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
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.
Monday, February 28, 2011
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
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