Weddings continue to evolve and so do the product options. When I got married, there were no such things as custom wedding binders. We went to our local card store and purchased an album off the shelf. Now brides and grooms can order albums and binders on line, that can also be personalized.
There are a variety of styles to fit the many personalities of the wedding couple. Although this blog is about Casual Weddings, any couple can purchase and be happy with a wedding binder that is fantastic for them:
They can range from simple, with a pair of red tulips;
To a beautiful photograph with a sentiment of love;
To an artistic design that is both beautiful and elegant:
A nice option about a wedding binder, is that you can easily add photo pages for different size photos, and you can organize the photos and use tabs to easily locate the photo you're looking for.
Whatever your style, you're apt to find a wedding binder that is just right for you.
Browse more Wedding Binders at Zazzle.com, where they can also be customized.
Cheryl Paton
CherylsArt on Zazzle
These wedding albums, on Amazon, can be personalized with your photo on the cover:
Cheryl Paton shares tips and ideas on keeping weddings more casual, as well as ideas for newly married life (G-rated), custom wedding invitations, and wedding gift ideas.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Keeping It Casual Weddings - Comfortable Feet
If you're going to have casual anything, then comfort is high on the list. If you're not used to wearing high heels, then the wedding day is not the time to start, lol.
When I got married, I was used to wearing heels, however, I did wait a little too long before doing my shoe shopping. I wanted a white pair of dress sandals with a heel, so my dress wouldn't drag the ground. I did find a pair of stylish white sandals, but they were at least one size too small. Can you say pinched toes?
Lesson learned, so I'm passing it on to you. Decide what kind of shoes you need, based on what you're comfortable in and how long your dress is, and make sure you shop for them ahead of time.
The other thing that I wanted to share, is that I no longer wear high heels. I have since studied to be a massage therapist and learned a lot about posture, and things that are better for our bodies and feet. I then stopped wearing high heels, and you know what; the calluses that I used to have on my feet have gone away naturally.
If I had it to do again, I'd think that I'd pick flats and also let my toes have some extra room, either with open toed shoes or rounded toe area for closed in shoes.
May you pick the shoes that are comfortable for you. Here are some wedding sneakers to check out.
Cheryl Paton
Check out Wedding items by CherylsArt on Zazzle
When I got married, I was used to wearing heels, however, I did wait a little too long before doing my shoe shopping. I wanted a white pair of dress sandals with a heel, so my dress wouldn't drag the ground. I did find a pair of stylish white sandals, but they were at least one size too small. Can you say pinched toes?
Lesson learned, so I'm passing it on to you. Decide what kind of shoes you need, based on what you're comfortable in and how long your dress is, and make sure you shop for them ahead of time.
The other thing that I wanted to share, is that I no longer wear high heels. I have since studied to be a massage therapist and learned a lot about posture, and things that are better for our bodies and feet. I then stopped wearing high heels, and you know what; the calluses that I used to have on my feet have gone away naturally.
If I had it to do again, I'd think that I'd pick flats and also let my toes have some extra room, either with open toed shoes or rounded toe area for closed in shoes.
May you pick the shoes that are comfortable for you. Here are some wedding sneakers to check out.
Cheryl Paton
Check out Wedding items by CherylsArt on Zazzle
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Keeping It Casual Weddings - Wedding Invitation Postcards
Wedding Invitation Postcards can be both an environmental and economical choice. You can choose from fun designs to ones that are more elegant.
This first design features a border of purple and yellow diamond shapes, accented with two sets of matching butterflies using the same blends. It's a perfect choice for a spring wedding.
The purple and white stars on lavender blends are great for purple themed weddings, and for any time of the year.
The wave of red hearts design is perfect for Valentine weddings, and heart themed weddings any time of the year.
The silver star flowers on an orange background is great for both star themed and orange themed weddings. I think it looks perfect for fall.
The green ferns design can compliment any color or flower theme.
All of the above designs have template forms for you to easily personalize the text.
See more Wedding Invitation Postcards by CherylsArt at Zazzle.com.
Cheryl Paton
Friday, March 11, 2011
Keeping it Casual Weddings - Being legally ready in the U.S.
In addition to states having a minimum age requirement for two people to marry, or parental consent, some states also require either a blood test, a physical, or both.
