Invitation

When I was planning my wedding a few years ago, I quickly realized how many different things there were to do and how quickly the seemingly basic projects could add up to be budget breakers. I also found that there were lots of things I could do myself, especially with a little planning and creativity.

I’m sure many of you will be participating in one of the most time-honored traditions of summer – the family reunion! I myself am looking forward to catching up and spending some quality time with my extended family during our own reunion later this summer. As the party planning continues up until the big weekend, I’m going to share some of the tips I’ve come across for planning the perfect family get-together.

First up: the invitation.

Let’s say you have decided to be part of the planning committee for this year’s reunion. First, decide on a date and location and compile the guest list. Remember to check that you’ve included new additions to the family, name changes or updated addresses for anyone who might have moved. Once these major items are set, you can start thinking about how to get the word out!

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The class of 2010 will soon be sporting caps and gowns and parading across stages everywhere.  And whether the students in your life are graduating from pre-school, high school, college or a post-graduate degree program, they deserve kudos and celebration.  

From big graduation parties to intimate family gatherings, here are some ways to make it festive and fun. 

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Have you ever hosted a baby shower for a friend or relative? I remember how much I enjoyed my own, and I’ve had my fair share of opportunities to help organize these special occasions, too. My favorite part is designing the invitations. I love to personalize the invites and find unique ways to tie the theme of the party to the style of the invitations. It’s easier than you might think!

You can create your own design with programs like Microsoft Publisher or Adobe Photoshop Elements and use colorful borders, patterns and adorable clip art that match the theme of the shower. Shower themes can range from pastel-inspired parties to spa showers or tea parties. Whatever theme you decide on, don’t forget to weave that style into the decorations and invitations to create a consistent look throughout the party. There’s nothing more confusing than getting an elegant, formal event invitation, but you show up and it’s a very casual, informal affair!  ...read more

Guest Blogger Amanda Emmert is in her senior year at a university in Dallas and plans to pursue a career in marketing. This busy volleyball player is also planning a June wedding and made some terrific save the dates that we wanted to share.  

Let’s face it…planning a wedding is not always as fun as you imagine it to be. There are so many small details that can turn an excited bride-to-be into a big stressball. There’s coordinating specifics, paying unrealistically large sums of money, and trying to please your mother. 

On a lighter note, there are some fun highlights amidst the consultations and the bills. I have, luckily, booked all my major vendors and taken care of décor/dresses for my June wedding; throughout this process, one of my favorite things that I’ve done thus far was designing my “Save the Dates.” ...read more