Keeping Kids Happy at a Wedding

I enjoyed the post originally posted by the blog "Before the Big Day" on how to keep kids happy at a wedding.

For weddings that I plan, I offer the couple the service of providing kids activity kits which are given to the children at the reception. While guests are enjoying their meals, the kids are busy entertaining themselves with all of their brand new goodies. It is definitely well worth the investment!

10 Rules to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy

There are times when planning a wedding can be a strain on your relationships with your Bridesmaids, so here are Ten Rules to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy.

Rule #1: Keep costs down.

When choosing a dress and accessories for your bridesmaids to wear, be considerate of the cost of the dress and whether the dress is affordable for the ladies you have chosen.

Rule #2: Pick out a flattering dress.

Consider a dress that is flattering to the body types of your bridesmaids.

Rule #3: Communicate (with Specificity).

If you expect your bridesmaids to tackle certain tasks, be specific. Communicate your wishes in advance and explain what you’d like them to do. F

Rule #4: Select a neutral-toned shoe.

Do you know what color shoes your bridesmaids want to wear? The color shoes she already has. In her closet. Let your bridesmaids use their best judgment with a shoe that’s comfortable for them (and probably is already a favorite pair in their closet). For example, every girl has a pair of black heels (or flats). Keep it simple and tell ‘em to wear any shoe in a color that works with the dress. They’ll be so happy you did.

Rule #5: Nix any wedding talk on girls’ night.

You may have cake tiers and wedding hairstyles on your mind 24/7, but your bridesmaids are likely not obsessing over your big day. So, keep the wedding chatter to a minimum whenever possible – and, nix any and all wedding talk on girls’ night (unless they ask first). It’ll keep you focused on having fun (and keep you sane, too).

Rule #6: Give her a gift she’ll love to use / wear.

A bridesmaid gift is a token of your appreciation and a way to say thank you for being there for you. Giving a gift is a customary way to say thanks and means most when the gift has meaning or is custom-suited to her individual style. 

Rule #7: Have food available on the day of the wedding.

Some weddings begin at the crack of dawn with mimosas and hair appointments and last well into the night. Keep your bridesmaids happy by keeping them energized with food and drink available throughout the day. Typically for weddings, I will provide the wedding party with sandwich wheels from Publix along with fruit platters.

Rule #8: Give her a wedding-day itinerary ahead of time.

For the wedding festivities, have a plan in writing to keep the timeline organized. Let bridesmaids know where the rehearsal will be held, when, and what is planned afterward (such as dinner or brunch), along with the wedding time and location, a map, and cell phone numbers in case she needs to get in touch with you or a vendor.

Rule #9: Say thank you. Many, many times.

Simple as that.

Rule #10: Never, ever, ever be a bridezilla…

… because lunatic isn’t a shade that looks good on anyone. Also, being happy is contagious and a happy bride equals happy bridesmaids.

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Wedding Registries

 

http://rusticweddingchic.com/the-abcs-of-wedding-registry

Check out this article from REAL SIMPLE on how to get through the obstacle course, that is the wedding registry process.

1. Do: Set up your registry early.
“From the moment you announce your engagement, friends and family will want to send gifts,” says Karena Bullock Bailey, a New York City-based wedding and special events planner.

2. Don’t: Register at just one location.
Two to three is ideal. If possible, at least one of them should have a brick and mortar store in the areas where many of your guests live―just because you dig the convenience of the web doesn’t mean that Nana feels the same. “The in-store option definitely makes certain guests more comfortable,” confirms Anna Post, author of Do I Have to Wear White?.

3. Do: Register for a wide range of gifts at various price points.
People prefer choosing from a large selection: If you have, say, 100 invited guests, you’ll need a minimum of 125 registry items. Registering at one kitchen store, one home goods store, and one department store should cover all the bases. “About a third of your items should be under $50, a third from $50-$150, and the rest $150 and up,” says Bailey. As for the high end? Know your audience: “For one couple, having gifts that max out at $200 would be too much―for another, it’s $1,000-plus,” says Post. “If you’re questioning whether it’s appropriate, others probably will, too.”

4. Don’t: Reference your registry info on any stationery, such as your save the date or invitation.
You can, however, include the URL for your wedding website―which should contain the details of where you’re registered―on those printed materials. “It’s perfectly acceptable to tell someone where you’re registered if they ask what kind of gift you’d like, but mentioning gifts in any way on your invitations is in very poor taste,” says Sue Fox, author of Etiquette for Dummies.

