When should we send out the invitations?

The timing of all the invitations can get confusing: When do we send the invites? What comes first the bridal shower or wedding invites? When do we send out a save-the-date?

So here is some basic information to follow before placing a stamp on that envelope:

-Save-the-dates should go out between the 6-9 month period.

-Invitations should be ordered 6 months before the wedding. It does take time to create and produce the invitations, so plan ahead!

-The reply cut-off date for the wedding should be at least two weeks before the actual date. I would even suggest before that! You will always have those that will forget and will call after the RSVP date. Usually the reception site will need to know the final count one week beforehand. I would plan to have the RSVP date 3-4 weeks before.

-The send date for invites should be 6-8 weeks before the RSVP date for in-state guests and 10-12 weeks for those who are out of state.

-If you are having a bridal shower, be sure to send those invitations before the actual wedding invites. Guests may get confused or feel overwhelmed by the events. Remember that most guests will bring a gift to the bridal shower and the wedding - make sure to respect that and have time in between the events.


Simply Stating...don't rush the delivery, stay grounded and mail on time!

Simply Azure Getting Personal

It's been awhile since my last blog...

The last month brought some good things and some I wish hadn't had to happen, but both have helped me realize how crucial it is to find the things that are important to you and cherish them. It's very important to be happy and to appreciate things everyday. I have recently shared the joys of hiring a wedding planner by promoting my business, found that I love to help people get on a great skincare regimen, witnessed how family and friends came together to support a family where a bond had been tragically broken, grew an even stronger love for my boyfriend, and found a great appreciation for my family who were there to support and help me through all of these events.

I am very lucky to be able to realize the things I have and to be grateful for them. I hope that you are able to as well!


Simply Stating...take the time to cherish the important things in your life.

Welcome the Out-of-Towners!

I think great touches to a wedding/event are welcome gifts for those out-of-towners who have traveled so far to enjoy this special day with you.  A welcome gift could be anything that may represent you, the city you're from, or can be just full of necessities that they might need along the way.  I think making a basket or gift bag and then placing it in the hotel room before they arrive is a nice surprise!

Examples:
-gift cards to local restaurants or cafes
-water bottles
-parking passes for the parking garage in the city where the wedding is
-favorite cookies and candies
-picture of the couple or guest of honor
-fruit
-tickets to the zoo, museum, or movie theater where the couple had their first date
-flip flops and sunglasses for a beach wedding

The list can go on and on, however, never forget to add a little thank you note too!


         pic taken from devotiontodetail.com

Simply Stating...make the out-of-towners feel appreciated for traveling so far.

Do you tip your vendors?

Absolutely!   There are several vendors that it might be optional on but overall you want to be educated on what is the proper way to tip, which vendors are optional, and how much to tip.  Theknot.com offers a great cheat sheet to have handy during any event: http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/wedding-vendor-tipping-cheat-sheet.aspx?MsdVisit=1.

Be sure to check it out!

Simply Stating...give a thank you to those that helped make your event great!

Signature Events

It's really important when you are throwing an event to really embrace who the event is for. Make it a signature event by incorporating something that the guest of honor enjoys. For instance, the birthday party I planned in November, the guest of honor loved peacock feathers. We worked peacock feathers throughout the invites, napkin rings, and centerpieces.

Other ways you can make an event tailored could be:

Is there an instrument that the guest of honors enjoys?

-incorporate a live musician into the party

Is there an organization or charity that supports a cause that has affected the family?

-instead of party favors, make a donation to the organization or charity

Do they really love Chicago-based foods?

-offer Chicago dogs, italian beef, or deep dish pizza for dinner

Did they meet at a zoo?

-give tickets to the zoo as a party favor


Simply Stating...make it unique!

Hello all!

It's almost the new year and with that come new habits! I am starting a blog to offer helpful tips, ideas, and info for an elegant and easy event. At first, I plan to offer tips from trusted wedding publications and as Simply Azure Events grows, I hope to add more information from my own experiences! I am so passionate about this new venture in my life and have a great feeling for 2012, so let's make it a Simply Azure year!

Simply stating...let the new year begin!