Also a marriage license is required in most places. In some states there is a waiting period, and others not. Some marriage licenses also have an expiration date, so they can't be gotten too far in advance. To get a marriage license, official documents, such as birth certificates, are required. There is also usually a license fee.
You can check here for marriage license requirements by state. This is a general list and may not be current, it is only for guidance. Do check with the state in which you plan to marry. Also marriage laws can vary between in state marriages and out of state marriages.
If required, the minister, priest, justice of the peace, etc. will need to see the marriage license before they perform the wedding ceremony.
Cheryl Paton
CherylsArt at Zazzle
Also a marriage license is required in most places. In some states there is a waiting period, and others not. Some marriage licenses also have an expiration date, so they can't be gotten too far in advance. To get a marriage license, official documents, such as birth certificates, are required. There is also usually a license fee.
You can check here for marriage license requirements by state. This is a general list and may not be current, it is only for guidance. Do check with the state in which you plan to marry. Also marriage laws can vary between in state marriages and out of state marriages.
If required, the minister, priest, justice of the peace, etc. will need to see the marriage license before they perform the wedding ceremony.
Cheryl Paton
CherylsArt at Zazzle
Monday, February 28, 2011
Keeping It Casual Weddings - Guest Attire
How casual should casual attire be? The best thing is to give an example.
Terms can mean different things to different people. Some terns are specific to a locale and may not be widely known to all of your invited guests.
"What does Southern Casual mean?" I've seen this question posted on wedding forums before. The best thing is to let your guests know. Guests shouldn't have to search the net to find out what a term means.
Casual dressy could mean pressed jeans to some people, and a nice dress and leisure suit to others. Does it matter? Just let your guests know if it does, and give them a range if appropriate, i.e. The reception will be at a park by the beach. Dress comfortable and wear shoes you don't mind getting sand in. Jeans are appropriate.
Another thing that will be helpful is to let guests know the setting for the wedding, and for the reception if it is at a different location. Will the wedding be indoors and the reception outdoors? Will different attire be needed. Usually for casual weddings, I don't think you would want guests to have to change, unless of course you've made it convenient for them to do so. If there is a swim party afterwords, then by all means, the guests will probably want to change and to bring their bathing suits.
The main thing to do is ask yourself some questions as if you were a guest:
What is the setting/location?
What attire will be best for the setting/location?
Is there a place to conveniently change, if needed?
I hope you have found this information helpful, and I invite your additional tips and comments.
Cheryl Paton
CherylsArt at Zazzle
Terms can mean different things to different people. Some terns are specific to a locale and may not be widely known to all of your invited guests.
"What does Southern Casual mean?" I've seen this question posted on wedding forums before. The best thing is to let your guests know. Guests shouldn't have to search the net to find out what a term means.
Casual dressy could mean pressed jeans to some people, and a nice dress and leisure suit to others. Does it matter? Just let your guests know if it does, and give them a range if appropriate, i.e. The reception will be at a park by the beach. Dress comfortable and wear shoes you don't mind getting sand in. Jeans are appropriate.
Another thing that will be helpful is to let guests know the setting for the wedding, and for the reception if it is at a different location. Will the wedding be indoors and the reception outdoors? Will different attire be needed. Usually for casual weddings, I don't think you would want guests to have to change, unless of course you've made it convenient for them to do so. If there is a swim party afterwords, then by all means, the guests will probably want to change and to bring their bathing suits.
The main thing to do is ask yourself some questions as if you were a guest:
What is the setting/location?
What attire will be best for the setting/location?
Is there a place to conveniently change, if needed?
I hope you have found this information helpful, and I invite your additional tips and comments.
Cheryl Paton
CherylsArt at Zazzle
Friday, February 25, 2011
Keeping It Casual Weddings - Save the date Note Cards
Sending Save the date note cards or greeting cards allows the bride and groom to include a sticker or magnet for their guests.
Any design on a note card or greeting card can be ordered on the other size card.
I have ordered cards from Zazzle myself, and the print and the designs look exceptionally well.
These colorful layered hearts are an attention getter.
The seashells on this one will let your guests know that you're planning a beach wedding.
These blue and orange flowers can convey a spring or summer wedding.
So have fun with your Save the dates. Your guests will appreciate it. All of the above designs are easily customized online, before placing your order.
