How to Be a Good Guest
We always talk about wedding planning, but what about being a good wedding guest? This is what you should do:
PRIOR TO WEDDING
You RSVP in a timely manner.
You let the hosts know if you have to cancel at the last minute; don’t just not show up!
You do not ask the couple if you can bring an extra guest (that was not on the invitation).
You do not bother the couple with registration info – ask someone else close to them.
You may send your wedding gift early to their address so it’s one less thing for you to carry.
You do not initiate or ask for special food, sitting or other special accommodating factors, unless asked by the couple.
You do not wear white or ivory dress.
You do not, I repeat, DO NOT attend the wedding if you don’t believe in this marriage. The only reason you will attend is so you can show your displeased face to everyone. Trust me, no one wants you there being miserable – take a stand and politely decline the invitation.
CEREMONY
You arrive on time to the ceremony, (bonus points if you are early).
You leave your small children at home with a babysitter.
If you are an out-of-towner and have to bring the child, you arrange to have someone or yourself hold the baby OUTSIDE the church so they don’t hear her/him crying.
You do not get in the way of the photographer taking pictures.
RECEPTION
You do not use the wedding reception as a “hookup” place for meeting single guys/girls.
You do not get sloppy, messy drunk. Which usually follows with making loud, embarrassing remarks.
You do not grab the microphone to make impromptu speeches without permission.
You do get the party started by dancing and asking others to dance.
You ask the bride/groom if there is anything they need. Or if you see they need something – just do it!
You do not monopolize their time, knowing full well that they have many guests to see.
You do not make derogatory comments about the reception decorations, flowers, wedding dress, mother-in-law, food, etc – because someone will hear it and it always gets back to the couple.
You will plan accordingly and allot enough time to stay for at least 4 hours at the reception if possible.Or at least until the cake has been cut.
If mother nature doesn’t cooperate with the outdoor reception, you will still be the best guest ever by pitching in and having a good time. Your friends/family just got married after all!!!!
Wedding Party Head Table?
If you ever want to feel like what a celebrity must go through on a daily basis, have a wedding. Hundreds of pairs of eyes are on you – at any given moment. It’s the weirdest feeling. Of course it’s because you are just so darn beautiful in your dress! But for most people it’s a bit disconcerting to have so much continual attention.
Then there’s the typical Wedding Party Head Table. Usually a long, banquet style table that is placed on risers so everyone can see you during the meal. Just keep in mind, while you eat – people are staring.
Alternatives: more couples are opting to sit at rounds or banquet family style tables with their bridal party & their dates. Still strategically centered in the reception, but not quite on display. This concept also can save a lot of room in a facility that is already tight in space.
Heck, it’s your day and if you want to be on the risers – then by all means – go for it!!!
Read More »Cash Bar vs Open Bar
Ever have this happen to you? Your good friends invite you over for dinner and as they serve your meal with a nice glass of wine, they inform you that your drink will cost $3.50. I hope you brought some cash.
I know. This has never happened. But it does at weddings and honestly, guests feel like it is the same thing. I’m not suggesting that every wedding couple have a fully stocked, open bar for their guests. Depending on the size of the guest list and the venue, that could be cost prohibitive. Your goal is to offer a variety of beverages to sooth your wedding guest’s tastes.
Complimentary beer and wine is pretty much the status quo. An alternative for the hard alcohol lovers is to pick 1-2 signature drinks. This won’t dent your pocket book as much as a fully open bar and you are being a good host.
Read More »Tossing the Garter
This is an interesting tradition that can be dated back to the 14th century when it was believed to have a piece of the bride’s clothing was to bring good luck. I’m guessing the brides back then got tired of having their dresses literally ripped off of them and came up with this compromise. Spread the luck, but save the dress!
If you are going to keep this tradition at your reception, you will actually want to wear two garters during the ceremony. One as a keepsake, the other as the throw away garter. You can place them both on the right leg, just above the knee. However, some brides will opt for the other leg because of a tattoo…so it really doesn’t matter.
A more important question to address is: “WHO remembers the garter”? I have seen a trend on having the best man remove the garter from the new bride. This is not correct. From a purely logical stand point, you just took vows to not have another man touch you in front of God, family & amp; friends. Why would you have his best friend go up your dress?
What you can do is have the single guy who catches the garter put it on the single girl who catches your bouquet for a photo op. That is of course, if they are both consenting to this idea! I guess it will depend if they find each other attractive? *smile*
Read More »Spice up your reception décor…
| On a tight budget? Forgo the expensive floral arrangements and go for bold color! It’s the least expensive option and will leave the biggest impact on your guests. Ditch the white table cloths and spend your money on some cool linens. Anything with texture or satin will give the most impact; however, colored poly linens are just as good.
Don’t be afraid to really mix it up – magenta, hot orange and pale pink. Having a fall wedding? You’re in luck – chocolate is the next black! Anything can go with chocolate – chartreuse, pink, orange. If you envision an elegant white wedding – remember to include different colors of white – which will include bright white, off-white, champagne white, ivory, etc. Whatever look you want to achieve – you want to be sure you have depth of color. Have fun and most important…break the rules! |
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