2. Do not try to do 100 thank you notes all at once. Your sincerity will dwindle and your hand will cramp up!
3. Most brides (and grooms) would love to hear that they have anywhere to 6 months to a year to get thank-you notes done, but this is an inappropriate amount of time to wait to acknowledge your "Thanks". Gifts sent prior to the wedding should have thank you cards sent within 2 weeks and gifts opened post wedding should be done within 1 month. Anything later then a month sends the impression that the gifts and time spent looking for a gift for you and your newlywed spouse were not fully appreciated.
4. When opening the gifts, try to have yourself or someone else describe the gift as much as possible so you will be able to identify the gift you received very well once the time comes to write the thank-you note. You can try to record a positive emotion you felt when you first saw it. People love to hear how much you love their gift choices.
5. If you received money as a gift, thank them for the money and try to say how you and your spouse plan on using it. If you used it for furniture or a new appliance, the giver would love to hear that!
6. Try to write the thank-you note and then immediately after, write the envelope out and place the note into the envelope. You would not want to get the thank you note mixed up in someone else's envelope by mistake.
7. Try to split the task of note writing between you and your spouse. If you don't know your husbands Aunt very well, ask him to write the note instead. This doesn't have to just be a one person job.
8. And lastly, try your best to not "hand deliver" thank you notes. People like to get these kinds of gestures in the mail.
The first thing to consider is how long your engagement will be. This will depend on a couple of factors, such as your ideal wedding date and how much time you'll need to prepare. A typical engagement lasts anywhere from six months to a year and a half or more. If you got engaged during the holidays but always wanted a summer wedding, make sure you've got enough time to plan without making yourselves wedding-crazy, and keep in mind that many of the best vendors and reception sites book a year or more in advance.
Your wedding style will be reflected first and foremost in the location, whether it's a luxe ballroom or an intimate backyard reception. Discuss with your fiance where your wedding will take place (in one of your hometowns or in the city where you currently live, for example), and then start scouting sites that can accommodate your wedding style. Use theknot.com/local to find reception venues in your area.
In the end, dollars, not dreams, are a main determining factor for the size and style of your wedding. So, what affects the price tag?
Formality: In general, the more formal the reception, the more expensive, considering you'll have to match the site, food, and decor to the overall upscale tone.
Date and time: Saturdays, summer months, and evenings tend to be the most costly times to have a reception.
Location: In many cases, a wedding in a major metropolitan area is simply more expensive than in a smaller town.
Choosing a wedding date can be tougher than you'd think. There are a few things to consider: How much time will you need to prepare for your wedding? Do any loved ones having a conflicting graduation, vacation, or pregnancy due date? If you have your heart set on a particular place, caterer, band, or photographer, the availability of these crucial vendors may also play a large part in your decision. Try to avoid dates of big conventions or other events that draw large crowds, since that might make it harder for out-of-town guests to get hotel rooms. Find out more wedding dates to avoid here.
As you begin to build your guest list, you'll need to consider a number of factors. If you have a particular ceremony or reception site in mind, for instance, you're going to be limited by how many people it can accommodate (you can't squeeze 300 people into a lighthouse). Would you rather have one-on-one time with each guest or to throw a once-in-a-lifetime party for all your friends and family? If Mom and Dad are adamant about inviting throngs of friends and family, you'll have to hear them out -- especially if they're footing a major part of the bill. Obviously, the more relatives you must invite, the larger your list will be. And more guests means a bigger bill, as catering costs are generally calculated on a per-head basis. So, in addition to location, your budget will have a big influence on the size of your guest list.
If you're a super-busy couple, hire a full-time wedding consultant to help you prepare your entire event, from the announcement to the honeymoon. You can also hire a part-time consultant to devise a wedding blueprint -- including budget, schedule, and lists of good vendor and site choices -- before you launch solo into the preparations. Another option is a day-of coordinator (which we definitely recommend), who will make sure everything goes as planned on your wedding day.
It's never too early to begin thinking about your wedding dress. Start by figuring out which style will look best on you. How? Learn the lingo before stepping foot in a dress salon. Read up on silhouettes, necklines, trains, and hues that might flatter you. Season will also affect your choice. Getting married in the sweltering summer? Go with lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, linen, or organza. Having a winter wedding? Brocade, faux fur, and velvet fabrics will keep you warm. Satin, shantung, silk, and tulle are perfect year-round.
