Zoe, Author at DIY Wedding Tips

How Many Ring Bearers In A Wedding: What’s Normal?

Today, we’re going to be looking at how many ring bearers in a wedding, and answering questions like how you should ask them and what to get them as a thank you gift for being such a special part of your day. Make no mistake, ring bearers play a very important part in your day. Usually, you’ll choose your own child, or a child you’re close to within your circle of family and friends to fulfill the role.

But you may not even know what their role is! Let’s first take a look at what their special job is and how many ring bearers you usually have within a wedding.

What Is A Ring Bearer?

You may already know, but it’s the ring bearer’s responsibility to walk the wedding rings down the aisle to the happy couple, during the ceremony.

How Old Is The Ring Bearer?

If you’re having flower girls within your wedding, ring bearers are usually around the same age. The average age is 3-8 years old. Although this is the traditional age of a ring bearer, there are no guidelines you need to follow, and your ring bearer can be any age you choose!

There are some couples who will choose their baby to be carried down the aisle (with an adult, of course) and others who will choose their grandparents as ring bearers. There is no right or wrong answer! However, most couples will choose a child who’s responsible to take on this role – it is one of the most important jobs, after all!

How Many Ring Bearers Should There Be?

If you’re following tradition, there is usually only one ring bearer. If the child is particularly young, an adult or older child will often accompany them, but it’s usually a one-child job.

However, it’s definitely possible to have more than one! It’s just important to assign each person involved a set task on the day. Children usually love to have their own special role, so it’s important to make them all feel valued if you’re asking them to be part of your wedding.

Here are some ideas to involve more than one ring bearer:

Have each child hold one ring each
An older child could pull small children in a wagon/cart
Other children could walk down the aisle with the ring bearers holding signs

What Does The Ring Bearer Carry?

The ring bearer carries the happy couple’s wedding bands down the aisle. However, some couples opt for their ring bearer to carry fake rings down the aisle; that way, there’s no worry of any damage coming to the real wedding rings.

Ring bearers often carry the rings on a pillow or a special box. More recently, it’s become popular to present the rings looped around greenery, such as baby’s breath and magnolia leaves.

How To Ask Ring Bearer?

There’s a range of ways to ask your ring bearer to be part of your special day. However, the most important thing to do first (if it’s a child), is to get the parent’s permission. Generally, the child’s parents will be more than happy for their child to be part of your wedding, but it’s always best to ask. And that way, you can start planning their outfit too – which the parents of the child usually pay for themselves.

Here are a few tips to ask your ring bearer:

Be patient. Children are excitable and impatient! So ask them as close to the wedding as possible (usually a few months before)
Buy them a book when you ask them (there are some great choices on Amazon). Sit down and read through the book with them, and get their parents to do so every so often. It helps them to become more familiar with their role and gets them excited for the big day
Make a proposal. Children love feeling important – so why not make a proposal for them to be your ring bearer? Marketplaces like Etsy have a huge amount of ideas; including cards, personalized puzzles, t-shirts, and balloons. You can find more ideas here

Check Price on Amazon

What To Get Ring Bearer For Gift

It’s seen as a tradition to present anyone who has a role within the wedding with a small gift of thanks. Adults are usually much easier to buy for when it comes to thanking you gifts! So if you’re looking to buy a thank you gift for a child ring bearer, here are some ideas:

A “Ring Security” personalized t-shirt. This is a gift to show the little person in your life how important what they’re doing is. If you’re looking to make them feel important, this will certainly do the job!
Buddy Bearer. If the child is anxious or looks like they’re in need of a friend – why not buy them a soft toy? And explain to them that this bear was specially made to walk down the aisle with the ring bearer. It may calm any nerves and make the walk down the aisle less scary for them!
A Game or Activity to do After the Ceremony. Let’s be honest, weddings are boring for children. So why not get them a game to play or something like a personalized coloring book to keep their little hands busy?
Something catered to their interests. What’s their favorite show? What are their favorite sweets? Let them know you’ve had them in your thoughts when picking out their gift.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to answer the question as to how many ring bearers are in a wedding and other questions you may have, such as how to ask them and what to get as a thank you gift. Children are easily pleased, so as long as you make them feel included and special – that’s the most important thing.

How many ring bearers did you have at your wedding? How did it go? I would love to hear your experiences, so please feel free to let me know in the comments below.

When Does The Ring Bearer Walk Down The Aisle?: A Ring Bearer’s Guide

Today, we’re going to be answering the question: when does the ring bearer walk down the aisle? And also taking a look at everything you need to know about choosing a ring bearer for your special day and their role within the ceremony. Let’s take a closer look at all things ring bearers!

What Is A Ring Bearer?

You may already know what a ring bearer is, but if you’re unfamiliar, a ring bearer has a very important job! It’s a ring bearer’s responsibility to carry the rings down the aisle during the ceremony.

What Does The Ring Bearer Do?

As we’ve just seen, the ring bearer is responsible for walking the rings down the aisle. This is usually with the the bridal party procession. When they reach the end of the aisle, they usually give the rings to the best man. Or depending on their age, they can keep the rings themselves until the happy couple is in need of them.

Who Is The Ring Bearer?

The ring bearer is usually a child that is important to the couple. It can one of your own children, a friend’s child, or someone like a niece or nephew. The ring bearer can be a boy or girl – and in all honesty, the ring bearer doesn’t have to be a child! If you’re looking to give someone important in your life a role in your wedding, why not ring bearer? While traditionally it’s a child, it can be anyone! From aunts, uncles to grandparents.

When Does The Ring Bearer Walk Down The Aisle?

