Seeking Real Wedding Submissions for #Wedding Wednesdays!

Music Box Invites LOVES weddings and wants to share REAL weddings with our  Blog and Facebook fans. So beginning in April, each WEDNESDAY we will focus on a real wedding. Wedding submissions can be from wedding planners and/or actual couples or their families/friends.

There are very few rules ..

1. We don’t care WHEN the wedding was – 10 days or 10 years ago, doesn’t matter to us!
2. If you are using pictures that your photographer took, you must give photo credit
3. Keep it short – no more than 5 pictures and 3 paragraphs – we WILL edit to make the blog read better but try to keep it sweet and to the point.
4. If someone other than the couple is submitting the wedding, we need to have the couple’s permission and their email address so we can follow up with them.

Please include the following:

1. Date of Wedding
2. Name of Bride and Groom
3. Bride and/or Groom’s email address
4. Place: Venue, City, State
5. The vendors you used (and if possible links to their sites) that you LOVED  – tell us why you loved them so that other couples can try them
6. Your FAVORITE moment of the day
7. Your FAVORITE item(s) of the wedding (ie: Bouquet, cake, invite)
8. Anything you did really differently from other weddings

To submit, please go to this link: http://www.musicboxinvites.com/write-for-us/

If you are chosen (and we will try to choose EVERYONE who submits), we will get back to you and let you know what day it will be featured on our blog/Facebook page so you can share it with all your friends. You will need to LIKE our page to do so.

So please SHARE your wedding with Music Box Invites!

Outdoor Wedding: 6 Important Details That Are Easy to Overlook

There are a lot of details that go into an outdoor wedding. Most likely you have already taken some of the bigger issues into mind such as having a back-up plan in case of bad weather, and parking for your all of your guests. However, there may have been a few small details that you may want to consider before finalizing your plans.

First of all, make sure that your wedding invitation clearly states that the wedding is being held outdoors and you might want to remind guests on your wedding website as well so that they bring a wrap or wear proper shoes. Here are 6 other things to consider as well.

Lighting

Make sure to check out the sun’s position at the time of your ceremony. Not only do you not want the sun in your eyes, you do not want to having it glaring in your guests’ eyes either. Also will the sun be in a good position for photos? If the sun will be setting before the end of the wedding, make sure that everyone is left in the dark.

Bugs

Where there are flowers, there are bugs. Take this into consideration when planning your flowers. Go with flowers that tend not to attract bugs. There are a variety of different bug repellents on the market such as candles and sprays that can be used to help keep the bugs away.

Noise

There are two different factors to take into consideration. Will the guests be able to hear during the ceremony or will a sound system be needed? Will surrounding noises from traffic or other activities disturb the wedding?

Food

When booking your caterer inform them that you are having an outside wedding. Certain precautions will need to be taken to make sure that food is kept properly. Cold foods need to be kept cold and warm foods warm. It would also be a good idea to tell your bakery that your wedding cake is going to be outside. Certain icings such as buttercream have a tendency to melt.

Restrooms

Portable restrooms will most likely be needed if you are having your wedding in place where they are not conveniently located. Do not expect your guests, especially children, to not need a restroom. Contract a company like Cincinnati Trash Collection to bring nicer restrooms to your wedding, or plan your event near a building with restrooms that your guests can use.

Guests

Make sure that your guests understand that it is going to be an outside wedding and they should dress accordingly. You do not want guests passing out in the heat because they overdressed. Stress to the women to leave their good shoes at home.

A successful outdoor wedding takes a lot of planning. Make sure that all the details are covered to prevent any problems. Not only will you enjoy your day but so will your guests.

How to word an RSVP card

Response cards make keeping track of your guest list much easier.

According to Emily Post, the response card is inserted with a wedding invitation and is engraved or printed in the same style and paper stock as the invitation. Most people pre-address and stamp the reply envelope to make as easy as possible for guests to RSVP via mail. If you would like to receive replies via email or telephone, that’s fine, just include the necessary information on the response card.

