Archive for the ‘wedding etiquette’ Category

Bomboniere – A wee bit of history

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Bomboniere also commonly known as “favours” or simply “gifts” are an affordable way to say thank you to your wedding guests. They originated in France around 300 years ago and usually come with an odd number of sugared Jordan Almonds. Generally five sugared almonds are used, which for a wedding, symbolise health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life.

Sugared almonds are put inside a bag made of tulle or even something as unique as a personalised shot glass and tied with ribbons in assorted colours. Sugared wedding almonds come in various colours, most commonly white for a wedding, First Communion or Confirmation; pink or blue for a childs Baptism or birthday, red for a graduation ceremony, and silver or gold for 25 or 50 year anniversaries.

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Involving the guests – Too many bridesmaids and groomsmen!

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Many brides and grooms have the hard task of choosing who will be in the wedding party. Sometimes you will already have close friends or family in mind, but what if you can’t decide who to choose?

Avoid leaving your guests on the out by including them as party of your wedding. Some people really enjoy singing and getting some good music going while passing around a microphone can be a great way to make your special day one to remember for all you guests. For the religious couples you could pick a favourite verse and have your guests join in reading aloud. Personalised gifts are always a good option which can be bought on a tight budget. These can be part of your bomboneire or given separately to those close to you.

You can save money and involve a guest if you hire the wedding vehicles without a driver. Most men would love the opportunity to drive one of the wedding cars though be sure to pick someone that is comfortable not drinking at your wedding reception should you need a chauffeur after the event. You may also have a wedding program which one of your guests could help by handing out.

It is unfortunate that sometimes your wedding gifts can get lost or go astray, so it is a good idea to ask a trustworthy guest to keep a watch over your wishing well or gift table. This person may also like to be in charge of transporting the gifts to your designated place after the event.

Involving your guests in a personal way will ensure they have as much a memorable day as you do!

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Tight budget – Do we need Bomboniere?

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Weddings can be very expensive so there are many places you can trim down to suit your budget. Many couples see the bomboniere gifts as an area to save money on. While wedding etiquette does not say it is required to give favours to your guests, you should remember that many guests often provide wedding gift or a cash gift on average of between $100 – $500 for the bride and groom. Cheap bomboniere can be made to look like a more unique and expensive gift by having them personalised. These types of gifts, such as personalised shot glasses, will be cherished by your family and guests for many many years and are a great topic of conversation.

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Engagement Party – To gift or not to gift?

Monday, January 18th, 2010

While there is no tradition with bringing a gift to an engagement party, many kind-hearted people close to the bride and groom often like to express their acceptance with a gift. There will be many opportunities for a guest to give a gift including the hen’s night, buck’s night, bridal shower and of course, the wedding. It is courteous that a bride and groom should not request a gift and often the engagement party is a surprise so requesting a gift would be a give away (doh!).

There is also the possibility of one or more of your guests feeling uncomfortable for not having brought a gift or bringing a small something that is of lesser value than another guest. Personalised gifts, such as engraved glassware, that are unique and affordable are often the best way to show your support for the upcoming marriage. They show you invested thought as well as leaving you the opportunity to provide the married couple with a nice gift at the wedding.

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