Planning & Parties Blog
Alternative Gift Registry and Favor Options
WeddingDay | September 10, 2010The ring is on your finger, the date is set, the reception hall is booked- it's time for the age old tradition of registering for gifts. But what if you are already trying to put two households together or just don't want a bunch more stuff? Some couples today are opting to share their love by requesting donations to charity instead of gifts.
Separation Anxieties
Kathy Guy | September 10, 2010As you prepare for your wedding day, relationships with our parents can be some of the most enjoyable and the ones that create the most angst. If you haven't noticed, parents have some thoughts about-well, parents have thoughts about everything! You don't generally need to ask them as they are very willing to share their ideas with you!
What's Inside Comes Out: Coping with Stress
WeddingDay | September 10, 2010Our current economic environment gives added significance to traditional wedding vows: "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part."
Favor 411
Cynthia Basker | September 10, 2010The custom of sending guests home after a celebratory occasion with a small gift can be traced back to ancient Rome. Centuries ago, european aristocrats, most notably those in England, France and Italy gave their guests bonbonnierre, which was a box made from porcelain, crystal, precious stones or metal. Inside would be delicacies made from sugar, which at the time, was a very expensive commodity.
The Wedding of the Century
WeddingDay | September 10, 2010If you love pearls, lace and tulle, you would have loved Gertrude Oliver's wedding gown. It had copious amounts of both, placed over white satin. The dress was ankle-length, but the train very long. It was rather simple in overall style, "made along old-fashioned lines," but heavily embroidered.
You've Just Gotten Engaged. Where Do You Begin?
WeddingDay | September 10, 2010When I meet with newly engaged brides, blissful glowing abounds, but then the reality of planning a full-blown wedding kicks in. Typically the foremost concern is the overwhelming planning process. But it can be as easy as 1-2-3 if you follow these guidelines.
Stretching your Wedding Budget
Anne Landis | September 10, 2010Whether you are in the beginning planning stages of your wedding, or arranging the final details, a wedding should come down to personal style, at any budget. I have listed some alternative planning strategies that will reduce your wedding budget without sacrificing your personal style.
Should You Invite Children to Your Big Day?
Kathy Guy | September 10, 2010The picture is clear as I remember the 8 year old boy in his two piece navy suit with his little tie loosened commanding full attention. He took center stage as he wildly danced to "She's a Brick House!" Everyone laughed and smiled at the beginning, but as his parents restrained him during the special dance moments of the evening, it moved to just plain irritating!
Marrying Your Money
Cathy Merrill | September 10, 2010For millions of couples, pooling finances after years of making their own money decisions and combining incomes can cause marital conflict. Newlyweds often think that money matters will just fall into place. Merging finances requires communication, compromise, honesty and trust-the very ingredients that, in part, form a strong partnership.
How to Pamper your Out-of-Town Guests
Cher Goggins | September 10, 2010There are a number of ways you can pamper those traveling near and far for your wedding. The most popular choice this season is to offer them a personalized gift bag. These simple gestures are a great way to let your closest friends and family know how much you appreciate the time, money and energy they sacrificed to attend your big day.