Tips for Writing Meaningful Thank-You Notes

It’s important to recognize people for their good deeds and a meaningful thank-you is a wonderful way to do just that. Here are some tips for writing a meaningful wedding gift thank-you card…

Be prepared with thank-you stationery at the ready and keep track of the gifts you receive and from whom you receive them.

As with pretty much everything in life, timing is everything. So be prompt with your thank-you notes, as no one likes to be forgotten. Two to three weeks is an acceptable response time if you have a large number of thank-yous to write.

Including specific details about their gift or the reasons their particular gift makes you grateful will make your thank-you more personalized and meaningful. For instance, did it mean the world to you that a special moment or fondness was reflective in their wedding gift?

Try to avoid cliches or overused adjectives. Instead, speak from the heart and use words you would choose in a face-to-face conversation to express your thanks.

Take the time and effort to legibly handwrite your thank-yous instead of sending emails or texts. The extra time you take will not go unnoticed.

Correct spelling and grammar are important too. Just as taking the time to mention details that matter to you and handcrafting your note, make the extra time to ensure that your grammar is correct. Incorrect grammar can appear slopping and uncaring.

How to Plan a Mini-Moon for a Short, Sweet Getaway

The stars don’t always align in life. So, when work is piled high or your other commitments have become overwhelming, but you don’t want to delay your wedding day any longer; instead of an extended honeymoon, many couples are opting for abbreviated excursions that can be just as romantic and indulgent.

The options are endless! Spend the weekend at an enchanting bed and breakfast or wrap yourself in the lavish luxury of a rejuvenating spa. Fill your days with things like tea in a charming English garden or brunch after a round at an elite, championship golf course. Splurge on tickets to that concert or courtside seats you have always wanted. Dine on candlelit balconies, dance at the trendiest clubs or rent a high-end sportscar and drive it like you stole it.

Plus, we live on the majestic coast of Florida, so why not reap its benefits…with glorious sun-filled days on one of the world’s most pristine beaches, paddleboarding along the scenic Indian River, taking a surf class as a couple or a sunset cruise.

Mini-moons can save you money while packing a whole bunch of fun into a short amount of time. You can make them unforgettable and you can make your plans for them right here in the Daytona Beach area.

For more tips on wedding planning, feel free to reach out to the experts. Affordable Beach Wedding is the premier wedding planner for the Central Florida Coast.

Wedding Invite Etiquette: What to Say and When to Send

Since it is typically the first thing your guests will see regarding your wedding day, your wedding invite is one of the most important aspects of your wedding…from the look and feel, to all the logistical details. Here are some tips to help you follow appropriate wedding invitation etiquette:

Traditionally, wedding invitations are mailed six to eight weeks prior to your wedding day, allowing adequate time for mail delivery, your guests to respond and for you to acquire a headcount. Remember to back this up even further to accommodate ample time for printing and addressing. Ideal RSVP timing is three to four weeks prior to your wedding date, but two weeks will probably work if you are pushed for time.

Paper RSVPs are usually preferred over digital RSVPs, as older guests may not be technology savvy. Don’t forget to include postage on your RSVPs, a return address on your invitation envelopes and to reference parents if they are contributing.

For cohesiveness, it is a nice touch to carry your wedding theme through to your wedding invitations. So, when you are choosing or designing your wedding invitations, you may want to ask yourself questions such as, “Is my wedding formal?” “Will there be a theme?” “What are my colors?”

Your wedding invitation should include date, time, location, dress code, wedding website if there is one, but not registry information. Other items to clearly address on your wedding invitations are whether or not plus-ones and children are welcome.

Also order some extras just to be safe.

The Groom’s Guide to Wedding Day Style

It goes without question that each bride should be beautifully accessorized in her dream come true attire, but don’t forget the groom! The groom’s style, which should handsomely reflect his personality and taste, is also a very important part of your wedding day.

There are a wider array of groom fashion choices than you may think…

For instance, the groom can sport a luxurious, velvet jacket or a waistcoat with a pocket watch for a timeless look. If the 80s are your thing, go with a double breasted suit or add a skinny tie for a ratpack vibe. Scottish? How about a kilt? Prefer a suave Italian feel, go sockless with chic leather loafers. Or make a bold statement with bright colors, suspenders or cheeky summer attire.

