But sometimes the task can be a little daunting, especially when it comes to writing “thank you’s” for gifts you don’t really love, or notes to people you don’t really know. But with a little finesse and a few helpful pointers you’ll be on your merry way!

Make a List

Hopefully you’ve been keeping track of everyone who sent a gift, and what that gift was. A simple excel spreadsheet works well for this type of thing. Use your wedding invitation list as a starting point, and add space to write in what gift each person sent, and when the “thank you” card was mailed. If you don’t have a gift list already, go through your invitation list and do your best to recall what each person sent.

Get the Cards

Of course, you’ll need something to write on! You can always buy boxed “Thank You” cards, but why not seize this one last chance to personalize them? There are hundreds of gorgeous options; you’ll have lots of fun choosing one to reflect your style, and adding your own photos and message.

Time Frame

Proper etiquette dictates that you have 2 week to send a card for gifts received before the wedding, and 2-3 months for gifts received at or after the wedding. But of course, a late “thank you” is better than no “thank you” at all, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t get them all out on time.

What to Write

Remember that this is just a short note, not a long letter. Include the following:

• Thank the person for the specific gift: “Thanks so much for the lovely crystal pitcher!”
• Say something about how it will be used: “We look forward to using it at many future happy occasions. It will certainly add elegance to our table!”
• If you can’t say something nice about the gift, praise the person: “Thank you for the green-and-orange bath towels.  Your thoughtfulness and generosity are greatly appreciated!”
• If the the gift was money, you can mention something you’d like to use it for: “Thank you for the check! We look forward to doing a few home improvement projects, and your gift will definitely come in handy. We can’t wait to show you what we’ve done!”
• Mention how much you enjoyed seeing them at the wedding, or if they weren’t there, how you missed them.

Getting it Done

Because writing “thank you” cards tends to be one of those things people procrastinate about, help yourself get them off in a timely fashion. One good suggestion is to have a “thank-you-card-writing station.” This is a place where you have everything all ready to go- cards, envelopes, pens, stamps, and gift list. Make sure you’ve got the addresses on the gift list so you can drop the cards in the mail right away!

Write each card as soon as you receive a gift. This way they won’t pile up on you. And avoid the urge to be creative or witty– it is enough to express your gratitude for the gift and appreciation for the person who sent it!

However, not everyone plans that type of affair. For a very formal wedding, that “extra liveliness” may not be what the bride and groom are after. So what exactly is proper wedding etiquette when inviting or not inviting children to your wedding?

feature image: Rabat Photography

Will people be offended if their kids are not invited?

They might be. But then again, you never know what will offend some people! Bottom line is, it’s your wedding and you make the guest list. But if you want to invite some kids and not others, try to create a rule and stick to it. For example, kids of close family members only. Or kids of a certain age only. Or kids at the reception only… etc.

If families with kids have traveled together to be at your wedding, it would be rude to leave them out. Arrange to have someone at the wedding who can help look after/entertain the kids.

Figure it out quickly & be clear

Whatever you decide, you should make it clear by the time you send out invitations. Parents often need a bit more advanced warning when making plans for an evening out.  Although most parents can tell by the way the envelope is addressed whether their kids are include or not, you may want to follow up with a phone call to make sure they understand. Do it tactfully, of course. If you are providing child care, they’ll be happy to know that, too!

If kids are welcome, you can put their names under the parents’ names on the invitation. Writing “Mr. & Mrs. Smith & Family” is another option, though some experts consider that too vague (maybe you’ll bring granny, uncle Bill, and second-cousin Marie who’s visiting from France along too?) For kids over 18, consider sending them a separate invitation, even if they live at home.

Some parents may prefer to bring along their own nanny. This is up to you! If you say yes, she will sit with the children but should be provided with her own place card and an adult meal.

Kids with Duties

It is traditional to have a flower girl and a ring bearer, but there are other ways a child can be part of the wedding.  They can be junior bridesmaids, ushers, train bearers, and program distributors. They can give out yarmulkes and packets of rice. Just make sure that the children match the job they are picked for – very shy kids may not be eager for a public role.

Your sibling’s children (or other family members) should take priority over other people’s kids. Traditional etiquette says that flower girls and ring bearers should be between the ages of 3 and 7. Of course, we say you can do whatever you want to. At my wedding, I assigned the role of flower girl to 2 sisters, who were the daughters of my good friends (no siblings had children at the time). One little girl was delighted with the job and walked proudly down the isle, scattering rose petals. Her younger sister got stage fright and wouldn’t move. He father saved the day by sweeping her up and skipping down the isle himself, holding her in one arm and tossing the flower petals with the other hand. It was hilarious and gave the guests a good laugh.

If you do have children participating in the ceremony, the thoughtful thing to do is include them in the reception. The kids are all dressed up and excited to be at a wedding. Believe me, they’ll be disappointed to have to leave the party early, and having unhappy kids will spoil things a bit for the parents too. If you really want an adult-only reception, you may want to consider hiring someone to look after the kids in another room, where they’ll have something fun to keep them occupied and happy.