Regardless of the medium, RSVPs are essential tools to help you organize and monitor your guest list. So here is a guide to how to word an RSVP card.

Below is an outline of how an RSVP card should look.

will ____________ attend

OR

accepts _______
regrets  _______

The “M” precedes the space where the guest(s) write their name(s) and the name of the guest, if they were invited to bring one:

Mr. and Mrs. James Bailey

OR

accepts _______
regrets  _______

susanandwill@mail.com

978/632-7843

Remember, Music Box Invites can help you with all your invitation needs!

Six Ways to Better Prepare for Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is one of the happiest of your life, and should be spent enjoying yourself rather than sweating details. These six simple but often overlooked tips can help you feel prepared and calm on your big day.

Experiment Early

A few weeks in advance, style your hair and do your makeup the way you think you want them for the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to make any changes, so you’re not scrambling to replace the wrong shade of lipstick on your way to the ceremony. Consider a visit to Pembroke Pines smile makeovers for a tooth-whitening as well, and if you want a tan be sure you do it early so you can look more natural and less orange the day of.

Remember Your Vendors

Remember your photographer, band members, and other vendors when calculating how much food you will need and make, a plan with your caterer for feeding them. Prepare any tips or payments in advance, and delegate the task of paying vendors to someone in the wedding party or a family member. You don’t want to be safeguarding cash or writing checks at your reception.

Plan the Day

Make a schedule of your wedding day tasks and leave plenty of time for each, including a nutritious breakfast. Knowing what time you will be at the hair salon, and when the photographer is coming will help you feel organized and confident. Be sure to stay organized so you don’t overbook. A written schedule keeps you and your helpers on the same page and eases pressure. Music Box Invites is happy to share a FREE excel spreadsheet timeline to any Bride-to-be who emails us for it.

Layout Clothes

The night before the wedding, select the outfit you will wear before your ceremony. Choose a zippered sweatshirt or button-down top you can easily remove without pulling over your hair or makeup when you change into your gown. Pick something comfortable and relaxing that will look good in the pre-glamour pictures your family will snap at home.

Prepare the Paperwork

Paperwork isn’t romantic, but is important and easy to forget. Get your paperwork in order before the wedding and pack it with other wedding day essentials. You will need your marriage certificate and should have identification and passports ready in a carry-on bag for honeymoon traveling.

Surrender Your Phone

Give you cell phone to the maid of honor the night before your wedding. This way you can enjoy your day calmly, instead of fielding calls from lost relatives or confused vendors. Let her know what calls you want to handle yourself and have her filter out the others.  You can also put alerts on your phone calendar for what things should happen at what time and when that alert goes off, she can inform the band or banquet people what should happen next (for example, time to cut the cake, etc). And if you want her to share your event on Facebook or other social media, she can take pictures and post them for you.

After you do these things, take a deep breath and relax – enjoy your wedding day!

Essential Wedding Invitations Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

• Do allow plenty of time. Custom wedding invitations take a lot longer than ones you can purchase on line. Allow at least 8 weeks for design and production. Plus, Plan enough time in your schedule to carefully address, assemble, and mail your invitations. Invitations should go out at least 6-8 weeks before the big day, so therefore you probably should be ordering your invites at least 5 months before your wedding day. Rule of thumb, once you have chosen the date and the venue, send your Save the Dates and begin the invite process. After all, having people come to your wedding is a very important part of the day!
• Do design your invitation to match your wedding theme. If you are having a very elegant wedding make sure the invitations are not casual. The right invitation can give your guests insight on what to expect at the wedding.
• Do use RSVP cards with stamped return envelopes or consider a card that has the phone # and/or email address to RSVP to if you want to save on the postage costs but don’t expect your guests to pay for a stamp to return the RSVP card to you.
• Do get organized. Develop a system for addressing and mailing your invitations. Prepare by gathering the names and addresses of everyone on your guest list.
• Do ask for help. Invite friends, family or bridal attendants to help assemble invitations.
• Do use the names of all guests when possible. It is much warmer and more welcoming to use the correct names of those who will accompany your guests on invitations instead of “and guest.” Plus, it eliminates the awkwardness of having people respond with someone you are not expecting at your wedding.
• Do use Correct Titles. It’s flattering when invitations are addressed correctly. This means using appropriate titles and spelling names correctly. When in doubt, ask before addressing.