When planning a groom’s wedding day fashion, there are few you may want to consider:

Ask yourself if his style should hold an elegant, classic appeal. If so, I see a black tuxedo in your future.

If your groom is more chill and a tuxedo feels far too rigid for your special day, a dark colored suit with a wedding themed pocket square may feel more comfortable, while maintaining an upscale look.

If you prefer more casual, a lighter colored suit would be perfect for a daytime affair. A vest or jacket with trousers are fun mix and match style options. Or opt for full-on casual with just a tie (or not) to match the bride.

How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget Without Sacrificing Style

Do you want to know how to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank? Plan a beach wedding along Central Florida’s picturesque coastline, which offers a majestic setting without rival and the perfect honeymoon built right in. It’s genius!

From a simple, yet elegant barefoot beach wedding ceremony with just the two of you and an officiant, to a breathtaking celebration pulling out all the stops, with music, flowers and decorations…and everything in between – and all remarkably affordable.

Imagine hearts drawn in the sand with a unity sand celebration and keepsake or welcome flags blowing in the gentle breeze, lanterns lining the aisles of a sunset beach ceremony, guest chairs tastefully adorned with flowing fabric to match your wedding theme, a four-post, winged canopy ceremonial arch under which you will recite your vows, music of your choosing both before and after, as well as photos to reserve your most cherished memories

As for your honeymoon…you only need to book a stay at one of the many resort or hotel choices which offer a wonderful selection of amenities to meet a wide array of budgets. Then simply spend your days on a world famous beach, followed by romantic dinners in your choice of the hundreds which surround you and revel in an exciting nightlife beyond compare!

There’s also more good news. Affordable Beach Wedding, Central Florida’s premier wedding planner, can help you with it all.

Wedding Planning Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide

We plan our trips, house parties and for those of us who are meticulous, we even plan out our days, weeks and months, but planning is especially important when it comes to one of life’s most special days – your wedding…

If you can, begin your wedding planning 12 months out, starting with determining your budget, guest list and choosing your wedding style/theme. This is the time that you also want to choose your venue, bridal party, start looking for your wedding dress (Don’t forget shoes and accessories.) and hire your band or DJ, videographer and/or photographer.

At the nine-month mark, decide on your bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire, select your caterer, hire your florist, create your wedding website and registry, order save the dates, gather guest addresses and secure your officiant.

At six months, begin to research your honeymoon, order your wedding cake and mail your save the dates.

By four months out, you will want to order your invites, choose your wedding rings and book that honeymoon.

Three months prior, create your seating chart, order your favors and bridal party gifts, meet with your officiant, book your transport, choose your music, create your wedding day itinerary and schedule a hair and make-up trial run.

Two months before, mail your invites.

One month before, schedule your dress fitting, acquire your marriage license, write your vows and take a venue walk-through.

The actual week of your wedding is for those last-minute details, such as practicing your vows, the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. After all is said and done, don’t forget to send your thank you cards.

If you want your planning perfect, the most important step you can take before anything else is to call Central Florida’s premier wedding planner – Affordable Beach Wedding!

 

Wedding Themes

Pondering what may be the best theme for your wedding? So many choices, so little time. Here are a few popular and equally wonderful ideas you may want to consider…

A secret garden-inspired wedding theme serving high tea or brunch and held in a garden venue or vineyard can be reminiscent of a fairytale with soft linens, delicate flowers, fairy lights.

Nautical weddings are full of romantic adventure. Start with aquatic-inspired invites and wedding attendant gifts such as seashell charm bracelets or anklets. Then serve succulent seafood amidst and sailor knotted favors.

Show how sweet you are on your soon to be spouse with desserts as your focal point. You can serve a splendid cake reflective of your lifestyle. Are you a baseball fan? Make it a baseball-inspired cake. Opt for a boardwalk-style dessert theme with pizza, funnel cake and cotton candy carts. How about chocolate decadence with a fountain dripping of it for dipping fruit, marshmallows and cookies and a table brimming with all sorts of chocolate confections?

Or stick to tradition with a black tie glam wedding held in the evening on a private estate with sparkling décor and lavish floral arrangements.

Go country chic in a picturesque barn complete with farm-to-table catering and rustic décor such as mason jars bursting with wildflowers atop wooden tables.

