logo of love

I hope you already read yesterday’s post about the cool wedding I went to this weekend. The details were not missed. But it all began with a wedding logo.

Way back in 2009, the bride and groom commissioned a graphic artist to create this logo. It was meant to include the wedding theme colors: purple & blue and wheat or kraft. And of course it was outlined in polka dots, the primary or initial theme of the wedding. (I later learned that the tandem bike was the “secondary surprise theme”!) Also, note the 2 fonts introduced on this logo. I don't know their names but these 2 fonts were carried out on all wedding print collateral.

There you have it. The birth of a brand. Known as Leigh & Aaron 9.5.10.

Everything was branded. Well, not everything. It was done tastefully. The logo was on the invitation and all colors and polka dots were included. You may recall reviewing the invitation, if not catch up!

The logo image with omitted text was used for the table numbers as pictured yesterday. It was also used to indicate the cake flavors. Oh and also for the ‘just married’ flag. All pictured in yesterday’s post. Go see how many logos you can find...

The photobooth printed out guests’ images in real time with the logo on it! I thought this was really unique. Probably because I’m technically impaired and have no idea how they DIY’d this. It’s the little things that impress guests so think outside of the box.

Other printed materials were not branded with the logo but more so with the chosen colors and fonts. Check out a page of the program.

And the place cards that I referenced yesterday. Even if you’re not going the extra mile and branding your wedding, you can still do something informal like this for the escort cards in your own color scheme. Just hang them up on a clothesline. So simple but refreshingly different.

If you are overwhelmed by this level of wedding marketing, have no fear. You don’t have to brand everything! Perhaps you can come up with a monogram that you like. Just remember to be consistent and use it on several elements of your wedding.

Happy marketing!

-The perennial bridesmaid

to program or not to program?

Ceremony programs. Are they really necessary? 

In my purse is a beautiful, ornate program from a wedding I attended last month. Why? Because I haven’t had the heart to toss it knowing how much work someone put into it. I am probably the rarity though. Every time I leave a ceremony with programs, I see the bulk of them strewn amongst the chairs & pews or worse, trampled on the floor! On occasion they get a brief second life as a fan or a megaphone.

Let’s talk about the content of the wedding ceremony program versus the necessity. They typically list the bride and groom. I hope by the time you’ve made it to the ceremony, you know who is getting married. The date and time. Who cares. You made it, right? No need to review the details of the invitation at this point. The bridal party and parents. Isn’t this why the DJ or MC typically introduces these people into the reception by name and title? The officiate. They typically introduce themselves anyway.  The thank you statement. From time to time, the program lists some mushy thank you to all of the guests. It’s nice; it is but is it really necessary? Save that for your thank you cards. The bulk of the content in these programs tends to be the order of the ceremony. When the ceremony is simply a traditional exchange of vows, there obviously isn’t much to list in a program.

On the other hand, if you are having a long church ceremony or untraditional nuptials, there tends to be multiple parts and you may want to inform your guests. The program is helpful for those who are not familiar with what happens next in your church’s service. How long can I expect this to be and when can I expect the actual exchange of vows? (Read: when is it time to pay attention?)  You may also find it important to reference the readings and such. If all of this is the case, then rock out with your programs.

If you don’t want to make programs but some of the ceremony content is important for you to tell your guests then I suggest finding a simpler alternative to incorporate it into your event. You will save hours of printing, folding, punching, stamping & ribbon tying and not to mention some of that oh-so coveted wedding budget. For example, if you really want that heartfelt thank you to everyone in your lives for sharing in on your special day blah blah blah, why not print it out just once and frame it?  Leave it on the gift table so as everyone drops off their card, they can read your gratitude. If listing your readings is important, maybe you can quote the ol’ “Love is Patient, Love is Kind” scripture verse as part of the décor of your seating card table. Again, you only have to print it once. Save yourselves the hours of labor that go underappreciated!

In summary, I have never heard anyone say, “That was a beautiful ceremony. I had a great time But, man, there were no programs. I wasn’t sure who was who or what happened next.”

-The perennial bridesmaid