Using Technology

     Brides who are used to communicating with electronic "tools" may be tempted to "do it all" with technology when they think of wedding planning.  We caution our brides to take a careful look at the world of Eplanning.  There simply are times when the bride needs to leave the keyboard or apps and do some of her planning face to face.

     The Internet will be a help in searching out reception sites that may fit one's budget, but a bride simply must check it out in person.  She may be able to hear music played by a band she is considering , but nothing beats meeting the group in person.  

     Cake makers can show photographs of some of their creations on line, but until you've tasted the actual product, how can you decide?

     Ordering your wedding gown or bridesmaid's dresses on line is also a bad idea.  Sizing and quality can vary widely so you and your maids should try on your gown choices before making a purchase.  To assure that gowns will be in on time, don't risk ordering from an online resource.  Shop a reputable store that stands behind its merchandise.

     Before registering online for wedding gifts, we recommend that you meet with an expert sales associate at a major retailer.  They have years of experience helping couples select registry items.

     Bride may be tempted to send "virtual invitations", but once again we caution brides against that.  Use the Internet to enter pertinent information about your wedding but plan to send printed invitations.  As one bride put it, "I may be old fashioned, but there is a touch of class I want associated with my wedding and an electronic invitation doesn't cut it."

     We advise our brides to be careful about disclosing information about their weddings on the social networks.  Here we feel that "less is more".  Certainly share the joy of the upcoming wedding but don't constantly post updates on the status of your plans.  Don't go overboard posting photos.  A select few are a nice touch.  Too many will leave a bad impression.

Guest Tips! What should I wear to the wedding?

     Your college roommate is getting married in June.  Your cousin is getting married in July.  A co-worker is planning an August wedding.  While the bridal couple may be knee deep in planning, guest have a role to play in helping the couple have a wonderful wedding.  Guest are invited to provide public witness to the legal ceremony taking place and to help the newly wedded celebrate the importance of the steps they have taken.  Marriage is a public statement indicating the new legal status of the couple.
     While there aren't many "rules" about what it means to be a wedding guest, there are some time honored expectations and one question - what should I wear to the wedding - is real. While our culture may seem more casual than in decades past, this is still an important event that one honors by dressing appropriately.  Check the web page of the couple for clues to how formal the wedding is likely to be.  Ask members of the bridal party if you know them.  Here are some guidelines to help you decide.

• Don't dress to stand out.  Remember that the bride and groom are the stars of this production.
• Men should wear a tie (unless the wedding is at a beach somewhere)
• When in doubt, it is usually better to overdress rather than under dress
• Avoid any low cut, tight and /or skimpy dress.  Watch the sequins and the glitter.
• A black cocktail dress is okay, while white can be iffy.  If one does choose white, it is necessary to make sure that it looks nothing like a wedding gown.  Creamy white and simple style that is totally different from the gown is better.
• If the wedding is to be "informal" nailing down appropriate apparel can be tough.  Ask around to get a feeling of what other guests are planning.  Take a cue from where the ceremony is being held.  If it is in a large cathedral that will tell you one thing.  If it is in a party room at a horse ranch, you know that informal means something else.  If you get no clue from the ceremony location, try the reception spot next.  A country club cocktail reception will mean something quite different than a reception where beach volleyball will be the main entertainment.
• If the wedding is semi formal, it means that men should wear a suit and tie.  At one time dark suits were indicated, but that is relaxed now and tan or khaki suits are OK.  Women should wear a suit, a tailored dress or pant suit.  She could add some "bling" but don't overdo it.
• If a wedding is clearly a formal affair, men should wear tuxedos and women should wear cocktail dresses - long or short.

Whatever level of dress a guest decides upon, the other item to include is one's best manners.  This is an important day in the life of a couple and one honors them by behaving well.   Wearing one's best behavior is always in style.

