Posted by Patti Wellington on Mon, Sep 06, 2010 @ 12:22 PM
The faces that line the aisle on your wedding day should be special to you. Making your wedding guest list is a challenging process because you don't want to forget any essential guests or succumb to the pressure to invite (and pay for) nonessential guests. Here are some guidelines to follow for building, managing and trimming your wedding guest list.
Making the Wedding Guest List:
Your wedding guest list should everyone you would ideally like to invite to your wedding. Think about all of the people you would like to share this special day with.
1. Determine the number of wedding guests: Knowing what kind of wedding you want and how much you have to spend, use that information to decide how many guests you can invite. Keep in mind that the headcount at your wedding reception is the biggest expense in your wedding budget.
2. Make the A-list: The bride and groom should sit down with pen and paper and make out their wedding guest A-list, which should include essential wedding guests and anyone and everyone who should bear witness to your marriage.
3. Get the financial contributers' guest list: Parents of the bride and groom, especially if they're helping to foot the bill, should have some say about who's invited from each family. Decide how you will divide the wedding invitations. (Hint - a couple of options are to divide the invitations in half between the bride and groom's family or, if you share friends, give each set of parents one third of the invites to send to family and close friends).
4. Make the B-list: put together a short list of people that are somewhat important but that arent' going to be on the first list - coworkers, your boss, third cousins and children.
How to cut the Wedding Guest List
Once you've made a wedding guest list of everyone whom you would like to invite, you're going to have to make some adjustments to the list to fit your budget and venue restrictions. This is not an easy task - keep only the wedding guests whose presence you will really appreciate.
1. Consult the list against the party budget. If necessary, cut the wedding guest list down by removing non-essential guests.
2. Make objective standards for inclusion and exclusion, especially if you're having trouble cutting the wedding guest list on a name-by-name basis.
Here are some popular suggestions for cutting the wedding guest list:
a) Decide whether or not you will invite children.
b) Ask single people not to bring dates. This is a good way for your single friends to meet.
c) Do not invite people to reciprocate for invitations or gifts that they've given to you.
d) Cut anyone you haven't spoken to in a number of years.
e) Cut all co-workers you do not socialize with outside of work.
f) Cut the heavy drinkers. You'll spare yourself some drama and a hefty bar tab.
3. Once you start getting back responses of people who may not attend, consult the B-list and send out a few more invitations for these people, seeing there is some room now. Try to do this in a timely manner so these people don't feel like last minute invites.
Follow these guidelines and you'll find that the daunting task of creating a wedding guest list won't be as bad as you originally thought.
Posted by Patti Wellington on Fri, May 14, 2010 @ 12:46 PM
The wedding dress is chosen, the grooms tuxedo is ordered; the reception location and the menu are picked, cake and all sorts of reception design is done. Now its time to choose the wedding invitations.
Knowing that this is the first element that announces the wedding, the invitations have come to represent an extremely important issue. If the wedding invitation is successful, then the whole event itself should be perfect (in theory!!).
When it comes to the wedding invitation, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wedding invitations have a role similar to that of the first impression; first off, it announces the wedding, so its mode of presentation should be related to the theme of the wedding and announce its style (romantic, cheerful, classic, nonconformist, etc).
- The type of wedding invitation you choose should be able to provide (in a discreet way) information about what type of party the wedding will be.
- It’s best to choose a wedding invitation that will represent you and your fiance
- If you don't want children at your wedding, address your invitations and leave the children's names off it and also don't mention them in the invitation.
- Have friends and family pass the word around that you don't want children at the wedding. Use this type of wording to get your point across - Adult Reception; We hope that the (# of) of you will be able to join us; (# of) seats have been reserved in your names
- If someone hasn't responded to your invitation, at one week past the "Reply by" date, give them a quick call and try and confirm over the phone
- Children over the age of 16 get their own invitation
- Your officiant and their better half get an invitation
- Send your parents and wedding party invitations, as a keepsake
- Always put return postage on your wedding RSVP's.
Posted by Patti Wellington on Thu, May 13, 2010 @ 11:16 AM
Wedding celebrations are full of tradition and etiquette. While I realize you can’t please everyone, with careful wedding planning you can address some issues in advance that will help ensure that everyone’s memories of your wedding is a great one.
Here is a list of things wedding couples should consider avoiding - otherwise your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come - and not in a good way.
1. Too much time in between ceremony and reception - Out-of-town guests are often at a loss for ways to fill the time between a one or two o’clock wedding and a five or six o’clock reception. Try to keep the down time to a minimum. When it isn’t possible to hold the events within an hour of each other, ask the reception hall if it will open its doors early for your visiting guests and serve some drinks and munchies (it doesn’t have to be anything fancy). Other options include asking relatives or close friends to invite them to their home for a light snack, or arranging a hospitality suite for them at their hotel.
