Is a Gift Required for the Bride and Groom when attending an Engagement Party put on by the Bride’s Mother?

The decision of whether one wants to give a gift, or not, is always at the discretion of the guest. However, that being said, it is customary to take a small gift, for the Bride and Groom, to the Engagement Party.

Taking into consideration the couple’s taste in decor eg: Traditional, Contemporary etc. you may consider one of the following gifts appropriate and easy on the budget:

• A nice Picture Frame – Made from Crystal, wood, metal. There are some really unique ones on the market today.
• A Vase – for all those flowers the groom will be buying! Consider a Bud Vase or one suitable for a small bunch of flowers.
• A Photograph Album – Yes, people still use them for their favourite photo’s, on the Coffee Table.
• If you have a photograph of the happy couple in their younger years or when they first met, put a copy on the first page as a memento.

A gift we were given on our Engagement – A small crystal dish in the shape of a half- moon (crescent shape). It can be used to serve after dinner chocolates or to hold soap or jewelry in the bathroom. It has remained one of my favourite gifts, given to us by a work colleague of mine. Small but, special.

If you are really unsure of what to buy, you can always consider a pre-paid Visa/Mastercard which can be purchased from several local shops. Ultimately, remember, it is always the thought that counts the most.

Elizabeth

The Perfect Wedding Shower

As you begin your wedding plans you will discover that there are a number of special events that take place prior to the actual wedding. The wedding shower is one of these exciting events.

Traditionally, the Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids are responsible for planning and hosting the bridal shower. Some people consider it improper for a relative of the bride to host the shower because attendees usually bring gifts; however, traditions have changed and relative-hosted showers are a common and accepted occurrence today. If the maid of honour or bridesmaids are unable to host the shower, other close friends are, quite often, delighted to step in.

Selecting a date for the wedding shower can be tricky. Showers are generally held between four and six weeks prior to the wedding; however, the timing will depend on the bride’s schedule and the distance guests are travelling for the wedding. Be careful not to choose a date too close to the wedding day or the shower may interfere with other wedding plans and cause undue stress for the bride.

The guest list for the shower generally includes women who are close to the bride and groom. The following people are generally included in the guest list:

• All women in the wedding party
• Mothers of the bride and groom
• Grandmothers of the bride and groom
• Stepmothers of the bride and groom
• Sisters of the bride and groom
• Other female family members (aunts, cousins, nieces)
• Female friends and co-workers of the bride and groom

Note that individuals who are not invited to the wedding are generally not invited to the shower.

Send the wedding shower invitations at least four weeks prior to the event and include a response card with the invitation so guests can RSVP. You may also want to include return envelopes, addressed and stamped, to make it easy for guests to reply. Etiquette dictates that each invitation be addressed by hand using the formal format. Send a separate invitation to each shower guest even if they live with someone who is also invited to the shower. For example, if a mother and daughter live in the same household, they should each receive their own invitation.

Following the shower, the bride will need to send thank you notes as soon as possible. The shower hostess is responsible for keeping a record of who brought each gift so the bride will be able to personalize the thank you note by mentioning the gift.

The wedding shower is the start of many fun filled, memorable events for the bride and “all the girls.” Enjoy!

Top 10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Wedding!

Just the thought of planning a Wedding can be overwhelming and stressful for most people. Not sure where to start? Start with these Top 10 Tips as a foundation for your “To Do” List:

1. Permission to Marry – Start off on the right footing and future in-laws, on both sides, will be happy. It is customary for the future groom to visit the future bride’s father and ask permission to marry his daughter. If it is not possible to ask the father, he should ask her mother or next of kin.
2. Where the marriage will take place – Once it has been agreed the marriage will take place, the couple should decide on where they wish to be married. A Church, a Temple or a Registry Office. If they choose a Church it is normally one close to the bride’s home.
3. Book Early – This cannot be emphasised enough. The Vicar or Priest should be contacted immediately to discuss the reading of the banns and book a date. This is often done as early as a year in advance, in order to get the date you want.
4. Cost, who pays? – Traditionally the bride’s parents pay. However, owing to the exorbitant cost in today’s society sometimes one has to compromise. It is often suggested that the groom or his family pay for the drinks at the Reception. A Cash Bar is also commonly used, and most acceptable, with drinks for the various toasts and wine with dinner being provided by those paying.
5. Dress for the Wedding – Traditionally the bride, or the father of the bride, buys the bride’s dress. Sometimes the dress is handed down through the generations, from mother to daughter. Today, it is also common for the bride to hire her wedding gown.
   The majority of men hire a suit or Tuxedo for the occasion.
   Often the bride will pay for the bridesmaid’s dresses. However, owing to the cost, it is also acceptable for the bridesmaid’s to buy their own.
6. Essential bookings – At the earliest possible date, book the transportation for the bride and family to the Church and to the Reception. Also transportation for after the reception is of utmost importance to ensure there is no drinking and driving.
7. The Photographer – To avoid disappointment book the Photographer as soon as possible. A year in advance is advisable.
8. The Reception & the catering – Book 6 months to one year in advance.  Owing to mishaps that can occur eg: double bookings make sure you visit the place of choice closer to the date and check the catering for food quality.
9. The Entertainment – While the Entertainment should be booked well ahead of time, take into consideration the range of the age group taking part in the festivities, before you make your choice. The party will most likely consist of the young and the elderly – all looking forward to taking part on this happy occasion.
10. The Gift Opening – Traditionally the gift opening is done the day after the wedding day, usually at the bride’s home or other place of choice.

Don’t procrastinate, set the date!