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10 Major Wedding Planning Myths, Debunked

Getting married is one of the ultimate rites of passage. Weddings are a symbol of love, hope, devotion, sacrifice, and the future — not just for us, the bride and groom, but also to our family, friends and community. And with them comes a host of expectations (just take a look at these wedding complaints I’ve heard). Sometimes these perceptions are so deeply engrained that we don’t even realize they’re there.

I’m three months shy of getting married (!) and it’s only now, at the tail end of my engagement, that I’m able to see how certain myths have shaped my wedding-planning process for better (and for worse). Where did these crazy ideas come from? My fiancé, Jason, blames the crappy reality TV that I watch and my love of fairytales as a kid, but I think it runs deeper than that: Myths are also formed from cultural beliefs and stories that are passed down to us on a personal level. BG brides, what would you add to the list below?

50+ Free and Fabulous Wedding Printables

The Internet is a veritable treasure trove of free wedding stuff — if you just know where to look! We've unearthed the most adorable DIY templates for ceremony programs, table numbers, signs, games, and so much more that you can produce yourself using paper, a printer, and a few easy-to-find craft supplies.

Enter Slideshow

Cards -161380

For a sentimental touch, exchange cards on the morning of the big day; this sweet design by Confetti Daydreams is sure to put a smile on your groom's face. Since this is a double-sided printable, it’s always a good idea to do a test print first to check how your printer re-inserts paper.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 100 Sentimental Wedding Ideas
Ceremony Programs
Throwing a summer wedding? This two-sided program created by Mountain Modern Life not only spells out all the main components of your ceremony but will also help keep guests cool.

Download the free printable here ►
Confetti Cones
After the "I dos," have guests toss flower petals or tissue paper confetti in celebration. Evermine offers a colorful paper cone design that is a cinch to assemble (the scallop hang tags are an add-on).

Download the free printable here ►
Games & Activities
For a creative guest book alternative, collect partygoers' well wishes using fun coasters designed by Elli. The crafting process takes just four steps, using full sheet sticker labels and cork sheet or cardboard.

Download the free printable here ►
Games & Activities
Before you start this brand-new chapter together as newlyweds, it can be helpful to get advice and insight from other married couples and the people who know you best: your guests! Print out prompt cards from Confetti Daydreams that they can fill out during the wedding reception and drop into a "Newlywed Tip Jar."

Download the free printable here ►
Games & Activities
To create the "He Says/She Says" game by Aisle With Style, the bride and groom are interviewed separately, and then their responses are compiled as quotes using the silhouette card template. The correct answers just might surprise everyone!

Download the free printable here ►
Games & Activities
Or ask for guests' tips Mad Libs-style using this interactive card from Confetti Daydreams. It'll help bring out everyone's silly sides, and you'll enjoy reading all of the responses afterward.

Download the free printable here ►
Games & Activities
Bridal Bingo is a foolproof way to keep bridal shower guests occupied during the gift-opening portion of a bridal shower, and this confetti card by Chicfetti Wed is one of our favorites. Purchase a couple of inexpensive items from the dollar store or clearance rack so that you can all play multiple rounds and crown a few different winners.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 100 Inspiring Bridal Shower Ideas
Games & Activities
Lovely Indeed's activity book for kids keeps popping up everywhere in our real wedding submissions. With games like tic-tac-toe and crossword puzzles and even coloring pages, it's so charming that adults won't be able to resist filling it out, too.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 10 Ways to Make Your Wedding More Kid-Friendly
Favor Tags
He put a ring on it, and now it's your turn with these printable diamond bling tags created by Little White Whale. Choose from two different versions: one with a solid center (ideal for writing the recipient's name) and another with a cut-out center.

Download the free printable here ►
Invitations
The Wedding Chicks offers tons of gratis stationery designs, but the dreamy "Watercolor Strokes" option shown here might just be our favorite. You can edit all of the text directly from their website without using any other software. Choose from colors like blue, peach, purple, or even a rainbow motif.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: Beautiful Wedding Invitations You Can Make Yourself
Invitations
Making your own invitations might seem overwhelming, but it's totally doable even if you're not the crafty type when you've got a template as resourceful as this one from Appleberry Press for One Fab Day. The "Rosa Romance" floral invite is editable in Adobe Acrobat, and you can send the finalized file to a professional printer nearby if yours isn't up to snuff for the task.

