You'll see a lot of advice while planning your wedding about when to visit what vendor.  A lot of this advice comes from people who write about weddings, but don't actually produce weddings.  We'll give you some real insider's information here.

Before you reserve any vendor, you'll need to have your date and time.  These are determined by your ceremony location and reception location.  Book these first, especially if your church or hall has significant meaning for you.

Once you have your date and time worked out, find the vendors you want to talk to.  There's not doubt you'll find somebody to handle anything at your wedding, but do you really want just anybody to be a part of your special day?  Some vendors, such as photographers and DJs, can only service one wedding at a time.  Others, such as florists or bakers, can handle one or more per weekend, depnding on the size of the event.  Couture florists and bakers may only take one extravagant event as they wish.  Larger bakeries and dress shops can accomodate many, many events at a time.

In our case, we begin booking events about 18 months in advance, and the most popular weekends are completely booked at least one year in advance.  We have several May and June weekends in 2006 already full.  A good DJ friend of ours is almost completely book two years in advance.

Here's your insider tip: The top vendors book up quickly.  As soon as you have your date and time, begin contacting the vendors on your list.  You don't need to know exactly what flowers you want, or have your playlist worked out, to book these vendors.  In our case, a $50 deposit will guarantee your day.  We'll take some general information about your wedding at that time, and plan to meet with you during a slower time.  Although we write from a florist's point of view, we know our photographer and DJ friends have similar policies in place.  We'll all guide you as to when we need your shot lists, play list, or bouquet selections.

If you want to meet with a couple of different vendors, we always encourage that.  Make sure you find someone who understands your vision and can work within your budget.  But don't dally in meetings or decisions, or your top choices may be gone.  If you're out of town, you can reach us or a number of other top vendors via e-mail.  We can accomplish a lot--even planning entire weddings--via e-mail.

Birchcraft Studios provides us with a handy checklist of things to remember when ordering your invitations.  Whether you're shopping for invitations on-line or in our shop (it's OK to go somewhere else if you don't live near us ;) ), you might want to print this out and make sure you have everything.  We've added a little extra information based on our experiences.  If you're just flipping through books for the first time, remember to take notes, especially the book title, book color, and page number.

1. Order 25 extra invitations, just in case you forget someone, or goof one up.
2. Choose your ink color.  Most invitations are shown with a colored ink, but prices are usually given for black ink.  In many cases (but not all), your invitations will be more attractive with a colored ink, but there will probably a small extra charge.
3. Choose your font.  Typefaces are usually given code numbers.  Feel free to choose whatever font you want, but invitations are shown with a recommended typeface.
4. Do you want a colored lining for the inner envelopes?  Invitations are usually sent in two envelopes--a larger outside one for mailing the invitation, and an inner envelope.  This inner envelope can have a lining that matched your wedding's colors.  It's more formal and more common to have a lined inner envelope, but there is an extra charge.
5. Does the invitation copy contain the time, place and date of your ceremony?  Most of the standard verses you choose from the priner remind you to add this information.  If you're writing your own verses, remember to include this information.
6. Return address printed on the invitation envelopes?  This is a good idea.  You need to put a return address on every invitation you send out, and you can either hand write it, or have it printed on the envelope.  There is an extra charge, but it can save a lot of writing.
7. Envelope seals?  These are stickers or a melted wax stamp you use to formally close your invitations.  Like all envelopes, the outer envelope has a glue you moisten to seal.  The seal adds a little extra formality to your invitation.  These are available for an extra charge.
8. Check all the spelling!  Especially if you are ordering on-line and typed in your information.
9. Reception cards.  These tell people where and when your reception is, and are more common on formal invitations or when your reception is in a different location than your ceremony.  On some invitatations, you can add an extra couple lines of copy about your reception.  This is usually done when your reception is at the same location as your ceremony.
10. Response cards.  These are how your guests tell you they are coming, and how many will attend.  If you have meal choices, remember to include them on this card.  The response envelope will be pre-printed with the response address--usually the bride's parents.  Don't forget to put a stamp on these as a courtesy to your guests!
11. Address on response envelopes.  This is usually the brise'd parents, but doesn't have to be.  Most of the time, printing of the response address is included in the price of the response cards, but not always.  Be sure to check.
12. Informals ot thank you notes.  Informals are blank cards that coordinate with your invitations.  You can use them as thank you notes, as well as to send a message to someone who couldn't attend saying they were missed.  Thank you notes have "Thank You" pre-printed on them.
13. Return address on informal or thank you note envelopes.  Make sure you use your married name and new address!  This is available for an additional fee in most cases.
14. Wedding announcements.  These usually serve as a "save the date" card, and are sent to family and friends to announce your engagement.  These used to be very common, and still are in some parts of the country, but have fallen out of favor in other parts of the country.
15. Programs.  In a number of cases, you can have programs that match your invitations.  They are certainly attractive, and give your wedding a very "together" look, but can be expensive.  If you want to print your own programs, we have a great selection of Warner Press wedding program papers on our site.
16. Wedding scrolls or bookmarks.  Many couples have a small scroll or bookmark as a favor to their guests, with verses or special messages chosen by the couple.
17. Napkins.  You'll need these for the bar and cake servings.  These are available in many colors and a number of designs.
18. Favor note pads or matches.  Again, just a small memento your guests can take home, available in your favorite colors.
19. Place cards.  If you are planning on assigning tables to people, these are a necessity.
20. Cake boxes or favor boxes.  You can send your guests home with pieces of cake, or cookies, or small favors in these boxes that coordinate with the rest of your wedding.
21. Bridal, reception and ceremony accessories.  These are personalized gifts you give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen, ringbearer pillows, cake servers, toasting flutes, etc.  You can find a great selection on our site at http://www.bloomeryweddings.com/wedding_accessories.asp.
22. Re-check all spelling and dates!