Tips for the Bride on a Budget

     The results from The KNOT's 2011 BRIDAL FASHION STUDY indicates that for the majority of the 9,690 brides interviewed in the survey, the tough economic times "have not stopped brides from buying their dream dress."  (VOWS, January/February 2012)  Brides seem willing to cut back in other area's in order to buy the gown they want.
     What are some of the ways brides can save?
      They need to prioritize.  Figure out what matters most and allocate budgets accordingly.  These items should arise out of honest conversations between the bride, groom and their families.  Such discussions can make sure that what matters most is funded.
      Budgets need to be set.  Couples must figure out how much they can pay for individual items like flowers or receptions or photography and then communicate that to the vendors involved.  It works better if a dollar amount is mentioned rather than a price range.
      Consider your own resources.  Do you have unused frequent flyer miles that could cover honeymoon travel?  How about an uncle who collects classic cars?  Could he provide a unique and elegant ride between the church and reception for the bride and groom?  Do you know someone who "knows someone" who could get you a good price on quality champagne?
      Step outside the usual.  Rather than insisting on a Saturday night wedding, could you move to a Sunday?  It has always been an option but few brides used it.  Every time you choose times, places or options that few others are choosing, you'll save money in various ways.
      Rethink what your wedding means.  It is a special celebration for family and friends, not the way to pay back everyone who has ever invited you or your family to a party.  If you are thinking that your wedding is a way to impress people, think again.  Have it your way and keep it personal.
      Our certified consultants can help you find more ways to save and still have a beautiful and meaningful day.  Our Lavish Soiree Package is a great package to help you with your budget.  It includes our services in allocating your budget accordingly and keeping you on track!!

Role of the Wedding Planner

     If the bride and her family would like a stress free wedding, the solution is to hire a wedding planner.  If the wedding is to be at an out of town/destination wedding, then dependence on a planner at the venue to which the wedding party will be traveling is a must.  If the bride and the groom are planning a small intimate wedding and reception but the couple both have jobs that demand huge time commitments, a wedding planner can take the couple's wishes and instructions and produce exactly the event they envision.
     The term planner can cover a wide range of services.  In general the term refers to services provided by an individual, selected by the bride or her mother, to assist with some or all the details involved in the planning and implementing of an error-free, stress free rehearsal, ceremony and reception.  A plus feature in hiring a wedding planner or coordinator is that the bride can decide the level of service she desires and pay only for those services.
     Brides-to-be should determine the credentials of the planner they are considering.  They should check the training/certification that the planner has earned.   They should ask for references from two or three brides the planner has served and decide on the level of involvement they will require.  Maybe an initial consultation to help identify choices and set preliminary plans and schedules is enough for one couple.  Others may want a comprehensive package which covers time and advice on all aspects of the wedding plus vendor and site negotiations.
     Do make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants who can make a valuable and beautiful difference in YOUR wedding.

How to be a Good Guest

     An invitation is coming your way from a family member or a good friend or both.  It is an honor to be selected to help those close to you celebrate a wonderful part of their life.
     If you RSVP with a positive response, you become an official guest at this party.  You will no doubt bring a appropriate wedding gift, but did you know that another gift you give to the couple is the knowledge of how to be a good guest, and the wisdom to use that knowledge.
     Here is a checklist of do's and don't that you can follow to insure that your behavior will not cause the couple to grimace on their 10th anniversary as they recall events from their wedding.

Do

• Make sure to send your RSVP in a timely manner.
• Arrive at the wedding at least 15-20 minutes before the ceremony is to begin.
• Stay standing at the back of the church if you are going to be late.
• Keep your cell phone on silent.
• Dress appropriately.
• Have fun dancing but do not call attention to yourself or your partner.
• Respect the couple's wishes even if they aren't what you would choose.

Don't

• Change your mind about attending. Don't cancel and then show up anyway.
• Sit in a front row.  That is for immediate family only.
• Text or tweet or blog during the ceremony.
• Wear jeans or sweats unless requested by the couple.
• Get in the way of the professional photographer or videographer doing their job.
• Take ceremony or reception photos unless the couple approve.
• Trash talk the couple's choices.

