The Quick Budget List: Who pays for what?

Bride
Wedding Ring for Groom.
Wedding Gift for Groom.
Gifts for Bridal Attendants.
Personal stationary
Bridesmaids’ luncheon.
Accommodating her out-of-town attendants.
Physical examination and blood test.
Gift for parents

Bride’s Family
Entire cost of Reception including: food, wedding cake, beverages, flowers, gratuitites for the bartenders and waiters, decorations and music
Wedding gift for the newlyweds
Bride’s Wedding attire and trousseau
The wedding invitations, thank-you notes, announcements, and postage.
Engagement and wedding photograph
Ceremony: Rental of sanctuary, fees for organist, soloist or choir and officiator (sometimes included in the charge for premises, but if not, generally these people have set fees), aisle carpets, canopy. Pew bows and any other additional costs for decorations.
Bridesmaids’ bouquets
Transporation for bridal party to ceremony and reception.
Security and insurance for gifts
Welcome party for out-of-twn guests.

Groom
The bride’s ring
Wedding gift for the bride.
The marriage license.
Gifts for the best man, groomsmen, and ushers.
Flowers: birdes’s bouquet and going away corsage, corsage for mothers and boutonnieres for teh men in the wedding party.
Accommodations for out-of-town ushers, groomsmen, or best man.
His physical examination and blood test.
Gloves, ties or ascots for the men in the wedding party.
Fee for officiant.
The Honeymoon
Transportation to airport.
Gift for parents.

Groom’s Family
Special Wedding attire.
Their own traveling and hotel expenses. Wedding Gifts for the newlyweds.
Rehearsal dinner.
Welcome party for out-ot-town guests.
There are many other expenses they may wish to assume which are optional.

The Attendants
Wedding attire and formalwear.
Travel and hotel expenses to the wedding.
Bridal shower or bachelor party.
Wedding gift for the couple.

The “Thank You” Letter Guide

When you’re showered with gifts for months at a time, its easy to find yourself at a loss for words. Even if you glimmer with appreciation after opening each package, you still need to write a thank-you note for each and every gift you get. Follow these guidelines, and your pen will be your pal.

Stock Up Now

Months before your wedding, order or buy thank you notes, since gifts will start coming in as soon as word of your engagement gets out. For traditional “thank-you’s” plan white or ivory note cards will work, but colored or decorated notes are fine too. Or consider ones that are the same design as your wedding invites. The important thing is to buy cards that will inspire you to write.

Get Personal

Don’t type your notes, Even if your handwriting is less that legible, your infamous chicken scratch will give your cards a meaningful-if messy- touch.

Get Organized

Keep a meticulous record of every gift you get-what it is, who it’s from and from him- especially if they only just met you at the wedding. At the very least, he can help you address envelopes. when you received it- to allow the “thank-you” process in an orderly way. (At your shower, your bridesmaids will do the honor, if you remember to ask them.)

Most people will agree that sending an note within one month of receiving any gift is the way to go. The myth that you have a year to say “thanks” is just that. The exception is post-wedding “thank you’s,” when a bride can feel okay about taking up to three months to respond to a gift.

Pace Yourself

Penning dazzling personal notes can be tiring. Aim to write a few at a time – doing five a day for 20 days is much easier on you and will result in better notes. (That’s why you get three months after the wedding; you have a lot of notes to write.) Also, enlist your hubby. His family and friends would probably like to get notes

Write, Write, Write

If you havent done it before, composing even a simple note can be a cause for anxiety. Before sitting down to the task, think about what you want to say. In general, your note should include: (1) a specific mention of the gift (so the reader knows you received it and that you took time to think about it),(2) how much you love it and (3) how you’ll use it. For example:

“Thank you so much for the beautiful crystal vase. It looks wonderful in our living room, and we cant wait to fill it with fresh flowers next spring.”

Tricky Topics

All gifts are not created equal. So here are a few key words (better known as euphemisms) you should know. “unusual,”"unique,” and “interesting” can all be used to describe a gift that may prove to be indescribable. Try something like:

“Thank you so much for the unusual centerpiece you were kind enough to give us as a wedding gift.”

