Category Archives: Uncategorized

Marrying your bestfriend – best decision ever!

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We love hearing how couples first met, where you lucky in love on-line? Or did you catch that first glimpse because you stop for coffee every morning at the same Bistro? Leading up to your wedding day, is such a fun journey full of love, laughter and let’s be real, some not so wonderful moments. Yea, you know that one time that had your blood boiling and your heart packing. We’ve all been there.

Good news, if you’re still reading this then you mostly likely said “yes” or at least hopeful that he will pop the question soon.  While I was pondering on how I wanted to share this post with you it allowed me to revisit some of my favorite memories of when my husband and I started dating. Eighteen years strong and he still gives me butterflies…  as much as we love the excitement that surrounds the wedding planning, we are delighted to see the families that blossom after the wedding day. My heartfelt words to you..

Marry your best friend. I do not say that lightly. Really, truly find the strongest, happiest friendship in the person you fall in love with. Someone you can laugh with. The kind of laughs that make your belly ache, and short of breathe. The embarrassing, earnest, healing kind of laughs. Life is too short not to love someone who lets you act like a complete fool from time to time.

Make sure they are somebody who lets you cry, too. Despair will come. Find someone that you want to be there holding your hand and your heart during those times. Most importantly, marry the one that makes passion, love and madness combine and course through you. A love that will never dilute- even when the waters get deep and feel dark.  And most importantly choose l-o-v-e  everyday. It’s easy to want to quit sometimes, but for me it’s the voyage together that makes the journey worth it.

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Being a gracious hostess/bride isn’t always easy on your budget.

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Admit it: You’ve been to at least one wedding where something about the events made you uncomfortable or possibly even cringe. For instance, maybe dinner was delayed 1/2 hour while the bride and groom were having formal pictures taken. Or, you ordered a drink at the bar only to find out it was a cash bar, and you have $0 cash. Not very nice, was it? But now, the tables are turned and you’re the hosts. Your guests deserve to go home happy—and what couple wouldn’t want that?—a few of our gracious host suggestions:

Pick your wedding date carefully.
Sure, holding your affair on a Friday or Sunday night — or even a weeknight — is a great way to save money. But this might pose a problem for guests who don’t live nearby. Many will have to take a day off from work in order to attend your wedding; your immediate family and your wedding party may have to take even more time off in order to attend your rehearsal dinner. A clever compromise, if you’re really set on a Friday or Sunday affair: Hold your wedding on a holiday weekend, when most working guests would automatically have an extra day off.

Think your menu through.
Chances are some of your guests observe dietary rules — maybe a few vegetarians or folks who keep kosher. Be sure to take a look at your guest list and see who might fall into this category. Most caterers will provide meals to accommodate these guests for little or no extra charge. Just be sure that the catering manager knows where these folks are sitting, and that your guests know ahead of time that you’ve taken care of their needs.

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Let’s talk wedding registry for a second. Registering for gifts is a wonderful concept — it takes away the guesswork, and it ensures that you’ll get the things you need and want for your new life. Just be sure that, in addition to selecting your favorite pieces, you choose items in a range of prices—everything from spatulas, hand towels and cookbooks to crystal stemware, electronics and sporting equipment. This way, every guest will find something within his or her budget. Most all stores offer the option to purchase a gift card for any amount as well.

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Help your single guests feel extra welcome. Make sure you seat them where they’ll know other people. For instance, you can put unattached colleagues with other work people; your high school or college buddies can all sit together, whether single or hitched.
Another thought, go ahead and ask your single pals with whom they would prefer to sit—this way, they’re sure to be comfortable. In addition, while you are under no obligation to invite single guests with dates (unless they’re living with someone or are in a long-term relationship), it’s a very nice gesture to do so, and your friends will surely appreciate it.

 

Trimming the guest list for your wedding

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We know that curbing family guest lists can be tricky. “Sure, Mom may want her coworker who hears so many stories about you to see you tie the knot, but if you don’t know that woman, is it realistic?” Considering your budget and venue space you can only invite the people nearest and dearest to you. So who makes the list??

Keep in mind if any parent(s)are financially supporting this wedding, be considerate of their guest list requests. Regardless of how they fit into the big family picture, seeing someone for big life events such as holidays and birthdays means they should be included in your wedding. End of story.

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But what about every other person on the list? Here’s a few things to consider before sending a Save – the – Date.

1. If you haven’t laid eyes on a person in 12-18 months — or at least had a nice, long phone conversation if they live far away then you probably shouldn’t invite them.

2. If you were at their wedding years ago but have since lost contact, you may not need to invite them. There is no need to reciprocate if you’re no longer close. Only invite them if you really want the person back in your life.

3. My favorite “rule” is “party of 4 rule”. If you could invite the couple to your home for an evening of wine and dine and have a lovely evening full of laughter and conversation then they are added to the list. If you are unsure an feel that you would struggle through dinner and skip straight to dessert, then they are more of an acquaintance than actual friend. This especially comes in handy when considering your co workers and boss.
4. Dealing with the “plus one” – if you have met their finance or long time life partner then you should invite them. If not, don’t be shy about letting them know on your wedding website “In order to keep our guest list on track we are only able to accommodate those guests formally invited on your wedding invitation. Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions!” 34A55347-AB8F-455A-9664-E9DFA03BBB9A
5. Is your Wedding Adults only? Do not feel bad about this decision. However, sharing that decision is not always easy. “We have X seats reserved for you!”
A great way to let people know exactly how many people are invited, this phrase becomes a part of your response card wording. It’s perfect for weddings where you are allowing some children but not all children. BA2036CB-123E-456A-923C-83D90D2CFA6B.jpeg

Wedding itineraries are becoming the new normal

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Planning a wedding where majority of your guests have never been? Want to share your favorite restaurants, points of interest and things to do around the area? The best way to get this information out to your guests is by making an itinerary.

With Destination weddings continuing to increase in popularity year after year, we find that weekend itineraries are a must. Even though wedding websites are standard practice now, especially for destination weddings, I’m seeing that people still want to give their guests a tangible way to experience their wedding plans. One of the most popular requests lately, are accordion-style, tri-folded ‘wedding weekend’ invitations that include a welcome cover page, an invitation page, info page, a custom map on the back, as well as a detachable RSVP card that can be torn off and sent right back in the mail. This allows for plenty of colorful illustration to set the tone for the weekend and build excitement for your special day.

Unplugged Ceremony Etiquette

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Unplugged, there’s a term you are hearing now at almost every wedding, but still trying to figure out what does it mean??
With most people having a camera on their smart phone, it’s likely someone will snap a photo or get a clip of at least some of the event. However, it’s only appropriate if you have the bride and groom’s permission. If the couple has hired a photographer and or videographers it is safe the say they intend the ceremony and reception to be “Unplugged”. If you create a wedding website we encourage you to post a message there to encourage your guests to be fully present with us at the ceremony and ask that you refrain from taking photos.” If you’re truly worried about it, ask your minister or officiant to give everyone a heads up before the ceremony starts. As long as you’re polite about it, your guests will respect your decision! Another simple reminder is to have an ‘”unplugged” sign at the guest book.