Showing posts with label Engagements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Engagements. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Quick Tip Tuesday: Getting Healthy For The Big Day
If fitness is not already part of your lifestyle, considering investing in yourself by hiring a trainer during the planning process. If possible do it together. Not only will it help you look and feel your best on your wedding day but you will also learn some tips on how to create a healthier lifestyle together. Win win.
Monday, February 18, 2013
For the brand new bride-to-be
A girlfriend of mine and I were talking about engagement presents last night. Sweet little “I’m excited for you!” gifts to give to recently engaged girlfriends and what to bring to engagement parties.
Gift Giving: One of my favorite topics.
Here are three I’m loving most right now:
For engagement parties, a small, celebratory gift will be just enough. A nice bottle of champagne with a set of monogrammed flutes or a set of stationery with both of their first initials (they’ll have to begin writing thank you notes right away!) are great bets.
Stay tuned to my Pintrest Page for more ideas – I’ll pack a board with some more of my favorites for you today. xoxo
Gift Giving: One of my favorite topics.
Here are three I’m loving most right now:
 |
| Kate Spade "MRS" Earrings |
 |
| Simplified Wedding Planner by Emily Ley |
Stay tuned to my Pintrest Page for more ideas – I’ll pack a board with some more of my favorites for you today. xoxo
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Engagement Party Etiquette
Tis the season of love…red paper wrapped presents, champagne toasts and sparkly new rings. It’s engagement season, and we couldn’t be more excited!
So you've gotten engaged and sent out your announcements. Now what?? Another fun first step? Your engagement party! So ladies, feel free to pass this along to anyone you need to – we’ll cover everything you (or your parents or future in-laws) need to know. ;-)
What is an “engagement party” exactly?
It’s the very first opportunity you have to officially announce your engagement (and to show off that ring and the cute guy who put it on your finger!). It’s a chance for members of both sides of the family to get to know each other, and for all to congratulate the two of you in a fun, festive setting.
Who hosts?
Traditionally, the parents of the bride-to-be have hosted, but it’s just as common these days to see both sets of parents hosting together, or even close friends or relatives of the bride or the groom taking the reigns. Just remember that whomever hosts will find themselves with the bill in their hands in the end.
Where should it be held?
Anywhere you like! Consider any special family ties or traditions. Is there a special restaurant or park your families would enjoy? Often the party is held at hosts’ own homes too.
When should we have it?
When the news is still brand new – one to three months post-proposal – is perfect! Just be sure to set a date that works for VIP guests like parents, close friends and relatives (and the two of you, of course!).
Who do we invite?
Etiquette suggests that guests invited to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding, so keep that in mind when building your guest list for this first celebration. However, this list will likely be shorter, as engagement parties are designed to be a bit more intimate than the wedding itself. Friends and family of the host should be invited, as well as close family and friends of both families and the two of you.
Should people bring gifts?
Some may bring small celebratory presents, but that shouldn’t be expected, so you’ll want to graciously accept any gifts and set them aside to be opened after the party (don’t forget to send thank-you notes!). Even as early as the engagement party, some may ask where you’re registered, so it’s not a bad idea to go ahead and get started with a small registry and let your host know so they may pass it along if anyone asks.
Should there be toasts?
Absolutely! At a comfortable time during the party, the parents of both the bride- and groom-to-be may stand to extend their congratulations. This is also a perfect time for the bride and groom to thank guests for joining them to celebrate, and offer a special thank you to the host(s).
And with true Southern charm…
Don’t forget to send a small, thoughtful gift to the host after the party. Something sweet and meaningful: A framed photo from the party, a nice bottle of wine, or a pretty book on entertaining with a thoughtful note from the two of you written on the inside cover. And take time to enjoy every.single.second. You’re just getting started, and there’s so much fun to come!
Happy Almost Valentines Day!!
So you've gotten engaged and sent out your announcements. Now what?? Another fun first step? Your engagement party! So ladies, feel free to pass this along to anyone you need to – we’ll cover everything you (or your parents or future in-laws) need to know. ;-)
What is an “engagement party” exactly?
It’s the very first opportunity you have to officially announce your engagement (and to show off that ring and the cute guy who put it on your finger!). It’s a chance for members of both sides of the family to get to know each other, and for all to congratulate the two of you in a fun, festive setting.
Who hosts?
