How-To Create a Luxe Tablescape Without Going Broke

tablescape by Romancing the Wedding

I love tablescapes! Tablescapes define the style and mood of a wedding and reception. They can be extravagant and opulent like the one above, or understated and elegant. No matter your style or budget, you can create a tablescape reflective of your vision for your wedding day with a few fab finds and some ingenuity. Keep in mind, building a tablescape is all about layers. It may seem overwhelming when you look at a tablescape that inspires you... all the pieces that have to come together, all the little details...aaaggghhh! But fear not, here is a list of layers and some fab places to find steals and deals to create the perfect table for your special day!

FIRST: Table Linens

Depending on your inspiration table, you may have to forgo the linens provided by your venue (usually matte white or cream) and find something with a bit more interest. The table scape shown above wouldn't have had nearly he wow-factor without those fabulous embroidered gold tablecloths. this pintuck tablecloth from LinenStock adds just enough interest at a reasonable price (between $10-$15.00). Or, for a more dramatic effect, use a taffeta overlay from Beyond Elegance

Don't forget the napkins and chargers or placemats.

place setting by Australiaentertains.com.au

You can easily swap out the damask charger plates for pretty patterned paper (same effect but way easier on the wallet). The menu is cardstock, and great favor boxes can be found at Good Things: Wedding Favors. Be sure to check out Beau Coup Weddings for their perfectly adorable favor bags (they're only $.64 a piece)!

Personally, I think chair covers are a waste of money and kind of visually distracting. Most reception venues have bamboo styled white folding chairs. They are not distracting and really, do you want the chairs to be as gussied-up as your bridesmaids?

SECOND: Centerpiece

This is often the scariest part since it can cost hundreds of dollars and can be quite complex. Large over-the-top arrangements are certainly dramatic and have a major get major points in the first impression department. However, they are not very functional in an intimate setting such as a wedding reception. There is nothing worse than having a giant obstruction annoying the crap out of you as you crane our neck to see what's going on across the table, or at the wedding party table. If you go tall, go tall and unintrusive like this centerpiece that allows for unobstructed views of the entire reception.

An alternative is to do a collection of short bouquets, or one full short bouquet of roses (my personal fav). You can dress up the table with candles, little candle lamps, or even small shallow vases that can accommodate a single floating flower or candle at each place setting.

Centerpiece from Seattle Flowers

Small vases can be purchased for next to nothing. Save-on-Crafts has a variety of smaller vases for under $5.00 a piece, and Global Rose should be your one-stop-shop for fabulous flowers at unbelievably low prices. I have used them before and their roses are fabulous (you can get 200 for under $150)! A good full rose bouquet like the one above will take about 25 to 30 roses, so for about $30 a table you can have a uber-luxe looking centerpiece for way cheaper than a florist (the one above is $89.99 not including delivery). Now pat yourself on the back for being so ingenious!

THIRD: Accessories

Placecard holder from AmericanBridal.com

We're talking place card holders, table number holders, candle holders, holder holders... you get the idea. This is where you can really lose control of your budget. Look on ebay for tea lights and candle holders. I found a listing for 72 votive candles and glass holders for $49.97! Not too shabby. Don't want to send money on place card holders (which you will never use again, and your guests will throw away)? Dress up a standard tent-style place card by dipping the bottom front 1/4" with glue and then dipping in seed beads. Color code the beads to indicate meal choice to the catering staff. Adorable, and cheap, cheap, cheap!

Napkin rings can be created easily with some pretty ribbon (buy in bulk at Schiff Ribbons and save big$$$) and a monogram stamped card stock seal. Get a custom monogram stamp from SimonStamps.com for about $15.00. Just upload your art work, and in a couple days you'll have a custom stamp.

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CDC posts New Wedding Preparedness Survival Guide

Because we all know a brides' worst fear is a massive Ebola breakout at her wedding.

Taken directly from CDC website...

