Are You a Gracious Bride? Wedding Question Wednesday

Question: Am I a Gracious Bride?

Answer: Holly Lefevre from over at Hip Weddings has a FABULOUS list that EVERY bride should carry in her bridal bag. We have all seen the unsightly bride on TV.  She is demanding, pushy, rude, ungrateful, nasty, inconsiderate and above all...a Bridezilla! No one wants to remember themselves, their daughter, friend or sister as, "that bride".  So - READ this list, memorize it, and then go buy Holly's book so you are sure to keep up on everything Wedding Etiquette.

Top 10 Things A Gracious Bride Knows
(list provided by Hip Weddings)

1. Just because others do not know proper etiquette, doesn’t mean you should ignore it.

2. Be humble. You may be a bride now, but soon you will re-enter life as a mere mortal.

3. Respect tradition, but give it your own personal spin.

4. Mind your manners. “Please” and “Thank you” will take you a long way.

5. These people are your friends and family – they do not work for you, but are here to help you…because they love you.

6. Don’t assume anything - ask questions and get the details in writing.

7. These people are your GUESTS! Don’t keep them waiting and don’t ask them to pay for anything.

8. Treat your vendors kindly, and they will do the same for you.

9. Thank you notes are a must. It is never wrong to express your thanks to your parents, your guests, and your vendors.

10. If it doesn’t feel right don’t do it. When in doubt trust yourself.

Holly also has a new book coming out, The Everything Wedding Checklist Book: All you need to remember for a day you'll never forget (Everything Series)- you can check it out at Amazon.

Click here for Holly's Gracious Bride post.  Thanks Holly for being so knowledgeable!

*hugs*
Denice
Photo Credits:
Bride: Photography By Soozie
Book: Amazon

Gifts, Gifts and More Gifts, What Do I Have To Buy? Wedding Question Wednesday

Today's question is from Becca over at barefeet on the dashboard - Thanks Becca =)

Question: Should bridesmaids buy the bride an engagement gift, shower gift,  bachelorette party gift, and wedding gift?

Answer: LOL!! This question never gets old.  We first answered it back in 2008! The truth is, being part of a wedding is EXPENSIVE- so if you sign on to do it, be prepared to shell out some cash. I know, it kind of stinks, but its part of the deal. Some of the financial responsibility the will be required of you is:

1) Your Bridesmaid Dress
2) Your Shoes
3) Necessary accessories (unless gifted by the bride)
4) Contribution to the Shower (usually given by a brides bridesmaids)
5) Contribution to the Bachelorette Party (usually given by a brides bridesmaids and friends)

So, when it comes to the gifts, keep them simple and thoughtful, because YES if you are attending all the festivities, its appropriate to bring a gift of some sort. Here are some ides:

Engagement Party:
It's not totally not necessary to bring a gift, but a nice gesture.  Opt to bring something that celebrates them as a couple. A nice bottle of wine or champagne, or maybe something for them to use while planning their engagement and the upcoming big day.

Bridal Shower:
This is a more intimate of a gift. If the Shower is themed, go along with that. Some are home based others are honeymoon based. Stick to getting a gift that flows along those lines. If there is no theme, buy something they will use in or around the home, or something for the Big Day! Remember the groom too! Garden and tools are nice and always needed. TRY not to give something embarrassing at the shower as many of the brides "mature" family will be there =) Save the fun gifts for the bachlorette party.

Bachelorette Party:
This is a fun gift, usually lingerie or something for the honeymoon ;) While this gift is not totally necessary, but fun!

Wedding:
General rule here...Stick to the registry or give a gift card. If you are invited to a wedding it is appropriate for you to bring a gift.  If you can't make it to the wedding, you still should follow good etiquette and send a gift. Also good etiquette, send the gift to the brides home before the wedding and do not bring it to the reception.  Check out these post out for some wedding gift etiquette: WeddingBasics.com  & HuffingtonPost.com.

Keep this tip in mind:
Give only what you can afford! Be creative. Homemade gifts are always a hit! 

Here are some GREAT DIY sites that have tons of crafty ideas that your bride/groom will love:
http://www.504main.com
http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com
http://thediyclub.com
http://craftychicmommy.blogspot.com
http://www.theidearoom.net 

*hugs*
Denice
Photo Credit: Katie

Pull Off A Stress Free Holiday Party!

I wrote this last year, and I think it is my most helpful, holiday dinner prep post . So here ya go, an oldie but goodie =)

Do you ever wish you could pull off a holiday dinner and still have a smile on your face at the end? Well, it's really not that difficult, and we can help you accomplish it!