Also, if someone gives you a monetary, avoid the words “cash” or “check” in your note (it’s considered crass). Here’s a tactful take:

“Thank you for your generous gift. It will really help us build the new addition to the house we’ve been planning. We’ll be sure to have you over when construction is finished.”

After you’ve covered the basics in your note, you can also thank the gift-giver for traveling so far, if applicable. And last but not least, be sure to send notes to all the people who helped make your day unforgettable (your hairdresser, the caterer, florist, etc.).

The Perfect Gift

Attending a bridal shower? Don’t know what to get the bride-to-be? I’ll take you through a step-by-step checklist that will help you find that perfect gift.

The Dress
Does the bride-to-be have her gown picked out yet? If she does, the next step will be to find those perfect shoes and matching jewelry. The day of the wedding, you’ll want to make sure that her jewelry arrives at the ceremony location safely, and in style. Have you thought about buying her a jewelry box? ForeverWed offers a wide selection of jewelry boxes in different shapes, styles, and finishes. The bride-to-be will be ecstatic when she sees her jewelry in ForeverWed’s Madison Polished Silver Jewelry Box!

The bridal shower is also a perfect time to present attendants of the bridal party with their gifts. ForeveWed has many different gifts to choose from, including jewelry boxes, compact mirrors, and key chains!

The Makeup
Has the bride-to-be gone to her makeup stylist? Is she going to do her own makeup? Either way, you’ll want to make sure that she can see herself after the makeup has been applied. ForeverWed offers a variety of compact mirrors in a variety of shapes and styles. The bride-to-be will be able to keep an eye on her makeup all night long with ForeverWed’s heart compact mirror!

The Get-Away
Has the happy couple decided their honeymoon location? In town? Across the country? A cruise around the Caribbean? A tour in Europe? No matter where they’re going, you’ll want to make sure that the bride-to-be has her keys in hand at all times. ForeverWed offers a wide selection of key chains. The bride-to-be will be sure to show off her rhinestone heart key chain as she’s making her escape from the wedding reception to the airport!

ForeverWed offers a variety of quality gifts at an affordable price. If you have any questions about ForeverWed’s products or return policy, please feel free to give us a call at 425.353.2191.

Bridal Shower Planning

Planning a bridal shower? Don’t know where to start? Visit Foreverwed.com. They have everything from gifts to favors including jewelry boxes, necklaces, mints, and even bubbles!

First, who are you going to invite? Family… friends… co-workers? Is this going to be formal, or casual? How are you going to decorate? Is someone special going to be attending?

Let’s start with the first question: Who will be there?
The attendees will ultimately determine where the bridal shower will be held. If you’re going to invite your 65 year old Grandmother Ruthie to a club at 10 pm on Saturday, I’d think again before sending out those invitations. Are there going to be children at the party? Your niece, step-daughter-to-be, children of friends? Will daycare be offered for these little guests? For parties with a diversity of guests, it is best to celebrate in a home, restaurant, or hotel. On the other hand, if you’re going to celebrate with a few friends and co-workers, maybe it is in your best interest to go to that new night club on the other side of town. As you can now see, your guest list determines the location.

Do you have your invitations yet?

Is this going to be formal or casual?
Again, this is going back to ‘who is going to attend?’ If your family is a little more ‘high class,’ aim for a nice hotel, or if your budget is limited, spend the weekend cleaning and decorating your house. As some couples may not have a home yet, maybe have the party at your mother’s house, or your mother’s-in-law house. However, if your guests are more laid-back, opt for a comfortable location such as a friend’s house, or if you have your heart set on dancing and drinking, go to that night club. Like I’ve said before, the location of your bridal shower is mostly determined by your guests.

You’re probably thinking, ‘I thought this was MY wedding! Why do I feel like I’m putting this together for the guests?’ Well, here’s where YOU can start making the decisions:

What is the theme?
Yes, just like your birthday parties from elementary school, your bridal shower can also have a theme. You can choose to celebrate with a keg, hay rides, and your best pair of cow-girl boots. Or you could choose to celebrate in your bikini on the beach. It’s totally up to you! But whatever it may be, keep in mind that ForeverWed is your best source for finding those little details to help you celebrate your special day. You can find things like ‘table glam’ crystals! Use these to add an extra little bit of pzaz to your party!

