**This is a perfect motto for every bride out there to keep in mind**

The key to controlling your wedding budget is to ensure that while you are planning everything  - you keep ‘the main thing’, the main thing!  Every bride has a main thing – but find yours and stick to it!

One thing I have always loved about the wedding community is the support you are able to find within it.  Recently Cakegirls Bakery in Lakeview was destroyed by a fire started on the second floor, residential housing.  Please pray for the Maher sisters in their fight to build back their delicious bakery that they worked so hard to begin.  Read more details at OneWed Saavy Scoop.

source: Chicago Tribune

Choosing how to set up your reception can be a difficult decision.  I have memories of 200+ escort cards laid around my living room attempting to put names to tables and make everyone fit in the room like a never ending puzzle!  Did it work out in the end?  Yes!  But were there 12 different right answers?  Absolutely!

Factors that will probably go through your mind concerning the seating arrangement are:

- Who knows who at the wedding

- Age groups of everyone and whether they are bringing a plus one

- Each couples’ background, where are they from/common interests

- Who you want to sit closest to the dance floor

- Who you want to sit closest to the bar

- Who you want furthest from the bar

Finally, you will have to decide if you want to keep the tables intimate and sit 5 – 6 around each table, or you want to have long dramatic tables for 25  - and share a meal family style.  Don’t worry, you don’t have to choose just one.  Possibly you sit the bridal party around a big long table, you and your groom at a sweetheart table for two and your guests at tables ranging from 5-10 people at each table.

That is the good news about this topic, that there is truly no correct answer!  Although there is no correct answer, you will be surprised at how much time this could end up taking.  Also, be careful inviting to many opinions into this decision because every member of the family will have a different thought to add to the pot.  Keep it simple – and always remember your guests will only be sitting during dinner, the remaining time will be spent showing off their dance moves and mingling during the cocktail hour!

There are a few reasons that couples choose to send save the dates, and there are a number of reasons why a bride and groom would avoid these reminders. I have seen events where only the bridal party and family members received the save the dates so those closest to the couple are aware of the date. Personally, I chose to not send out these cards and used the money elsewhere. I love the creativity that goes into many save the dates, and I have shown a few of my favorite below while outlining many of the reasons people send out the fun reminders.

Their wedding date falls on a big holiday or important weekend.

Many of the guests are coming from out of town, so they give their friends enough time to plan travel.

To get the guests excited about the city the wedding is in.

To get the guests excited about the wedding.

To have fun.

To tell a story

To add some humor to the day.

To show off their personality.

Why did you send yours and how did you make your wedding date memorable?