Download the free printable here ►
Wedding Menus
Give your napkins some extra flair with this wow-worthy wrap-around menu card by Download & Print for The Budget-Savvy Bride. You can replicate the design as is or print it out on colored paper that matches your wedding hues of choice.

Download the free printable here ►
Invitations
Neon and chevron are a match made in heaven on this bachelorette party invitation by Bespoke Bride. Fill the envelope with confetti for a fun touch.

Download the free printable here ►
Signs
Ramp up excitement for the big day (and remind guests when it is) with this sign created by Something Turquoise. Since it involves using Chalk Ink Wet Wipe Markers, you can easily keep the countdown going after your engagement party or bridal shower!

Download the free printable here ►
Keepsake Frame
Save the cork from your first champagne toast as Mr. and Mrs. and tie a little bow around it to put together this keepsake frame from Something Turquoise. You'll also need a shadow box frame, advanced-strength Glue Dot sheets, and cardstock (download the free "Champagne and Limousines" font before you get started).

Download the free printable here ►
Signs
Only By Invite's chalkboard signage would fit right at home in a shabby-chic wedding. The template is 8x10, so you can easily print it out on standard cardstock, trim it, and insert it into an ornamental frame.

Download the free printable here ►
Table Numbers
One of the most affordable ways to inject color into your tablescapes is through table numbers, and this watercolor-inspired design by Evermine is positively swoon-worthy. Choose from four different colors, including coral, deep blue, Aruba, and lilac.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 50 Memorable Ideas for Your Table Numbers
Save-the-Date Cards
If you're looking for an out-of-the-box idea for your save-the-date, then nothing comes close to this quirky design by Smitten On Paper. The way it works is that you tie a loose knot in the middle of the cording, then thread through the opposite hole so that when the card is opened, the knot will pull itself into place.
Related: 25+ Creative Save-the-Date Ideas
Photo Booth Props
Jetting off to a tropical wedding locale? Get guests in the spirit of the surroundings with these too-cute-for-words props created by Oh Happy Day.

Download the free printable here ►
Table Numbers
Craft a romantic and feminine look for your reception by incorporating lace in your wedding details, like these lovely table numbers designed by Elli. Print them out on the heaviest card stock your printer will support, and trim out each card using an X-Acto knife or paper cutter.

Download the free printable here ►
Signs
The bar is the hotspot of any wedding reception — dress it up with this lovely sign by Evermine. Choose from four colors, including deep blue, peach, sea glass, and tuxedo.

Download the free printable here ►
Save-the-Date Cards
Show off your favorite engagement photo with a simple yet elegant postcard layout from The Wedding Chicks. Choose from a horizontal or vertical orientation, fill out the three fields, and you've got a stunning announcement to send to guests.

Download the free printable here ►
Photo Credit: Paul Von Rieter
Signs
We're not the only ones who are obsessed with Wedding Hashtag Wall's wedding hashtag sign template — it's been pinned over a thousand times! Enter your hashtag of choice along with your wedding date and preferred email address, and boom, you've got an A4-size posted delivered to your inbox.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: What You Should (And Shouldn't) Post About Your Wedding on Social Media
Signs
With the advent of smartphones, wedding guests have become invaluable shutterbugs, but they can't share the priceless candids that they capture with you if they don't know your hashtag offhand. Display visible signage like this Evermine prompt in multiple locations.

Download the free printable here ►
Table Numbers
These table numbers by Behold Designz for Ruffled are gorgeous for a garden setting or springtime soirée. Bonus: The free set also includes coordinating "bride and groom" and "please sign our guest book" signs, a beverage menu, and escort cards.
Download the free printable here ►
Photo Credit: Gigi Marie Photography
Banners
Glittery Mr. and Mrs. chair banners by Elli add a glamorous touch of sparkle to your reception décor. In addition to the PDF and glitter, of course, you'll need thin foam core, a craft knife, scissors, a hole punch, white glue, brush, and ribbon to tackle this project.