2. Centerpieces are too big - The centerpiece was so large that guests couldn’t see or talk to guests seated across the table. Smaller, shorter arrangements are best. Your centerpiece shouldn’t be the center of attention - it should help enhance the mood at the wedding reception (and not be the main topic of conversation at the table).
3. Speeches – Always way too long and guests couldn’t make sense of the words. Try to keep speeches less than five minutes. If possible, they should last between two and five minutes - and trust me, no one wants to hear about your childhood mishaps.
4. Seating Plans – Guests are always upset to find that they don’t know anyone at their table. Take the time to carefully plan your seating arrangement, placing guests at tables with others they know. They don’t have to be best friends, just acquaintances or people with some kind of connection. Try to seat out-of-town guests, who aren’t likely to know anyone, with others having similar interests.
5. Bride and Groom Mingling with Guests - The bride and groom didn’t stop by to say hello. Make the rounds of guest tables at the reception, but don’t spend too much time at each. A quick greeting, thank you or compliment will do.
6. DJ/Music - The DJ was unbearable and played terrible music. Find the best wedding DJ available using recommendations from other brides and the advice of wedding industry professionals. Some guests find the music to be too loud. Try to find a DJ that is experienced and focused on creating a unbelievable experience for you and your guests. Many guests would like to see tables and chairs away from speakers and seat older guests further from the sound equipment.
7. Cash Bar – Many guests will be offended when asked to pay for their drinks at a wedding that you invited them to. Open bars are the accepted norm. If your budget is tight, offer wine and beer only -- or limit drink choices to "call" brands. You can also close the bar during the dinner hour to save on costs.
8. Novelty Traditions - When it comes to money dances, novelty songs (chicken dance comes to mind), singles dances or cake smashing - most guests are in agreement that they’d rather not see it. As the host, your job is to make guests feel at ease and comfortable – so best to err on the safe side and refrain from these potential blunders.
9. Thank You – Guests are always invited to weddings, but couples always forget to thank them for the gift. We recommend sharing this task with your husband. Divide your list, write your notes at the same time, and make a pact to finish a certain number every night until they are finished. It is expected to mail thank-you notes within three months.
10. Receiving Lines - Guests really don’t like standing forever in a receiving line. The bride & groom, and their parents are the only required greeters and the bridal party can relax or finalize some last minute reception details. Or you can forgo the receiving line all together and consider visiting individual tables during or immediately following dinner.
Posted by Patti Wellington on Tue, Apr 06, 2010 @ 08:11 PM
Nothing is more striking than a gorgeous bride in a stunning dress with a attractive smile. If you plan on getting hitched anytime soon, what better way to prepare for your wedding day than having your teeth whitened?
Having your teeth whitened for the wedding day is somewhat inexpensive and can produce incredible results for a bride or groom. Remember that teeth whitening will not turn out on all types of teeth discoloration - it's best to have a consult with your dentist before making a commitment.
A person with yellow-tinted teeth would have great results with bleaching, while some with gray-tinted teeth might be dissatisfied because they don't bleach as well.
Also, consider that if you have tooth-colouring fillings or crowns, they will be darker after your teeth have been bleached because they really don't lighten with the whitening process.
Here are several popular and successful bleaching options:
The hour long in office whitening treatment that is performed by a dentist.
Dental office tooth whitening offers superb results. This procedure is
done quickly and usually only takes an hour. In-office bleaching is
usually more expensive, but the time that you save by having immediate
results can make this choice tempting to many brides and grooms.
Bleaching trays and gels from your dentist or purchased over the counter:
Bleaching trays and gels are very effective as well, but the desired
results take longer to reach. So plan it out based on the date of your
wedding. The gel-filled trays usually need to be worn for several hours a
day or overnight, and it typically takes 3 or 4 days before any results
are noticed. Teeth whitening kits from the dentist turn out faster and
more effective results because they contain a stronger
peroxide-bleaching agent than whitening kits purchased over the counter.
Whitening strips sold over the counter:
Teeth whitening strips sold over the counter are somewhat inexpensive and straightforward to use. Seeing results usually take longer since the peroxide-bleaching agent in teeth whitening strips is not as strong as the bleaching chemicals offered from a dentist.
Tips to consider before you Whiten your Teeth:
- If your dentist has determined that you are a candidate for teeth whitening, schedule an appointment to have your teeth cleaned first. Having your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist will remove surface stains caused from tea, coffee and nicotine.