Back to your guests:
Now that your planning and decorating is almost over, its time to look back at your guest list. Is there anyone that you would like to honor? ForeverWed offers a wide selection of gifts, whether it be for a bridesmaid, mother, or niece. ForeverWed can personalize most gifts with a quote, saying, or even a name and date. (Please call for details.)

ForeverWed wishes you the best in planning, and the best of a lifetime!

If you need help planning a bridal shower for yourself, or even for a friend, please feel free to call ForeverWed’s customer service at 425.353.2191.

Alcohol & Weddings

To drink, or not to drink?

Often, the question arises, “Should we serve alcohol during our reception?” The decision to serve alcohol or not is totally up to you and your fiancé, no matter what your beliefs or those of your guests. Alcohol is an expensive beverage, and its excessive consumption at weddings may lead to many problems and unpleasant situations. If you decide to serve alcohol, you may come to find yourself spending a good half of your reception budget on the drinks alone. If you choose not to serve alcohol, ensure that there is a sufficient amount of other beverages available for your guests. These beverages should range anywhere between coffee, punches, sodas, and cider. For a creative and visually attractive way to serve cider, please click here.

So, if you do decide to serve alcohol, how do you keep from going over your budget? There are three ways to keep from totally going overboard with the price of paying for the intoxicating beverages:

1) When sending your wedding invites, include on the RSVP a notation of whether or not your guest will be drinking.

For every check in the box, you can expect to pay anywhere between one and five drinks per guest. This way, you will have a predetermined amount of beverages to shop for, so you will not have to anticipate on overbuying when it comes to the alcohol. Because there will be a limited amount of drinks for your guests, you will have to ensure that your designated ‘drinking-guests’ will get theirs. A creative idea to do so would be to give those guests a drink ticket. You can purchase these at the ForeverWed Store.

2) Still uncomfortable with the price of things? Instead of choosing an open bar, choose to have a cash bar. Though this may seem tacky, you will have more of a budget comfort.

How this works: Any and every guest that would like a drink will simply have to pay for it during the reception. If you bring the alcohol yourself, configure a price chart with your bartender. However, if your reception location will be supplying the beverages, you may be charged around $4.50+ per drink or a flat rate (around $22+) per head.

3) Invite your guests to bring their own liquors.

If you have selected a reception site that will let you bring your own alcohol, consider having a “Stock the Bar Party” to stock up on liquor. Although not everyone will bring bottles of liquor unless you specify this on the invitation, you can use the liquor that you do get for the reception.

None of these tips fit your personal style? Then simply limit your options (offer a smaller variety when it comes to alcoholic beverages). Offer two or three different wines, along with a short range of different beers. Your guests are sure to be satisfied with a suitable beverage.

Drink, but be careful!

Let’s face it, when some people drink, they become drunk. At your wedding reception you don’t want your drunk relative to jump on your wedding cake while he reveals family secrets about who Johnny’s real father is, do you? Of course not, so you must prepare for this.

Meet with whoever is responsible for tending bar the evening of your reception and warn him about relatives and friends to keep an eye on. The bartender must be able to cut certain people off in a strong and courteous manner when it is obvious that the line past “tipsy” is soon to be crossed. If there will be multiple bartenders, they all must be aware of the situation. A professional bartender should understand that the provided drinks should not be served strongly. You should talk to your bartender. Explain to him the maximum strength at which drinks should be prepared.

Near the reception’s end, you must make sure none of your guests leave while under the influence. In many states, the host of an event is held responsible for any damages resulting in drunkenness. If fatalities arise due to an intoxicated guest, it is possible that the host will be charged with a felony (reckless endangerment). If you collaborate up with a caterer or dealer with a state verified liquor license, you should not face this problem. If necessary, have the best man call a local cab company to provide your guests a safe passage to their homes or hotels.

