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MagnetStreet Weddings is celebrating our brides and saying goodbye to summer with a BIG SALE!

Now is the perfect time to order your Save the Dates and Invitations ... With a deal this sweet – treat yourself to the entire suite!

Save the Dates … Wedding Invitations … Reception Items {Place & Table Cards, RSVP, Menu Cards} … Embellishments {Envelope Liners & Belly Bands} … Thank Yous … Shower Invitations … Bachelor Party Invitations … Bachelorette Party Invitations … Rehearsal Dinner Invitations … Programs …

Ready. Set. Go to: www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com and take advantage of this fantastic offer today!

The sale runs today through September 5th, 2011. Use promo code WBLOG822 for an entire 20% off!

{This offer cannot be combined with other offers.}

You have heard about them and read about them. Maybe even seen them in a distant and undefined wistful look in a friend. And perhaps you are wondering... will it happen to me?

Because just like every other day, the sun will set on your wedding day too. And, if you have been riding the gigantic wave of planning, DIYg, bartering and seemingly endless conversing about your wedding, chances are~ you are going to experience some sort of let down afterward. No worries! It is only natural after spending such an enormous amount of energy concentrated on the events of one particular day.

Some welcome the end to all the activity, attention and stress that comes from planning the big day while others are left with a void! All that anticipation and excitement during wedding planning... it is like poof, all done. And still others may not even see the blues coming at all.

Do you fight it...? Ignore it...? Roll with it...?

Lessen it. You have become a master at planning... why not plan for those pesky blues too? The honeymoon and the writing of Thank You notes will certainly keep you from crashing headfirst into a sea of unaccustomed tranquility. But, keeping yourself busy in other meaningful ways will channel your energy and your passion into the beginning of your marriage. And while it is true that all days must end... at least at the end of your wedding day, you are married! And that is an awesome thought!

* start a scrapbook for your wedding to pull out on anniversaries
* take a specialized cooking class
* take an interior decorating class
* spend time getting to know new family members
* reacquaint yourself with your new found peace and quiet
* spend quality time with your new husband!!
* what else?

Are you anticipating the post-wedding blues? How did or how will you handle them?

That said, visit www.TrulyEngaging.com {the wedding blog of MagnetStreetWeddings} for all things wedding including posts that will make you laugh, tear up and hopefully inspire you!

Stop by www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com today... RIGHT NOW~ our TOP 5 Photo Booth Save the Date designs are 15% off til 7/21/09!

All the Best,
MagnetStreet Weddings

Have you talked about what you will call your in-laws yet? Mom... Dad... or maybe everyone would prefer to keep it on a first-name basis allowing the possibility of Mom or Dad to be an acquired term of endearment... perhaps one that comes with the passage of time, holidays and children?

For some, calling your soon-to-be in laws Mom and Dad may not come easy~ for any number of reasons. It is no surprise that every family system is different but as soon as you say ~I Do~ you're related! Now what?

Perhaps the best approach is to simply ask your in laws what they prefer to be called before the wedding day. Will you be comfortable with whatever that is?

Like a kid in a candy store, come check out www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com for all the new Save the Date designs and Invitation ensembles!

And, stop by www.TrulyEngaging.com for a bunch of fun, planning tips and inspiration!

See you there,
Heidi

Photo Booth style, Save the Date Magnet
Made For Each Other

The bride and groom gift exchange is a totally optional tradition. That makes sense. The gift of yourself to the other is the best gift of all anyway, right?

But, if you are planning a gift exchange for the wedding day and wondering what to gift... here are a few suggestions.

Think about a gift that is sentimental and will memorialize your wedding day. How about writing love letters to each other~ on gorgeous paper and even seal them with wax, as if you were in the 18th century. You could re-read them every year on your anniversary. A romantic notion indeed.

But if you are not that sappy and love letters are not your thing, consider a beautiful piece of jewelry, an heirloom, or even something adventurous on your honeymoon that the two of you will never ever forget. Thrills definitely leave great memories i.e. bungee jumping, skydiving, and white water rafting are just a few ideas. Your thrill could involve simply embarking on an experience that neither of you have experienced before. Something unique to the two of you!

Good luck! Stop by www.TrulyEngaging.com for more inspiring ideas, Real Weddings and budget-saving tips! Until then, visit www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com to check out the latest designs for Save the Dates, Invitations, Thank You cards and more. When you are ready, enjoy a 10% discount. Simply enter promo code: WBCJAN10 at checkout of your online order. This offer is good until 1/31/09.

Kind Regards,
Heidi

My house has been busy lately with all sorts of distractions which have left us a little behind getting into the Christmas spirit. It's ok. I want to enjoy the season and not rush through it like I too often do.

That said, I'm excited to have finished putting the final touches on our Christmas cards, or in our case, Christmas card magnets from www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com We chose the magnet design shown below and changing the photos, colors, text, fonts along with a couple minor tweeks, this design is OUR OWN.

Can't wait to get them and can't wait to send them out! I love getting Christmas cards from family and friends from all over the country! Dont you?

Personalized linen flat or folded Christmas cards are fabulous options as well. Share some wedding photos on a folded card along with your new address. Customize the wording or better yet, write your Christmas letter inside.

Bedazzle those envelopes and dress them up with festive and coordinating Christmas card labels and seals.

Stop by our wedding blog~ www.TrulyEngaging.com for resources, a little humor and inspiration. We LOVE LOVE comments so be sure to say hi!

AND, enjoy 10% discount on your Holiday Cards as well as ALL of your wedding stationery today when you place your order online at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com Enter promo code WedBCDC10 at checkout. Offer expires December 31, 2008.

Kind Regards,
Heidi

Customizable Magnetic Christmas Card
style code: CT-974

Gold Christmas Bulbs

In the spirit of being thankful for all the wonderful relationships we enjoy with brides all across the country, this week MagnetStreet Weddings is offering a HUGE Thanksgiving special all week long.

Here are the details:
15% discount on EVERYTHING for the week of November 24th-30th, 2008.

Save the Dates
Wedding Invitations
Reception Items
Favor Cards, Magnets & personalized Notepads
Thank Yous
Holiday Cards
Return Address Labels & Seals
Everything!

Receiving the savings is easy! Order online and enter promotional code: WBCTK15 at checkout. Offer is valid November 24 through Sunday, November 30, 2008.


Happy Thanksgiving!!
Heidi

There is a reason that brown continues to be a mainstay within color schemes. Brown is a deliciously inviting and universal color. The variety of shades allow it to play dominantly in the scheme or subtly as an accent color. Brown is flexible and its softness as a color warms (or neutralizes) pairing fabulously with pinks, purples, golds, yellows, orange-reds, greens...and in this particular inspiration board, blues! A cool favorite are the blue tones... here we have teal and aquamarine dancing with chocolaty goodness. So beautiful with the ivory, white and silver accents to help the board pop with energy and liveliness.

Are you using an inspiration board to get that cohesive look for your wedding that is well-rounded and entails all that you dream for your wedding? Discover your options. Explore the color palette and wedding theme inspiration boards at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com Visit our wedding blog at www.TrulyEngaging.com for additional resources and tips. Have a suggestion? Leave a comment. We love comments!

BridesClub members... please enjoy 10% discount off your entire online order! Just enter promotional code: WBCTK15 at checkout, that's it. Offer is valid until November 30, 2008.

All the Best,
Heidi

Brown and Teal Inspiration Board
(over 30 boards to linger over at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com)

Beautiful wedding flowers are a must have! I totally believe in using professionals to create the most gorgeous bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages for you, your attendants and your family members. But, the decorations and centerpieces... another story. With a little creativity and research, I believe you can be quite thrifty and save a great deal of money on your decorations and centerpieces. Let me explain...