Central Florida’s majestic coastline is also the perfect place for a tropical wedding theme. Hold yours at a beachside venue with tiki torches, tropical drinks, island music and vibrant colors for attire as well as flowers such as bright pink hibiscus or brilliant orange bird of paradise.

For more ideas, call 386-279-1179 or 386-428-0777 to schedule a consultation with Central Florida’s premier wedding planner – Affordable Beach Wedding.

Wedding Gift Guide

It’s always a safe bet that you will please the happy couple if you choose your gift from their wedding registry. In most cases (if you don’t wait until the last minute) there will be a variety of type of gifts from which to choose at various price points – making the process a win-win.

However, what’s a wedding guest to do if the bride and groom haven’t registered? Here are a few fun wedding gift ideas that might hit the mark…

Williams Sonoma has the cutest mini bottles of different champagnes with their names and wedding date on the labels.

Speaking of champagne, a pair of crystal champagne flutes are a very elegant way to say congrats. You can even add them to the mini bottles above if you want to take things up a notch!

If the bride and groom are more of the local pub type, a set of six really nice beer glasses might hold more appeal.

Another wedding gift idea that is always a winner is a beautiful frame for their wedding photo or to hold any number of future photo-worthy moments caught on camera.

If you’re looking for a unique wedding gift, Uncommon Goods always has something interesting to offer. For instance, a customized box filled with a year’s worth of date ideas to keep the fires of love well kindled or an anniversary journal to record memories for years to come.

Etsy has fun wedding gift ideas too, like Mr. and Mrs. beach towels or a first Christmas together ornament.

Or you could focus on comfort with a luxurious bamboo sheet set or velvety soft his and hers spa robes. In fact, a day at the spa works too!

Local Honeymoon Ideas

Beach weddings are amazing for a variety of reasons. They are beautiful, affordable and, when you plan them in Central Florida, they can have a honeymoon built right in!

Many people (myself included) wholeheartedly agree that there is nothing better for honeymooning than basking on a balmy beach or taking advantage of the wide selection of resorts which can be found along Central Florida’s majestic coastline, but there is so much more!

If its romance you’re after (and who could blame you!), spend the day on one of the many wineries peppering the area, including the lovely Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards; step back in time with a visit to Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens; or stroll quaint Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach in search of the perfect antique or piece of art.

If you choose to hold your nuptials in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach or Ponce Inlet, you only have to head a little south to reach Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral and a host of cruise lines, head a smidge north to walk the historic streets of St. Augustine or, for the playful type, just a bit west to enjoy your choice of America’s most popular theme parks including Disney World, Universal and Epcot.

For the more adventurous, swim with the manatees in Crystal River or take an airboat ride in search of gators. There’s the vibrant nightlife of Daytona Beach and live local bands along lively Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach, exhibits like the Daytona Aquarium, boardwalks, water parks and nature parks galore, kayaking, shelling, paddleboarding…in fact, the world is your oyster in here in Central Florida.

Traditional vs Modern Weddings

We all understand the value of a traditional wedding. Nothing is more symbolic than celebrating and blessing the sanctity of marriage with a timeless event appealing to guests of all ages; and the inclusion of time honored traditions – such as the father daughter dance and something old to remind us of the past, something new to look toward the future, something borrowed to represent how much we cherish our loved ones, and something blue to represent the purity of love – are comforting and symbolic of a beautiful union.

However, modern weddings – offering contemporary elements or an entirely fresh approach – are becoming more and more appealing to new generations, as well as old. Imagine live streaming your wedding and posting it on social media for those who can’t make it or to simply savor the wonderful memories you created? Or how about a QR code that leads to a wedding website? You could also use a hashtag dedicated to your wedding so that friends and family can track your event process and check out all your photos.

Speaking of photos, many are seeking the services of wedding photographers who can accommodate these types of needs. You might even consider a drone for aerial wedding shots!

And, with our changing times, wedding menus are changing too, many of which include vegan options. There are also more sustainable weddings for the environmentally conscious with biodegradable options such as birdseed or real flower petals as opposed to confetti for tossing. Wedding invitations can also be sustainable if you opt for evites instead of printed wedding invites. Evites can also be a quicker, easier, more affordable wedding invitation option offering more variations too!