Wedding Invitation

Today I'd like to talk about the wedding stationary.
My fiance and I have decided to skip the "save-the-dates cards", and instead send the actual invites. I mean, who said you HAVE TO HAVE save-the-dates? Sure, they can be nice, but they also cost money. And we are trying to save some here, aren't we? ;)

There are a few ways you can go about the invitations:
1) DIY - there are many tutorials available out there on how to create your own invitations. This works great if you are handy, and want something a bit more personalized. It would be great if you already have the cardstock on hand that you are going to use. If not, then Michaels, JoAnn, A.C. Moore, Hobby Lobby (I'm sure there are other stores that would apply to this point) and their coupons are your best friends when it comes to saving money.
~ Here's a simple and lovely DIY-tutorial for a wedding invitation which I absolutely adore!

2) Print your own - you can find many stores that sell sets of cards and envelopes. All you need is a working computer that is hooked up to a printer. I have seen the sets in stores like Michaels, JoAnn, A.C. Moore, Walmart, Amazon. Again, coupons are great when trying to save some money. Majority of the craft stores give 50% off coupons. Sometimes they also have sales, if you are lucky to catch them, and find a set that you like.
~ This is the route we took. The invites came out lovely, and we did not spend that much money on them. This could be time consuming as we worded the invites ourselves, chose the font, and did a few trial runs on regular paper before printing the actual invitation cards.

3) Order online - many stores can print the invitations (and other stationary) for a pretty cheap price. I have found a big variety to choose from already existing designs at vistaprint.com, bweddinginvitations.com, einvite.com. David's Bridal and Bed Bath and Beyond also offer such services.
~ I love that eInvite offers all-in-one invitations. This is such an amazing idea! Here's one in white and gold that I really liked. And here is one from BWedding of a simple lasercut design, but very elegant.

4) Digital invites - I have not gone or explored that route because I wanted physical invites, something that you can hold in your hands (I'm old schooled). However, this is another option for the invites. I can only think of one website that can be used for this - evite.com, and they have a big enough selection of FREE invitations for you to choose from. I mean, how adorable is this one with your own photo?


Whatever option you find works best for you, make sure to double check the wording, address location and date before clicking the button to order, print or send!

The Other Barn at Oakland Mills

When searching for a wedding location, I knew I wanted to have ceremony and reception in the same place or very close to each other. This way the guests would not have to drive from one location to another. This would also save time and money for us, the couple.

The Other Barn, side view with a glimpse of the garden

One of the very first locations we have visited was The Other Barn located in Oakland Mills. This place is a jewel! It is a spacious reception site with rustic charm - has the original wooden high beam ceilings and hardwood dance floor. There is a lovely courtyard outside which can be used for the ceremony. There is also a room with vanity, chair and large mirror for the bride to get ready.
You can place a hold on the date for one week without any charge, but only after visiting the venue.

The entrance to the Other Barn

The side of the building, and a part of the garden

This place is very spacious and is totally worth the money! This place would allow you to have a big wedding on a budget, as it can accommodate up to 220 people; tables and chairs are provided without any additional charge. Fan-backed chairs are available for set up in the courtyard. There is an additional charge of $225 to set up the courtyard.

Looking towards the front of the courtyard, the Other Barn is on the right

Side view, looking towards the back of the courtyard

What I loved about this venue is that it allowed for you to self-cater and bring your own alcohol! Or you can bring a caterer of your choice, and not like many places where you can only choose from the list of vendors they work with.

Inside the reception area, being set up for an event

Below are the prices to rent the Other Barn that I've received when inquiring about the place:
2016: Saturday - $1710 - 7 1/2 hrs, +$110/hr additional time
2017: Saturday - $1760 - 7 1/2 hrs
2016: Friday/Sunday - $1035, +100/hr additional time
2017: Friday/Sunday - $1085

Full kitchen downstairs

All events have to end by 12:30am on Friday and Saturday, and by 10pm on Sunday, followed by 1 hr of clean up. you can start the rent as early as 9am on Saturday, and 2pm on Sunday (they provide space for church meetings).

On the stairs going up to the reception area

No appointment is necessary to visit the place. Their hours of operation are Monday through Thursday: 9am - 8pm, Friday: 9am - 4pm, Saturday: 9am - 12:30pm

You can find more information regarding The Other Barn on the website.
And reviews on Wedding Wire.

The Other Barn
5851 Robert Oliver Place
Columbia, MD 21045
(410)-730-4610

PS. All photos are mine, and were taken in late fall when we visited the place.