and also represent 'us' [tall glass to fill!] The first of many decisions began with our save-the-date. Yes, there are tons of adorable and clever options out there (magnets, cookies, candles, etc); but rather than create excessive waste, we determined that every single person on our invite list (save for 5 people over the age of 80) had an e-mail address. We therefore sent out an electronic fyi (which was a huge hit) also serving double duty requesting mailing addresses for the formal invitation.
Easy steps to e-mail save-the-date:
(1) Craft a message that is personal - reflecting you as a team.
Include the necessary information:
- date
- location
- hotel information (if you have it)
- website (if you are doing that)
- address information (if you need it)
(2) Attach a photo - everyone loves to see the couple in a funny state [fortunately for me, i've known my guy since we were 12] If anyone on your list is insistent on prehistoric methods, they can print out the attachment + affix to their refrigerator. Here is a blank version for you to use if you'd like :
Also, you are welcome to use this MARRIAGE header + footer I created to frame the text of the e-mail:
Next, invitations! If you do not feel comfortable with complete DIY invitations, waisze and fubabee both offer options in customization (color, font + wording choices among others) in their ETSY shops.
Programs:
We wanted to explain the customs and traditions of our wedding, as well as highlight those participating. A very simple DIY solution (that doesn't involve bows, glue or much more than a paper cutter) is following this format:
(1) Chose 11x17 paper or card stock. Each sheet will yield 2 programs.
(2) Design your monogram or emblem, which will be placed on the far right. Make sure it is no wider than 1 inch. For example: Wedding of _____ & _____ with optional date and place - or just initials is also lovely.
(3) Design the text keeping in mind that you will be folding the paper 8 inches in from the left (therefore leave a gutter)
*Keep all of the above no taller than 5 inches from the top.
(4) Duplicate all of your top content directly below.
(5) Print / Copy just over half of the amount you anticipate needing.
(6) Cut every sheet in half lengthwise (hot dog - not hamburger) so that you are left with 2 pieces of 5.5 x 17
(7) Fold - not in half - but so that your names are visible on the right hand side.
This may seem simple, but really these are generally a throw-away (except for maybe your paternal grandmother) and super easy!
Cheers + Great Wishes!
- lisa
5 comments:
Very cool! Thanks for sharing, and that photo of you two as young 'uns is hilarious!
What a great idea! Love the directions at the bottom for the fridge and attendance...
How cute! I wish I had utilized digital resources more for my wedding. Several of my friends RSVP'ed online, but the relatives...not so much.
Love that picture of you two and the cutout can be used for all kinds of events. Thanks
I love that you emailed your save the date! I'm hoping that by the time I tie the knot, it will be totally kosher to email the actual invite. Heck, I might just take that route anyway.
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