Tag: guests

  • How to Decide Who Makes the Wedding Guest List 

    How to Decide Who Makes the Wedding Guest List 

    Trust me; it isn’t as bad as it sounds. Unless you come from a large family, then it is…a little

    It goes without saying that establishing a guest list is a full-time job, so the following information will help ease the decision making so you don’t lose your mind figuring it out. Now, you may think writing a bunch of names on a list is easy enough, but oh gee, here comes your partner’s second cousin wanting to invite his best friend’s cousin’s sister…

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    Obviously, you know better than to invite complete strangers to your wedding. At least, I hope you do, because as we know, it’s packed enough without the extras. You don’t want to cause any tension between you and other family members, but you also have a hundred other things in mind, especially staying within your budget. It’s a doozy, but here a few helpful tips to get you started. 

    Some Family Counts 

    Your immediate family? Add them. Your partner’s immediate family? Of course. Extended family? This one’s a little difficult to pin down, as wedding etiquette says if you invite a few, you might as well ask all. 

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    So here’s what you do. Once you write down all your immediate family, think of your closest extended family. Are you speaking to any of them? Do you see them often? Do you both send each other memes and bathroom selfies? If so, then add them with no hesitation. If you or your partner start writing names of people you don’t even recall or haven’t seen in years, you’ve gone too far and need to take a break. The pressure is getting to your head.

    Some Family Does Not

    Once again, we are bringing up prominent families because while it’s great to come from one, we never really know any of them. Many of them have probably gotten married without your acknowledgement, so that wave of guilt you may feel not sending them an invite can go straight to hell. 

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    Your second or third cousin doesn’t need a seat at your wedding. If anything, they’ll feel confused about why you invited them if you haven’t spoken to them in years. You are under no obligation to invite them. 

    I repeat: you are under no obligation to invite them. If you’re desperate to see them, plan a family reunion soon. 

    Cut Out Unruly Friends or Family (You Know the Ones) 

    Raise your hand if you have that one friend who gets blackout drunk, gets rowdy, dances on tables, develops an Irish accent, and confesses their love for you as you’re cleaning their vomit off your clothes. Cool, now raise your hand if you are that friend. Congrats, you’re paying for this party so if you want to get so crazy that you forget it’s even your wedding, I say go for it! 

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    Don’t get too crazy, or people might start thinking you’re sabotaging your wedding on purpose, and something might be wrong…

    If you have friends or family who love to make a scene (or two) and know they won’t comply if you ask them to behave, then cut them off. That is terrible energy, and this is your big day. If this person is important to you, you can sit down with them and politely speak to them about their behavior. If alcohol is the trigger, lessen their consumption so you won’t regret inviting them. 

    Your Co-Worker Is Not Your Friend (Neither Are Your Neighbors) 

    Not much to be said here. 

    You share an office, that’s great. It doesn’t mean you have to buy them dinner and a spot at your wedding. While your neighbors may be the “nicest people” you’ve ever met, you don’t have to go as far as inviting them to your wedding. This celebration is for your closest family and friends, not for people who bake you gingerbread cookies on Christmas. 

    Children Don’t Need to Be Present (With One Exception)

    They are your kids. That’s the exception. 

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    A few wedding couples may be compliant with having children at their wedding, but if you’re watching your budget, enforce the no kids’ rule. If a parent takes one, they take all. If you have foreign relatives, you understand what all means, don’t you? It means you can’t provide dinner for your guests. in fact, you can’t afford the wedding. 

    Be ruthless on this day; you deserve it. 

    Follow the “Plus One” Rule 

    If a guest is allowed a plus one, they need to invite someone really, really, really close to them (fiancee, parent, relative). This is not a party where they can ask their buddy Tom who he met playing Call of Duty

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    You are not (will not) spare a seat on your wedding day for someone you’ve never seen in your life. Many people you craved to invite could not be added to the guest list simply because there was no space, and this guy shows up with a stranger? I don’t think so

    Enforce the plus one rule. Make it clear to your guests about the limited space you have and how you’re giving them a chance to invite someone dear. 

    It’s never easy telling someone they’re not invited to the wedding, but Brides has some great advice on how to break the news to them in the most loving and understanding way. 

     

  • Planning a Winter Wedding? 

    Planning a Winter Wedding? 