For years, my mom has been coaching me on how to give a dinner party (or any party for that matter) and enjoy it, enjoy my guests and finish it off without stressing out. I have watched, learned and help my mom put on many dinner parties and they were all fun, enjoyable and stress free.

How you ask? By following a few simple rules:1) Deep clean your place a week before, and do touch ups the night before. This means you can't wait until the last minute to clean, it has to be ALL DONE a week before. This includes your laundry!

2) Do all of your food and decorative shopping 4 days before your party. When you get home, organize all of your party items off to the side (possibly on a dining room table or in a spare bedroom). Don't put them all away, keep them out and together.

3) Have your menu completely planned out. This includes appetizers, drinks, salad, bread, main course, sides, dessert, coffee, condiments, etc. Leave nothing to think about!

4) Set all of your table(s) the night before. In fact, put out as many of the decorations you can the night before (as long as they will not get ruined or fall).

5) Always have a "Plan B". If you are planning to eat on your patio, plan for what you will do if it's too cold, too windy or too hot. Now you will not be frantic when you have to use it!

6) Have all of your meals, desserts, etc. made the day before or the morning of your party if possible. By doing this, you can have your dishes all done, and the mess cleaned up. All you will have to do is pop it in the oven, and not have to spend time preparing things, and you get to be with your guests, not in the kitchen.

7) If any of the food can be cooked in a disposable dish, DO IT!! Then you can just toss it when you are done, thus eliminating the need to clean it.

8) Label what dishes will hold what items. This way if your guests help you, they will know where things go.

9) Have plenty of seating for all of your guests. If you invite 10 people to dinner, have a table set up to hold 10 people. If this requires you to borrow tables and chairs, get them a few days before hand, not the day of.

10) Enlist the help of a friend for clean up. Having someone to help you takes the pressure off of you to be the hostess Or host with the most! 4 hands are always better than 2, and much quicker. Be sure to have plenty of containers for left overs. This helps aids in a quick clean up.

11) 30 minutes before your guests are scheduled to arrive, light your candles, turn on your music, ice your drink glasses, and put out your appetizers. Sit down, pour yourself a drink and have a great time!

Well, there you have it. I am sure I could have gone on for DAYS!!! I love to entertain, and I love it when my friends say I make it look so easy. The truth is, it's not easy, I just am well prepared! If you take a little time to organize, plan, clean, and prepare, you can have a successful, stress free event that you will actually enjoy!

I hope this helps, let us know if there are tips you can add to aid our readers in a stress free holiday. I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy Holidays!
Denice

Dining and Table Etiquette

At a recent event, I sat down to this:

 
YIKES!!  What to do with all of this? I did not know where to begin. It was at this point, I realized that all of the country club dinners I had attended in my younger years did nothing for me! I was LOST! I knew it was time to do something.  I was going to have to learn how to use these many pieces that assemble a table setting. What did I do? Well, I challenged you to give us your etiquette questions, and boy did you!

After receiving all of your questions, I set out to do a little research and learn. So with out further ado, here are your answers... (bear with me...this is a long one, BUT full of great tips and info!)

Silverware, Glasses, Dishes...Oh my!
Q: I am afraid I won't use the correct forks for salad, dinner, and dessert. Ha! It's simple, but I get confused! (Elana from Good Girl Gone Shopping)

Q: What if the food is really fancy and you are given WAY too many pieces of flatware and you don't want to use the salad fork for the main meal or vice verse? (Charles P.)

Q:  I know to use the small fork first but what are the utensils at the top of the place for? And that really big outer spoon? Soup maybe? (Sunday from Adventures in Extreme Parenthood)

Q: I get confused over who's glass or salad dish is who's. (Audra from Penny Pinching Penguin)

Q: : I always get nervous about which silverware to use and when. I was taught at some point but it's really embarrassing that I can't remember! (Leeann from Join the Gossip)
ANSWERS
Usually a good rule of thumb: Always start with the flatware farthest from your plate and work your way in.

In a formal setting, you will usually use one(1) utensil per course, starting with the one furthest from your plate.The soup spoon is the out most left followed by your beverage spoon (YES beverage has it's own, DON'T use your soup spoon to stir your iced tea!) The spoon and fork above your plate are for dessert. If none are there, then they will be brought to you at that time.

If you are having difficultly figuring out which set of flatware or dishes are yous, remember this: Eat to the left, drink to the right.

Tip1: once your utensils are used, they are not to touch the table again, including the handles. If in a formal setting, the utensils will usually be removed after each course and replaced if need be.

Tip 2: If you have completed your meal, you can signal this to the server by resting your knife blade in and fork resting tips down. Please leave your unused flatware on the table, and do not stack them on your plate.