[edit: April 9, 2005]

Feedback has asked what the bare minimum someone should plan to purchase.  You absolutely need the invitations and response cards.  If the invitation cannot accomodate reception information, then you will need reception cards also.

One of us sort of bungled the pricing on an invitation order this weekend (the couple got a really good deal), so this entry is as much a cheat-sheet as anything else.

Carlson Craft, Birchcraft and Regency invitations are 30% off every day.  Tempo invitations are 20% off everyday.  All napkins, matchbooks, seals, etc. are 20% off every day.  Shipping averages $8-$12, and turnaround time is 10-14 days.

If you can't make it in to look through our books, you can browse and order invitations on-line.  If you order your wedding invitations on-line, you will still receive the discount.

You can order Carlson Craft invitations, napkins, etc. at http://bloomery.cceasy.com.  Birchcraft invitations can be ordered from http://www.yourinvitationplace.com/bloomeryweddings, and Regency invitations can be ordered online at http://bloomeryweddings.regency.ac/.  Make sure to click these links in order to receive your discount.

During the month of April, receive a 20% discount on all unity candles and candle holders!

unity candles

candle holders

Click the photos or links for full selection.

Also, remember our closeout and discontinued items are 40% off, but availability is limited, so order quickly when you find something you like.

We are pleased to be an exclusive online provider of accessories by Aalexis Bridal and Aalexis Design.  Located in Santa Cruz, CA, a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, this design house prides itself on their craftsmanship and quality, with alll items being handcrafted at their California facility. Aalexis Brial is best known for their silk fabrics and ornate trims that are carefully selected from around the world.  Bloomery Weddings offers Guestbooks, Ring Pillows and Penholders by Aalexis in a variety of styles and fabrics that will complement any gown or wedding theme.  Whether looking for classic elegance, beautiful ribbons, pearl or crystal beading, or a splash of color, we hope you will find the right choice to make your wedding day a perfect one!

April Showers -- The April Showers Collection features beautiful white or ivory matte satin fabric with a ribbon accent that includes a design of delicate beaded flowers.

Beaded Edge -- The Beaded Edge Collection features timeless white matte satin with a band of narrow crystal bugle beads.

Blue Embroidered Dupioni -- The Blue Embroidered Dupioni Collection is a customer favorite.  Made of stylish blue dupioni silk fabric, this collection features an embroidered floral design in shades of blue with green accents. 

Duchess Silk Pleated Band -- The Duchess Silk Pleated Band Collection is created with timeless white or ivory matte satin. The pleated satin band adds a sophisticated finishing touch.

Empress Pearl -- The Empress Pearl Collection is a perfect example of understated elegance.  Beautiful sheer organza ribbons in a criss-crossed pattern accent the timeless white matte satin fabric.

