The first invitation and color scheme I fell in love with was from good ol' Hello Lucky!. I just love this company. I am hoping to find any excuse to use them, even if it is just for thank you cards. I'm just spending my days browsing the library, surfing the net, and daydreaming. Of course, all while keeping my own personal pesky budget in mind!

Tips found looking through the books...

I just recently filled up my "requests" at the library with wedding books. I have been browsing through the stack of 50 books now sitting in the corner of my living room and thought I would share with you some tips from the experts in planning a wedding successfully.

Steps for Successful Wedding Planning

1. Work with what you have. If you have a generous, helpful family of DIY Divas, Use them! Utilize the talents or your friends and family for an especially unique and intimate experience. Asking for their advice defnitely saves time and hassle.... as long as they know YOU are the one making the FINAL decision!
2. Create a positive mindset. There will be things that you and your fiance might not cagree on and unwanted input from family members, the wedding party, or friends. Keep calm, just like life, it isn't always easy. Just remember that all the headaches will disappear when you are standing next to your husband at the end of that aisle.
3. Have fun while you plan your wedding. Every bride gets to experience the lifestyle we usually on see in Hollywood. So eat it up! Go to as many churches, museums, halls, parks when searching for the right venue. Taste test as many different bakeries as you can. Try on zillions of gorgeous gowns. Take part in registry parties that are geared for couples starting their homes. Introduce the wedding party at a fun wine and cheese tasting. You are only limited by your imagination.
4. Take advantage of familial bonding. Honestly, sometimes the only time busy families can really come together is at weddings and funerals. Since this is one of the happiest times in a persons life, let your family enjoy it too. Let them throw engagement parties or showers for you. Give them a part in the planning. They have seen you grow up experiencing you joys and pains right by your side. Honor them by including them whenever possible.
5. Expect to be nervous. Between planning, registering, and accomodating family requests, things can get a bit nerve racking. Just take a breath and know that this is normal.
6. Remain respectful. Bridezilla's are fun to watch on t.v., but not to experience in person. Even if something really bothers you, take a step back from the situation before reacting. Remember, you wedding party is there to support you, not let you walk all over them.
7. Don't overextend. You are planning what will become one of your most treasured memories, not a mission to Mars.

How to get the party started....

the BEST way. The details wouldn't be worth a darn if we didn't always keep the big picture in mind. It's one of the reason I am such a fan of the inpiration boards that can be found on just about any good design blog. To help us keep it so the details add just the right touch instead of overwhelm the senses let's start with the five "W"'s and the "H" in journalism.

WHEN do you want to have your big event?

WHERE do you want to host it?
WHO must attend to ensure a great time?

WHAT is the occasion?

WHY is this event special?

HOW will the bills get paid?

For instance, if you are hosting a wedding (which will be the central focus of this blog ) you will set the parameters of the ceremony and reception through analyzing what time of year the wedding will take place, where it will be held, how many guests to anticipate, and who will be involved in the planning.

After that it is time to sit back and daydream about what you want to be included in your big day. Scour magazines and books, yes. But free, unlimited advice is always available on countless event planning blogs. Start printing and cutting out pictures that you can give to your vendors to help them understand your vision. I like pasting them all onto one board so I can take it with me anywhere and anyone can instantly see what the big picture will look like. It helps tie it all together for a seamless look. Peruse this beautiful inspiration board from Kathryn at Snippet and Ink to see what I mean.

(image - one of Kathryn with a "K"'s famous inspiration boards at snippet and ink.)

What Would Audrey Do?

Everyone who knows me, knows one thing. I like many women, am "Craaazy about Audrey." So there is no more fitting way for me to start the week then with Audrey in mind. Enjoy this beautiful photograph of Audrey in her beautiful ball gown from My Fair Lady. Does anyone know who designed this costume? I would love to hear more about it.) Check back in tomorrow for tips on getting your wedding planning started. Happy Monday!

(image - source check! *anyone who know who took this photograph?*)