Tying the knot can be an involved process. Hiring a wedding planner can be the perfect solution when you are in need of some help.
Tying the knot can be an involved process. There are countless tasks you need to accomplish before your big day arrives. While you may not be able to take it all on yourself, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Hiring a wedding planner can be the perfect solution when you are in need of some help. Many couples struggle when it comes to selecting a planner. There are a lot of options available to you, and it can be helpful to know how to go about picking a person who will deliver on what you are expecting.
To help you along your journey, explore some of these tips on how to pick a planner for your wedding. A few early steps can make all the difference in how you feel about your selection.
Research A Planner
As with almost everything in life, research is going to come in handy when you are selecting a planner. In the current day and age, almost all businesses have some sort of online presence. Finding a planner begins with conducting a quick search online to see what your options are. After you’ve discovered a few people who may align with your needs, you want to delve a bit deeper. Look at the business websites and social media accounts of these individuals to get a more in-depth understanding.
The branding an individual decides to go with can give you a good idea of what to expect from your options. When a planner’s website features a timeless, elegant design, it most likely means this person is more experienced with high-end events. Selecting a planner who matches your unique vibe can be useful because it can make you feel comfortable from the start. As you research your options, take note of any individuals who use branding you find appealing.
Meet and Greet
Researching online is great to get the ball rolling, but you need to go farther to get a better impression of your potential planners. Select a few you find the most interesting and arrange a time to meet with each of these individuals separately. Planners usually have no problem setting up a consultation. This helps you determine if the person is a good fit for you, and it helps the professional understand whether you are someone he or she can assist. While meeting with this person, you want to focus on a few key areas.
For one, ask any relevant questions you might have. A failure to express your concerns or demands for your big day can create murky communication from the start. Asking the right questions can help you understand if this person is actually capable of putting together the event you are picturing in your mind. It is also an opportunity for you to look over the planner’s portfolio and get a better understanding of the various clients this professional has worked for in the past.
Personality Considerations
While it may not be the most important criteria to base your decision off of, the personality of your planner does matter to a degree. If the individual has a personality you find frustrating, then you probably should search for another option. Being able to mesh with your planner and his or her personality is essential for helping you feel ready and excited for your wedding. With so many options to choose from, it is likely you will be able to find a person with whom you have no problem jiving.
Though not all couples opt to use a wedding planner, there are a number of advantages that come along with the extra help. Give yourself time to find the right professional for your needs, and see how it improves your experience.
There are a number of different responsibilities when planning your wedding. But how early should you start thinking about your transportation to the venue?
There are a number of different responsibilities you need to stay aware of when you’re planning for a wedding. As the date grows closer, you want to give yourself time to ensure you have covered all of your bases. While bigger decisions like selecting a venue and determining your guest list need to be taken care of early, other tasks can be completed a bit later in the process. When you are roughly six months away from your big day, you need to think about your options regarding transportation.
Getting Started
First and foremost, you need to get this process started by thinking about who will require transportation. It is not your responsibility to make sure everyone you invite can get to the venue, but you can definitely make the process easier for your guests with a few simple decisions. If your wedding reception is being held in a different place than where the majority of your guests are staying at the end of the night, then you might want to think about hiring a shuttle service to cart your friends and family where they need to go. Alternatively, if your wedding ceremony and reception are in two different places, providing a way to get to each and then back to the hotel may be a service you want to offer.
Outside of this, there are a few people you should think about providing transportation for. The main people to focus on are you and your significant other, as well as anyone who is immediately associated with your wedding party. You may also want to think about providing an option for disabled or elderly guests, such as grandparents, to help them safely arrive where they need to be without them having to worry about driving.
Things To Think About
After determining who will need transportation, there are a few other considerations. For one, you want to think about the time of year you plan on tying the knot. Many weddings tend to take place in the spring and summer. Unfortunately, this season is also when a number of other milestone events happen for people. High school proms and graduations usually occur between May and June, meaning you might have a lot of competition when it comes to booking luxury vehicles. To avoid this, be sure to book as early as possible.
How far you have to travel is also an important point to consider. If you and the wedding party will need to cross a good amount of distance to reach your destination, it can impact the type of vehicle you select. A small limo might be fine if you only have to go a few blocks, but it can be excruciatingly cramped for longer drives. When you keep these points in mind, it can help you find a transportation option that makes everyone feel comfortable the whole way through.
Financial Considerations
Remember, the financial burden of any transportation that you and your significant other provide to guests will fall on your shoulders. If you are unable to offer any additional help to guests with regard to transportation, be sure to notify your friends and family of this as early as possible. This will help give everyone enough time to plan their rides and figure out a sensible way of getting to your event.
Transportation might not be the most pressing part of planning for your big day, but it definitely is an area you want to think about. There are a number of important aspects to think over when it comes to selecting appropriate options for your guests. Take time to assess your transportation needs, and it will help you determine the best course of action for your wedding day.
There are many reasons to consider talking about finances early with your partner. Look over these tips for the right way to start the money conversation.
Marriage can be a very interesting and complicated arrangement. This union marks a time in your life when you will no longer be an individual who is fully independent. From this point on, all decisions you make are going to have a direct impact on another person’s life. Luckily, staying mindful of the needs of your partner is an easy way to make sure you both are on the same page. Before you walk down the aisle, however, it can be a good idea to have a discussion about finances. The “money talk” is an important one to have.
There are many reasons to consider talking about finances early with your partner. Look over these tips and find the right way to start the conversation.
Your Wedding Budget
The easiest way to begin this talk is by bringing up the topic of the wedding budget. Putting together this type of event can often cost a significant amount. In order for you to throw a wedding that lives up to the vision you both share, you need to have a strong idea of how much you can afford to spend. Before you begin planning, sit down with your significant other and start discussing finances. By having this conversation early, you can make some important decisions about the event right away.
For one, you might realize that you do not have as much money to work with as you originally believed. If you’ve discussed the issue early on, you won’t make the mistake of booking vendors that you cannot actually afford or putting any down payments toward services that fall outside of your budget. On the opposite side, your conversation might reveal you have a bit more to spend than you initially believed. Perhaps you really can afford an orchestra instead of a DJ! Be open so that you can use your funds in the wisest manner.
Your Future
Having a conversation about money does a lot more than simply provide you with a budget for your wedding. This talk also helps to lay out the groundwork of your future. Your significant other is the person you will need to turn to when times are tough. If you both have wildly different methods of spending money, it can lead to fights down the line. The money talk is the perfect opportunity to discuss how you plan on saving for the future, as well as whether you’d like joint accounts or shared credit cards.
