After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

I recently came across an adorable wedding invitation infographic from Val Marie Paper via Every Last Detail that so very sweetly sums up everything you need to know about preparing wedding invitations.  You'll want to save, pin , tweet and print this one.   And be sure to keep it handy for non-wedding events as well.   Always remember, the invitation is 100% reflective of the celebration to come ... attention must/should be paid. - - - - - - - - - - by Rash a na Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

Dear Rashana, I'm planning to buy a personalized cake-cutting set, but I'm stumped on one thing ... whose name goes first, mine or his?  Help! - Unsure ********************************************** Hi Unsure, This is a common question asked of many vendors, especially when purchasing favors. It has been found that almost 90% of personalized wedding items are printed with the bride's name first. However, if we pull out the book of "proper etiquette," presentation of names usually requires the man's name precede the woman's anytime the surname or married name is included. That said, even napkins, favor boxes and ribbon printed with a monogram or surname, the groom's name should be printed first. Nonetheless, it is really up to you and what you prefer. A little diversion from "proper etiquette" is not really a huge crime.  And in my opinion, the best route is usually to go with what's aesthetically pleasing.  Goo...

Dear Rashana, I have an issue I really need your help with.  We're thrilled to be having my fiance's nieces as flower girls in our wedding.  However, their parents would rather purchase their dresses from a department store as opposed to a bridal salon.  I'm concerned because I had ideas in mind for the girls already (which would coordinate with what the bridesmaids and I are wearing) and I doubt this can be achieved at a random department store.  Is there anything I can do without offending the family?  HELP!! - Concerned Bride * * * * * * * * * * Dear Concerned Bride, It is customary for the bride to select all attire for her attendants (bridesmaids, flower girls, etc).  However, this can get sticky in the case of child attendants if the bride hasn't agreed to pay for their ensemble.  Perhaps you should proactively choose a few dresses for your flower girls and take photos to their parents for review.  Just be sure to pick out options withi...

  (photo courtesy of Getty Images) When planning a wedding, brides and grooms a will likely do all they can to prevent any major changes or an untimely cancellation. However, in case of an emergency, they should be sure to make themselves and their family aware of the proper way to handle such situations. A wedding is an enormous event regardless of budget or scope, therefore any major modifications or postponements should be handled very carefully, with utmost care and in accordance with proper etiquette. Definitely talk to your wedding planner before making any decisions. We at THE BRIDAL PARTY recommend the following: Postponement If the wedding is to be delayed but will be rescheduled within a reasonable amount of time, a mailed announcement is proper.  If time does not allow for a mailed notification to your invited guests,  telephone calls and email are acceptable. Changes of Date : If the wedding date changes after invitations have been printed but BEFORE...

With each passing day, our world becomes more and more focused on digital/virtual communication. Whether we like it or not, portals like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are likely permanent fixtures within our society. But like everything else, etiquette is an important part of it ... thus "do's and don'ts" are fast emerging for weddings, even specifically for wedding guests. WeddingChannel.com released an interesting article on this subject recently that I really enjoyed and wanted to share. So, if you're attending a loved one's nuptials this year, be sure to read. You're close with the bride and groom, so it's probably just fine if you simply text your RSVP, right? And you're so thrilled to be invited that you just can't wait to spread the word to everyone! Sound OK? Think again. Just because you're usually glued to Facebook and Twitter, doesn't mean you should use them to announce your friend's upcoming nuptials. In most ci...

I just read the cutest, yet informative, little article over at TheKnot .  Each question is 100% valid and should be paid attention to (especially #4).  Definitely worth the read, so I thought I'd share: After a few months of wedding planning, you start to feel like a pro. You've already memorized all the in-season flowers, can name the top 20 wedding dress designers alphabetically and are on a first-name basis with every single member on staff at your reception venue. Still, there's bound to be a couple of questions that you forgot to ask. Let us help fill it in for you. 1. When should I take off my veil after the ceremony? Everyone loves to talk about the veil, but nobody tells you exactly when to ditch it. While it's perfectly okay to wear the veil for the entire reception, there are two optimal times to take it off. The first is after the ceremony (have your hairstylist show a bridesmaid how to do this without messing up your 'do), and the second is...