The Grooms' Role

     Contrary to previous rumors, grooms do have more to do than just "show up at the church on time".  There may be some who choose not to be involved in the wedding planning process, but many of today's grooms are interested in helping to plan this milestone moment in their lives.  They want to make the wedding itself a truly shared experience.  Anna Post assembled the list below for the Emily Post Web site.
     Each of these "duties" will not only help the wedding planning process, but will truly make the groom feel more a part of the plans.  He certainly can help searching out and selecting the venue for the ceremony and reception, establishing the budget, creating the guest list, making gift registry selections and the critical job of keeping his parents in the loop regarding wedding plans.
     In addition to these functions, the groom's list includes:

• Selecting the engagement ring - though these days brides may also be involved in selection.
• Choosing his wedding party - best man, groomsmen and ushers.
• Choosing the attire for the groom's wedding party - in keeping with the style of the wedding.
• Selecting the thank you gifts for his wedding party.
• Selecting the bride's wedding gift.
• Compiling the groom's part of the guest list and making sure that his parents provide their guest list in a timely manner.
• Choosing the wedding bands together. 
• Arranging for and purchasing the marriage license.
• Arranging for transportation from the ceremony to the reception site.
• Standing in the receiving line and greeting all the guest at the reception.
• Dancing the first dance with the bride, dancing with the couple's respective mothers and the maid/matron of honor.
• Making appropriate toasts at both the rehearsal dinner and the reception.

   

Toast

     Weddings inspire lots of toasts!  The first one may be difficult but as the reception or dinner progresses, toasts are offered all around.
     Toast can make one anxious or nervous if not practiced in advance, so like any speech to be given in public, we always encourage those making the toast to be prepared and avoid "winging" their remarks.  The toast maker needs to recognize that his/her remarks are to offer congratulations to the couple.  They may be humorous or touching or congratulatory.  Whichever is chosen, they need to be given in good taste.

Who may toast.

• The father of the bride proposes the first toast to his daughter and future son-in-law at the engagement party.
• The host or the father of the groom proposed the first toast to the bride and groom at the rehearsal party.
• The best man proposed the first toast to the bride and groom at the wedding reception.  After the best man has completed his toast, everyone except the bride and the groom rise and drink to it.

     After the best man's toast, the groom usually responds with thanks to his best man and a toast or two of his own - to the bride, to his parents, to his new in-laws.  If the bride wishes she may then rise and offer her own toast to her husband and/or to her new family.

     Other members of the wedding party may then propose additional toasts if they wish.

     All guest present (except the person being toasted) should raise their glasses to each toast. 

     At the end of the toasts, the best man may read aloud any congratulatory telegrams or letters or emails sent by absent friends and relatives.

     If one has no idea where to start, we suggest finding a marriage related quote around which an appropriate toast may be built.  THE OXFORD DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS, is a good place to start, as is a careful search of web pages that specialize in wedding appropriate toasts.

     One of our favorites is the Apache wedding blessing.

     "Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other.

      Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth for the other. 

      Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other. 

      Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you.

      May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years.

      May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth."

Introductions

Brides often ask us to explain the proper way to introduce the wedding party at the reception.  Our first suggestion is to insure that the post ceremony pictures be taken as quickly as possible so that guest can be greeted without a long delay.  Guests should be served appetizers and something to drink while they are waiting for the bridal party to arrive.  If both sets of parents are going to be held at the church for a bit, it is wise to ask a someone (friend or relative) to serve as host and hostess until parents and the bridal party arrive at the reception site.  Once the bridal entourage arrives at the reception, the bandleader or maitre d' asks everyone to stand while he introduces them.  Since the bride and groom are the stars of the event, they are introduced last.  Parents of the bride, parents of the groom, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the best man and maid of honor are in this order.  Be sure to check names for correct spelling and pronunciations when providing the information to the person in charge of introductions.