There’s a traditional order for the wedding procession. Usually, the bridesmaids and maid/matron of honor walk down the aisle first (alone or with the best man), followed by the ring bearer and then the flower girls. After this procession, the bride is ready to make her entrance.

Although it’s tradition for the ring bearer to make their entrance after the bridesmaids, they can make their entrance before, after – or even with the bride! Let’s be honest, it’s your wedding and the order of your wedding party can be whatever you choose.

Who Does The Ring Bearer Give The Rings To?

More often than not, when the ring bearer reaches the end of the aisle, they hand over the rings (usually on a pillow or in a box) to the best man. The best man will then look after the rings throughout the ceremony, and present them when necessary. However, if your ring bearer is older, you may want your ring bearer to present the rings to you – and that is completely okay!

Where Does The Ring Bearer Stand?

If you’re worried about their little legs getting tired, you don’t have to be! Ring bearers do not need to stand throughout the ceremony. Once they have delivered the rings to the best man, they usually sit with their family or a family friend. It’s highly unlikely that a toddler or small child would be able to stand still for that long! You can provide a seat for them at the front of the ceremony if you want them to have the best view of your marriage.

How Old Are Ring Bearers?

It’s common for ring bearers to be around the same age as flower girls. The average age of a ring bearer is around three to eight years of age. Although this is tradition, you can choose a ring bearer of any age. It’s understandable that you may not want such an important role to be entrusted to someone so small, so to save stress – it may actually be better to have a slightly older ring bearer!

In more recent years, it’s become popular to have children much younger than three take on the role of ring bearer. Although they won’t really have an idea of what’s going on, they do look super cute – and it makes for some adorable photos. However, if you choose this option, be sure to have someone available to accompany them down the aisle. And be prepared for tantrums, screaming, and crying – nothing is as unpredictable as a child!

What Does The Ring Bearer Wear?

There really aren’t any strict guidelines as to what the ring bearer wears. It’s down to the couple and ring bearer (or the ring bearer’s parents). You may want them to be wearing similar colors to the bridal party, as they will be joining in with the procession – but that’s just a recommendation, and entirely your choice.

You do not need to pay for the ring bearer’s outfit. However, if you want them to wear a particular outfit, it’s seen as polite to at least offer a monetary contribution towards it. Or you may like to provide an accessory for the outfit like suspenders or a flower crown.

What Can The Ring Bearer Carry The Rings On?

You can choose for the rings to be carried down on anything! Most couples opt for a ring pillow or small box. However, if you’re looking for a way to make the job fun – how about this Ring Security Set? It’s a lockable personalized briefcase, which comes with the case, a badge, sunglasses and an earpiece. At £60, it’s definitely pricey, but it’ll definitely make that special little one in your life feel super important!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to answer the question: when does the ring bearer walk down the aisle? If you’re looking for a short answer: it’s whenever you want! But if you like to follow as close to traditional as possible, it’s best to have them after the bridesmaids and just before the flower girls. If you have no bridesmaids or flower girls, the ring bearer can even walk in with the bride!

Did you have a ring bearer at your wedding, or do you plan to? When did they walk down the aisle? Please feel free to let me know any answers in the comments below.

Average Age Of A Ring Bearer: Are They Too Old?

Today, we’re going to be looking at the average age of a ring bearer and finding out if you can ever choose someone that’s too old for the job. But first, let’s take a look at what a ring bearer is – and even check out some tips to make the ceremony go as smoothly as possible for you and your ring bearer.

What Is A Ring Bearer?

A ring bearer has a very important job. Some might say, one of the most important jobs of the day! A ring bearer’s sole responsibility is to carry the wedding rings down the aisle; usually, in procession with the bridal party. Once at the end of the aisle, the ring bearer usually hands the rings over to the best man.

Who Is The Ring Bearer?

The ring bearer is often someone important to you as a couple. Whether it be one of your own children or a niece/nephew, it will be someone close to the family. You should choose someone who’s reasonably responsible (if they’re of that age), and if they can’t walk down alone, have someone like the Mother of the Bride/Groom walk with them/carry them.

The ring bearer can be a boy or a girl – the choice is entirely yours.

How Old Are Ring Bearers?

Ring bearers are often seen as around the same age as flower girls. The average age of a ring bearer is around three to eight years of age. Some couples do prefer to follow tradition, but there’s really nothing stopping you from choosing a ring bearer of any age. As it’s such an important role, you may not want someone of that age entrusted with the rings, so go with whatever you feel comfortable with.

However, it’s becoming increasingly popular for children younger than three to take on the role of ring bearer. However, they’ll usually be accompanied by an adult. Let’s be honest, the younger the child, the cuter they look holding the rings. Although, it’s important to keep in mind, that the younger the child, the more prone they are to things like tantrums and crying. If you feel this is something that would hinder your wedding, it’s best to opt for a slightly older ring bearer.

How Old Is Too Old For A Ring Bearer?

You may be wondering if someone can be too old to be a ring bearer. There are many people that will say yes, but I’m here to tell you – you can never be too old to be a ring bearer! Some couples even choose to have their grandparents as ring bearers. If you’re having an adults-only ceremony, or you simply don’t want a child to fulfill the role, feel free to choose anyone!

It can be an aunt, an uncle – or even grandparents. It’s a great way to get someone special to you involved that doesn’t already have a role within the wedding. You can even have a pet carry the rings down the aisle for you – although I’m not sure all pets would be that cooperative!

The most important thing to remember is – there are no age limits for any role within a wedding. If you want to give someone a title for your special day, go for it. I’m sure they’ll be just as excited as you are.