~ Use a venue that will already be decorated because of a special holiday or a major holiday. Of course, inquire into if the colors of the venue and decorations will coordinate with your colors. Some holidays are easier than others i.e. Christmas where you can anticipate the color scheme.

~ Use SEASONAL, LOCAL flowers available in your region. Use a floral generator so you can search for flowers available in your region.

~ Prepare your own arrangements based on flowers you purchase from a wholesaler and create your own centerpieces, pew decorations, etc.

~ Use the natural surroundings: I was married outside in the spring with gorgeous spring blooms all around. I picked (don't you pick...DELEGATE) the most beautiful lilacs the morning of my wedding for the reception table centerpieces. So fragrant. So beautiful. So FREE!

~ Gardens, arboretums, city parks, farms... are naturally decorated and just need a few finishing touches.

~ Flowers for thought: Consider what is blooming in your area. Perhaps softly strewn petals from a most gloriously blossoming tree would be a lovely addition to a walkway or entrance way.

If there are tips for saving on flowers that you would like to share PLEASE DO... share them on www.TrulyEngaging.com, the wedding blog of MagnetStreet Weddings. We love comments!

Also, browse www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com to see what's new... Designer's Choice Save the Date magnets...Pocket Invitations...Inspiration Boards...

Find your perfect wedding stationery and when you do, ENJOY SAVINGS today. Enter promotional code: WBCNV10 at checkout. Code expires November 30, 2008.

Best,
MagnetStreet Weddings

Enchanting Dahlia
Save the Date Postcard
style code: XE-879

Fall has arrived and is absolutely splendid here in Minnesota. Brimming with the colors of autumn foliage, the fall is a wonderful time of year for a wedding. Go ahead, marry the rustic with the chic for a combination of casual elegance that is so familiar this time of year.

Infuse the warm, rich tones of deep browns, golds, and reds throughout your entire wedding.

Celebrate the beauty of the season in your area. Barns and apple orchards make lovely venues with the potential for stunning backdrops to show off the fall colors.

Corn stalks, mums, pumpkins and the sweet aromas of hot apple cider and spices to fill the air...

Don't forget your wraps, it could be chilly. I love fall weddings! Endless possibilities...

That said, grab a cup of hot chocolate, sit down and browse www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com for all things wedding stationery. Whether you are looking for a sassy Save the Date or an Invitation collection to do more than set the tone, we've got you covered.

And, stay ahead of the busy holiday season and order your holiday cards now. BridesClub members, enjoy 10% discount off your online purchase. Enter promotional code: WCTBC10 at checkout. Offer expires October 31, 2008.

A Fall Getaway
Essentially Yours Invitations, Layered style

Coordinating Collection includes~ Save the date magnet, linen Invitation, Carrier Card and Vellum overlay. Also featured are the Table Number and Place Cards, personalized wedding Favor Notepad, envelope with return address seal and linen Thank You Card.

style code: 962

I put together welcoming gifts for my parents and grandmother and other family members but I still wish I would have prepared welcome baskets for all of my traveling guests& You can really have a lot of fun filling your baskets and still not break the bank. Your guests will love and appreciate the gifts and your thoughtfulness will make them feel right at home!

Ideas For Your welcome baskets,bags, buckets...

1. Write a welcoming note.
2. Include a specialty item from the town youre getting married in: food, drink, etc.
3. The latest best seller or a fun, trendy magazine.
4. Tickets or coupons to local attractions
5. Is your guest traveling with a baby? Maybe an item or two for the wee one: wipes, juice boxes, sunscreen, diapers, etc.
6. Toiletries and items that your guests might not be able to get at the hotel i.e. cotton swabs, cotton balls, sunscreen, travel sewing kit, mini manicure set, clear nail polish
7. Fresh flowers are always nice!
8. Fun dollar store stuff
9. Items that fit the style of your wedding i.e. eco-friendly items for a green wedding
10. Mug with tea packets or gourmet coffee
11. Dont forget the guys: shavers, shaving lotion, shoe polish
12. Mini wine or champagne bottles (include plastic glasses)
13. Travel games
14. Hand lotion
15. Bottle water
16. Itinerary of wedding related events, essential phone # list
17. Local newspaper

Have Fun! Always Have Fun!

Give guests a favor they can use! Personalized wedding favor notepads... (style code: NBU-10169)

BridesClub members... Enjoy 10% discount off your online order at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com. Enter promotional code: WBCSEP10 at check out. Offer expires 9/30/08.

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Without a doubt you are counting your lucky stars for all the people who contributed so much to your wedding day. Can you even begin to imagine what it'd be like if you had no help at all? I would guess not so joyous, a whole lot more stressful and perhaps increasing the likelihood of chucking the whole thing and running off together!

Saying thank you is so natural, especially when folks have done so much. Yet, when the wedding day is over and you begin to settle into your new life together, many brides and grooms report that getting back to this very important and meaningful last step is a little challenging. Writing a genuine thank you message that comes straight from your heart does take time, it takes thinking about each person and what they gave, then crafting words to express your feelings. But it doesn't need to be a laborious, drawn out task. Just think, as you reminisce about the wonderful people who gave so much, you and your husband have the opportunity to relive your memories of your wedding day and all that led up to it.

Your note of appreciation doesn't have to be long or wordy ~ the only real requirement is that it reflect your own personality and your relationship with the person you are thanking. Just keep it real and your friends and family will feel the love and gratitude that you send.

Etiquette says that thank you notes should be sent within two weeks of receiving a gift. Whether it's two weeks or three or a bit longer, be aware that promptness saves the sender of the gift from fretting over whether or not their gift made it to your doorstep. And, writing sooner than later makes it easier to remember exactly how you felt when you first opened the package that they so lovingly chose for you.

MagnetStreet Weddings has a large collection of thank you card and magnet designs that will wrap up all your heartfelt thanks with grace and beauty! Consider matching your thank you with your Save the Date, invitations, and favors too. We've got entire coordinating packages to suit every taste or you can order a la carte with just a fabulous looking thank you card. Many designs incorporate photos and most include your new address. They're classy and make really wonderful keepsakes.

Don't forget Brides Club members, take 10% off your entire online order today ~ enter promotional code WBCSEP10 at checkout. Offer expires September 30, 2008. Go to www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com ~ from the home page click on Product Guide, then Thank You Products. Scroll down to see the variety of thank you magnets, cards, postcards and more.

Check out www.TrulyEngaging.com, the wedding blog for tips and ideas as you plan your special day.

All the best,

Cheryl ~ for MagnetStreet Weddings

It's so much fun to go to a wedding where the bride and groom are obviously expressing their true individuality. All the thinking, talking, brainstorming, and planning pays off when the day finally arrives and it's so very obvious that it's their wedding . . . their way! So often most of the attention is on the bride, her dress, her hair, her smile ~ she definitely feels like a beautiful princess for a day. With all this attention on the bride, some grooms may feel the need to step out and somehow make sure they get noticed too.

Oh, what fun it is for guys to, well, yeah, accessorize! You can keep it traditional or not-so-much, don vintage cuff links or maybe create DIY cummerbunds out of fabric that makes a, ahemmm, statement. And, if you both are up for all things unique, consider off-the-beaten-path ideas for footwear, buttons, vest, hat, gloves, a cane, etc. Get started early thinking about it ~ it's quite likely your imagination will need no help at all! If you can't quite see how some of these crazy ideas fit into your wedding ceremony, save them for more fun at the reception.