Find more Save the date Note Cards by CherylsArt at zazzle.com.
Cheryl Paton
CherylsArt on Zazzle
Any design on a note card or greeting card can be ordered on the other size card.
I have ordered cards from Zazzle myself, and the print and the designs look exceptionally well.
These colorful layered hearts are an attention getter.
The seashells on this one will let your guests know that you're planning a beach wedding.
These blue and orange flowers can convey a spring or summer wedding.
So have fun with your Save the dates. Your guests will appreciate it. All of the above designs are easily customized online, before placing your order.
Find more Save the date Note Cards by CherylsArt at zazzle.com.
Cheryl Paton
CherylsArt on Zazzle
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Keeping It Casual Weddings - Save the date Stickers
Save the date Stickers are a simple way to let your intended guests know your wedding date. They're also a pretty attraction to your envelopes. If you include a sticker in the envelope, your guests will have an easy reminder that they can stick on their calendars on the appropriate date.
The stickers are below are easy to customize.
Pink and Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue.
Purple
Black and White
Wedding Stickers ordered from Zazzle, a print on demand company, come in a choice of two sizes. The 20 per sheet sticker size is 1-1/2 inches, a better size for calendars. The 6 per sheet size is 3 inches wide.
Browse more Save the date Stickers by CherylsArt on Zazzle.
Cheryl Paton
The stickers are below are easy to customize.
Pink and Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue.
Purple
Black and White
Wedding Stickers ordered from Zazzle, a print on demand company, come in a choice of two sizes. The 20 per sheet sticker size is 1-1/2 inches, a better size for calendars. The 6 per sheet size is 3 inches wide.
Browse more Save the date Stickers by CherylsArt on Zazzle.
Cheryl Paton
Friday, February 4, 2011
Keeping it Casual Weddings - Catered or Pitch In
I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that we had an outdoor wedding on my Uncle's farm. The other thing that we opted for was for a big picnic afterwords. With the wedding being outside and there being lots of green space, which was also near the house, a picnic was a perfect option for us. Guests could stay and mingle and not have to drive to another location, which was a big plus for everyone, as our wedding was also out of state for us and for most of our guests.
Being a young couple, we didn't even really consider a caterer. Also, since we were into a casual feel, we just wanted a big outdoor family picnic. My mom, sister, aunts, and cousins pitched in the day before, and made a slew of dishes. A special thank you goes out to all of them for getting the supplies, cooking, etc.; bless you. The night before, I actually did the lawn mowing so that the grass was nice and trim.
If you are opting for a caterer, there are many more options now than there were then. Check out different listings, and ask friends and family for referrals. Caterers can do a great job for casual affairs too.
My aunt was able to arrange for tables and seating from a local church. Do plan for seating and a place to put the food.
If the weather is a concern, you can also opt for canopies or tents. My mother was somewhat concerned about what the weather would be, and kept asking me what we were going to do if it rained. I answered, then we'll get married in the rain. However, Mother Nature cooperated with us, and we had a beautiful day.
All in all, your wedding is about what you and your fiancee want, what your budget is, and what kind of options are available to you. May reading about my experience give you the inspiration to have the kind of wedding that you want.
Afterwards my aunt told me that she wished she had thought of getting an arch for us. It would have added a nice touch. They are actually pretty reasonable.
Cheryl Paton
Browse wedding by CherylsArt at Zazzle.com.
Being a young couple, we didn't even really consider a caterer. Also, since we were into a casual feel, we just wanted a big outdoor family picnic. My mom, sister, aunts, and cousins pitched in the day before, and made a slew of dishes. A special thank you goes out to all of them for getting the supplies, cooking, etc.; bless you. The night before, I actually did the lawn mowing so that the grass was nice and trim.
If you are opting for a caterer, there are many more options now than there were then. Check out different listings, and ask friends and family for referrals. Caterers can do a great job for casual affairs too.
My aunt was able to arrange for tables and seating from a local church. Do plan for seating and a place to put the food.
If the weather is a concern, you can also opt for canopies or tents. My mother was somewhat concerned about what the weather would be, and kept asking me what we were going to do if it rained. I answered, then we'll get married in the rain. However, Mother Nature cooperated with us, and we had a beautiful day.
