People Who Don't RSVP for a Wedding..or Any Event!

These types of people hold a very special place in my heart.  Not the nicest part.  Definitely not from the bottom of my heart!   

Do they have an idea of the agony they cause for someone planning an event.  Not only does a person planning an event have added stress when they least need it, the RSVP count or lack of is costing them money.  Yes, MONEY!  Guessing on a final guest count is costly.  Nothing pains me more than seeing a couple a week away from their wedding looking like volunteers at a call bank for a fund raising for public television.  "We were wondering if we could count on you for your support?"  Well,  kind of like that!

A tip for those planning an event!  Make sure your last table number is for those who might possibly show up but haven't sent in an RSVP!  It's only fair that they not be served in the same manner as everyone else.  They should be the last ones the DJ calls to the buffet line.  Never should anyone who DID send in an RSVP be scraping the bottom of a chafing dish!  

Enjoy Table #0 for the ______.  Trying not to say "Zero's".

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Greatest of Days plans the following types of events south and east of Seattle, WA.  

Social Events:

Anniversaries

Bar Mitzvahs

Bat Mitzvahs

Graduation

Sweet 16

Retirement

Bon Voyage

Quinceaneras

Welcome Home

Milestone Birthdays

Celebration of Life Events

Weddings (on a case by case basis)

Business Events:

Employee Appreciation

Client Appreciation      

Product Launches

Grand Openings

Re-Branding 

Retirement

Book Signing

Special Promotions

Community Events:

Fundraising Events

Assist in Planning Festivals

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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Wedding Favors. Are You Doing Your Guest a Favor?

All you have to do is clean-up duties for a few weddings and you will see that there are favors left behind on the tables or left in what might have seemed like an ideal place for everyone to know that these were for guests to take home.  If someone has put a lot of time into them, they will think of all the hours that have kind of gone down the tube! There's always ribbon that is abandoned that was wrapped around a box or some object with or without a personalized message on it.  Also if favors are too much geared to female guests or male guests, a good number of favors will be left behind.

What favors seem to be used or make it home with their guests?  I would say that in general they would fall into these categories.

1.  Something with a little bit of practicality.
2.  Food, if you have something that is prepared to avoid common food allergies and is so noted.
3.  Something that has universal appeal.  Take into account age and gender of your guests.
4.  An object that has the bride and groom pictured in it.  Perhaps they can use the frame for something else later.

Don't count on personalized napkins to be a favor!  Who wants to take home a dirty napkin? No one that I know of!  I'm not saying don't use personalized napkins.  I think they add a nice touch.  It might help people remember your anniversary date if nothing else!

If you have a centerpiece that is a live fish that someone will win at a particular table, that can get interesting.  It's good if you're certain that one out of every 8 guests seated at a table is really going to want to go home with a fish.  Please remember that if you do this, that you provide food and instructions on how to take care of the fish.  If someone doesn't win the fish you want to still make sure that they have something to enjoy as a favor to take home.  There are many creative ways to determine who wins the fish!  It's also okay if someone doesn't want that little fishy and hands it off to someone who does.

Some people set up a candy buffet with containers for people to fill with candy and take home as a favor.  I would suggest that you have some that are set up for diabetics!  This will make them feel like they have taken into consideration rather than just another painful reminder that they can't enjoy candy or sweets anymore.

As always, wishing you the greatest of days!

Janis Flagg, Owner

Greatest of Days

Event Planning and Design

Wedding Officiating

http://www.greatestofdays.com/

27111 167th PL SE, STE 105-242

Covington WA   98042

206-604-1908

"Creating Memories to Bring a Smile to Your Face for Years to Come!" 

http://www.greatestofdaysweddingsandevents.blogspot.com

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