We do not mean to frighten you. We simply wish you to be cautious and aware while you enjoy this special moment in your life.

Creative Gift Wrapping Tips

You’re pressed for time, yet you still want to show you care creatively and fashionably. It’s easy. Use these pointers (below) from American Greetings to ensure your gift is received with a smile.

1. Be different and wrap one half of a present in one design and the other half in a complementing solid paper. Attach a solid bow that brings everything all together.
2. Inexpensive items and things you can find around the house can become creative package decorations. For example, ball up a piece of ice cream-colored tissue paper and nestle your scoop into an ice cream cone — the perfect topping for a package wrapped in ice cream-patterned paper or a gift for an ice cream lover.
3. Attach something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. A lovely piece of old lace, tied with a blue ribbon and topped with a shiny new penny, is certain to catch the eye of the bride-to-be.
4. Mix two different complementing colors of tissue to top off gift bags. Attach a bow or a package decoration to make this very easy wrap extra special.
5. Wrapping gifts in unexpected ways adds to the fun of the occasion. Roll golf balls in a cylinder of golf-themed wrapping paper, tied at each end and between each ball with curling ribbon. Curl the ribbon with a pair of scissors.
6. When giving a gift for the kitchen, such as a blender or mixer, attach color-coordinating measuring cups or spoons to tie in with your gift.
7. Fresh flowers make great present-toppers on any occasion. Stick with solid color wraps that complement, rather than compete with, your ensemble.
8. Add a fan fold for special occasions. Cut a section of wrap and fold in half diagonally. Fold into a fan and tie or tape the fan to your gift.
9. Draw out the anticipation of a gift-giving occasion by delivering the gift scavenger-hunt-style, having the recipient follow clues on a series of notes to lead him or her to the present.

Bridal Party Wedding Duties

Planning your wedding can be stressful, but fortunately, your wedding party is not there only to make your wedding day pictures look good. With application of the traditional wedding party duties, your wedding planning tensions will quickly be at ease.

The Maid or Matron of Honor:

Before we give way, let us differentiate between a maid and a matron of honor. The maid of honor is, simply put single, whereas a matron is married. However, it makes no difference for your wedding party whomever you elect for the position of honorable bridesmaid. However, whomever she may be, keep in mind that she will be your emotional support, the designated ‘bouquet holder’ for when you say ‘I do,’ and will probably be taking on the most responsibility. She’ll be the one critiquing your shopping lists, making sure that you don’t purchase anything ‘tacky’ or ‘unnecessary.’ She will be the one responsible for making sure that all the invitations were sent and RSVPs collected. She will be the one hosting and arranging your bridal shower, and when the big day comes, she will be responsible for making sure that your get-away luggage is in safekeeping. Your maid or matron of honor will coordinate the bridesmaids’ fittings and will assist you in picking out that perfect gown. You will not need to worry about making sure that everything gets done, but simply that everyone knows what his or her part is in the wedding.

Traditionally, the maid or matron of honor will serve as a legal witness of the marriage and sign the wedding certificate. However, the engaged couple is welcome to ask whomever they wish to sign the certificate.

The Best Man:

Typically, the best man is notorious for making obscure faces in your wedding photos, remembered as that guy flirting with the bridesmaids. He is put in charge of hosting the bachelor’s party, and presumed ‘designated driver’ at the party’s end. However, your best man is not all fun and games. He is in charge of numerous tasks before, and even after the wedding.

Your best man’s tasks entail a list of things ranging from transportation of guests to confirming travel arrangements for the bride and groom. On the day of the wedding, he will drive the groom to the ceremony.

Usually the day after the wedding, the best man will be in charge of returning all of the rented clothing to the rental facility.

The Bridesmaids and Groomsmen:

Your maid, or matron, of honor will assign tasks to your bridesmaids. Talk with her about who does what and what there is to be done.

The groomsmen, as well as the ushers, will assist the best man with any errand he may have. However, aside from escorting the bridesmaids down the aisle, the groomsmen will most likely be outside, either before or after the ceremony, decorating the get-away car with toilet paper and chalk marker scribbles.