Traditionally, the parents of the bride-to-be have hosted, but it’s just as common these days to see both sets of parents hosting together, or even close friends or relatives of the bride or the groom taking the reigns. Just remember that whomever hosts will find themselves with the bill in their hands in the end.
Where should it be held?
Anywhere you like! Consider any special family ties or traditions. Is there a special restaurant or park your families would enjoy? Often the party is held at hosts’ own homes too.
When should we have it?
When the news is still brand new – one to three months post-proposal – is perfect! Just be sure to set a date that works for VIP guests like parents, close friends and relatives (and the two of you, of course!).
Who do we invite?
Etiquette suggests that guests invited to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding, so keep that in mind when building your guest list for this first celebration. However, this list will likely be shorter, as engagement parties are designed to be a bit more intimate than the wedding itself. Friends and family of the host should be invited, as well as close family and friends of both families and the two of you.
Should people bring gifts?
Some may bring small celebratory presents, but that shouldn’t be expected, so you’ll want to graciously accept any gifts and set them aside to be opened after the party (don’t forget to send thank-you notes!). Even as early as the engagement party, some may ask where you’re registered, so it’s not a bad idea to go ahead and get started with a small registry and let your host know so they may pass it along if anyone asks.
Should there be toasts?
Absolutely! At a comfortable time during the party, the parents of both the bride- and groom-to-be may stand to extend their congratulations. This is also a perfect time for the bride and groom to thank guests for joining them to celebrate, and offer a special thank you to the host(s).
And with true Southern charm…
Don’t forget to send a small, thoughtful gift to the host after the party. Something sweet and meaningful: A framed photo from the party, a nice bottle of wine, or a pretty book on entertaining with a thoughtful note from the two of you written on the inside cover. And take time to enjoy every.single.second. You’re just getting started, and there’s so much fun to come!
Happy Almost Valentines Day!!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
You're Engaged!!...Now What???
Congratulations to all you new brides out there! More people get engaged between December 15th and 31st then any other time of year. Being engaged is one of the most exciting times of your life. You’re in love and the whole world knows it. But now what?
BUDGETING: The truth is unless you have been closely involved with the plans of your sister’s, best friend’s or any other person’s big day, you are going to be shocked by the cost of a wedding. To avoid a lot of stress, determine up front how much you can afford and how much your family can contribute. From there set an approximate budget that you will use as a guideline when interviewing and hiring vendors.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: Where will it be? Do you dream of a traditional wedding in the church you grew up attending? Do you want your feet in the sand? How about a private estate in the mountains? No matter where it is held, choosing the location should be one of your first decisions.
HIRING YOUR SUPPORT TEAM: Assembling the perfect team of experts for your day is crucial in the success of your wedding day. Remember, it is not only about style and budget, but you need to be able to trust each person in carrying out your vision. Here is a list of the vendors you may consider hiring for your day:
-Wedding Planner
-Ceremony Venue
-Reception Venue
-Caterer
-Floral Designer
-Photographer
-Cinematographer
-Cake Designer
-Ceremony Entertainment
-Reception Entertainment
-Stylist
-Stationer
-Lighting Company
-Linens
-Rental Company
In an effort to secure your preferred vendors, prioritize your interviews with the professionals that need to be present on your wedding day. For instance, your photographer will probably only be shooting one wedding per day however your stationer or linen supplier can obviously service more than one couple per any given date.
While interviewing, always ask for references, review contracts line by line and be upfront about your budget. Many vendors will customize their services to fit your needs, so it is important to be honest. This will save time and frustration for all involved.
NOTE: All vendors require a non-refundable deposit to hold your wedding date or start services. Be prepared to put out close to 50% of your entire wedding day budget during the beginning of the planning process.
THE DETAILS: Once you have your team in place, start thinking about the specifics. What type of flowers will you carry? What color of linens do you want? What songs will be played during the ceremony? If you are a bride that knows exactly what you want, great! If not, spend some time researching wedding resources, gathering inspiration and talking with your vendors. As a general guideline, work to have all details and decisions made no later than one month before your wedding day. This will allow you to enjoy the days leading up to your union.
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS: No matter what, keep in perspective the true meaning of the day. A more carefree mindset will save your sanity as you try to manage diva vendors, keep your soon-to-be in-laws happy and remain sane. Congratulations again and happy planning!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)