Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed Something Blue:

Traditions are old-fashioned to some and a loving connection to the past for others. I think that I see a trend of women being drawn back to traditions. Look at the retro and vintage craze in decorating, clothing and even cooking. People seem to yearn for a time when things were more family oriented and so this sweet tradition allows many generations to contribute to the Bride's special day. I fondly remember my mother giving me an embroidered handkerchief that my grandmother had used on her plantation in Tennessee.  I wrapped it around my bouquet right before I walked down the aisle .

I found this explanation of what the symbols mean and if  is true, then that family heirloom must have worked..... because I just celebrated my 28th anniversary!


Old as a guarantee that the love and affection she enjoyed before her marriage will endure,

New for success in her new life,
Borrowed as a symbol that friends may always be helpful when needed,
Blue to designate her loyalty and devotion to her groom.


Oh, and we are so excited by the response that we have had to our drawing that takes place tomorrow. You have one more day to enter to win FREE Wedding Coordination.... Valued at $975.00 !!
Blissfully,
Beth

Wedding Guests Complaints

Meredith Bodgas' article, Wedding Guests Secret Gripes, suggests some issues for the bride and groom to consider. First of all, it brings up the main question - should the bride and groom plan their wedding for themselves or for their wedding guests?

Disclaimer: The comments below are Karen's personal opinions and are not necessarily the opinions or policy of Wedding Day Bliss.

Guests Gripes:

1. "Your Timing Stinks"

2. "You Picked a Bad Day"
Karen - Quit complaining that the wedding is on a holiday weekend or on a weeknight. The bride and groom have probably given a lot of thought to their wedding date. They have good reasons for why they selected that particular date and they should not feel the need to justify it to their guests.

3. "You're Boring Us - Showing us a really good time is the least that you can do to thank us for giving up our free day, traveling, and getting you an expensive gift."
Karen - Wow, why were these people invited to the wedding?!

4. "The Food Isn't Great - We want a delicious meal way more than we want pretty centerpieces. You don't know this, but we actually think of that $200 gift as a contribution to a great meal."
Karen - Reception/food costs typically account for 50 percent of the entire wedding budget. Please be kind to your host and nibble on something BEFORE you go to the wedding!

5. "You Make Us Pay?! - When you have more than 300 guests and a cash bar, we wish that you would've just cut the list and paid for our drinks instead."

Karen - Most weddings have at least a few complimentary drink options. If you choose to drink something else at an additional cost, please don't complain.

6. "You Sat Us Here - Please give us plenty of places to sit. Cocktail hours are great, but it's pretty tough to balance our plates, drinks, and purses while standing — in heels no less!"

Karen - transitional cocktail hours are currently very popular. Most people are not uncomfortable standing for a short period of time. It is not just the expense of renting tables and chairs, but the cost of decorating the tables with linens, overlays, centerpieces, etc. that add up.

7. "You Don't Invite a Plus-One"

Karen - When trying to cut wedding costs and stay on budget, trimming the guest list is the quickest way to achieve it. A spouse or fiance should be included with the wedding guest, but it is not necessary to include dates. Brides and grooms want to be surrounded by people they know at their wedding.

8. "You Put Us to Work"

Karen - Agree with this one. Please allow your guests to be guests.

9. "You Don't Say Thank You"

Karen - This is a no brainer. Please send your guests a thank you card in a timely manner.

I believe wedding decisions should be determined by the preferences of the bride and groom. Certainly, they should try to make their guests as comfortable as possible, within reason. However, you cannot please everyone all the time. Planning a wedding can be very stressful. Many brides and grooms struggle with all the decisions that need to be made. So, wedding guests, please give the bride and groom a break! They are doing the best they can. As an invited guest, you should be supportive and rejoice with them on their special day.

Guests Do Not Want to Work!
I just read this from theknot.com and I thought, this is exactly why people need wedding coordinators!...it is as much for your friends and family as it is for you. People want to celebrate with you and not miss out on the special moments.

One of the main gripes from the guests is......You Put Us to Work!
"We know we'll have to help out with some tasks when we agree to be in the bridal party, but it's insulting when you consider a task like manning the guest book table an honor. We'd rather just be a regular guest at the wedding than have some silly duty like that. At the very least, give us a heads up if you'll need our help. Don't spring flower girl babysitting duties on us minutes before the reception."

People don't want to be running around looking for the tossing bouquet or finding people for pictures. That is what coordinators are for, we know what needs to happen and we are your extra set of hands!

Just a quick reminder that the last date to enter our drawing for FREE Wedding Coordination is August 31!
We are as excited as you are to see who our first winner is!! Beth