Celebrations 01-26-23 East

CELEBRATIONS — Getting ready for your special day

Announce that occasion in style

Invites still make an impact

The fact that we usually rely on technological communication is precisely the reason paper invitations are still so popular. Getting a physical invitation stands out from the normal sea of digital event invites, alerting guests to the fact that this is an important event and they should take notice. It’s a way of marking the event as a milestone. This also lets guests know how important it is to you that they attend which makes them more likely to prioritize your event over others.

Printed invitations get guests excited about the celebration to come and set the tone for your memorable day. Invitations let guests know what you’re celebrating, what you’re serving and how to dress as well as the date, time and location.

Custom printed invitations show your personality and the type of event you are having casual, formal, modern or traditional.

An emailed invitation might get guests to come to your party, but mailing personalized invitations to your guests still serves as an announcement of your event.

It’s all about your style

Your invitation defines your style and the tone of the celebration. If it is a formal affair, your invitation should convey that with the style of invitation chosen, the paper, layers, ribbons, formal fonts or hand calligraphy on envelopes, the reason for the party (wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, etc.), the time of day or evening and location of the party all give guests clues as to how they should dress and is their first glimpse of your event.

For a casual affair, a more relaxed invitation, playful fonts, colors and graphics as well as reason for the party, location and time, also indicate to guests what you have planned.

Wording: Don’t get wordy. Only the party details, RSVP info belongs on the invitation. Do not include directions, accommodations or where you’re registered. Those details, if you must include them, should be on a separate insert card.

RSVP: Set your RSVP date for three to four weeks after your guests wouldreceive formal invitations. Remember to put a stamp on the RSVP cards. Typically, the envelopes are addressed to come back to the host, but in the case of a wedding, if the bride is keeping track of the replies instead of her parents, her name and address can be on the response envelopes.

have been on your guest list or you have a “B-list” of guests, and you will also want keepsakes for yourself.

Registry: In the case of registry, the only place to list this is on a wedding website and/or for baby showers or other events that use registries, give the information to the hostess, your mother, sisters, best friends, so they can relay the information if asked. If you include your registry information on the invitation, it appears you are more concerned with getting gifts than seeing guests at your event.

Reception menu: Many venues ask that the hosts give them a ballpark figure as to how many of their guests will prefer each type of entrée available at the reception. Include menu options within your invitation package, ideally on your reply card, so you can easily provide this information for your vendor.

Etiquette still matters

Even if no children are invited, do not put that on your invitations. The place to state who is invited to the party is on the invitation envelope. Make it clear who is invited by writing each guest’s name on the envelopes: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Miss Jessica Smith would include the daughter too; Mr. Jason Clark and Guest, would indicate that Mr. Clark can bring a guest; Ms Carrie Jones would indicate she is the only person invited, no plus-one is invited. If you have guests that reply that they are bringing more people than you invited, or their children, politely let them know that you only have room for the number of guests invited or that it is adult party and you hope they will still be able to attend without their children or without their additional plus-ones or -twos. When it comes to creating a guest list, invite the people who are in your lives. Don’t invite people out of obligation or just because you went to their wedding, birthday, graduation, baby shower and then have yet to see them in years. It’s easy to say don’t stress over inviting your best friend from high school you haven’t seen for years versus your BFF you hang with at work everyday, but go with your heart.

According to etiquette rules, if you attended a social event of some significance, as a guest, you are obligated to send a thank you note to the hosts and also to extend a similar invitation to them. So, technically, if you have attended a wedding or significant celebration within the last three to four months, and your budget can take it, consider adding those people to your event’s guest list.

Postage: Don’t buy postage until you weigh one of your invitations. If your invitations are anything more than the invitation and an envelope or if they are square or an unusual size, take one to the post office complete with all the inserts and have them weighed to ensure you use the correct postage. For fancy, formal invitations or wedding invitations that could be ruined by the post office’s automatic processing equipment, ask about getting your invitations hand cancelled with hand stamping that shows your envelopes have been processed by hand.

Dress code: Your invitations are a clue as to what type of party you have planned. While it is not proper to put this information on your invitation, you could include it in a small font as the last line on an invitation, include the information on your response card or if for a wedding, on your wedding website.