Grosgrain Bow -- The Grosgrain Bow Collection features beautiful white or ivory matte satin fabric, with an accent of a classic button grosgrain bow.

Pearl Cluster -- The Pearl Cluster Collection is made of white or ivory matte satin fabric, and accented with silk ribbons and a cluster of pearls, creating a simple and timeless statement.

Sheer Elegance -- The Sheer Elegance Collection features simple white or ivory matte satin fabric with a simple organza bow.  The bow is cinched at the center with a cluster of pearls and sequins for a sparkling accent.

Vintage Ribbon -- The Vintage Ribbon Collection is one of our customers' favorites.  White or ivory matte satin fabric is overlaid with a ribbon of sheer organza featuring an ornate embroidered floral pattern.  Sequins and bugle beads accent the embroidery, adding just the right decorative touch.

There's no doubt, chocolate fountains have become extremely popular in the last couple of years.  A luscious waterfall of chocolate, what's not to like?   We have on several occasions offered to help clean up using the "chug" method of disposing of the chocolate, but 20 pounds of melted chocolate is a lot, even for our sweet tooth.  If you are interested in renting a chocolate fountain for your wedding but don't know where to go, visit http://www.chocolatefountainnetwork.com.  This is a new site that features an easy map-based search for finding chocolate fountains in your area.

If you are in the Butler/North Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania, have a look at http://www.chocolatefountainenterprises.com (they're the same people who created Chocolate Fountain Network also).  We have come to know Chocolate Fountain Enterprises will over the past several years through bridal shows and being hired by the same brides.  They are wonderful people, and not just because they always save us a plate of goodies at the bridal shows.  Even if you are not located in our area, their site is very informative.

We've learned several important facts about renting chocolate fountains in the times we've talked to various "fountaineers":

1) There are different sizes of chocolate fountains.  Many places offer several sizes for rent, at different prices.  Don't waste money and rent a fountain that is too large for the number of guests that will be attending your wedding.  be sure to ask what sizes are available, and check with several different rental companies to make sure you are renting the right sized fountain.

2) There are different qualities of chocolate, but the most important factor is what the chocolate is thinned with.  Many places melt their chocolate and thin it out with large amounts of vegetable oil.  This can alter the flavor, and may prevent the chocolate from hardening properly on whatever is dipped into the fountain.  Chocolate Fountain Enterprises uses their own formulation of chocolate that does not need to be thinned with oil.  Make sure to ask how the chocolate is thinned before you rent a chocolate fountain.

3) Ask what varieties of chocolate are available to you.  You are not limited to milk or semi-sweet chocolate only.  White and dark chocolate are available in some areas, and some companies even offer caramel--how perfect for a fall wedding with apples!  Although most fountains can handle caramel, the cleanup is atrocious, so most companies do not offer this option.  White chocolate can even be colored to match your event, but guests are sometimes wary of eating oddly colored foods.

At The Bloomery, we have made literally thousands and thousands of bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, etc.  In the Flowers section of our site, we have hundreds of our favorites available for you to review.  We will continue to update our portfolio, and let you know here when we do.  Additionally, we have special permission to present hundreds more ideas from one of Teleflora's contemporary wedding giudes.

You can access photos, details and estimated prices for all of these at http://www.bloomeryweddings.com/wedding_flowers.asp.  Fell free to e-mail these ideas to your friends, or link to your favorites on your blog or wedding site.  If you do post any of these images, we ask you link back to us so your readers might use our gallery as well.  Please remember, all of these designs are copyrighted by either The Bloomery or Teleflora, and all rights are reserved to the copyright holders.

In a couple of previous posts, we looked at software you can use to make photo storybooks (Organizing Those Photos and Making Photo Storybooks, Part 1 and Organizing Those Photos and Making Photo Storybooks, Part 2).  After all this planning and work, you don't want to just label the CDs with a marker!  One option you have to create labels and case inserts is the Acoustica CD/DVD Label Maker.  This program has received a number of awards lately, and has a large number of features that allow you to create really custom labels and inserts.  You can even import your own photos or artwork to use on the label or cover.  CD labels are available at most office supply stores, and you can use any printer paper to create covers--choose something cool!