Special Considerations

If there will be a number of children present, you should consider things like having a children’s table, special kid’s meals, and activities to keep them busy. Some kids are just as happy eating the same food as adults, but there are kids who like to stick to their favorites, like spaghetti, chicken fingers, or hot dogs.  (Some venues offer discounts for kids meals- it’s worth asking.) If kids do have their own table or corner, you may provide other distractions like coloring books and crayons, Lego, crafting supplies, or games.

If you don’t want the kids running back and forth to their parents’ table all evening, put them in a separate room with supervision (although that may not solve the problem 100%!). There, you can arrange for a kid-friendly movie, story-reading, an art project, or an entertainer (puppeteer, balloon artist, magician) if it’s in your budget.

You decision to have kids at the wedding or not reflects many things, including your personal style, budget, and familial obligations. But whatever you do, we hope you and everyone present will have a fabulous time!

About.com Marriage has a super-inclusive, alphabetical list of flowers and their meaning. Check it out here. Here’s a partial list:

BABY’S BREATH: Innocence.

CALLA LILY: Magnificent beauty.

CARNATION: Fascination, distinction, divine love.

CHRYSANTHEMUM: Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth, long life, joy.

DAFFODIL: Joy, happiness.

DAISY: Innocence, loyal love.

FERN: Sincerity, magic, fascination, confidence, shelter.

FORGET-ME-NOT: True love, hope, remembrance, memories.

GARDENIA: You’re lovely, secret love, joy, sweet love, good luck.

HYACINTH, BLUE: Constancy.

IRIS: Wisdom, valued friendship, faith, hope, valor, passion.

IVY: Fidelity, wedded love, friendship.

LILY: Majesty, wealth, pride, innocence, purity

ORCHID: Rare beauty, love, refinement.

RANUNCULUS: You are radiant with charm, radiant charm, attractive.

ROSE: Love, passion, perfection.

SUNFLOWER: Follows the sun as it grows, adoration, devotion.

TULIP: Perfect lover.

ZINNIA: Thoughts of absent friends, in memory of an absent friend.

And a helpful graphic from FrugalDad!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Source: http://frugaldad.com

Martha Stewart Weddings and other wedding websites have some lovely ideas to get you started. Check out these photos and then let it flow from there!

Invitations and Envelopes:

via 100layercake

Click here for How to Make These Wallpaper Envelopes.

Ceremony Decor:

The valence, runner, and chair covers are all made from this elegant wallpaper. Click here to learn more about how to do it yourself!

Reception Decor:

These ideas incorporate wallpaper in many things, such as the lampshades, table runners, bottle labels, place card displays, and napkin rings (via Martha Stewart).

Photo Booths

We are a great fan of Wedding Photo Booths, where guests can pose for fun or formal pictures with a great backdrop and fun props. Wallpaper is a fantastic way to entice your guests to pose!

Photo: Sara Gray & Novia Events via Style Me Pretty via Storkie

The Knot: Rose and berry bouquet.

Martha Stewart weddings: In this holiday-time wedding, mercury-glass vessels filled with candles were placed in the hearth. Above the fireplace hung embroidery hoops stitched with the words “Oh Joy,” by Etsy vendor Chez-Sucre-Chez

Wishpot Wedding Blog: Adorable pine cone place cards!

Martha Stewart Weddings: A wreath adds a festive, holiday feeling!

I Do Inspiration: This necklace by etsy seller msbelle is the perfect shade of red and they even look like little ornaments or cranberries! A perfect gift for yourself or your bridemaids!

Martha Stewart Weddings: Garlands of cedar, pine, magnolia blossoms, pepperberries, seeded eucalyptus, princess pine, and balsam wrapped around the staircase’s banister.

The Knot: Votive candles and garlands of orchids and crystals hung down from tall Manzanita trees, which decorated some of the tables.

Martha Stewart Weddings: These centerpieces are accented with vintage sleigh bells and old hardcover books in shades of green and burgundy.

Martha Stewart Weddings: The  menu says, “Here’s the list, check it twice!” while the pencil says, “be good for goodness sake!”

The Knot: Yummy dessert of three-layered chocolate mousse with a chocolate snowflake.

Martha Stewart Weddings: Naughty bags hold chocolate “coal”; the nice bags are filled with peppermint sticks and peppermint-chocolate bark.

Here are just a few of the gorgeous wedding things I’ve found by browsing Etsy!

1. Custom Alencon Lace Wedding Jacket – Short or Capped Sleeves by GlorybyJeannieLee:  “The Alencon Lace jacket is my favorite bridal accessory, as it will dress up even the most simple gown.”

2. Collette Lace Shoes with Hand Singed Roses and Rhinestone Buttons Marie Antoinette Style Ballroom Slippers by ShatteredPrincess. New, but enhanced with vintage lace, definitly one of a kind.

3. Wedding Sign Directional Wedding Shabby Chic 24 x 12 by tcart2010:  Hand painted signs direct your guests in the right direction!