Don’t

• Don’t forget to include any appropriate inserts, such as maps, directions or hotel information for out-of-town guests.
• Don’t include registry or gift information with your invitation. It is in poor taste to insert a list of places where the bride and groom are registered or a checklist of the things they want and don’t want.
• Don’t put “no kids” on the invite if you want a kid-free wedding. Instead properly address your invitations so that you put ONLY the full names of the people you want to attend. The outside address might say Mr. and Mrs. Smith but the inside envelope (or tag if you are using a box) should say John and Karen Smith.
• Don’t be afraid to try something different and unique – For example, a custom made musical invitation is so special, you really wouldn’t need to do a favor as well – your guests would save the boxed invite for years!
• Don’t forget to take pictures of the invitations (or have your photographer during your engagement session) – that makes a GREAT first page in all wedding photo albums!

Color Psychology: What Your Invitation’s Color Says About Your Event

Do you have something exciting coming up? Your invitation makes a big impact, whether you’re planning for a wedding, bridal shower or baby shower.

The invitation is the first thing people see in relation to whatever the event may be, and it gives them the overall impression of what to expect. Your invitation spells out if it’ll be a black tie affair or a no-shoes necessary party.

Amazingly, one of the biggest factors that can make or break your invitations is the colors you use. Colors are directly related to our culture and how we think and feel. That’s why it’s important to find a color scheme for your event, and start using your color scheme with the invitation. Let’s take a look at some of the colors you’ll want to use to get people excited for your celebration. So here is a bit of “color psychology” for you to ponder!

White

White is a traditional color, and is a great way to really make a clean, sophisticated impact. Traditionally, it marks a fresh, unsoiled, pure area or person. This color makes others pop, and it pairs well with basically all others.

Traditionally, in American culture, white is associated with weddings and other new beginnings. However, other cultures use white to signify death – something to keep in mind as our culture continues to assimilate others.

Black

Black is, of course, a bold color choice, especially if you choose to make it your main color. It makes every other color that is mixed with it pop. When used properly, it can create a unique, sophisticated experience unlike any other.

It’s the color of power and control, so while it might not be a great idea for weddings, it can certainly send power messages for other events where you may need that image. It has the added benefit of creating an aura of mystery and suspense, so you may find your guests wondering what will happen next.

Gold

Nothing signifies luxury the way gold does. Using this color, even in sparing amounts as an accent, has a definite and immediate impact on guests. It implies that no expense was spared and elegance and extravagance are the names of the game.

If you use gold, your guests will expect the best. It is well paired with other extravagant touches, such as embossed lettering or a touch of lace.

Red

When people see red, they think of roses, and love. Red signifies romance and passion, which makes it a great choice for any romantic event. Red is also a stimulating color, which means it will encourage people to be engaged and excited. Be careful, however, as too much red can be overly stimulating and create a claustrophobic environment.

There are many other effects red has, such as simulating hunger and increasing urgency. Don’t be surprised if your guests seem extra hungry!

Green

Green is a color you can use for almost any event, from a wedding, baby shower or a milestone birthday party. Since it is such a versatile color, it really adds a breath of fresh air to an event.

It tends to be a calming, yet expensive, color, and creates an atmosphere perfect for a classy, lighthearted event. Using it in a border on an invitation, or as a pale background color, instantly puts people at ease and makes them want to attend. It indicates that things will be taken care of, and people will have fun, not drama.

Regardless of what kind of event you are having, always keep in mind your invitation is the first thing that draws people in. Keeping it linked with the rest of your party creates a sensation of belonging and makes your theme unmistakable. For your next event, make sure you choose carefully, whether you want white for purity, red for passion or green for laid-back elegance, as each one conveys its own distinct message.