Tip 3: (from Wendy):  Form your thumb and index finger into a circle on each hand, forming a b and a d. That way you know which side is your bread plate and which is your drink! (as opposed to the method I used to use, which is wait until one of the people sitting next to me took a drink or used their bread plate).

Tip 4: (from Patricia): Did you know it's not proper to pick up a utensil if you drop it on the floor in a restaurant? Makes since but I see people doing it. Then what do you do with it once you've picked it up...put on the table with clean ware? Not on my table.

TABLE SETTING FORMAL:

TABLE SETTING FAMILY:

Q: I worry I will have too much on the table. Place setting, serving dishes, glasses, etc. (from JDaniel4's Mom)
ANSWER:
Just follow the guidelines as stated in the images above and you should be fine!

Q: I am at a total loss as to where to start with my silverware and then all those wine/water glasses?(from Sunday)
ANSWER:
Thanks Sunday! Please see above for the Silverware answer. As for all those wine glasses:
Each course could have a different wine selection. You are not obligated to have any wine, or finish the previous glass. If opting to not have any, please decline gracefully! Do not turn your wine glass upside down. Simply hold your hand over the glass or just let them pour as to not draw any attention.

Here is some information straight from the Etiquette Scholar Website:

If you are serving a variety of wines with dinner, glasses are generally arranged according to size so that the smaller ones are not hidden behind the larger ones. The water goblet is placed directly above the knives at the right of the plate. The champagne glass is next to it at a slight distance to the right. The red or white wineglass is positioned in front of and between the water goblet and champagne glass. If you have several wineglasses, always set them according to size, with the largest ones on the left, starting with the water goblet. The sherry glass is placed either to the right or in front of the wineglass.


If you don't want to group the wineglasses, place them in a straight row slanting downward from the water goblet at the upper left to the sherry glass at the lower right.

Eating Styles, Conversations and How To
Q: My sister said that there's a way to cut your food. There's the American way and the European way...I never want to be messy. (from Elana)
ANSWER:
Taken from the What's Cooking America Website:

Use one of two methods when using the fork and knife:


American Style: Knife in right hand, fork in left hand holding food. After a few bite-sized pieces of food are cut, place knife on edge of plate with blades facing in. Eat food by switching fork to right hand (unless you are left handed). A left hand, arm or elbow on the table is bad manners.


Continental/European Style: Knife in right hand, fork in left hand. Eat food with fork still in left hand. The difference is that you don't switch hands-you eat with your fork in your left hand, with the prongs curving downward. Both utensils are kept in your hands with the tines pointed down throughout the entire eating process. If you take a drink, you do not just put your knife down, you put both utensils down into the resting position: cross the fork over the knife.

Tip: Never cut your food into more than one or two pieces at a time. This looks unattractive and cools your meal at a faster rate. There is an exception made for young children.

Q:  Another question I have is when is it proper to start eating? Do you wait until everyone has their food on their plate or do you start eating as it is brought out? (from Sunday)
ANSWER:
In smaller group settings (up to four) you should wait till everyone has received their meal, in a larger setting it is best to wait until all have received their meal OR until the hostess insists or asks you to begin eating. A good signal to watch for is when the hostess or host pick up their utensil, you may do so.

Q: For me it is more about conversation during formal dinners. When to talk, when to be quiet. I am a pretty social person, but it can be intimidating when you are all dressed up. (Emily from Family and Life in Las Vegas)
ANSWER:
First rule, do not talk with food in your mouth! This is tacky and rude. Dinner parties are a social affair, conversation is a given. Try to remember to engage in conversation with those around you. Remember to not
talk about yourself in length, and always listen. Conversation is a give and take act.

Now, if you are in Japan- conversation is subdued during the meal, In Turkey, they are loud and animated! so just remember to follow the lead of your host.

Q: My usual peeve is when you have to spit something out (a fragment of shell or bone, a fruit pit.) What is the best way to deal with this? (Maria from 1000 reasons I am a Bad Mom)
ANSWER:
It is best to remove whatever obstacle is in your mouth by the same means you put it in with, and place it on the rim of your plate. You should go unnoticed because it is normal for your utensil to be in your mouth. Never spit it out or place on the table linens!!

