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1. How can I
let people know where I am registered?
Word of mouth is really only the
"proper" way to inform people where you are registered. You really
must wait until they ask you or other family members. All friends and
family members should be told where you are registered so they can inform others
when asked.
Today, many brides are including
cards from the Department Store where they are registered in their shower
invitation. However, this is still NEVER done in the wedding invitation.
2. How can I
ask for money instead of a gift?
Actually, there is NO way of wording
the asking of money for wedding gifts in lieu of something else without being
tacky. I'm afraid this is a cardinal rule of etiquette that must be taken
seriously.
The only thing you can do is tell
your friends and relatives your preference. Then, when others ask, your family
and friends can say that you would prefer money because you are... (i.e. saving
for a house, etc.).
Then, guests can do whatever they
like. If they take the hint - GREAT - but if they don't, accept the gift with a
gracious thank you!
3. How can I
let people know that I don't want children at the wedding?
The only thing you can do is NOT
include the children's names on the invitations. However, you'll find that some
people will still bring their children.
So you might want to be prepared
with a "kids table" that includes crayons, coloring books, and candy.
Some even hire a babysitter to look after the children at the "kids
table".
Some brides are now having
"adult only" printed on their invitations but again, even at that,
some people ignore the printing and assume "their children" are, of
course, invited.
4. Who Pays
for What?
A growing trend today is for wedding
expenses to be shared among the bride's family, the bride and groom and the
groom's family. But, here is the
traditional
list of "Who Pays for What"
5. How many
invited guests should I expect will actually attend my wedding?
The general rule of
thumb is if you're having over 200 guests, then you can estimate that about
25-28% of your guests will be unable to attend. If you are having less 200
guests, then the percentage usually decreases to about 15-20% or less. Other
factors include how many guests you invite that live out-of-town and the travel
distance required to attend the wedding.
Remember, every
family (and guest list is different) - so always be prepared in case EVERYONE is
able to come!
6. What are the Maid of
Honor's Responsibilities?
The main role of the maid of
honor is to help the bride with the wedding planning. This can include shopping for
dresses, addressing invitations, putting together favors and just being there
when the bride needs some extra help, support or someone to talk to.
7. What is appropriate
to wear for a second wedding?
No matter whether it is your first, second or
third wedding… the focal point is still the wedding dress. Many second-time
brides choose a simpler, more elegant or sophisticated wedding dress. Many
choose a floor length or cocktail length dress in white, off-white or a pretty
pastel.
Many "etiquette
experts" advise second-time brides to not wear a veil or a long train for
their second wedding. DON'T LISTEN to them! This is your day - wear what YOU
want to wear! Maybe you had a very small first wedding and now you want to go
all out! Wear what makes you feel beautiful!
Click
Here for More About Second Time Brides
8. How Do I Personalize
my Wedding?
There are plenty of tips and ideas to make your
wedding unique and personal. But, which ideas are right for you?
Only YOU can decide. Think about what is
important to you and your fiancé. Think about special interests or hobbies that
you share together. Or, maybe there is a special place - the beach or some
quaint little Inn you went to when he proposed. Incorporate THESE elements and
these "feelings" into your wedding and it will be truly unique and
personal.
Check
Out - Tips for Sentimental Wedding
9. Should I Tip My
Wedding Vendors?
Your caterer or reception site serving the food
will include their gratuities with your bill. So, a tip is not necessarily
expected.
As for your other vendors (wedding consultant,
band or DJ, limo driver, photographer), again a tip is not required. However, if
you feel a vendor went "above and beyond the call of duty", then feel
free to provide them with an extra tip. If you are concerned whether or
not a vendor is "expecting" a tip, then discuss it with them.
10. What fee should I pay
my clergy?
This can be a tough one... most clergy do not
have a "fee" but instead ask for a donation. In this case, anywhere
from $50 - $100 or more. A lot depends on how well you know them and whether or
not counseling sessions were involved.
If you are still unsure what the appropriate
amount should be - then talk to the church secretary and ask for an
"acceptable range" for a donation.
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