Adrienne Erin is a freelance writer and designer who loves social media, music, and the French language. To see more of her work, follow her on Twitter at @adrienneerin or visit her blog, Design Roast.

Great Wedding Gift Ideas

Nowadays, most couples have a registry listing exactly what they want and need to help celebrate the joining of their two lives. However, sometimes registries are not completed, have very minimal items, or you’ve waited to the last minute and all the good gifts are gone. Have no fear; some of the best wedding gifts many married couples have received came from someone who didn’t rely on the registry for an idea. Just because it isn’t on the registry doesn’t mean it won’t be happily received. Below are a few creative ideas for some great wedding gift ideas.

Not From the Store

Some things can’t be bought at the store, therefore they can’t be put on a registry. Similarly, there are a few things a couple would never ask for directly but will always appreciate.

1. Money. While many people hate giving money because they consider it thoughtless or cheap, money is actually what most new couples need. Think about it, they just paid for a wedding, they are probably buying a house if they haven’t done so already, all of these things cost big bucks. By giving them cash instead of another material object they may never use, you are giving them the best gift imaginable, some stress relief.

2. A Night Out. Typically, planning a wedding is pretty distracting. For the past few months, odds are good that most of the couple’s outings revolved around wedding plans, whether they were scouting out a venue or tasting a variety of caterers. Now that the hectic planning is over, give the couple a change to reconnect by sending them on their first date as a married couple. If you know their favorite restaurant in the Santa Fe area, go there or search online for a gift card. Similar to money, it gives them a break from stress and prevents them from using a gift to do something less fun, like paying bills.

3. Honeymoon Accessories. For many couples, the best part of the wedding is the honeymoon after party. Who wouldn’t love a week or two of complete fun and relaxation to really celebrate a new marriage? You can add to their fun by purchasing part of their honeymoon for them, whether it be a meal, a night or two of their hotel stay, or a fun excursion like swimming with dolphins. Check out a honeymoon registry for more ideas of what you can get the happy couple that they will enjoy while out of town.

Home Goods

OK, typically most of the best wedding gifts that fall into this category are found on the registry, but some couples may not know what they really need until they didn’t receive it. A safe bet when purchasing home goods as a wedding gift is to cover at least one of the three most used rooms: the kitchen, the bathroom, and the bedroom.

1. Kitchen. Some women never step foot in the kitchen before they are married, so they have basically no clue as to what is the most useful cookware. For a new chef, a ceramic skillet is one of the best gifts you can give. It is durable and can be used for most foods, whether they are searing meat or sauteing vegetables.

2. Bathroom. If you know the couples’ bathroom colors, get a bunch of complimentary towels. If you don’t know their colors, find someone who does and get the information out of them. No one ever has enough towels, ever. If the couple hasn’t been living together before the wedding, they will be now and will quickly realize they have half the towels that one would consider adequate. When you factor in the amount of new in-laws and far away friends they now have, the ratio of towels they have to towels the need is even further off.

3. Bedroom. Similarly to towels, you can never have enough sheets, especially if you are adding a guest room to your abode now that you’re married. Some people never change the sheets when they live alone, so one pair of sheets is more than sufficient. However, when someone else enters that bed on a nightly basis, they may prefer a more habitually clean night sleep. With a marriage comes a new lifestyle, and changing the sheets more often is usually part of it.

Electronics

Most electronic stores don’t offer a registry, so many couples never think to add any hi-tech devices to their wish list. However, an upgrade in the electronics department can be just as necessary as an upgrade in the home goods department for newly married couples.

1. Camera/Video Camera. There were about a million and one photos taken at the wedding, so the couple will never forget how their life together started, but if they don’t have a nice digital camera or camcorder, they may not be able to capture the next adventures in their new lives. With a new camera, the couple will be able to capture memories of their honeymoon, their first move, the first pet, and many other new and exciting things. You can help be a part of those memories by being the person who allowed them to be captured.

