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When the wedding planning really took off, I discovered I had a terrible propensity to forget whom I’ve told what. I started to sound like a broken record to my nearby gal pal and BM Tanya (who I work with) whereas my sister and MOH (who lives the furthest away) would unintentionally get left out. I had yet to start blogging at this point in time, so I contemplated shooting off mass e-mails or going the website route like Miss Brooch. Ultimately, I decided to go with the power of snail mail. I *heart* getting real mail (read: not bills). Growing up, one of my favorite parts of summer was writing to friends I made at camp (Interlochen, anyone?), and as an adult I still love seeing a hand-written letter in my mailbox.
I designed a newsletter using Adobe Illustrator, but there are numerous free templates available for download, like these for Microsoft Word. The first page contained introductions and important dates:
The second page had information about our vendors, an explanation of our wedding favors (more on that later), and contact information for the bridesmaids, Mama Tartlet, and FMIL Tartlet (masked for privacy purposes):
The final page was our color palette and inspiration board. This was probably the hardest concept for me to put into words, as I tried many times in vain to describe our vision for a romantic indoor garden wedding. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words! My sis definitely had a “light bulb” moment once she saw this page:
Everything was tucked inside blue #10 string-and-button envelopes that I picked up from a local arts and craft store, and I made the address labels using our home printer and trusty Xyron:
Don’t worry, Laura has since moved—no stalkers, please.
These newsletters were an inexpensive, quick project that satisfied the creative side of my brain while accomplishing my goal of getting everyone on the same page! But, it’s always good to keep in mind that a paper packet like this isn’t for everyone. Mr. Tartlet would lose an item like this before it was even opened. Part of the fun is to personalize group items like this not only to your tastes, but to your BMs’ preferences as well!
How are you keeping your wedding party in the loop?
Very cute! Always love these, and would appreciate one as a BM!
What a cute idea–very creative!
And we’re date twins too–hooray for Friday weddings 
I love this idea. All of my BM’s are out of state (and all live in different states…) so this is a good way to keep them updated! Thank you!
I did this for my girls too because I was much like you I would tell some but not all of them and someone would be left out. They all love all the pictures that I put into it and it gives them something to have as a reference.
Great job!
Love this, I should definitely do this. My bridal party are in different states and sometimes emails/texts don’t work! Thanks for sharing.
omg, I went to college with mr tartlet’s brother! what a small world.. and that picture is perfectly representative of his personality haha.
these newsletters are such a great idea!
This idea is genius! I found that simply talking about details w/ friends and family got old to them about a couple months into the engagement, BUT when I SHOW them my ideas in picture form, etc., they tend to get as excited as me! It’s also so much fun to receive something like this- cute & compact- rather than a bunch of emails, phone calls, etc. Your newsletter is adorable too!
@Kelsey: LOL - that’s awesome you know Mr. Tartlet’s brother! I only have *one* “normal” picture of all the brothers together, and it was from like 5 years ago. >_< And by “normal” I mean they’re smiling nicely, but all have napkins perched on their heads like crowns.
oh speaking of B&N coupons, someone just posted this on the boards… Hope it helps.. http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/b038n-groupon
I saw in your newsletter that you’re looking for B&N coupons. Today’s Groupon Special Deal is basically for half off at B&N. You can find it here:
http://www.groupon.com/san-francisco
Hope that helps!
@Jen4414, @Miss OceanBeach SF: I *heart* you ladies! Good eye, and thanks for passing this info along!!!
Another post about bridesmaid’s newletters… still sooo jealous….
[...] So instead, I’m going to focus my efforts on what I can do and what I am known for, (excessive planning), and just make our day as special as possible. Even if we don’t have bridesmaids newsletters. [...]
[...] bridesmaids newsletters? Oh right. And MORE bridesmaids newsletters. I would like like to say that I realize more and more every day that our decision to not have a [...]
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Mrs. Tartlet, Rochester, MI Age and Occupation: Age & Occupation: 27, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Medical Student Engagement Date: May 2, 2009 Wedding Date: May 2011 Venue: The Royal Park Hotel About Me: I'm an exuberant gal from the Midwest with a penchant for Neuroscience and anything sparkly. I'm not afraid to poke fun at myself, and I'm a believer that given the right pair of shoes, a girl can conquer the world. While an interest in the sciences threw Mr. Tartlet and me together (again, and again, until it finally stuck), we share a love for many things---food, video games, car dancing, food, bad puns, travel, did I mention food?---that ultimately led us to where we are now, less than five months from becoming Mr. and Mrs. We're planning a laid-back, romantic, garden-inspired affair with organic and quirky touches that reflect our love for the unexpected!
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