Day #17 - The Single Guest Question

As a wedding planner, this a question I get all the time:
We want to invite several of our single friends to the wedding.  Do we have to give them the option of bringing a guest?

We here is my answer:
It's nice to allow your single guests to bring a date, but it is not required.  Decide on a case-by-case bases.  If your friend lives with their significant other, then it would be nice to allow them a guest.  If you single friend just started a budding relationship, consider your guest list and budget before allowing them to bring their new Boo.  And for those that you do not allow a guest, sit your single friends with people they know.  Don't create the dreaded "Singles Table".  It's usually the least talkative table at the reception. 

Trust me...you'll thank me later.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com

Really??? Postage Rates DECREASE!

Usually I'm writing a blog about postage rates increasing, but not this time.  As for 4/10/16, the First Class stamp has decreased from $.49 to $.47!!!  This is just in time for wedding season.  There have been a few additional changes.  Please see below:

The additional ounces of first-class letters will drop to $.2, from $.22.
International letters drop to $1.15, from $1.20.
Postcards drop from to $34, from $.35

Until next time...WEDologize!

Another Postage Increase!!!

As of May 31st, postage rates have increased again!  Out of the blue, too!!!  So if you have purchased your wedding stamps...you are going to need to visit the Post Office again.

The first class (1 ounce, metered mail) stamp will remain the same price of $.49.  This is the stamp used on most respond card envelopes.
BUT
For that additional ounce, the rate goes from $.21 to $.22.  This means, the $.70 stamp you purchase to mail most wedding invitations is no longer $.70 but now $.71.  And guess what, most Post Office do not have the $.71 stamp in stock yet :(  Also the $.34 post card stamp has now increased to $.35.

SO what does that mean for you?  Head back to your local Post Office and grab some $.1 stamps so that you can mail your wedding invitations.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.usps.com)

Mail Handling Your Wedding Invitations

Let’s assume that you have already ordered your invitations and you now have your invitation mock or print proof.  

What you should do with that proof (after making sure that all the information is correct, of course) is mail it to yourself.  Take the proof to the post office, ask someone to run it over the scales and through the sorters to find out the postage costs. Buy that amount of postage, and mail it to yourself that day.  Track the number of days it takes to arrive and see what condition the envelope is in when it comes to your home.  Only after you are satisfied with the receipt and condition should you purchase postage for the total number of invitations you will be mailing.

Some glossary terms that will help you in the process are listed below.  Final tips and tricks will wrap up this Method Monday at the end of our post…

• Postage - the total monetary value of the stamps placed on the outside envelope to guarantee delivery to the addressee or recipient. 
• Weight - the amount of ounces the total invitation envelope measures on a calibrated postal scale.
• First Class Postage – the current cost for mailing a ‘regular’ size 1-ounce or less envelope.  Currently that is $ .44 cents.  It is not scheduled to increase in 2011.  It is also the current value of any forever stamp.
• Non Machineable - the categorization of an envelope that is not able to be run through the postal machines.  Anything that is too rigid, too thick or not the right shape will be considered non-machineable.  The extra fee for a non-machineable envelope is $ .21 cents
• Square - an envelope that is the same size on both edges.  The extra fee that is paid for a square envelope is THE SAME FEE that you will pay if your invitation is too rigid to sort.
• Oversize - any envelope whose larger edge is greater than 6 ¼” wide.  There is an extra fee for an oversize envelope.
• Additional Postage - the amount in excess of $ .49 to mail an invitation.  Additional ounces and non-machineable fees are considered additional postage. 
• Hand Cancelling - means having the person behind the counter use a rubber stamp to mark the postage as ‘spent.’  It WILL NOT prevent your invitation from being sent through the sorting machines.
• Minimum mailing size - the size that a piece of mail must be in order to be legally mailable.  Currently that size is 3 ½” by 5”
• Postcard - a single card printed with information on one side and an address on the other.  It must be a certain thickness and size to be mailable, and it costs less than first-class regular postage.  The maximum size for a postcard is 4” x 6”  Currently, the postcard costs $ .34 to mail
• Hand Sorting - the process by which small packages are run through the postal system.  This is not the same as hand cancelling.  Hand sorting goes into a different bin at the post office.  If you want an envelope to be hand sorted – you will have to pay the non-machineable fees.

