My husband + I wanted a beautifully and thoughtfully decorated wedding - but we also wanted it to be ecologically responsible, economically reasonable and also represent 'us' [tall glass to fill!] The first of many decisions began with our save-the-date. Yes, there are tons of adorable and clever options out there (magnets, cookies, candles, etc); but rather than create excessive waste, we determined that every single person on our invite list (save for 5 people over the age of 80) had an e-mail address. We therefore sent out an electronic fyi (which was a huge hit) also serving double duty requesting mailing addresses for the formal invitation.

Easy steps to e-mail save-the-date:

(1) Craft a message that is personal - reflecting you as a team.

Include the necessary information:

- date

- location

- hotel information (if you have it)

- website (if you are doing that)

- address information (if you need it)

(2) Attach a photo - everyone loves to see the couple in a funny state [fortunately for me, i've known my guy since we were 12] If anyone on your list is insistent on prehistoric methods, they can print out the attachment + affix to their refrigerator. Here is a blank version for you to use if you'd like :

Also, you are welcome to use this MARRIAGE header + footer I created to frame the text of the e-mail:

Next, invitations! If you do not feel comfortable with complete DIY invitations, waisze and fubabee both offer options in customization (color, font + wording choices among others) in their ETSY shops.

Programs:

We wanted to explain the customs and traditions of our wedding, as well as highlight those participating. A very simple DIY solution (that doesn't involve bows, glue or much more than a paper cutter) is following this format:

(1) Chose 11x17 paper or card stock. Each sheet will yield 2 programs.

(2) Design your monogram or emblem, which will be placed on the far right. Make sure it is no wider than 1 inch. For example: Wedding of _____ & _____ with optional date and place - or just initials is also lovely.

(3) Design the text keeping in mind that you will be folding the paper 8 inches in from the left (therefore leave a gutter)

*Keep all of the above no taller than 5 inches from the top.

(4) Duplicate all of your top content directly below.

(5) Print / Copy just over half of the amount you anticipate needing.

(6) Cut every sheet in half lengthwise (hot dog - not hamburger) so that you are left with 2 pieces of 5.5 x 17

(7) Fold - not in half - but so that your names are visible on the right hand side.

This may seem simple, but really these are generally a throw-away (except for maybe your paternal grandmother) and super easy!

Cheers + Great Wishes!

- lisa

http://myconey.wordpress.com

of pcharming & prismPOP