Tip:  You should eat cake with a FORK? It irritates me more than I want to admit when I get a slice of cake and a spoon. (From Maria)

Q:  Seriously, though, the "obvious" things: what to do with your napkin, how to signal you are finished/ not finished with a course, which side the service will come from/ be taken away. People don't know these things, and I have seen WAY too many awkward moments at nice restaurants (usually with the boss watching... yikes!) (Gina form Fantasy Casting)
ANSWER:
When you are seated, simply UNFOLD your napkin.  Do not shake it open as this looks tacky.  If you are in a high end restaurant, the waiter may do this for you. Gently place the napkin in your lap. Please leave the napkin in your lap until the end of your meal, never place your dirty napkin on the table during the meal, and never blow your nose into it.  At the end of your meal, place the napkin onto the left side of your place setting.

Major No-No's
Q: What are the major no-nos.? How can you look like you know what you are doing even when you have no clue? (from Emily)
ANSWER
Never do the following:
- Chew or speak with your mouth full
- Turn a glass upside down to decline a beverage
- Smoke at the table
- Ask to taste another guests food or offer yours
- season your food before tasting it
- Use your finder to help scoop food
- Blow on your food- simply wait till it cools
- "Play" with your food or utensils
- Hold food on your utensil while talking
- Place your elbows on the table
- Slurp, smack or burp at the table
- Stab your food
- Pick at your teeth
- Slouch in your chair

Additional Reading/Education:

http://www.emilypost.com/table-manners/71-table-setting-guides
http://www.emilypost.com/table-manners/372
http://www.etiquettescholar.com/
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Menu/DiningEtiquetteGuide.htm
http://www.findalink.net/diningetiquette.php
http://etiquettewithmissjanice.blogspot.com/
http://missjanice.com/

Thank you everyone for your participation and help!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit:
Table setting images: Replacements LTD
Table Setting Photo: ME

It's Coming... Table Etiquette

We are working on a Table Etiquette post. What are your fears about a formal dinner setting? PLEASE Share them with us so we can help you with them.  Looking forward to the responses.

*hugs*

Denice

Photo credit: Me!

Book Review: The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book by Holly Lefevre

I want to introduce you to one of my new bloggy friends, her name is Holly Lefevre.  I met this fabulous woman through two of her blogs, Hip Weddings, and 504 Main.  I fell in love with her posts, they were always full of such great ideas and information.  After reading her blogs for a while, I learned that she is the author of a great book called The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book.  I am a HUGE fan of etiquette (my other favorite bloggy friends is Etiquette with Miss Janice), so I was immediately intrigued!

Holly was nice enough to send me her book.  I read it cover to cover in one night, it is a very easy read, and FULL of great information.  Etiquette is something that people do not spend enough time on these days, so Holly is making it VERY easy for you to stay in line.  She was even gracious enough to answer a few questions for me.  So, without further ado...

Why did you decide to write an etiquette book?

It actually found me. I was working on another wedding project, when this opportunity came along. The other project was not moving along as quickly as I liked so I jumped at the chance to write something for the Everything series. There is a lot of wedding information out there, but I truly enjoy being able to provide advice that is real and honest - weddings are amazing but not always fun and "hearts and flowers" - there is real emotion and problems involved too. I had also been a speaker at bridal shows for years, covering planning design, and etiquette, so this was a natural progression.

How long did it take you to write the book?

If I recall the whole process was only about 3-4 months. Since this book is part of the Everything Series, there had been previous editions. I was not starting from scratch, but rather updating and rearranging a previous edition, which in some ways is a lot easier than starting from scratch, and other ways not. While I had the basic premise and a lot of viable information already, it was up to me to update the book with new etiquette questions and standards, to make the book my own, and to make it fit withe the series of books.

 

What is your favorite section of the book?

Tough one - they are all my favorites in different ways and for different reasons. I think I like The Business of Being A Bride. So many brides do not realize what it takes to pull a wedding - as they envisions weddings to be - off. I strive to be realistic in my advice and answers. I want them to understand this is a business for the vendors and for them, for two reasons...I do not believe in negotiating anyone to death or manipulating anyone into a price or service they cannot afford...this is both for the vendors and the brides. I want brides to realize help is out there in the form of a wedding planner or by involving your groom or family members. As much as I wish everyone would hire a wedding planner, I know this is not going to happen, so I really want to educate brides.

Which etiquette standard is ignored the most by brides, or grooms?

The one etiquette standard I see brides wanting to wiggle on all the time is not having the guests pay for anything. Too many times, to save money they want to have a cash bar or have the guests pay for their own valet parking. No, no, no! If you cannot afford it do not do it. Plan a wedding within your means.

I once worked with a couple who married at a major luxury hotel. They thought food was of the utmost importance (which it is to a degree). They had 10 different hor d'oeuvres and paid over $10,000 for their cocktail hour and then refused to pick up the valet parking (the only parking available without having to walk a number of blocks) bill of $10.00 per car. The hotel was even advising against this amount of hors d'oeuvres and they refused to listen. As a planner you can only do so much. Couples should also learn to trust the experts they hire and are working with.

