Creating my Invitations

So today was the day I was going to make all my engagement party invitations. Last night I cut the paper, today I got grey stamp ink, and as I went to load the paper into our printer it suddenly hit me...we don't have white ink. Bummer! I already tried the invitations with black ink and here is what it came out like:

(Ignore the smudge marks on the envelope...I dropped a stamp on it. lol)

So you see, the black doesn't look terrible but I think white text against the green would look much better. But anywho, here's the invitation making process so far:

Materials Bought:
10 pieces of 12x12 olive green cardstock paper....$6.90 ($.69 each)
1 9" Fiskars bypass trimmer (as seen below)..........$19.99
4 packs of 12 note cards-only for the envelopes.....$4.00 ($1.00 each)
1 fifty count 8x11 white cardstock paper................$3.99
2 stamps on clearance (as seen below)...................$1.98 ($.99 each)
                                                              total cost: $36.86

Why this ended up being a total bargin:
The trimmer I will be using forever more, for things such as gift tags, cards to friends, crafts, etc. The same with the stamps (who doesn't love a cute little owl?). The white pack of cardstock paper I will be using to make my banners, save the dates, stationary. and who knows what else more.

And finally- my best bargain find- The 4 pack of note cards with envelopes came to a total of $4 which totally beat the plain cardstock note card with envelope pack which was $4.75 for a pack of 10. Tadah! I felt great walking out of there with out spending the $50 I originally thought I was going to have to spend.

Now for the creation process:

Step 1: Cut cardstock paper into whatever size you need. (My invitations are 4"x7.5".)

Step 2: Print out whatever text you like onto your cardstock paper. Mine read "It's the little things you do, that truly say "I love you". (cute, huh?) Also print out the text on your small cardstock paper for the insert card (the one you place in the envelope).

Step 3: Using a glue stick, glue your envelope (back side up) onto your card in the designated area.

Step 4: Stamp adorable designs where ever you would like.

Step 5: Apply postage stamp and mail these cuties off!

Send me some pics of what you're working on!
Forever Dreaming,
Katelyn

Budget Woes

Alrighty today we will be discussing something that can be a major bummer - MONEY.

When I first started dreaming about my wedding the budget was the last thing on my mind. But that is honestly the first place you should start your planning. Everything effects your budget and, in my case anyways, your budget may actually plan a HUGE role in determining exactly what your wedding will be like, for example it will probably help shape the guest list.

My advice? Start saving NOW! No amount is too little and even if its $20 a month it can still add up in the long run. Also check out all the great articles you can find on the web about setting up a budget, sticking with it, and saving on your wedding costs. The Knot has a ton of great articles and also a budget calculator which tells you approximately what you will be spending where when you put in your desired budget. It is just a guideline though, and remember that because whenever I look at it I get bummed - $400 for the venue? $1,500 for food?!. Luckily I'm crafty so I will be doing a lot of DIY projects and I have time to save up as much as possible.

But in order to help you on your way, I wanted to include some great links and the first is from a blogger whom I love, Plumeria Bud from Bridal Buds. Here's the link for her blog on balancing your budget with what you want: Balancing Budget with Desires | BridalBuds

Also here's some more great links to articles and tools:
1. Planning - Money Saving Strategies (from TheKnot.com)
2. 10 Tips for Discussing Your Wedding Budget (from Rose Bud on Bridal Buds) - this one makes me smile every time!
3. Wedding Budget 101 (from TheKnot.com)
4. Wedding Budget - Little Ways to Save (from TheKnot.com)
And there are many more. Also both TheKnot.com an d WeddingWire.com have budget tools so feel free to play around with those. Good luck!

Forever Dreaming,
Katelyn