Download the free printable here ►
Signs
Throwing your ceremony and reception in different locations? Point the way with DIY chalkboard-inspired directional signs created by Evermine.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 50 Clever Wedding Tricks to Make Your Life Easier
Signs
Or if you're getting married on a large property, print out and display multiple signs to lead guests on the right path, like this "almost there" design by Susan Brand Design for Swooned (more sign options are available in the free suite). Choose from four different color options, including coral and navy, turquoise and blue, turquoise and mustard, or black and white.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 50 Clever Signs Your Wedding Guests Will Love
Games & Activities
One motivation tactic that pro planners use to ensure a packed dance floor is to compile song requests from guests — they get so excited when their jams come on! Leave these little cards by The Lovely Dept. for Elizabeth Anne Designs at each table, with instructions for your guests to turn them in throughout the night (just set up a "do not play" list with your DJ or band in advance to prevent any potential snafus).

Download the free printable here ►
Games & Activities
An instant conversation-starter, the "How Well Do You Know the Bride and Groom?" game by Something Turquoise is an engaging way to include both sides of the family at an engagement party or bridal shower. This project only takes an hour from start to finish if you choose to embellish the cards with washi tape (an optional step).

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 20+ Ways to Make Your Reception More Fun
Cards
Or switch things up with a different card design for each of your favorite ladies from Fox and the Hare for Paper and Lace (we're partial to the funny PG-13 version).

Download the free printable here ►
Save-the-Date Cards
Brides-to-be, save a lot of money (and time) informing loved ones about the big day with this handy DIY calendar from Bells & Whistles Stationery for The Pretty Blog. All you need to do is fill out your names in the banner portion, along with the month you're getting married, and circle the date — it doesn't get any easier than that.
Games & Activities
Settling the "what's for dinner?" debate every night becomes so much more fun when you've got a stockpile of yummy recipes that have already been vetted by loved ones. Include these recipe cards by Weekend Craft with your bridal shower invitation so that guests have time to think about what they'd like to submit (and look up anything they don't remember offhand).

Download the free printable here ►
Table Numbers
A rustic-themed wedding calls for nature-inspired details that are elegant without being stuffy, like these hand-drawn illustrated table numbers created by Hey Look. Print them on recycled paper, cut out along the lines, attach to wood craft sticks, and insert them into your centerpieces.

Download the free printable here ►
Escort Cards
Art Deco elegance is all yours with these scroll escort cards designed by Download & Print for The Budget-Savvy Bride. Tip: Find the longest name on your guest list, and add it to the first card. Adjust the font size until you are pleased with the look, and then carry these settings to the remaining cards.

Download the free printable here ►
Cards
Pop the question to your nearest and dearest with pastel-perfect "Will you be my bridesmaid?" cards by the appropriately-named Something Pretty blog.

Download the free printable here ►
Sparkler Sleeve
A sparkler farewell is classic and timeless. Include this sleeve by 17 Apart with details about the timing of the exit; you could also attach personalized matchbooks (optional).

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 15 Spectacular Ideas For Your Wedding Sendoff
Photo Credit: Tori Watson Photography
Invitations
Make your own bridal shower invitations with this chic and preppy design by Chicfetti Wed. You'll need to sign up for a free membership on their site in order to unlock the download button.
Download the free printable here ►
Games & Activities
Even the most game-averse bride will get a kick out of this Bridal Scattergories card from The Flair Exchange. With cute wedding-related prompts like "honeymoon locations" and "something blue," it's a clever way to entertain guests during party gaps. There are four lettered rounds ("L," "O," "V," and "E") — the winner has to earn the most points!

Download the free printable here ►
Wedding Menus
Instead of a flat menu card, consider this eye-catching stand-up version from The House That Lars Built for Etsy. Choose from beige, gray, blue, pale blue, pale pink, pale yellow or purple for the background.

Download the free printable here ►
Photo Credit: Brittany Watson Jepsen of The House That Lars Built
Favor Tags
Honey is a top wedding giftable, and this "Meant to Bee" favor tag created by Botanical Paperworks adds a marvelous finishing touch.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 30 Favor Ideas From Real Weddings
Favor Tags
S'mores are one of the most beloved wedding desserts; gift your guests a take-home treat along with these favor tags created by Lolly Jane.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 25 Delicious Wedding Cake Alternatives
Escort Cards
If you love the look of calligraphed escort cards, check out this budget-friendly DIY alternative created by Bright Room Studio and Oh So Beautiful Paper for Avery. The greenery illustrations add a fresh and modern take.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 35 Cool Ways to Display Your Escort Cards
Invitations
Give your bridal shower invitations the Midas touch with this stunning, sparkling design by Chicfetti Wed. We recommend that you use card stock paper for this particular printable to ensure professional-looking results.

