Wedding Dress Birmingham » Save

A wedding takes an enormous amount of time and money. From the hall to the dress, the flowers, the cake, invitations, food etc., it is wise to save where you can. You may not want to cut corners with your dress but you can save a lot of money doing your own flowers.

A florist needs to make money and in order for them to this they need to spike up cost tremendously. What you are paying for is not only the flowers but you are paying for the cost of the flowers, vases and containers (which they buy wholesale and mark up 50% to 75%), the salaries of the people making the arrangements, paying for the driver and gas and other incidentals. This is their business and they need to do this in order to be successful.

But if you are somewhat artistic and want to save some money, you can do your own flowers. Here are some basic things you need to do:

1) Look through bridal magazines or online to get an idea of what kind of arrangements you are interested in. Having pictures of what you like can help you decide the colors and styles. Investing in a flower arranging book can be of enormous value to you as it gives you the complete how too and what tools you need and lots and lots of pictures.

2) Without having experience in floral design, simple may be a better choice but that does not mean it’s less effective. Something like a tall vase with white gladiolas in them placed on each table looks incredible and is about the easiest arrangement you can put together. This also works very well as altar pieces. If you want a low arrangement you can do something like a low vase with just roses of your color choice and sprinkle rose petals around it on each table. If roses are too expensive you can do the same with cheaper flowers such as carnations, daisies, Gerber daisies or mums. Whatever you like that fits your budget.

3) Do the table arrangements and altar pieces before tackling the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets. These also typically take the most time to do. There are two ways you can go. You can go to a craft store and buy ready made floral foam with a handle and lace skirt that you will soak with water to insert your flowers into or you put freshly cut stems together and bind them with floral tape and then ribbon.

4) A simple but beautiful bouquet can be made by taking roses that have been cleaned of most of their leaves and thorns. In one hand hold the first few roses and keep adding a rose one at a time until you have the desired amount of roses. Make sure they are not all flat at the top. You want your bouquet to be rounded. You do this by carefully taking the outer roses and pulling them down gently all around until you have the desired effect. The center of your roses will be the highest roses while the rest of the roses will gently slope downward.

5) When you have decided what you want then gather up your bridesmaids or whom ever you think could best help you and well before the wedding, do a test run and make one of each arrangement you would like to do. This will give you an idea of how it is going to look and how long it takes to do each one. Take a close up picture of each arrangement once you are satisfied. Doing a run through also lets you determine the cost. Just multiply by the number of arrangements you need to do. If you are happy about your work and you really want to know what your savings will be, then take your pictures to a flower shop and get them to give an estimate for making the same arrangements. You will know what you paid, now compare that to the florists quote.

Doing your own flowers will take more of your time but if you have a good support system helping you, (which can be a really fun time) you can take pride in your accomplishments and save a lot of money.

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Willie Jones -
About the Author:

Willie is a researcher, freelance writer and artist. http://www.herweddingsite.com

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Brilliant Tips To Save Cash On Your Weddings, From Cakes To Pearl Earrings

admin — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 06:18:13 +0000

Re-capturing that fairy tale vision that many brides -to be-have is even harder these days because of the tough economic conditions. But the dreams that brides have had since childhood do not need to be a shattered. Weddings are undoubtedly expensive but here’s how you can stay in budget.

Firstly, something positive. You are in a brilliant position to negotiate. Many venues will be finding it hard to book out their facilities at the moment so negotiating the price down should be easy. Work out the lowest acceptable price you are willing to pay and the highest price you can afford. When you are offered the price by the venue, don’t be afraid to decline it until the price has come down to your acceptable level.

Always, have in mind an alternative venue should the price still not be agreeable. Remember, that you might be able supply your own wine or ask the hotels to throw in free balloons.

Don’t forget you can negotiate too on flowers, wedding car etc. If your budget won’t stretch to a venue, consider hiring a village hall where you can arrange the catering yourselves. You don’t necessarily need outside contractors as dishes like like oven-roasted salmon or oven-fried chicken, roasted vegetables are ideal for a large number of guests.

The traditional tiered -wedding cake can be another area to be cut back on. Have you considered dense chocolate mouse, along with after-dinner pours of a liquor for instance? How about asking your mum to make the cake, the decoration could be left to the professionals.