MagnetStreet Weddings has save the dates, wedding invitations, favors and thank you cards that can tie your unique elements together, no matter what they are. Beginning with your save the date, you can give your future guests a teaser taste of what's in store. And, while MagnetStreet Weddings has many, many traditional designs with which to express your uniqueness, here's one that definitely fits the a-bit-quirky category.

Your wedding is both a sacred ceremony and a big, giant party thrown in your honor. So, I say have some fun.

Cheryl for MagnetStreet Weddings

What do you think of when you hear the words photo booth? It probably has to do with having fun and taking hilarious pictures with friends and family. People step into a photo booth and simply forget about taking themselves too seriously. This is more than likely why they are so popular to rent for wedding receptions. Photo booths are pure entertainment for the guests and just plain fun. The retro-looking black and white photographs bring a blast from the past, a welcomed slice of nostalgia into your modern wedding. And, your guests can instantaneously take home a memory of your wedding.

Are you renting a photo booth for your wedding reception? This blast from the past is hard to resist! Check out all the different styles of photo booth magnets at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com And, BridesClub members receive a 10% discount. Enter promotional code WABC10. Offer is good until August 31, 2008.

Cheers!
Heidi

Renting a photo booth for your wedding reception? Guests will love this photo booth style thank you magnet favor. Share three of your favorite photos from the wedding or the honeymoon for a fun, long-lasting keepsake.

By using different methods to illuminate an area, you can create a mood or alter an atmosphere to make it warm and inviting. For instance, low level lighting will create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Accomplish this with stringing white lights, hanging lanterns, strategically placing torches, uplights, and using rope lighting. Also use special lighting as centerpieces with tea lights and hurricane lamps.

Take a stroll around your ceremony and reception venues to see how and where you could add lighting to create the drama (and safety) you desire. If your reception is held during the evening and outdoors, illuminate walkways and paths by stringing lights. Place luminaries on tables or hang them from surrounding trees for that soft look. The more interesting the pattern holes in the luminary, the more interesting the light they will toss out.

Consider putting together one or two specially lit, cozy nooks at the reception venue for those guests that love intimate conversation. I have found that tap lights work great. They can be placed anywhere (I bought mine to put in my outside hibiscus tree plant) and work on batteries. Use your imagination for ways to illuminate and create drama with low level lighting.

Take advantage of our offer for BridesClub members to receive a 10% discount from their online order at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com Enter promotional code WABC10. Offer ends August 31, 2008.

Jewel-Tones, Inspiration Board

Jewel tones are fun and vibrant, full of deep and rich colors that are inspired by ruby reds, purple amethyst, emerald greens and the rest of the precious gems.

View more inspiration boards at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com Click on Inspiration Boards on the homepage.

Just engaged? Congratulations! Pretty soon the subject of money and budgeting will rear its head. Here are some hints and tips to help with your budgeting efforts:

1. Research wedding products so that you have a general idea of what costs are before you make purchases.
2. Realize that many vendors will offer discounted rates for weddings held on a Friday, Sunday or in the least popular months (Jan, March).
3. Be conservative when estimating your expenses. Having money left over is better than having to cut something out that you really love in the end.
4. Manage vendor deposits and consider using a no balance, zero percent interest credit card to keep your expenses organized and in one spot. Know vendor return/cancellation policies.
5. Keep track of your expenses. Keep and log receipts in your planner.
6. When configuring your budget, consider likely additional costs i.e. permits, rentals, shipping and handling, etc.
7. Check in with each other to review expenses to make sure you're still on the same page with how your money is being spent. Stay in agreement with one another.

Get your wedding planning off to a great start with a firm financial foundation and a determination to enjoy every step of the way. Special, one of a kind moments are being made all the time. Enjoy them!

So, have some fun. Check out the inspiration boards at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com for inspiration with color and style. Send us your comments at brides@magnetstreet.com or visit our wedding blog www.TrulyEngaging.com for more resources and tips.

For our BridesClub members~ please enjoy 10% off your next online purchase and use promotional code: WABC10. Offer is good until August 31, 2008.

Happy Planning.

Red Inspiration Board

Red is a classic, elegant color. Be inspired as to the many ways it can be incorporated into your wedding.

I want to inspire you to have that simply unforgettable wedding day look...from start to finish. Do you have an avid interest? Do you adore the color blue? Do you crave the look of a different era? With a little imagination, that theme or look can be weaved throughout your wedding planning~ from the save the date to your attire, to your decorations, to the smallest of details.

Decide what your theme will be and begin to collect ideas. Go ahead, borrow them from magazines, wedding sites, other weddings... Use an inspiration board to add what you have collected, keep yourself organized and your theme cohesive.

Whatever the formality on whatever the budget, you can create drama and interest by developing a theme that flows throughout your wedding.

Feel free to visit our blog www.TrulyEngaging.com for great wedding resources and browse the inspiration boards at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com to stir your imagination.


Cheers,
Heidi

Cafe' Amor
save the date magnet, from July Designer's Choice

Was it love at first sight when you bumped into each other at the coffee shop? aha, perhaps your theme...

Most of us know the difference between a great speech and a speech that is well, not so great. Think about what you liked about that last great wedding speech you witnessed. You probably laughed a little, maybe dropped a tear or two and generally felt upbeat and congratulatory.

If you've ever given a speech in front of a room full of people, you know that it can be nerve-wracking. The good news, is that it doesn't have to be. Even if your bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc. are completely inexperienced behind a microphone, the following will help provide the basics for a successful wedding speech.

Every speech will be different. That is because each person has unique experiences and perspectives and relationships. Tailor your speech on what you know to be relevant. Here are a few takeaways that I learned giving a speech as a Maid of Honor:

1. Keep it to 3-4 minutes or so.
2. Incorporate a little humor. You want to keep your humor clean and centered around common knowledge of the bride and groom. No private jokes that no one will understand anyways.
3. Your speech should be well-wishing,lighthearted, kind.
4.Your speech should be well thought out and organized. It should have a beginning, middle, and certainly an end.

Much like writing a paper in school: organize your speech, write it down, time yourself and last but not least~ PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!! I rehearsed my speech so much, I did not need to look at a piece of paper. If you feel like you need a piece of paper to focus, go ahead but if you have practiced, your speech will be naturally flowing.

Hope this helps
Cheers!

I'd love to hear how your speech went, drop by www.TrulyEngaging.com the wedding blog of MagnetStreet Weddings and tell me about it or share tips that have helped you to make a great wedding speech.

Heidi

NEW! Pocket Invitations

Waking Beauty, from the Solely Yours wedding invitation package

style code: INV: 11757

Rarely does anything in life go exactly according to plan. There are so many variables and uncontrollable ones at that~ like people and the weather. Planning a life event such as a wedding is no exception. The old adage, prevention is worth a pound of cure, seems like sage advice to me.

So, how can you stay prepared?

Stay organized
Use your planner. Keep important contacts, phone numbers, websites, etc. with you. Systematically work through your to-do list and check items off as you do them. Inspiration boards and color palettes will help keep you focused and on track with the look and feel of your wedding. Assign tasks to trusted individuals to help keep you from being overwhelmed.

Do Your Homework/Research
The professionals and vendors you choose should be recommended and researched before you hire them.

Day of Wedding Schedule
Print up a schedule of wedding day timelines and give it to your officiate, attendants, vendors, parents, etc. Everyone will be on board with when and where they are supposed to be. Again, delegate to your trusted individuals wedding day tasks.

Prepare An Emergency Kit
Anticipate not only the needs of yourself and your bridesmaids, but also of the groomsmen and the guests. Items such as a first aid kit, sewing kit, shoe polish, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, lip balm, Shout wipes and water bottles are a few of the essentials.