What’s more, studies have shown that one of the top reasons couples fight is due to finances. While money can always add stress to a situation, not having an open discussion about your finances can lead to resentment and frustration. You don’t want to send your relationship into a tailspin when it can be avoided. Talk about money and be honest with your partner about how you’d like to save for the future. This can get you on the same page and help you make sensible decisions moving forward.
Control Your Reactions
While having the conversation about money, try not to overreact to anything discussed. If you’re a frugal person and your partner is frivolous with spending, criticizing your significant other about spending can seem like an attack on his or her character. No matter how strongly you feel about budgeting, be sure to be respectful with your partner and have the most open discussion possible on the matter.
There are plenty of reasons to think about having a conversation about money before the day of your wedding arrives. The earlier you have this talk, the easier it will be for you to keep frustrations to a minimum and start married life on the same page.
When couples plan their weddings, they must decide what traditions to include. How do Canadian weddings stack up in the 21st century?
When couples plan their weddings, they must often decide what traditions to include. These celebrations incorporate basic ceremonial elements such as exchanging vows, but many also feature customs that add layers of meaning or are passed down through families or cultures. Meanwhile, some trends become new traditions while old customs slowly fall out of favor. How do Canadian weddings stack up in the 21st century? You may be surprised once you find out.
The Role of Gender in Western Weddings
It’s no secret that many wedding customs were influenced by older social norms. As cold as this sounds, marriages were less about love and more about finances, inheritances, and sometimes political concerns. Unions were arranged in many parts of the world, with women frequently losing any legal rights they had once the ceremonies took place. The Encyclopedia Britannica explains the concept of “coverture,” in which married couples were considered single legal entities, with husbands wielding the most power and decision-making responsibilities. The idea was introduced into English law after the Norman Conquest beginning in 1066. The Canadian Encyclopedia mentions that British cultural influences on marriage and property statutes codified coverture into Canadian law in many areas.
Some wedding traditions are leftover legacies from these societal realities. For instance, you may remember that the bride’s family used to pay for the wedding. Vogue’s Priya Rao reveals that this stems from old dowry customs in which the bride’s family provided physical wealth before a marriage could take place. The Spruce’s Nina Callaway adds that the practice of fathers giving away their daughters during wedding ceremonies is also tied to dowries. This act was a sign that the father was pleased with the marriage negotiations and gave his blessing.
As Societies Change, So Do Weddings
Money Versed writer Liz Collins offers a basic breakdown on wedding traditions that are slowly being abandoned. Unsurprisingly, she listed customs that were once commonplace even in the 20th century:
The bride’s family paying for the wedding
Grooms not seeing their brides before the ceremony
Gendered wedding showers
Bouquet and garter tosses
Wedding Wire’s Alice Prendergast discusses more ways in which Canadian nuptials have changed. For instance, more couples are living together before marriage and fewer choose religious ceremonies. At the same time, a few recent trends are slowly becoming traditions. For instance, the Emily Post Institute details that high-tech weddings are the norm. That’s not a surprise to anyone getting hitched in 2019 or 2020, but what’s interesting is how this resulted from the development of some key innovations over the last few decades. Wedding websites began appearing in the late 1990s, but Pinterest and Instagram were both launched in 2010. Technological developments in photography, music playback, and even e-commerce have roots back in the 1990s or earlier.
Not All Traditions Have Disappeared
While many customs change, others remain the same. In her Wedding Wire piece, Prendergast discloses a few traditional practices that are solidly here to stay. The white wedding dress continues to be a staple, although it’s being reinvented with new details and silhouettes. The first dance is a timeless classic, along with asking for parents’ blessings and popping the question. You’ll also find alcohol at nearly every reception, with everything from signature cocktails to Canadian craft beers. Honeymoons remain popular, although some busy or cash-strapped pairs opt for mini-moons or staycations.
Customized Nuptials Are the Norm
Canadian weddings can be traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. While some old practices remain, couples craft their nuptials to fit their values, purposes, and lifestyles. No matter what customs each chooses to incorporate, these celebrations are ultimately both community events and personalized reflections of both spouses’ creativity, philosophy, and outlook.
While it might seem like an impossible task, here are a handful of simple tips that can help you create a successful seating chart for your big day.
Certain aspects of planning a wedding can prove more difficult than others. For some couples, the seating chart for the reception can be a huge pain in the neck. There are many moving pieces involved with a seating chart, so make sure you don’t cause any unwarranted drama by placing two volatile people next to each other. While it might seem like a downright impossible task, there are a handful of simple ways to see the best possible results from your efforts.
Crafting a solid seating chart is all about taking time and thinking over all the details involved. Look over these tips, and you’ll be ready to finalize your own layout in no time.
Understand the Parameters
You can only make a practical chart for where to seat your guests when you have all pertinent information available to you. For one, you need to have a blueprint or map of the layout of your venue. This will provide you with hard data about the size of the room and your options in regards to arranging the space. You’re also going to want to account for certain factors like the size and shape of each table, as well as where you plan on placing the DJ booth, cake table, and any other decor that might take up space.
As you begin to create your seating chart, you most likely already have a solid idea of who will be in attendance at your wedding. Most couples will draft preliminary sketches of where to seat guests, but you really can’t finalize anything until you have a headcount. Otherwise, you could put a lot of effort into a seating chart that doesn’t accurately reflect the guests who will be at your event. Wait until you have all of this data, and then set out to create your chart in a more informed way.
Groupings
How you arrange your guests at each table can be the trickiest aspect of this task. For one, make sure that you seat people in a way that makes sense. This means you should put all of your coworkers at one table, second cousins at another, and so on. Unfortunately, this isn’t always as easy to achieve as it sounds. When you’re working with limited space, you might need to get a bit creative in regards to who sits at which table.
While you’re not going to know how each person at your wedding feels about every other person in attendance, you definitely can use your best judgment to arrange guests in a sensible way. If you know that an uncle of yours has bad blood with an old family friend of your significant other, then don’t seat these guests near each other. Try not to bend over backward to make these arrangements, however. Your guests are all capable of handling their own petty dramas, and your plans shouldn’t be impeded by their own feuds.
Special Seating Considerations
You might also have some special considerations you need to keep in mind while creating your seating chart. If you have a number of children coming to your event, then it might make sense to have a table just for the little ones. Consider a separate table for your single attendees. Should any of your guests be in a wheelchair or require certain assistance with getting around the venue, try and seat these guests in an accessible spot. Remember special considerations, and you should make the event comfortable for all.
Planning your seating chart can be a bit of a headache, but it is far from an impossible feat. Take your time with this task, and in no time you should see success from your efforts.
How can you make planning your wedding easier? Consider these neglected details and see what you need to do to put the finishing touch on your big day.