As for the wedding dress itself, look round charity shops or online to see if you can find a second-hand dress. This really will make buying a dress exceptional value. To set the dress off, invest in some good quality pearl earrings. Pearl earrings can be worn with any item and can be passed down the generations. They are one of the few fashion accessories which have the ability to span the decades and fashion trends. You can save money on pearl earrings by looking to see how ‘pure’ the pearl is. The more blemishes, the cheaper price of the pearl will be. And on your big day, who will notice the quality of your pearl, not even your new husband.

Your big day can be special without going mad on splashing out. Guests will remember whether they have had enough food and whether there’s somewhere to sit down and chat. Often the more informal wedding celebrations have been the ones most enjoyed by guests. Small touches like wearing pearl earrings, can make you feel just like the Princess you first imagined in your junior school.

J Timothy Mitchell is the Marketing Manager at Amazing Earrings

How To Save Big With Wholesale Wedding Supplies

admin — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:05:16 +0000

How can you have the wedding of your dreams when pennies are getting stretched too thin as it is? One solution is wholesale wedding supplies. Buying wholesale, you won’t have to worry about the number of guests. Your only concern will be finding exactly what you need. From favors to decorations and everything in between, you will never run out of options when shopping wholesale.

Fancy-up any location with discounted wedding decorations. Turn a plain hall into an elegant and pristine reception. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting chair covers and centerpieces for 30 or 300 people, buying wholesale will save you tons! You can choose from a large number of items and order in bulk. There is a selection of table covers, invitations for showers, gifts for the wedding party, and much more.

Don’t spend money on pricey glassware for your guests to toast with, buy wholesale supplies and cheers to savings. Looking for the perfect flutes to buy for the bride and groom, don’t waste your time shopping around at department stores and comparing prices. Shop online and choose from a number of styles. Give the gift of glassware to the next bride and groom on your list, or pick out the flute of your dreams for your big day!

The reception is where the post-wedding-party takes place, but what about the pre-wedding festivities? If you’re planning a bachelor/bachelorette party then you will need plenty of fun toys and accessories. You’re already paying for a bridesmaid dress, shoes, a gift, and travel expenses for the wedding, so the bachelor/bachelorette party is a great place to save even more. You can get everything that your party needs: caution tape that reads Bachelorette Party -Enter at Your Own Risk, bottle opener rings, streamers in all colors, and buttons that read Bachelorette Party! You will need to be able to identify everyone in your group when celebrators get spread out. Have you thought about anything special for the almost-bride to wear when the bachelorette fun begins? What about a sash that reads “Wild-Bride” or “Bride to be”? All sorts of colors and patterns are available. There are even tiaras that read “Bachelorette” so there will be no question who the princess for the night is.

If you were thinking about getting something that reads BRIDE and GROOM for the special pair, just take a look at the selection of items available at wholesale prices. Think about it, you could order in bulk and have enough Bride/Groom gear to last for years. There are shot glasses, chair covers, mugs, and visors. There are even GROOMSMAN and BRIDESMAID glass mugs and MOTHER/FATHER OF THE GROOM mugs as well, for every important member of the wedding. These are great gifts to give at any wedding that you attend. All shapes, sizes, colors, and styles are available to please even the most meticulous bride.

Planning a wedding is all about dollar signs. Don’t let the planning and price tags cloud your brain, buy wholesale wedding supplies and worry less about money and more about the celebration!

This article was written by Marc Joseph, who enjoys giving advice on discount and wholesale wedding supplies. Marc has been able to bulk up his savings throughout the years as a wholesale distributor

Wedding Caterers- How to Save Money on Wedding Caterers

admin — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:43:27 +0000

Generally for couples the most expensive part of wedding is the catering bill. Here are few tips which will help you to save money on wedding caterers and help you to feed your guests well.

• The best way to cut cost in wedding caterer is to cut down the size of your guests. Invite only those persons who are really close to you. There is no need to invite everyone with whom you are working. This will help you to plan accurately based upon your total list of guest.

• You must set the date of your marriage which is not considered peak. Always remember that wedding caterers charge less during non-peak times. Generally Saturday is the most expensive day to get married hence you must select another day. Months like summer months, December or spring months are considered as peak months. You must also avoid days close to Valentine’s Day or any popular choice for a wedding day.