Our wedding coordinators can offer other suggestions and ideas to make your wedding day as magical as you dreamed.

With This Ring

     We think the history behind the wedding traditions we've come to know is fascinating.  For example, the engagement process was nearly as important as the wedding itself.  Weddings were arranged primarily for political and/or business reason and not necessarily for the notion of "romantic love".
     In the days when brides were stolen, the bride's family would insist on being reimbursed for what was considered a working member of the family.  The engagement signified the transfer of ownership from father to husband and covered a period of time during which families would negotiate and agree on the "price" of the bride.
     The wedding band came to symbolize eternal love because it has neither a beginning nor an ending.  The tradition of using one grew out of the ancient custom of using circlets of grass to decorate a bride's wrist and ankles.  Although not required to validate a marriage under civil law, rings came to be required during the 16th century after a ruling from the Council of Trent.
     Today, rings are not required by law in order for a marriage to be legal, but few couples wed without exchanging rings as part of the ceremony.  I myself, vote for the diamond don't you ladies!!!

A Few Don'ts

     As society changes, so do the social amenities that prevailed.  But class is class and some things we see done in the name of the "princess bride's wishes" remain in poor taste.
     A bridal store reported having a bride ask how to let her guests know that she wanted all of them to dress in black or white or a combination of both.  Her wedding theme was that of a black and white ball and she didn't want it ruined by someone in a blue suit or a colorful print dress.  The store gave her good advice - "You Can't"! One doesn't tell people what to wear anymore than one would tell a hostess what kind of food to serve.  The bride can control the dress of the wedding party, but that is all. She had heard that phrase, "It's the brides day", but had to learn that it didn't mean everyone must bow to her wishes.  Friends can spread the word but no demands must be made.
     Another store reported dealing with a bride who wanted 250 guest to attend her wedding but she planned to walk away from the ceremony and to save money, meet 45 of her favorite guests for a sit down dinner at a restaurant.  The advice to her was Don't Do It!  She was advised that it would be far better to serve light refreshments to all guest following the ceremony.  This would give everyone a chance to extend their best wishes to the couple and socialize with others in attendance.  If she wished to celebrate with a special group of friends, she should do it after the official reception.  The guiding principle here is that a couple should never do anything to show preferences for one guest over another.
     The same advice holds for brides who insist on adding corner copy to their wedding invitation that reads:  Cash Gifts Preferred.  Granted, more and more couples would prefer cash as a help for a down payment on a house for instance, but that does not  mean it is okay to to include on the invitation to the ceremony.  That kind of news needs to be spread by word of mouth by the bride's family and friends, or may be included in the web-site if one has been created.  This kind of request is known in some circles as doing a "Kardashian".
     Let our experienced consultants help you solve puzzles and questions as they arise in the course of your planning needs.

Setting the Date

     He asked and you said"yes".  Congratulations to you both.  Your engagement period signals the beginning of a wonderful and exciting time in your lives.   Where to start?  Setting the date!
     As you consider various dates, times and places for your wedding, here are some points to think about.
     Think about your budget.  It is true that some months are more expensive than others. (Think about the Law of Supply and Demand you learned in Econ 101).  In popular months (usually May through September) some reception locations, photographers, florists and bands may charge more for their services.  If you can wait for a less crowded month, you may be able to stage the same wedding for less money.
     Think about the season.  If you have been dreaming of a Christmas wedding your whole life, then go for it.  But think about the time needed for preparations and plan accordingly.  If you want a certain church, a certain reception site and a certain gown and flowers, you have to adjust time frames.  Your answer is to book early and be prepared to be flexible on dates and /or times.
     If you are on a fast track at work or have a job that requires huge blocks of your time, be sure to engage the services of a professional wedding consultant.  We will end up saving you both time and sanity (and maybe even money).
     Consider scheduling your wedding around a holiday.  That can give you both a theme for the wedding and time for your out of town guests to attend.
     If your plans include a destination wedding, you will need to be more flexible in your dates and times.  Decide which is more important - the date of the wedding or the place of the wedding.  Once that decision is made, you can proceed.
     Our wedding planners are used to working with schedules and helping busy brides create a schedule for your event and follow through with all details necessary to create a day to remember for you and your guest.