"

CDC’s Wedding Day Survival Guide

Categories: General, Natural Disasters, Preparedness

July 9th, 2012 10:17 am ET - Blog Administrator

By Caitlin Shockey
We’re sure it’s just a fluke that wedding season happens to coincide with hurricane season. Ensuring that everything is perfect for the big day requires a great deal of strategy, coordination, and patience. As you gather your nearest and dearest to celebrate what should be a joyful time, Mother Nature, clashing personalities, and unexpected situations could easily thwart even the best laid plans. Being in the throes of wedding season, many of us here at CDC realized that planning for a wedding isn’t that much different from planning for a disaster. Just remember: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed.

Bridesmaid Trouble?

Bridesmaids from Hell...

So hopefully it won't happen to you, but if it does, you are not alone.  Through all the excitement and attention, we often forget that even in the dreamy world of being a bride, things don't always work out the way we imagined they would.  Sometimes your close girlfriends turn out to be duds, and it stinks when you have to figure this out during the planning of your wedding (like it's not already stressful enough, right)?  I have dealt with it, and my close girlfriend The Clearance Chick has dealt with it.  You google it, and there seem to be a million Yahoo questions, How do I deal with the bridesmaid from hell?  So chances are, you, or someone you know will deal with it. Here are some tips...

The Expense Issue...

 

Jorma Bridal

So many times I have heard issues with one of the girls not getting fitted for her dress.  This is a clear sign that either A). she is having financial tightness issues, and being in your wedding is straining her budget, or B) she is just not that interested in being a part.  Chances are it is reason A, and first, don't take it personally, and try to be understanding.  We often think, "OMG, it's only $200... and you have 5 months to pay it off". True, but that still may be a budget-buster.  It doesn't include shoes, travel, accommodations for the wedding, gifts, make-up, hair, nails, rehearsal dinner dress, gym membership (so you don't look like a train wreck in public)... being in a wedding is expensive! And although as the bride you are likely spending a small fortune yourself, don't compare it to your bridesmaid's "dues".  Rather, at the first sign of trouble, confront the issue so it doesn't strain your relationship down the road.  If she is your friend you can simply ask if it is a stress for her, and if it is, see if she'd rather help you plan the wedding.  She can still be a part of your excitment without standing up in the wedding... tell her you just want her to be a part of your big day in whatever capacity she can.

The Attitude Issue...

GoatCards

You have a "best friend" from a zillion years ago, and since you keep in touch of course you ask her to be in the wedding.  Words to choke on.  Turns out, she kind of sucks in real life. She makes all the other girls feel uncomfortable either by outwardly insulting them when dress shopping, or by being louder, bigger, and badder than she has a right to be.  She doesn't acknowledge this is your special day, and she doesn't really bring anything to the table.  Really, you'd like to punch her.  But you can't.  Many brides have this problem and feel like they can't simply kick someone out of the party because, bottomline, that is just not a nice thing to do.  Well, don't be nice.  She's not playing nice and she's stressing you the heck out!  If you are losing sleep over a bridesmaid or you have to play referee, let her know that she has been stressing you out. She may not realize that she is being brash or overbearing, and just mentioning it may result in a quick attitude adjustment.  If not, then kick her to the curb and DON'T FEEL BAD ABOUT IT!  Tell her that you asked her to be a bridesmaid because you thought you were friends and you wanted her to share in your joy, but it is clear she isn't.  Do it with a hilarious card from GoatCards on Etsy.  You may just be able to save the friendship with humor.

   

GoatCards

The Dress Issue...

So you found the perfect dress for your girls, and everyone loves it except for the problem girl.  Or one of your gals gets pregnant and can't wear the style, or one of your girls would never be able to pull it off, pregnant or not.  The way I see it, what the bride wants, the bride gets. If she wants a horrible gold lame nightmare, I'll sacrifice my dignity as a sign of my undying friendship.  However, it is downright mean to make someone self-conscious in front of a bunch of strangers.  Not to mention, if one of your girls looks awful in the dress, you will be stuck with that vision forever in wedding pics.  Brides: the benefits of accommodating outweigh the costs.  You want all your girls to feel pretty (not as pretty as you, of course) but pretty nonetheless.  If one of your bridesmaids is just being difficult (i.e. she fell in love with some other dress and is being selfish about it) you have two options: let the girls choose their dress style in the same color, or tell her she would look smashing in that dress at the rehearsal dinner.    

