Tying The Knot around your Finger

...a few things you don't want to forget!

You are now engaged! Congratulations! This is such an exciting time for you! If you are like me, you are ready to step on the gas and jump into wedding planning mode. But there are few little details you shouldn't forget along the way that many of the planning guides leave out.

-INSURE YOUR RING! Maybe this comes from the fact that there are insurance agents in my family but if your fiance hasn't already, please please please make sure to insure your ring! You are going to want to wear it and show it off which means it is more likely something could happen to it. PLEASE (if you only remember one thing from this entire blog) INSURE YOUR RING!

-One of the next steps is to begin registering. Some family and friends may be interested in purchasing engagement gifts. While registering, make sure to include gift cards too! It's just like cash but you get to pick out what you want! I have found that I put items on my registry as I was walking around the store tagging every item I could see. And when the item arrived at my house, I had no need for it. A gift card will save you that step of returning the item. If you save them until the end, you may find additional items you want to use the gift cards for. Or, if plates or glasses break after you use them, you can always use those gift cards to replace those items.

-As you are looking at your guest list and determining costs based on meals, don't forget there will be a few guests that you will need a meal for that may not be on your guest list. That's right, your vendors will want to be fed too! They are working all night on your special event, the least you can do is give them a meal! Many venues will have a discounted meal that they can serve to your vendors. But don't forget to include this in your budget!

-Picking out invitations is one of my favorite things about weddings. It sets the tone for the entire event for your guests. Why not close it the same way? When you are purchasing invites, order thank you notes that match! In fact, order extra thank you notes, you can use them any time after the wedding! (and if you can get your husband to write half, well that is an extra bonus!)

-When making your budget, don't forget a line for stamps. This expense can prove to be costly so make sure you have added it in. You will need stamps on your Save the Dates, Invites, Response Cards, and Thank You Notes. Also pay special attention to the size and shape of the envelopes you send out. Certain sizes and shapes cost more!

What are some other items that people may forget about because they aren't usually in the guides? Post comments below! xox mrs. p.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

It's always hard to figure out what to give a couple that is getting married. Some people say you should spend the same amount on a gift that the couple spent on your meal. But you wouldn't want to get an inexpensive gift for your best friend just because they decided to have a low-key wedding. So how do you decide? What are other customary traditions in gift giving?

-The best advice is to stick to the registry. There is a reason the couple took the time and picked items to put on their registry. If you don't want to purchase something off the registry the next best idea is to find something from the same store. That way, the couple can still return the item and get something they really want without a hassle.

-One thing I like to do, is purchase something off the registry and then find other items at the store that aren't on the registry to go with. An example would be, an ice cream scoop off the registry and then a set of ice cream bowls from the same store. Another example would be a coffee pot off the registry and then some fun coffee mugs that go with. This way they can still return but you were able to be a little creative and surprise them.

-Another option is to give cash. In fact, in a lot of cultures it is customary to give cash rather than a gift. But these days it can be tricky to pick an amount. One thing to consider is how close you are to the couple and what your own financial situation is. If you are a close aunt, you may want to give more than if you were just a co-worker. But don't give a gift beyond what you can afford!

-Buying big ticket items is always a hit! However, staying within budget can be difficult. Get a group together and go in on an item. Perhaps the couple needs a large piece of furniture or help in booking their dream honeymoon, going in on a gift with others is a way to make a memorable impact on the couple.

-Think you have a full year to purchase a gift?? Think again! It's a sign of the times! With all the technology to purchase and send gifts there really isn't an excuse to delay a year. These days a gift should be sent within 2 months of the wedding.

What idea's do you have for gifts? What is the craziest gift you received from your wedding? Post comments below! xox mrs. p.