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Friday, September 30, 2011

Weddings Equal Eight, Yes Eight Reunions in One

Sorry to take the romance away for a minute from the mental visual of a wedding but only for a minute.  If you think about it, a wedding is much like planning 8 reunions all at once.    In some families it is more complicated than this but here is a general line up!  


Bride's immediate family
Bride's mother's family
Bride's father's family
Groom's immediate family
Groom's mother's family
Groom's father's family
Bride's "Class Reunion" and Groom's "Class Reunion" (friends from school and work)


Ready for one more?  Like it or not?  All of these divisions seem to find other people to invite!


Here are the caveats!  Everything is boosted to a level of higher expectations and a lot more emotions are involved.  Rightfully so!  Beginning from invitations to the send off at the reception, everything is on a grander scale.  Why wouldn't it be?  When you realize that all of the people who have been most important in your lives or would have your back, even though you've only met them a couple times in your life, are all going to be together for that very special day? 


With families and friends spread out so far, even across the globe, you really want to be able to enjoy your time with your guests and to give them a day to remember.  They are not only celebrating your new life together, but they are more than likely having their hearts warmed by seeing friends and relatives for the first time in years.  Your wedding reception could be the first occasion where the blending of both of your families really begin.  That is why I think that having a Wedding Coordinator is really one of the smartest things and kindest gifts you can give to your guests for your wedding.  You shouldn't be working or worrying on your wedding day!  I actually think that a very nice engagement or shower gift to include as part of your "wedding registry" items is the opportunity for people to contribute to a Wedding Planning Fund and really feeling invested in your wedding.  Imagine the feeling they would have knowing that they helped you to put on the wedding of your dreams or you were able to have elements you wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise. 


Wishing you the greatest of days!


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Sunday, September 18, 2011

Weddings, Dog Gone It!




First I have to say that I love dogs and can't imagine living without them.  My husband and I have pampered them for years!  Everything from a Yorkie-Poo to an Old English Sheepdog and many mutts in between including one that was considered "Most Deserving of a Double-Take" on a local TV show. We loved that dog, and he goes down as my favorite of all time!

So why would I bring up dogs on a wedding blog?  They can be a great part of the ceremony if it is allowed and planned for.  What makes me want to howl is something I've seen a lot of this past summer.  Guests are bringing their dogs to weddings!  Even if it is at an outdoor venue, I think it is inconsiderate to not see if animals are allowed on the venue property.  If there is one day that you should be considerate of everyone else, it is a wedding day!

Here are some things to consider.

First of all, is the weather going to be cool enough to leave a dog in the car?  Not just what you consider cool enough, but what a veterinarian would recommend.  Cars are not dog houses!

Are other people who attend the wedding allergic to dogs?

What are you going to do when it comes to going through the buffet line or sitting at a table when it's time for everyone to get their food?

What if there are little kids at the wedding who are afraid of dogs?

How pleasant do you think it will be for guests to see you walking around with that other variety of a doggie bag?

Appetite lost yet?  I kind of hope so!  It is the reality when you bring a dog to a wedding as a guest.  A bride and groom should not have to include in their invitation, "No dogs, Please!"

One piece of interesting information for brides and grooms! There are dog sitters who will actually come to your wedding and arrange to pick up your dog right after the ceremony if you want your dog to be a part of your ceremony.  Of course, you will have some get acquainted sessions beforehand.  There are places that will make your dog feel like he/she has been on an splendid vacation after the wedding just as I hope you will have a terrific honeymoon!

Wishing you the greatest of days!


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Saturday, September 3, 2011

7 Tips to a Happy and Yes, Uneventful Wedding Day!

1.  Have a wedding rehearsal.  It's also nice if everyone who is going to be in the wedding party will be there.  I'd recommend it happen the day before the wedding and not more than 2 days before the wedding.

2.  Don't booze it up before your wedding.  People have been getting married for ages and everyone thinks that people pass out during the ceremony because of nervousness. More often than not it's from a poor judgement call made regarding alcohol consumption before the wedding the night before or the day of the wedding!  I find that many couples really don't want alcohol at their wedding and sometimes there is alcohol at a wedding because family members or friends pressure them into it.  My response would be, "It is your wedding and if someone can't handle a few hours without alcohol, they have bigger problems than you can take care of.  Create your day the way you want it.  Consider toasting with sparkling cider for everyone as an alternative and everyone will actually remember your wedding the next day!  You can consider finding a venue that won't allow alcohol and that will take some of the pressure off of you.

3.  Include a map in with your wedding invitation and make directional signs guiding your guests to your wedding.  So often weddings start late because of late arrivals and we hear this "wait for this person or that person".

4.  Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.  You don't want to be blamed for everyone getting sick.  Leave the food and cake up to the professionals to help eliminate this potential problem.  For instance, I heard of bride who's guests all got very ill and it was traced back to the cake.  The bakery knew it had nothing to do with them.  The mistake was that the bride didn't want to pay anyone to put flowers on the cake.  The guests found out the hard way that you can't just stick any flower into a cake!  Some flowers are toxic and at best should only be inserted into the cake with floral tubes to avoid contact with the cake.  Don't risk it!

5.  Know the venue rules well.  You're probably safe if you just make it a policy to leave it in better condition that you found it!  Have someone else go with you to visit the venue that you trust will be your eyes on the wedding day looking out for your interest and the venue's interest.  Don't be afraid to use signs that can be put in picture frames to set on a counter, or on a table where everyone will see the rules.  The venue should do this, but often they don't!

6.  Plan ahead and anticipate everything you will need for your wedding.  It's very frustrating to find that something crucial has not been purchased.  Listen to suggestions and act on them as soon as possible to avoid any last minute rushes.

7.  Handle those chronically late people differently (and gently).  Tell them you need them 30 minutes to an hour earlier than you tell your other guests!  You know better than anyone who these people are.  If they do show up early, that's okay.

Wishing you the greatest of days!


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