Memorable Gifts for Mom and Dad on Your Wedding Day

Memorable Gifts for Mom and Dad on Your Wedding Day

I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my mom and dad. Our mom and dads that have been there through it all for us I believe deserve some recognition on the big day. There are many traditions that go along with Weddings to do this, such as; having dad and sometimes mom walking us down the aisle, the father daughter dance, and the mother son dance. But beyond these great traditions it is always great when the bride and groom give something special to their parents, a gift that shows them just how much their care about and appreciate everything their parents have done for them. This can be a small gift that costs nothing. For instance, at a wedding I was at recently, the groom sang a song to both his parents that had meant a lot to him growing up. These kind of gestures can go a long way in just letting them know that you are thinking of them and that they are in your heart on this big day in your life. As Carrie Underwood`s song implies, many parents probably feel like their losing some part of their relationship with their son or daughter on this day and it`s important they know their not, this is just another step in your life that won`t change your special relationship with them.  Here are some great ideas to let them know you`re thinking of them.

Picture frame filled with pictures of your family:

(simplyweddinggifts.com)

(Pinterest.com)

(Etsy.com)

 
Sentimental Letter: Write them individual letters letting them know you are who you are because of them.
 

(Pinterest.com)

(zazzle.com)

(Etsy.com)

Weekend Getaway: Plan a weekend for just the two of them or you and your groom to getaway with them to one of your favorite places you may have vacationed to when you were little. Spending time together after the hustle and bustle of the wedding planning will mean a lot to them and will be a great time for you to share stories and pictures from the wedding.

Matching Jewelry for mom and you: This is a great way to remember the day and always have something that reminds you both of the bond you have with one another.

(Etsy.com)

(Etsy.com)

First look with Dad: This moment and the pictures from this moment the both of you share will be something special he will never forget. This will allow you to spend some time with dad before you walk down the aisle together, this time spent together you two will both appreciate.

(bridalguide.com)

Music: If you are musically talented, why not play your parent`s favorite song on an instrument, or sing them a song that has meant a lot to your family over the years. Putting in music how you feel about them is a great way to show your appreciation for them on your wedding day.

DIY Ideas: Making your parents something from the heart will not only allow you to save money, but it will be a sentimental gift that allows you to be as creative and personal as you want.
                   

(mlittlephotographyblog.com)

(Savvysugar.com)

(Designocd.com)

(Etsy.com)

                         
                                       
                                               














Your wedding is a great time to show the people that have helped you the most prepare for you wedding, that you are thankful for all that they have done for you. Mom and dad may be two people in your life that should not be forgotten at this time. A little gift will go a long way and will show them that no matter what you will always be their baby and that relationship will never change!

Xoxo
Melanie

Don’t be Caught Red Handed! (Or in a White Dress) :Wedding Faux Pas

Don’t be Caught Red Handed! (Or in a White Dress)

Wedding Faux Pas

Everyone that has attended a wedding or heard a wedding horror story has encountered them. The guest that got way to drunk off of open bar, the girl who showed up in the low cut top and had everyone whispering about her scandalous outfit, and the couple who waltzed in empty handed without a gift or even a card. The embarrassment surrounding these individuals is real and everyone wants to avoid being the subject of these unfortunate situations. Luckily as either a guest or the lucky couple yourself, you can avoid these scenarios by following a set of rules and proper etiquette for both wedding attendance and your own wedding.

As a Guest: 

RSVP

The first “faux pas” you can commit as a guest comes with the invitation and the RSVP card. One inappropriate behavior is to not rsvp at all which causes the hosts to wonder whether or not you will be showing up and throws off their guest count. Also pay attention as to whether or not you are allowed to bring a plus one or not. Bringing an uninvited plus one is a major faux pas and will not be looked upon with smiling faces.

Open Bar

This is a big one. Due to the fact that open bars are very costly- your over consumption will not only end in bad decisions, but it will be offensive to whomever is paying your seemingly imaginary tab. Just be wary not to take advantage of the free drinks and become “that guy” or “that girl” who is drunkenly dancing and bumping into everyone. 

