Etiquette for Wedding Guests

During the planning process the bride and groom and their families are always questioning etiquette and proper manners on a variety of subjects.  This is to be expected because a wedding and all of the events surrounding it are layered in tradition and etiquette.  In keeping of protocol, guests have their own etiquette to follow.  Here is a list of how to be a “good guest”.

#1  As a guest, once you receive your invitation you should respond to it immediately.  It’s equally important, if not more important, to respond to an invitation if you aren’t able to attend as it is if you plan to attend.  By doing so, the bride and/or groom is able to send out another invitation in your place.

#2  Guests should always behave responsibly.  Once you have accepted an invitation, you are obligated to behave responsibly.  Regardless of what is going on in the family or between friends, you must be on your best behavior while a guest at the wedding.  If you aren’t feeling up to behaving peacefully, then decline the invitation. 

#3  If you are a guest that has been invited to the ceremony and reception, you have an obligation to buy a gift.  However, if you receive an announcement after the ceremony a gift is not required.  You should send a note acknowledging receipt of the announcement.  The note should contain your sentiment for well wishes and prosperity for the new couple.

The Grooms Cake Tradition 

The Groom’s Cake is a southern tradition that had almost disappeared.  In recent years, it’s making a come back.  Traditionally, it was the cake that went home with the guests boxed in decorative wrapping.  Typically, the groom’s cake was in the shape of a basketball or football; something masculine.  Its design was kept a secret from the groom so that he was surprised whenever it was presented.  More recently, serving the groom’s cake at the rehearsal dinner has become popular.  Having a groom’s cake is the perfect way to show the groom that he was remembered in the planning process of an event that is almost entirely centered on the bride.

Elizabeth’s Etiquette 

Q.  What happens if the wedding is called off? 

1.  While we all want to think that just because we’ve sent out invitations, there will be a wedding – it doesn’t always begin and end like a children’s fairytale.  If something should happen between the bride and groom that causes the wedding to be called off of significantly delayed, it is proper for the invited guests to receive written notice.  The announcement should be short and sweet.  It doesn’t have to have a lot of details.  Only that the engagement has been broken and there will be no wedding on the specified date.  If a gift was sent, return it. 

17. What do I do with the wedding ring after the wedding is cancelled?

1. Some say that if the groom calls off the nuptials the bride should keep the ring and if the bride calls off the wedding the bride should return the ring.  It really doesn’t matter.  The ring should go back to the groom. 

What will a wedding consultant do for you?

Generations ago, wedding consultants were for the rich, famous and powerful.  Now in recent times, a wedding consultant is the best friend of the busy working couple.  If you want your wedding to be stress free, elegant, romantic, beautiful, “uniquely yours” and a whole list of other appropriate adjectives, the first step you have to take is to realize two things:

#1  You can’t do it yourself.  You need help.

#2  Unless you’re a wedding planner, you could benefit from the expertise of a wedding coordinator’s experience.

Bridal consultants, wedding planners, wedding coordinators, or whatever you’re comfortable calling them can provide you with many services.  Whether you need some or all of them, you and your wedding day vision will benefit from their services. 

Wedding consultants can help you to find your venue, assist in vendor selection, coordinate communication between vendors, coordinate rehearsal, direct and organize the wedding day, decorate, and be the detail manager you need to assure that no detail is overlooked during this emotional time in your life. 

Wedding consultants can help save you time and costly mistakes during the planning process. They can free up your family and friends to enjoy the festivities and allow them the time to share in the memory of your wedding day without the physical exhaustion.   

Every bride should take some time to interview a few wedding consultants and see how that consultant can help make your plan a reality.  

The cost of a wedding consultant can vary greatly.  The value of a wedding consultant’s involvement is immeasurable. 

Special Event Solutions Starts From The Beginning

Special Event Solutions announces the launching of its custom invitation sales.  Starting in June 2006, Special Event Solutions will sell wedding, party and special event invitations.  We will offer 30% off all invitations sold between the dates of June 15^th and July 15^th.  In addition to traditional custom invitations, we have unique lines available  themed for African-American Brides, Latin-American Brides and destination wedding brides.  Additional discounts could apply to brides who are utilizing our coordinating services.  Look for more information about this exciting new service provided by Special Event Solutions.

June Monthly Special 

Sign up for our Elizabeth or Desneige Wedding Coordinating Package and receive 10% off all rentals provided by Special Event Solutions.