Download the free printable here ►
Favor Tags
This beautiful thank-you tag by Bells & Whistles Stationery for The Pretty Blog is the ultimate luxe for less find. The design is so versatile that it could work well for any theme or gift type.

Photo Credit: Shannon Bradfield Photography
Banners
Something Turquoise's printable alphabet banner allows you to spell out whatever you'd like — from "#Ido" to "just married" — so the decorating options are endless. To keep the spacing perfect along your banner ribbon, tape the ribbon to the back of each letter so that it won't shift or move.

Download the free printable here ►
Invitations
If you're throwing a destination wedding or are travel fanatics in general, then the boarding pass-inspired invite by aylee bits is just the ticket. You'll want to download the Code 128 font for the barcode and practice your perforating technique before doing them on your final passes. Also, you can customize the design by adding an image background.

Download the free printable here ►
Ceremony Programs
Download & Print's eight-page ceremony booklet design, created for The Budget-Savvy Bride, features plenty of room to share your readings, custom vows, a who's who of the bridal party, love quotes, and even a thank-you message with guests. It's a beautiful memento that you'll want to hold on to long after your big day.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 50 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony
Photo Booth Props
Did you know that photo booth props are actually pretty simple to make? Neither did we. We're digging the retro feel of this set by Celebrations.

Download the free printable here ►
Cupcake Toppers/Cocktail Stirrers
Add a sweet touch to your dessert bar or cocktails with this dual-purpose cupcake topper/cocktail stirrer template by Confetti Daydreams. Whichever method you choose for attaching the tags, test them to make sure they are stuck properly so they don't fall off during the actual event. Also, you can cut out the circles using a 1.5-inch circle punch to save time.

Download the free printable here ►
Signs
Incorporate a sweet saying that you share with your spouse-to-be — we adore this "Love You to the Moon and Back" sign from Liz on Call, which was originally intended for a child's room. We think this would be a sweet addition to any newlywed's home as well.

Download the free printable here ►

Related: 50 Ways to Share Your Love Story at Your Wedding
Signs
Display a beautiful reminder of what the wedding day is truly about with this "Grow Old With Me" quotable sign, designed by Elli. It would also make a thoughtful wedding gift.

Download the free printable here ►
Signs
Immortalize the lyrics from your first dance. Dawn Nicole Designs created this John Legend-inspired sign template as a cut file for Cricut machines, but you could also use it to create a DIY watercolor print.

Download the free printable here ►
Games & Activities
If you're a Disney fanatic, then this game created by Designs by Miss Mandee is a must-have at your bridal shower. Guests have to match up the love songs from iconic films like Aladdin and The Lion King; just don't blame us if they start belting out "A Whole New World."

Download the free printable here ►

Related: Disney-Inspired Real Weddings
Save-the-Date Cards
Or instead of an overlay, feature the text directly on the image, like this save-the-date template by Be Funky. (We love how the pink text pops against the black and white photograph.)

Download the free printable here ►

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ALL PHOTOS

50+ Free and Fabulous Wedding Printables

Cards -161380

Ceremony Programs

Confetti Cones

Games & Activities

Games & Activities

Games & Activities

Games & Activities

Games & Activities

Games & Activities

Favor Tags

Invitations

Invitations

Wedding Menus

Invitations

Signs

Keepsake Frame

Signs

Table Numbers

Save-the-Date Cards

Photo Booth Props

Table Numbers

Signs

Save-the-Date Cards

Signs

Signs

Table Numbers

Banners

Signs

Signs

Games & Activities

Games & Activities

Cards

Save-the-Date Cards

Games & Activities

Table Numbers

Escort Cards

Cards

Sparkler Sleeve

Invitations

Games & Activities

Wedding Menus

Favor Tags

Favor Tags

Escort Cards

Invitations

Favor Tags

Banners

Invitations

Ceremony Programs

Photo Booth Props

Cupcake Toppers/Cocktail Stirrers

Signs

Signs

Signs

Games & Activities

Save-the-Date Cards

50+ Free and Fabulous Wedding Printables

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