                             

Interfering with the Program

There is always one guest who thinks they are a professional photographer or the next Jennifer Lopez and has to hop up on stage with the wedding band or start snapping pics to the right of the very well paid photographer. Don’t be this guest! The bride and groom have chosen a professional to take their pictures and are paying them because they want the best quality photographs and oftentimes you will just be getting in their way. Maybe if you are a photographer you could ask to take a few photos on the side, but your real job tonight is to have fun and be a guest. Same goes to all of the American Idols out there. Unless the band opens up a karaoke session, let’s not ruin their sets and covers by belting out the 90s and trying to upstage the wedding band.


Wearing White

The ultimate wedding faux pas- wearing white to a wedding. Do not do this ever! Even if you think you are modern and can pull it off because times are changing and it is a June wedding on the beach, chances are there will be older and more traditional women there who will think you are committing a disrespectful and horrendous social disgrace. Just don’t. There are plenty of other colors to choose from for this one day.



As a Bride: 

Thank You!

After months of planning a wedding, dieting to fit into a dress, stressing about all of the small details, and then finally getting through the big day, the last thing a bride wants to do is write hundreds of thank you notes. This is absolutely necessary though! Everyone who travelled, asked off of work, and spent their hard-earned money on gifts for you and your groom deserves to be thanked for their efforts and gifts. Especially if your guests adhered to the proper etiquette and rules of weddings, be sure to stay classy and thank them for their efforts!

Xoxo, 
Audrey

Who Sits Where???

Who Sits Where???

Information on Seating Arrangements

Once you confirm the venue plan and receive RSVP’s, it’s time to plan the seating arrangement. All types of guests should be considered: family, children, singles, and couples.

As reference sites such as the wedding channel, having a seating chart is highly recommended to save the embarrassment of confusion and to show thought into where the guests will be seated next to. The bride and groom will usually have their own table set aside from the crowd and will occasionally walk around to converse with the guests. In other situations, you could have the bride and groom along with the wedding party at the head of the table.

Closest to the head table should be immediate family members which could include the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, grandparents, and so on. If the parents are divorced, feel free to have separate tables for them and their families. Children should always be seated with their parents.

When it comes to the single friends you have, don’t leave them alone at their own table because that will cause awkwardness. Instead, mix the couples and singles throughout the tables, making sure there a fair number of couples and singles. With large group of friends, separate them evenly so no one feels left out.  Try to do your best to avoid tables of all strangers.

The seating chart should be clearly displayed near the reception room. The usual way to provide the guests names and table numbers is be placing out name tags, however, people are realizing they can get as creative as they want with this. It is common to see DIY ideas such as having the names written on a glass window, attached to vintage keys, or even hung from a tree.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you don’t stress over who sits next to who. It is your day and everyone should be happy.

xoxo,

Michelle

Burning the Toast

My Toast!!! It's Ruined!

Wedding speeches should be witty, funny, full of laughs and end on a seriously romantic note! Unfortunately  every so often we attend a wedding where someone forgot to check their "speech content resulting in a long awkward pause before the uneasy, uncomfortable slow clap. To hopefully help those giving a speech or toast, here are the five quickest ways to ruin a wedding speech – show this to your groom and best man immediately… they have been warned!

Not being prepared

Maybe one-in-a-thousand people could pull off an improvisational wedding speech with some degree of success, but it’s unlikely that you will. When you haven’t prepared, what often happens is that the nerves kick in and between the ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’ you’ll find yourself grasping for things to say, or worse still, rambling on for an hour leaving a hungry Aunt Harriet to ask a bit too loudly when dinner will be served. 

Using inappropriate content

At most weddings, your audience will span three generations. Try to make sure that there is nothing in your wedding speech that you wouldn’t tell to your grandma or any young relations. Top of the list of things to avoid are detailed reviews of the stag party. Apply the rule that “what goes on tour, stays on tour.” rule and DO NOT forget that!