Overall I say being gracious goes a long way. I was fortunate to work with mainly wonderful, kind brides, but I have also worked with my share of diva brides. The guests are paying the bride and groom an honor by coming to the wedding, as the bride/groom is honoring them with the invitation. This extends from beginning the ceremony on time and not making the guests wait for an unreasonable amount of time to planning your timeline so that guests are not left waiting for 2 hours for dinner to begin after the ceremony to playing appropriate music at the appropriate times of the reception.

 

Some of my Favorite Holly posts:
~ A Gracious Bride Knows
~ What's A Mother To Do?
~ True or False...The Mom's Must Match?

THANK YOU Holly for writing this book. I hope future brides realize how important it is, and read it! If you are interested in buying Holly's book, check out Amazon.
 
*hugs*
Denice
 
Photo Credit: http://hipweddings.blogspot.com/

Fantastic Finds- July 26, 2010

Today's Fantastic Finds are oriented around: FINANCE, HEALTH & GIVEAWAYS!!! I hope you find them all interesting, helpful and entertaining. Have a great week!

Finance:

~ SavingMoneyLivingLife.com: This blog covers everything from saving money to learning the ropes of being newlyweds, to cooking and just everyday things that happen in our families.

~ FamilyBalanceSheet.org: FBS is a blog about family finances. Most of the posts include personal stories about how my family is striving to improve our own Family Balances Sheet. It is a place to share home-management strategies and money-saving ideas so families can protect their assets, reduce their liabilities and grow their net worth.

~ BudgetAWedding.com: A wedding is one of the most expensive celebrations you will host. You have to learn how to balance getting a beautiful, memorable wedding and not starting your life out in debt.

Health:
~ ShrinkingJeans.net: Started in 2008 (because their jeans were too tight), the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans is a group of women (and one man), chronicling their weight loss on a community blog. The Sisterhood is not just limited to the founding members, though. Others who are interested in losing weight or living a healthier and more active lifestyle are invited to join the site.

~ FeelingFitWithDana: am an Independent Team Beachbody Coach and absolutely love my job!! I am also certified to teach TurboKick and Piyo! I guess you could say I'm a bit of a fitness freak. I also love healthy eating and cooking! I am in the best shape of my life and love feeling fit and healthy! I would love to help you to do the same!!

~ OnlineHealth-Fitness: Run like you're in first, but train like you're in second.

~ SuperHotChicaInTraining:As part of my journey towards status as a "Super Hot Chica", I am starting this blog. I can record the exercise I do - I am a DDR freak, and I also like 5ks, and more. I can just share some of the hard parts along the way.

Current Giveaways from Blogs I Follow:
~ $25 iTune Card: Nolies Place- My Living Stories App Review & iTunes Card Giveaway (open to Canadian residents only)

~ Ecrandal Cookie Cutters, Betty's Party Dress : Pink Martinis and Pearls- Mad Men Cookie Quiz and Giveaway

~ Apron, Book (The G.R.I.T.S. Guide to Life) & Grits: Etiquette With Miss Janice G.R.I.T.S Rock Giveaway

*hugs*
Denice

Last Minute Wedding "To Do" List

The last few weeks leading up to your wedding can be hectic.  Making sure everything is done, is enough to cause you (the bride), your mother, sister, best friend, soon to be mother in law, sister in law, father, dog, cat etc. to have insomnia! Trying to get every detail completed is complicated and almost impossible. That's because it takes a TEAM!

Here is a list that we have come up with to help you in your last minute planning frenzy.

1) Contact local and nearby hotels and reserve blocks of rooms for your guests. This help them by getting a discount rate.

2) Make sure you use the restroom BEFORE you put your dress on!! This goers for all members of the Bridal party!

3) Have the bridesmaids help keep the Mother of the Bride and Bride in the room out of sight of guests.

4) Draw out and list the details for your table set up, this includes: the gift table, cake table, guestbook table, bridal tables, reserved tables, guest tables, children's tables etc.

5) If there is to be water/wine/campaign in the glasses, be sure someone knows so they can notify the on site planner if this is not done.

6) Designate someone to hand out all the flowers- make sure they know who is to have them.

7) Create a photo shoot list of all the photos you (and your families) would like taken. Most likely your photographer will do this with you. Soozie, owner and photographer form Photography By Soozie,  is a great resource and fabulous photographer, check her out!

8) Be sure your Maid of Honor helps you get your garter on.