Let the PLANNING BEGIN!!

Wedding Etiquette: Cost Saving Ideas

The National Retail Federation commissioned a survey on consumer spending conducted by a major research firm.  There were many economic indicators that tended to vary by product area.  But when asked to summarize the findings, the conclusion was "spend where you need to, save where you can."  This is good advice for our brides.  Couples coming to us for ideas on how to save money without hurting their wedding dreams find wonderful and practical ideas.


We always counsel our brides to be aware of ways to either bring costs down or keep them in check.  Done in the right places, there are many ways to save on costs and take nothing away from the wedding they have planned.  


Because it is the most costly aspect of most wedding plans, major savings can be realized through reception adjustments.  We recommend that our brides consider the following ideas.

• Look for a location that both fits the occasion and requires very little decorating enhancements.  Many spots are fine the way they are.  If brides wish to add decor, most event planners would agree that creating one large decorative element is not only dramatic, but also more budget friendly than a dozen smaller elements scattered around the room. 
• When considering decorating options, always picture the room full.  We counsel brides not to spend excess dollars on decor items that only the first few guests walking into the room will see.  
• During receptions, caterers will say that people tend to take less food if it is passed by the waitstaff than if it is placed on a buffet table. The same is true of champagne or other beverages.  The good news about this is that less food or liquor can be ordered and guests still feel pampered
• If it is important to the couple to serve a sit down dinner, we suggest that instead of ordering just one high-end entree they order half portions of tow main entree items.  FOr example, combining half portions of prime rib and chicken breast helps to bring down the cost per plate while offering guests a selection with depth. 
• One consultant suggests ordering sandwiches for entertainers and servers instead of the full banquet meal, and having them set up in a separate room from wedding guests.  It gives the staff a place to "get away" for a break and proves food that they can "grab and go" if needed.  For more "invisible" ways to manage costs at your reception talk to one of our experienced consultants.

Elegant Beginnings 

Wedding Etiquette: Church vs Beach Rules

As brides plan the wedding of their dreams, it is important to be cautious to include policies and guidelines that that are likely to be in place at the chosen ceremony venue.  Our consultants know the preferred "rules" of what can and cannot be done at many of the area's churches and beaches and can help guide the bride's planning process.  The most important rule is to consult the appropriate beach owner or church personnel early in the process to be sure the limitations and preferences are clearly understood.  Planning to cooperate fully and pleasantly with guidelines is the order of the day. 

The Church

Typically, a church will not allow permanently attached furniture to be moved.  No thumbtacks or nails can be driven into woodwork nor can anything be used that may deface it.  Saucers or mats must be placed under all plants or floral arrangements that may rest on the floor.  Floral arrangements or candles that require taping to the pews may not be allowed.


All arrangements for music, the ceremony and planned decorations should be submitted well in advance and are subject to approval of the priest, minister, or rabbi.  Many churches have a wedding coordinator with whom the bride will need to work.  This coordinator will be a good source of information for what's possible and what isn't.


Many churches are requiring that decorations be kept to a minimum so as not to detract from the dignity of the sanctuary.  Many churches ask that photographs not be taken at the ceremony.  If the church is large and a favorite venue for many brides, weddings may be scheduled close together on popular weekend dates.  To facilitate traffic movement, many churches will request that photographs be tightly scheduled and that receiving lines be held at the reception location rather than at the church.

The Beach

As one of the most beautiful backdrops a ceremony can have, here at Elegant Beginnings, we love to see couples get married on the beach. Although restrictions are fairly limited and are usually much less than in a church, it is very important to take note of a few factors before making your decision for the ceremony venue.  