You will undoubtedly have issues during the process, but being gracious, kind, and funny when necessary will help you tread the sometimes tumultuous wedding planning waters. 

~Happy Weddings! 

Tote from FullONuts on Zazzle

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How To Ask For Money for Your Wedding

Asking for money is hard for anyone. Clearly the guy above would get a buck from me just based on creativity.  That said, many soon-to-be brides and grooms have to face the reality of either asking for money to help pay for the wedding of their dreams, or going at it solo, and asking usually doesn't come with the ease of a sandwich board. So to ask, or not to ask?  

Well, it depends on your individual situation.  If your parents are broke, it may hurt their feelings if you ask and they simply can't help.  Or if your parents are loaded, it might hurt your feelings (and potentially strain your future relationship with them)  if they simply say no.  Treading these waters lightly will ensure you keep healthy relationships, and your dignity.  Here are some tips on how to "ask". 

1) If they don't offer, assume they don't want to, or can't, help.  

Start your planning on a budget the two of you can afford.  This may mean giving up on the idea of riding in on a horse-drawn carriage, and forgoing the rented yacht.  Look into alternative (read: less expensive) reception venues than the typical ballroom, conference space, hotel, etc.  These places often require you to use in-house catering and in-house alcohol (and a $10 bottle of wine miraculously becomes a $35 bottle as soon as it hits the loading dock).  Try arboretums or botanical gardens, check masonic temples, veterans clubs and moose lodges (some are actually quite nice, others... not so much).  Get creative with your budget... buy flowers in bulk and make centerpieces yourself, decorate with tea lights (which are super cheap and of create a lot of ambience), or think about upgrading your dress by adding Swarovski crystals and/or rhinestones yourself.  Let your parents in on the idea you have about grilling brats yourself. They may take this as a blinding flash of the obvious... they need to help make this thing great, even if it means manning the grill so you don't have to. Their active participation can be just as important as a financial contribution.  

    

Alternatively, your folks may simply want to be invited to be part of the planning before they open their checkbooks.  So the first step in "asking" is taking them along on the planning ride.

2) Ask your mom or dad to help with venus choices

As a newly engaged bride, you are undoubtedly drowning yourself in wedding mags, blogs, etc.  You know the dresses you like, the floral arrangements you lust over, maybe even the invitations you want, but the biggest first step in planning is location.  It is also the easiest way to get your folks involved.  If you're getting married locally, ask them for their ideas on venue.  If you plan to get married afar, ask them to come along on the venue search.  It could be a great bonding experience.  My mom came up with some pretty cool location ideas (an old circa 1920's theater was one).  Just taking her along for the ride checking out venues (and their pricing) gave the hint. 

Depending on your personal relationship, you may be in a position to just come out and ask. 

3) Ask them directly if they want to help.

Rather than making them give you a figure, tell them how much things cost.  Your dress, the flowers, the venue, etc. They may want to contribute by picking up the tab for certain items.  It seems more managable.  In this day and age it is rare that parents save up for their children's wedding (college and retirement, yes... wedding, sadly no), so often they can't say "here's $10,000", but they can say, "we can afford to buy your dress for you".

If they turn you down (as happened to my husband) don't take it personally.  When my husband told his parents we wanted to have a small wedding with the family, the response he got was "the bride's family is supposed to pay".  After starting to plan a small but elegant Chicago wedding, we realized we really just wanted it to be about us.  Since we had limited funds of our own, we decided rather than throw a big bash for everyone else, we would treat ourselves to an intimate Hawaiian marriage week. I know this may simply not be an option for many brides (they have been dreaming about walking down the aisle surrounded by friends and family), but the point is, keep it in perspective.  If they don't give you financial help, you get to do it any way you want.  Even if that means you wear the red dress your soon-to-be mother-in-law cringed about.    