Tips For A Ring Bearer

If you do opt for a young ring bearer, there are a few tips you can try to help the wedding go as smoothly as possible. Hey, we all know how unpredictable children can be! Here are a few points to consider before the big day:

Use a pillow that you can tie the rings to so that they’ll be as safe as possible – particularly if you’re worried they may fall off
Take your ring bearer for a visit to the venue before the ceremony. Show them what they’ll be doing and bring along props so they can practice. Not only will it be fun for them, but they’ll also feel more confident on the day
Sometimes the ring bearer will stand for the ceremony and hand the rings over when needed. If the child is particularly young, give them a seat with their family/friend and have them hand the rings to the best man
Use fake rings. If the thought of a toddler carrying your wedding rings down the aisle is causing you stress (understandable), buy fake rings for the ring bearer to hold. And keep the real rings with the best man!
If the ring bearer is slightly older, why not opt for a heart-shaped box or something a little more unique? There are some amazing original ideas on Etsy for ring-bearing boxes. It’s a great way to keep them protected too, throughout the ceremony.

What Does The Ring Bearer Wear?

You may be wondering what the ring bearer usually wears. If you’re not the parents of the ring bearer, it may be best to discuss the options with them. They usually wear the color of the bridal party, as they are part of the wedding party, after all!

You’re under no obligation to pay for the ring bearer outfit yourself, but if you’re being very particular with the outfit, it may be a nice gift. Or you may gift them an accessory to wear on your wedding days, such as a flower crown or corsage.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with the average age of a ring bearer. Although there’s an average age, there really is no age limit for your ring bearer. Whether they’re 0 or 100, it’s entirely your choice and they can be as traditional or modern as you’d like.

Did you have a ring bearer at your wedding? Do you think there’s an age limit on when you should be a ring bearer? If so, please feel free to leave any answers in the comments below.

I Now Pronounce You Alternatives

Today, we’re going to look at I Now Pronounce You alternatives. You’ll likely already be familiar with the typical pronouncement of marriage, “I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride”. While this is the traditional way of pronouncing a marriage, some couples find it outdated, or just want something a little more unique. So whether you’re looking for an alternative to “I now pronounce you” or “husband and wife”, we’ll be covering it all in this post.

What Is A Pronouncement?

A pronouncement of marriage is simply when an officiant pronounces the happy couple as husband/wife, wife/wife, or husband/husband. It’s often followed by the statement, “you may now kiss the ___”.

Pronouncement Alternatives

“I Now Pronounce You” may not be something you’re comfortable with, or you may just want something more unique for your own wedding. If you’re stuck off ideas – never fear, we have so many I now pronounce you alternatives you may like to consider. Take a look at some of our pronouncement examples.

Simple Alternatives

I Pronounce You…
May I Present to You All…
Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me a Great Pleasure to Introduce, for the Very First Time…
Standing here today, in front of family and friends, as husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife
I now present to you, the newly married…
Let’s now present to you, the newest married couple in (location here)…
I now declare you to be married…
I pronounce you to each other as…
It’s time to announce you as…

As long as it’s a pronouncement, you can make it as fun, or as serious as you wish. It’s important to remember that it’s your wedding day, and you need to be as comfortable as possible with your vows and any declarations you’re making.

Unique Alternatives

The above examples were short, sweet, and to the point. However, you may want something a little more wordy and meaningful; particularly if you’re having a religious ceremony. Here are some alternatives you may want to consider:

Now that (name) and (name) have exchanged their vows, and made their promises, I pronounce them to be (choose your titles)
You have chosen to stay committed to one another for the rest of your lives. I call upon your friends and family gathered here today to witness that you are now (choose your titles)
In a display of their love for one another, (name) and (name) have consented in marriage. They are now (choose your titles)
In front of family and friends, (name) and (name) have shown their love and commitment in the way of marriage. And they’ve done it here today!
It’s clear to see the love that is blossoming between you both, and we all hope that love continues to grow throughout the years. You are now (choose your titles)
It is time to declare you as married. From today forward, you’ll not just be best friends, soulmates, and adventurers, but also (choose your titles)
It is with the greatest privilege and joy, that I can now declare you as married (or choose your titles)
(Bride/Groom), you are now (choose your titles) in the eyes of God, and everyone gathered here today

If you’re looking for a speech to precede the pronouncement, there’s a great selection of ideas over on Pinterest, that I’d highly recommend.

Declaration of Marriage

The most traditional options for the declaration for marriage, are “husband and wife”, or “man and wife”. However, there’s no reason why you can’t choose your own. Here are some alternatives you may want to consider, that are more modern – and not quite as outdated.

Wife and Husband (who says the husband has to go first?!)
Husband and Husband
Wife and Wife
Married
Legally Wed
Partners for Life
Spouses for Life
Soulmates for Life
Partners in Crime
Duly Married
Married at Last
Wifey & Wifey
Hubby & Hubby
Spouse & Spouse

Alternatives to “You May Kiss the Bride”

One of the most infamous phrases you’ll hear at a wedding ceremony is “you may kiss the bride”, but much like “I now pronounce you”, it can be seen as outdated. Most venues will be happy to consider any suggestions that you have in mind, so don’t be afraid to make it fun. As long as you discuss with your officiant before the ceremony, many requests will be accepted.