Order extra: It is expensive and time consuming to order more invitations after the fact. If your event is a wedding or other formal occasion, you will want to order at least 25 extra invitations. Even for casual parties, by the way, order extra. You might need to resend an invitation, you forgot someone that should

When to mail: A general rule of thumb is to mail wedding or formal event invitations six to eight weeks in advance. Casual invitations can be mailed two to three weeks ahead of the party date. If you want to give your guests extra notice of your party or the party date is also around a holiday or yearly special event like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, you can send save the date cards to guests several months before your event and indicate that an

invitation

Thank you notes: Order thank you notes at the same time as invitations. For wedding gifts received early, do not use stationery printed with your married name before the ceremony. You may want to order two sets of thank you notes, one with your maiden name for bridal shower gifts and early wedding gifts and a set as husband and wife with your married name.

Invites are one of the most important elements in that memorable day because they provide guests with crucial information. And while some details of the event may not follow a strict set of rules, invitations do have certain requirements that need to be adhered to.

In the modern world of digital communication and personal web sites, some might think mailing invitations isn’t necessary. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The

Settling on the answer for these basic questions isn’t easy, but they’ll guide you through the process. Your completed wedding registry will then provide everything required to begin married life, while perhaps even adding a few personal indulgences. If you’re unsure how to get started, or want to doublecheck that you haven’t forgotten anything, check out this handy list of “do’s and don’ts.”

Do Create the registry together. This should be a shared moment where you and your future spouse mesh your own personal styles. Discuss color and pattern preferences so that these foundational gifts build toward a look and feel that you both find comfortable and enjoyable. Many vendors have created programs which allow any registry items that are left unselected to be purchased at a discount after the wedding and that’s another opportunity to bond.

Do

Set up your registries early and check in on them regularly. If you haven’t registered when you announce the date, or haven’t completed your registry, eager friends and family may purchase something from somewhere else that may not fit into your shared vision. As gifts are purchased, consider adding other things into the registry so that there are always gifts representing a variety of price points for other guests who may log on later.

Don’t

Overlook needed everyday items. You have you own space, and so does your future spouse. In some cases, you may already be living together. That can lull couples into thinking that they already have these common household purchases

covered. But what about the pot with the bad handle, or those old bath towels that need upgrading?

Now is the time to think about small luxuries like the thread count on your bed sheets.

Do Register at multiple outlets. This is important because some of your guests may have a personal preference for a specific retail store. They also may live nearer to one store location, and prefer not to shop online.

Don’t

Request cash. Instead opt for a cash registry website like

Honeyfund or Zola. They have the same look and feel as a traditional online registry, but offer you an opportunity to raise needed funds.

Pick the perfect flowers

Blooms that wow

The flower you choose for your event will greatly depend on what type of event you’re organizing, your target audience, and your venue. Whether you’re looking for flower arrangements for events or blooms for a birthday party, they will need to be carefully considered to set the atmosphere of your event and dress up its appearance. With so many different flowers to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice when beautifying your event, but you might notice there are particular blooms that are popular all year round and go well with a variety of settings.

Cherry Blossoms. These fragrant pink branches are always welcome and an attention-getter.

Baby’s Breath. This delicate flower is popular because it can be added to virtually any floral arrangement yet still looks lovely on its own.

Roses. Fish bowls, mason jars, and wide-based vases are all great receptacles for arrangements that include this classic flower.

Orchids. Stylish all year round, orchid arrangements should never be placed in the fridge. Instead, spruce them up by cutting off a little bit more stem.

Bells of Ireland. Given their relative height, Bells of Irelands make a dramatic addition any vase, drawing the eye upwards towards the event venue’s ceiling.

Tulips. While gorgeous, tulips tend to droop so they’ll need to be tightly packed in their vase.

Bouvardia. You’ve probably already seen examples of this in real life but this flower type is often used as filler in bridal bouquets.

Rajnigandha. This flower is culturally significant to India and is used in particular ceremonies, giving it a rich and interesting backstory.

Delphinium. These flowers pair beautifully with hydrangeas.

Chrysanthemums. Some flower designers suggest using dried chrysanthemums instead of fresh ones, depending on your event aesthetic.

Dusty Miller. Most often used a greenery filler, the dusty miller blooms during the summer and is an understated addition to the rest of your floral design.

Lilies. In case you give away your arrangements at the end of the event, let guests know that lilies are quite toxic for cats so be sure to keep your furry friends away from them.

Daisies. Daisies are simple enough to compliment your event decor, but bold enough that they can really hold their own and still make your venue look colorful.