- Dentists notice that a common side effect of teeth whitening is sensitive teeth so you may want to start using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth a few weeks prior to starting the bleaching process.
Teeth Whitening Maintenance:
- After having your teeth whitened, touch-ups are commonly needed to protect your desired shade, depending upon habits such as smoking, eating certain foods and drinking coffee and tea, which can all, stain your teeth.
- Using a whitening toothpaste can help keep your teeth white by removing exterior stains.
- Good oral hygiene is necessary to maintaining your dazzling smile, so remember to brush at least twice a day and always floss daily.
- Visiting your dentist for regular check ups and cleanings will also help to keep your smile white and brilliant all year long.
Posted by Patti Wellington on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 @ 09:55 AM
As you choose special wedding gifts for your maid of honor, bridesmaids, flower girl, and parents, don’t forget about that most important person on your list – the groom!
It is very common for the bride and groom to exchange gifts on their wedding day. The gifts are usually given prior to the actual ceremony, either at the rehearsal dinner or by way of a messenger on the wedding day. Some couples choose to give the gift after the wedding reception when they have some personal alone time.
Any gift of jewelery or something like cuff links or a handkerchief can become a part of your wedding day. Your groom can wear the cuff links or tuck the handkerchief in his tux. Some handkerchiefs have a personal message on them and the cuff links can be engraved. You can be sure that he will wear that special watch, necklace or any other piece of jewelery on the big day. Consider the message and sentiment you are hoping to achieve, and that, along with the cost, should guide your decision.
Here are some gift ideas for the groom.
On a Budget
- Bottle of his favorite wine or liquor with a love letter
- Customized calendar with photos of you both together
- Mixed CD of your favorite songs and a love note
- Money clip engraved
- Personalized handkerchief
- Photo album or scrapbook with many of your favorite photos
- Photo frame
- Poetry book
Traditional Gifts- A necklace or bracelet
- A watch
- Cuff links
- Gift basket of all his favorite things (including this favorite cologne)
- New leather wallet, inscribed with a personal message
- Brand name sunglasses
Classy and Customized - An engraved pocket watch
- Gift certificate for an adventure of a lifetime – scuba diving, skydiving, hot air balloon rides or something else up his alley
- Personalized golf balls or golf club
Technology at Its Best - Digital camera
- Digital camcorder
- Flat-screen TV
- GPS system
- iPod or MP3 player
- A print, painting, or sculpture by one of his favorite artists
- A set of golf clubs, if he doesn’t already have them
- High-end fashion watch
Some couples opt not to exchange gifts other than their wedding bands and the honeymoon they’ll share. If you decide not to give a gift, consider sending a sweet greeting card or a handwritten love note – something you both can cherish for a lifetime.
Posted by Patti Wellington on Tue, Feb 09, 2010 @ 05:01 PM
The average wedding reception – featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, a three course dinner, dessert and open bar – can run anywhere from $100 and up per person, depending on where you live, the time of day or year, and the type of food you choose to serve. Significant sums of money can be saved by holding the wedding reception during the day rather than in the evening, or at a less busy time of year.
When planning the wedding dinner, use your caterer as an ally. Together, go over each aspect of the reception – food, drink, and rentals, wedding cake – and determine how important each is to you and where you’d like to concentrate your money. To keep costs under control, consider a lower priced chicken or fish main course; save more pricey beef and lobster dishes for hors d’oeuvers.
How the wedding dinner is served will also affect the price - waiter service, surprisingly, is often similar in cost to a buffet. French service, in which guests are served from a platter at the table, requires more staff and is therefore more expensive. You can also do without the desert course and simply serve the wedding cake with some fruit to end the meal. Liquor will be billed either by what the guests drink (consumption per bottle or per drink) or by a set price that’s usually factored into the food costs.
A caterer will usually provide - and charge extra for - things such as cake-cutting service and bartenders; ask ahead of time and get quotes for each and include them in your wedding budget/estimate. It may be less expensive to let the caterer or reception hall handle everything.
Always ask exactly what is covered in the catering package and about extra charges, including tipping waiters and bartenders. Doing all these things will allow you to figure out ahead of time what the best course to take with your wedding reception, with no surprises at the end.
Posted by Patti Wellington on Thu, Feb 04, 2010 @ 09:44 AM
Wedding bands represent the bond the two of you share and show the world that you are husband and wife, so it’s natural that you’ll want them to reflect your tastes. While the other jewelry you wear every day – including the bride's wedding ring and engagement ring – my influence your choice, it shouldn’t be the only factor.