First, it is important to know who owns a particular area of beach.  For instance, if a local hotel or resort sits in front of the beach of your dreams, you will need to learn about their requirements from your coordinator.  If it is in a state park or owned by the state, there can be  policies regulated there as well.  For example, often times parks require payment to enter, and it is important to arrange payment well in advance. Other considerations include parking and accessibility, set up ability, and privacy.  Although the beach creates a priceless picturesque background, brides should be aware of possible vacationers or other small distractions, such as seagulls that come with the outdoor setting.  

Remember that each beach or church  will have its own set of requirements and your wedding will be expected to follow them.  Your coordinator will make sure that you are well aware of these well in advance, so that your wedding can be all that you want and more!


Elegant Beginnings 

Wedding Etiquette: Bridesmaids

The history of bridesmaids is time and culture dependent.  However, their main charge seems to have been to “protect” the bride, “intervene” on her behalf, and or help outsmart the evil spirits who gathered as a group at weddings and other happy events.

Today’s bridesmaids still fulfill some of those roles, even if the evil spirit happens to be a former boyfriend with too much champagne and too little class, or a college roommate who thinks it would be fun to “steal” the bride between the ceremony and reception.  Bridesmaids can often be the voice of reason when they hear, “Let’s _____, it will be funny.  You’ll see.”  They can put a stop to nonsense early.

Bridesmaids give up time and money in return for the honor of being witnesses to the bride’s very special day.  We urge our brides to remember the important role they play in her wedding and to pay attention to thanking them for their help and caring.

Here are some tips we have gathered over the years. 

-Selecting the bridesmaids’ dresses does not have to be an occasion of conflict.  Cost, style, color and accessories can be issues only if you let them.  If you can help financially, by all means do so.  If your wedding party represents a wide collection of sizes and shapes, works closely with a skilled and experienced wedding consultant who knows the best vendors to choose to work with your wedding.  An experienced retailer will work hard to make sure that the shopping experience is rewarding for all, and will insure that what you have ordered is what you’ll received.  If the bridal retailer is a member of National Bridal Service, you can relax and know that all will be well.

-Make sure that our bridesmaids are getting enough attention from you.  Keep them in the loop about events and plans.  Accept help if it is offered

-Make sure they have a clear idea of what to do and what you expect.  Your maid of honor can take on the responsibility of keeping all maids in the loop.  Don’t be too demanding, though.

-Be sure to assemble a survival kit for the wedding day.  Work with your personal attendant to make sure all necessary items are in the kit and trust her to bring it to the dressing area of the ceremony location, and to reclaim it after the ceremony.  A good wedding planner will always take care of this.

-Make sure to thank bridesmaids often.  Thoughtful gifts are appreciated.  Take time to ask questions, share concerns, and plan ways to make bridesmaids feel truly a part of this very special day. 

Wedding Etiquette: Cash Requested?

There are a number of web site and blogs that have-in effect- approved the request for a cash gift as a “discreet mention” on the wedding invitation.  We can hardly believe that someone who claims to be a wedding professional is offering that kind of advice to brides.  Some do acknowledge that it is difficult to ask for money and that some guests may take offense.

Every professional wedding planner or consultant should acknowledge the first rule stated beautifully by Emily Post.  “Some traditions never go out of style.  A few that hold true: No mention of gifts, event “no gifts, please” is made on a wedding invitation.”  This holds doubly true for cash.  “Sharing information ion a wedding website is fine, and that site may offer registry information.”  The guideline is: Don’t include registry or gift information with your invitation.  It is in poor taste to include a list of places where the bride and groom are registered or a checklist of the things they do and don’t want.  And this guide certainly applies to cash.

We do acknowledge that outside of the very formal traditional invitation where wording follows a time-honored formula, more couples are choosing new wording options.  The best advice to give brides is that any wording they chose that is both “respectful of their guests and true to themselves will be fine.” (Emily Post)  It is important that invitations read as correct grammatical statements and provide guests with all the information they need about who, when, where, and how to reply.