• You can have your wedding event during day time because wedding cuisine caterers charge less fro day weddings.

• Always remember that if you are serving appetizers at a cocktail hour then you must keep them simple.

• You can think of alternatives for traditional sit down meal. You can arrange for brunches, dessert receptions, appetizer receptions and buffets these are almost cheaper alternatives.

• You can also have an alternative for open bar because alcohol is very expensive item. You can have cash bar option or you can serve non-alcoholic drinks with a champagne toast. You can also skip the alcohol.

• Generally wedding caterers charge more for the wedding cake. Hence you can buy your own wedding cake from a grocery store or you can ask from your relative or friend to make a cake for you. You can save your hundred of dollars in this way.

• Instead of hiring wedding caterer that specializes in large events you can search for restaurants or local grocery store that do catering. It will be quite a bit cheaper.

• But if you are planning for a more casual wedding reception then you can have a potluck.

There are many choices to be made when working with your wedding caterer. But by following even few of the tips which are stated here you can save your hundreds of dollars. By keeping these few things in your mind you can be rewarded with a terrific wedding event at affordable cost.

The author is guiding the customers in finding best Indian Caterers UK and event organizers for their event. He has also offered ideas to people for Catering Indian Food and other parties. For more details please visit vama-direct.co.uk.

Fantastic Save the Date Cards

admin — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 03:08:21 +0000

These days lives are hectic, schedules are packed and people are busy. Weddings that take place near holidays or during the summer months may be difficult for guests to include on their calendar unless given plenty of notice. Most people schedule vacations for the summer months and may not want to, or be able to, change their plans to attend your wedding. Three day weekends such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day, aren’t considered major holidays but are often used as an opportunity for a long weekend getaway. A save the date card allows guests to plan their vacation and getaways so your wedding is part of their travel itinerary.

Wedding invitations are traditionally sent out six to eight weeks before the event. That may not be enough time to book airfare at a reasonable price or find a hotel room close to the wedding and reception sites. Save the date cards let guest do exactly that “save the date” on their calendars and start to make travel and lodging accommodations. It is critical for a destination wedding to send save the date cards.

The first step is to make sure the date and city of the wedding is firm (and of course you’ve chosen the right groom). It’s not necessary to have the location chosen although Saturdays in June and July fill up fast at prime wedding sites.

When compiling your list for sending save the date cards, remember you’re actually compiling the guest list. An invitation will be sent to each one. Save the date cards aren’t wedding or engagement announcements. The more guests at the wedding reception, the higher the cost, once you’ve sent the card you can’t change your mind and un-invite the person to attend.

Everyone who is invited should receive a save the date card, not just out of town guests. Hurt feelings can arise if someone who expected to be invited doesn’t receive the card. No amount of explanation will convince them they really were invited you just didn’t think they needed a save the date card because they’re in town. Don’t risk hurt feelings because you want to pinch a few pennies. One advantage of save the date cards is that guests may decline early which opens up a spot for someone else on the guest list.

The cards are personalized of course with the names of he bride and groom, the date and the city and sate. Inks and envelope liner colors can be chosen as well.

Weddings can be formal and informal, whimsical or modern, fun or reverent. And so can save the date cards. There are no hard and fast rules. It’s not necessary to coordinate these cards with the wedding invitations as you would with response cards, thank you notes, and menu or wedding program cards.

Formal Save the Date Cards

“Simple Save-The-Date Card” is classy and elegant on bright white cardstock. The font is in a script that looks like calligraphy. “Twin Hearts Save-The-Date Card” has interlocking hearts at the top. The information is in a font that looks like it’s handwriting on bright white cardstock. “Forever and ever” is a little brighter with a bright pink paisley design on the right hand of the card on white cardstock. The font is a cursive script.

Whimsical Save the Date Cards

There are no rules for save the date cards so why not have a little fun? “Couple” card has a fun bride and groom drawn as cartoons on either side of the information. The ink is mostly black with red hearts and flourishes on a white card. “Flower” card has the same feeling but instead of a bride and groom it features a bouquet of stylized flowers in shades of pink and purple. Save the Date is written in purple underlined by a green flourish. If your wedding will be at the beach then “Beach Themed” is perfect with hand drawn seashells in pink, blue and yellow on a sandy beach.