Plan B
Take a look at the scenarios surrounding your wedding day. Anticipate anything that might go awry. For instance, what if it rains? does the hallway or walkway have enough light? what happens if you break a heel? You can also ask your vendors about their "what if" plans?

No worries about things that probably won't happen~ just anticipate the possibility of what might realistically happen, so you can effectively handle any mishaps.

Simply Elegant

Essentially Yours, coordinating wedding invitation ensemble

You want cake! Pies, cookies and wonderfully decorated muffins just will not do. A fabulously designed wedding cake is a work of art, something to be admired. How can you have that center of attention, eye-appealing, amazing cake and save money on your cake? In most cases, you can save money by renting a fake wedding cake or just tiers of it. The fake cakes (or tiers) are made of Styrofoam and are fully decorated with real icing, in the same style as your wedding. A portion of the cake is real so that the two of you can share from it before it is whisked away to the kitchen~ where clever staff cut delicious pieces from sheet cakes. Guests need not ever know and so, you really can have your wedding cake and save money too!

New! At MagnetStreet Weddings
Check out our newly designed Inspiration Boards and Color Palettes. We have just added them at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com. Inspiration Boards are wonderful wedding planning tools to help you create a wedding day look that is unified and polished. Plus, they are so fun to look through! If you have a great idea for an inspiration board, please email brides@magnetstreet.com. We would love to hear from you. Also, BridesClub members enjoy 10% discount through July 31, 2008. Enter promotional code WBCJUL10.

Pretty in Pink
Inspiration Board and Color Palette

I wanted to surprise my fiancé by playing guitar for him at our wedding reception (you see, I was taking lessons and everything). I ended up opting out because I thought I would embarrass myself. I completely regret not playing because even though I probably wouldn’t have played real well, it would have been an expression of my love. If you have a desire to play a song or state a poem, etc. for your fiancé, I hope you won’t let fear of embarrassment keep you from doing it, like I did!

Writing your own vows however, is an undertaking on both your parts and will require thought with regard to: style, message, whether or not you write them together, how long it should be, etc.

Tips On Writing Your Own Vows:
• Talk with your minister or officiate as he or she will inform you of any policies to be aware of when writing your own vows. He or she will also be able to offer you guidance and direction in your writing.
• Decide what you want to write about: your love story, your pledge to one another, an underlying theme that defines your relationship, all of the above, etc.
• Decide what your voice or tone will be: humorous, romantic, etc.
• Keep a journal to record what makes your relationship special.
• Take your time writing your vows. Do not rush through them.
• Incorporate humor.
• Be true to yourselves.
• PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE until you are confident. It should flow naturally.

Writing your own vows is FOREVER ROMANTIC~ written on your hearts as well as the hearts of your guests!

Charming Cherries
linen paper, Thank You Note Cards

style code: HA-11747

Tieing the knot has never been so cute! Writing your thank you notes is a must. Using a high quality pen on these high quality cards will make it that much easier!

Truly Yours~ our new line of folded wedding invitations are now available for public perusal. Share your love story, photograph, poem or verse with all the extra room!

Stay tuned... there is more to be revealed as we continue to develop new invitation lines…

Coordinate your entire wedding theme~ beginning with the Save the Date to the Invitations, to the Table Favors to the Thank You Cards~ for a polished, put-together look. Visit MagnetStreet Weddings to see which styles and themes best fit your personality.

Important Reminders
• Check the calendar! Make sure your wedding date corresponds with the calendar. (Oy vey, we don’t even want to think of making that mistake).
• Order at least 25 additional invitations (in lieu of mistakes, keepsakes and last-minute invites)

Declare Your Love~ GIVEAWAY...

BTW, did you know you could win up to $250 in retail value toward Wedding Invitations, Save the Dates, Table Favors, Thank You Cards...? Just fill in the entry form and Declare your love to be entered in the drawing. Visit www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com today!

Soothing Blue, Folded Wedding Invitations
Truly Yours Invitation Collection
style code: INV-776

Choose your Maid of Honor with care. She will be enormously important during wedding planning. Over the course of time, her job duties will include: planning, hosting and attending parties and fittings, addressing invitations, making calls, running errands, organizing the bridal party and helping to keep you organized! It’s a big job! Be up front and make her (or him) aware of your expectations, financial obligations and time commitments. Should she choose to accept this wonderful and honored position, she will be well informed to make such an important decision.

First & Foremost
Must love the bride and be willing at a moment’s notice (on occasion) to give of her time and opinion. Also, may have to withstand early morning and late-night phone calls.

• Must be responsible
• Financially able
• Have the time
• Live in close proximity (not required but oh-so helpful)
• Fun
• Patient
• Flexible

Would LOVE
• Great sense of style & color
• Great listener
• Willing to laugh with the bride or brush away her tears
• Good speller
• Opinionated in a helpful sort of way


MagnetStreet Weddings GIVEAWAY!

WIN up to $250 in retail value toward Wedding Invitations, Save the Dates, Table Favors, Thank You Cards in this weekly ~ Declare Your Love~ GIVEAWAY

Declare Your Love by sharing your favorite love story! Whether your story is touching, funny, unusual, poignant, etc. Share your wedding proposal... first kiss...or most romantic date. The Declare Your Love GIVEAWAY runs through July 2, 2008. One weekly winner will be randomly selected from the entries and contacted by email.
Just fill in the entry form at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com and enter your name and story today!

MagnetStreet Weddings GIVEAWAY

Have you found the perfect Save the Date or wedding invitation design but want it to be less formal or more formal? Casual even?

One of the easiest ways to transform the look of a design is through your choice of font styles.

There are three main types of typestyles:
1. Serifs: books are printed in Serifs and more formal.
2. Sans Serifs: blocks letters and less formal.
3. Script style: looks like calligraphy and can be either formal or informal.

Choose the font style that best reflects your personality and the formality of your wedding. There are guidelines that you want to be aware of~ For instance, try not to use more than two different fonts. If you do use two, contrast them i.e. Script font paired with a Sans Serif font makes a lovely combination that is easy to read and stands out. Use only one style Script font. And, using all capitals make reading difficult.

That said, work with your designer in achieving that oh-so-perfect look for your wedding stationery!

New! Check out Truly Yours, our brand-new line of Folded Wedding Invitations now available! BridesClub members receive 10% discount on their order. Enter promotional code WBCAP10 at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com at checkout. Offer expires 4/30/08.

Spring is here isn't it? Hopefully, you're not expecting 4-6 inches of snow like we are... Oh well!

Have you been wondering how to set your bridesmaids apart and still keep a unified look to your wedding party? You can accomplish this through dress styles, color, jewelry, hairstyles, flowers, etc. For instance, you could have all of your bridesmaids wear the same style dress but in a different color. Or, each dress is the same color but in a different dress style.

One of the biggest trends in bridesmaid dresses has to do with the bridesmaid being able to wear her dress again~ after your big day. This idea is practical. A wear-again dress is ultimately a dress that fits the body type. One might look better in an A-line dress and another in a strapless, yet another in a scoop neckline. One thing is for sure, if the dress fits, the dress will get worn, again.

Remember that as you look for styles of bridesmaids' dresses, match the formality with your wedding dress. If your dress is formal, the wedding party attire should be formal as well.

Happy dress hunting!

BridesClub members~ Enjoy 10% discount off your wedding products this month. Offer expires 4/30/08. Enter promotional code WBCAP10 at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com

Also, stop by our new wedding blog www.TrulyEngaging.com and say hi!!

