Wedding Gift Guide

How to give the perfect wedding gift

So many questions arise when it comes to giving the perfect gift for our favorite wedding couples.  It can be so difficult to navigate all the rules (and it seems they change all the time)!  Here are a few staple guidelines to abide by when giving wedding gifts.

To wrap or not to wrap gifts?

• The truth is you should Never, EVER EVER bring a wrapped gift to the wedding.  Please refrain from doing this. Although it is a meaningful gesture, it is can actually be pretty rude to bring a wrapped wedding gift. Think about how the "just married" blissful couple will ever figure out how to get your huge wrapped Lobster Pot home or back to the hotel.. eek! I promise you it's the last thing they or anyone in their wedding party wants to think about at 12am. To avoid creating an uncomfortable situation, always ship wrapped gifts before the wedding to the couple's home address or up to a year after the wedding.  Don't forget to include a meaningful card :)

Purchasing Gifts not on listed the Wedding Registry 

• Don't go Rouge! Try to buy a gift off their registry. They spent a lot of time putting together this curated list of special items they need to start their lives together.  Please don't buy something off their list you "think" they will love.  They really want the items they picked out in their style and taste.

Think Outside the Box

• Most modern couples are not only registering for household items but also on websites like zola.com where they can register for furniture, electronics, experiences, weekend getaways and cash funds all in one easy location. Their tagline is "Ask for Everything!" Really truly anything they really want.  I love this concept as it gives the buyer so many great options. 

How much to spend on wedding gifts?

• How much are you really supposed to spend on the shower and wedding gifts".  We all know the age-old rule of giving the couple the price of their reception meal - however, it is just that, an old saying.  There really is no true rule here.  Just give what you can afford, think about your own relationship with the couple and let that be your guide.  One great rule of thumb is purchasing gifts based on 20/20/60. If you are invited to 2 showers and the wedding, spend 20% on the shower gift, 20% on the second shower or party and 60% on the wedding gift.  Set your budget ahead of time so you are fully prepared.  And YES, if you get invited, you should send a gift. Doesn't have to be a big something, but needs to be something.

Happy Planning

MM

Inspiration Overload!

When your ideas outweigh your actions... you are suffering from inspiration overload!

There are plenty of articles and blog posts about curtailing your inspiration ideas when it comes to wedding planning. But it's so hard!!!!! Pinterest has what seems to be endless inspiration boards dedicated to wedding planning. From garden themed, to chic modern, classic, and everything in between. With so many ideas, where does one start?! How does one avoid inspiration overload? Bridal Guide posted an article entitled, How to Overcome Pinterest Wedding Overload which gives readers a pretty comprehensive guide on how to use Pinterest to plan your wedding effectively.

My best advice? You can't have a rustic, modern, classic, futuristic wedding :)

It's ok to like all of these things, but figure out what best fits your personality and what really speaks to you. What can you not dream of not doing or having at your wedding? Go with that idea. Remain flexible as you're not going to get all of your wishes! But whatever matters most, put that at the top of the list and try to keep it high on that list! Talk it out with your partner and those who's opinion you trust and make your decision from there. Once you decided on the theme or venue or general Pinterest idea, build on it, rather than starting new streams.

Have fun with it, and most importantly, keep your wedding true to you!

Happy planning!

The B-Word

Oh, the B-word.. let's talk bridesmaids! 

It is noted that bridesmaids were once present for the purpose of protecting the bride on her wedding day by confusing evil spirits that may intend to harm the bride. It's a big deal!  When choosing your bridesmaids, choose those who you would trust with your life! :)

In this day and age, bridesmaids are expected to throw showers, bachelorette parties, often travel for the wedding on top of being required to purchase dresses and pay for makeup, hair, accessories etc.. and make sure the bride has everything she needs during her big day.

However, more often than not, brides do not realize how much financial responsibility weighs on their bridesmaids. A prime example is the article entitled How Being a Bridesmaid Is Driving Me to the Brink of Bankruptcy, posted on Alternet (www.alternet.org),  With the average wedding costing a bridesmaid upwards of $1,500.00 it can be more than some can handle. Add to that the hours of planning and events and the stress and it is quite the commitment to make!

So.. How can you make sure your bridesmaids are happy?

Here are 5 Tips to be a good bride to your bridesmaids

1.   Don't be offended if someone declines to be your bridesmaid

 If you would like to keep someone who declined to be a bridesmaid in your wedding, start by asking them what their concerns are. If there is a workaround or something you can do to ease their worries, do it. Otherwise, if they agree to help out, but do not want to be a part of the wedding, then let them help you.

2. Be realistic with your expectations and remain Flexible

These women have agreed to help you on your big day and look out for your best interest. Show that you are looking out for theirs! Try to be flexible in your planning and give them choices. Having options will put your bridesmaids more at ease with the process and seeing that you are trying to be reasonable will make them more appreciative.

 For example

• Select a few dresses you like and ask for their input on which they prefer before the final decision is made. This also applies to hair and makeup choices.

• Schedule events and wedding planning meetings etc… at the best dates/times for the group

• Use email, Schedule Skype sessions or conference calls to discuss wedding details if possible. rather than multiple in-person meetings

• Make sure you work in some time for fun!

3. Consider finances 

Determine what costs you will cover for your bridesmaids and an approximate cost for their expenses. Present your potential bridesmaids with an estimate so they can make an informed decision and prepare accordingly. Try to negotiate with vendors to get your bridesmaids a deal on their dresses or hair and makeup etc… Whenever possible use the talents your friends have to cut costs as well!

4. Keep yourself organized and your emotions in line

find the best system to keep your wedding plans organized and try to stick to it. Inform your bridesmaids of any major changes. Keep in mind that these are your friends and family members, even though you may be stressed out and emotional, don’t take your emotions out on them. Try to consider their feelings when you address them and make these decisions that affect them too.

5. Be grateful

You may think that allowing someone to be a part of your wedding is thanks enough, but please do take the time to give your bridesmaids a warm and sincere thank you for their hard work and commitment to your big day. There will be times that your emotions get the best of you, recognize how important these women are to you and remember why you chose them to stand beside you in the first place. Yes, bridesmaids’ gifts are touching and are a tangible expression of your gratitude, but nothing beats a genuine expression from the heart.

Happy Planning!

MM