Modern Save the Date Cards

“Double Hearts” design shows two overlapping pink hearts on the left hand side of the card with the information on the right hand side on pink and white stripes. A more modern approach to the beach themed card is the “Seashell Hearts” featuring a card with a blue background showing off a photo of a sandy beach and wave with “save the date” written in the sand. “In Love” has the word love printed with each letter in a different color of pink, yellow, aqua, and blue. “Pink and Green” is exactly that a two toned green card with pink horizontal stripes setting off the middle.

Save the date cards make sure guests won’t schedule something else for your very important wedding day.

Dee Power is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and save the date cards.

Fantastic Save the Date Cards

admin — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 03:08:21 +0000

The cards are personalized of course with the names of he bride and groom, the date and the city and sate. Inks and envelope liner colors can be chosen as well.

Formal Save the Date Cards

Whimsical Save the Date Cards

Modern Save the Date Cards

Save the date cards make sure guests won’t schedule something else for your very important wedding day.

Dee Power is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and save the date cards.

Save the Date Cards: Creative Ideas

admin — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 23:08:41 +0000

Wedding stationary is the first impression your friends and family will have of your wedding. Before the showers, before the ceremony, and before the reception, save the date cards set the tone and theme for your wedding. Since the cards are more informal than the invitations they can be selected before you have made your final choice for your wedding stationary. Of course, it is always a good idea to send them out as soon as you have completed the guest list and chosen the date.

Just to be clear: save the date cards are sent to individuals you are inviting to the wedding. That may be obvious, but a save the date card is not an announcement of your engagement or the fact you are getting married. Those who receive the save the date card will expect to receive an invitation in the coming weeks. Feel free to send out an engagement announcement that does not include the wedding date to those you will not be inviting or are not sure you will be inviting. You can follow up later with an invitation if a spot on the guest list opens up.

In addition to the save the date card other wedding stationary includes: the invitation, reception card (separate from wedding invitation), place card, announcement, response card, program, menu card, multi purpose cards (directions, accommodations) and thank you card.

Many couples decide on the date but have not booked the location of either the ceremony or reception. It is a courtesy to your guests to let them know as far in advance when your wedding will be so they can make arrangements for travel, pet sitting, and taking vacation days from work. Save the date cards save the day.

Informal fun

“Save-The-Date Cards Green Card with Pink Accents,” these playful cards announce your wedding day in a sweet but not saccharin way. Other more informal choices are the “Couple,” with a hand drawn bride and groom popping up to announce the date. The “Flower Bouquet,” says it with flowers in pink, green, and lilac. “In Love” is bordered with a green band on the bottom of the card and L O V E with each letter in a different color, yellow, bright pink, green, and aqua.

Are you having a beach theme or beach wedding? If so, choose “Seashell Hearts Save-The-Date” cards with a photo of an incoming wave on the sandy shore, complete with the words “Save the Date” written in the sand. Another choice is the “Beach Theme” with hand drawn sea shells in yellow, blue, and pink on the sand.

If you have a photograph of the two of you, that photo can be scanned into a digital file and used as the background of a save the date card printed on your own computer printer. Print the card on standard size note card stock and buy envelopes separately. If you are on a tight budget print on card stock and use the back of the card to address as a postcard. You will wind up saving money on postage and on envelopes.

Formal But Fun

If you haven’t chosen the theme of your wedding yet simple, save the date cards with classic font on grey card stock look perfect. A more contemporary look are the “Double Hearts” Design of pale pink on white and the “Forever and Ever” of bright pink on white and “Twin Hearts” a simplistic design on light grey card stock.

Personalization

Of course the save the date cards are personalized with the names of the bride and groom and the date. The city and state can be included on the card as well if you know the wedding will be held in that city.

Personalization can go much farther with a selection of 33 colored inks and 36 solid color envelope liners and five prints.

Since the backs of the cards are blank why not take a few extra minutes and write a note on each card with a short message about how much you are looking forward to having them join you on your special day.

If you are one of those couples who have everything organized and chosen right from the get go, make the save the date cards part of your wedding stationary package.

