Here are a handful of tips to help you dance your way through the planning process, without stepping on anyone's toes.
1. You want to exclude a difficult sibling from the pre-wedding festivities.
Consider the consequences before your make your decision. Excluding a sibling will cause hurt feelings and can close the door on the relationship.
If possible, sit down with your parents and your sibling and discuss your concerns to see if there is a reasonable solution. Let that sibling know that he or she means the world to you and how much you want them at your wedding, but there has to be parameters set before the event, so everyone is on the same page.
2. A relative or good friend has offered his or her services for your wedding.
I always recommend hiring someone not related to you to do photography, catering, etc. There are several reasons why this makes sense, such as they might not have the skill set or financial contribution to create the look or level of service that you are seeking. Gently let them know how much you appreciate their generous offer, but you would prefer that they be a guest, so they can enjoy the wedding and celebrate with you.
3. Whether or not to serve shots at your wedding.
Every time our clients offer shots to their guests, I can guarantee that there will be people who drink too much and get sick. As the host, you want your guests to be safe (not drinking and driving) and for you to avoid not having to deal with "situations" that present themselves with too much alcohol.
4. The Do's and Don'ts of giving toasts.
Don't allow an intoxicated friend or family member to give a toast.
I have seen this done a handful of times and it is horrifying to watch.
You and your fiancé are vulnerable to the person standing in front of the microphone and having your guests hear personal stories that could cause a lot of embarrassment.
You and your fiancé are vulnerable to the person standing in front of the microphone and having your guests hear personal stories that could cause a lot of embarrassment.
5. Thank you notes - when and how to send them.
Send a thank you note within two weeks of receiving the gift.
Don't send a pre-written note or an email thanking them for the gift.
Take the time to write a handwritten note and thank them for the gift and let them know how you plan to use it.
6. Choose your wedding party wisely.
Don't select your bridal party based on balancing each side of the wedding party, so they are even - this is the wrong reason. Choose true friends that have your back and will support you on your big day.
7. Keep your wedding safe.
If you have friends or family members that want to party at your event, hire shuttles or setup an uber account with promo codes, so they don't drink and drive. We had Ubers at a wedding recently and it worked out well.
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Have a wonderful week. XO, Gianna
