Planning: Pleasing Your Guests

PLEASING YOUR GUESTS

Recently, For the Bride has learned not all guests are thrilled after attending a wedding. Long kisses at the altar…reception too crowded…long lines at the food stations are just a few of the complaints we heard. So, how can you please a roomful of family and friends? We’ve made it easy for you by pinpointing some very common guest grumbles. Read on and vow to avoid them!

Stockbrokerxtra - Dreamstime

GRIPE The invitation didn’t say it was an outdoor wedding. I ruined my favorite shoes when the heels sank into the soft ground.

WHAT TO DO If the invitation doesn’t state your wedding is outdoors (if your site is a beach/park/garden), add an enclosure that lets them know what to expect. Say something like, “Ladies should wear comfortable shoes due to uneven ground at the ceremony.”

GRIPE “You may kiss the bride,” turned into a ten-minute love fest.

WHAT TO DO Keep the smooching short. Remember, the honeymoon is a few short hours away.

GRIPE The dance floor was too packed—no one could move.

WHAT TO DO Be sure your dance floor can handle the crowd. Event planners say you’ll need a minimum of 2.5 square feet of dance-floor space for each guest. However, if you know your guests love to show their moves on the floor, opt for 3 square feet.

GRIPE I never received a thank-you note.

WHAT TO DO So maybe you’ve already written 157 thank-you notes but have 43 more to go. Finish no later than three months after the wedding. Make the process as painless as possible by doing a little each night--and get hubby to do his fair share, too.

GRIPE Either there were a lot of party crashers or the couple hadn’t planned well. There were long lines at the food stations and bars.

WHAT TO DO A good way to avoid the lines for food and drinks is to have the wait staff offer trays of drinks and hors d’oeuvres, which will keep some people from queuing up.  

GRIPE The bride and groom were getting pictures taken for half of the reception.

WHAT TO DO A simple solution is to have formal shots done before the wedding. Most couples get them done so they can be with guests immediately following the ceremony. But if you want to stick with tradition and not permit the groom to you before "I do," keep it to a minimum. You don't need shots at three different locales. Let your photographer know in advance how much time you want to allot for pictures.  

By Patricia Canole

Wedding Etiquette Q & A

The Best Advice on Handling Your Trickiest Dilemmas

I’m confused. What is the difference between an escort card, a place card, and a table card?

Great question! The escort card is often mistakenly referred to as a place card, but the two are quite different. The escort card informs guests of the table at which they will be sitting and has their names and the table number on it. These cards are usually placed alphabetically on a table near the reception entrance so guests can easily find their spots. The place cards are already on the dinner tables and situated at a place setting to indicate where each guest is to sit. Used more frequently at formal weddings, these are optional for informal weddings. The table card is a prominently displayed sign on each reception table that bears its number.

We're getting married in April 2015. Is it acceptable to send out wedding invitations by e-mail?

Although it may be tempting to do, wedding invitations should be sent the traditional way. After all, with e-mails inundating computers and Smartphones today, an invitation received through the mail is considered very special—and also a good way to set the tone for your wedding.

Where should we place our favors? We’re giving our guests bottles of wine, and we’re not sure whether to put them on the reception tables or display all of them on their own.

It’s up to the two of you to decide which presentation appeals to you most. You can put a bottle at each guest’s place setting on the reception tables, or all the bottles can be beautifully displayed for guests as they leave. Just be sure that someone monitors the table, so people don’t take more than one!

By Patricia Canole

Wedding Events Timeline: The Bachelor Party

Don’t Think Of This As His Last Chance To Celebrate Being Single;

It’s Simply An Opportunity To Spend time With His Closest Friends And

Toast The Amazing Life Change That’s About To Happen

Photo via Shutterstock

 

 

WHEN Two-to-three weeks before the wedding.

WHO HOSTS Usually the best man and groomsmen spearhead the planning.

PRE-PARTY TO DO’S Discuss what kind of party is being planned for your

fiancé and make sure you’re comfortable with it too.

VENUE Ideas for planning a weekend away are wide open: Las Vegas is a sure-

fire option for good food and late-night fun, or he can try something seasonal like

golfing in Arizona or California. If the party takes place locally, he might

consider chowing down at an upscale steakhouse. Sports aficionados might opt for

a professional basketball game or the more adventurous types why not rock

climbing, snowboarding, or white-water rafting?

