Invitations and Party Ideas For Everything That Comes Before the Wedding

Congratulations! You're engaged. Now what? Now you start planning for your wedding and the best party of your life. But even before that, you need to get ready for months of parties, events and announcements for you and your fiancé.

Your engagement

Plan on letting your family and close know about your engagement with a phone call. Beyond that, you should put an engagement announcement in the mail and perhaps even in the paper. Traditionally, the groom's parents will host an engagement party - handling the details - hosting, location, engagement party invitations, etc. However, these days, tradition doesn't always dictate what will actually happen. Your friends may want to throw you an engagement celebration. Or, don't be afraid to host your own engagement party. Since you haven't settled on wedding invitations or wedding stationery, pick engagement invitations that suit your taste and style; if your subsequent stationery matches great, if not, that is fine, too.

Save the date

Once you set the wedding date, you'll have to let everyone know. Before you send the wedding save the dates out, make sure you have picked out, asked and confirmed a few things: your wedding party should be set - asked and responded. Your wedding location and time should also be set. A definite wedding list should be done before a single save the date hits the post office. If a guest receives a save the date, they will be expecting a wedding invitation. If a guest receives a save the date and lets you know they won't be able to make it then it is acceptable to move them from the 'wedding invitation' list to the 'wedding announcement' list. Your save the date should also include preliminary flight, airline, airport, transportation and hotel information. If you don't have all the details make sure to note that this information is 'to follow.'

Bridal Shower

Your maid of honor and bridesmaids should be involved in planning party for you, but feel free to give your input if you're asked. This is your friends' chance to throw a party for you, so don't plan on having much of a say in this occasion. You're a guest, the guest of honor - let your bridesmaids fuss over you a little. Don't worry about your bridal shower invitations matching your wedding stationery - in most cases they don't. This party is for you and your girls to get together and have fun before you get married. Typically, your bridal shower is a separate occasion from your bachelorette party, but they can be combined also.

The wedding invitation

This is the big hurdle. Once your invitation is in the mail, you'll have only six to eight weeks until you get married. Choosing your invitation is a big decision, so make sure you compare and make the right decision. When sending out your invitations you should also make sure you've included up-to-date accommodation and travel information, adequate postage and correct wording. It bears repeating: an e-invitation to your wedding is never acceptable. Take the time to invite your guests either by postal mail or hand delivery. Also, the mention of gifts or registry is never, ever appropriate in your wedding invitation. Traditionally, this information is communicated through word of mouth or on your wedding website.

The bachelorette party

This is one last chance to get together with your bridesmaids and girlfriends for either a night on the town, a shopping spree, a spa treatment or just a night in for some laughs. One word of advice - if you are having your bachelorette party the night before the wedding, keep it tame. A late night, excessive alcohol or a new skin treatment could show up unfavorably in your wedding photos. If you're going to cut loose, give yourself a few days before your wedding.

The big day

You should only have a few tasks on this day. You'll have to look beautiful, walk down the aisle, day 'I do' and than have a great reception. One important job you need to assign to a friend or family member is the mailing of your wedding announcements. Typically, these go in the mail the morning of the wedding. Wedding announcements are meant for anyone who wasn't invited to the wedding.

Thank-you notes

After the vows and the honeymoon, you still have one more task. Make sure you get your thank-you notes in the mail for your gifts, well-wishes or anyone who involved in making your big day a success. Some say that you have up to a year to send a thank you note, but why wait? A timely thank-you note is tasteful and elegant.

This is an exciting and hectic time; make sure you take time to enjoy it. There are a lot of milestones to celebrate, not just your wedding, so make sure you don't miss a minute.