2. Movies and Players. A perfect stay-at-home date night usually starts with a nice home-cooked meal and ends up in front of a TV, cuddled together under a blanket, watching a sweet romantic movie. If the couple doesn’t have a wide collection of movies, or perhaps a way to watch the collection they do have, give them a collection of some of your favorites that you think they will enjoy. It’s a simple gift, but it will provide them with hours of enjoyment and time together.

Our guest blogger is Savannah Marie

Journey to Wed: Five US Hotspots for Destination Weddings

Most little girls grow up dreaming about how to make their wedding the most perfect event in their life. Once upon a time, that may have meant wearing their mother’s old wedding dress and walking down the aisle at their local church. Much has changed, and many women want something completely different for their wedding day. Fortunately, there are many interesting and unique places that you can choose from to start your new life with your sweetie. Below are five US Hotspots for Destination Weddings.

1. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Come enjoy your wedding in this quaint Victorian village located in the gorgeous Ozark Mountains. Known as Little Switzerland, this unique little town is considered one of America’s most distinct destinations. Many wedding chapels are located here, and you can get more information at Eurekasprings.com.

2. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is believed by many to be a place of great healing energy. People travel from all over the world to pray, meditate and absorb the healing energy that is attributed to the area. Even if that doesn’t appeal to you, the fabulous red sandstone formations found there will be a beautiful backdrop for your wedding. If you have your wedding during the rising or setting of the sun, you will see that the formations glow in brilliant oranges and reds. You can plan any kind of wedding you want in Sedona, and this includes a traditional Native American wedding. Check out a site such as Weddingsinsedona.com for more information.

3. Big Island, Hawaii

If you want gorgeous blue water, sun and sand, you couldn’t pick a better spot to get married than Big Island. Many places offer outdoor beach weddings overlooking the ocean. People have even gotten married while standing in the ocean. Whatever your wishes, they can be accommodated. Visit a site such as Destinationweddings.com for more information.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

Running off to get married in Vegas is nothing new, but there are truly so many ways to make your wedding special in Vegas. Probably best known for theme weddings, you might choose to have an Elvis-themed wedding, Camelot-themed wedding or a Viva Las Vegas-themed wedding just to name a few. Of course, you can also get much more elegant weddings that cater to whatever your unique vision happens to be. Check out resources such as Vivalasvegasweddings.com and Pacific Links International to learn more.

5. Boulder, Colorado

If you fancy a winter wedding in a snowy wonderland, plan your wedding in this lovely city located in the foothills of the impressive Rocky Mountains. The mountains will be a lovely backdrop for your wedding, and you can enjoy a nice ski trip too. Check out Boulder.weddings.com to learn more.

These are just a few ideas for some extraordinary spots to plan your wedding. It’s your special day, so get busy planning, and make the memories that will last you a lifetime.  And remember, once you decide on the venue – it is time to start working on those invitations. What better way to get your guests excited about a Destination Wedding (which is really a vacation for them as well) but to send them a gorgeous Musical Invitation that matches your venue’s theme.

Formal Wedding Invitation Wording

According to Emily Post, in accordance with long-standing traditions, the following etiquette guidelines apply to formal wedding invitation wording.

Names and Spelling

• A wedding invitation is issued by the host(s). The hosts’ name(s) are spelled out and include middle names and titles.
• Titles such as Mr. and Mrs. are not spelled out. Doctor should be spelled out, unless the name would be too long to fit on one line.
• The phrase “the honour of your presence” is used when the ceremony will take place in a house of worship. Honour is spelled with a “u” in the British fashion. For other venues “the pleasure of your company” is the traditional wording.
• If the bride shares her parents’ last name, only her first and middle name are used.
• The groom’s name is spelled out, and is preceded by a title. For example: Mr. Stephen Eugene Hall.