Dear Rashana, As I begin planning my wedding, I'm most concerned about who's going to pay for what.  Many of my friends paid for their weddings themselves, with little to no help from their families.  However, our parents have offered to help with our wedding.  I know a lot has changed over the years where weddings are concerned, but traditionally what does the bride's family usually take care of and where does the groom's family come in? - Toward Tradition * * * * * * * * * * Dear Toward Tradition , You're right...who pays for the wedding has changed over the years.  But traditionally, the following should provide you with some guidelines: THE BRIDE &  THE BRIDE'S FAMILY Engagement Party Reception (including caterer, food, wedding cake, beverages, entertainment, decor, etc) Church (officiant, musicians, decor, etc) Flowers (for bridesmaids, flower girl, church, reception) Groom's wedding ring Invitations Photography Videography Transp...

Dear Rashana, I'm in need of some guidance about tipping. How does tipping vary if the vendor is the owner of the company? Does this matter? I'm sure you can give this confused gal some good advice. Need Tips On Tipping * * * * * * * * * * Dear Need Tips On Tipping , This is an excellent question! I wrote about gratuity etiquette once before, but I think focusing on owners of companies is important because most folks are not sure if there's a difference. But yes, there is a difference. When it comes to gratuities, there really are no concrete rules. Nevertheless, my advise to my clients when the vendor working on their event is also the business owner that tipping him/her is optional. Of course, if they've gone above and beyond for you, you may chose to show your appreciation with a gratuity, but it's not required and shouldn't be expected. Exceptional vendors who are not owners of the company should probably receive a tip however. Please al...

Dear Rashana , I have two questions regarding wedding invitation wording and etiquette.   First, we're having a farewell brunch the morning after the wedding. I was wondering if it is considered either acceptable or tacky to include a coordinating invitation for the brunch with the wedding invitation, and then leaving a spot on the RSVP card to indicate attendance at the brunch.   Second, I'm having trouble figuring out how to word the "host line" of the invitation. The wedding will be hosted by my parents, the groom and myself. I've seen "Together with their families..." and "Together with their parents..." but since only my parents are helping us, how do I give them proper recognition? Sticky Situations * * * * * * * * * * Dear Sticky Situations , I love post-wedding brunches!  So glad you're having one. While inviting your guests verbally is acceptable, I definitely support including a coordinating card in your invitatio...

Tips and gratuities are often overlooked during the planning of a wedding. While most vendors will not expect tips, it's surely a nice gesture of thanks. Of course, you always have the option to decide not to, but if you're interested in rewarding exceptional service, here are some rules of thumb and suggestions when it comes to wedding gratuity etiquette. Each gratuity should be presented at the end of the evening or upon delivery of services. If you've hired a wedding coordinator, provide him/her with individual sealed envelopes ahead of time for the vendors you'd like to tip. If you haven't hired a consultant, pass this task on to the Best Man. (Special Note: Even if you have a wedding coordinator, the honorariums/gratuity for the officiant should always be presented by the Best Man) Refrain from sitting a "tip jar" at the bar or out at valet service (something that truly makes me cringe). Instead, be sure to inform the bartender that you will make...

Okay, so it's time to share a few of my favorite wedding / event planning and idea websites. These sites feature some of the most beautiful inspiration for one-of-a-kind events. Check 'em out! Frills & Yummies ( http://www.frillsandyummies.com/ ) Frills & Yummies' tagline is "sophisticated ... imaginative ... fun." Owned by a wedding consultant and retail guru, this little site carries unique (mostly hand-made) gifts, luxuries, paperie, etc. Not interested in blowing bubbles as you and your groom exit the ceremony, check out the petal confetti by Frills & Yummies! They carry hair pieces, handbags and jewelry as well. Beau-Coup ( http://www.beau-coup.com/ ) Beau-Coup carries wedding favors, party supplies, bridal shower favors, bridal accessories and personalized wedding decorations. It's a one-stop shop for brides and planners! Beau-Coup is especially great for themes ... Las Vegas, Fall, Golf ... you name it, they tastefully have it. In addition,...

One of my brides asked me today, "I'm buying a personalized cake-cutting set, but whose name goes first ... mine or his?" This is a common question asked of many vendors, especially when purchasing favors. It has been found that almost 90% of personalized wedding items are printed with the bride's name first. However, if we pull out the book of "proper etiquette," presentation of names usually requires the man's name precede the woman's anytime the surname or married name is included. That said, even napkins, favor boxes and ribbon printed with a monogram or surname, the groom's name should be printed first. Nonetheless, it is truly up to the couple and what they prefer. A little diversion from "proper etiquette" is not really a huge crime. In my opinion, the best route is usually to go with what's aesthetically pleasing.