9) Designate someone to help pack up left over giveaways that were on the tables.

10) Designate someone to help gather up all the decorations that belong to you, and pack them up.

11) Designate someone to gather all of your gifts and cards, and load them into a car.

12) Make sure you notify the on site wedding planner to pack up any left over cake, and leave it with your parents (or another trusted person).

Do you have any suggestions we might have left out?
PLEASE share!!!

We hope it helps!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Photography By Soozie

Fantastic Finds- June 18, 2010

Here are some Fantastic Finds that I have come across this past week in bloggyland. I hope you find them useful and entertaining!

Fathers Day/Graduation:

~ Cute Fathers Day cake ideas on Tweedle Designs
~ Super cute ideas for Graduation Dessert Display form Save the Date for Cupcakes

Kids:

~ A super cute Snow-White themed tutu from TuTuBug: I wish I had a daughter to put in this...do you think Cooper would mind?? LOL!

Party:

~ Danielle from Sugar and Spice Events is fabulous, I love reading her blogs. This one is a MUST read: Dinner is served- 10 things for a perfect dinner party
~ Miss Janice is the "Go to Lady" for all things Etiquette: Check out the correct way to drink your Iced Tea with Mind your "Teas"s and Q's

Health:

~ Turbo Fire In House from: Feeling Fit with Dana

Wedding:

~ Who decides what the Flower Girl should wear from: The Bridal Party LLC
~ Pre-marital Counseling? Check out Bridal Buds

Happy Weekend y'all!

*hugs*
Denice

Fantastic Finds!

Today's fantastic finds is all about them MEN!!! Yup, we searched the Internet for the happening sites dedicated to MEN and their event needs. So pass along to your favorite guy. Happy reading!


Bachelor party
~ ©FireFly Group Events, Inc.: Providing bachelor party services in the San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Las Vegas areas for any size group. It's simple and easy to put together a last night out. Your friends pay direct so the Best Man doesn't have to collect money.

Grooms Needs (learning about the bridal necessities)
~ In an industry that is wholly focused on the bride, The Plunge addresses the needs of the other half of the equation. With advice written for men by men.

~ GroomGroove.com the web's best road map for a groom's trip down the aisle.

~ Grooms Online’s offerings include knowledgeable advice and tips, bachelor party information, wedding day checklists, honeymoon planning tools, groom’s apparel suggestions, music selections and more.

~ Guy Code is the unwritten and written code that all guys must follow in order to be a man. We are a group of men dedicated to preserving masculinity in a society trying to be pimped by feminism and we are winning triumphantly. Check out this article on 50 Ways to be the Perfect Man.

Getting Gifts
~ TheManRegistry.com is an online resource for grooms and is the Internet leader in grooms wedding tips and wedding advice for grooms. The website features a specialized wedding gift registry featuring hundreds of wedding gifts tailored toward grooms

The growing trend of GROOMS CAKES!! Yup you heard me...a cake especially for the groom. These cakes are mostly seen at the Bachelor party, the Engagement Party and on occasion, as a gift from the Bride to her Groom on their wedding day. Here are some fun designs:

Coors Cake

We hope you enjoyed these Groom Tips! If you know of any we missed, please share. =)

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credits:
- Groom Group: My Wedding! Photographer Stephanie Kano
- Coors Cake: GroomsAdvice.com
- XBOX 360: Pink Cake Box
- Groom Beer: Pink Cake Box

[Blogging]
[Grooms]

Fantastic Finds March 5th 2010

It's time again for KDCEvents.com Fantastic Finds! We searched the web this week to find you some of the best and most unique ideas out there. We hope you enjoy them, Happy Reading!

Wedding:
~ Looking for fabulous shoes for your big day? Check out this post from Wedding Wire: Wedding Shoe Trends We Love.

~ Need some original wedding day photo inspiration? Check out Bravo Bride.
~ Wording on your Wedding Invitation is important! Check out Wedding Invitation Etiquette at eInvite.

Kids Parties:
~ Need a fun cake for your upcoming kids party? Look no further and visit Cupcakes Take the Cake and see how to make a Ferris-wheel-of-cupcakes.

Beauty:
~ Lip gloss running low? Check out my favorite over at TINte Cosmetics.
~ Girls day out! Check out Pamper Me Fabulous for the the "oh-so-chic spa, beauty, and health & wellness event for women by women and about women"

This and That Fun:
~ Looking for something to do in Los Angeles? Check out Join the Gossip's recent post about a delicious dessert hot spot Syrup Desserts in Downtown LA
~Under Sea Adventures sound like fun? Check out Things To Do With Your Kids for their recent post about the The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

Brides turns 75

Brides magazine is celebrating 75 years of helping you plan your big day. The Today Show looks at the past 7 decades of bridal bliss. From engagements to the lavish ceremonies, Brides Magazine has covered it all.