While there are several more intricacies of the US Postal Service and their categories, extra fees and additional services, this information will give you a beginning postal primer.  What to keep in mind when mailing (and sometimes when ordering) your invitations is that the general or average weight of an invitation ensemble is between 1.7 and 2.5 ounces. The first ounce is $.49 and each additional ounce will cost $.21 each.  Most pocket invitations are considered too rigid for the sorting machines, so there will be another $.21 fee.  But that also covers a square invitation, so size won’t be an obstacle when you order.

If you pay the $.21 non machineable fee, be sure to give your invitations to a person to have them HAND SORTED, not hand cancelled.  The process of hand sorting ensures that a person not a machine looks at them each step of the way.  When taking them to the counter, use the phrase “Put these with the spurs and small packages.”  It should  ensure that they are delivered to your guests in pristine condition.  Boxed invitations are considered small packages and postage costs are based upon weight and classification.

These tips and tricks should help your invitations get to their destination as pretty as they were the day they were picked up from the stationer.  Overall, if you choose to have a completely custom invitation created for you, then the additional postage costs to ensure they are gorgeous when put into your friends’ and families’ mailboxes will be small in comparison to the reduction in worry about how the post office will handle your invitations.

Thank you to Kasey Larson of DBY Invitations for allowing us to post this very informative article!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com)

RSVP and Food Allergies (Day #16)

As a wedding planner, I assist my clients with the wording of their wedding invitations.  I wrote a blog in 2013 on what should be included on the RSVP card, but more recently I've been asked, how do you handle wedding guests with food allergies?

It's fine to add a line at the bottom that read "Specify dietary restrictions or Note dietary restrictions". Then once you have collected the information on what your guest's needs are, work with your caterer to create and entree they can enjoy.  And on wedding day, especially if you have had several requests, you can also add a small line to table menus that reads "Please let your server know if you have requested a special meal due to dietary restrictions."  

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Wedding Bee)

Sample Wording for Wedding Invitations

As I wrap up this week's blog series about wedding invitations, I wanted to leave you with some examples of wording as you start working on the wording.

Bride’s parents, who are divorced and remarried, host the wedding together:

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Richmond and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Anderson request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Kelly Grace Anderson to Mr. Garrett John Hanna Saturday, the twenty-second of March two thousand seventeen at six o’clock in the evening Temple Sinai Granville, Ohio
Bride’s mother and stepfather host:
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Richmond request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of her daughter Kelly Grace Anderson to Mr. Garrett John Hanna Friday, the seventeenth of May two thousand sixteen at seven o’clock in the evening Viansa Winery 25200 Arnold Drive Sonoma, California
Bride’s only living parent hosts:
Mr. [or Mrs.] Michael Thomas Good requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of his [or her] daughter Shannon Michelle to Lieutenant Roger Stephen Manning, U.S. Navy Saturday, the seventeenth of May two thousand sixteen at two o’clock in the afternoon New Haven Community Church New Haven, Georgia
Groom’s parents host:
Mr. and Mrs. George Dempsey request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Miss [or Ms.] Beth Ann Boomgarten to their son Mr. Alexander Graham Dempsey Friday, the fourteenth of November two thousand nineteen at six o’clock in the evening St. Thomas Cathedral Spokane, Washington
Both bride and groom's parents host:
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wilfork and Captain and Mrs. William James Plett request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Matilda Renee Wilfork and Timothy James Plett Saturday, the twenty-fifth of August two thousand seventeen at four o’clock in the afternoon St. James Catholic Church Grand Rapids, Michigan
Bride's parents host, but include groom's parents' names:
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Jeremiah Crenshaw request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Hillary Jo and Mr. Anthony Patrick Ames son of Captain and Mrs. Patrick George Ames Saturday, the twenty-fifth of August two thousand seventeen at four o’clock in the afternoon St. James Catholic Church Grand Rapids, Michigan
Bride and groom host:
Miss [or Ms.] Elizabeth Marie Carrington and Mr. Richard James Handlin request the honor of your presence at their marriage Saturday, the tenth of July two thousand seventeen at half after four o’clock in the afternoon First Congregational Church Richmond, Virginia
The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Miss [or Ms]. Elizabeth Marie Carrington to Mr. Richard James Handlin Saturday, the tenth of July two thousand seventeen at half after four o’clock in the afternoon First Congregational Church Richmond, Virginia
The families host together:
Together with their families Miss Macey Leigh Kirkland and Mr. Will Ronald Germundson request the honor of your presence at their marriage Saturday, the tenth of July two thousand seventeen at half after four o’clock in the afternoon First Congregational Church Richmond, Virginia
Bride’s other family members host:
Mr. Eric Henry Evans requests the pleasure of your company at the marriage of his sister Lisa Marie to Mr. Ian John Wyskowski Saturday, the fourth of June two thousand seventeen at one o’clock in the afternoon The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, Missouri
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Elliott request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their niece Miss [or Ms.] Samantha Jane Richards to Mr. Scott Randolph Markham Saturday, the fourth of June two thousand seventeen at one o’clock in the afternoon The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, Missouri

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: Kelly Braman Photography; Tips: http://dejanaeevents.carlsoncraft.com; Invitation by CT Designs)

Addressing Wedding Invitations

Addressing wedding invitation outer and inner envelopes is a HUGE project!  You should begin working on addressing about a month before you actually plan in mailing the invitations.  This will alleviate a lot of stress.  But of course, there are some tips that you should be aware of before going to the post office.  Take a look:

Inner Envelopes (if applicable)

• Inner envelopes bear the title and last names of the specific people invited. It is acceptable to write familiar names for close family members.
                  Examples:     Mr. and Mrs. Sonnek
                                       Aunt Mary and Uncle Phil
• The names of children who are 18 years old and younger should be written on separate lines below their parents' names.
                  Example:     Mr. and Mrs. Sonnek
                                      Leah Sonnek
                                      Logan Sonnek
• Children 19 years old or older who still live at home with their parents should receive their own invitation.
• If inner envelopes are not being used, the children’s names are written on the outer envelope below the names of their parents.

Outer Envelopes

• Outer envelopes should be addressed conventionally using titles and full names (first, middle, and last).
• Middle initials aren’t used, so either write out middle names (if known), or omit them.
• All titles should be written out, except "Mr." and "Mrs."
• All other words should be written out (Street, Saint, Post Office Box, North, Apartment, etc.). House numbers under twenty should be written out, as well.
• Proper etiquette indicates to write out the state name; however, the two-letter postal code abbreviation is also acceptable when dealing with limited space. 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - https://www.etsy.com/shop/CTDESIGNSWED; Tips - http://dejanaeevents.carlsoncraft.com)

Overlooked Wedding Invitation Tips

Once you have selected your wedding invitation suite, it's time to get them packaged and in the mail to your invited guests.  Below are a few tips to consider when working on the preparation, assembly and mailing process. Take a look:

• Use the names of all guests whenever possible. Using "and guest" just isn't as warm and friendly.
• Get names, titles, and addresses correct when addressing. It's impressive and flattering! When in doubt, ask.
• Invitation envelopes should always be handwritten. Printed labels are not acceptable. Consider hiring a calligrapher or enlisting the help of others if you feel overwhelmed.  If a calligraphist isn't possible, ask your stationery designer about digital calligraphy.
• Take an assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed to ensure proper postage. If invitations vary (e.g., one for local guests, another for out-of-town guests) have each variation weighed.
• Before sealing the outer envelope, make absolutely sure that the names on the inner and outer envelopes match.
• Mail all invitations at the same time. Don't wait to see how many will be attending from the first mailing before sending another. Simply estimate that 10 to 20 percent of invited guests will send regrets; doing this is so much better than using a standby guest list.