Here are some things you should know:
Plain gold wedding bands have a long history with weddings. In ancient Rome, gold rings symbolized everlasting love and commitment. Today, they are available in many shades, such as yellow, rose and white (which is actually silver in color). Gold is durable but is known to lose its luster sooner than other metals - which can be easily restored with polishing
Platinum is rare and therefore, more expensive than gold. It pairs beautifully with diamonds, making it a favorite for wedding rings. Though it is resilient, it is softer than gold, and over time a platinum band may show some scrapes. As long as they are shallow, a jeweler can remove them easily through polishing. Platinum can be finished in different ways for a distinctive look. A high polish will give it a reflective appearance, while a satin, brushed, or matte ring will have more subtle shine. A platinum ring will also be hypoallergenic, unlike a gold one, since the gold used in jewelry is combined will alloy that some people are allergic to.
When shopping for bands, visit several jewelers and try on many styles with your engagement ring to see what looks best. Keep in mind; you don’t have to match the metals. If you find a platinum band you adore but have a gold engagement ring, you might opt to wear your wedding band on your left hand and your engagement ring on your right.
It’s also not necessary for the bride and groom to select matching bands. No matter which precious metal you choose, the rings you wear will be priceless to you.
Posted by Patti Wellington on Tue, Feb 02, 2010 @ 11:15 AM
The wedding cake has been an important part of the wedding celebration since Roman times when a thin wheat cake, representing bounty, was crumbled over the bride's head to ensure her fertility.
This tradition has morphed into the cake cutting that continues to be a celebrated tradition at the wedding reception, now symbolizing the couple’s commitment to sharing a life with each other.
The wedding cake cutting usually takes place while guests are still seated after dinner or once dancing has begun. The bride puts her hand on the handle of the cake knife, and the groom puts his hand over hers. Together, they make the first two cuts and remove a small slice – the groom feeds the bride the first bite: she feeds him the second.
Though not customary, it is a nice gesture for the bride and groom to serve a piece of wedding cake to each set of parents and perhaps the grandparents – before other guests are served. Once this is done, the caterer can take the wedding cake away for slicing so your guests can enjoy a piece. It's a good idea to let your caterer know your plans ahead of time so the wedding cake isn’t taken to the kitchen until you are ready.
Posted by Patti Wellington on Thu, Jan 28, 2010 @ 03:15 PM
It's pretty common today for people to have tattoos on their bodies, with many located on their back, shoulders, neck and arms. On a brides wedding day, she really wants to look pure and innocent. Unfortunately, sporting a tattoo at your wedding is not as feminine when teamed up with a white or ivory wedding gown.
Most brides don't have the extra time, money or desire to say good bye to their body art, however they may just want to cover it up for the day, especially for mom or the grandmothers. Some brides believe that if it were up to them, they would have them exposed - however because they respect the ladies that disapprove of the art, they feel compelled to cover them up.
Kat Von D, famous for her television show LA ink has created a cosmetic and fragrance line exclusively for Sephora called Invisible Ink. Her most popular item happens to be the Tattoo Concealer. The concealer is very heavy duty and is perfect for covering up tattoos on your wedding day. Oil-free and paraben-free, this is perfect for those days when you just want to feel flawless. Even if you have no ink to hide away, the concealer is great for under eye circles and other blemishes.
Here's the website for you to check out this great product that I highly recommend.
Posted by Patti Wellington on Wed, Jan 27, 2010 @ 12:03 PM
We're starting to see a trend where more and more couples are planning elaborate destination weddings - usually on popular dates like long week-ends in the summer.
In order for couples to pull off these fantastic weddings, they need to let their guests know in advance when and where their wedding will be held so that they can plan to come. The earlier you notify your guests about the wedding, the more likely they're going to be able to attend. A general rule I give my clients is that a save the date notice should be be sent at least six months prior to the wedding; for a destination wedding, it can be sent nine to twelve months in advance.
Instead of the popular save the date cards, here's a new idea to help announce the wedding date - Save the Date Magnets. When using a save the date magnet, it should always include the couples names, the wedding date and location of the wedding city. Keep in mind that you can personalize these magnets to include a photo of the bride and groom or an image of the location; beach, mountains or Niagara Falls in the announcement!
Here's another tidbit of advice - when I'm helping clients plan destination weddings, I always suggest that they include a save the date along with information about airlines, hotels, car rentals and sightseeing. A schedule of events should also be enclosed, letting your guests know the who, what, where and when of your wedding activities.
For your save the date magnets, I use an online company called Magnet Street, the website is www.magnetstreet.com Check them out, you'll be surprised at all the cool stuff they offer.