Simply Elegant Flowers

Search style code: 11647

Carry your wedding look all the way through~ from the Save the Date, to the Invitation Ensemble, to the Personalized Notepad Favor and finally to the Thank You Card.

Traditionally speaking, this event is hosted by the groom's parents and specifically, the mother in law-to-be. While this scenario might be traditional, this is certainly not the case for every couple-to-be. Despite who hosts, get together and agree on the evening's formality, date, time, place and who's invited.

The rehearsal dinner can be held anywhere~ from a simple BBQ to an expensive restaurant; it simply depends on your style and budget. The main idea behind the rehearsal dinner is to relax, celebrate and enjoy a very special evening with relatives and good friends before your big day.

Ingredients for a Fab Evening

Besides adhering to your budget, make sure that your menu is varied enough to accommodate the range of tastes at the table. In all likelihood, your guests will include children to elderly adults. That said, have variety in the menu you decide on. Since this is a celebratory evening, there will be toasting but coordinate the majority of the toasts to occur in the middle of the evening~ rather than at the end. You certainly don't want to be tired the next day because you've been up too late the night before.

Who's invited to the rehearsal dinner, traditionally?
~ Immediate family on both sides (parents, grandparents, siblings)
~ The wedding party and their significant others
~ Child attendants and their parents
~ Minister/officiate

The rehearsal dinner event also presents a fabulous opportunity for the bride and groom to offer their own toasts and gifts of appreciation to their family and friends. Enjoy yourselves! It's sure to be a great time!

For BridesClub members~ take advantage of 10% off your wedding products through April30, 2008. Enter promotional code: WBCAP10 to receive your discount at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com

Share your big day with this spring-themed save the date magnet! Isn't it fun?

Spring Wind
style code: A-11735

Looking for ways to incorporate your favorite young people into your wedding? Typically between the ages of 10 -14, junior attendants can take on many responsibilities and most would be glad to do so!

Some roles and responsibilities often include: gift attendant, guestbook attendant, usher, program attendant and personal attendant. Junior bridesmaids and junior groomsmen are usually part of the wedding party and walk down the aisle. Their attire (dress and shoes, etc.) should be more reserved and age-appropriate. And, other than not attending late night parties or questionable activities, they can be invited to plan and attend all other parties related to the wedding i.e. showers, rehearsal dinner, etc.

Say thank you! Gush on them; let them know how much you appreciate them being a part of your celebrated day! Young tweens and teens love games, jewelry, music, clothes, posters, movies, etc. Friends are really important at these ages. Give appropriate gifts that they can relate to i.e. iTunes gift cards, CDs, DVDs, trendy store gift cards, picture frames, room accessories~ they'll love it!

Speaking of loving it~ check out this new save the date, a March Designer's Choice. Embellished with the Fleur de Lis design, this save the date is pretty and fun. Your personal photos and wedding day information will encourage guests to save the date! To see the rest of the Designer's choices, go to www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com. Have a great idea for a save the date design? Let us know~ email brides@magnetstreet.com

Fleur de Lis, save the date magnet
style code: A-11721

As a newly engaged couple, one of the first items on the to do list is to choose your wedding attendants. This decision is easy for some yet difficult for others~ especially those with many good friends and close family members. It is best to make your choices based on constant, loyal and responsible relationships, rather than on those you simply feel an obligation towards. No doubt you will be relying on your attendants; they should love you, support you and be willing to help you with wedding planning prior to your big day.

Before you decide on the wedding party, realize that in general, the more attendants, the higher your expenses as well as the increased difficulty in coordinating schedules i.e. fittings, etc. Once the decisions are made, communicate often with your attendants. Give them enough time to prepare for their responsibilities and to understand what is expected of them. (Attendants are typically financially responsible for their wedding attire, gifts to bride and groom, parties, showers, and travel expenses).

MagnetStreet Weddings has something fun springing up this wonderful time of year... Check out our new wedding blog www.TrulyEngaging.com for plenty of resources and well, a good read. Leave a comment and let us know what you think. Also, do not miss out on our soon-to-be expired one time, limited offer of 50 FREE return address labels and seals. No purchase required! Dress up your wedding stationery today. To view over 6 dozen labels and seals designs, go to www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com. Offer expires March 31, 2008.

Most of us have a pretty good idea of how our hair reacts to certain weather in various environments; however, there are other considerations to be aware of as well. For instance~ face shape. Certain hairstyles look better on particular face shapes than others. Other factors to keep in mind are hair texture and type. Do you have naturally curly, thick hair or just the opposite? Additional thoughts include: neck length, body type, formality of the dress, wedding theme and of course, personal preferences and comfort. That said, choosing the right wedding day look~ perfect for your big day, will no doubt require the help of a professional.

See your hairstylist months in advance of the wedding day to choose your wedding day-do and avoid making rushed decisions at the last minute. Collect hairstyle photos from bridal magazines to help explain your vision. Bring in photographs and a swatch of your dress so the stylist can match the formality. You also want to be able to describe the environment(s) you will be in throughout your wedding day. For instance, does your ceremony take place inside a conservatory where it might be humid, in a garden during mid-day or inside an air-conditioned church, etc? Knowing details like these, your stylist will be better equipped to advise you on the most suitable hairstyle for you. No worries! As an experienced professional, they will be able to keep you looking your very best the whole wedding day!

Don't forget... Our one time, limited offer of 50 FREE address labels and seals expires 3/31/08! No purchase required. Dress up your wedding stationery today. To view dozens of labels and seals designs, hop over to www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com. Use promotional code WBCFLS on the billing page.

Dramatic Roses
style code: HA-11616

Personalize this stunning fold-over style, linen Thank You card with a wedding day photo and your own wording on the inside.

Did you know that the first Valentine Card was sent sometime during the middle ages?

The day of love and romance is right around the corner. What will you be doing to celebrate with your Valentine this Thursday?

Looking for ideas?
Surprise your Valentine by doing something spontaneous and out of the ordinary! In other words, do the unexpected. Take him to that hockey game he's always trying to get you to go to. Go out to his favorite restaurant. Better yet, make it yourself! Take a walk in the rain or a midnight stroll. Find a telescope and do some stargazing. Write the most romantic love letter ever recorded!

May you also be surprised with sugary delights, sweet-smelling flowers and romancing with all sorts of surprises!

New! We heard you...Magnet Carrier Cards are now available. Our newest and hottest product is the magnet carrier card that frames, holds and coordinates with a miniature save the date. We're definitely excited about this much anticipated and needed wedding product. (btw, Linen carrier cards are sold separately from the B-mini magnets.) Right now, we have approximately 25-30 designs that can be immediately coordinated to a mini magnet. Our designers are working as fast as they can to design a carrier card to coordinate with every mini. Help us to prioritize by emailing your requests to brides@magnetstreet.com You can view them online by visiting www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com, click on Product Guide, then on Save the Date Products.

Dress up your wedding stationery. Take advantage of our one time, limited offer of 50 FREE address labels and seals? View over 6 dozen labels and seals designs. Enter promotional code WBCFLS at MagnetStreetWeddings.com. This offer is valid until March 31, 2008.

Sea of Love Mini Magnet and Linen Carrier Card
style code: B-10540 (mini magnet)
HM-10540 (carrier card)

My husband and I got married on a holiday weekend and as a result, not everyone we invited could come. I suppose that is the risk we took when we chose to marry on a holiday. Thankfully, we still had a full house. But, as we found out and as you might be realizing now, there is more to choosing a wedding date than just choosing the wedding date.