 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit and tips from - http://dejanaeevents.carlsoncraft.com)

Limiting Your Wedding Guests

This blog isn't about the basic information you need to print on your Reply Card.  Please visit this blog post for some of the unique ways to design that card.  This blog will talk about the "new" etiquette rule you may see popping up on RSVP Cards.

 
I get asked by many couples, "How can we limit how many guests a person can bring to the wedding reception?"  Etiquette has always stated that however the invitation envelope is addressed (Mr. & Mrs.; You + a Guest; only You) is how you should respond.  But how do you get this across to those that might not be familiar with this "rule"?

Outside of having your parents mention to invited guests that the guest count is limited, you could also consider adding the phrase you see above to your Reply Card - "We have reserved_____seats in your honor" or " ___seats have been reserved in your honor" - and write in the number invited.

Now this idea isn't for everyone...especially the more traditional couple.  But if you are truly concerned about maintaining control of your guest count this option may be for you.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.WeddingWire.com)

The Chalkboard Takeover

The chalkboard craze for wedding ceremony and reception decor is blowing up all over the place!  You don't have to be a D.I.Y. bride to consider adding some chalkboard elements to your wedding day.  Check out some of the fun ideas below that can be incorporated into your modern wedding style:

Share your love story with wedding guests as they arrive to the ceremony

Position a chalkboard sign at the entrance of the ceremony or reception

Create a chalkboard-style wedding invitation

Consider table numbers with a chalkboard motif

Instead of individual menus, create a chalkboard menu for display

Chalkboard place cards attached to wine glasses...YES!!!

Until next time...WEDologize

(photo credits - Love Story; Invitation: Creative Market; Place card - South Bound Bride; Table Numbers - Chalk Style; Menu - LBFStudio; Welcome Sign - I Do Declare Signs)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

What a stunning, vintage-styled wedding invitation?!?!  Can you imagine sending your guests this beauty in the mail.  WOW FACTOR!

 
Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Inside Weddings | Dalal Photography)

4th of July Wedding Celebration

In celebration of our Country's birthday tomorrow, I thought it would be fine to create an inspiration board in honor of the Fourth of July.  Be safe and enjoy the holiday!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit:  tablescape - www.onewed.com; bride and bridesmaids - www.utahbrideblog.com; invitation suite -
ohsobeautifulpaper.com; pinwheels - rowdystroudy.blogspot.com; sparklers - sdinvites.com )

RSVP for My Wedding, Please!

Respond cards, as know as RSVP cards and Reply Cards, are included with the wedding invitation and are VERY important!  This is the one resource to gaining the guest count and entree selections for your wedding day.  With some couples wanting a more traditional format and other couples wanting a modern approach, there is not right or wrong way to word the reply card.  You need to include the basics - a reply date, a line for the guest(s) name and if they will or will not attend.  Outside of that...the rest is up to you and the information you need to obtain for the reception venue's final count.

This RSVP card showcases the basic, traditional information you will need to receive from your invited guests.

A traditional RSVP format, but it also includes information for guests to chose their entree.

 

Same as a above, but with modern flair. Instead of writing out the entree options, this reply card used pictures.

This respond card is fun by giving you more than "Can Attend" or "Cannot Attend".

This RSVP card gives you a bit more a becomes more of a keepsake by having guests complete the sentences.

For additional ideas on wording your RSVP card, visit About.com.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - RSVP Card #2;  RSVP Card #1; RSVP Card #5; RSVP Card #3; RSVP Card #4)

Components of Wedding Stationery

I thought today would be a good time to share the components of wedding stationery.  You might not necessarily include all of the elements within your wedding planning due to the budget constructions, but where you can include paper...do so.  It truly finishes off a wedding design.

