The Quick List: Creative Save The Date Ideas

I was a bit conflicted writing this post because I am very against the wedding industry forcing couples to be competitive.  I want couples to be inspired by the creativity of the save the dates that I selected and look outside the box to choose a STD that is best for them.  I know, I totally just wrote STD.  It is actually a very acceptable term in the wedding world and it still makes me giggle a bit every time I use it.  Anyway, back to the save the date ideas... enjoy!

#1. You absolutely do not need a blockbuster budget, go simple and memorable! 

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#2. Go old school and create a 3D message. 

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The Quick List: FREE Stationary Templates!

Who doesn't love free stuff?  Especially when wedding planning!  Sporadically the wedding blogs I follow will have links to free stationary templates.  Instead of just posting each individual link, I wanted to get a bunch in one place for you.  Enjoy!

#1. Thank You Cards. Love Vs. Design has some great templates for weddings, this template comes up a winner for these sweet thank you cards.

#2. Save The Date Cards.  The Wedding Chicks are my go-to for awesome free templates as well as great items in their retail shop.  I adore the simplicity of these std's, especially the full tutorial for those DIY-hesitant like myself.

#3. Wedding Invitations.  Download & Print has some fab options for free templates, such as this one I love.    

Inspiration Station: The Wedding Chicks

I'm pretty in love with any website that continually is putting out inspiration in a very attainable way.  Enter The Wedding Chicks who are always coming out with new ideas, real weddings, sweet deals for brides and free DIY templates.  Because they rock.  And here is the latest, their 2012 Save the Date template.  And for those of you still needing Save the Dates for your 2011 wedding, here you go.  As I mentioned, TWC are full of DIY-friendly activities and even have a section for free downloads of their amazing templates.  We're talking table numbers, invites, menus, and more!

This is clearly a website run by people who really care about all things wedding related and especially trying to make the planning process easier and more enjoyable for the bride.  The Wedding Chicks shop has a variety of awesomeness (see below) and I particularly love the 'real brides' section that gives insight to the planning process as brides go through it. So check them out and let me know what you think.  Just try not to spend hours upon hours losing track of time on this website.  Because that is exactly what happens to me every single time.  Enjoy!

Vintage Bride Tank Tops

Welcome Wedding Totes

The A,B,C's of Engagement Photos

The idea of engagement shoots is a fairly new trend. Gaining popularity in the past 5 years or so, an engaged couple will schedule a separate photo shoot with their photographer anywhere from 3-9 months ahead of the wedding date.  This photo shoot will solely feature the couple and there is a lot of room for creativity with the location, props, and theme.  These pictures can be featured on the Save The Dates, on the couple's wedding website, and at the wedding if the couple wants framed pictures incorporated in the decor.  

Now a lot of couples initially think that e-photos have to be formal and serious, but the only rule is that there are no rules!  I know plenty of brides that we have all seen e-photos of a couple gazing in each other's eyes in some meadow and decided that is not for them.  This really is a fun opportunity that you probably won't have again.  I would definitely recommend figuring out your vision with your photographer ahead of time and to incorporate your interests and personalities into the shoot.  There is SO much room for personalization, so follow your ABC's- always be creative!

If this is something that tickles your fancy, I recommend checking out this post for basic guidelines/a starting place.  Here are some e-photos that may give you some inspiration.  Enjoy!

 

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And I saved my favorite for last, care of charm city bride blog:

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