All in all, your wedding is about what you and your fiancee want, what your budget is, and what kind of options are available to you. May reading about my experience give you the inspiration to have the kind of wedding that you want.
Afterwards my aunt told me that she wished she had thought of getting an arch for us. It would have added a nice touch. They are actually pretty reasonable.
Cheryl Paton
Browse wedding by CherylsArt at Zazzle.com.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Keeping it Casual Weddings - Your First Place
You may think that thinking ahead to your first place might be jumping ahead a bit. However, where you are going to live, is another one of those big important things to plan. So some things to keep in mind:
Budget: Consider food expenses, utilities - whether you pay out of pocket or if they're included in the rent, condo fees, etc. I've read that one should plan on no more than 30% of their gross monthly income going towards their house payment/rent. That being said, it's best to get out the pen and paper and write down all your expenses to make sure you've got the 30% to spare and how much that is.
Also to consider, will you be buying or renting your first place? If you'll be renting or buying a condo, certain utility fees may be included in the rent. However, if they're not included, you will need to check with the individual utility companies and set up the appropriate accounts, and make arrangements for said services to be turned on by your move in date or before.
Generally, the companies you'll need to contact are water, gas, electric, phone, and cable. Additional companies you may need to contact are garbage and fire service.
So just make a checklist, and check them off as you take care of them. Having everything on and working for you will make your beginning go so much smoother.
All the best to you.
Cheryl Paton
Budget: Consider food expenses, utilities - whether you pay out of pocket or if they're included in the rent, condo fees, etc. I've read that one should plan on no more than 30% of their gross monthly income going towards their house payment/rent. That being said, it's best to get out the pen and paper and write down all your expenses to make sure you've got the 30% to spare and how much that is.
Also to consider, will you be buying or renting your first place? If you'll be renting or buying a condo, certain utility fees may be included in the rent. However, if they're not included, you will need to check with the individual utility companies and set up the appropriate accounts, and make arrangements for said services to be turned on by your move in date or before.
Generally, the companies you'll need to contact are water, gas, electric, phone, and cable. Additional companies you may need to contact are garbage and fire service.
So just make a checklist, and check them off as you take care of them. Having everything on and working for you will make your beginning go so much smoother.
All the best to you.
Cheryl Paton
Monday, January 31, 2011
Keeping it Casual Weddings, Begins with Honoring Yourself
Ever since I was a little girl, I had imagined getting married on my Uncle's farm. I loved how I felt when I was there, and I loved the big expansiveness of the land and the sky.
Many years later, I was the Maid of Honor in my best friend's wedding. She had a very nice church wedding, and had a photographer. I was very surprised to find out that the wedding pictures were taken after the wedding. While others were heading to the reception, the wedding party waited and posed. I can see why they did it that way, but I knew I wanted my wedding to be different. I wanted my wedding photos to be natural and in the moment.
I attended another church wedding; that one lasted almost two hours. Whoa, it was longer than a Sunday morning sermon. Note to self; my wedding is going to be short and sweet.
I also saw that some bibles had the word obey in them as part of the wedding vows. What kind of language was that! Marriage is a partnership; it's not about obeying. At least not to me. My vows shall say, Love, Honor, and Cherish.
And that is how it played out. My husband and I had an outdoor wedding on my Uncle's farm. The ceremony was short and sweet. Our vows included the words Love, Honor, and Cherish. (I had the minister look up the text in his bible, when we were planning our wedding.) And family and friends brought their cameras and took impromptu photos. Between them, we had a good selection to choose from that felt very natural. My intended was also in agreement, other than he joked about wearing shorts.
So as you can see, I observed, and I learned, and I imagined. I formed my opinions, my desires, and wants. And that's where honoring yourself comes in.
What kind of wedding do you want? Are you and your fiance on the same page? If not, that's where communication comes in. Best to start with now. You both count.
Here's to a great wedding and a great marriage.
Cheryl Paton
Browse wedding wedding designs by CherylsArt at Zazzle.com.
Many years later, I was the Maid of Honor in my best friend's wedding. She had a very nice church wedding, and had a photographer. I was very surprised to find out that the wedding pictures were taken after the wedding. While others were heading to the reception, the wedding party waited and posed. I can see why they did it that way, but I knew I wanted my wedding to be different. I wanted my wedding photos to be natural and in the moment.