Check out the full story at the Today Show on NBC.

Have a fabulous day!

*hugs*
Denice

Wedding Question Wednesday- Grooms Gift

Today's question comes from Kacie- "When do you give the grooms gift? At rehearsal with everyone else or on the wedding day? If on the wedding day, how do you get it to him without seeing him?"

Here is what I would do: Give it to your lucky guy at the wedding. When Ryan and I got married we had a special moment, right before the ceremony where in the brides room, alone (well sort of, the photographer was there at first) and we got to chat and exchange gifts before the ceremony. This was nice, we were able to get out all the jitters before hand!

If you want to wait, and do it after the ceremony, do it right after, BEFORE the craziness of the photos, and the reception. Tell everyone you want 15 minutes, after the ceremony... alone! Instruct your maid of honor and best man to guard the room so no one bothers you. It is a nice moment for the two of you. It gives you the chance to savor the day and reflect before you entertain your guest for the remainder of the night.

I hope this helps! Let me know how it goes!



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Wedding Question Wednesday- Gifts

I received this question for my co-worker, Stephanie. She asks, "If you are invited to the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party and the wedding are you required to get a gift for all there events?"

This is a great question Stephanie! I don't think there is a definite yes or no answer, but here are my thoughts.

If you are invited to the engagement party, all that is required is a card! That's it, unless you are the parents, grandparents or sibling, then a little more may be required.

If you are invited to the shower you definitely need to bring a gift, preferably something for the bride or off the registry. Some showers these days are themed, so you know what type of gift to bring.

If you are invited to the bachelorette party, I don't believe a gift is necessary, but usually a gag gift of some sort, OR you can assist in bringing something necessary for the night (ie: drinks, food, etc.)

For the wedding, it is ok, to again, buy off the registry or simply give a gift card or money.

I guarantee in 10 years (heck, maybe even 2), the bride and groom will not even remember what they received as gifts from the showers or wedding.

Just remember, give only with in your means. Do not go into debt supplying the bride and groom with the top of the line blender. Only buy what you can afford.

I hope this helps! Let me know.

Photo credit: Denice's wedding


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Wedding Question Wednesday- Did you RSVP?

Today's question comes form Charlie P- "Is is appropriate to call people who have not RSVP in the time allotted?"

Well, Mr. P, in today's economic times, I we say...YES! With the cost of weddings going up, we feel that it is absolutely appropriate for you to call those guest who have neglected to RSVP and give their "Yay" or "Nay".

One idea I (Denice) had received while planning my own wedding was to number each response card and then place that corresponding number on my guest list. That way, if a card was returned to me with no name, I knew who it belonged to, and I could weed out the ones who did not RSVP. I did end up calling those individuals who did not RSVP, and believe it or not, there were quite a few who "thought" they sent in the response card or said they did, but it was lost in the mail.

I will say one thing, I ONLY think it is appropriate to call family or very close friends. I do NOT think it is appropriate to call co-workers, acquaintances or other invites that are not close to you. If you did, it may come off as rude or pushy.

If you need etiquette help, I recommend checking out:

http://weddings.about.com/od/invitations/a/replycardwordin.htm
http://www.hitweddings.com/article/roles-for-guests/
http://weddiquetteblog.com/

Since this is such a touchy subject, we would like to know your thoughts... please share!

Photo credit: my wedding!



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Wedding Question Wednesday - Remembering Loved One's

Everyone wants to believe that their loved ones are going to be ever present. Unfortunately, there God has a different agenda and calls on our loved ones before we are ready. It is not a pleasant emotion to deal with on you wedding day, but it is a blessing to be able to do so.

Today’s question is a hard one to deal with, “How do I honor my mother, who recently passed away, at my upcoming wedding?”

I have seen this done many times in a few different ways. You want it to be a subtle, but caring way, of honoring the ones you loved. Whether it is a grandparent, parent, sibling or friend, you want them and your guest to know they are loved and missed.

* One way is a bell chime for each lost loved one with a moment of silence.

* Another way is to have an open seat with a rose or other type of flower noting their place in your ceremony.

* I have even see couples display the photos of the loved ones at the reception by a memory board or the head table.

Any way you choose to remember your loved one, it will truly be up to you. To be able to include their memory in your special day is all that really matters.

I hope I was able to help anyone dealing with the sadness of losing a loved one. If you have witnessed another form of memory, please share.