Some ideas to consider are:

Your new journey together has now begun (this one takes away the pressure of kissing! And symbolizes the start of your new chapter together in a profound way)
We can now toast to the new couple (not only does it take away the pressure of “the kiss”, but you can relax after the ceremony, as it’s usually the most nerve-wracking part of your day)
Think now’s the time for that kiss (it’s a bit more lighthearted, but far more inclusive and fun)
Let’s applaud your new marriage (what better time to clap than after a wedding ceremony)
You may now kiss your lifelong partner (another inclusive option that remains serious and as close to the original as possible)
You may seal this union with a kiss (yet another inclusive, more traditional option)

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with I now pronounce you alternatives. And even some different suggestions for you may now kiss the bride. It’s important to make your wedding ceremony your own, in any way you can. So I’d highly recommend opting for one of our choices for your own ceremony, to make it as unique as possible.

Did you choose your own pronouncement at your wedding? Or do you now plan too? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below what option you’re choosing – especially if it didn’t make it onto our list. You may be inspiring fellow brides and grooms with ideas for their own wedding day.

How Long Does Baby’s Breath Last?: A Guide

Today, we’re going to be answering the question: how long does Baby’s Breath last? And taking a look at how you can use them in your wedding, and what the cost might be. Baby’s Breath is an increasingly popular flower choice for weddings, and it’s not difficult to see why. But how far in advance can you pick them up before your wedding? How long do they last in/out of water? Let’s take a closer look.

What Are Baby’s Breath Flowers?

These flowers are part of the Gypsophila family. You’ll find them in a variety of countries around the world. The reason they’re such a popular wedding flower is because of their price. They’re perfect if you’re working with a tight budget, whether you use them as a filler flower in a bouquet or as decoration.

Baby’s Breath comes in a range of colors, including:

Blue
Green
Burnt Orange
Pink
Red
Purple
Orange
White

Baby’s Breath symbolizes purity and everlasting love. What flower could be more perfect for a wedding? During the warmer months, you may even find white or pink flowers blooming on your Baby’s Breath.

How Long Does Baby’s Breath Last in Water?

Depending on the time of the year, these flowers can last anywhere from 5 to 14 days in water. They’re quite a hardy flower and are pretty tolerant in comparison to other flowers. However, in extreme heat or cold, they may need a little more care to keep them as pristine as possible.

How Long Does Baby’s Breath Last Without Water?

Surprisingly, a Baby’s Breath can last 2-3 days without water. However, they must be cared for in the correct way. Florists often refrigerate flowers to help them maintain their freshness. Wood Flowers recommends refrigerating Baby’s Breath in 90 to 94 degrees humidity. And you must let the blooms absorb water for around two to three hours. This way, your stems will be filled with water and last 2-3 days.

It’s important to note that you should not freeze a Baby’s Breath. These flowers are suitable for refrigeration only.

How Long Does Dried Baby’s Breath Last?

Some Brides (and Grooms) opt to use dried Baby’s Breaths in their flower arrangements and bouquets. The bonus of using dried Baby’s Breath is that after drying, it should last indefinitely. So you can dry them ahead of the wedding with plenty of time to spare, with as little stress as possible.

However, be wary that they are quite known for being particularly bad for those with allergies.

How to Dry Baby’s Breath Flowers

If you’re wondering how to dry them yourself, eHow has a great easy-to-follow guide. All you’ll need is:

The flowers
Rubber bands
Pruning shears

All you need to do is:

Trim the stems at the soil level with the pruning shears. If you’re using ones from a florist, you can skip this first step.
With a rubber band, bunch together around five stems and secure them as tightly as possible.
Now hang the bundle upside down somewhere warm, but dark. Somewhere that has good ventilation is ideal, as this will help the drying process.
After 5 days, you can check the flowers. They should feel papery and dry when you touch them. If they’re not feeling that way, pop them back upside down in the dark, warm space for another 2-3 days.
Once dried, remove the rubber bands – your dried flowers are ready to use!

To help preserve them until the wedding day, you may want to spray them with a clear sealant. This will help them to keep their color and keep them in the best condition. In terms of storage, you’ll want them somewhere cool and dark – and in an airtight container. Only take them out of their container when you’re ready to use them. This way, they’ll be as pristine as possible.

How Much Are Baby’s Breath Flowers?

The answer to this question will vary massively, depending on how much you need and what you’re using it for. If you’re having one simple bouquet, it will be significantly less money than if you’re wanting several flower arrangements or table centerpieces.

A single stem of Baby’s Breath usually costs between $1-2. And a standard bunch will contain anywhere between 8-13 stems. Although the price will vary at different times of the year and whether you’re buying in bulk (bulk is always cheaper!)

How to Use Baby’s Breath Flowers in Your Wedding?

A bouquet (whether bride’s or bridesmaids) is the most conventional way to incorporate these budget-friendly flowers into your wedding. But there are plenty of other innovative ways to include them in your wedding. Here’s just a few:

Hair. A flower crown or a braid would be perfect.
Arch. Romantic, elegant, and a great place to have your ceremony under.
Seating Plan. Decorating the edges with flowers is subtle, yet stunning.
Centerpieces. Vases, mason jars, the possibilities are endless.
Lighting. It’s dramatic, striking and your guests won’t be able to take their eyes off the ceiling if they’re on lighting such as a chandelier.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with all things Baby’s Breath. How long they last (with or without water) and the range of possibilities you have when incorporating them into your wedding. If you’re looking for an affordable solution for your wedding flowers, I would highly recommend Baby’s Breath. If you’re looking for an ethereal, romantic vibe at your wedding – look no further, as these will be perfect!

At my own wedding, I had artificial flowers – mainly because it was one less thing for me to worry about when it came to the big day. What flowers did you have at your own wedding? Did you have Baby’s Breath? Please feel free to let me know in the comments below how your experience was with them. How long did they last with/without water? All answers are welcome (and helpful!). You may be helping out future brides and grooms with their own wedding flowers.