Time and Date

• The date is also spelled out, as is the year. Note that there is no “and”: two thousand twenty-three.
• The day of the week and the month are capitalized; the year is not.
• Use the phrase “half after” when indicating time, rather than “half past” or “four-thirty.”
• The phrases “in the afternoon” and “in the evening” are not necessary.
• Provide the city and state of the wedding location. The state is spelled in full, but may be omitted if all guests are local.

RSVP

• “RSVP,” which is an abbreviation of the French repondez s’il vous plait, means “please respond.” Each of the following usages is correct: RSVP, R.S.V.P., r.s.v.p., R.s.v.p. and “The favour of a reply is requested.”
• RSVP is only used on reception invitations or combination wedding/reception invitations; it’s not used on wedding-only invitations. When used, it goes on the lower left.
• RSVP isn’t necessary to put on the invite itself if you’re including stamped addressed reply cards unless you’d like to give your guests another way to respond, such as an email address or a phone number.

Details and Differences

• The wording for a Jewish wedding invitation differs only in that “and” is used instead of “to” between the bride and groom’s names.
• When a Roman Catholic mass is part of the ceremony, invitations may include “and your participation in the offering of a Nuptial Mass” beneath the groom’s name.
• Do not mention gifts or attire on the wedding invitation. If necessary, “Black tie” may be written in the lower right on a reception invitation.

Planning A Great Gatsby Wedding – Art Deco Style!

Following Baz Luhrmann’s opulent re-imagining of classic ‘The Great Gatsby’ 1920s style is back and the opulent Art Deco style of the period acts as the perfect inspiration for the ultimate wedding party.

Whether you love the art, fashion, music or decor of the period there is a way to incorporate these elements into your big day. Here are our tips to get you started planning a Great Gatsby Wedding.

Invites

The first step in introducing your wedding guests to your theme is with your invitation. If you want your guests to wear 1920s themed outfits make sure you send the invite out early so they can get shopping. Choose a 1920s tune for your musical invite to set the tone; Music Box Invites can create beautifully embellished 1920s inspired musical invitations for you.

Venue

If money is no option you could hire a stunning Art Deco building for your wedding day to really set the scene, such as Claridge’s ballroom with its beautiful hand engraved mirrors and elegant pillars. If you are looking for a country setting, Devon’s Huntsham Court is also just the ticket, with a range of grand rooms and antique furniture for your guests to enjoy.

This is not going to be an option however if you are working with a more modest budget, but this doesn’t have to stop you creating a space nearly as effective. Wherever you hold your wedding you can add Art Deco touches to the decor of the room to keep your theme consistent.

Decorate your tables with 1920s vases and ornaments sourced from the period and place names in an Art Deco font such as Broadway or Busorama. A dramatic fresh flower arrangement will finish it off beautifully – just think about the scene in Luhrmann’s film, when Gatsby fills Nick Carraway’s house with flowers in a romantic gesture for Daisy.

If you are able to decorate the room itself consider finding some dramatic, ornate mirrors from the period – you shouldn’t have a problem finding these in an antique shop. Cocktails in beautiful antique glasses and 1920s music blaring will all add to the theme.

Dress

There are few eras with more stunning wedding dresses than the 1920s. With their ornate prettiness you are sure to dazzle your guests, and the Miucca Prada designs in ‘Great Gatsby’ were certainly to die for!

But where to find them?

You can try scouring antique stores and specialist vintage dress companies to find an original 1920s creation. Avoid voluminous styles and stiff fabrics; this is all about showing off your silhouette in slinky beaded numbers with open-back detail.

Beaded head pieces are key to this look. Carey Mulligan’s Tiffany headband from the Gatsby film might be the ideal, but there are many cheaper alternatives and Etsy is a good place to start looking. Pretty T-bars are the perfect dancing shoes; take a look at the sparkling beauties created by former Bottega Veneta designer Emmy Scarterfield.

Guest Blogger, Emily Bradbury is writing on behalf of Antiques to Vintage, a newly launched website that brings antique dealers and buyers from around the world together in one place.