A lot of work is involved with planning a wedding. No matter how meticulous you might be, it is entirely within the realm of possibility that you missed a thing or two along the way. Since the process can often be stressful, plenty of couples overlook important details. Fortunately, it is never too late to go back and think about a few things you might have overlooked. Consider these oft-neglected points and see what you need to do to put the finishing touch on your plans.
Gifts of Love
It stands to reason that a lot of people have been involved with putting together your wedding. With so much going on, it can be a huge comfort to be able to turn to friends and family members for some assistance. However, you want to remember to show your thanks in whatever way you can. Couples often forget to give appreciation to the people who help them prepare for their nuptials, but you can easily avoid this blunder by remaining mindful throughout the process.
There are several key people to consider getting gifts for. The members of your wedding party should definitely receive some token of appreciation for all of their contributions. In addition, it can be a wise idea to buy a gift for the parents of your significant other. When you marry your partner, you are also marrying your partner’s family. Buying little gifts to show thanks can put you in the good graces of the family while also making you feel proud of the fact that you went the extra mile for your loved ones.
Last-Minute Savior
No matter how much work you put into planning your wedding, there are always dangers lurking around every corner. You never can tell when something as simple as a loose fiber on a bridesmaid’s dress can turn into a total costume malfunction in front of all your guests. Though you might not be able to control every aspect of what occurs on your wedding day, you definitely can take precautionary measures that aim to reduce the odds of a disaster. One way of achieving this is by packing an emergency kit for your big day.
While similar to the idea of a first-aid kit, an emergency kit for your wedding is all about the tools and resources you might need to fix a small mishap. You’ll want to include sewing basics like a needle, thread, and some generic buttons. These tools can help in the event of a rip or tear throughout the night. You might also want to include aspirin, bottles of water, extra makeup, a pair of socks, and whatever else might prove useful as you move through the events of your wedding.
Little Details
While it might be rare, there are instances where couples have extra money in the budget after completing all their planning tasks. A great way to use some of the funds is by adding special details to your wedding that help to bring out your own unique style. Perhaps you’d like a more elaborate cake, or perhaps you’d like to extend the wedding reception by an hour or two. You can be as frivolous or as practical as you’d like with spending this money; just try and find a clever way to put this part of your budget to good use.
A wedding that goes off without a hitch can seem like an impossibility. Still, by examining your big day from a number of different angles and making sure you are prepared for as many possibilities as you can think of, you will likely have an easier time reducing the odds of a disaster.
If you don’t want a maid of honor, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with this information before deciding what the best choice is for your big day.
There are a lot of moving parts involved with planning your wedding. Often, couples want all the help possible to get the entire event up and running. Having a maid of honor can be invaluable during this time, as this individual tends to take on a lot of duties throughout the process. Still, you may not feel like you want a maid of honor. There are plenty of reasons for this decision, from not knowing who to select to wanting to keep the affair simple. There is no rule saying you absolutely must have someone fill this role.
If you don’t want a maid of honor, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself a bit with the choice you’re making. Look over this information and decide what the best choice is for your big day.
What Does the Maid of Honor Do?
The maid of honor is usually responsible for a number of different tasks associated with the wedding. Usually these responsibilities include throwing a shower and bachelorette party, taking on jobs like mailing invitations, and keeping tabs on all the members of the wedding party. When you don’t have someone acting in this role, you will need to either take these tasks on yourself or find someone who can organize things for you. Having help is always a plus, even when you aren’t asking someone to be your maid of honor.
You also will need to think about your wedding party. Are you planning on having bridesmaids and groomsmen? You can still have a wedding party without a maid of honor. In fact, some couples make the choice to forego this position in the party because there are too many qualified options. When you don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, you can ditch the maid of honor and simply go with having bridesmaids. This can ultimately be a helpful decision, as you can delegate various duties to each member of the party rather than relying on one specific person.
Party On
As mentioned, the maid of honor is also the person who traditionally puts together the wedding shower. By removing this person from the equation, you’ll need to arrange the plans yourself or find someone else who can take on the job. This could be a perfect task for your mother or the mother of your partner, especially if she wanted to get involved and you didn’t know what to offer. You may also want to see if the members of your wedding party would like to plan this for you, though it is likely you’ll need to give warning.
Showers are also not a requirement. If you had an engagement party, then throwing a shower might be a bit too much. These days, couples are moving away from the traditional route of having a shower. You’re already planning your wedding; you might not want to add yet another event to your calendar that you need to help organize. When you opt not to have a maid of honor, you’ll need to make this decision for yourself and determine whether or not you find a shower necessary.
Trusting Your Significant Other
In the past, the maid of honor would take on a lot of responsibilities that otherwise could have been performed by the groom-to-be. Since more and more couples are contributing equally when it comes to planning a wedding, it is likely you can simply ask your partner to take on many of the jobs the maid would have received. When you have the support of your significant other, the entire process will be a lot easier than trying to do everything by yourself.
The decision to use a maid of honor in your wedding comes down to your own preference. As long as you have people who can assist you along the way, you should be able to take on whatever tasks await.
If you’re a wedding guest attempting sobriety, it’s natural to feel a little anxiety. Some smart advice can help you remain a faithful teetotaler.
Wedding receptions often offer the perfect trifecta of food, fun, and drinks. Yet, this can present significant challenges for guests recovering from alcohol dependency. Fortunately, sitting out these celebrations isn’t the only option. Since sobriety is an important goal, how can this be achieved when the booze is flowing and emotions are high? Some smart advice can help you remain a dedicated teetotaler.
Guests in Recovery: You’re Not Alone
If you’re a wedding guest aiming for sobriety, it’s natural to feel a little anxiety. After all, you’re in a social situation where alcohol is plentiful and you’re surrounded by others who drink. Ravishly contributor Britni de la Cretaz describes feelings of loneliness when attending receptions. Medium writer Tiffany Swedeen mentions her own temptations to imbibe. SobrieTea Party’s Tawny Lara admits her own struggles. Before she tried recovery, she usually found herself drinking too much at others’ nuptials.
Powerful physical and psychological cravings are frequently triggered by emotional stress, fatigue, nostalgia, or feeling left out. Unsurprisingly, all these emotions and conditions can resurface at weddings. You may encounter some saboteurs, as blogger Dana Bowman points out. However, most of your fellow attendees don’t wish to interfere with your recovery.
Stay Alcohol-Free With These Tips
Swedeen, de la Cretaz, and Lara draw on their own experiences, offering advice to wedding guests planning on sobriety. One valuable tip is to stop worrying about how others view you. Most people will not notice or concern themselves with what you’re actually drinking, so having a non-alcoholic beverage in hand can be a lifesaver. This can be anything that makes you feel comfortable: lime and seltzer water, a soft drink, a cup of coffee, or anything else you like.