Kick Off the Wedding Festivities

Save the date cards are fun, creative, and start you on your way to a wonderful wedding day.

Dee Power is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and save the date cards.

Mother of the Bride Dresses – How to Save Money

admin — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:01:56 +0000

1. SHOP SALES RACKS. This is a no-brainer. Retail stores will discount up to 70% of the original price of the mother of the bride dress, depending on how desperately they want to clear the racks of the current season’s clothing to make way for the new season. Spring/summer lines start showing up on the racks from January through April, while fall/winter dresses are introduced between June and September. Therefore, you will get bargains around these times as well for the last season’s mother of the bride apparel.

2. SHOP EARLY. The mother of the bride should start shopping for her mother of the bride outfit as soon as she knows the colors of the wedding. All too often she takes care of all the details that go into the wedding, while forgetting her own needs. She should spend this time with the bride going over styles, fabrics, accents, accessories, etc. Late shopping only brings on more stress and possibly more money spent on things that were purchased in haste and then returned with “buyer’s remorse”. Quite a few bridal shops do not take back returns or offer refunds once the mother of the bride walks out of the store with her dress.

3. SHOP ONLINE STORES. There are tons of reputable and traditional bridal boutiques out there that have an online store on the immense “world wide web” nowadays. The costs of running and upkeeping a brick-and-mortar store are escalating and definitely cut into profits. Any savvy shop owner knows full well that they will have to own a “web store” to fully maximize their sales and therefore, profits. Check their Better Business Bureau record or see if the site has a BBB online reliability logo, if you are still not comfortable shopping online. Once you start using your fingers to do the shopping, you will never stop!

4. SHOP BRIDESMAID DRESSES. The “youthful” mother of the bride can opt for a bridesmaid dress which are normally priced less expensively than a mother of the bride gown. Seek the tailoring expertise of a bridal dress seamstress to add on beads, sequins, and other exotic trimmings to create a uniquely appealing look.

5. SEARCH FOR “DISCOUNT” DRESSES ONLINE. The mother of the bride can open up more options for herself if she is computer literate and able to do a search using the keywords “discount” or “cheap”. Example, search for “discount mother of the bride dresses”. These words can conjure up an image of herself in a cheesy, polyester dress but you will be surprised what will show up online that are not quite cheesy despite being made of polyester. By the way, there are 40 blends of polyester and almost all synthetic fabrics for special occasion wear are made of some type of polyester.

6. SHOP REGULAR EVENING WEAR. Add on a shawl or jacket or buy fabric to make a unique, one-of-a-kind jacket to cover the shoulders and arms for modesty or for providing warmth.

7. WEAR A TEALENGTH OR COCKTAIL DRESS. These are priced less than the floor-length gowns and are more versatile, as you can surely wear them again at another special occasion.

Author: Audrey Cheong is the owner of an online bridal store specializing in mother of the bride dresses and other formal evening dresses in petite, missy, and plus sizes. Please visit her website http://www.audreysmotherofthebride.com for great selections and reasonable prices.

ONLY WAY TO SAVE THE WORLD ECONOMIC CRASH IS TO END THE WARS !!! ALL AGREE

admin — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:18:03 +0000

On how the bride saw a saint speaking to God about a woman who was being terribly afflicted by the devil and who was later delivered through the prayers of the glorious Virgin. SAINT BRIDGET PATRON SAINT OF EUROPE BOOK 1 Chapter 16 PART II And the Virgin Mary said to him: “Inasmuch as her previous intention led her to hell, tell me, in what direction does her present intention of keeping from sin tend?” The devil answered her reluctantly: “The intention of keeping from sin leads her toward heaven.” The Virgin Mary said: “Because you accepted that it was your just right to lead her away from the path of the Holy Church due to her previous intention, then it is now a matter of justice that she be led back to the church on account of her present intention. Now, devil, I will put another question to you: Tell me, what intention does she have in her present state of conscience?” The devil answered: “In her mind she is terribly contrite and sorry about the things she has done, and she resolves never to commit such sins anymore but wants to improve as far as she is able.” The Virgin then asked the devil: “Would you tell me if the three sins of sensuality, gluttony, and greed can exist in a heart at the same time as the three good dispositions of contrition, sorrow, and the purpose of amendment?” The devil answered: “No.” And the Blessed Virgin said: “Would you tell me, then, which of these should shrink away and vanish from her heart, the three virtues or the three vices that …