Best Printer For Printing Wedding Invitations: Our Top Picks

Today, we’re going to be looking at the best printer for printing wedding invitations. Our top picks have all been tried and tested using cardstock (the card used when printing wedding invitations) and are perfect for printing wedding invitations. There are many benefits to printing your own wedding invitations. Plus, you’ll be able to use the printer for many years after your wedding – so it’s definitely a good purchase. Let’s take a look at some of our top picks of a laser printer for invitations.

Why Print Your Own Wedding Invitations?

Wedding invitations are expensive and most of the money is going towards the printing and assembling costs of the invitation itself. Having someone just design your wedding invitations saves a lot of money. While it may not save you heaps of time, you’ll have a large portion of your budget saved from having to have someone print and assemble them!

It’s also great if you need to print off any extras last minute, or something needs tweaking. Rather than waiting for the business to change the invitation, print the invitation, post the invitation – you can just do it yourself! Plus, once you have a printer all set up, you can use it for various other occasions, such as birthdays, christenings, etc.

Best Printer For Invitations

Printer invitations are becoming increasingly popular and it isn’t difficult to see why. Let’s take a look at some of the best choices for printing your dream invitations.

Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer

Our first choice is without a doubt, the Canon Pixma iX6820. It’s compatible with Windows and MAC and can be used via laptop, PC, or smartphone – making it extremely handy if you don’t have a PC or laptop. It prints super fast, with high resolution, which is exactly what you’re looking for when printing your own invitations. There’s an incredible 5 individual print tanks, so if only red runs out of color – you can just replace the red!

You can even set the printer up for your Alexa! “Alexa, print 50 wedding invitations” – and she can do all the hard work for you. With over a staggering 3,000 reviews, this is one of the most highly rated printers at 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Check Price on Amazon

Brother MFC-J805DW

If you’re looking for a compact, not very budget-friendly, all-in-one printer which offers scanning, printing, and copying facilities – the Brother MFC-J805DW may be the choice for you. It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing printer, but it does the job effectively. It works well with a range of different-sized paper, including the style you’ll need for wedding invitations.

While it may take a while to find the right setting for your invites (there are a lot of settings!), when a standard black ink cartridge lasts around 3,000 pages and a color cartridge lasts around 1,500 pages – you’ll have ink to spare. If you buy the ultra cartridges, you’re looking at 6,000 pages in black, and 5,000 pages in color!

In comparison to other printer cartridges, they’re reasonably inexpensive too. You can buy this printer for around $300. With over 2,000 reviews on Amazon, with a rating of 4.4 stars out of 5, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth for this one.

Check Price on Amazon

EpsonExpression Photo XP-610

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly printer that prints with speed and precision, the Epson Expression Photo XP-610 may be the choice for you. It’s suitable for all your wedding day printing needs that you have and comes in at around $180. This is another printer that is compatible with an Alexa device, so works with voice control if that’s of importance to you.

Whether you’re looking for a matt finish, gloss, semi-gloss – you’ll be able to use whichever paper you’d like for your wedding invitations, as this printer is compatible with them all. While the printer itself is not as expensive as others, the ink doesn’t print anywhere near as many pages. A standard black cartridge prints around 550 pages, and a standard color cartridge prints around 650 pages.

It’s almost at 2,000 reviews on Amazon, with a 4.1-star rating out of 5 stars. With the price of the printer, it’s definitely one worth considering if you’re on a tight budget. And its sleek, black design makes it aesthetically pleasing too.

Check Price on Amazon

HP OfficeJet 3830

There are tonnes of special features to explore on the HP OfficeJet 3830 – and it’s one of the most popular printers on Amazon. With a touch screen, auto document feeder, HP instant ink eligible, and energy star certified, it’s not hard to see why. Again, it works with Alexa, so can be controlled by voice once paired with an Alexa device.

It prints wirelessly and can copy, scan, fax, and print at ease. Like our other options, it’s super easy to print a variety of cards, at varying thickness. Meaning you can print some pretty luxurious invitations with ease!

It has almost 33,000 reviews on Amazon! With the average rating being 4.4 out of 5 stars. Making the HP OfficeJet 3830 our top pick of today!

Check Price on Amazon

Other Printers

It’s important to note that there is a range of printers suitable to print invitations – and you may already have one! These are simply just the best printers available to print the most pristine wedding invites. If you’re unsure whether your printer is suitable, be sure to check the manual or instruction guide for more information.

Conclusion

I hope this article has given you more insight into the best printer for printing wedding invitations. With the right printer, printing your wedding invitations couldn’t be easier – and will be sure to save you money, especially if you’re printing a large volume of invitations. What’s great is that you can also use the printer for any additional stationery you may need, such as thank you notes and RSVP cards, etc.

Did you print your own wedding invitations? Which printer did you use? If you have any recommendations or tips, please feel free to let me know in the comments below.

Wedding Vendor Contract Template: How To

Today, we’re going to be looking at a wedding vendor contract template and everything you need to know about them. Whether you’re the vendor yourself and unsure where to start, or you’re planning your wedding and not sure what a wedding vendor contract should include – we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at all things wedding vendor contracts before you sign on the dotted line!

What Is A Wedding Vendor Contract?

We all know what contracts are – but what does that have to do with a wedding? More than you might think, actually! A wedding contract is important for any services that you’re using at your wedding. Whether it’s a photographer, the florist, the videographer, the caterer, even the wedding planner – a wedding contract lists in detail the services you’re offering, and when those services will be provided by.