What if you want to have a theme wedding and specifically, on the fourth of July? What choice do you have if your heart is set on getting married in the church you grew up in and its only available on or near a holiday? What if youre not budging on having an outdoor wedding when the #^&*$ flower is in full bloom~ and that is extremely important to you? Or, what if your fiance' is being deployed on or near a holiday and you want to be married by then?

There are so many variables in choosing your wedding date. Make a list of your "must-haves" and then look into the schedules of your close family members. Check where the holidays and special or religious observances fall on the calendar, consider school vacation dates, etc. before you make your final determination. You may have to be flexible, based on your list of must-haves and choosing your wedding date. No worries, it will come together!

Have you taken advantage of our one time, limited offer of 50 FREE address labels and seals? No purchase required! Offer expires 3/31/08. Dress up your wedding stationery today. To view over 6 dozen labels and seals designs, click over to www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com. See you there.

Mini save the date magnets can be easily coordinated with linen carrier cards! Stylish! (style code: B-10696)

Dear Brides,

2008 is well under way and busy as ever. Hope your new year is off to a good and strong start! Congratulations to those who got engaged over the holidays and are now pointed in a brand-new and wonderful direction. Exciting days lie ahead for newly declared fiances~ as the world of weddings awaits you.

Speaking of all things wedding, The Knot.com has posted the top 7 trends for 2008. Of course, personal preference trumps trends but don't let that stop you from checking them out. Personally, I'm excited to see that metallic colors like silver, copper and bronze are the accent colors for 2008. Gorgeous! But also read about trends regarding hair, fashion, venues, and more.

Decisions. Decisions. You will be making lots of them throughout your wedding planning time. My suggestion~ don't forget to have fun! MagnetStreet Weddings has created some really fun FREE tools like wedding countdown widgets that allow you to literally watch your wedding day draw near~ down to the second! Choose from other stylish widgets for wedding wallpaper or those that include a daily planning tip.

Do you have an idea for a fun widget or design? We love to hear from our brides!! Email brides@MagnetStreet.com.

Brand new offer!! Enjoy one time, limited offer of 50 FREE wedding address labels and seals. Offer expires 3/31/08. Choose from over six dozen stylish designs. Enter promotional code WBCFLS at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com

Wedding Countdown Widget

Literally watch your wedding day draw near!

Goodbye 2007. Welcome 2008!

The New Year brings with it much excitement as it ushers in new beginnings and opportunities. Congratulations to all of you who got engaged over this Christmas holiday. Yeah! How absolutely fun!

Have a wonderful and safe start to your New Year!

Blessings,
Heidi

New Year's Eve
Champagne Toast
style code: A-850

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. So much to be grateful for!

Do you absolutely love looking at wedding inspiration boards like I do? They are great for tying together the look and feel of a wedding. If you're wondering what I'm referring to, let me explain.

Inspiration boards are a collecting place for your wedding ideas regarding color, lighting, style, attire, etc. These ideas are gathered into one place~ i.e. paper or on the computer. Using an inspiration board is a fantastic way to coordinate your theme, style and desires, PLUS stay organized while planning for your wedding.

You can look to magazines, nature, wedding pictures, other weddings or anything that encourages you. You could even have two or three boards depending on your inspiration. Have fun and be inspired!

For more ideas, come see what our brides-to-be are ordering at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com. Click on Bride Favorites to see what's hot! Have a suggestion? Email brides@magnetstreet.com

Until December 15th, 2007, take advantage of a 15% discount for online orders of Wedding Invitations, Save the Date magnets or Save the Date cards. Enter promotional code WBC15 on the billing page.

Best Wishes,
Heidi

Standing Together, from Bride Favorites!
style code: RW 101

Show different aspects of your personality with this Photo Booth, save the date magnet.

I live in Minnesota where we just had a long, spectacular fall~ bursting with autumn splendor. Painted landscapes forever recorded in wedding photos will remind couples of their nuptials and the beauty of the season.

As we Minnesotans brace ourselves for the winter (it can get a little cold here) I consider all the weddings that will take place this time of year. I imagine twinkling lights, chimney smoke, and horse-drawn sleigh rides from the ceremony to the reception, under quietly falling snow. Oh, sooo romantic!

The gathering of family and friends, snowfalls, the holidays, fireplaces and the smell of hot apple cider are reminiscent of winter time and all things cozy. Even if you live in a climate that is primarily warm or rarely snows, you can still have that winter wedding you dream of. Consider all the ways you can reflect this theme in your wedding.

Color: Traditionally, white or a combination with white, i.e. blue, silver, black etc. Color is definitely in! Think about the colors that you naturally drift towards or use an online interactive color matching tool to find the best combination.

Apparel: Adorn yourself and your bridesmaids in gorgeous wraps for drama~ and to keep you warm!

Decorations: Use nature as a backdrop for your photos. If appropriate, ask your venue contacts if you can use existing decorations. Illuminate the atmosphere by stringing white lights and using candles. Hand-craft your centerpieces out of pine branches, ivy, pinecones or some other variation. Talk to your caterer about creating an ice sculpture(s). Decorate with glitter, hanging snowflakes, holly berries, velvet bows, Christmas trees, red and green, etc for that wintry-feel.

Hot Beverages: Imagine your guests coming in to the reception hall and being greeted by the sweet aroma of hot cider, hot chocolate or a specialty coffee that fills the air.

So, let your creativity flow. Put together an inspiration board that features your favorite elements regarding: style, color, venues, etc. Ask family, friends and vendors for their ideas. Achieve the winter wedding of your dreams!

Share the joy of your winter wedding and the blessings of the season with personalized holiday cards. Choose from a variety of Christmas card designs at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com available on both linen paper and magnets. Go to www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com. Click on Product Guide and then on Holiday Cards.

Save on wedding products! Exclusive offer: 15% discount on Wedding Invitations or Save the Dates, available only for BridesClub members. Enter promotional code WBC15 in line #1 on the billing page. Offer good through December 15th.

Cheers to winter weddings!
Heidi Markgraf

Your first Christmas as Mr. and Mrs. Share the joy and send your family and friends holiday cards using a favorite photo from The wedding.

Decisions. There are a myriad of decisions to make when a couple decides to marry. Aside from setting the date and determining your style and budget, one of the biggest decisions is deciding who your wedding vendors will be. If your budget permits, I suggest using professionals in as many areas of wedding planning as possible!

My wedding was planned in just two short months. Due to time and budget constraints, we chose to cut costs where we could. My wonderful cousin Robin offered to stand in as photographer and I gratefully accepted her proposal. After all, she was a journalist by trade. What could go wrong? I had no worries as she shot endless photos, capturing family, friends and the festivities of the day. It was not until later that I found out that there was a problem with her equipment and the photos were unusable. Now, my wedding was still lovely, my cousin still wonderful but I have no professional photos of my wedding. Why? My cousin is not a professional photographer.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and you want your guests comfortable, the emotion captured, and the food delicious with fun music to bring your guests out of their chairs. The reason we hire professionals is for their expertise, experience and resources~ even in the event of potential upset.

If you choose to use the services of a wedding professional, begin with referrals from family and friends. Interviewing, auditioning, taste-testing and probing portfolios will help make sure their services are a match with your style. There are also referral services to help determine a vendor's professionalism, services and business ethics. Additionally, wedding professionals themselves have a vast knowledge of the industry and connection to other vendors that a lay person does not have.

Speaking of professionals, MagnetStreet Weddings is now featuring the Artist Series, a collection of hand-painted designs from our in-house artist, Laura. Beautiful and exclusive to MagnetStreet Weddings, these original designs for save the dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards and notepad favors cannot be found anywhere else. Check them out at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com. Click on Product Guide and then on Artist Series. Feel free to comment on these stunning designs via email to brides@magnetstreet.com. Let us know what you think about the Artist Series or what other designs you would like to see.

