Wedding Planning Tips

A friend of mine just so happens to be the owner of Spencer Special Events and while writing Bridal Week at PSA Stamp Camp, I consulted with Amanda for her expertise and advice for wedding planning tips.   Amanda got her Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Tourism Management from Purdue University, was the Event Manager for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and opened her own business planning weddings and other social events in Bluffton, SC in 2005.  So for this week, she’s my expert.    Amanda is incredibly enthusiastic about her job and adores working with brides and grooms planning their weddings in the Low Country.   Here is Amanda with her husband, Case.   Aren’t they cute?!

I asked Amanda, what’s the first step in planning a wedding?  “My first advice is to enjoy the engagement!  This is such an exciting time for them along with their friends and family and it all goes by so fast.  So I tell them to breath, relax and enjoy the ride.”   But when it’s time to get down to business, first decide what type of wedding you’d like.  “Be it destination, formal, church ceremony, plated dinner, casual, beach ceremony, stations… what do you envision?” says Amanda.   After that comes to a few hard questions.   What can you spend, who’s paying for what, and how many people are you able to invite?  These answers will help find the perfect location and get the ball rolling for your big day.   

I wanted to know more about invitations, since my favorite part of planning parties and events are the invitations and stationery suite.  I asked Amanda if engraved invitations are really worth the money.  “Engraved invites are not a must,” says Amanda. “This is a great place for you to keep your costs low.  Just as everything wedding related, your stationary suite is a great way to show your personality and what type of treat your guests are in for.  But this does not have to break the bank!”

Our design team member Regina Mangum came up with some wedding stationery suite ideas.  This elegant ensemble did not break the bank. 

For the invitation, she created a word document with all the information, printed it on cardstock and adhered to a green border.   She fixed that to a larger piece of textured cardstock.  She stamped the bee from PSA Topiary Peel & Stick stamps onto a pre-printed tag, cut two holes and threaded them with ribbon.    The invitation sets the stage for a formal event, possibly held outdoors, by nature lovers or people who enjoy being outside.

Each piece coordinates beautifully, including the table markers, bottles of wine, and favors for the guests to take home.

Speaking of favors, I asked Amanda what the coolest favors she’s seen or done lately.   “This past weekend the bride and groom gave custom M&Ms that reflected all of their printed materials, wedding date, custom monogram, and live oak tree.  A couple of weeks ago, the bride loved salty and the groom loved sweet so we packaged in simple brown bags Cape Cod potato chips and a  box of See's chocolates both near and dear to the couple's heart.  We have even given an ice cold coca cola with a McDonald's cheeseburger which was much loved by a drinking crowd.  As another lovely option, we have mailed "thank you boxes" to all wedding guests the Monday after the Big Day! They were filled with Lowcountry Luxe candles, sweet grass baskets, lemon bar mixes, and a handwritten note from the bride and groom thanking them for joining them on their special day.”

My other favorite Amanda tip?   Don’t stress about the guest list.  She says, “As excited as you are to share with EVERYONE you are marrying the man of your dreams, it is truly OK not to invite everyone that you once worked with or your grocery bagger from Publix.  Folks will completely understand and love seeing your pictures and hearing all about your happiness! I feel like couples sometimes have too much pressure on who they should and shouldn't invite.  Remember this is your day!”

More inspiration and tips tomorrow.  See you then!