Gladioli. If you’re working with this flower, make sure to put their stems in lukewarm water immediately after you receive them to maintain their look and freshness.

Holly. Budget-friendly and festive, holly makes a great addition to any winter event.

Evaluate the venue

If your event is taking place in a small venue, flower arrangements can be displayed subtly on tables tall designs will be more effective than wide ones, and delicate flowers like ruffled roses are ideal for letting guests see their beauty up close. By contrast, bigger venues will have room for more elaborate decorations, and grand displays packed full of foliage will fill any empty space in spectacular fashion. Choosing the right flower arrangements for events appropriate to the venue is a great part of your success.

Match the tone of your event

The florals you choose will depend on the type of event you’re planning, as they need to complement the style and atmosphere of your occasion. For instance, large red flowers may be suitable for a Valentine’s party, while a conference will probably be better accompanied by more subtle arrangements of lighter shades.

For formal events

Elegant and striking flowers like orchids, tropical leaves, anthuriums, or line flowers like poppies and full of texture ferns work beautifully at formal events, such as a wedding. Arrangements should be subtle and carefully chosen overdoing it could distract your guests from the matter at hand. Also remember that all flowers have deeper meanings, so while roses look amazing, their status as a symbol of love might not make them the best fit for a business event. However, purple irises, which symbolize wisdom, and orchids, which represent maturity and refinement, are both suitable.

Even the flowers you use for a business product launch will depend on the wider theme and aesthetic some opt for luxury flower walls and arched entrances with beautiful blooms to make a glamorous statement.

For casual events

Anniversaries, baby showers and birthdays will benefit more from smaller, more whimsical flower arrangements. For casual events, there’s a range of options to play with for instance, they can be personalized to the individual for whom you’re hosting the function. You could use their favorite colors and flowers for inspiration, or follow a specific theme, It also lets you experiment with location, which could impact your choice of flowers. A beach party, for instance, could open your decorations up to a host of tropical flowers.

Anniversaries, baby showers and birthdays will benefit more from smaller, more whimsical flower arrangements. For casual events, there’s a range of options to play with for instance, they can be personalised to the individual for whom you’re hosting the function. You could use their favourite colours and flowers for inspiration, or follow a specific theme, it also lets you experiment with location, which could impact your choice of flowers. A beach party, for instance, could open your decorations up to a host of tropical flowers.

Optimize your flower budget

Floral décor is foundation of your event space

Flowers are arguably the single most important element of décor for that special moment. They provide color, life and uniqueness, setting the tone for a memorable and enjoyable affair. If the national average is any indication, they’ll be a big part of your expenses, too.

Before you spend thousands on high-priced blossoms, however, carefully consider your options. The wrong choice can lead to unneeded expense, and there are lots of creative ways to the get the most of your flower budget.

Go seasonal

We all have that special favorite flower. Often, however, this single decision can raise the costs substantially. You can save money by blending in seasonal foliage, which will be less expensive since it’s readily available. Ask a florist or someone with the local extension service office more about area plants and when they’re in bloom.

Go big (once)

If your budget doesn’t allow for multiple showy arrangements, focus your florist’s attention on one show-stopper. Put it in a prominent place where it will receive the most notice, then down shift into less-expensive settings elsewhere.

You can also pair flowers that have bigger blooms with a mix of structural items like branches that will fill out the arrangements without breaking the bank.

Make a deal

Look for sales at local florists, or consider buying from a wholesaler. A word of caution: Buying in bulk means you can save a little, but you’ll also need to find someone with a florist’s expertise to arrange everything into something worthy of your big day.

Get personal

A great way to stretch your flower budget is to pair fewer blooms with more personal items. Take some time when still in the planning stages of your wedding to dig out beloved keepsakes or small pictures to give the space a more intimate, one-of-a-kind feel. Images from younger days are always a big hit. Look for photographs of departed family members, since that’s a great way to share the occasion with them.

Get creative

Many venues offer their own beauty, and that’s something money can’t buy. Be aware of the backdrop when setting up outside. Consider incorporating elements found on the grounds into your arrangements, settings and even your hair. Eve open the windows or doors to showcase more of nature’s wonder. Take advantage of lighting options, or bring your own lamps, candles or other illumination. They’ll add just the right touch of ambiance, at no cost.

Photo: Decorations are one of the most essential features of any event, and a floral display is a great way to make a real statement at your function.