Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and give thanks for our health, our family, our friends, and all the other beautiful things in life, both great and small. Yet, although it is a time-honored Thanksgiving tradition, expressing gratitude is a habit that can be practiced all year long.

For weddings, when we think of giving thanks, most of us think of it in terms of sending thank you notes after the wedding has already passed. However, there are many ways–and reasons–to give thanks before your wedding day, too. From vendors and wedding party members to parents and future in-laws, there are many people involved in bringing your dream wedding to life.

As they help you plan your way down the aisle, use Personal Stationery to send them special, personalized notes of appreciation and gratitude. You can use them however you want: thank them for something very specific, like how your bridesmaid came over with cupcakes  and hugs when you were having a late-night meltdown. Or, send a general message of thanks for their continual love, support, and services.

Showing appreciation is a great foundation upon which to build your future marriage. Oh, and don’t forget to send notes to the most important person in your life: your spouse! By sending little notes of love and thanks, you can write the first chapters of your lifelong long story of love together.

Here at MagnetStreet, we offer a variety of Personal Stationery designs that you can use as wedding note cards or personalized thank you cards. Below are a few of our favorite designs. With any design, you completely personalize the colors, photos, fonts, and wording–making it easy to design your own message of thanks.

Personal Stationery Design: In Full Bloom

 Personal Stationery Design: Watercolor Bloom

Personal Stationery Design: Classic Love

How about you: Do you plan on sending little notes of thanks as you plan your wedding? Or, have you been the recipient of a special thank you note from a bride or groom? We’d love to hear!

–Rachel, writer at MagnetStreet Weddings

What a daunting task to throw a party for 100, 200, 300+ people … I’m betting that it’s probably the biggest party you will have thrown to date! How can you be hosts with the mosts & have a terrific day yourself? I think it has to do with a thoughtful & well-executed plan.

7 Ways To Be The Perfect Hosts!

1. Comfy guests are happy guests! Making sure your guests are comfortable and safe is high priority! You simply need to put yourself in their position and think about what you’d expect … For instance, outdoor weddings require lots of planning: i.e. make sure there is shelter nearby or at least be ready for plan B if it rains. If the day is hot, hot, hot–make sure there is enough water, fans, & access to shade. Are paths even to walk along? Is it safe for children? Are bathrooms easily accessible? If they’ll be sitting for a long while, are their seats comfy enough? With indoor events–think about about creating sitting areas where guests can converse & perhaps take a break from a loud band or DJ every once in a while.

2. Make the rounds-Hospitality is huge! In some cases, your guests have traveled a great distance to support you on your big day! Make sure that you get a chance to meet with every single guest with a hug & a hello. Some guests might not want to “bother” you as everyone is vying for your attention but it’s important to do your best to speak with everyone! You may have to get help–ask your new Husband, Mom, and Maid of Honor to help you seek out & connect with some guests.

3. Fabulous food- Whether your serving hamburgers & brats or fillet Mignon, make sure your food tastes great! Quality is key and if your guests can recognize most of what is on the menu–all the better! The food will be one of the elements your guests will remember the most! And, if there are any dietary considerations to consider, see that your caterer honors them.

4. Sense of direction- If you have out of town guests, make sure they are well well-equipped with maps, hotel & travel information. Stay abreast of any road construction that may hinder their travels on wedding day.

5. Keep in time- Some delays can’t be helped but overall, stick to the schedule. Not only will your guests & wedding party appreciate the timeliness, so will your vendors. Tip: type up a wedding itinerary& schedule & give a copy to your vendors & wedding party members.

6. Seating satisfaction- Assigned seating. This option is ideal for large receptions or when there are family members who aren’t getting along. Additionally, guests do not have to make a decision where to sit–thus eliminating the awkward milling about. You’re in control … Aunt Grace won’t be stuck near the speaker and Uncle Jim  won’t be stuck next to Uncle Bill–whom he is still feuding with.

7. Dazzling details: Small, thoughtful gestures go very far and have a deep impact on your guests. From toiletries in the bathroom, to helpful signage {menu items, directions} to explanations in your programs regarding special readings, songs or unfamiliar customs … By keeping your guests informed, you’ll also keep your guest included in the festivities, which will result in greater support & participation.

Get savvy advice from those that have gone before you–like your married friends and your wedding planner! If you’re planning a destination wedding, talk to someone who has planned a destination wedding before. Tap into their wisdom and experience!

What else can we add to this list!  

Check out all the wedding planning resources at MagnetStreet Weddings! From a budget guide to wedding invitation wording and much more!

It is definitely a sad thing when any marriage breaks up–and right now, it’s the break up of Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries that is getting all the attention. No lack of opinions there right? Well, we’d like to know your opinions on what to do with the wedding gifts when a marriage dissolves in a very short period of time.

Traditional etiquette states that if the marriage ends within 1-3 months, the gifts go back to the giver. But the rules of etiquette seem to be forever bending–do you think they should be bent now?

What would you expect to happen? And, would you expect a handwritten Thank You note as well?

featured: “Apple Blossoms” Personal Stationery

Maybe you’re wondering …

Who and What is a Maid of Honor? Unmarried, the Maid of Honor {MOH} is usually the bride’s sister or best friend. Through thick and thin, the MOH will attend to the bride–through planning and wedding day! The Matron of Honor is married.

Although each relationship is different and there are countless factors to consider for each situation, find below 14 of the top Maid of Honor duties plus 4 Bridesmaid duties.

Top 14 Maid of Honor Duties

1. Be there for her all the way through-  she chose you because she trusts you!
2. Go with the bride in search of THE dress, venue, etc.
3. Help the bride select the bridesmaid dresses.
4. Plan the wedding shower & bachelorette parties {planning, splitting the costs with the other bridesmaids}
5. Be the hostess with the mostest at all the parties, making sure everything runs smoothly.
6. Help keep the other bridesmaids organized & on time: fittings, parties, etc.
7. Spread the news- help spread the word on specific info i.e. registry info, an adults only event…
8. Help address save the date & invitation envelopes.

Wedding Day

9. Hold the bride’s bouquet & the groom’s wedding ring during the ceremony.
10. Attend to the bride’s train and veil- for perfect pictures, etc.
11. Toast the bride & groom at the reception.
12. From head to toe, help keep the bride looking beautiful on wedding day.
13. See to the safety of the gifts and wedding envelopes.
14. Be a best friend!

Top 4 Bridesmaid Duties

1. Attend parties- from engagement to rehearsal dinner.
2. Attend fittings, be on time and follow the bride’s timeline for ordering, etc. If you’ve got issues, field them through the Maid of Honor.
3. Help the Maid of Honor plan and pay for shower, bachelorette or any special parties or functions.
4. Do your best to remain cheery & gracious–even if you don’t feel like it.

Are you a Maid of Honor or a Bridesmaid? What would you add to these lists?

Mother of the Bride Duties,

Groom Duties + tips,

Top 12 Best Man Duties,