Wedding etiquette is one of the most important concepts of your wedding day. Etiquette is extremely important not just for how you address your guests but also for the overall presentation of your wedding. Etiquette concerns such topics on how to formally address the “no children” situation, the proper times for toasts and what to do when people do not reply by your set deadline.
No one ever wants to hear that their children are not to be included in something but there are some situations and events where children just do not belong. Many couples feel that children at their wedding may not only cause a distraction but, more importantly, will not allow their parents to relax and have a good night. So, what is the most appropriate way to address a wedding invitation that does not include children? The most acceptable way is to address the invitation ONLY to the people that you are inviting. For example, instead of Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, Miss Jane Smith and Master Edward Smith you would address the invitation with just Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.
You may have received beautiful champagne flutes as one of your many wonderful wedding gifts. So when is the appropriate time to use them and who is to deliver the toasts? Traditionally, the first speech of the night is given by the Father of the Bride, but he generally welcomes the guests and speaks to the happy couples. Tradition usually holds that it is the best man that delivers the first speech. Sometimes the best man toasts just the bride with the maid of honor giving a toast right after. Following these toasts the groom toasting his bride – a commonly overlooked tradition. Normally the bride does not return the gesture but she can if she would like.
“LOVE” Toasting Flutes from Invitations By Dawn
Now, what to do if your deadline has snuck up on you and many of your guests have not yet responded? It is perfectly appropriate to start making phone calls. You want to make sure that your guests received the invitations because a lack of responses could indicate a problem with the invitations or the RSVP’s being delivered. If there are many phone calls to be make, it is okay to have your mother call your side while your fiancé’s mother takes care of the groom’s side. If you can not reach someone and do not receive any sort of response, leave a message that nicely states “If I do not hear from you by such-and-such-date, I will put you down as a no. Sorry to miss you.”
Cameo Postcard by Hoot Studios from FineStationery.com
Information for this entry was taken from the Winter 2010 Martha Stewart Magazine, “Ask Martha” section.
- Ariana Gordon Stecker of Iris Fields
www.irisfields.com
- Unique Post
Ariana Gordon Stecker
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