Ushers:

The ushers go to the wedding early and make sure everything is in order. They will seat the guests upon arrival. If your ceremony is located a separate location than your reception, your ushers will make sure that all the elderly and out-of-state guests find their way easily. To help guests find their way to your wedding location, check out ForeverWed’s stylish directional signs.

The Mother of the Bride:

The bride’s mother will traditionally accompany the bride and the maid of honor in any major wedding day shopping, such as the gown, favors, etc. She will also assist in compiling the guest list and sending invitations. She may act as the host of the reception.

The Father of the Bride:

The father of the bride will traditionally pay for the reception, but this is no longer an automatic custom.

Parents of the Groom:

The groom’s parents traditionally are in charge of the rehearsal dinner. They often pay for the liquor/ bar service at the reception.

As the bride and groom of the wedding, you will need assistance with several other tasks before and after the wedding. These duties can be assigned to your wedding party, family members, or even volunteering friends:

* Decoration of the reception hall
* Make sure that everything is as it should be
* Caterer, music, photographer, etc. are all taken care of
* Preservation/ storage of the anniversary cake and server set, toasting flutes, and guest book and pen
* All gifts are accounted for and transported to the storage location/ home after the wedding

Vow Renewals

A vow renewal ceremony is a special way to declare your continuing commitment to your spouse before family and friends. Whether the ceremony is held for guests that could not attend your destination wedding, or just for a milestone anniversary, a vow renewal ceremony is a special and personal way to exemplify your love and commitment to your spouse, family, and friends.

Since the couple renewing their vows is already married, there is no need for a pastor, priest, or judge to perform the ceremony vows; nor is there a need for a marriage license. However, a close family member or personal friend may perform the ceremony vows, making the ceremony a much more personal event. If you and your beloved are holding this event for a milestone anniversary, such as your 10th, 25th, or even 50th, you may consider personalizing your vows to illustrate the years past.

Typically in a vow renewal, a lot of the marriage customs are broken. For instance, the father of the bride may not ‘give’ his daughter in marriage because she is already married. However, he still may walk her down the aisle, if the couple so wishes. Also, the bride and groom may or may not wear their original wedding attire. If the couple is returning from a destination wedding, then they may wear their ‘dress-and-pants’. But don’t anticipate on wearing your twenty-five year old wedding dress for your 25th Anniversary Event. Instead, opt on wearing a formal dress, or for a more casual occasion, dress slacks and a nice blouse.

To keep the vow renewal as original as the wedding without having a wedding do-over, consider having a baker re-create your wedding cake. You may even consider playing the same music that was played at your wedding. Also, try to include items from the original wedding, if possible. These items may include original wedding photos, the original server set, or even that ring you’ve outgrown. Some couples opt to go as far as having the renewal ceremony at the same place they joined in marriage.

A vow renewal ceremony can strengthen family bonds as you create new memories together, and enjoy memories from times past.

Recycle Your Wedding

For most people, use of wedding products is minimal, if not obsolete, after the wedding. People will typically look for the cheapest decorations, the most inexpensive gifts, and use the ‘leftover’ money to purchase the gown and cake. Makes sense… doesn’t it? What if I told you that instead of throwing away those ‘over-priced’ decorations, ‘misplacing’ that cake topper, and disposing of those plastic wine glasses, you could save yourself some money for future parties and gatherings?

ForeverWed offers some of the best quality wedding supplies and the lowest price! Do you have all of your decorations yet?

What most people don’t realize is that practically most everything is reusable! What about that tulle roll? Use it for arts-and-crafts with your kids, nephews, and nieces. They’ll love its texture, and there is practically a hundred different things they could do with it! You could also use it as ribbon for that gift you bought for Aunt Helen. We’re here talking about tulle rolls, and you can already see that there’s really no need for waste!

