I know I cover this topic a lot, but it comes up a lot.
Here goes:

• The words honour and favour are traditionally used when the ceremony is being held in a house of worship or for a formal invitation.
• While traditional invitations use the phrase “at the marriage of” it’s fine to alter the words for a less formal invitation. For example, “invite you to the wedding of…” or “we hope you will join us for the marriage of…”
• There is no punctuation except for the periods after Mrs., Mr., etc. and where phrases requiring commas appear in one line (Saturday, the seventh of June).
• Titles such as “Doctor” and other professional titles/military ranks are written in full.
• Names are written in full. For example, if the groom goes by A.J., his name would be written out as Adam Joseph.
• When an invitation is to the ceremony only, it does not include an rsvp.
• Numbers of the street address (on the invitation - not the envelope!) are written as numerals: “519 South Eads Street” but when there’s just one number it’s spelled out: “Ten East Avenue”
• Half hours are written as “half after five o’clock”, not “half past seven” or “seven-thirty.”
• Numbers of the date are spelled out: “the ninth of August”

A Vegas wedding can be fabulous, especially if you plan it well. Take it from me, a girl who not only got married in Vegas, but who was proudly walked down the aisle by Elvis himself. It was simply fabulous.

So, if you’re going to jet off to Sin City to get hitched, here are a few pointers:

• The busiest wedding months in Vegas are April, May, June, September and October.
• No blood tests are required for a Nevada marriage license. The fee is $55 cash. For more info on the marriage license, go to www.accessclarkcounty.com.
• Keep this in mind - from June to September the temperatures commonly reach the triple digits. Yuck.
• Holidays and holiday weekends are in high demand for conventions and wedding receptions. Book early to get your space.
• Take advantage of the many private rooms in some of Vegas’ best restaurants and clubs off-hours.

Have fun!

Credit: Bride and Bloom

Yes, we all encounter those moments when someone opens their mouth and really stupid stuff comes out. If you’re like me, you think of great snotty comebacks right away (but don’t say them out loud) and then think of the appropriate, polite comeback about 2 days later.

So I came across this gem in the The Knot magazine and had to share it. (The text written in pink is what dumb a$$, stupid person said and the text in black is what classy, polite YOU should say. Uh…I may  have slipped in my own thoughts (in green).

“Is that really the ring you wanted?”

Yes, we’re both really happy and excited! Thanks for noticing!  (it’s even better than the one I wanted!)

“The bridesmaids dresses are ugly”

I’m sorry you don’t like it, maybe we can find a middle ground. Tell me why you don’t like it - is it the fit, the color, the style? Her disapproval could mean that she’s strapped for cash, so before you react harshly, talk to her. (_______ ________)

“Who’s paying for all this?”

That’s between John and me. (None. Of. Your. Damn. Biz.)

“How much did it cost?”

An arm and a leg. (None. Of. Your. Damn. Biz.)

“Am I invited?”

We haven’t finalized our list yet or, another one is, “due to a super tight budget we’re keeping things intimate and keeping the guest list short.” (Not anymore)

“I only eat organic free-range chicken”

Unfortunately, our caterer isn’t going to be able to accommodate that, but I’m sure you’ll love the appetizers at the cocktail hour. (Starve).

“So when are you going to start a family?”

Be vague - say, “we’d love to be parents someday but we’re going to take things one day at a time, starting with the wedding. (Oh my God, am I showing?)

Here’s what’s new at the Paperie!

Gasp!

I love these. Click on image for more info.

Here’s more finance stuff…this seems to be a popular subject!

Things to consider when joining your finances:

Create a budget that you both can live with.

Work together to plan your financial future. Don’t leave it up to your spouse. Set savings goals.

Determine how you want to handle your banking - is a joint account right for you?

If necessary, change your name on all important legal documents

Update beneficiaries on investments, savings accounts, insurance policies, pensions, 401K’s and IRA’s.

Organize all important and legal documents and keep in a safe place.

Reconsider your insurance needs - you may qualify for discounted rates by merging all policies with a single provider.

Inform employers of your new married status and make changes to benefits plans if applicable.

Decide if you want to file joint or separate tax returns.

Phew!

Stumped on what to say for your vows? Keep it simple and fill in the blanks below:

__________________ (Name), you are _____________________ (my truest companion/my dearest love/my perfect match/my best friend). Today I take you to be my _____________________ (husband/wife/life partner). I promise that I will be _______________ (forever faithful/loyal/supportive/with you/beside you) in everything you do. I vow to ___________________ (honor you/cherish you/love you/) ____________________(so long as we both shall live/for the rest of our lives/until the end of time).

Credit: Brides Magazine March 2009

Words, Words and more Words

You’ve chosen your invitations (hopefully, from Cami’s Paperie), you’ve picked your colors and hammered out the guest list. Now…what should the invitations say? Correct wording follows a basic format and, in most cases, is pretty darn simple.

The basic line order is as follows:

• Host line
• Request line
• Bride and Groom names line
• Date and Time line
• Location line
• Reception line (optional)

Consider each line on the invitation as a section of the wording which can take up multiple lines on the invitation. For example, the bride and groom line usually takes three lines: one for the bride’s name, another for “and” or “to,” and a final line for the groom’s name.

The host line lists the names of those hosting (paying for) the ceremony, (traditionally the parents of the bride). It should come first on the invitation and is reserved only for the hosts, whoever they may be. If the couple hosts, their names are listed first and “at their wedding” follows the request line. In the case where the couple wishes to have each parent’s name on the invitation, no matter the host, the host line is still reserved for the ones paying, a “son of” or “daughter of” line appropriately follows the groom or bride’s name. If both families host, the bride’s parents are listed first.

The request line, on the other hand, is very simple. For religious ceremonies, “request the honour of your presence” is standard (with the “u” in there). Informal or non-religious ceremonies should be worded, “request the pleasure of your company.”  The date and time line should be spelled out (i.e., the second of June and Two thousand and ten), though you may use a numeral for the year. When stating time, only write the hour (half past two or ten o’clock). Do not include “am” or “pm.” If time of day is unclear, write, “in the evening,” or “in the morning.” The location line gives the name, street address, if necessary, and city and state (no abbreviations) of your venue. If your celebration requires a reception or RSVP line, it is traditionally printed as corner copy (in the lower left-hand corner and in a smaller font). Never, ever, ever include corner copy or an enclosure indicating where the couple is registered. Never

Invitations are typically written without punctuation. Line breaks take the place of commas (except for city {comma} state). The “u” in honour and favour are typically reserved for religious ceremonies or very formal events.