5: Request nontraditional items if they reflect you as a couple.
“I have friends who registered at REI―their list included a tent and a canoe, which was perfectly acceptable because they’re outdoor enthusiasts,” says Fox. Wine registries for budding oenophiles and honeymoon registries―where guests can, say, pay for your breakfast in bed while you’re in Fiji―are becoming increasingly popular.

6. Don’t: Eliminate all time-honored items.
There are limits: Feelings are still very mixed on items such as gadgets and electronics, which don’t fit the old-fashioned criteria as nest-building necessities. “It’s tough to justify something that will be outdated in two years,” notes Bailey. (Note: Any personal items, such as beauty products or clothing, are strictly off-limits.) To avoid ruffling any feathers, throw in at least a handful of traditional items to appease the old-school types who simply won’t be satisfied attending unless it’s with a blender in hand.

7. Do: Wait to use the presents that arrive before the wedding.
“Heaven forbid, should the event not take place for whatever reason, the rule of thumb is that all the gifts must be returned,” says Post. Lightly scratched service for twelve, anyone?

8. Don’t: Ask for money outright.
If cash is what you’re after, the only polite choice is to not register anywhere and pray that your guests get the message. Family and friends―not you and your betrothed―can delicately spread the word. “They should use euphemisms for money like, “I know they would love help with a contribution toward the home they’re hoping to buy,” says Post. Just brace yourself for some unwanted salad tongs amid the checks you’ll receive.

9. Do: Write thoughtful, prompt thank-you notes; e-mails and calls don’t count.
Within six weeks of receiving the gift, write a note that references the specific object and how or why you will enjoy using it. Adds Fox, “Once you start receiving gifts, keep a log noting what you received, from whom, when―plus the date that you sent out the note. It’ll ensure that nothing gets overlooked.” It also makes for a handy reference tool the next time you’re scheduled to see Aunt Tilda and can’t remember if she got you the gravy boat or the juicer.

Eight Things Most Brides Forget To Do

If you have a wedding planner, more than likely she will make sure you are on top of these items, but if not, here you go:

1. Be sure to know how you are going to exit your reception, where you will be going, and how your belongings will get there (i.e. overnight bag - have someone drop off your bag before the ceremony).

2. Choose someone to take your wedding items (guest sign- in book, toasting flutes, cake cutting set, unity candle, etc.) and gifts home after the reception. Typically, I have the Mother of Bride be responsible for signing off on all wedding items. The strapping young groomsmen are then asked to load her vehicle with all of these items.

3. Know how you want your escort and place cards laid out. Where and how will you place your menu card at each place setting along with wedding favors. These are clear instructions that you will have to give to the designated person assigned to set everything up.

4. Be sure to decorate other areas of your ceremony and reception space. Commonly neglected areas include guest sign in table, altar table, bar, and restrooms.

5. Be sure to purchase gifts for your wedding party. It does not need to be anything elaborate, but something thoughtful is appreciated. One of my brides gave each of her bridesmaids a gift bag with the book "The 5 Love Languages" (a must read) and lip gloss in the color she wanted each of the girls to wear on wedding day. There were other miscellaneous items included, but she had a story to tell behind each item in the gift bag.

 

http://onehitchedlane.com/2013/01/18/groomsmen-gift-box/

6. Figure out your day after plans. If you’re leaving for your honeymoon straight from your hotel, make advance arrangements for a car service to take you from the hotel to the airport, and be sure you bring any luggage you want with you on your trip (and a passport if you need it). If you’re not going on your honeymoon right away, then you need to know where you’re going the morning after your wedding (to your new—or old—home, or your parents’ house?) and how you’re going to get there. Park your car at the hotel before your wedding if you’re allowed, or ask a friend to come pick you up and bring you where you want to go the next day. 

7. Be sure to bring your marriage certificate. Better yet, remember to apply for the marriage certificate.  You can get the certificate no earlier than 60 days before the date of your wedding.

8. Be sure to confirm your vendors at least one week before the wedding with what they are bringing, what services they are contracted to provide, and what time they plan to show up. It is key to get the contact information of the employee who will be servicing your wedding on the day of. Most offices are close on the weekend, so you will need the mobile number for that vendor in the event of an emergency.

Happy Planning!