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!

Speach Pointers for Best Man

Here are some ideas for the Best Man when giving his toast:

•    Story relating to his friendship with the groom
•    Congratulations to the happy couple
•    Story relating to the bride
•    Comment on how great the bridesmaids were today
•    Toast the couple
•    Comments/advice for the happy couple or the groom or the bride

Choosing Your Wedding Venue

1. Budget: First and foremost come up with a budget. This will be the dollar figure that you can not under any circumstance exceed. You can use a budget calculator to see how you will allocate your budget, or allow your wedding planner to do this for you. I have seen couples choose a venue that takes up more than half their budget and their left wondering how to pay for everything else in the wedding. You must choose a venue according to your budget.

2. Put together a guest list.:You don't want to choose a venue that is too large or too small to accommodate your guests. A general rule of thumb is that 20% of the people you invite will decline.

3.  What the cost includes: If you have $10,000 to spend and the venue charges $200 per person, you won’t be able to invite many guests. When it comes to the venue, you want to get the most for your money. Gather sample contracts from each site you visit and use them in considering your options. What, exactly, is included in their wedding package? Cake cutting, champagne toast, gratuities? Get a breakdown of everything in writing before you sign.

4. Season: Consider the time of the year and what the weather will be like. If you choose an outdoor venue, pick a time of the year when you and your guests will not suffer in the cold or heat.

5. Theme: Have a general idea of the theme, color scheme and/or tone of your wedding before choosing a venue. If you’re throwing a nautical-themed wedding, a harbor is probably a better location than a ski resort. If your theme is “rustic chic” a renovated barn is a better bet than a banquet hall.

5. Non Traditional Location: Your childhood backyard may seem like the perfect place to get married, but if you have to bring in everything from silverware to food to generators for the band, it may not be worth it. A tented wedding is romantic, but very pricey. This is an important point if you are considering a wedding in a barn, a field or some other rustic venue that doesn’t have facilities. There are such things as luxury porta-potties these days, but they can be pricey.

6. Transportation/Parking: If the ceremony and reception are taking place at different ends of town (or state), transportation is a factor. If you have to bus people from the hotel to the church and then the reception, this will add on to your budget. Keep this in mind when choosing your venue.
If you’re having a formal wedding, the venue should have valet parking available, as well as luxury passenger vans for guests without cars. If the wedding is more informal, guests can certainly park themselves in a nearby lot or field. Make sure there is ample and convenient parking at the venue. Even better, it should be free.

7. View: Look for a great view, there may be great photo ops right outside your venue.

8. Plan B: If your “dream” venue is booked or out of your price range, ain’t no shame in looking elsewhere. Choose a venue that makes the most logistical and financial sense. With the money saved, you can deck it out with gorgeous decor and a top shelf bar! No one will notice that this was your second choice venue.

9. Wedding halls/Event Centers: Your friends may snub their noses at traditional wedding halls, calling them cookie-cutter, but always take a look. A wedding is a party, and if the event center is giving you a good deal and it’s one location for ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, it just might trump that over-priced country club you’ve been dreaming about since you were a little girl.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage

Below, you will find a step-by-step guide to changing your name without all the hassles that everyone seems to talk about.

1. Marriage Licenses - First, make sure you have multiple certified copies (I recommend 3) of your marriage license.
2. Social Security Card - First update your Social Security Card.  To apply for a new Social Security Card, complete the form listed below and mail it to your local Social Security Office (found here).
• Social Security Card Application
3. Passport - Next, update your passport (if you have one). Visit the site listed below, gather the items needed (confirm that you are completing the correct forms) and mail them in as directed.
• Passport Name Change
4. DMV - Then, change your name with the DMV.  Contact your local DMV to find out what the paperwork requirements are, but I would recommend bringing every form of identification that you can find (birth certificate, marriage license, old license, passport, etc.
5. Everything Else -   Most of the other changes you will need to make can be taken care of by completing this process.
1. Add all of your accounts to this Excel Spreadsheet.
2. Open this Word Document.
3. Edit all of the information that is highlighted to personalize the template.
4. If you know how to use mail merge, the document is all set up for that using the Spreadsheet above.  If not, you can copy and paste the information into the Word document and print individual letters for each of your accounts.
5. The letter can be updated to include other information that may need to be changed.
6. Include a photocopy of your marriage license with each letter (do NOT send your certified copies unless it is specifically requested).
7. Mail the letters and you're all set.

Items that may be handled (some of these items may require additional information) in #5 include (but are not limited to):

• Employer information
• Credit Card Accounts
• Financial Accounts
• Mailing Address
• Utility Companies
• Homeowner/Rental information
• Attorneys
• Medical accounts
• Voter Registration
• Schools
• Insurance accounts
• Subscriptions

Credit for post: http://jayhawkgirlskitchen.blogspot.com/2012/08/tackling-biggest-hassle-of-getting.html