    Here’s What You Need to Know

    It is finally wintertime and baby; it’s freakin’ cold outside! ‘Tis the season of spices, pumpkins, lattes, and hectic holiday shopping. Let’s not forget the Christmas decorating and family hosting. It’s no surprise that the last few months of the year are the reason your cortisol levels run off the charts. 

    Now imagine doing all that plus planning a wedding. Yikes. Merely thinking about it makes my insides feel like jelly! But because of their fondness for the beautiful wintertime season, many people plan their wedding around the end of the year or the beginning of the new year. The air is crisp, the world from the moon looks pearl white, the venues are cheaper (most important), and it’s a beautiful way to start the new year with your partner! 

    Here a few secrets and tips to help you ease your stress and the plan for the perfect winter wedding!

    Venues

    You must’ve known how vital booking the right venue is at this time of year! It’s crucial when picking out a site in the winter that you consider the distance, the accommodations, and the weather forecast. The days are shorter in winter, so you need to arrange a time to tour the venue during the daytime to get a good idea of what awaits you. 

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    People, don’t be afraid to go with your gut feeling, it’s there for a reason! Ask yourself, is this venue nearby the guests? Does it appear cordial and welcoming? If it rains, do they have umbrellas for the guests or indoor accommodations?

    Also, try to negotiate a deal with the manager of the venue. This is the off-peak season, so you’re very likely to score a discount on your reservation. After the holidays, even wedding suppliers are more likely to have discounts! If you’re anticipating unfavorable weather, always ask the supplier if they’ll be able to make it despite that. Again, stormy weather guarantees traffic, so consider keeping the same venue for both the ceremony and reception.

    Attire 

    What do you and the bridesmaids have in common today? You both want to stay warm because honey, it is cold! I’ve seen so many new trends this past year that pass off as chic, dreamy, fresh, and “hey, I don’t want to freeze to death” fur coats. 

    Listen to me; this important. Invest in a pair of white thermal leggings for you and your bridesmaids. I grew up in southern California, so you better believe when I got married, it was 65 degrees outside, and I was wearing thermal leggings underneath my long sleeve David’s Bridal wedding dress. 

     

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    I see you judging me, but this is a judge-free zone, people, so let’s keep it civil.

    If you are planning outdoor photography in snowy/rainy weather, protect your shoes by investing in a can of spray shoe protector. If you’re planning something more adventurous like being knee-deep in the mud, then high leather rain boots are your go-to. Best possibility? You have two pairs of shoes.  

    Grooms, you’ve got a hell of a lot more options. According to Hitched, “Thick fabrics like velvet, tweed, and tartan are warm and look incredibly chic on grooms and groomsmen.” You can even wear earmuffs, and it’d still look pretty damn good.

    Theme/Setting 

    I get it; it’s winter, so your wedding has to be a winter wonderland. Good news, it doesn’t. 

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    Color schemes like gold, burgundy, grey, lavender, and dark shades of green are perfect for rainy and (if you’re lucky) snowy days. Even if it’s just one color, you always want that “pop” in the room. Click here for some colorful inspiration! 

    Food

    Cold weather calls for tons of comfort food! Personally, my winter menu always consists of lentil soups and cheese bowls. Don’t even get me started on my sweet tooth around this time of year. 

     

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    Your guests are likely to be the same way. They crave a meal that makes them feel warm in their tummy and desserts sweet enough to take comfort in. The options are endless, and The Knot has some of the perfect ideas to help you get started! Click here to learn more!

    Guests 

    I worked in retail for over ten years. Every year, I witnessed the same thing — crazy spending during the holiday and unbelievably dull movement after New Year’s. People wouldn’t resume their regular shopping till Mid-march, and that’s the earliest

    If you didn’t know, people spend heaps of cash during the holidays and retreat when their bank accounts are hungry again. 

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    Consider this: how much will it cost your guest to arrive at your reception? Is it by car, by plane, by train? The weather is unpredictable at times, so if a majority of guests are nearby, try keeping the venue an hour (two hours tops) by driving. Again, lousy weather equals terrible traffic, and if you’re planning this wedding in January, then people are either going home or coming home. Expect a few guests to be delayed or not show up at all

    Once they arrive, greet them with their choice of hot drink (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc.). It’s something little, but it shows you care, you appreciate them coming, and most importantly, it warms their hands. 

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    If your reception is indoors, think about providing blankets for your guests and renting space heaters if your set up is outside.