Enlisting a trustworthy individual or two could help you avoid indulgence. Be sure to give bartenders a heads up, letting them know not to serve you intoxicating drinks. You may wish to bring along a sober friend, seek out another teetotaler at the festivities, or have someone you can call or text if you need support or feel unsafe.
Distracting yourself is also a great approach when you’re at a reception. Take advantage of food, dancing, music, camaraderie, and activities. Are you a champ at horseshoes, darts, or croquet? Use the lawn games to show off your prowess. Hit the dance floor. Eat an extra cupcake. Talk someone else’s ear off. You get the idea.
Refrain From Judging Other Guests
One common pitfall that Lara mentions is the habit of silently judging others. As an individual in recovery, you could find yourself eying other guests’ behaviors. Looking down on them for their drinking and intoxication won’t contribute to your own efforts. Lara reminds readers that everyone’s relationship with alcohol is a little different. Respect is key, so remember that others’ drinking habits have nothing to do with your own sobriety.
Know When To Walk Away
While you’re planning ahead for your friends’ reception, don’t forget to construct an exit strategy. Feel free to leave early if you must, especially if you feel too tempted to drink. If you’re bringing a sober companion, let that person know that you may want to depart before the reception ends. Those attending alone should make sure they have phone numbers of reliable friends or a transport company just in case.
Don’t Worry: You’ve Got This
Recovering from alcohol dependency isn’t an easy process, but social situations can make it rougher than usual. While you want to enjoy yourself at your friends’ wedding reception, it can also be an opportunity to re-acclimate to scenarios in which alcohol is served. Staying sober requires some advance planning. Keeping a nonalcoholic drink in hand is a useful strategy, along with relying on supportive friends and having an exit plan ready.
If you or your partner plan on changing your name after walking down the aisle, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the process early on.
Marriage tends to change the lives of the two people involved. While some changes can be exciting, like moving in together for the first time, there are other adjustments that can take a bit of time to get used to. This is especially true when it comes to changing your name. Though the traditions surrounding post-marital name changes have shifted over the years, there is still a great deal to remember when the time comes to take on the surname of your spouse.
If you or your partner plan on changing your name after walking down the aisle, now is a great time to familiarize yourself with the process. Here is what you can expect once you’ve decided to make the change.
Starting Out with the Name Change
Changing your name is something of a process. Of course, this process cannot begin without the right paperwork. The most important piece of paper you will receive in relation to changing your name is your marriage license. Most couples get their license before the wedding and have it signed by the officiant and witnesses after the ceremony has ended. While this document does not change your name outright, it is a vital piece of the puzzle and will prove invaluable with the next steps involved in the process.
Once you have your license, you need to start the ball rolling. First, you want to reach out to the government offices in your province. In many cases, you can either decide to fill out the appropriate paperwork in the office while you are there, or download and print the correct forms in the comfort of your own home. If you decide to mail in the application, remember you will need to submit original copies of your marriage certificate and proof of identity. Filling the application out in-office can expedite the process a bit.
Next Steps
Once you have submitted the appropriate paperwork, your journey has begun. Unfortunately, it is far from over. Next, begin the processes of changing your name on your driver’s license and your passport, if applicable. You won’t be able to complete these steps until you have submitted for your official surname change, but it can be helpful to start planning out your next moves as soon as possible. After it has been changed officially, you want to head back to your province’s government offices to start changing it on your license.
In order to change your name, you need to bring along your marriage license, proof of your current residence, your current driver’s license, and a certified copy of your birth certificate. A basic copy of your birth certificate is not valid, so be sure to get an embossed copy if need be in order to have all the necessary paperwork handy. When this step is completed, you can submit your paperwork for your passport name change. Of all the processes, passports tend to take a bit longer, usually a few weeks.
Everything Else
Changing your name can become a messy process if you don’t change it everywhere. Be prepared to fill out paperwork for everyone from the companies that provide your home utilities to the HR representative at work. Changing your name on official documents, credit cards, and bank accounts can become somewhat complex. As long as you have your newly issued social security card as proof, you shouldn’t run into many complications along the way.
Changing your name can be a wonderful way to make your marriage feel a bit more real in a public sense. In order to get through this process without many headaches, be sure to take your time and look over every document you’ll require to make your new name official.
Preparing to throw a bridal shower? Take a look at some of these common questions people have when first putting together a bridal shower.
When a close friend or relative decides to task you with the responsibility of putting together a bridal shower, it can be a big honor. You want to make sure you throw an event that will satisfy the happy couple without straying too far from their sensibilities. Of course, there are also a lot of tasks associated with this kind of event. If you’ve never had to throw a party like this before, you might not be sure how to get things going. Thankfully, a bridal shower is far from an impossible task to accomplish.
Take a look at some of these common questions people have when first putting together a bridal shower. Learning these answers early can help you throw a fantastic event to celebrate the happy couple.
Inviting the Right People
One of the most difficult things you’ll have to figure out is who to invite to the shower. The couple most likely will be spending a ridiculous amount of time ironing out the details of the wedding guest list, which means you can’t just invite anyone to this party. The biggest rule to remember for invitations is that you should not be inviting anyone to the shower who will not be receiving an invitation to the wedding itself. The best way to avoid this mistake is by coordinating with the couple and figuring out exactly who they would like invited.
Depending on how close you are to the nearlyweds, you might be able to simply use your best judgment with the invitations. When you already know their friends and family members, you most likely will have a good idea of who should be receiving an invitation. When you aren’t sure, reach out and try to get some more information. Don’t guess when you aren’t positive, as you might wind up making an awkward error. It also is a good idea to try and keep the event small, as you are probably paying for it.
All in the Timing
You also may need a bit of information on when you should be planning this event. More often than not, the couple will ask you to throw the shower by a certain time. In specific cases, you might be told by the bride or groom exactly when he or she wishes the party held. When you aren’t given any set details to follow, you’ll need to select the date yourself. Generally, you want to have the shower no earlier than five months before the date of the wedding.
On the reverse side, you want the shower to be at least three weeks before the wedding. This large gap of time makes it easy to pick a date and have enough room to plan out all the details. Unless the event is very small, you are most likely going to need a little bit of help organizing everything. Try to not involve the couple too much. Instead, reach out to other close friends and see who might be able to offer some assistance. Involving a few other people can also keep the costs down, which is a huge help.
No Surprises
Finally, if you are a maid of honor or member of the wedding party, you need to respect the wishes of the nearlyweds. When you are told that they don’t want a shower, you should not take it upon yourself to throw one. It might seem like a fun idea, but you do not want to go against a specific request. Do what is asked of you, and you’ll be the biggest asset that the couple requires.
Putting together a wedding shower takes a bit of time. As long as you don’t rush into the responsibility, you should have no trouble throwing a lovely event.