Forgetting your wedding etiquette

Each of the speeches has its own particular function and it is important to make sure your  wedding speech does what it’s supposed to. In many cases, months of planning will have gone into choosing the correct wording of an invitation, or the political implications of the seating plan (everyone knows that!) So if you come along and forget to toast the parents or fail to welcome the guests then you’re going to be in trouble. Do some research and make sure your speech complies with the etiquette of the day.

Too much "Dutch" courage

There is a fine line between getting some Dutch courage and losing control of what you’re saying and doing. It’s safer to abstain from drinking until you’ve done your speech, but at a wedding this can be hard, especially if you have to sit through a meal before the speeches. If everyone is nervous about the speeches, consider switching them to before the meal – that way everyone can enjoy a few well-deserved glasses of wine later.

Rehashing old jokes

You don’t need to be a professional stand-up comedian to write your own material, just collect a range of information on your subject and in time your wedding speech will take shape. Although it can be tempting, you should try and avoid rehashing the same old wedding gags – “It’s obviously been an emotional day, even the cake is in tiers,” is probably one of the more tired ones, but there are hundreds of others that will get you nothing but heard-it-before groans.

Happy planning!!!....and writing

xoxo

Katherine

Proper Attire

This week I decided to do a post not only relevant to those of you planning a wedding, but also for those readers out there who have ever been invited to an event and not known or completely understood, the required dress code.

We all know those words “black tie” or “black tie optional” can be extremely daunting. What should you wear? What will everyone else be wearing? And of course, everyone’s greatest fear – not wanting to look out of place. Well do not worry! You can sleep soundly tonight. I have compiled an extensive list of all the different types of dress codes so that you can be prepared for an event of any type, regardless of the dress code.

White Tie

Probably the least likely to appear, however nonetheless important, are the words “White Tie”. As the most official dress code of them all, White Tie is often used for events such as Charity Balls, Royal Events, Nobel Prize Award Ceremonies, State Dinners, Debutante Balls and Academy Awards Ceremonies.

Women: - Evening Gowns (ankle or floor length) should be worn

-       Shoes should match the gown

-       Jewelry should be appropriate (all your fancy diamonds are the perfect choice!)

-       Clutch bag

-       Gloves are optional but should be either white or coordinated to gown and should be Opera length

Men: - Black Tailcoat with matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid

-       White Vest and Shirt with piqué wing-collared with stiff front

-       White bowtie

-       Gloves should be white or gray

-       Studs and Cufflinks should both be white

-       Finally black dress socks and patent shoes

Black Tie

Usually used for an evening event after 6:00pm. Although Black tie is less formal than White Tie, it is more formal than informal or Business Casual. Events that would call for such dress could range from a particularly fancy wedding or event to other formal social gatherings or galas.

Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

Men: - Black tuxedo jacket with matching trousers

-       Formal white pique or pleated front shirt

-       Black bow tie

-       Black cummerbund to match tie or a waistcoat

-       Suspenders are optional

-       Black patent leather shoes and black dress socks

-       White pocket handkerchief

Black Tie Optional

When an invitation says “Black Tie Optional” it means that the host of the event is giving their guests the option of wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie. Although the invitation does say “optional” it is usually a clue as to the formality of the event.

Women: -Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

Men: - A tuxedo

OR

-       Dark Suit with a white shirt and a conservative dark color tie

Creative Black Tie

Although not commonly used, “Creative Black Tie” is another way of saying “Black Tie Optional”. By phrasing it “Creative Black Tie” it allows for trendy interpretations for the classic formal wear.

Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

-       Don’t be afraid to get Creative!

Men: - Tuxedo combined with color

-       Black shirt, colorful bowtie and cummerbund

-       Any other creative yet formal combination you can think of

Semiformal

As you can probably tell from the title, Semiformal means that the event is less formal than all of the other, previous examples. It means that the dress is more casual and laid back. However, this does not mean that you can pull out your blue jeans and old t-shirt.

Women: - Cocktail dresses

-       Matching appropriate shoes

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment your outfit

-       Purse should again be minimal

Men: - Dark business suit

-       Optional matching vest

-       White shirt

-       Conservative tie

Dressy Casual/ Business Casual

One of the most casual types of events one can attend. Again however, this does not mean that jeans are acceptable.