There is no way to dictate to guests what they choose to give, and if the bride is asked what she would like by a close relative, it is fine to answer honestly and politely that the couple is saving for a down payment on a house, but whatever the person chooses will be appreciated.  Rely on parents, friends, and attendants to spread the word that cash gifts are appreciated or have those same people provide the information about where the couple is registered.

For more help with etiquette questions, please contact us to talk over your issues with one of our experienced consultants.

Elegant Beginnings 

Monday Wedding Notes: Reception Trends


Reflecting both economic issues and generational trends, we are seeing some shifts in the wedding sites being chosen, the foods served and the size of the wedding itself.  We meet with brides who are asking for ideas for their "smaller but tasteful" weddings.  


These are some of the key ideas brides are embracing as they plan receptions. 


They are trimming the guest list.  After creating a rough draft of all the possible guests, and multiplying that number by the caterer/reception venue chef's estimate per person costs, couples are balancing the guest list with their budgets.


Budget conscious brides are selecting other days and times than Saturday evening.  By selecting a morning or afternoon wedding and reception, there can be up to a 25% reduction in reception costs for food and beverages.  If the couple were to select another evening other than Saturday, the savings can be approximately 10%.  


We are also seeing a change in foods served at evening weddings.  We are seeing trends toward smaller portions.  MOre couples are choosing to serve passed hors d'oeuvres and appetizers instead of a sit down dinner.  Couples are choosing finger foods to eat while walking around and talking.  


While couples will still have a wedding cake for pictures, it tends to be much smaller than those previously ordered.  In place of the large wedding cake, they are serving cupcakes, cake bites, cake pops on sticks and push cakes- all a part of the "finger food" trend.  


In some areas, dessert "stations" remain popular additions to the centerpiece wedding.  Brides have chosen cheesecake stations, chocolate stations, pie stations, and sundae/frozen yogurt stations that feature mini root beer floats and ice cream sandwiches along with various toppings.  


Contact and talk with one of your experienced Elegant-Beginnings wedding consultants who can give you many more ideas to create the wedding that is smaller, more intimate, and more reflective of your style. 

Wedding Notes: Thoughts on Wedding Etiquette

We know that nothing stays the same, not even wedding etiquette.  With friends and families scattered across continents, a number of beautiful and time-honored marriage "rules" have had to adapt to a new society.

Today, a busy guest is more likely to fill in a pre-printed response card than to send a hand written response to a wedding invitation.  Members of the wedding party are apt to find details of the rehearsal dinner posted on the wedding website or sent directly to their email. 

DOes this mean that traditional etiquette is as outmoded as the eight-track tape?  Definitely not! This is especially true if the wedding is a formal affair.  A church ceremony black tie reception and 200 guests still demands that attention to be paid to protocol.  Our experienced consultants can be your best resource for doing the "right" thing.  

What has not changed is that whatever rules the bride chooses to follow will be largely a matter of good sense, courtesy, and practicality.

Lacey Brown

Elegant Beginnings

www.elegant-beginnings.com

Wedding Notes: The Paper Trousseau 


We remind our brides that getting the guest list ready and the invitation order placed is a big job, but it is not the only part of your wedding paper trousseau.  In addition to you personalized thank you cards, reply cards and envelopes, napkins and programs- there are other paper items to choose. 


For a sit-down dinner, select table and place cards if you wish.  Use paper and ribbons to match your invitations.  Calligraphy will ad an elegant and personal touch to each card.  


For an evening reception we suggest that you use bright and rich colored inks since the room is likely to be dimly lit.  Menu cards tell your guests that you took time to carefully select a well-planned menu for their enjoyments.  Use vellum paper stock as it will look special.  Smaller cards can be placed at each plate, or if you are planning a buffet, a framed menu card at each end of the table works well.