Photo Credit: Denice's wedding


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Wedding Question Wednesday- Bridesmaid Gifts

Today's questions: "What type of gift, if any should I get my bridesmaids?"

This is a fabulous question! YES, you should get your bridesmaids gifts. They are spending quite a bit of money to participate in your big day. It does not have to be an expensive gift by any means, just something that says, "Thanks for being in my wedding and for being a great friend."

(Denice and her bridesmaids 2001)

We all know how brides can be the closer it gets to there wedding, and our friends are great at acting like we are still the nice, sweet, girl who has been their friend for years, when in actuality they become nasty bridezillas!

So your bridesmaids deserve your thanks and appreciation. Here are a few ideas that are nice:

- Shoes! If you want them all to match for the wedding, you can buy them.
- Jewelry set for the wedding day (try House of Raquel)
- Nice slippers
- Gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure
- Make up (like Bobbi Browns Beautiful Bride Kit)

These are just a few ideas I thought I would like if I were a bridesmaid.

Have any ideas or gifts you have received? Let us know!

Photo Credit: Denice's Wedding 2001 (photographer Stephanie Kano)



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Wedding Question Wednesday - No Children Please!

Our question today comes form Kacie-

"Is it proper to put no children please in the invites?

This is a fabulous question, one that I am sure causes much stress for many brides! I can also speak from personal experience on this one. I had to include this very message on my invitations due to spacing issues. It is a delicate subject, and you want to be sure you do not offend anyone.

Be sure you state it in a way that is non-offensive. Simply stating NO CHILDREN may offend those who have them. The way I did it was to state that there was an "Adult Reception immediately following the ceremony."

The one exception to my "Adult Reception" was that I let family members bring their children. But that was it!

I think the best thing to do is be honest. Ask yourself, "Why do I not want children at the event?" If you can't come up with a really good reason, then I would leave it off the invites. If you can, then make sure you do it in a way to not offend your guest. Just remember, they will be spending a lot of money on you and to attend your wedding.

Need help finding invitations? Check out this fabulous site:
- Party Invitations Blog

Check out some of these Diva's (courtesy of the divapreneur network)
- Jenny Moore
- Marisa of So Inviting Paper

Have you run in to a sticky situation before regarding "no children?" Let us know!


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Showers- "To Drink Or Not To Drink?"

This questions always seems to surround showers, bridal or baby. Is it ok to drink? The answer...not a clear one! I guess it would all depend on the guests attending the shower. It pays to be respectful, but it also pays to have a good time!

If the shower is packed full of grandmas, aunts, little cousins, and an unapproving mother or mother in law, then I would lean towards a "NO Drinking" shower. You want your guests to feel comfortable and relaxed. Introducing any sort of alcoholic drinks may make some feel like they are outsiders.

Then again, I have been to many bridal showers that have a nice amount of drinks and the tone is correctly set. It is done in a way that is classy. It is clearly stated in the way the alcohol is presented that it is not a "who can get drunk first" and "who wants to play beer pong?" type of shower.

To do this, just serve wine and or a themed cocktail. That's it. No open bar or ice chest full of beer. There is nothing more embarrassing (or unladylike) than to have a bride and all her bridesmaids be smashed at her shower (not to mention it gives people a lot to talk about).

Keep it nice for those attending. Save the "party" for your Bachlorette shin-dig. Relax with those who are showering you with presents and wishing you well on your new journey!

Have a different opinion, let us know!

Photo credit: Denice (it's Katie at her sister Soozie's shower in 2005)



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Wedding Question Wednesday - Rehearsal Dinner

Our question today deals with the Rehearsal Dinner. I was recently asked,

"Who should attend the rehearsal dinner? Just the wedding party, or whom ever we want?"

Well, this is an excellent question!

We here at KDC Events feel this one can fall either way. We agree with the more traditional aspect of the rehearsal dinner in the fact that it is for the "Wedding Party". It is customary that the mother and father of the groom pay for the dinner and it include all those with an involved role in the planning, and may possibly include any family members who have traveled from out of town.

BUT, now days the bridal couple is starting to foot the bill. Sometimes the bride and groom want to include a few more friends and family, and show their gratitude for all the help and support they may have received while planning their big day.

I googled Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette and found these interesting articles:
Hit Weddings- The Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
Ezine Articles- Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette
The Knot- Wedding Rehearsals: The Basics

We hope this helps. Just remember, ultimately, it is YOUR day and you should have an event that reflects your personality as a couple. If tradition is not up your alley, then get creative!

If you have been to a creative, non traditional, rehearsal dinner, share it with us!

Photo Credit: Denice-2001 wedding rehearsal

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