Tying the knot can be an involved process. Hiring a wedding planner can be the perfect solution when you are in need of some help.
Tying the knot can be an involved process. There are countless tasks you need to accomplish before your big day arrives. While you may not be able to take it all on yourself, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Hiring a wedding planner can be the perfect solution when you are in need of some help. Many couples struggle when it comes to selecting a planner. There are a lot of options available to you, and it can be helpful to know how to go about picking a person who will deliver on what you are expecting.
To help you along your journey, explore some of these tips on how to pick a planner for your wedding. A few early steps can make all the difference in how you feel about your selection.
Research A Planner
As with almost everything in life, research is going to come in handy when you are selecting a planner. In the current day and age, almost all businesses have some sort of online presence. Finding a planner begins with conducting a quick search online to see what your options are. After you’ve discovered a few people who may align with your needs, you want to delve a bit deeper. Look at the business websites and social media accounts of these individuals to get a more in-depth understanding.
The branding an individual decides to go with can give you a good idea of what to expect from your options. When a planner’s website features a timeless, elegant design, it most likely means this person is more experienced with high-end events. Selecting a planner who matches your unique vibe can be useful because it can make you feel comfortable from the start. As you research your options, take note of any individuals who use branding you find appealing.
Meet and Greet
Researching online is great to get the ball rolling, but you need to go farther to get a better impression of your potential planners. Select a few you find the most interesting and arrange a time to meet with each of these individuals separately. Planners usually have no problem setting up a consultation. This helps you determine if the person is a good fit for you, and it helps the professional understand whether you are someone he or she can assist. While meeting with this person, you want to focus on a few key areas.
For one, ask any relevant questions you might have. A failure to express your concerns or demands for your big day can create murky communication from the start. Asking the right questions can help you understand if this person is actually capable of putting together the event you are picturing in your mind. It is also an opportunity for you to look over the planner’s portfolio and get a better understanding of the various clients this professional has worked for in the past.
Personality Considerations
While it may not be the most important criteria to base your decision off of, the personality of your planner does matter to a degree. If the individual has a personality you find frustrating, then you probably should search for another option. Being able to mesh with your planner and his or her personality is essential for helping you feel ready and excited for your wedding. With so many options to choose from, it is likely you will be able to find a person with whom you have no problem jiving.
Though not all couples opt to use a wedding planner, there are a number of advantages that come along with the extra help. Give yourself time to find the right professional for your needs, and see how it improves your experience.
There are a number of different responsibilities when planning your wedding. But how early should you start thinking about your transportation to the venue?
There are a number of different responsibilities you need to stay aware of when you’re planning for a wedding. As the date grows closer, you want to give yourself time to ensure you have covered all of your bases. While bigger decisions like selecting a venue and determining your guest list need to be taken care of early, other tasks can be completed a bit later in the process. When you are roughly six months away from your big day, you need to think about your options regarding transportation.
Getting Started
First and foremost, you need to get this process started by thinking about who will require transportation. It is not your responsibility to make sure everyone you invite can get to the venue, but you can definitely make the process easier for your guests with a few simple decisions. If your wedding reception is being held in a different place than where the majority of your guests are staying at the end of the night, then you might want to think about hiring a shuttle service to cart your friends and family where they need to go. Alternatively, if your wedding ceremony and reception are in two different places, providing a way to get to each and then back to the hotel may be a service you want to offer.
Outside of this, there are a few people you should think about providing transportation for. The main people to focus on are you and your significant other, as well as anyone who is immediately associated with your wedding party. You may also want to think about providing an option for disabled or elderly guests, such as grandparents, to help them safely arrive where they need to be without them having to worry about driving.
Things To Think About
After determining who will need transportation, there are a few other considerations. For one, you want to think about the time of year you plan on tying the knot. Many weddings tend to take place in the spring and summer. Unfortunately, this season is also when a number of other milestone events happen for people. High school proms and graduations usually occur between May and June, meaning you might have a lot of competition when it comes to booking luxury vehicles. To avoid this, be sure to book as early as possible.
How far you have to travel is also an important point to consider. If you and the wedding party will need to cross a good amount of distance to reach your destination, it can impact the type of vehicle you select. A small limo might be fine if you only have to go a few blocks, but it can be excruciatingly cramped for longer drives. When you keep these points in mind, it can help you find a transportation option that makes everyone feel comfortable the whole way through.
Financial Considerations
Remember, the financial burden of any transportation that you and your significant other provide to guests will fall on your shoulders. If you are unable to offer any additional help to guests with regard to transportation, be sure to notify your friends and family of this as early as possible. This will help give everyone enough time to plan their rides and figure out a sensible way of getting to your event.
Transportation might not be the most pressing part of planning for your big day, but it definitely is an area you want to think about. There are a number of important aspects to think over when it comes to selecting appropriate options for your guests. Take time to assess your transportation needs, and it will help you determine the best course of action for your wedding day.
There are many reasons to consider talking about finances early with your partner. Look over these tips for the right way to start the money conversation.
Marriage can be a very interesting and complicated arrangement. This union marks a time in your life when you will no longer be an individual who is fully independent. From this point on, all decisions you make are going to have a direct impact on another person’s life. Luckily, staying mindful of the needs of your partner is an easy way to make sure you both are on the same page. Before you walk down the aisle, however, it can be a good idea to have a discussion about finances. The “money talk” is an important one to have.
There are many reasons to consider talking about finances early with your partner. Look over these tips and find the right way to start the conversation.
Your Wedding Budget
The easiest way to begin this talk is by bringing up the topic of the wedding budget. Putting together this type of event can often cost a significant amount. In order for you to throw a wedding that lives up to the vision you both share, you need to have a strong idea of how much you can afford to spend. Before you begin planning, sit down with your significant other and start discussing finances. By having this conversation early, you can make some important decisions about the event right away.
For one, you might realize that you do not have as much money to work with as you originally believed. If you’ve discussed the issue early on, you won’t make the mistake of booking vendors that you cannot actually afford or putting any down payments toward services that fall outside of your budget. On the opposite side, your conversation might reveal you have a bit more to spend than you initially believed. Perhaps you really can afford an orchestra instead of a DJ! Be open so that you can use your funds in the wisest manner.
Your Future
Having a conversation about money does a lot more than simply provide you with a budget for your wedding. This talk also helps to lay out the groundwork of your future. Your significant other is the person you will need to turn to when times are tough. If you both have wildly different methods of spending money, it can lead to fights down the line. The money talk is the perfect opportunity to discuss how you plan on saving for the future, as well as whether you’d like joint accounts or shared credit cards.
