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Helpful information for Brides to be!

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mztajsia
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Helpful information for Brides to be!

We all know most of this but it doesn't hurt right?!
In the course of wedding planning, you'll probably come across a guest or two whose inappropriate actions, odd requests, or rude behavior seems appalling. Don't be shocked -- while you may know the ins and outs of wedding etiquette, some of your friends and family may not be aware of what's acceptable. What can you do? Be proactive. Here's how.

Not Sending RSVPs
What they did: Anyone who's ever planned a wedding knows the importance of a punctual RSVP -- from plotting your seating chart to giving the caterer a final headcount, it's hard to proceed without a firm grasp of who's coming. Unfortunately, some of your guests may treat the RSVP as a novelty rather than a necessity.

How to deal: Give it a week. After that, it's time to give them a call. Recruit your maid of honor to help you with phone duties if you're really struggling with missing RSVPs. Or, better yet, send out a group email (use a blind CC) saying that you need to know by [insert deadline] if they're planning on attending. Keep the tone nice, but firm. Then, you only have to call those who don't reply to the email (which really is a double-duty foul).

Stop the cycle: Make the reply-by-date as early as possible, say two weeks from the date you intend to mail the invitations. That way, when your guests see that the deadline is quickly approaching, they'll (hopefully) stick the reply card in the mail right then and there.

Sending RSVPs With Extra Guests
What they did: The good news is that the guest has returned the RSVP. The bad news is that she'd love to attend. . .with a person you never invited -- maybe never heard of. Whether she believes every invite bestows the right to bring a date, or a child, adding a name on the RSVP puts everyone in an awkward position.

How to deal: To avoid potential hurt feelings, you need to establish a no-exceptions guest list policy (significant others only if engaged; no children under 18). Then, call the misguided guest to explain the circumstances. Apologize for the misunderstanding, and tell her that unfortunately the limitations (a small reception space or a tight budget) require a strict guest list. The person most likely didn't intend to thwart your list with the addition of another guest, and will gladly come to the wedding solo.

Stop the cycle: Tell your parents, wedding party, and other close relatives and friends, so that they can spread the word when asked. And, of course, address your invitations in a direct manner (don't write

mztajsia
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Last seen: 16 years 10 months ago
Joined: 03/10/2006 - 14:01
Helpful information for Brides to be!

We all know most of this but it doesn't hurt right?!
In the course of wedding planning, you'll probably come across a guest or two whose inappropriate actions, odd requests, or rude behavior seems appalling. Don't be shocked -- while you may know the ins and outs of wedding etiquette, some of your friends and family may not be aware of what's acceptable. What can you do? Be proactive. Here's how.

Not Sending RSVPs
What they did: Anyone who's ever planned a wedding knows the importance of a punctual RSVP -- from plotting your seating chart to giving the caterer a final headcount, it's hard to proceed without a firm grasp of who's coming. Unfortunately, some of your guests may treat the RSVP as a novelty rather than a necessity.

How to deal: Give it a week. After that, it's time to give them a call. Recruit your maid of honor to help you with phone duties if you're really struggling with missing RSVPs. Or, better yet, send out a group email (use a blind CC) saying that you need to know by [insert deadline] if they're planning on attending. Keep the tone nice, but firm. Then, you only have to call those who don't reply to the email (which really is a double-duty foul).

Stop the cycle: Make the reply-by-date as early as possible, say two weeks from the date you intend to mail the invitations. That way, when your guests see that the deadline is quickly approaching, they'll (hopefully) stick the reply card in the mail right then and there.

Sending RSVPs With Extra Guests
What they did: The good news is that the guest has returned the RSVP. The bad news is that she'd love to attend. . .with a person you never invited -- maybe never heard of. Whether she believes every invite bestows the right to bring a date, or a child, adding a name on the RSVP puts everyone in an awkward position.

How to deal: To avoid potential hurt feelings, you need to establish a no-exceptions guest list policy (significant others only if engaged; no children under 18). Then, call the misguided guest to explain the circumstances. Apologize for the misunderstanding, and tell her that unfortunately the limitations (a small reception space or a tight budget) require a strict guest list. The person most likely didn't intend to thwart your list with the addition of another guest, and will gladly come to the wedding solo.

Stop the cycle: Tell your parents, wedding party, and other close relatives and friends, so that they can spread the word when asked. And, of course, address your invitations in a direct manner (don't write

Introducng the new Mrs. Durrant!!!

platinumstyle
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Re: Helpful information for Brides to be!

Thank you for sharing,MzTajsia!

Born Blessed!

niki
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Re: Helpful information for Brides to be!

Thanks a lot MzTajsia. This is VERY helpful information!

tiffyb
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Re: Helpful information for Brides to be!

Thanks for the advice MzTajsia. I will definitely refer back to this list throughout the remainder of my planning process:)

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futuremrskeepup
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Re: Helpful information for Brides to be!

Good stuff MrsTajsia! Thanks for sharing!

ginoue
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Re: Helpful information for Brides to be!

Thanks for sharing

tewright1
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Re: Helpful information for Brides to be!

THANK YOU! You just don't know how many of those issues are in my recurring dreams (nightmares)

Love lights even the darkest of paths.
What Fire doesn't destroy, only makes stronger.
Even when you don't know; God knows. I will be still and let Him do His thing.
Alone in the world; but always in the company of the Lord.

bumblebeekee
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Re: Helpful information for Brides to be!

Great information girl.....

We've been Happily Married 2 Years and Counting:)

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bumblebeekee
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Re: Helpful information for Brides to be!

I just posted this in another post, but don't get a style that makes you look like someone else. If you experiment with a new style, give your self some trial runs at the salon.

My stylist (who I am about to fire) felt like I needed to wear a weave, and after she complained when I told her I didn't want to wear weave (a decision I made after trying on my dress, veil, and tiara and liking what I saw). So you definitely want to go somewhere where your decision feels supported. I initially made an "consultation" appointment as requested to do a trial run, and she just acted like she didn't want to spend the extra time I needed to discuss the style and how it looked so after that I chose someone else to do my wedding hair.

Take some pictures of styles with you from magazines, books, wherever, and if you can, experiment at home with a close girlfriend with the tiara and veil, and a whole bunch of bobby pins and take some pics, especially if you just got a fresh relaxer or wash and set....you want the end result to be something you and FH can smile about....New styles are good, but there should be NO surprises on wedding day when you get up from the chair. Especially when you are on a time schedule....there will be little time (unless you plan for it)to make changes to a hairstyle the day of.

We've been Happily Married 2 Years and Counting:)

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futuremrskeepup
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Re: Helpful information for Brides to be!

Thanks for the advice Bumble. My stylist and I are in the early style finding stage!