Save The Date Card:  Sent AT LEAST 6 months before the wedding to alert guests of your wedding date. It's also useful to put your wedding website link on this card.
Invitation:  The official formal announcement of your wedding including the date, time and location of the ceremony.
RSVP Card:  The card that accompanies the wedding invitation that guest will return to you stating if they can or cannot attend the ceremony and reception.  It is proper to add postage to the RSVP/return envelope.
Reception Card:  Alerts guest where the reception is located and the start time. If the reception is located in the same location as the ceremony, it is proper to add "Reception immediately following ceremony" at the bottom of the wedding invitation.
Direction Card:  A wonderful gesture to give your wedding guests directions to the ceremony location and to the reception location.
Accommodations Card:  The card used to let guests know of your room block(s). This information can easily be added to your wedding website and the card omitted.
Schedule of Activities:  Wonderful paper item if you are having pre-wedding activities during the wedding weekend or if you are having a destination wedding.
Ceremony Program:  Gives the sequence of events during the actual wedding ceremony.
Escort Card/Place Card:  The escort card is given to the wedding guest when they arrive to the reception venue and will let guests know what table they are seated.  A place card is a card that is on the table and lets the guest know which chair they are seated.
Table Number:  Have the design from your wedding invitation transferred to the table numbers to tie the stationery design all together.
Menu Card:  Adds another design element to the tablescape and let's the wedding guest know the food courses.
Favor Tags:  These can be an added detail to anything you may be giving to your wedding guests during or at the end of the night.
Thank You Cards:  Suggest you order them when you order your invitation suite so that you can send out a thank you card as you receive wedding gifts.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - http://www.dejanaeevents.cceasy.com and Invitations by Colette)

Happy 12.12.12!!!

It's 12.12.12 - December 12, 2012!  Do you realize that today is the only day in calendar history that the day of the week, day of the month and year are the same numbers?!?!  It will never happen again in our lifetime so I think that's a cause for celebration! Inspired by black and gold...I say celebrate in style!  And for the couples that picked today as their wedding day...CONGRATULATIONS!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Dolce & Gabbana; Sweet and Saucy Shop and Wedding Style Magazine)

Postage Rates Are Increasing...Again!

On January 27, 2013 postage rates will increase AGAIN.  Get your Forever Stamps now for those save-the-dates, wedding invitations and thank you notes you will be sending this spring.  The new rate charges are below:

• Letters (1oz.) — 1-cent increase to 46 cents
• Letters additional ounces — unchanged at 20 cents
• Postcards — 1-cent increase to 33 cents
• ...and USPS is introducing a new GLOBAL stamp that will allow you to mail a one-ounce letter anywhere in the world for $1.10.

 

Self Mailers a.k.a. Seal and Send Invitations must be able to go through the machines WITHOUT damage.  If damage occurs, they will need to be "hand cancelled" a.k.a. hand stamped for an additional $.20.  This change will take effect on January 5, 2013. 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(picture credit - www.ridingtype.com and www.DejanaeEvents.com)

The 2nd Episode of The Wedding Planners

I'm so excited to share with you the 2nd episode of The Wedding Planners airing TODAY!  Thank you so much for all the views and positive feedback regarding the debut episode and I'm sure today's show will not disappoint!  We will be talking about Save The Dates and wedding invitations with Peggy Lambert of Erickson Designs; delicious catering options with Wendy Pashman of Entertaining Company and how to add that WOW Factor to your wedding with my former bride, Hareder McDowell.

The Wedding Planners and our in-studio guests

The Wedding Planners and entertaining maven, Wendy Pashman

The Wedding Planners and guest bride, Hareder (Jackson) McDowell

The set for the 2nd episode of The Wedding Planners

Make sure to check us out at www.thewedplanners.com and share the 2nd episode with your friends!  And many thanks to Rush Event Photography and Video Productions for producing and directing a fab show!