For a short time, take advantage of a 15% Brides Club member discount on Save the Dates or Wedding Invitations when you place your order online. Enter WBC15 in promotional code 1 on the billing page.

You know that your wedding photos will portray one of the most significant days of your life but how do you go about choosing the right photographer for such a momentous occasion as your wedding day? Speaking volumes, these photographs will proclaim romance, love, tenderness, joy, togetherness, family and friendship during moments only realized once in a lifetime! Whew!

I talked with Brian Bell, the photographer of the wedding of which I was recently an attendant. I could not help but notice how attentive he was to the bride and groom and reciprocally, how comfortable we were with him. How does a photographer attempt to capture the personality of the couple as well as the fun and excitement of the day? As for Brian, he consults with the bride and groom prior to the wedding to get to know them and understand their expectations for their photographs.

Catering to the bride, groom and family is Brian's top priority at the wedding all the while discreetly capturing rare moments and documenting the magic and fun of the day!

Referrals are a great place to start as you quest for your wedding photographer~ not to mention all of your wedding vendors for that matter.

I wish you all the best in the pursuit of a photographer that is perfect for you! The following questions should help you to prepare for an interview:

1. Know your photography budget.
2. Bring your ideas and expectations to discuss.
3. Ask the photographer what he or she enjoys most about photographing weddings. Why?
4. Ask the photographer about their experience and what style photographs they take.
5. Look through their portfolio of real weddings. Do you like what you see?
6. Be familiar with the type of photography package you would like? What kind of photos, how many? Photos in a digital file or in prints?
7. How many consultations are recommended/needed?

After the interview, you should be able to decide:

1. Is the style of the photographer a good fit for you?
2. Can you see yourself in those shots?
3. Do the shots seem to capture what you would like captured if these were your photos?
4. Do you feel comfortable with this photographer?
5. Is this photographer passionate and excited about photographing weddings?

With perseverance, I know you will find the photographer that is just right for you.

Be sure to check out our newest Save the Date magnet designs and for Brides Club members only, SAVE 15% by entering WBC15 in the promotional code area on the billing page when you place your Save the Date or Wedding Invitation order online. Visit www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com to view our Designer's Choice for October. Questions? Feel free to contact us or live chat at www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com

Enjoy!
Heidi Markgraf

Style code: A-11661
Designer's Choice for October

Artist: Patricia

Couples decide to have small weddings for a variety of reasons that may include: a heartfelt desire for small and intimate, a need to marry quickly, or perhaps because of financial reasons. But, outside the exceptions of driving to the courthouse or going to Las Vegas, small wedding ceremonies will still require planning.

I have been to two small wedding ceremonies recently. One was a beautiful garden wedding in the backyard of my friend Carolyn's home. Their vows were taken under a hand-crafted pergola, draped with flowers on every side with approximately 20 in attendance. And most recently, I had the honor of being an MOH for my friend Cheryl in a beach ceremony in which there was only 7 of us. Mother Nature lavished us with a warm morning sun; it was an extraordinary celebration, seemingly effortless to pull off.

Naturally, you might be tempted to think that small weddings would be the simplest way to get married~ certainly with so few in attendance. But, in the above cases, there was much planning and organization that went into these small and intimate ceremonies. The 'to do' list was just as long, only the numbers were smaller. For instance, Cheryl and Lon still had to coordinate the date, location, attire, attendants, minister, photographer, flowers, unity sand ceremony, cake, miscellaneous supplies, transportation and much more!

Of course, everything depends on the preferences of the bride and groom regarding the extent tradition will play in the ceremony~ as well as any extras. You can certainly have the wedding of your dreams no matter how many are in attendance.

Allowing your small wedding the same planning considerations as for a large wedding will empower and encourage you. The following are some lessons that Cheryl and Lon learned while preparing for their small wedding ceremony.

5 tips to assist you in planning your small and intimate wedding:

1. Announce carefully: some will understand your desire for a small wedding while others may have hurt feelings. State your intentions up-front and confidently; at the same time, be sensitive to those who aren't invited.

2. Start early: even though you might have a small guest list and opt out of certain traditions, deciding what you want and why takes time. Allow as much time as is practical for you.

3. Get help: enlist the help of those involved to help you carry out the details. They will be honored to be included and you will need their help!

4. Communicate clearly: tactfully and clearly assign tasks to those involved so that no one is wondering what you are expecting.

5. Relax and focus: don't get so wrapped up in all the details and work and forget that love, celebration, happiness and the blessings are what it's all about.

Enjoy your perfect, small and intimate wedding!

No matter what kind of wedding you are planning, feel free to stop by www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com for ideas, inspiration and to see the latest creations. We are adding brand-new designs to our Save the Date magnets, Wedding Invitations, Wedding Favors and Thank You note cards product gallery all the time ~ ranging from traditional to contemporary.

We encourage you to take advantage of a 15% Brides Club member discount on Save the Dates and Wedding Invitations when you place your order online.

Enter WBC15 in promotional code 1 on the billing page.

Kindest Regards,
Heidi Markgraf

Congratulations! You have sent out your Save the Dates and spread the good news to family and friends. You are reconciling budget, tone, and attendants, etc. Once those conciliations have been made, let the planning begin!

Every bride and groom desires their wedding to be unique and unforgettable, but how is this accomplished? More and more couples are choosing a theme for their wedding i.e. seasonal, ethnic, sports, beach, or exploring a certain era like the roaring 20s. A theme wedding allows couples to reveal their personality while also leaving room for their creativity to explode. The result: a distinctive wedding celebration sure to be remembered by your guests.

Lindsay, one of our graphic designers, married on the 4th of July and embraced an Americana theme. Initiating the ceremony with a patriotic processional, Lindsay and Mike then exited the church as Mr. and Mrs. to the tune of "God Bless the U.S.A." After the hoorays, guests made their way to a park where the reception featured not only dancing but baseball, volleyball, swinging and even playing cards. Lindsay said, "I recommend a theme wedding to ANYONE and EVERYONE, it is so much easier and less expensive. You pick a theme and most of your decisions are made for you!" For instance, instead of cake, Lindsay and Mike went with pies (strawberry, apple, and blueberry) and their decorations included picnic tables adorned with red, white and blue balloons, bunting and tablecloths. Along with plenty of sunshine and casual summer attire, everyone enjoyed a menu of brats, hamburgers, corn on the cob and potato salad. According to Lindsay, the biggest success of the day was an entire gathering of family and friends that were relaxed, and from young to old, had fun celebrating the marriage of two people they love in all-American style.

With a little imagination, you too can have the wedding of your dreams! Could a theme wedding be right for you? If you need assistance and want to explore ideas for a theme wedding, please visit our website: www.MagnetStreetWeddings.com and choose "View Products by Theme" Feel free to ask our customer care staff for advice, we are glad to help! Call toll free 800-788-0611. If you have an idea for a great theme wedding, let us hear about it: email brides@magnetstreet.com

7 Tips on Planning your Theme Wedding:

1. Use theme-based Save the Date, coordinating invitations, favor and Thank You notes.
2. Inform your guests so they can share in the theme and dress appropriately.
3. If your venue is held outdoors, make sure there is an alternative plan in the event of inclement weather. i.e. shelter is nearby.
4. Review your venue for safety and accessibility i.e. special needs
5. Ask your vendors for ideas in their areas of expertise. You will be surprised by how helpful they can be.
6. Make a storyboard of all things related to your theme and add accordingly.
7. Enjoy!!