Why Have A Wedding Vendor Contract?

It’s extremely important to have a contract with every vendor with any involvement in your wedding. This is not only to protect you but also to protect them too. Even if you’re friends with the individual – it’s still best to draw up an informal contact. Not only are they great for highlighting all of the important parts of their services, but it’s also legally binding.

If there are any issues (such as a global pandemic!), there should be a cancellation/refund policy to protect both parties – whatever the circumstances. It’s important to discuss any queries you have before signing, and once both parties are in agreement, sign away!

What Should Wedding Vendor Contracts Include?

Depending on the vendor, all contracts will look completely different. Some will be formal, while others will be very informal and may not have too much information at all. However, it should always cover the basics. These are the bare minimum of what should be highlighted on a wedding contract, whether it’s a food vendor contract, or a wedding planner contract – they will all follow the same general template.

Wedding Information

This goes without saying, but one of the most important things to include is a list of details of all the services that the vendor is providing. This will include points such as:

Names of everyone involved in the agreement
Times and dates of when all services will be provided (this goes for when photos will be ready after the wedding too – that’s an important one that people often forget!)
Deposit amount and full payment details
Wedding date
Description of everything provided in detail
Plan B (just in case!) – for example, if a certain food or flower isn’t available, is anything else acceptable?

Finalization Of Details

You may have a wedding date, but you may not know a time and venue – but you know the general area, and you have your heart set on a certain photographer; many photographers will be more than happy to book with you, but it needs to be mentioned in the contract. And then updated once you have the final details. Most vendors do not expect you to have all details available instantly, but be sure to keep them up to date on the situation.

Payment

Are you paying upfront? How much is the deposit? Can you pay off the amount in installments? These are all important terms that need to be decided and laid out clearly in the contract before it’s signed by either parties. There should be a list of monetary amounts, and when each amount is expected by. Do not sign unless you’re satisfied with the information you have.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

With the pandemic still causing chaos around the world, refund and cancellation policies are more important now, than ever. Usually, there’s a clause which lets you know how much you will receive as a vendor, and how much you will receive back as the customer depending on how much notice you give. There may even be an exchange policy in there too if the new date you request is available.

Most businesses will have a refund/cancellation policy in place, but if there’s any doubt – be sure to raise any queries. Particularly for smaller businesses, as this may not be as common for them.

Receipts

I can not stress this enough, but receipts are so important for anything you buy. Once you pay any amount of money for a service (even a deposit), you should receive a receipt confirming so. It’s important to keep all of these safe in case there are any issues, such as the business going into liquidation – hey, that’s what wedding insurance is for, guys! So whatever the amount, be sure to keep a stash of receipts someplace safe, just in case you need them.

Wedding Contract Templates

Whether you’re looking for a food vendor contract template, or a wedding planner contract template – they’re super easy to make yourself or find templates online. If you’re dealing with a vendor that doesn’t present you with a contract (even an informal one), send a template over yourself with all the necessary details! As long as you both sign, it’s a legally binding contract.

There are a few great wedding contract templates online. I particularly like this generic one on Pinterest. But if you’re looking for more vendor-specific contracts (such as food, photography, or retail), wordstemplates has a brilliant selection to get you started. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – just something clear, descriptive…and signed!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with a wedding vendor contract template, and how easy it is to draw up your own. And what exactly you should be looking for when signing any contracts in regards to your special day. For my own wedding, I barely signed any contracts at all…so it was lucky nothing did go wrong really!

Did you sign many agreements for your own wedding? I would love to hear your experiences when booking vendors for your own wedding!

Personalized Wedding Cake Cutters: Our Top Picks

Today, we’re going to be looking at personalized wedding cake cutters, and all of our top choices if you’re looking for the perfect pick for your special day. Whether it’s just an engraved cake knife or a whole personalized cake cutting set, it really can add something to your wedding. And will look absolutely gorgeous in your wedding photos. Whether you choose to have Mr. and Mrs. or your names and wedding date – the possibilities are endless. So let’s take a closer look!

What Is Personalized Wedding Cake Cutting Sets?

It really is what it says in the name! The sets usually come with a knife and a server (to serve your yummy slabs of cake with) and personalized ones usually come engraved with the names of the happy couple, or the wedding date, or something else significant to the pair.

Some venues will already supply wedding cake cutting sets – but they will not be personalized (I definitely learnt that the hard way!). And I think the personalization makes them extra special, and something you’ll be able to treasure always after the wedding is over.

Top Picks

Whether you’re shopping on marketplace stores like Etsy or independent stores – there’s a ton of choices to pick from! Here’s a list of some of our favorites.

TCDiy

Our first wedding cake cutting set is from TCDiy. This is a set of a knife and a server – and is perfect if you’re on a budget. There’s a range of options to choose from, including:

No Engraving – £18.93
With Engraving – £29.54
Engrave Handwriting – £22.57
Engrave Photo – £35.60

What I love about this one is that you can choose to have your own handwritten message or photo engraved. This adds a special layer to your cake cutting set. Or you can choose one of the 10 standard fonts that they offer, for a lower price. They’re handmade, with stainless steel blades. And the best part is…shipping is free!

The Laser Boutique

If you’re looking for something basic, at a fantastic price, and can be paid off in installments – look no further! This personalized stainless steel cake knife and server set is on sale at the moment, for just £17.99 for the pair! You can’t choose the font style, but it is a gorgeous set at a very reasonable price. You can even add a gift box for an extra £6.99. But if you’re looking for something fully personalized that does the job, I would highly recommend The Laser Boutique.

