During your engagement and right through until your wedding day, you will be receiving gifts to commemorate your big news. You may receive wedding gifts from people you don’t even know. That’s because all gifts, even those from guests of your fiancé’s family, are usually sent to the bride. But the only people obligated to give gifts are those who accept invitations to your reception. And if it’s your second marriage or your fiancé’s those who sent a gift before may not give another. To make gift-giving more fun, less of a guessing game for all your friends and relatives, register at a your favourite stores. List items you’d like to receive; all in all price ranges. Guests can select the gifts they like and and can afford. The gift consultant will check off item purchased in that store, but do let them know when you get something from another place.
 Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel Visit our website for more wedding planning information http://www.bridaltalk.theweddingguide.ca
Have fun unwrapping those gifts- be careful that no gift cards get separated from their packages or that cheques get misplaced. As you unwrap each gift, list it in a special book, along with a description, the sender’s name and address and the date it arrived. Leave space for the date you mail a thank-you note. And star those presents for the bridal consultant to check off your gift registry so its kept up to date.
Send a personal handwritten thank-you note for each gift you receive, even if it’s from a close friend you’ve thanked in person and see every day. You don’t have to send written notes to your fiancé or your parents, though they might love finding a surprise note in a pocket or on their pillow. Keep up with your notes by writing as each gift comes in. And do try to send a thank-you within two weeks after a gift arrives; no later than one month after your honeymoon.
When writing your thank-yous, be brief but specific. In the first sentence, mention the gift itself. (“cappuccino maker”) If you don’t know what it is, refer to it by colour or material (“the pretty blue crystal piece”). Next say something more about the present.
If you receive a single gift from a large group (like your co-workers, or relatives), send one note to the group as a whole but if the joint gift is from two or three people, write to each one separately. Sign off with your first and last names or just your first, using your newly married name, only after your wedding, and only if, you are taking your your partner’s name.
Although the internet is wide-spread and convenient, It is not acceptable to send your thank-you by email. The proper way is to send it the old-fashioned way with a stamp.
No matter how careful you are about registering your preferences, you’re bound to receive duplicates or gifts you may not want. Since no one likes to think his gift was exchanged, take back only the items you’re the giver will never know about. Otherwise, keep the gift. And never ask someone to exchange a present he or she gave you. Do it yourself if you know where it came from. The same is true for a damaged gift, unless it was sent by the giver through the mail or courier company and it was insured. Avoid mentioning about returned gifts or duplications in your thank-you note, instead thank the givers for their lovely thought and generosity.
You’re engaged and there is much to do and plan. One of the first steps that you should take after deciding your budget is to set up a bridal registry, which will help people who choose to bring you a gift for your engagement parties and pre-wedding celebrations.
Take your fiancé with you and make your registry a joint effort. This is a time to really have fun and items can be added like a deluxe BBQ, outdoor patio furniture, garden accessories, ladders, electric tools, camping gear and more.
Let your shower hostesses know where you registered so they can add it to the invitation. The idea is to have everyone “shower” you with gifts. When it comes to your wedding invitation, do not include an enclosure care or any mention of where your registered. Notify both sets of parents, as well as members of the wedding party where you are registered, so they can assist with casually spreading the word.
 Steve Pomerleau Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will trave When you are registering for your gifts, feel free to register at more than one store, which gives your guests more options. It’s always helpful to have a lot of price points in your registry, so guests can choose accordingly for engagement, shower and wedding items.
Once you have registered, review your registry often to make changes and additions to your list.
Do pay attention to the small print when you decide to register. Will gifts be shipped to your address or will you have to pick them up. Know their return policy time frame. Check too to see if they offer toll-free and online shopping for your guests.
Registering for your future is fun and it’s an exciting time. Do make sure you list a lot of options priced at or below fifty dollars. Don’t just register for high-end items.
And, when a gift is given, the etiquette tradition that remains steadfast is the thank you note. Don’t make guests wonder whether their gift got lost in the mail. Promptly send personal, hand-written thank-you notes after you receive a gift. Your note doesn’t have to be anything fancy or long; just let them know you appreciate their gift and thank them for being a part of your wedding celebrations. That is, in fact what matters most.
” There is only one kind of love, but there are a thousand different versions.” La Rocefoucauld
Your wedding invitation is the first impression that your guests will have of the uniqueness, that is your wedding style. That style, whether traditional or contemporary sets the stage for what’s to come. Your guests get excited for your upcoming nuptials when they receive your invitation in the mail.
 Invitation & Photo by See You There, Windsor, Ontario New style trends are being incorporated with unique creative elements like ribbon embellishments, different die cuts and 3D designs. Brides can choose from handmade papers that offer romantic touches with messages outfitted with bows, ribbons or good luck charms. There are many beautiful options to choose from, including linen papers, corrugated card stocks and embossed that create a sensational and trendy look.
Combinations of bright, bold colours, and recycled paper always carry the beginning of a theme wedding. It’s helpful to have an idea of how formal or informal you want your invitation to be, before you make an appointment with a specialist. Today, your specialist can custom-make invitations and help you with the proper wording for any of hundreds of circumstances and will have examples to show you.
In a time of long distance weddings, a wedding invitation four to six weeks before the chosen date isn’t enough advance notice. The popular “Save the Date” card is a simple postcard, printed notice or magnet that often gives notice of the wedding day months in advance, and require no commitment for a guests presence- that’s why response cards that accompany the invitation are for. They are a friendly FYI of your plans and their interest in having guests participate.