Never, ever, ever ask your friends to subsidize your reception financially.  DO ask your friends to help by donating their skills.  If you have a friend who loves scrapbooking, ask her if she'd like to help make invitations.  If you have a friend who is a music junky, see if they'd like to create a playlist for the wedding and rent some good stereo equiptment instead of a DJ.  If you have a friend who loves decorating, ask her to help you with flowers and tablescapes. Do you have a friend who loves to cook?  Ask her to help plan a desert, brunch, or appetizer menu. Tell her you have a budget and she will find creative ways to stretch it (and will most likely offer to help cook).  It is truly an honor to be included, and everyone loves to be recognized for their unique skills.  You pat their back, and they will pat yours.  

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The 411 on Print Options for Invitations

Printing Options for Invitations

Invitation from Oslo Press

I am collaborating with a client who is planning on purchasing her paper invitations from a friend, but who wants me to create an over all couture experience from what would otherwise be standard catalog invitations.  Her scheme is cream and gold and she asked me if I thought she should have the invitations printed in gold. I responded with a battery of questions... is it foil? Is it letterpress? Is it thermography? And then I realized, there are so many options when choosing your invitations, from paper types, to layout, to wording; but perhaps one of the most confusing elements of the decision process has to do with printing options. 

Option 1: Engraving

    

invitation from Louella Press

Engraving is a 400 year old printing method that uses a copper plate to engrave your text into thick cotton paper.  A plate is etched with your design (so the text is etched out, while the negative space surrounding it is left standing). The etched space of the plate is inked and placed flat. The paper is than placed face down on the plate, and pressure is applied to the back of the paper, pushing it into the plate.  The pressure creates raised and inked lettering (or graphics) on the front, and bruising on the back (a negative of the raised front portion is seen if you flip the paper over). Engraving is traditionally used on very formal or black-tie event invitations, but more modern and contemporary designs benefit from the 3-D nature of the process (as seen above).  However, your wallet may not.  Engraving is one of the most expensive printing methods, but also creates one of the most complete sensory experiences.

Option 2: Letterpress

Invitation from Bella Figura

Letterpress can be thought of as the opposite technique to engraving.  A plate is created from a negative of your image (so the text is left standing, while surrounding areas are etched out. The plate is inked and is pressed upon the paper from the top creating a stamped or "pressed" image of your ext and graphics onto the paper. Since the paper is on a flat surface, there is no negative bruising on the back of the paper (it remains flat). The letterpress technique is credited to John Gutenberg who is the father of moveable type printing, which not only revolutionized the printing industry, but also created the ability to share information to the masses.

Option 3: Thermography

Thermography is a more affordable alternative to engraving.  The process involves ink, a special resin powder and heat.  The result is shiny, raised lettering, with no physical modification to the paper.  Color options can be limited when not using a custom printer or design house, however unlike with digital printing, true metallics are available. Thermography is a viable option for DIY invitations, but bear in mind when designing: large solid areas or graphics and small type should be avoided on the same page as they require different types of resins; very small print may fill in; and trimming will be more costly, and/or time consuming as it is difficult to stack as many thermographed papers. 

Option 4: Foil Stamping

  

Foil stamping involves a plate with a negative of your text (or graphic) etched (much like a letterpress plate). A mylar sheet is placed on top of the paper, while the plate is heated and stamped onto the foil.  The foil heats up and is pressed into the paper, adhering to the surface. Once the plate is lifted, the extra mylar sheeting is pulled away, leaving the impression of your design in foil on the paper. 

Option 4: Embossing

Invitation from Piccolo Press

Embossed invitations are similar to engraved invitations with two major differences, there is no ink and there are two plates rather than one.  A plate is created with your text and design (in this case, the text and outer border were etched into the plate while the center square was left alone) that fits into a second mirror image plate (in this case, the text and border would be left standing, while the center square would be etched out.  Like engraving, pressure is applied to the backside of the paper, and thus the text and border are raised, while the center square appears recessed. 

