how tos

How to write Junior and Senior on your Wedding Invitation

How to write Junior and Senior on your Wedding Invitation

This question came up this week when we were working on writing up the wording for a Chicago wedding I have in April. The father of the bride is a Junior, so the question came up on how this is properly done on the wedding invitation and I thought I would share this common question with my readers. 

Set the Perfect Thanksgiving Table

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I am attempting to make it to the grocery store today and to beat the crowds that I am sure will be large on Wednesday. I am so excited about doing my favorite recipes for our Thanksgiving feast. My husband was looking over my shoulder last night as I was making my shopping list and asked, "You are making those awesome brussel sprouts, right?". Of course! (oh, add butter to the grocery list)! 

How to Clean your Diamond Engagement Ring

How to Clean your Diamond Engagement Ring

It is "engagement season"! That time of year where many couple are getting engaged while they celebrate the holidays with their family and friends. For many people, this may be the first time they have worn diamonds or a fine gemstone. Their ring is all sparkly, new and gorgeous. But as time goes on, your ring needs to be cleaned. What is the best way to clean a diamond? Diamond experts agree that running a little warm water in a small bowl with a little mild liquid detergent and allowing your diamond engagement ring to soak for three to four minutes and using a soft brush will get lose debris and oils off your diamonds. And it is a good idea every year to get your rings polished and cleaned and for your jeweler to check for any lose prongs.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Wedding Dress

There is an amazing service in Chicago by Davis Imperial Cleaners which every bride should look into! They will perfectly press and steam your dress and deliver it on the day of the wedding so you don't have to worry about wrinkles in your dress! Or, it is a great idea to also talk to the location you purchased your dress about if they can do this for you as well and deliver your dress directly to your house,  hotel or location you are getting ready. That way none of your bridesmaids will have the burden of worrying about steaming or ironing your dress. 

When to Send Out Wedding Invitations

Summer weddings are right around the corner and I have gotten the question, "When do I send out my invitations?" a lot lately. Wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before your wedding date. If you do have invitations going to international destinations I recommend those are mailed out ten weeks in advance as the mail will take a bit longer to reach them but also to come back to you. And remember, if you have international guests, you should not place a United States stamp on their reply envelope. They will need to go to their local post office to get the proper local stamp. For destination weddings outside of the United States I would recommend your invitations are mailed ten weeks before the wedding date to allow for your guests to get the hotel booked and airfares purchased.