GUEST LIST The groomsmen, your fiance’s brothers (yours, too) and any other

friends.

DAY-OF NOTES Let him know: Yes, he can call you, especially if he’s away for

the weekend. His friends might tease him for checking in, but just remember

they’re doing the same thing!

By Patricia Canole

Weddings Made Easy

GET SMART ABOUT STATIONERY

Lilah Paper

Wedding invitations can be expensive: custom designs and letterpress printing are just the beginning. But you don't have to settle for less quality to save. Here’s how to get it all without breaking the budget.

SHOP AROUND While stationery stores are a great place to see a wide selection of invitations, there are other options. Office supply stores including Staples, Walmart and other discount outlets plus online websites like Wedding Paper Divas are just a few of the alternatives available. Remember to order samples so that you can see the quality and printing before purchase.

Staples

NO RECEPTION CARD If your ceremony and reception will be held at the same site/venue, there is little need for an additional card. Instead, have your reception time and place printed at the bottom of the invitation instead of on a separate card. You’ll not only save on cost of the paper but additional postage too.

 Wedding Paper Divas

PROOFREAD A no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people find errors on their invitations. Get your bridesmaids and friends to help check for extra assurance. Be sure all the details are included: names, date, time, location and response card info.

A PACKAGE DEAL Look for stationers who offer discounts when ordering the entire wedding stationery ensemble all at once: save-the-dates, invitations, place cards, thank you cards, etc. If you don’t see a reduction...just ask!

Wedding Paper Divas

Wedding Paper Divas

STAMP OF APPROVAL Some people think if invites weigh an ounce, they can use a regular first-class stamp. Not true! Most invitations weigh more than an ounce. And according to the U.S. Post Office website, you'll incur an additional surcharge on anything over one ounce. There are other considerations as well including if the envelope is oversized or square, contains rigid items such as wood/metal, or has clasps, buttons, or similar closures. Be sure to check with your local post office beforehand.

PRINTING TECHNIQUES An engraved wedding invitation is the ultimate—but also pricey! Thankfully there are alternatives that are equally satisfying and less costly ways to announce your wedding. Thermography will give the same raised look and feel while laser printing is perfectly acceptable for a more casual wedding.

Lilah

THE LITTLE EXTRAS Although invitations with bows, multiple layers of papers and other intricate embellishments are popular today, these little extras will add to the final cost. In addition, there might be hidden assembly fees—or extra work for you. Opt for a simple invitation printed on high-quality paper.

Wedding Paper Divas

WHAT’S ON THE MENU? If you’re holding the reception at a hotel/restaurant, have them create menu cards as part of the deal. It’s usually not a problem, and it will save you an extra expense.

MORE IS BETTER Forgot to invite a college pal? It doesn't hurt to order a few extra invitations to have on hand. Sure it will cost you a little extra now, but save you rush charges later.

By Patricia Canole

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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Planning: Winter Weddings

Winter Wedding Inspirations

INVITES Play up the hues and textures of this time of year by adding elegant velvet embellishments to invitations, place cards, and menus.

Marshay Invitation Boutique

FLOWERS For centerpieces, combine wintry flowers like garland and gardenias with pine cones, holly sprays and other seasonal fauna. A more dramatic statement might be long faux snow-covered white branches placed in large urns which will soar over tables. 

DÉCOR Winter calls for jeweled tones of garnet red, emerald green, and royal purple: contrast these bold colors with stark white. Instead of standard linens, choose a quilted silk tablecloth with a trim to keep the look warm and chic. For a more festive holiday feel, hang swags of pine garland studded with white roses and berries on doorways. They will look and smell sensational. Finally, cast a cozy glow over the room by placing votive candles holders or arranging pillar candles of varying heights on your tables.

Francesca Events

MENU Make traditional drinks like eggnog an elegant choice for the cocktail hour by decorating the tray with holly and berries. Or, welcome guests with warmed pomegranate toddies and chai lattes with Appleton rum.  For dinner, serve hot, hearty appetizers like warm medallions of brie on a bed of winter greens, followed by filet mignon and sautéed root vegetables.


