OTHER INVITATION STUFF

More invitation things to keep in mind:
* If someone hasn't responded to your invitation, 1 week past the "Reply by" date, call him or her and confirm over the phone.
* Children over the age of 16 get their own invitations.
* Your officiant and their better half get an invitation
* Send your parents and wedding party invitations, as a keepsake. They don't have to reply.
* You have to put return postage on your RSVP's.
* Never give a verbal invitation to your wedding without following it up with a formal invite via U.S. mail.
* Furthermore, make sure you add that person’s name to the final guest list.

INVITATIONS & CHILDREN (OR NOT)

It is considered poor taste to have the invitation clarify “no children”. It also begs the questions, “How old is a child?” Does this means 12 or under? You may want to add a note apologizing and clarifying that the request was made for monetary concerns. If you are resolute in this decision, then stick to your own rule; any exceptions will result in hurt feelings. When addressing your invitations, leave the children’s names off and don’t mention them in the invitation. Also, have friends and family pass the word…let the network work.

If you don't want children at your wedding, you have 2 options:
* When addressing your invitations, leave the children's names off it and also don't mention them in the invitation.
* Have friends and family pass the word around that you don't want children there.

Just how many people really know or understand etiquette? In some cases you have to cut straight to the chase and say what you mean. We suggest adding one of these phrases to the bottom of your reply card:
* Adult Reception
* We hope that the (# of) of you will be able to join us
* (# of) seats have been reserved in your names

COCTAILS AT RECEPTION

Limit the time gap between your ceremony and the reception. Having folks happily mingle at a pre-dinner cocktail party is a wonderful plan…for one hour. Anything longer and guests are just going to get sauced and impatient.

WEDDING POOCH

Try to resist the urge to involve helpless animals in your wedding. This is usually a disaster! Remember...this is a NEW inviorment with lots of people and new smells. That wonderfully, well-behaved pooch has suddenly become uncontrollable (what a way to ruin your wedding day!).

CANDLE CEREMONY VS SAND CEREMONY

An important consideration for outdoor weddings....NO CANDLE CEREMONY! Candles are difficult, if not impossible, to light outdoors (or staying lit). A Sand Ceremony would be better suited for an outdoor event and makes a beautiful keepsake :o)

OUTDOOR WEDDING TIPS

If you are having an outdoor wedding (sand or grass) the bride should NOT plan on wearing high-heeled shoes. I have seen this many times….the bride has difficulty walking in the sand or grass with her heels on, so she takes them off. Now her dress is TOO long and she trips over it as she is walking down the aisle. So, in this case the bride should NOT plan on wearing high-heeled shoes.

AFFORDABLE & STRESS FREE WEDDING!

Here is a testimonial from one of our couples this last summer:
We've just had the best expierence ever! We decided to have our wedding and reception in Santa Barbara. Nothing too big (just 50 people). We were about to give up when we came across "I do Vows". They had some great wedding packages and their prices were VERY reasonable. They took care of everything for the wedding AND reception! We were not looking for a full tilt boogie event, just something nice and we got exactly that. I just couldn't wait to tell everyone how easy it was. And I have to give the Heimbach's a great big thank you!