I attended another church wedding; that one lasted almost two hours. Whoa, it was longer than a Sunday morning sermon. Note to self; my wedding is going to be short and sweet.
I also saw that some bibles had the word obey in them as part of the wedding vows. What kind of language was that! Marriage is a partnership; it's not about obeying. At least not to me. My vows shall say, Love, Honor, and Cherish.
And that is how it played out. My husband and I had an outdoor wedding on my Uncle's farm. The ceremony was short and sweet. Our vows included the words Love, Honor, and Cherish. (I had the minister look up the text in his bible, when we were planning our wedding.) And family and friends brought their cameras and took impromptu photos. Between them, we had a good selection to choose from that felt very natural. My intended was also in agreement, other than he joked about wearing shorts.
So as you can see, I observed, and I learned, and I imagined. I formed my opinions, my desires, and wants. And that's where honoring yourself comes in.
What kind of wedding do you want? Are you and your fiance on the same page? If not, that's where communication comes in. Best to start with now. You both count.
Here's to a great wedding and a great marriage.
Cheryl Paton
Browse wedding wedding designs by CherylsArt at Zazzle.com.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Keeping it Casual Weddings, Involve the Groom
So much of the reading material about weddings is geared towards the bride. So I was pleasantly surprised when I came across the book, Groomology: What Every (Smart) Groom Needs to Know Before the Wedding. Both males and females have given positive reviews about this book. It not only talks about the groom's traditional duties, it also gives guidelines for becoming involved. When two people are starting out together, it's helpful to learn and practice making decisions together, especially the bigger ones.
This book is written from a buddy perspective. It explains why the modern day groom is more involved now, than his forefathers were. What I like best, is that it encourages communication from the start. Forgo the bridal magazines, ask your intended questions. That's the place to start, for whatever type of wedding you're going to have, the best place to start is communication with one another.
All the best.
Cheryl Paton
Browse wedding invitations by CherylsArt at Zazzle.com.
This book is written from a buddy perspective. It explains why the modern day groom is more involved now, than his forefathers were. What I like best, is that it encourages communication from the start. Forgo the bridal magazines, ask your intended questions. That's the place to start, for whatever type of wedding you're going to have, the best place to start is communication with one another.
All the best.
Cheryl Paton
Browse wedding invitations by CherylsArt at Zazzle.com.
Keeping it Casual Weddings, Introduction Post
I had been making lots of designs for wedding invitations, save the dates, wedding stamps, and such, and wanted some extra inspiration. I purchased a couple of bridal magazines to see what the latest color trends were. They were very helpful in that respect, and I will more than likely be making some new designs and color combinations for your perusal.
I also noticed that a lot of the ads in the magazines were for very extravagant wedding gowns. I know there are people who really like the extravagant wedding, but I also know, there are people who, like me, also like a simpler wedding; consisting of family taken photos, comfortable and/or no shoes, and minimal head wear.
If this sounds like you, then I invite you to become a fan. I'll be posting tips that I learned about having a more casual wedding. My husband and I enjoyed a casual outdoor wedding ourselves.
I'll also be posting tips on that first apartment and adjusting to married life too. Many times, when it's the first time for something, one doesn't think of everything, so hopefully I'll share some knowledge, from my experience, that will help your wedding and early married life go more smoothly, and I'll keep it G-rated as well.
Like to learn more; just click on subscribing to posts below.
Cheryl Paton
View wedding ideas by CherylsArt at Zazzle.com.
I also noticed that a lot of the ads in the magazines were for very extravagant wedding gowns. I know there are people who really like the extravagant wedding, but I also know, there are people who, like me, also like a simpler wedding; consisting of family taken photos, comfortable and/or no shoes, and minimal head wear.
If this sounds like you, then I invite you to become a fan. I'll be posting tips that I learned about having a more casual wedding. My husband and I enjoyed a casual outdoor wedding ourselves.
I'll also be posting tips on that first apartment and adjusting to married life too. Many times, when it's the first time for something, one doesn't think of everything, so hopefully I'll share some knowledge, from my experience, that will help your wedding and early married life go more smoothly, and I'll keep it G-rated as well.
Like to learn more; just click on subscribing to posts below.
Cheryl Paton
View wedding ideas by CherylsArt at Zazzle.com.
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