What’s more, studies have shown that one of the top reasons couples fight is due to finances. While money can always add stress to a situation, not having an open discussion about your finances can lead to resentment and frustration. You don’t want to send your relationship into a tailspin when it can be avoided. Talk about money and be honest with your partner about how you’d like to save for the future. This can get you on the same page and help you make sensible decisions moving forward.
Control Your Reactions
While having the conversation about money, try not to overreact to anything discussed. If you’re a frugal person and your partner is frivolous with spending, criticizing your significant other about spending can seem like an attack on his or her character. No matter how strongly you feel about budgeting, be sure to be respectful with your partner and have the most open discussion possible on the matter.
There are plenty of reasons to think about having a conversation about money before the day of your wedding arrives. The earlier you have this talk, the easier it will be for you to keep frustrations to a minimum and start married life on the same page.
When couples plan their weddings, they must decide what traditions to include. How do Canadian weddings stack up in the 21st century?
When couples plan their weddings, they must often decide what traditions to include. These celebrations incorporate basic ceremonial elements such as exchanging vows, but many also feature customs that add layers of meaning or are passed down through families or cultures. Meanwhile, some trends become new traditions while old customs slowly fall out of favor. How do Canadian weddings stack up in the 21st century? You may be surprised once you find out.
The Role of Gender in Western Weddings
It’s no secret that many wedding customs were influenced by older social norms. As cold as this sounds, marriages were less about love and more about finances, inheritances, and sometimes political concerns. Unions were arranged in many parts of the world, with women frequently losing any legal rights they had once the ceremonies took place. The Encyclopedia Britannica explains the concept of “coverture,” in which married couples were considered single legal entities, with husbands wielding the most power and decision-making responsibilities. The idea was introduced into English law after the Norman Conquest beginning in 1066. The Canadian Encyclopedia mentions that British cultural influences on marriage and property statutes codified coverture into Canadian law in many areas.
Some wedding traditions are leftover legacies from these societal realities. For instance, you may remember that the bride’s family used to pay for the wedding. Vogue’s Priya Rao reveals that this stems from old dowry customs in which the bride’s family provided physical wealth before a marriage could take place. The Spruce’s Nina Callaway adds that the practice of fathers giving away their daughters during wedding ceremonies is also tied to dowries. This act was a sign that the father was pleased with the marriage negotiations and gave his blessing.
As Societies Change, So Do Weddings
Money Versed writer Liz Collins offers a basic breakdown on wedding traditions that are slowly being abandoned. Unsurprisingly, she listed customs that were once commonplace even in the 20th century:
The bride’s family paying for the wedding
Grooms not seeing their brides before the ceremony
Gendered wedding showers
Bouquet and garter tosses
Wedding Wire’s Alice Prendergast discusses more ways in which Canadian nuptials have changed. For instance, more couples are living together before marriage and fewer choose religious ceremonies. At the same time, a few recent trends are slowly becoming traditions. For instance, the Emily Post Institute details that high-tech weddings are the norm. That’s not a surprise to anyone getting hitched in 2019 or 2020, but what’s interesting is how this resulted from the development of some key innovations over the last few decades. Wedding websites began appearing in the late 1990s, but Pinterest and Instagram were both launched in 2010. Technological developments in photography, music playback, and even e-commerce have roots back in the 1990s or earlier.
Not All Traditions Have Disappeared
While many customs change, others remain the same. In her Wedding Wire piece, Prendergast discloses a few traditional practices that are solidly here to stay. The white wedding dress continues to be a staple, although it’s being reinvented with new details and silhouettes. The first dance is a timeless classic, along with asking for parents’ blessings and popping the question. You’ll also find alcohol at nearly every reception, with everything from signature cocktails to Canadian craft beers. Honeymoons remain popular, although some busy or cash-strapped pairs opt for mini-moons or staycations.
Customized Nuptials Are the Norm
Canadian weddings can be traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. While some old practices remain, couples craft their nuptials to fit their values, purposes, and lifestyles. No matter what customs each chooses to incorporate, these celebrations are ultimately both community events and personalized reflections of both spouses’ creativity, philosophy, and outlook.
While it might seem like an impossible task, here are a handful of simple tips that can help you create a successful seating chart for your big day.
Certain aspects of planning a wedding can prove more difficult than others. For some couples, the seating chart for the reception can be a huge pain in the neck. There are many moving pieces involved with a seating chart, so make sure you don’t cause any unwarranted drama by placing two volatile people next to each other. While it might seem like a downright impossible task, there are a handful of simple ways to see the best possible results from your efforts.
Crafting a solid seating chart is all about taking time and thinking over all the details involved. Look over these tips, and you’ll be ready to finalize your own layout in no time.
Understand the Parameters
You can only make a practical chart for where to seat your guests when you have all pertinent information available to you. For one, you need to have a blueprint or map of the layout of your venue. This will provide you with hard data about the size of the room and your options in regards to arranging the space. You’re also going to want to account for certain factors like the size and shape of each table, as well as where you plan on placing the DJ booth, cake table, and any other decor that might take up space.
As you begin to create your seating chart, you most likely already have a solid idea of who will be in attendance at your wedding. Most couples will draft preliminary sketches of where to seat guests, but you really can’t finalize anything until you have a headcount. Otherwise, you could put a lot of effort into a seating chart that doesn’t accurately reflect the guests who will be at your event. Wait until you have all of this data, and then set out to create your chart in a more informed way.
Groupings
How you arrange your guests at each table can be the trickiest aspect of this task. For one, make sure that you seat people in a way that makes sense. This means you should put all of your coworkers at one table, second cousins at another, and so on. Unfortunately, this isn’t always as easy to achieve as it sounds. When you’re working with limited space, you might need to get a bit creative in regards to who sits at which table.
While you’re not going to know how each person at your wedding feels about every other person in attendance, you definitely can use your best judgment to arrange guests in a sensible way. If you know that an uncle of yours has bad blood with an old family friend of your significant other, then don’t seat these guests near each other. Try not to bend over backward to make these arrangements, however. Your guests are all capable of handling their own petty dramas, and your plans shouldn’t be impeded by their own feuds.
Special Seating Considerations
You might also have some special considerations you need to keep in mind while creating your seating chart. If you have a number of children coming to your event, then it might make sense to have a table just for the little ones. Consider a separate table for your single attendees. Should any of your guests be in a wheelchair or require certain assistance with getting around the venue, try and seat these guests in an accessible spot. Remember special considerations, and you should make the event comfortable for all.
Planning your seating chart can be a bit of a headache, but it is far from an impossible feat. Take your time with this task, and in no time you should see success from your efforts.
How can you make planning your wedding easier? Consider these neglected details and see what you need to do to put the finishing touch on your big day.
