Every bride and groom faces stress as their big day approaches. There is always some little detail that won’t work itself out. In my case, we faced the challenge of having a groomsmen who refused to wear a tuxedo. We tried everything we could think of to get him to conform, even made appointments for him at a local suit shop the day before the wedding, but it was hopeless. Many of my bridesmaids suggested that we kick him out of the bridal party altogether, but he was our friend and we wanted to include him.So, I had to learn to forgive his stubbornness and forget that all of our wedding pictures look like we are playing a game of “which one doesn’t belong?” I guess the lesson to learn is that if you are gonna put “black tie optional” on your wedding invitations, make sure you mean it! And to remember that when things are put in perspective, sometimes the little details really are just little challenges that shouldn’t ruin your affair.

By guest blogger Geeta Sachdeva

Do you have a lot of out of town guests coming to your wedding? If so, providing them with directions and maps are not only a thoughtful gesture but necessary to prevent your guests from getting lost. Here are some tips to help guests have an easy, no-fuss time getting to your wedding.

1. Include separate enclosures with directions, accommodations and flight information. Directions cards are a great way to help all your guests with locations that are difficult to find.

2. Double check that the driving route is accurate and the landmark details are current.

3. Keep in mind that just because you send them instructions, doesn’t mean your guests will remember to bring them. Always arrange for extras available at the ceremony site.

4. Keep the theme of your stationery consistent by choosing directions cards in the same family as the rest of your wedding suite.

5. Include the phone number of your wedding site, as well as the contact information of people who are assisting with your wedding such as a coordinator or family member.

6. Lastly, to really go the extra mile, create a gift bag for out of towners that includes a welcome note, a schedule of wedding events, and activities, a city guide, and a little souvenir unique to the area. This shows how much you appreciate your guests traveling such a long distance.

Follow these steps and guests will not only get to your wedding with little hassle but they will feel special and appreciated.

Lime Grosgrain Directions Cards

By guest blogger Geeta Sachdeva

A bridal shower is a beautiful tradition of friends and family coming together and literally showering the prospective bride with gifts to help her set up her first home. The celebration is customarily hosted by the maid of honor or the bridesmaids. It may also be held by a relative, a close friend or the mother of the bride to be. Ideally, the hostess should mail the shower invitations 3-4 weeks before the shower.

Although traditional bridal showers are still popular, a growing trend is a prenuptial party for the engaged pair. Showers are no longer strictly for women and can honor both the bride and the groom. Cocktails, evening parties and barbecues lend themselves nicely to this new option.

A bridal shower with a modern twist deserves a complementary, contemporary invitation. Wedding Paper Divas offers a wide variety of exclusive invitations that are fully customizable so you can easily incorporate your own creative ideas to complement the unique style and theme of your shower. A popular unisex design this season is our cheerful Bubble invitation.

Bubble: Plum

What is a rehearsal dinner?

A rehearsal dinner is traditionally an informal meal for the wedding party after the wedding rehearsal the night before the ceremony. It’s a chance for the bride and groom to thank everyone involved in their upcoming big day as well as an opportunity for the wedding party to get better acquainted.

Customarily the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner and include the couple when planning it. Planning the event details and choosing the invitations can provide an opportunity during the wedding chaos for the bride to bond with her future parents-in-law. Typically the groom’s mother sends the rehearsal dinner invitations a few days after the wedding invitations have been mailed.

The rehearsal dinner can be as creative or casual as you choose. If you plan to invite more guests than just the wedding party but you you’re budget doesn’t allow for a full dinner, consider a picnic, barbeque or pot luck event. Remember, it’s all about taking a break, expressing gratitude, sharing a simple meal and toasting, of course!

Paper Moon

Save the Date cards are announcements viewed as a preliminary invitation to your wedding. They should be sent at least 4-6 months before your wedding day and at least 2 months before your wedding invitations. Save the Dates aren’t formal or even a necessity so feel free to personalize them creatively. They’re important primarily if many of your friends and family need to travel to your wedding, if your wedding date falls on or near a holiday or if your wedding location is seasonally busy or a popular vacation destination.

Ideally, sending Save the Date cards 9-12 months in advance is recommended if your wedding falls into any of these categories.Save the Dates provide your guests with ample time to request days off from work, to make travel arrangements and to organize babysitters or house sitters. With proper notice, your guests will be able to make your special day an extended special vacation. A thoughtful gesture is to provide them with additional information to help facilitate their travel, about local special events and points of interest and any group discounts available. Your guests will appreciate the advance notice of a Save the Date card as well as cherish it as a unique keepsake of your unforgettable event.