Option 5: Lithography, or Offset

Offset printing is the most common printing method (although it is being replaced by digital printing) and if you think of newspapers running off the press (like in Superman), then you have a good idea of what an offset printer is. Without getting into too many details, a plate is created and the plate is attached to a cylinder. the plate is inked and transferred to another cylinder, where it is finally printed onto paper. In true offset printing, metallic inks can be used.

Option 6: Digital Printing

Digital printing is slowly replacing offset as the go-to method for printing invitations.  Similar to what you would do at home, a digital file is created in a publishing program, that digital file is sent directly to the digital printer (so no information or quality is lost in the transfer) and voila! You have a perfect print of your  full color image. Prints appear as a flat image on the paper (although depending on the stock you choose as well as fonts, you can almost trick the eye into thinking it is letterpress if done with a sharp black and white contrast).  Metallic inks cannot be used, and paper color has a major impact n how ink colors ultimately appear once the final image is printed. I have found that using metallic papers (such as Stardream or Curious Metallics) increases your ability to print text that appears to be metallic, even though it is really not.

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Why is Wedding Stationery So Darn Expensive?

So my eyes having been bugging out all day because I am in the process of determining a price list for my first retail catalog!  I have a taker and I am so excited!  But as a custom designer, I usually price based on my client's total stationery package, so coming up with singular prices for different quanitites of items, with different options is proving to be a very time intensive job.

It has also gotten me thinking about the overall cost of wedding stationery, which is undeniably quite high no matter where you go. And although I don't plan to make a habit of cutting and pasting other bloggers articles, this one provides a basic overview of what contributes to cost in event stationery, as well as examines some of the different invitation formats and styles (and how cost factors in to each).  I thought it was a great start to an extensive look at why custom invitations are pricey.  Plus she used one of Revelry Invitation Studio's Invitations as an example (whoop, whoop)!

To give full credit where it is due, I lifted this article from a fab blog called Invite Couture Notebook, the blog of Invite Couture owner Corrie Feld.

"If you are planning any type of event and are in the market for invitations, sometimes it can be overwhelming that there are so many to choose from! Your budget and tastes can be determining factors as to the type of invitations that would suit you, your budget and your event best.

Overall there are several factors that will determine the overall costs of your invitations. They include:
•The Format of the Invitation
•The Stock (or paper)
•The Printing Method
•The Design (pre-designed or custom)

Prioritizing what for you is most important, whether it be the printing method of the format of the invitation will ultimately help you stay within your budget. I'll be reviewing all these different factors separately in detail and different posts, but for now let's focus on your invitation format.

The format of is the actual layout and delivery of the finished invitation. You can find a variety of invitations from single card stock, traditional invitations to really luxurious invitations with multiple card stock layers and ribbons delivered to your guests in silk boxes.

One quick thing to remember is the more stock (paper and/or other materials) that is needed to produce the invitation, the more expensive it will be. The costs of producing a single stock, 3.5"x5" piece is substantially less than let's say a 5"x7" pocket envelope invitation with multiple inserts because less materials are used to create the finished product.

Below is a sampling of different format invitation ideas in the marketplace now, listed in the order of how budget friendly they are.

Traditional Flat Invitation- The most standard size you see in the marketplace is 5"x7" but you can get smaller ones as well. You can have a more modern design that incorporates rounded edges or go with a traditional flat design that has multiple, layered cards for a sophisticated look.

From top clockwise: cevd custom invitation design, Pearl & Marmalade, Invite Couture.

Bi-Fold and Tri-Fold Invitations- Very similar to a traditional flat, but the card is folded in a way so you then have a cover and an inside to the invitation.

From top to bottom: Cheree Berry Papers, creator not known, please email me if you know who designed this so I can give them credit, Lilah Paper.

