For any seated dinner–even a buffet–consider incorporating a seating chart. If you only reserve tables for the wedding party and parents/siblings, you could still leave family “out in the cold”. A seating chart will keep “chatty Cousin Carriee” away from anyone who might find her overbearing. It also keeps “drunk Uncle Elbert ” from sitting with your fiance’s college buddies. In addition, a seating chart gives you the chance to ensure that your friends will meet one another instead of just spending time with people they already know. A thoughtful hostess will put people with similar interests together so they will have something to talk about.

The seating chart does not need to be complex or elaborate. It also doesn’t have to be the laborious chore it was when our mothers got married.

recommends Simple Seating dot com. This nifty and affordable ($0-$45, depending on your needs) program will allow you to import your guest list, play with table sizes/shapes/arrangements, track RSVPs and headcount, and places guests in the exact seat you want them to have. If seating charts are this easy, then why not create one?

The latest advice we’ve seen suggests that you avoid having a “singles” table. While your single friends may appreciate the chance to know exactly what guys there are not attached, it’s usually an uncomfortable situation for all of them. Instead, put single people at tables with families of 3 or 5. Or, work in two single people at a table of couples.

Finally, be sure to factor in a kids table if children are invited into the main reception room. Kids are usually quite bored at weddings. Be sure to include activities, toys, and games that are quiet and will keep them interested.

will be happy to help you sort your guests into smaller groups that will make nice groupings at your event. We also have a wide variety of ideas for making a kids’ area special and entertaining for them.

[Read more →]

Wedding maps are essential in today’s invitation folios. They help guests find the ceremony and give them valuable information about hotel reservations and other travel details.

can design a printed map with driving directions for your invitation. We also recommend that you include the “from ceremony to reception” map and directions on the back of your wedding program. (Your day will run much more smoothly if you do not have to give directions to your family and friends during those first few moments of marriage.)

Thanks to Google maps technology, there is now a great online service, Wedding Mapper, that allows you to map not just the ceremony, reception, and hotels, but also a variety of points of interest in the town(s) where your event(s) will occur.

As a demo, I’ve made a map of some of the locations from our wedding events in 2001 and some of our favorite places in town, now.

This fabulous service can be used for free (like my demo) , but is only $10 for some advanced features.

Add this site to your own wedding website. Your guests will have an easier travel experience, which will lead to more fun for them and less stress for you.

because everything should be just…

[Read more →]

According to Tommye White, “Budgeting is key to paying for your wedding”.
Tommye’s article in Sunday’s (July 8, 2007) issue of The Bryan + College Station Eagle recommends that couples set a budget for weddings and plan early.

As a photographer, I agree with this advice. I find that one feeds the other. If you are planning early, you’ll have more time to research options that are within your budget. You might catch silver/gold/white/cream decor on sale after the Christmas holiday season. You might have time to construct the elaborate centerpieces you want, but can’t afford to purchase. You have more lead time to book the affordable and popular vendors before other brides.

Time is money. If you pay attention to both, you’ll have a much more successful (relaxed, fun, smooth) event! And we all want everything to be just…

[Read more →]