Women: - Nice Cocktail length dress or Sundress

-       Matching appropriate shoes

-       Purse should be small

Men: - Seasonal sport coat or blazer

-       Slacks or khakis

-       Open-collared shirt

Beach Casual

As you can most likely infer from the title, it usually applies when there is a beach somehow involved. Everyone knows beach weddings or events held near the water are usually casual and laid back. The beach is meant to be relaxing and therefore the style is representative of that same feeling.

Women: - Sundresses in light or bright colors

-       Sandals

-       Minimal Jewelry

-       Purse should be small

Men: - Khakis or Shorts (cargo or Bermuda)

-       Knit or Polo shirt

-       Optional Sports Jacket or sweater

I hope this helps and clears up any confusion you might have! Remember though that if you have any questions it is best to contact the host or hostess and ask what kind of attire is expected so there are not any awkward situations once you arrive. What do you think of all these different styles?

xox Lauren

Addressing Etiquette

Ever been curious how to address your envelopes for your big day? Ever know how to address a guest that is living with someone but unmarried? Did you even know there was a particular "etiquette" involved in the addressing? Well don't worry, I'm here to save any concerns you may have.
Follow these steps, and you'll be sure to not insult anyone and definitely impress!
(Feel free to use these for any other formal event you may have, too.)

Envelopes: 

Inner Envelope: includes the title and last name of the specific people invited. This allows the host to be very clear about who is invited, and by omission, who is not invited. If both adults and children are invited, list the couple's name and below it, the name of the child (separate lines).

Outer Envelope:
Names: Addressed conventionally using titles, first and last names. Titles and suffixes can be abbreviated (i.e. Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc.)
Addresses: Words such as "Street" or "Boulevard" should be spelled out! State names may be written in full or use the two-letter postal code abbreviation.

RSVP Envelope:
Write out all words here, too. House numbers and zip codes should be written in numeral form except for "one," which is spelled out. The return address is typically printed on the outer envelope's back flap.

Guests:

Married couple: Invitations are allowed addressed to both members of a married couple, even though the bride may know only one or knows that only one will attend.
Informal: You can include the first names of both husband and wife after their titles. The inner envelope can address the couple by their first names.
Different last names: In all cases, the wife's name is traditionally written first. This does not change if they have different last names!

Un-married Couple: Connecting the couple's names by the word "and" implies marriage. For an un-married couple that lives together, names should be written on separate lines without the word "and." On the inner envelope, both are addressed by their titles and respective last names.

Family with children:
Formal: The outer envelope would be the same as a couple without children. The inner envelope can specify the children by name that are invited. Boys under age 13 are addressed as Master and girls under age 18 are addressed as Miss.
Informal: The outer envelope would have both parents names written. The inner envelope can state the parents' and children's first names without titles and using the word "and" is acceptable to link the children's names.

Single Guest: For a single woman, either "Ms." or "Miss" is appropriate. The guest's name is the only one that appears on the outer envelope. The inner envelope can include the guest's name followed by "and Guest." If you know who their guest would be, it's more personal to include that person's name on a separate line.  

Wedding Etiquette Trivia Answers

As promised, here are the answers to the recent posting of Wedding Etiquette Trivia!

QUESTION: On which lapel should the groom and groomsmen wear their boutonnieres?

ANSWER: A

Traditionally, the boutonniere should be worn by the groom and his attendants on their left lapels. The groom and groomsmen's boutonnieres should be simple and small, and they should never appear to be wearing corsages. Usually, the groom's boutonniere features the same type of flower used in his bride's bouquet, while the groomsmen typically wear a boutonniere that complements that of the groom.

QUESTION: Traditionally, who holds the knife when cutting the wedding cake?

ANSWER: C

When it comes to cutting the cake, the bride traditionally puts her right hand on the handle of the cake knife, and the groom puts his hand over hers.

QUESTION: How long should you allow for the printing of formal invitations?

ANSWER: C

The rule of thumb is to allow at least six to eight weeks for formal invitations and their related enclosures to print.

QUESTION: What is the ideal lag time between the ceremony and reception?