Things Remembered

Things Remembered have a huge selection of personalized gifts that will be sure to bring magic to your wedding. They have a range of options, varying from suitable for a tight budget or if you have a little extra cash to spend on luxuries such as wedding cake cutting sets.

My top pick from Things Remembered is these stunning Fifth Avenue Cake Servers. If you’re looking for a way to add the perfect touch of glitz and glam to your wedding, look no further. At $92, the price is not for the faint-hearted, but they are adorned with glimmering crystals, which will have everyone’s heads turning on your special day. Personalization comes included in the price, and the turnaround time is super fast.

They’re made with pewter alloy and stainless steel, and measure in at 13.8″ for the knife and 11.8″ for the server. There are plenty more budget-friendly options on their website, but if you’re wanting a bit of extra flair on your wedding, the Fifth Avenue Cake Servers set is perfect!

The Wedding Outlet

Another great place to start your search is The Wedding Outlet. You can find a huge selection of wedding items on their website – including wedding cake cutting sets; many of which come personalized. What I love about The Wedding Outlet is that they cater to a lot of weddings, and a lot of styles. For example, they have a seaside wedding server kit and a vintage server kit – meaning they’ll be suitable for most weddings.

Their sets also come in a range of colors and shapes – they even have heart-shaped wedding servers, which I think is amazing! On my own wedding day, I just used what the venue provided…which I’m greatly regretting now!

The prices vary, depending on the style you’re looking for. But prices start from $20 to around $70 – with personalization, of course.

Amazon

While Amazon may not be your first choice that comes to mind when you think of wedding products, they’re actually better than you may think! Their selection isn’t exactly huge and the only personalization you’ll find is Mr. and Mrs., but you can find beautiful options for around $10-$15. They also come in gorgeous gift boxes.

It may even be worth buying them blank from Amazon at a cheaper price, and taking them to your local engraver to see how much individual engraving would be – you may end up saving yourself some money! Most engravers charge a seriously low price.

Check Price on Amazon

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with personalized wedding cake cutters, and where to start your search for your dream set. It may not seem too important, but it’s the perfect keepsake from your wedding and something you can even hand down to your children in memory of your special day. You don’t have to spend huge amounts of money to find something perfect for your wedding.

Whether you’re looking to bring out the bling, or something more subtle, I highly recommend checking out the stores above, as you’ll definitely find something for your own wedding.

Did you have a personalized wedding cake cutter set for your wedding cake? I would love to know! If you have any recommendations of stores to buy from, or any stories to share – please feel free to let me know in the comments below. You may be helping out future couples with their own wedding cake sets. Sharing is caring!

Cute Ways To Ask For Money As A Wedding Gift: How To

Today, we’re going to look at cute ways to ask for money as a wedding gift. Traditionally, physical gifts were given to help kit out your new home together with whatever you may need. However, nowadays, most couples are already living together – and there’s no real need for a toaster or a kettle. Asking for money as a wedding gift is something that is becoming increasingly popular. And there’s a huge debate whether it’s considered rude or not.

However, there are plenty of polite ways to ask for money for a wedding! I’m sure your guests would much rather their gift go to good use, rather than not being used. So let’s look at how to ask for money for the wedding. There are lots of cute ways, and it’s easier than you may think!

Where Do I Ask For Money?

There are a few places you can ask for money, and it’s best to choose whichever you feel most comfortable with. There’s no right or wrong place to ask – so whatever works best for you. Here are a few ideas as to where you can make your monetary requests.

Wedding Invitations

While it may be the most blunt, asking in your wedding invitations is the easiest way to do it. It’s direct, every guest will read it and you’ll likely find most guests will be happy to oblige. There are plenty of cute ways to word this, which we’ll be taking a look at later.

Wedding Website

For my own wedding, I had a wedding website. I found it was a great place to have all the information guests needed in one place. Some guests will lose invites so it’s always best to have backup information. I had an FAQ page with the most popular questions guests may have. I also had a gifting section, whereby I had politely asked for money donations for our wedding gifts, which would be put towards our dream honeymoon – no one seemed to mind!

Ask Friends and Family

If you’d prefer to ask people in person and ask friends and family to spread the word around, rather than it being on your invites or online – go for it! Some couples prefer to be upfront, and that’s absolutely fine. However, if you’re relying on family and friends to spread the word, be prepared that some guests may not be told. And you also can’t control the way in which it’s asked – so it can be a tricky one to navigate!

Set up a Registry

A registry is one of the most common, direct ways to go about asking for money. You can explain in detail what the money is for and guests will feel safe using a well-known registry such as Honeyfund or The Knot. They’re well trusted and easy to navigate.

Social Media

You’ll likely be friends with all of your wedding guests on social media – there aren’t many people who don’t have some form of social media nowadays! Make a post asking for a monetary gift for your wedding, and add a super cute poem. Guests may also not feel as much pressure if it’s on social media.

How Do I Ask For Money As A Wedding Gift?

Whether you’re looking for money for a honeymoon, a house fund, a new baby, or simply for a bit of fun – be sure to tell your guests why you’re asking for money. Guests will feel more comfortable if they know what their money is being put towards. And it’s seen as courteous to make your guests aware of what you’re saving for.

Poems

Without a doubt, I would always opt for a poem. They’re super cute, polite, and a direct way to ask your guests without seeming rude. Here are some of our favorite poems to use for your money requests.

If a gift is your intention,
We thought that we would mention,
We’d love some pennies to rub together,
To save for something we will treasure!

