Archive for Wedding Shower

Not every engaged couple is going to want fine china, crystal, and a new blender. Many  a couple these days don’t spend much time in the kitchen, and even less time actually cooking. Why make a list of gifts that will probably end up collecting dust in the pantry? If a gift registry is not your (nor your fiance’s) thing, then what options do you have? Aside from asking for money (not a bad idea once you know how to phrase it well), there are more creative options out there.

1. Ask Them to Chip in for Honeymoon Expenses
The whole wedding is pricey, and so is the honeymoon. Why not let them help pay for the romantic getaway of your dreams? With website like Buy Our Honeymoon, you easily can make a list of experiences, accommodations and more. Then your family and friends can select what they want to pay for, which saves you more money in the long run.

2. Have Them Donate to a Meaningful Charity
Perhaps you and your fiance are involved in a charity that means a lot to both of you. Why not politely ask guests to donate money to your preferred charity in your honor? This is truly a gift that keeps on giving, plus they can donate a little or a lot. The I Do Foundation is just one website specializing in charity registries.

3. Ask Them to Purchase the Big Picture
If what you really want is a new couch, who says that a new piece of furniture or maybe a new kitchen appliance doesn’t make a great gift? Now, since these are probably the most expensive and largest of gift idea, you might ask for everyone to pitch in together to purchase that big screen television or new china hutch.

4. Money Is Always Welcome
If you really need financial assistance or just would like to start a saving account, then make sure the word gets out that you would like financial gifts.  One method includes mentioning this on your wedding website, but word of mouth is always best!

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A wedding is a huge celebration, and with all the months planning of  the fine details and the guest lists, it is a good idea to take some time out and celebrate with a mini-party. Traditional weddings often have a plethora of get-togethers from the engagement party to rehearsal dinner. Find out more about these parties and how to celebrate them (if you want).

Engagement Party- For most parents, finding out that their daughter is engaged is a call for celebration, and thus the engagement party was born. These days, though, the engaged couple can throw their own engagement party. Often these are small get-togethers, but this party can be as big as you’d like. Remember it is wise to only invite the people you plan on inviting to the actual wedding. It also would be a good idea to register for gifts ahead of time, even before the engagement party.

Bridal Shower- This is a party that the bridesmaids plan for the bride. The party usually consists of a meal, games and entertainment, and, of course, gifts. Bridal showers can be traditional, themed, or even coed (invite the groom and his friends). There are generally not a lot of rules when it comes to planning the party, but it would be a good idea to have a bridesmaid keep a record of the gifts received at the shower to make it easier to write thank you notes to the gift givers.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties- Like the bridal shower, this party has evolved throughout the decades. What used to be the one last night for a groom to go out and party with his friends, has now evolved to a coed celebration for men and women -party ideas can include almost anything from bowling to even rock-climbing expeditions.

Rehearsal Dinner- This party is traditionally thrown by the groom’s family and is often on the night before the wedding. While it’s usually held as an actual rehearsal for the big day, this party is usually a fancy fete and includes lots of toasts for the bride and groom.

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A wedding is a time for celebration, and as with any celebration people will send their warmest wishes in the form of a gift. As with all gifts you receive, some you will enjoy and some you really won’t. To make it easier for you to get the gifts that you and your fiancé really want and to make it easier for gift givers, signing up for a wedding gift registry is a perfect solution. Here are a few things to keep in mind when signing up for a registry.

• Before you choose a registry, it’s a good idea to sit with your fiancé and make a list of what you need and what you want. Make the list based on your needs and lifestyle, like if you or your fiancé enjoys cooking, then it would be a terrific idea to add lots of cookware and small kitchen appliances. Remember to add seasonal items that you might otherwise forget, like warm chenille blankets for the winter and colorful tableware for the summer.

• Most couples sign up for several wedding registries. Aside from the usual department and discount chain options, you also can create registries for your honeymoon, mortgage, sporting goods, and even charities.

• How many you create is up to you as a couple. It is a good idea to have several different registries and list gifts at different prices, as not everyone lives in the same area, has Internet access, or the same amount of money. Register for whatever your heart desires, but remember to make sure you keep plenty of options open for everyone.

• It’s probably a good idea to register at least nine or eight months before your wedding day, simply because it gives you time to receive gifts for your bridal showers and other pre-wedding events where most of your gifts will arrive.
• When you finally register with a store or company, it’s now time to tell everyone. The best route is mentioning your registries on your bridal shower invitations. But you should never mention your registries on your wedding invitations.

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