Ruffled gown: Amy Squires
Strawberry milk: Belathee Photography
Cake: Brides.com
Peony boutonniere: Patricia Kantzos Photography
Yard sign: Parigo Studios
Shoe: The Wedding Chicks
Valentine garland: Megan Lee Katauskas
Ring: Hot Pink Chick on Etsy
Candy: Angela Stott Photography
Cupcakes: Belathee Photography
Paper lanterns: Swoon
Keeping up with hundreds of RSVP cards can be a daunting task. Use my index system to keep your guests in check and save your sanity.
First, you’ll need to put your entire guest list into one concise spreadsheet. Each row should be one household that is to receive an invitation, i.e. The Smith Family or Mr. and Mrs. Brown. The first column should be index numbers. Fill numbers down your entire spreadsheet: 1-# of households/invitations. The next column should contain the full mailing addresses, including formal names, as your outer envelopes are to be addressed. In the next column, list names for the inner envelope (as you address the person(s), i.e. Aunt Sally). You’ll then want to have a ‘number’ column that includes the total number invited on that index, i.e. ‘5′ for Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their 3 children. Next to this, have an RSVP column. As your cards come back, you will update this column with the number reserved on each one. You can also add columns for hotel rooms needed, rehearsal dinner invites, email addresses or any other notes you may need.
When working with a DJ for your wedding reception, remember you hired a professional for a reason – let them feel out your crowd and keep the party going. While you might have the ultimate play list in mind, it might not be ideal for keeping a crowd of all ages entertained. Instead of dictating every song, give your DJ a list of 5-10 songs you really like in addition to your special songs (first dance, bouquet toss, etc.). Also give them a do not play list and include things like whether or not you want group dances (i.e. The Chicken Dance or YMCA). Most DJs will have a questionnaire of some sort to collect your requests.
Here are some classics to get you going:
Frank Sinatra, The Way You Look Tonight
ABBA, Dancing Queen
Michael Jackson, Thriller
Bryan Adams, Summer of ‘69
Etta James, At Last
Journey, Don’t Stop Believin’
James Taylor, How Sweet It Is (To be Loved by You)