DESSERT Have the wait staff pass a selection of small sweets with rich flavors like chocolate mousse with whipped cream, cream-filled pastries, praline with Nutella ganache or caramel cherries with chocolate buttercream. For your wedding cake think blood orange or gooseberry preserve fillings. By the way, take advantage of the cool climate to top your cake with buttercream frosting, which is a lot less expensive than fondant and is hard to work with in warmer temperatures.

Sylvia Weinstock

 By Patricia Canole

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates!

Planning: APPmazing!

A New App to the Rescue

It seems wedding apps are taking over the app store world, making a search for an all-rounder a bit too confusing for most couples-to-be. Recently I tried Trello, a new online/mobile tool you can use to create lists, make plans, jot down ideas and inspiration, too. In a matter of minutes, I got to enjoy the ease in creating boards with checklists of duties for bridesmaids and even starting a map of seating assignments at the reception. Here, a few of the ways Trello can make it all happen.



1. Create Your Timeline

2. Segment each list on your board in order of urgency and list important dates, locations and vendor details. You’ll have everything you need to take care of in one central place.  

3. Create a board to configure your seating arrangements for the reception. You can even add special details about your guests and note if they have food allergies. It’s so easy to stay up-to-date with your bridesmaids from where to get their dresses, lists of what they need to complete, important details about bachelorette party/bridal showers, and more. Your bridal party will be in constant contact with one another and have access to any and all information they need to know in one organized place.














4. Once the wedding is over, you can easily lose track of things and items you need to take care of such as sending out thank you notes or finalizing any outstanding bills.

By Patricia Canole

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates!

NEW YEAR...NEW YOU!

Our Top Resolutions For The Newly Engaged.

The New Year brings a feeling of fresh starts and new beginnings. And for you newly engaged, January is the most popular month to begin wedding plans. If 2015 has you saying “I do” you might consider some of these resolutions. 

Here’s to becoming a better version of you!!


RESOLUTION 1: SHAPE UP

Kick off the year with a new workout regiment and be sure you reach your goal—whether it’s to drop a dress size, get a toned body or both! Walking down the aisle will feel so much better if you’re fit and trim.


RESOLUTION 2: GET CREATIVE

DIY elements are a fun way to make your wedding more personal. Try something simple: table numbers, favors, and ceremony programs are a good place to start!


RESOLUTION 3: ADD BALANCE TO YOUR LIFE

Make 2015 a balanced year by spending equal amounts of time on work, wedding planning, and some downtime too. A day at the spa is a wonderful way of making sure that you get time for yourself (a rare luxury, we know).


RESOLUTION 4: ENJOY THE JOURNEY

The period of your engagement is an exciting time in your life. Banish the negative and work towards staying calm and stress­free by enjoying each other. Take a few moments in each day and spend it with your soon to be spouse without talking or doing wedding related items.


RESOLUTION 5: SET A BUDGET

Financial conversations can be difficult, but is very necessary. It's not only important, but should be one of the first steps in the planning process. It will save you a lot of heartache in the end. Once you have set a budget, stick to it the best you can!


RESOLUTION 6: DON’T USE SOCIAL MEDIA AS YOUR JOURNAL

Yes, planning your wedding is exciting, but it doesn’t mean you have to tell everyone every detail. If you want to share your wedding details, you should start a blog instead, and those wish can keep themselves up-­to-­date on your wedding plans. No need to broadcast your reception woes to the world on Facebook or Twitter.


RESOLUTION 7: CELEBRATE YOUR FRIENDSHIPS

You'll be asking friends and family to spend time and money to be a part of your wedding. Reciprocate by making the time to be with them and showing how much they mean to you. Send an email to an out-­of-­town friend, pick up a small trinket for someone you frequently see, or just spend a lunch date listening to friends—rather than rambling on about wedding plans.


RESOLUTION 8: STAY POSITIVE

Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down in the little details. Will it rain? Will there be enough vegetarian canapés to go around? What if there isn’t enough wine? You need to not be pessimistic or think of the worst outcome, just try to look at the bright side of life. It will be the happiest day of your life, even if it rains, and you have to go with plan B. Some things are out of your control, and you just have to accept that.


RESOLUTION 9: EAT WELL

Today’s world has us so busy we don't have time to think about eating properly. Set aside a little time to plan in advance. This resolution may lead to a healthier bride and may do more for you than any other fitness type goal.


The best to you on your engagement! Stay tuned for more inspiration and advice throughout the year—and we wish you lots of happiness in the process!

By Patricia Canole