Pocket Invitations- Pocket invitations are the more savvy cousin of the traditional invitation. It's basically a traditional invitation, but layered onto a card or envelope with a pocket designed into it. The pocket is perfect for RSVP's and other insertion cards. Because pockets use more paper to create them than standard, traditional flat invitations expect these to be a bit pricier. Pocket invitations are perfect for events where you want to give your guests a lot of information, so you typically see them used more for weddings than anything else.

From top to bottom: top and middle by Invite Couture, bottom by Gourmet Invitations.

Box Invitations- Box invitations are probably the most luxurious invitations you can find. They are basically a traditional, flat invitation and insertion cards (sometimes also in a pocket envelope) that are sent to guests presented inside a beautiful box. Boxes can come in a variety of colors or even in fabrics, such as silk.

Clockwise from left: Lela NY, My Personal Artist, Revelry Invitation Studio.

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Wedding Gown Shopping: Tips to Keep You Sane Your first Time Out

You have gone through every issue of Brides, Modern Bride, and Elegant Bride published since you started dating your fiance.  You have clipped out between 2 and 50 pics of gowns you love. You have wrangled your girlfriends together and are on a mission to try on each and every one, possibly twice, before deciding which gown is perfect.  This is the custom.  And this often leads to frustration and sometimes tears.  Here are a couple things to keep in mind when shopping for your wedding gown.

Atelier Aimee

1) You may not find the dress in the picture.  And if you do, it may be shockingly expensive. This may be true especially if you live in a less populated area.  Instead of getting your heart set on a particular dress by a particular designer, try to disect what it is you love about that particular dress. Is it the shape, the bodice, the lace detail? Are you drawn to embroidery, beading, or a particular neckline?  Figuring out the elements you are drawn to will help your consultant find alternatives that may turn out the be "the one".

2) Do not get discouraged if the samples don't fit.  Samples usually come in a size 8 or 10.  The average woman is a size 14.  And wedding gowns run small (if you are a size 8, you may need a size 10 or even 12 wedding gown).  I am convinced it is a cruel industry joke. But even if it doesn't zip up all the way, you can usually get a pretty good idea of what the dress will look like.  You'll get an idea of the neckline and how it frames your face, if the waist is flattering or not, whether or not you like lace, beading, etc.

3) Come in with an open mind.  I know you've been studying gowns.  I know you think you know what you want, and more importantly, what will look the best on you.  Please keep an open mind.  Sometimes we are very, very wrong.  I don't know how many plus size brides were strapless-o-phobic when walking into my shop, insecure about their bodies and thinking the more fabric, the better.  I understand these insecurities.  But once they popped that waist cinching Maggie Sottero on, they were sold. 

4) You may not have the "this is it" moment.  Although we all think we will, it is rare. I'd say only 1-10 brides have the eureka moment the first time they dress shop. Finding the perfect wedding gown is an emotional experience, but it is also a whirlwind. By the time you are done in a shop, you may have tried on 15 different styles (because you walk in thinking you know what you want, but may have been wrong... see #3)  and narrowed it down to the perfect bodice style, neckline, skirt shape, what have you.  Don't feel like you'll never find "the one" just because it doesn't happen the first day.  If you have narrowed it down to the dress shape and style you should look for on the second trip out, you have made tons of progress and will more likely find "the one" on your next excursion because you know what to look for.

5) Do not purchase a gown anticipating to lose weight.  We all want to look our best on our wedding day, and often this means we plan to lose that Christmas ten (or in my case, twenty).  And you go girl!  But don't buy your dress more than a size smaller than what you are when measured.  If you lose more than a size, awesome! Your alterations person can take the dress in.  If you don't, they may not be able to alter it to fit without drastically changing the look of the dress (read a big white panel where beading should be continuous). The number on the dress is a number.  It says nothing about how hot you're going to look (and feel!) in it. When it fits, you're a hottie potatie. When it doesn't, you feel like a sausage.  I speak from experience.

6) Do not bring more than 2 trusted confidants.  The old adage, "the more, the merrier" is simply a load of crap when dress shopping. Be sure to bring people who will be honest with you, and who will be impartial about what you look like in a dress. Think twice about bringing your friend who is also getting married, unless you are sure she won't unintentionally make it about her "when I was dress shopping..." "I found the perfect headpiece (for me)"... you get the idea.