4. SPARKLING CHAMPAGNE on ICE – Hand Knit Spiraling Twist – Pearl and Crystal Bangle by SerebaDesigns : Creamy 8mm ivory and 8mm champagne glass pearls are mixed with 6mm soft white glass pearls… all hand knit onto light silver durable metallic cord.

5. Martha Stewart Replica – Wedding Cake Butterfly Packs by clearcutcrafts2007:  Pack of 30 butterflies in 5 different colors and many designs.

6. Men’s wedding ring shiny classic finish 14k solid gold by havalazar: This beautiful stylish hand made band from 14K recycled gold can be customized  according to your request.

7. Retro-Tulle Headband with Hand-made Chiffon Flower with Button center by FascinatingCreations :  Soft and pretty, a little bitty hippy but 100% sophisticated!

8. Chandelier Earings, Crystal Quartz Little Wings by SarahHickeyJewellery : Available in Sterling Silver or 14K Gold Filled

9. Flower Girl Fancy Tutu Dress Custom Colors by CHICLILLOVEBUGS : This Elegant Design will be recreated in any size ranging from newborn to size 6 girls, in your choice of color, fabric type, and extra embellishing.

10. Bridal Bouquet Turquoise Fuschia Fiesta Wedding Flowers by  AmoreBride : This silk bouquet and others can be customized to your specific color and floral needs!

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feature image: Cakes you can bake

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Wilton has lots of amazing wedding cake designs, with step-by-step instructions, plus shopping lists of all the things you’ll need– you can even order everything directly from them. Shown below: Taking that Big Step cake, Queen of Hearts cake, Romantic Roses Cake.

Martha Stewart Weddings has some lovely cakes as well. Shown below:  Chocolate Petal Cake, Mocha Cake, Strawberry and White Cake.

Epicurious has some wedding cake tutorials too, including some video instructions! Shown below: Lemon Raspberry Cake, White Chocolate and Lemon cake, Wedding Cake with Raspberries and Roses

Southern Living has “9 gorgeous wedding and celebration cakes for savvy Southern brides”… or any bride with great taste and a bit of baking genius! Shown below: Amaretto Cream Cake, Bridesmaids Baby Cakes, Dogwood Blossom Cake

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Gold table setting ideas: Elizabeth Ann Designs

Gold Torrent Drops: Anthropologie $48

Golden vessels bearing silver number stickers+ smaller gold-leaf votives: Marthat Stewart Weddings

Metallic Crepe Paper flowers: Creative Jewish Mom

Gold hair comb: Etsy $98

Elephant Card Holders: American Bridal $21 for set of 12

Hershey‘s Hugs and Kisses via Firehow

Glittery accessories: Martha Stewart Weddings

Long gold dress: Trina Turk $298; Short sequined dress Nordstrom $158

Blake Long Faceted Necklace: Revolve Clothing $149

Armani Gold tie: Nordstrom $145; Elie Tahari silver tie: BlueFly $59

Wedding cake via Pretty Little Things

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All photos and ideas from Martha Stewart Weddings.

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Escort-Card Posies: All you need are fabric flowers, map pins, and glue to bring your seating assignments into bloom. Would look great with little multicolored fall leaves, too!  Click here for the  How-To!

Blossoming Backdrop: A string of white lights, vellum and card stock, hole punches, and glue!  Click here for the How-To!

Paper Links:Vellum and double sided tape make paper chains chic! Mix-n-match colors to get the perfect look. Click here for the How-To (as if you really need it!)

Wooden Seating Cards: Paper-thin wood veneer, craft punches, and calligraphy pens make these distintive place cards! Get the How-To Here!

Flower Girl Cardigan: Sequins and fabric glue make it fun!  Works wonders for all sorts of other things too, including shoes, sashes, bouquets, headbands, and favors.

Poster Guest Book: Instead of having your loved ones write messages in a book, put out a poster on which they can sign their names. You can download the editable (and free!) clip art here, send the file to a printer, and it’s done! Or put together your own poster using stencils, paint, ribbon, and anything else you fancy! Get the How-To here!

Seasonal Fruit Favor: You’ll need fruit, tissue paper, and rubber stamps for this one! For personalized stamps, have an office-supply store make a rubber stamp with your names, wedding date, and  illustration. Get the How-To here!

Harvest Wedding Centerpieces: The beauty of these is that they can be made weeks in advance!  Wheat, grains, and other dried grasses (available at crafts stores), tied with a luxurious satin bow. Get the how-to here!

Mini Candied Apples: For these dainty nibbles, embellish candied apples with a paper leaf. You’ll need a leaf-shaped craft punch, glue, and short skewers. You can hand-write, stamp, or print “Enjoy” on each leaf. Get the Candy Apple recipe here!

Flower Girl Basket: For this charming look, get yourself a pretty basket, some cotton fabric, silk ribbon, and leaves. You can order pressed leaves if you don’t have any real ones in your area! Get the how-to here!

Fall Wedding Boutonnieres: Incorporate the shades and symbols of autumn into festive boutonnieres. Get the How-to here!