A lot of work is involved with planning a wedding. No matter how meticulous you might be, it is entirely within the realm of possibility that you missed a thing or two along the way. Since the process can often be stressful, plenty of couples overlook important details. Fortunately, it is never too late to go back and think about a few things you might have overlooked. Consider these oft-neglected points and see what you need to do to put the finishing touch on your plans.
Gifts of Love
It stands to reason that a lot of people have been involved with putting together your wedding. With so much going on, it can be a huge comfort to be able to turn to friends and family members for some assistance. However, you want to remember to show your thanks in whatever way you can. Couples often forget to give appreciation to the people who help them prepare for their nuptials, but you can easily avoid this blunder by remaining mindful throughout the process.
There are several key people to consider getting gifts for. The members of your wedding party should definitely receive some token of appreciation for all of their contributions. In addition, it can be a wise idea to buy a gift for the parents of your significant other. When you marry your partner, you are also marrying your partner’s family. Buying little gifts to show thanks can put you in the good graces of the family while also making you feel proud of the fact that you went the extra mile for your loved ones.
Last-Minute Savior
No matter how much work you put into planning your wedding, there are always dangers lurking around every corner. You never can tell when something as simple as a loose fiber on a bridesmaid’s dress can turn into a total costume malfunction in front of all your guests. Though you might not be able to control every aspect of what occurs on your wedding day, you definitely can take precautionary measures that aim to reduce the odds of a disaster. One way of achieving this is by packing an emergency kit for your big day.
While similar to the idea of a first-aid kit, an emergency kit for your wedding is all about the tools and resources you might need to fix a small mishap. You’ll want to include sewing basics like a needle, thread, and some generic buttons. These tools can help in the event of a rip or tear throughout the night. You might also want to include aspirin, bottles of water, extra makeup, a pair of socks, and whatever else might prove useful as you move through the events of your wedding.
Little Details
While it might be rare, there are instances where couples have extra money in the budget after completing all their planning tasks. A great way to use some of the funds is by adding special details to your wedding that help to bring out your own unique style. Perhaps you’d like a more elaborate cake, or perhaps you’d like to extend the wedding reception by an hour or two. You can be as frivolous or as practical as you’d like with spending this money; just try and find a clever way to put this part of your budget to good use.
A wedding that goes off without a hitch can seem like an impossibility. Still, by examining your big day from a number of different angles and making sure you are prepared for as many possibilities as you can think of, you will likely have an easier time reducing the odds of a disaster.
If you don’t want a maid of honor, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with this information before deciding what the best choice is for your big day.
There are a lot of moving parts involved with planning your wedding. Often, couples want all the help possible to get the entire event up and running. Having a maid of honor can be invaluable during this time, as this individual tends to take on a lot of duties throughout the process. Still, you may not feel like you want a maid of honor. There are plenty of reasons for this decision, from not knowing who to select to wanting to keep the affair simple. There is no rule saying you absolutely must have someone fill this role.
If you don’t want a maid of honor, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself a bit with the choice you’re making. Look over this information and decide what the best choice is for your big day.
What Does the Maid of Honor Do?
The maid of honor is usually responsible for a number of different tasks associated with the wedding. Usually these responsibilities include throwing a shower and bachelorette party, taking on jobs like mailing invitations, and keeping tabs on all the members of the wedding party. When you don’t have someone acting in this role, you will need to either take these tasks on yourself or find someone who can organize things for you. Having help is always a plus, even when you aren’t asking someone to be your maid of honor.
You also will need to think about your wedding party. Are you planning on having bridesmaids and groomsmen? You can still have a wedding party without a maid of honor. In fact, some couples make the choice to forego this position in the party because there are too many qualified options. When you don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, you can ditch the maid of honor and simply go with having bridesmaids. This can ultimately be a helpful decision, as you can delegate various duties to each member of the party rather than relying on one specific person.
Party On
As mentioned, the maid of honor is also the person who traditionally puts together the wedding shower. By removing this person from the equation, you’ll need to arrange the plans yourself or find someone else who can take on the job. This could be a perfect task for your mother or the mother of your partner, especially if she wanted to get involved and you didn’t know what to offer. You may also want to see if the members of your wedding party would like to plan this for you, though it is likely you’ll need to give warning.
Showers are also not a requirement. If you had an engagement party, then throwing a shower might be a bit too much. These days, couples are moving away from the traditional route of having a shower. You’re already planning your wedding; you might not want to add yet another event to your calendar that you need to help organize. When you opt not to have a maid of honor, you’ll need to make this decision for yourself and determine whether or not you find a shower necessary.
Trusting Your Significant Other
In the past, the maid of honor would take on a lot of responsibilities that otherwise could have been performed by the groom-to-be. Since more and more couples are contributing equally when it comes to planning a wedding, it is likely you can simply ask your partner to take on many of the jobs the maid would have received. When you have the support of your significant other, the entire process will be a lot easier than trying to do everything by yourself.
The decision to use a maid of honor in your wedding comes down to your own preference. As long as you have people who can assist you along the way, you should be able to take on whatever tasks await.
If you’re a wedding guest attempting sobriety, it’s natural to feel a little anxiety. Some smart advice can help you remain a faithful teetotaler.
Wedding receptions often offer the perfect trifecta of food, fun, and drinks. Yet, this can present significant challenges for guests recovering from alcohol dependency. Fortunately, sitting out these celebrations isn’t the only option. Since sobriety is an important goal, how can this be achieved when the booze is flowing and emotions are high? Some smart advice can help you remain a dedicated teetotaler.
Guests in Recovery: You’re Not Alone
If you’re a wedding guest aiming for sobriety, it’s natural to feel a little anxiety. After all, you’re in a social situation where alcohol is plentiful and you’re surrounded by others who drink. Ravishly contributor Britni de la Cretaz describes feelings of loneliness when attending receptions. Medium writer Tiffany Swedeen mentions her own temptations to imbibe. SobrieTea Party’s Tawny Lara admits her own struggles. Before she tried recovery, she usually found herself drinking too much at others’ nuptials.
Powerful physical and psychological cravings are frequently triggered by emotional stress, fatigue, nostalgia, or feeling left out. Unsurprisingly, all these emotions and conditions can resurface at weddings. You may encounter some saboteurs, as blogger Dana Bowman points out. However, most of your fellow attendees don’t wish to interfere with your recovery.
Stay Alcohol-Free With These Tips
Swedeen, de la Cretaz, and Lara draw on their own experiences, offering advice to wedding guests planning on sobriety. One valuable tip is to stop worrying about how others view you. Most people will not notice or concern themselves with what you’re actually drinking, so having a non-alcoholic beverage in hand can be a lifesaver. This can be anything that makes you feel comfortable: lime and seltzer water, a soft drink, a cup of coffee, or anything else you like.