In this day and age, it is still not acceptable to send e-invitations except for engagement parties, brunches, showers or after parties. Remember that some of your guests may not be socially linked so be sure to print additional occasion-related invitations. Nothing takes the place of a proper wedding invitation sent the old fashioned way with a stamp. Your bridal website can be printed on a separate card and enclosed with the invitation and response card. A formal invitation requires a formal response.
Always double check your invitation proofs before sending them back to your stationer. Have someone other than yourself have another look-see also, checking the day and date, the time of the ceremony and the location of the venue.
The language of your invitation is predicated by the place you are holding your ceremony If you are marrying in a religious place of worship, the invitation language should read, ” request the honour of your presence. If the ceremony is being held elsewhere, the wording will read “request the pleasure of your company.”
Whatever style of invitation you are looking for, it’s important to find a stationer that has lots of experience in both traditional and custom wedding invitations, and can handle the creative process from your engagement to your wedding day and beyond with thank you cards.
For invitation information and where to find a Wedding Guide Preferred Vendor in Windsor|Essex County, refer to:
http://www.bridaltalk.theweddingguide.ca - Invitations
Life moves quickly these days with instant communication via email, blogs and cell phone calls. When one receives a piece of mail there is something special about it. With an impending marriage and many pre-wedding celebrations like engagement parties and showers, there will be thank you notes that must be written.
There will also be invitations to accept from good friends and family that wish to share in your news. Thoughtful and timely correspondence needs to be thoughtful.
 See You There Invitations, Windsor, Ontario: Photo by Judene McCalla Your thank you notes should be in the mail one week after the gift is received. The standard for wedding gifts, today is now three to six months, which is acceptable, however sooner is always better. It can be a daunting task to have 200 notes to write; doing a few a day and having your spouse assist will get the job completed in a more efficient manner.
It’s never too late to send it out and during busy times such as a holiday season, people will understand why your note is delayed. Be sure to write your note and mention the gift or gesture that you are thanking the person for. It need not be a letter; three or more sentences is more than enough unless it is someone extremely close to you. Be sincere with your thanks!
 Judene McCalla photo: See You There Invitations A formal note is correct protocol for a wedding gift, flowers, bridal showers or any present received for a special occasion. Informal thank yous are sent to the host/hostess who gave a party, gifts that you receive via delivery or special favours that are appreciated.
Receiving an invitation requires proper social etiquette. RSVP (répondez s’il vous plait simply means, please respond. Also, indicate if you are bringing a guest (the invitation will say and guest) Your host wants to know whether you are attending, so they can have a proper guest count for food. They also will be ordering table seating cards and will require lead time for those items.
When you are unable to attend an occasion where an invitation was issued, regrets is the term used. Fill out the RSVP and get it in the mail quickly. When issuing your wedding thank yous, it is nice to include something special like a favourite picture from your special day. Family and friends, both from far and near will love to see you happy and glowing!
 See You There Invitations, Windsor, Ontario Knowing the proper protocol of etiquette makes you stand out with your message. It will surely set the tone for making someone’s day as they bring in their daily mail.
Correspondence that is on time and thoughtful will be appreciated by the receiver. It will also let them know that you received their gift and, that you are acknowledging it. Although life has changed in many areas, those special thanks yous are a necessity, particularly after an event like a wedding day.
With all the upcoming summer weddings on the horizon, your rehearsal dinner is the last party before your wedding day. And it is an intimate and family oriented affair; a time to be with the closest people in your life before you speak your wedding vows at the ceremony.
Your rehearsal dinner is the time to introduce your family and close friends that are involved in the wedding, to the each other. Many times your attendants come from other cities and it is the first opportunity everyone has a chance to meet one another before your wedding day.
 Brandon Scott Photography, Windsor, Ontario -will travel Traditionally, this dinner is hosted by the groom’s parents, in a restaurant, hotel, private dining facility, or in their home. Today, fewer and fewer weddings follow are following a traditional pattern so it may be paid for by the bride and groom or any family member who volunteers.
Although a rehearsal dinner following the wedding rehearsal is not a necessity, it is a lovely way to begin your wedding festivities and it’s a great way to relax and unwind.
Invitations should be sent out two to four weeks before the wedding. A simple phone call informing the expected guests of the time, location, and perhaps formality of dress is also appropriate. Invite members of the wedding party as well as their respective spouses or guests.
The parents of young attendants should also be invited. Included your clergy and spouse or officiant and musicians and vocalists (if they attend the rehearsal). The guest list can be expanded to include grandparents, honoured guests, or the immediate families as the groom wishes.
Special instrumental music will make this event even more elegant; consider hiring a pianist, a harpist, or perhaps an entertaining guitar duo. Usually the location you have chosen will be pleased to accommodate space for special music unless your group will be in a main dining room where music is already provided.
Use place cards to ease seating arrangements. Decorate the dining area with flowers and candles. These touches will help everyone to relax and enjoy the party.
The night before your wedding is a great time to calm any wedding jitters and to relax and begin your celebration. Since your guest list will be smaller for this event, you will have more flexibility than you have had with your wedding planning.
Enjoy the evening and make it an early night because you want to be fresh and bright-eyed for your wedding day!
|