Save the Date Card Etiquette Tips

admin — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:09:02 +0000

In recent years, save the date cards have emerged as an essential element in the wedding planning process, alerting guests to the date of the upcoming event well in advance of the actual wedding. While an ideal complement to any wedding planning program, save the date cards are especially critical if you are planning to have your wedding around the holiday season, when other plans and events may well be competing with your ceremony. By allowing your guests ample notice of your wedding date, you ensure they will be able to place your wedding on their calendars long before the crush of holiday parties.

Save the date cards are also especially important when inviting guests from out of town. Even when you have verbal confirmation that these guests will be in attendance, it is a good idea to send them a card to make sure you wind up on their calendars. Letting these guests know your wedding date well in advance also gives them plenty of time to make flight and other travel and accommodation arrangements.

In fact, the only time when you would not send a save the date card in either of these two instances is if you are unsure whether or not you will include a guest on your guest list.

For guests who live nearby, sending a save the date card is considered an optional, though still thoughtful, practice.

Once you have determined to whom you will send your cards, it is time to choose your card design. Todays save the date cards are as individual as you are, and offer plenty of options for setting the tone of your nuptials. Unlike invitations which are sent to all of your guests, save the date cards can be more casual in design, serving as a reminder to certain guests.

The Simple Save the Date Card is an understated yet elegant card design, with information printed clearly and in the font of your choice on the single-sided white stock. Of course, you can still select your envelope lining and ink colors.

For more formal events, the Pearl Shimmer Border save the date card is also elegant, and slightly more reserved. Offered in a unique square design, the card is enhanced by an intricate filigree border highlighted by a sparkling opalescent shimmer.

The Twin Hearts save the date card is romance in its purest form. The simple, elegant format is surmounted by two intertwined hearts, symbolizing the couple’s eternal union. While couples can select from a wide range of ink colors, red ink on white stock works especially well, and highlights the card’s romantic overtones.

Also featuring a romantic double heart-shaped imprint, the Double Hearts Design is slightly more casual, offering a playful, less formal feel. With the words “save the date” in flowing script on one side, your wedding information is highlighted by a series of vertical stripes that coordinate with the ink color you select.

And romance grows graphic with the In Love save the date card design, featuring the letters “L-O-V-E” in an apple-green border, and highlighted by two butterflies hovering over your imprinted date information.

The aptly named Forever and Ever save the date cards feature a stylized floral stencil along the side of the card, reminiscent of Victorian stationery. The romantic yet light-hearted design is an ideal way to remind your guests of your upcoming ceremony.

Equally romantic, yet slightly more contemporary, the Green Card with Pink Accents save the date design is both fresh and playful, featuring a pale apple green center flanked by deeper apple green borders. Buffering these areas is a contrasting and highly appealing pink border, drawing attention to your special information.

If you’re planning to have your wedding near the seashore, or are using an ocean theme for your reception, you can continue that theme with Beach Themed save the date cards. Playfully inscribed with “save the date” along the top border of the card, the bottom border is strewn with hand drawn seashells on a sand-colored background.

Or, for a slightly more formal beach theme, the blue and white Seashell Hearts cards feature a beach photo centered within a bold blue-and-white striped accent. The pale blue background featured on the upper two-thirds of the card is highlighted by a starfish accent, while wedding information is included in the lower third of the card, featuring a white background.

Looking for a touch of whimsy? The Flower Bouquet save the date card offers a playful yet sweetly charming hand-drawn rendition of a bride’s bouquet, and the stylized script reinforces the overall appeal of the card’s design.

Another playful design, the Couple save the date card is a fun way for both bride and groom to get in on the act. Flanked by highly stylized, cartoon depictions of a bride and groom, the card’s design also features an equally playful font, making this a lighthearted reminder your loved ones will appreciate.

No matter which design you choose, your guests will appreciate knowing your plans ahead of time, and you’ll enjoy knowing that even far-flung loved ones will be sending good wishes your way on your special day.

Dee Power is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and save the date cards.