Until next time...Watch The Wedding Planners and WEDologize!

Small Business Saturday 11.24.12

I started Dejanae Events in 2000, a small wedding and event planning business named after the special little lady in my life.  Well I have had the honor and privilege of working with some of the best vendors in the Chicagoland area and I want to share and show my support for Small Business Saturday by introducing a few of them to you.  Please check them out for your wedding and event planning needs.

Photography and Videography

Rush Event Photography & Video Productions - www.rushphotovideo.com

Image Makers Photography - www.imphoto.net

LAD4 Creations - www.lad4creations.com

Invitations and Day-Of Stationery

CT Designs, Inc. - www.ct-designs.com

Adorable Designs by Candice - www.adorablebycandice.com

Carol Woldhuis Designs - www.carolwoldhuisdesigns.com

DJ Services

JAM Music - www.jammusic.org

Windy City - www.windycitymix.com

Lighting and Design

Art of Imagination - www.artofimagination.com

Make-Up Services

Kelli Kolors - www.kellikolors.com

Wedding and Social Cakes

Sharon Custom Cakes - www.sharonscakes.com

Karen Scobbie Cake Design - www.kscakedesign.com

Floral Design

Rosemary's Garden - www.rosemarysgardenbridal.com

Fleur du Jour - www.fleurdujourchicago.com

Photo Booth

ShutterBooth Chicago - www.shutterbooth.com

Yummy Favors
Nticing Ngredients - www.nticingngredients.com 
Katherine Anne Confections - www.katherine-anne.com 

 

Wedding Magazines

Wedding Guide Chicago - www.weddingguidechicago.com

Pretty Pear Bride - www.prettypearbride.com

Until next time...SHOP SMALL and WEDologize!

(photo credit - American Express)

Tulle Rules!

Tulle has made its comeback, but in my opinion it never left.  You'll still see tulle used in veils, wedding gowns and ceremony aisle draping, but I've found some fun and playful ways to add tulle to your wedding day and not break the bank.  Let me know what you think.

Tulle used as chair ties to create a wedding veil affect

Tulle used as napkin ties with a small embellishment added

Flower girl wand created from tulle

Tulle used as an illusion wrap to enhance this beautiful invitation

 

Tulle pom-poms used as wall decor

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - napkin rings; chair ties; invitation; wall decor; flower girl wand)

The Language of Invitations

When preparing your invitation ensemble and the wording to excite your guests about the upcoming nuptials, there are some things you should pay close attention to:

1. If there are parental contributions, be respectful and discuss the invitation verbiage with your parents. The norm use to be that the bride's parents were the hosts of the wedding and reception and therefore, their names appeared on the invitation. Not always the case anymore. The groom's parents my be contributors or the bride and groom might be funding the nuptials themselves.
2. Listing your registry information or stating to your guests that you only want monetary gifts (wishing well) within your invitation ensemble is poor etiquette. That type of information can be expressed verbally through parents, bridal party members, or list it on your wedding website.
3. Mail your invitations at minimum 8 weeks before your wedding date with the respond date listed 2-3 weeks before the wedding date. This will allow enough time to get those infamous seating arrangements together.
4. Spell out all dates, times and places on the wedding invitations. Example - Saturday, May twenty-ninth, Two thousand and twelve, Four-thirty in the afternoon, Swissotel Chicago.
5. If you are not inviting children to the wedding reception, it is appropriate to say "Adult Reception" or address the invitation to the parents only - "Mr. & Mrs. Doug Johnson" instead of "Johnson Family".
6. It's a thoughtful gesture to allow single individuals to bring a guest by stating "Miss Brenda Douglas and Guest", but if you can't afford the additional plate, don't sweat it...invite just Brenda.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Joie de Vie Paperie)