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February 28, 2008
In this issue:
  - Selecting and Saving on
    Invitations
  - "To Dos"
  - FAQ:
 Flowergirl Attire
Sheraton Commander
sheraton.com/commander
The Sheraton Commander can assist you in every aspect of your wedding.
 
Rehearsal Dinners: Excellent for an intimate or extravagant dinner. Large menu selection.
  
Ceremony Site: Offering elegant function rooms for any size ceremony.
 
Wedding Reception:
We only host ONE wedding at a time. Offering an assortment of packages to choose from.
 
Lodging
175 individually unique guestrooms. We offer 14 Deluxe Suites and 9 Executive Kings throughout the hotel.

  
16 Garden Street, Cambridge
(617) 234-1362
sheraton.com/commander
Special Offers
Can you resist a special?
Check out the special offers our vendors are offering MAWG brides. Find the special offer button on a vendor's detail page or click here for all offers.
Below are a few of the special offers:
$100 Credit towards any Package Upgrade
A Thousand Moments Photography
Book a reception and receive a Cancun Getaway
Omni Parker House
Save $250
Boston's Wedding Entertainment
FREE GIFT NOW!!
Athena's by Shelly B
15% off our rates through August 31st!
Boston Common Band
 
The invite - you can't get this wrong if you want people to attend your wedding! From contemporary to traditional, from white to bright colors, there are more options than you can imagine when it comes to invitations.
 
 Selecting and Saving on Invitations
The best way to choose a wedding specialist is to ask friends and relatives for recommendations. That also goes for your stationer. It's a good idea to visit at least three stationery retailers so that you can get a better sense of styles and prices.
Here are a few tips when choosing a stationer:
  • Ask the stationer for examples of their work.
  • If possible, contact other references.
  • Get it in writing! Be sure you sign a contract that lists all the details!
  • What is the stationer's liability for any printing mistakes?
  • Be sure to set a reasonable price for any extra orders you may need.
  • Make sure you proofread BEFORE you place the order and also be sure to proofread AFTER you pick up the order.
Stationer's Contract
You've selected your invitation, now it's time to place your order. Every wedding vendor should have a contract. The contract for your invitations should include the following:
  • Your name, address, telephone number.
  • The name of the vendor and his/her name, address, and telephone number.
  • The EXACT (be sure to proofread carefully!) wording of the invitation and all the enclosures. Don't forget to include all line breaks.
  • The paper stock and color, plus the ink color.
  • Which font you have decided to use (attach a sample).
  • The style, whether it be thermography or engraving.
  • If you decide to order other stationery (such as your Thank You notes), list the description and the amount that you would like ordered.
  • Be sure that the contract lists the date that the order will be ready. You want to give yourself ample time to address the invitations and send them out.
  • The number of invitations, envelopes and any enclosures should be listed.
  • The grand total, the deposit and the balance and date due should also be listed.
  • Refund policy.
  • Be sure you get the stationer's signature.
Saving on Invitations
Looking for ways to cut costs on your invitations? Below you will find a few helpful tips to get the perfect invitation without breaking your wallet!
  • Choose a traditional-style invitation. This is a single-fold white or ivory invitation with black ink. It looks like a high-quality invitation, however, many companies make them with inexpensive, yet substantial looking paper.
  • Have your invitations thermographed instead of engraved. Thermography is less expensive than engraving (often one-third to one-half the price!).
  • Stay away from those oversized invitations. These invitations cost more. Also, the added weight means extra postage. The cost for postage is $.41 for the first ounce and $.17 for each additional ounce. Square invitations also require an additional $.17 in postage.
  • Buy your wedding invitations locally. If you order them by mail, you will have to factor in the shipping, handling and insurance charges.
  • Heavy paper stock, envelope liners and any extra inserts and decorations will add weight - which, once again, means extra postage.
  • Be sure to compare prices. If you find an invitation that you like, find out who the manufacturer is. Chances are you'll find the same invitation in several different catalogs but printed by the same manufacturer at different prices. The manufacturer sets a suggested retail price and gives the dealer a choice of markup. Therefore, if you shop around, you can get the best prices.
  • If you're crafty, why not make your own invitations? Go to your local craft store and get some ideas. Or search on the web for some wonderful and unique ideas.
  • Make sure you order extra invitations and envelopes in case you have some last minute guests you would like to invite. It's also a good idea to have a few extra in case you make a mistake while addressing the envelopes. It will cost you more if you need to order them later.
Find a local stationer.
Learn more about invitations.
I am looking for an inexpensive flower girl dress for my niece to wear. I have already checked out a few bridal stores, however, they are quite expensive. She is 4 years old. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Try looking in Department stores such as Macy's or Lord & Taylor. The best time to get a beautiful flower girl dress for a great price is right after Easter.
You may also try consignment shops too. Check your local telephone directory for consignment shops in your area. I'm sure you'll find one there in great condition - afterall, flower girl dresses are usually just worn once. If they don't carry flower girl dresses, look for Easter dresses. I know there are consignment shops that specialize in just children's clothes, such as Children's Orchard.
Better yet, ask around. Have you been to any weddings lately that had a flower girl? Do you have any nieces, friends, neighbors that may have a dress?
Find more roles to incorporate children in the ceremony.
Shop on-line for flowergirl baskets.
 Featured "To Dos"
 9-11 Months
 
 4-6 Months
Start a Tradition.
Create a tradition that can be passed on from generation to generation. Find ideas.
Shop for a unity candle.
Find reception traditions.
 
 3-4 Months
Rehearsal Dinner.
An elegant affair or a casual backyard barbecue?  Find ideas.
Find a location for your rehearsal dinner.
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