7) Don't be pressured into buying immediately. Sales people do work on commission, so they want you to put your money where your mouth is as soon as you have that "this is it!" moment. If you are sure, (read: you know from trial and error that this dress is perfect, and this is not just an emotional moment) by all means, make a deposit. I always recommend at least two shopping trips. It gives you time to be rational about an emotionally charged purchase. It might seem cool to have an American Flag gown for a July 4 wedding when you're all wrapped in the moment.  But you should sleep on it. Trust me.

8) Bring your own strapless, waist cincher, etc. These undergarments really do help give a good foundation, which in turn makes the dresses look their best when you try them on.  Often you can borrow one from the shop, but would you borrow gym shorts at the gym?  Gross.

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How to Choose the Right Tuxedo

photo by Redken tux by Marc Jacobs

I worked as a bridal consultant for several years during college, and one of the most fun places I worked in was the tux shop.  Guys (usually) have a totally different outlook of the wedding, especially the day or two before.  They are together with all their best buds, golfing, paint-balling, going out for steaks and cigars.  They are TOTALLY relaxed compared to the frantic bride who often feels like the entire event is resting on her ability to stay organized. 

They pop in the Thursday before the wedding to get a final tux fitting, and this pit stop is just one of many fun dude-things they plan to do before they tie the knot.  Although the tuxes are often picked in conjunction with the bride (read: she picks it out for fear of having a baby-blue polyester nightmare waiting for her at the alter), sometimes she is brave enough to let the guy do his thing.  I have a few tips for guys and their brave brides who let their guys go fashion crazy.

FIT YOUR BODY: Keep in mind if you are renting a tux the alterations will most likely be minimal (sleeves up, hem pants, most come with adjustable waist). Most tux rental shops will not alter dart lines, so the jacket you get will need to fit your body.  If you have very wide shoulders but a slender build, find a jacket that has a naturally slender fit in the waist -- usually a one or two button jacket.  The jacket should fit your shoulders well, and should not be baggy in the waist when buttoned.  A baggy jacket is usually not something a rental shop can fix.

IF YOU'RE SHORT: Stay away from double-breasted jackets, and four or five button jackets. The longer the jacket, the shorter the distance from the tail to your feet, which only makes your legs look shorter (read: you don't want to look like Dr. Evil).  Two button jackets are good alternatives to the traditional single button, as they still have an elongating effect due to the openness of the collar.

two button notch by Calvin Klein

Double breasted jackets are hard to fit, and often make anyone except a tall slender supermodel look heavier than they are, or frumpy (shoulders too big in comparision to the belly area).  Short and stocky guys should  opt for a single button jacket, which elongates your upper body.  I find just about anyone looks great in a two button jacket so this may be a good option too.

IF YOU'RE TALL: Tall, heftier guys should stay away from the long jackets (no more than three buttons). These jackets tend to be boxy, and depending on your body, you may have baggage in the back of the jacket, while the front may fit well.  Run away from long jackets with mandarin collars. These jackets create bulk in the upper body.  You may also consider sticking to a traditional notch jacket.  Some of the slimmer lapels can tend to draw the eye to a contrast between your width and your height, making you seem wider. 

Geoffrey Beene Single button Notch Tux

Tall slim guys can get away with just about anything (just like with the ladies... it sucks, but it is true). The sleek four and five button jackets were made for you. You can get away with a mandarin collar, however if you are very thin it may make you look more like a night kitchen chef.

