wedding tips not to forget
I posted this in several wedding and bride communities that I was a part of when we were planning our crowning and reception. I thought I may as well post it here, too, for those who may find it useful. :)
We were married on Nov. 6, 2004 and there were certain things that didn't turn out for the best that I thought I'd share with you so you don't run into them, too. Really, it all went _amazingly_ well and a good time was had by all -- all the details were covered except for the few following things. Our choice of photographer and caterer had a lot to do with this. Pictures can be seen at http://www.geocities.com/rengalcreations/engaged.html We had a traditional Byzantine Catholic Crowning ceremony, and a festive reception with a swing/jazz band.
1) Make sure someone is on hand at the gift table at the reception. They don't have to be there all night, but for the first bit while people are arriving to the after party. Be sure they are armed with a pen and scotch tape. We had almost 10 gifts and cards that were separated form each other. It was a struggle to connect the giver with the gift, and at least one person still is sadly not getting a thank you note.
2) The person doing the above mentioned job can also be the person who reminds folks to sign the guest book. Not 1/2 the people at ours signed in and we found out later that the sign in had been buried by presents and was pen-less.
3) Have backup people for important jobs, and let the unimportant ones go (those ones really do work out on their own). We had a family emergency for one of the church greeters, and she couldn't come. We found a last minute replacement, but it was a little frazzled.
4) Honeymoon not at home, and do go on an immediate, or soon, honeymoon. It will ease the transition from all the wedding prep and excitement back into starting life together, and will alleviate any let down after the wedding (this is it? it's over? now what?). Also, let a few trusted people have your contact info and no one else. It seems rude and odd, but yes people will try to contact you about unrelated stuff. And make sure both of you know this (my love scheduled a deadline for a project that week, and I was none too happy about it).
*** 5) Remember that at an interfaith ceremony, or a ceremony of two people from different religious backgrounds and traditions, a lot of people will not know what is going on. We had booklets that followed along with the ceremony along with a description of what things meant and symbolized. It was a big help to everyone that this was there. It cost us extra $$, but really it must be done.
6) Remember these things when you are a guest at someone else's wedding. Secure your card to the gift well before you get there, and don't forget to sign in. :)
We were married on Nov. 6, 2004 and there were certain things that didn't turn out for the best that I thought I'd share with you so you don't run into them, too. Really, it all went _amazingly_ well and a good time was had by all -- all the details were covered except for the few following things. Our choice of photographer and caterer had a lot to do with this. Pictures can be seen at http://www.geocities.com/rengalcreations/engaged.html We had a traditional Byzantine Catholic Crowning ceremony, and a festive reception with a swing/jazz band.
1) Make sure someone is on hand at the gift table at the reception. They don't have to be there all night, but for the first bit while people are arriving to the after party. Be sure they are armed with a pen and scotch tape. We had almost 10 gifts and cards that were separated form each other. It was a struggle to connect the giver with the gift, and at least one person still is sadly not getting a thank you note.
2) The person doing the above mentioned job can also be the person who reminds folks to sign the guest book. Not 1/2 the people at ours signed in and we found out later that the sign in had been buried by presents and was pen-less.
3) Have backup people for important jobs, and let the unimportant ones go (those ones really do work out on their own). We had a family emergency for one of the church greeters, and she couldn't come. We found a last minute replacement, but it was a little frazzled.
4) Honeymoon not at home, and do go on an immediate, or soon, honeymoon. It will ease the transition from all the wedding prep and excitement back into starting life together, and will alleviate any let down after the wedding (this is it? it's over? now what?). Also, let a few trusted people have your contact info and no one else. It seems rude and odd, but yes people will try to contact you about unrelated stuff. And make sure both of you know this (my love scheduled a deadline for a project that week, and I was none too happy about it).
*** 5) Remember that at an interfaith ceremony, or a ceremony of two people from different religious backgrounds and traditions, a lot of people will not know what is going on. We had booklets that followed along with the ceremony along with a description of what things meant and symbolized. It was a big help to everyone that this was there. It cost us extra $$, but really it must be done.
6) Remember these things when you are a guest at someone else's wedding. Secure your card to the gift well before you get there, and don't forget to sign in. :)