Oh Behave: Proper Protocol For Your Wedding Day

Aug 11, 2016 07:22 PM Back

Making your union official is one of the MAJOR milestones of your adult life….and you’re going to want to do it right, and to get it right. Here are some suggestions for how to handle such BIG and EXCITING news and such a monumental event like a lady and a gent. Rules of Engagement: Resist the urge to share on social media before sharing with friends and family. Children from a previous marriage or relationship should be the first to know followed by friends and other family members. Party Favors: Never expect to receive gifts from guests at your prenuptial parties (ie: your engagement party) as it was traditionally NOT something that was expected. Instead it was simply a “nice gesture” by friends and family who WANTED to do something extra special for the two of you. So, rather than make some (who may not have thought to bring a present) feel out of place or uncomfortable, it’s probably best to open gifts (with you mate) once guests have gone, then place a phone call to thank them in person followed by a “formal” thank you note. Stride Style: While is has typically been customary for the Father of the bride to walk his “little girl” down the aisle, there is no rule that says daddy HAS to be your main man for your main event. Consider having mom and dad walk you down the aisle. Or, if you have a dad and a step-dad that you love and respect equally, talk to them and see if they’d be okay with you having both of them “give you away”. Regardless of who you choose, remember this is a significant moment and your decision needs to be one that is well thought out and will have meaning for all involved for years to come. Getting A Grip On Your Guest List: This requires you having an RSVP from those on your guest list. Remember, while you are in a hurry, those on your guest list, while they ARE happy and excited for you, may not be and may forget to RSVP (on time) Make sure you send out your invites well ahead of time. Experts recommend allowing 15 days between between when you expect the invites to arrive and when you would like to receive a response. Start reaching out to guests who have not yet responded about a week before you need to finalize with vendors. Invitation Etiquette: Wondering if you should send someone who declined to share in your special day an invite anyway. Well, if you already know they can’t attend, don’t try to be polite by still sending them an invite. It may come across as though you’re fishing for a gift. If however the party is part of your inner circle (family and friends) you may want to send the invite as a keepsake….just make sure you add a heartfelt, handwritten note explaining your gesture. Bridesmaid Blunders: Before picking your bridesmaids consider how each would feel about being given the “honor”. Would your entourage of female friends be happy about your engagement or do you think they’d be upset because they may not have found Mr. Right yet? Also consider each lady’s financials and make sure you think they would be able to fiscally handle the responsibility. Last, but not least, even if each of these ladies says “yes”, let them know you won’t be upset if they have to back down or back out and have a back-up plan in place. Note: Bridesmaids typically pay for their own dress (and alterations), hair, makeup, travel expenses, your bachelorette party, etc. Plus, it requires an extensive time commitment as these ladies are instrumental in helping you plan your big day. Contemporary Confections: You may want to think outside the box when it comes to giving your guests their just desserts. Instead of literally having your cake and eating it too….consider more contemporary confections such as ice cream bar, pie station, or candy bar. Just keep in mind that traditionally the cake cutting ceremony was a cue to guests that they could head out without being considered rude. Social Graces: It’s best to let your guests know how you feel about having them post to social media…whether you encourage them to take photos and video and share on FB, Twitter, etc. or if you consider that TMI.