Joseph + Feiss five button peak collar tux

MUST KNOW TIPS:
1) Wear your pants at your natural waist.  This is a major challenge for most guys.  However, if you don't, the crotch WILL look like you could stuff a holiday ham in it and still have room.  Not a good look.
2) Don't do a cummerbund unless you are wearing tails or a cutaway jacket.  This day and age, it has become a very formal accessory, and will simply look weird with a modern jacket style.
3) Only wear a cutaway jacket at a very formal daytime (pre-2pm) wedding.
4) Do a standard tie.  Although bowties look good with a vest, a long tie looks better. Euro ties give a bit more of a formal look than standard Windsor knot ties, ascots are suitable for cutaway jackets (read: daytie only).
5) A traditional wing collar looks great with bowties or long ties, a spread collar should only be worn with a standard windsor knot tie.
6) BRING SOCKS!  They are not included with your tux , however shirt jewelry for buttons and cuffs are.
7) The more contemporary wider tow shoes are WAY more comfortable than the standard penguin suit shoes.  They are worth the additional cost.
8) DO NOT make rude innuendos or comments to women who work in the shop.  They are not interested in checking your in-seam.  They do not believe the crotch of your pants is too tight.  They will not under any circumstances help you put your pants on.  Underwear is not optional.  Behave.

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Bridal Survival Kit

You're the maid of honor.  You are the bride's trusted confidant.  Your are her giggling buddy.  You have had her back through thick and thin.  And now you are in a position of honor in her wedding... or a position of authority.  You will be the one the other girls look to when there is a last minute problem.  Make it easy on yourself by creating, a bridal survival kit.  It is a cute and thoughtful (and very useful) way to make sure you can save the day no matter what happens, cape optional.

There is two options: buy one pre-made (as shown above from http://www.packageperfect.net/). Or make your own.  But what to include?  First check the sample/travel aisle at your local drugstore.  Grab toothpaste, baby wipes (DO use on a light stain on a bridal dress.  DO NOT use a bleach pen... it will turn the spot yellow), tums, Tylenol, a sewing kit, a first aid kit, and mouthwash.  Then find yourself some spray deoderant (it's always nice to share with the other girls if necessary... no one wants a hot bridesmaid to bring on the funk). You'll also want to include an emery board, bobby pins, aerosol hairspray (you'll want a full size, not a travel size), scissors (the little eyebrow ones are good), pressed powder, tissues, breath mints, hand lotion, and a folding hairbrush.  Stash it all in a hat box, and it is a cute thank you gift/wedding armory for the bride. 

I found some adorable handmade survival kits on projectwedding.com

I love the individual survival packs... you can create one for each of the bridesmaids so they don't have to track you down in case of emergency.  Plus, they can be small enough to fit in a fancy little handbag.

Made your own adorable survival kit?  I'd love to post it!  Send your pics to info@revelryinvitations.com

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Don't Make The Number 1 Mistake With Your DIY Invitations...

So I have been in contact with a gal who is having a horrible time trying to find mailers to fit her custom invitations.  This seems to be the most significant and often overlooked part of the DIY process.  You have a gorgeous idea of what you want for your invitations... you spend $$$ on all your supplies, and tons of time painstakingly crafting them.  But it is all worth it because you have the perfect one-of-a-kind invitations.  But wait a tick... how do you get them to your guests?  They don't make an 8" x 8" envelope?  Or a 7.5" square mailing box?  This is a panic moment because your options are expensive... custom boxes or envelopes.

I always advise my DIY brides to make sure they can find an envelope or mailer for their invitations before they order custom silk panels or silk folios.  And though it may seem like your options are limited to boring envelopes or ho-hum corrugated mailers, look for awesome presentation pieces, like this damask packing tape from http://www.paper-source.com/

Or this adorable lace print packing tape from http://www.tapeswell.com/...

This makes even the most standard box look fabulous. Use it like you would a ribbon around a standard corrugated mailer box and you have an instant gift presentation for your invitation.

Using regular boring white envelopes?  Jazz them up with wrap around envelope labels fro http://www.tapeswell.com/

The addressee is on one side, while the return address is printed on the other.  Too cute! 

Add a semi transparent monogram to your envelopes, or a filigree print.  You can even find a desk embosser and have it outfitted with a custom monogram or your return address for a luxe look on the cheap. Just keep mailing in mind when the design bug gets you.