Getting Started on Planning your Big Day

Get an early start on the plans for your wedding or special occasion, and save yourself a great deal of stress.
While some parts of the planning don't need to be done early, there are some important decisions to be made as soon as possible, such as choosing a location, securing a photographer and a caterer, as well as a D.J., if you will be requiring that service for your day. Locations and the above mentioned wedding vendors book up early, so get on their calendars, and sign a contract.

Visit local Bridal Fairs and check out wedding magazines for ideas. And while you may have always imagined a wedding using your favorite color, check out bridal salons for dresses for your attendants before finalizing your color scheme, as you may find it difficult to locate bridesmaids dresses in your desired color. It's easier to find the dresses, and then fill in with the other colors of your choice. It can be very frustrating to choose a color for your wedding, and then find that you cannot find coordinating clothing.

Remember to ask your florist about what flowers will be in season during the month you will be holding your wedding. Out of season flowers can be very expensive. Consider using live plants, or large hurricane candle holders as centerpieces to save money, and be more environmentally friendly.

Get started early, but don't stress. Your wedding planner can help make the planning process easier. Ask your planner for Greener or Eco-friendly choices , and money saving wedding planning ideas.

A comment on Greener, Eco Friendly weddings.

Recently I received this comment from someone supporting the use of Greener, Eco Friendly wedding plans.

Tyler said...
Go Green! A green wedding not only makes you feel good to be married to the one you love, but also because you are helping the planet. The only way to go!
October 29, 2008 9:17 PM

Save the Date

We all live busy lives, and have calendars that fill up quickly, so don't forget to get the word out to your family and friends as soon as you have picked the date for your special event. Your "Save the Date" information can go out as much as a year in advance, but most guests will agree that three months notice is more than sufficient.

Using the computer to create electronic Save the Date notices is becoming more common, and is a recommended method by those encouraging Green or Eco Friendly Wedding Planning. Using the telephone is another eco-friendly method.

For the more traditionally minded, sending out a postcard, or an item such as a magnet, which is personalized with your picture is another special way to share the news of your upcoming special day.

Create your guest list, let your imagination run free, and get those Save the Date cards or announcements out as early as possible. Your wedding planner can assist you in finding the perfect announcement.

Greener or Eco-Friendly Entertaining

You can have the Magical Party of your dreams, and still be kind to the environment by thinking "Greener". Small changes to your plans can make your special day beautiful and elegant, while minimizing the impact to the environment.
Consider the following tips, and check out the website for sites that provide eco-friendly products such as invitations and favors.


25 Tips for a Greener Event

1. Simplify. Your wedding will be memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

2. Have a Daytime wedding, reducing the need for lighting, thereby saving electricity.

3. If lighting is necessary, use soy candles. Hang canning jars with candles and reuse the jars later.

4. Have wedding & reception at the same location to save on gasoline usage.

5. Encourage guests to carpool, or use public transportation, where available. Discourage use of Stretch limos, use Hybrid vehicles where available.

6. Use re-cycled paper for invitations, programs & favors.

7. To save paper, encourage electronic responses (email) or telephone RSVP’s.

8. Send electronic Save The Date messages when possible. Use the telephone.

9. To assist guests to stay cool in hot weather, provide hand held fans.

10. Provide umbrellas for sun protection on sunny days, or put up cloth tents.

11. Wear vintage clothing, or clothing made from nature friendly fabrics such as Hemp or Bamboo.

12. Purchase antique wedding sets, or recycle jewelry into new pieces.

13. Toss wild birdseed rather than rice or confetti after the ceremony.

14. Use flower seed embedded paper for a favor. May be left whole or cut into shapes.

15. Give trees, or easy to grow plants as a favor

16. Use environmentally friendly dinnerware and utensils. Products made from corn & wheat are available for disposable utensils, or use washable products.

17. Use home grown flowers or live plants.

18. Use recycled containers for flower arrangements, or use items from nature, such as pinecones for decorating.

19. Don’t use Mylar confetti, it is difficult to remove. If you must use confetti, use paper confetti.

20. Use items from natures, such as leaves, or rocks for place cards. Write guests’ names on the item, or in the case of a pinecone, add a tiny tag with guest’s name.

21. Use fabric linens, and if possible, line dry the laundry. Use colors that don’t require Bleaching.

22. Recycle all recyclables after the wedding reception

23. Serve organic and locally grown food.

24. Compost leftover food from plates.

25. Use safe cleaning products, but leave the wedding & reception site in better condition that it was found. Leave no trash behind.