As we’re getting married, we thought it would be great,
To move into a brand new home — we really cannot wait!
As wedding gifts are bulky and we’re a little short on space,
Some money would be the ideal gift to help us buy our place!

We’d love for you to celebrate our wedding with us,
But there’s really no need for a big old fuss.
There will be no gift-laden table,
So actually, if you are able
We’d much prefer the gift of money
So we can jet off somewhere sunny!

These are just a few suggestions – there are plenty of poems to choose from, or you can even write your own to make it really personal.

Wording

If you don’t think a poem is suitable for you as a couple, here are a few simple, polite phrases you can use to ask for monetary gifts.

Having you in our lives, and at our wedding is the greatest gift as all. However, if you wish to gift us anything, a cash gift would be very welcome (to help with honeymoon/new home, etc.)
We are lucky enough to have a home full of everything we need, so if you’d like to help us celebrate our wedding with a gift, a cash gift would be very welcome
Cash gifts are welcome, but not at all expected. Your presence at our wedding is more than enough of a gift

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to show you some cute ways to ask for money as a wedding gift. Nowadays, it’s far more acceptable to be seen asking for money instead of a traditional gift, so if you’re putting the money to good use, don’t be afraid to ask! I’m sure your guests will be more than happy to help. Maybe add a handful of physical gifts to the gift registry for any guests who may prefer to do so.

How To Plan A Destination Wedding On A Small Budget: A Guide

Today, we’re going to look at how to plan a destination wedding on a small budget. Destination weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years. And whether you have an expensive wedding or a wedding on a strict budget – it’s still possible to have the destination wedding of your dreams. Let’s take a look at how to make the most of your budget when planning a destination wedding.

Why Have A Destination Wedding?

Make no mistake, it’s definitely more difficult to plan a destination wedding than a traditional wedding. Usually, everything is within a reachable distance, and it doesn’t take the amount of planning that a destination wedding requires. However, a destination wedding seems more romantic and not just a getaway for your guests, but for you too. Especially if it’s a place that’s special to you both as a couple.

Tips and Tricks To Utilize Your Wedding Budget

There are many ways to make the most out of whatever budget you have, so let’s take a closer look at our top tips and ideas for a destination wedding on a budget.

Decide on a Budget

The budget is, without doubt, the most important aspect of your wedding planning – and the first thing you should decide on. Without a budget price, it’s impossible to plan a wedding. Make a rough estimate of what you’re willing to spend on each section of your wedding (food, drinks, venue, dress, etc.) and go from there.

Choose a Location

A destination wedding cost will all depend on where you choose to get married. Destinations such as the Caribbean and Mexico will be more expensive as they’re sought-after locations. However, for cheap destination weddings, try looking for somewhere closer to home – or somewhere that isn’t typically known for being a wedding hotspot.

Plan Ahead with Plenty of Time

The more time you have to plan, the easier the process will be. And usually, the more in advance you book, the cheaper the deals you can obtain. Be sure to shop around and compare prices at different venues to ensure you’re getting the most from your budget. It’s much easier to make changes when things are already booked, so if you want to change anything nearer the time, you can.

Cut Vendors You Don’t Need

This may seem like a ruthless one, but it is an important one. Do you need a photographer and a videographer? Do you need a 3-course sit-down meal? The answers will be different for every couple, so choose what are the most important aspects of your day, and work from there. It’ll be easier to cut out certain vendors than you may think! And truly, you only need you and your partner to make your wedding day magical.

Choose a Date Wisely

If you’re traveling during the holiday season or peak wedding season, you’ll definitely be paying more – so try to book in quieter months. Or maybe even opt for a week-day wedding, this will cut the price dramatically, rather than having your wedding at the weekend.

Check for Packages

Whether this is travel packages for you and your guests, hotel packages for your wedding party, or wedding packages in general – make sure you check for them! Package deals are always the best value for money, and most companies will offer them. Be sure to enquire as you may be missing out on a great deal that could save you thousands!

Think About Décor

Another way to be ruthless is with décor. Do you need all those flowers? Do you need oversized neon letters? Try to be simplistic with your decorations. They can become really expensive, very quickly. So focus on the most important decorations that you’d like, and go from there.

Keep the Guest List Small

This is a simple one, but the more guests – the higher the price. So if you try to limit your guest list as much as possible, it will help to reduce the venue and catering costs massively. Try to invite your nearest and dearest, and have a second celebration closer to home once you’re back. That way, you get the best of both worlds!

Consider Rate Variations

Depending on where you are in the world, and the time of year of your wedding will mean a real variation in prices. There are a few things to keep in mind, such as:

Big cities will be more expensive than towns or villages, so stay away from them if you can
During the week will always be cheaper than Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Always choose off peak seasons if you can
If the flowers you’re looking for aren’t in season, be prepared to pay significantly more than you usually would
Bar rates differ in every venue, so be sure to shop around
Photographers can be extremely expensive, so this is another aspect to be sure to shop around for

Buy in Bulk

The more of anything you buy, the cheaper it will be. Whether it’s plane tickets, hotel rooms, catering, cutlery – whatever you can buy in bulk, go for it! It’ll work out much better value in the long run.

If you’re looking for more tips to save on décor, food and drinks, outfits, etc., be sure to visit wedmegood, as they have some amazing advice for budget weddings!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with how to plan a destination wedding on a small budget. It’s definitely possible, so try not to get too disheartened if you don’t find what you’re looking for instantly. Shop around, as making the most of your money and finding cheaper alternatives can take time.

Did you have a destination wedding on a small budget? How did you navigate it? If you have any tips or tricks, please feel free to share them below. You may be helping out future couples with their destination wedding!