ANSWER: B

 The ideal lag time between the ceremony and reception is 30 minutes -- after all, you want to avoid keeping guests waiting too long with no place to go. Typically, lag time is dependent on how far the two venues are from each other, the time availability of both spaces, and whether or not the formal photographs of the wedding party will be taken after the ceremony (and how long that will take).

QUESTION: When should you have your registries completed by?

ANSWER: C

When it comes to gifts, you should register as soon as you can, within reason. You should have your registries completed by the time that invitations are sent.

QUESTION: What is the appropriate way to give the bride and groom their gifts?

ANSWER: D

After the wedding, gifts should be sent to the couple's address. If they have not made their home address known, the gifts should be sent to the bride's parents' home, alternatively. Before the wedding, gifts should be sent to their address (if the couple is already living together) or to the bride's home.

QUESTION: Who stands and who sits during the wedding toasts?

ANSWER: A

Everyone should rise for the toasts to the newlyweds except the bride and groom, who remain seated. If a toast is directed towards the bride, the groom rises; if it is directed to their parents, both the bride and groom rise.

QUESTION: When should you mail out your invitations?

ANSWER: C

You should mail your invitations out six to eight weeks before the wedding date.

QUESTION: How long do you have to write and send thank-you notes?

ANSWER: B

All thank-you notes should be written and sent within three months of the wedding -- at most.

These are a few small etiquette tips for the newly engaged! If you happen to have any wedding questions, write to katherine@eventspaisley.com and we'll answer asap!

xoxo 

Katherine

Wedding Etiquette Trivia

Wedding Etiquette Trivia: Do You Know the Rules?

Do you know how many months you have to send out those thank-you notes after your Big Day? What about the rules on where guests should send their too-big-for-the-day-of wedding gifts? Navigating the wedding world can be tricky -- so The Huffington Post turned to etiquette expert Peggy Post, great-granddaughter-in-law of famed etiquette guru Emily Post, to guide us through the official dos and don'ts for the Big Day. I will post the answers in a few days but for now enjoy the quiz! 

QUESTION: On which lapel should the groom and groomsmen wear their boutonnieres?

A) All should wear the boutonniere on the left
B) All should wear the boutonniere on the right
C) Either side -- but the groomsmen must wear the boutonniere on the opposite side of the groom
D) Both

QUESTION: Traditionally, who holds the knife when cutting the wedding cake?

A) The groom 

B) The bride 

C) Both the bride and groom; the bride's hands go under the groom's. 

D) Both the bride and groom; the groom's hands go under the bride's.

QUESTION: How long should you allow for the printing of formal invitations

A) 1-2 weeks 

B) 3-5 weeks 

C) 6-8 weeks 

D) 9-12 weeks

QUESTION: What is the ideal lag time between the ceremony and reception?

A) 10 minutes 

B) 30 minutes 

C) 60 minutes 

D) 90 minutes

QUESTION: When should you have your registries completed by?

A) By the time you have sent out your Save The Dates 

B) One month before the the wedding 

C) By the time you have sent out your invitations 

D) Two weeks before the wedding

QUESTION: What is the appropriate way to give the bride and groom their gifts?

A)They should be brought to the wedding reception 

B) They should be brought to the wedding ceremony 

C) They should be given to the bride and groom at the receiving line 

D) They should be sent to the couple's address

QUESTION: Who stands and who sits during the wedding toasts?

A) Everyone should stand except for the bride and groom 

B) Everyone should stand except for the bridal party 

C) Only the bridal party and the speaker should stand 

D) Only the speaker and the bride and groom should stand

QUESTION: When should you mail out your invitations?

A) As soon as your invitations are printed 

B) 3-4 weeks before the wedding date 

C) 6-8 weeks before the wedding date 

D) 9-12 weeks before the wedding date

QUESTION: How long do you have to write and send thank-you notes?

A) Within 3 weeks of the ceremony 

B) Within 3 months of the ceremony 

C) Within 6 months of the ceremony 

D) Within 9 months of the ceremony

Answers to come soon!

xoxo

Katherine