What about the cake topper? Some people will keep it as display in their home for about a month after the wedding, and then ‘misplace’ it, only to find it in the trash a week later. For years, cake toppers have been bought as necessity items for the wedding, never to be used at any other time. What if I told you that instead of using a $20, or maybe even a $50 item for one use, you could use it over and over again? What about your one year anniversary? Traditionally, the wedding cake features three tiers. The top one, (also the smallest,) is kept in a freezer after the wedding to be used as the bride and grooms one year anniversary. Cherish the memory of the night you were wed by placing the cake topper on your ‘one-year-cake’ before devouring its rich, fluffy cake-ness. Have you ever thought about renewing your vows for your 25th or 50th wedding anniversary? If you can manage to keep the cake topper in a save place for that long, use it again at the renewal ceremony to remind the guests of your special day. You could even opt to use it as part of a display of ‘original wedding pieces’ from your wedding!

So now are you interested in reusing your wedding pieces? Here is a list of a few more items and what you could do with them:

1) Tin Mints- Keep the tin! They’re GREAT for storing and refilling with candy and mints.
2) Plastic Wine Glasses- Clean them and reuse them at another event! Save the $10 on plastic cups and the time to do dishes.
3) Unity Candle- Keep it! It will be of good use when the power fails. You could also reuse it at your vow renewal ceremony!

Now that you see the good in reusing, we hope you will renew, reuse, and save with ForeverWed.

A Guide To Bridal Showers

There’s the bachelor party night for men when they wave goodbye to their bachelorhood. A night filled with drunkenness, disorderly behavior & who-knows-what-else. The hush-hush that surrounds the Bachelor Party has loomed for decades. Well, women can have their own brand of fun too. From a somber potluck shower to a wilder evening ala policeman-birthday-gift-dancing, let your imagination run wild and have the mother of all bridal showers!The Bridal Shower as it is so often referred to these days, appears to have first been given to a Dutch bride who married her lover, despite her father’s refusal to give her a dowry for she had intended to marry a poor man. Her friends got together and “showered” the lovebirds with gifts for their household, an attempt to help them start their new lives together. The power of love prevails and the practice of giving the bride gifts before her wedding has evolved into a wedding tradition

It is the role of the Bridesmaids and Maid-of-Honor to organize the party. A good wedding consultant can also help in the preparation. Consult with the Bride who she would like to attend the party and make the necessary arrangements. When choosing a theme for the shower, select one that reflects the personality & interests of the Bride. It is after all her party! It’s always nice to have the shower in someone’s house or check into a nice suite at any of the hotels.

Bridal Shower Ideas

Lingerie Shower

Everybody brings and wears an article of clothing that is associated with sleep ware. e.g. pajamas, nightgowns, slips, teddies. Put your sense of humor to work if you wish to! For whatever you are bringing, give one to the Bride too as a gift.

Romantic Shower

Present the Bride with items that will inspire romance in her married life. The Groom would approve of scented candles, candle holders, satin bed sheets, champagne, bath bubbles, aromatherapy products, and even his-and-hers massage vouchers at the spa.

Sweet Memories Shower

All guests take their turn to tell a story of how they met the Bride, their special moments together, the disappointments they may have shared. All these to be recorded and put together with photographs in a scrapbook for the Bride to cherish for the rest of her life.

The Practical Household Shower

As the title suggests….be practical and bring gifts that will stock up the Couple’s new home. Some examples may be Blu-Ray disc players, picture frames, coffee makers, clocks. Everyone can also chip in and buy the Couple a fridge. Make sure a list is made prior to this to eliminate duplicated gifts.

Music Shower

Let music be the theme of the bridal shower. Everyone brings their iPod and plays their favorite songs for the Bride. Make sure there is an iPod Dock and get a list beforehand of the tunes that will be played.

Wine Shower

Have all your guests bring a bottle of wine and find out that nothing makes you bolder as you play “Truth or Dare”. Go ahead, whine (pun intended) about the other sex while you are at it. That’s the whole fun of a bridal shower.

The above are just some suggestions. Come up with your own shower theme and you will find that an evening with the girls is the best way to celebrate a good friend’s upcoming marriage.

For Bridal Shower Favors and Gifts, visit us at ForeverWed.com!