We offer a gentle reminder that once home from your honeymoon, it is time to write thank you notes.  Proper etiquette suggests that you respond within three months after the wedding, thanking people for their presence as well as their generosity.  


Do let our experienced consultants help insure that your paper trousseau is complete.


Elegant Beginnings
elegant-beginnings.com

Wedding Notes: Your  Wedding Website

Increasing in popularity and use are individual wedding websites.  Today’s bridal couple is likely to be “wired” in that they are techno savvy and used to on line information gathering and sharing.  Couples have seen the websites on their soon-to-be married friends and have some ideas about the site they will create for themselves.  In our years of working with brides, here are some of the best components that we have seen. 

Many websites begin with the story of the couple’s courtship, how they met, how the groom proposed and their detailed wedding plans. This is helpful to add a personal touch for your guests.

The website is a good way to introduce and profile the attendants chosen for the wedding- both the bride’s and the groom’s.  You can include pictures of them and let the guests know a little bit about them.  Site visitors should be able to learn about the fun and friendship that has developed over the years and know why someone was chosen to be such an important part of the celebration. 

Include pictures of the ceremony and reception site and even the honeymoon destination if it isn’t a secret. 

Some brides include photos and information about china, crystal, and silver patterns chosen and often list the stores where the registry items are recorded as a help to invited guests. 

A few words of warning however, resist expecting guests to reply to invitations via email.  Do not send thank you notes that way either.  Some things are still done the traditional way in spite of electronic innovations.  Our experienced consultants can share other good ideas for using the Internet as an effective communication tool for your wedding.

Lacey Brown

Elegant Beginnings

Wedding Notes: Beautiful Bride or Bridezilla?


A beautiful bride is one that is just that: beautiful inside and out! The ideal bride-to-be is a charming, glowing, happy individual who sees the world through the traditional rose-colored glasses.  Unfortunately, the actions of some of her "sisters", who may have earned the 21st century media title of "Bridezilla", tarnish that view of a bride.  There is even a TV show dedicated to featuring these types of brides at their worst.


However, we want our brides to be happy! We want them to have fun experiencing the joys of wedding planning while leaving the heavy duty work to us.  We also want to allow them the ability to focus on the warm thoughts from relatives and guests who see her at her very best- gracious and focused on others.  the best bride is one who shares her happiness with family and friends in a genuine way.  We have to believe that no one wants to be referred to as a "Bridezilla".  How embarrassing is that?


Here are some areas and behaviors for you- the bride to be- to avoid if you don't want to wear the reptillian title.  

Non-stop wedding talk is exhausting- for both you and your friends.  It is good that you have enthusiasm for the upcoming nuptials, but not everyone else is focused on your big day as much as you are.  Keep the perspective and realize as one guest states, "The world is still turning outside of the bride's wedding realm."  Your wedding is our focus at Elegant Beginnings, but not everyone necessarily shares that focus 24/7.  So relieve the stress from yourself and others by talking about something everyone can relate to like their plans for Halloween!


Realize that the "me first" attitude is unbecoming.  People wish you well and want you to be happy, but it is unrealistic to expect everyone within your social circle to drop everything to focus on your wedding.  That is why you have us! We can provide that focus to you at any time.  :) 


Avoid going well over your budget.  Experts say that "spending excessively to achieve what is perceived as perfection is bridezilla behavior." Let our experienced consultants help you manage your budget and produce a fabulous wedding withing those constraints.  


Don't expect preferential treatment. Be courteous to vendors and allow us to use our relationship with them to ensure the best service.  If you have hired a professional to provide a service at your wedding, respect their skill and expertise and treat them as the professional they are.


Keep in mind the family, friends, and fiancee.  No plans or details are worth ignoring the most important people in your life. Cherish this time you have to share the moment with them, making sure not to block them out of your life because you are overwhelmed with the wedding. Let us take care of that. Let us worry about the details, while you spend time with the ones you love.


Until next Monday!


Lacey