For a Fall Theme~ A Fall Getaway (#962)
This ensemble features a Save the Date magnet, Wedding Invitation (layered look includes Carrier Card, Linen Invitation, and Vellum overlay), Personalized Wedding Favor Notepad and Thank You card.
(not pictured: coordinating Enclosure Card, RSVP Postcard and Return Address Label and Seal)

Budget~ its mere mention may cause some of us to simultaneously hear nails on a chalkboard with our first instinct being to run away. There are few who like to keep track of their expenditures; however, it is as necessary as obtaining a marriage license. With an established budget there is organization and control.

After sharing the wonderful news of your engagement, meet with those who are sharing in your wedding costs to openly and honestly discuss the amount of money each will be contributing. You will leave with answers rather assumptions and a clear understanding of who is paying for what. Once you have a realistic dollar amount to work with, have a heart to heart exchange with your fiance and talk about what you both want for your wedding day. This is a labor of love-type conversation in which you prioritize what is truly important that your wedding day comprise~ tone, style, accoutrements and so on. For instance, perhaps ever since you were 13 years old, you have been imagining leaving your formal wedding ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage.

Once you have your budget and priorities in place, then the real fun begins! Research your desirables and discover the myriad of resources available to you: family, friends and the incredible internet highway! Remember, the wedding of your dreams can be attained on any budget through your creativity, perseverance and hopefulness! Visit MagnetStreetWeddings.com (under Etiquette)to view a traditional listing of "who pays for what." Every family system is different with unique considerations and as such, this is only a guideline.

And speaking of budgets, enjoy a complimentary 15% discount off your Save the Date or Wedding Invitations online order. Enter promotional code: WBC15 at MagnetStreetWeddings.com

Tip from a MagnetStreet employee who has gone before you:
When estimating your expenses, be conservative. You would much rather have money left over than have to cut something at the end of the process. Plus, you will avoid a lot of unnecessary stress.
~ Greg H.

Kindest Regards,
Heidi Markgraf

Dear Brides,
How are your wedding preparations coming along? Hopefully, you are feeling energized and organized during these precious days before your wedding! It is quite obvious that life is busier than ever ~evidenced by the necessity and popularity of having to send a Save the Date to ensure that family and friends will be at your wedding. Brides and grooms-to-be are finding themselves trying to balance the ebb and flow of the times and current wedding trends. One of the trends that we at MagnetStreet Weddings are very excited about is the use of color in wedding invitations, where once the choices consisted of only white or ivory. Today's bride and groom have many options and color is definitely in~ as are bold patterning, photo and customization options. Tradition is wonderful but embellishing tradition is even better!

A wedding invitation has the lofty responsibilities of setting the tone and relaying important wedding details. The expression of the bride and groom's personality as a couple through the use of color and design is the exciting part. We invite you to check out our ensemble of full-color, coordinating wedding invitation designs from the Save the Date magnet to the Thank You note card at MagnetStreetWeddings.com and see what we are so excited about. Questions? Please call our toll free number: 800-788-0611 or email brides@magnetstreet.com.

This is your day to stand out and we encourage you to make it memorable, no matter what your style is! There are so many design options to help you reveal your distinctive style and with the readily available internet, they are literally at your fingertips.

Tip from a MagnetStreet employee who has gone before you:
Do not try and out-do other weddings you have attended. What makes a wedding special is the unique touch of the bride and groom.
~ Lisa A.


Kind Regards,
Heidi Markgraf
MagnetStreet Weddings

Dear Brides,
We hope you are enjoying yourselves as you plan for one of the most important days of your life! We know it can become very busy and even overwhelming at times- even if you are having a small wedding. Our encouragement is that you would embrace this time of planning because you are not just planning for one day~ but for always and that makes it special and sacred! This is a milestone in your life and we hope you are savoring every moment of it!

Speaking of milestones, MagnetStreet Weddings is in the midst of celebrating our 2nd anniversary and boy, have we come a long way! A lot has happened over the course of two years; the initial 40 or so Save the Date designs have turned into hundreds~ not to mention the new product lines and the live online chat. MagnetStreet Weddings has also recently introduced a complete line of customizable wedding invitations that use a personal photo and even the option of putting it on a magnet! The whole point is to reflect the unique style that EVERY COUPLE shares no matter if that style leans toward traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between. The entire line is a coordinating collection, individually designed and we would love for you to visit: http://www.magnetstreet.com/store/page/market/517/mloc/p_invitation.html or call us toll free at 800.788.0611 with questions.

We are excited for you as each step taken is bringing you closer to your anticipated day. So, start your planning process early and give yourself plenty of time to find just the right professionals~ ones that you can trust and build a relationship with. What a wonderful time in your life; we hope that you and your fiance are delighting in it!

Tip from a MagnetStreet employee who has gone before you:
Do not have any responsibilities on your actual wedding day. Choose to delegate tasks to loved ones, friends or professionals so that you can focus on being relaxed and calm.
~Sandy M.

Wishing you all the best!
MagnetStreet Weddings

About Us:
MagnetStreet Weddings is a division of MagnetStreet, a single source provider of high quality full-color promotional products. Our designers and services are all in-house allowing us to offer our customers value through personalization and innovation.

Brief History
MagnetStreet Weddings successfully emerged into the wedding market with three little words - Save the Date! David Baird, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing at MagnetStreet is often found exploring new markets and products and in 2005, he came across a string of words "save the date." With an inquiring mind and a couple of bridal magazines, David soon learned that it was a product in the consumer market and of the particular need for it in the wedding industry. David also knew that this need could be filled by the employees, technology and products of MagnetStreet. And so, with lots of enthusiasm, a new website: www.magnetstreetweddings.com and approximately 40 Save the Date magnet designs, MagnetStreet Weddings launched on May 20th, 2005. The response was and continues to be explosive. Sales and sample requests continue to grow month after month. On May 27th, 2006, we were featured on Travel Channel, The Wedding Survival Guide Episode, where they filmed on location at our plant in Carol Stream, IL.

Today
As of 2007, we now have hundreds of designs and the line has expanded into Save the Date cards, Thank You cards, Wedding Postcards, Car Door magnets and Wedding Favors. Save the Dates have become immensely popular because they are a multi-faceted, functional, must-have tool. They announce the wedding, give wedding details, allow guests to make preparations, and at the very least are practical and fun! These three little words have taken the wedding world and engaged couples everywhere by storm! Our accomplished designers at MagnetStreet Weddings are inspired by current wedding trends and by the brides themselves.
Designer's Choice:
Always something new! Every month our designers feature their latest design and write a brief interpretation about the inspiration behind that design. Check out Brian's inspiration for his Save the Date design entitled "Modern Lines."

Customer Service and Technology
Oh, the fabulous internet! This is the incredible age of information where accessing and communicating is just a click away. You can "chat live" with one of our representatives via our website or search our gallery by almost any method you can think of: photo, season, color, size, style or theme. We here at MagnetStreet Weddings understand how useful the internet is and are constantly enhancing our website but more importantly, we understand the need for excellent customer service to complement the use of the website. We combine old-fashioned customer service and technology with the goal to provide not only a wonderful keepsake but a positive, memorable experience that exceeds your expectations! We look forward to hearing from you! Please email us at brides@magnetstreet.com
Kindest Regards!

All of our products are easily ordered via:
website www.magnetstreetweddings.com
phone: 800.788.0611
mail:
MagnetStreet Weddings
4325 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE #602
Blaine, MN 55449

"Modern Lines"

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