Enlisting a trustworthy individual or two could help you avoid indulgence. Be sure to give bartenders a heads up, letting them know not to serve you intoxicating drinks. You may wish to bring along a sober friend, seek out another teetotaler at the festivities, or have someone you can call or text if you need support or feel unsafe.
Distracting yourself is also a great approach when you’re at a reception. Take advantage of food, dancing, music, camaraderie, and activities. Are you a champ at horseshoes, darts, or croquet? Use the lawn games to show off your prowess. Hit the dance floor. Eat an extra cupcake. Talk someone else’s ear off. You get the idea.
Refrain From Judging Other Guests
One common pitfall that Lara mentions is the habit of silently judging others. As an individual in recovery, you could find yourself eying other guests’ behaviors. Looking down on them for their drinking and intoxication won’t contribute to your own efforts. Lara reminds readers that everyone’s relationship with alcohol is a little different. Respect is key, so remember that others’ drinking habits have nothing to do with your own sobriety.
Know When To Walk Away
While you’re planning ahead for your friends’ reception, don’t forget to construct an exit strategy. Feel free to leave early if you must, especially if you feel too tempted to drink. If you’re bringing a sober companion, let that person know that you may want to depart before the reception ends. Those attending alone should make sure they have phone numbers of reliable friends or a transport company just in case.
Don’t Worry: You’ve Got This
Recovering from alcohol dependency isn’t an easy process, but social situations can make it rougher than usual. While you want to enjoy yourself at your friends’ wedding reception, it can also be an opportunity to re-acclimate to scenarios in which alcohol is served. Staying sober requires some advance planning. Keeping a nonalcoholic drink in hand is a useful strategy, along with relying on supportive friends and having an exit plan ready.
If you or your partner plan on changing your name after walking down the aisle, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the process early on.
Marriage tends to change the lives of the two people involved. While some changes can be exciting, like moving in together for the first time, there are other adjustments that can take a bit of time to get used to. This is especially true when it comes to changing your name. Though the traditions surrounding post-marital name changes have shifted over the years, there is still a great deal to remember when the time comes to take on the surname of your spouse.
If you or your partner plan on changing your name after walking down the aisle, now is a great time to familiarize yourself with the process. Here is what you can expect once you’ve decided to make the change.
Starting Out with the Name Change
Changing your name is something of a process. Of course, this process cannot begin without the right paperwork. The most important piece of paper you will receive in relation to changing your name is your marriage license. Most couples get their license before the wedding and have it signed by the officiant and witnesses after the ceremony has ended. While this document does not change your name outright, it is a vital piece of the puzzle and will prove invaluable with the next steps involved in the process.
Once you have your license, you need to start the ball rolling. First, you want to reach out to the government offices in your province. In many cases, you can either decide to fill out the appropriate paperwork in the office while you are there, or download and print the correct forms in the comfort of your own home. If you decide to mail in the application, remember you will need to submit original copies of your marriage certificate and proof of identity. Filling the application out in-office can expedite the process a bit.
Next Steps
Once you have submitted the appropriate paperwork, your journey has begun. Unfortunately, it is far from over. Next, begin the processes of changing your name on your driver’s license and your passport, if applicable. You won’t be able to complete these steps until you have submitted for your official surname change, but it can be helpful to start planning out your next moves as soon as possible. After it has been changed officially, you want to head back to your province’s government offices to start changing it on your license.
In order to change your name, you need to bring along your marriage license, proof of your current residence, your current driver’s license, and a certified copy of your birth certificate. A basic copy of your birth certificate is not valid, so be sure to get an embossed copy if need be in order to have all the necessary paperwork handy. When this step is completed, you can submit your paperwork for your passport name change. Of all the processes, passports tend to take a bit longer, usually a few weeks.
Everything Else
Changing your name can become a messy process if you don’t change it everywhere. Be prepared to fill out paperwork for everyone from the companies that provide your home utilities to the HR representative at work. Changing your name on official documents, credit cards, and bank accounts can become somewhat complex. As long as you have your newly issued social security card as proof, you shouldn’t run into many complications along the way.
Changing your name can be a wonderful way to make your marriage feel a bit more real in a public sense. In order to get through this process without many headaches, be sure to take your time and look over every document you’ll require to make your new name official.
Preparing to throw a bridal shower? Take a look at some of these common questions people have when first putting together a bridal shower.
When a close friend or relative decides to task you with the responsibility of putting together a bridal shower, it can be a big honor. You want to make sure you throw an event that will satisfy the happy couple without straying too far from their sensibilities. Of course, there are also a lot of tasks associated with this kind of event. If you’ve never had to throw a party like this before, you might not be sure how to get things going. Thankfully, a bridal shower is far from an impossible task to accomplish.
Take a look at some of these common questions people have when first putting together a bridal shower. Learning these answers early can help you throw a fantastic event to celebrate the happy couple.
Inviting the Right People
One of the most difficult things you’ll have to figure out is who to invite to the shower. The couple most likely will be spending a ridiculous amount of time ironing out the details of the wedding guest list, which means you can’t just invite anyone to this party. The biggest rule to remember for invitations is that you should not be inviting anyone to the shower who will not be receiving an invitation to the wedding itself. The best way to avoid this mistake is by coordinating with the couple and figuring out exactly who they would like invited.
Depending on how close you are to the nearlyweds, you might be able to simply use your best judgment with the invitations. When you already know their friends and family members, you most likely will have a good idea of who should be receiving an invitation. When you aren’t sure, reach out and try to get some more information. Don’t guess when you aren’t positive, as you might wind up making an awkward error. It also is a good idea to try and keep the event small, as you are probably paying for it.
All in the Timing
You also may need a bit of information on when you should be planning this event. More often than not, the couple will ask you to throw the shower by a certain time. In specific cases, you might be told by the bride or groom exactly when he or she wishes the party held. When you aren’t given any set details to follow, you’ll need to select the date yourself. Generally, you want to have the shower no earlier than five months before the date of the wedding.
On the reverse side, you want the shower to be at least three weeks before the wedding. This large gap of time makes it easy to pick a date and have enough room to plan out all the details. Unless the event is very small, you are most likely going to need a little bit of help organizing everything. Try to not involve the couple too much. Instead, reach out to other close friends and see who might be able to offer some assistance. Involving a few other people can also keep the costs down, which is a huge help.
No Surprises
Finally, if you are a maid of honor or member of the wedding party, you need to respect the wishes of the nearlyweds. When you are told that they don’t want a shower, you should not take it upon yourself to throw one. It might seem like a fun idea, but you do not want to go against a specific request. Do what is asked of you, and you’ll be the biggest asset that the couple requires.
Putting together a wedding shower takes a bit of time. As long as you don’t rush into the responsibility, you should have no trouble throwing a lovely event.
