Young-Lewis - The Girlfriends Guide to a Crystal Clear Bride

The Girlfriends Guide to a Crystal Clear Bride

No-Nonsense Wedding Tips and Advice from an Expert Wedding Planner for the Ultimate Wedding Experience

2016 Crystal Marie Young-Lewis. All rights reserved.

For information about special discounts available for bulk purchases, contact Crystal Marie at welcome@crystalmarieevents.com. Visit www.crystalmarieevents.com to join the CME experience.

CONTENTS

PART I

Lets Talk About Awkward Wedding Issues and Solutions 1

PART II

Straight-Talk Wedding Planning Advice 6

PART III

Wedding Etiquette: Frequently Asked Questions 18

INTERMISSION

Dapper Dudes 27

PART IV

Wedding Etiquette for Guests: Frequently Asked Questions 28

PART V

Should I Hire a Wedding Planner? 32

PART VI

Clever Ideas for Your Wedding Dress after the Wedding 36

CONCLUSION 39

PART I

Lets Talk About Awkward Wedding Issues and Solutions

The Real Wedding Crashers: Awkward Moments

When you say yes to others, make sure youre not saying no to yourself. Unknown

Hey Gem! Youre likely turning these pages, because you have a sparkling GEMstone (a.k.a. a dazzling diamond) resting on your ring finger. Let me just pause right here and do a little lean and dab with yougirl, youre getting married!!! Congratulations. This is likely the realization of a dream youve been playing over and over in your mind since you were a little girl. What an exciting time!

Now that youre a bride-to-be, you surely have a lot of wedding planning questions. You probably also have some awkward situations or comments already arising, and youre not sure how to address them, because the wedding planning tips youve already read just dont give it to you straight. Let me give it to you straight. I want you to have everything laid out on the table, so you can embark on this journey with a clear understanding of whats ahead and what you need to do. Lets discuss some awkward wedding issues you might have already run intoor may run into soon and solutions.

Receiving an Invite List from an In-Law Last Minute

Ive had brides-to-be ask me what to do when they get a last minute (like weeks before the wedding) invite list from an in-law with the family members and friends he or she wants invited. My answer: Let your fianc handle it.

Forward the message that was sent to you to your fianc and discuss the situation. Communicate openly about your feelings and how the guest list has already been finalized. Remember, this is your fiancs parent, so RESPECT is a MUST. You dont want to start the marriage off arguing over in-laws. If youre already over your wedding count, mention that seating is limited and youre at the top of your budget. If individuals RSVP with regret, then you may be able to invite additional guests at that time. The important thing to remember is that it will sound better coming from your fianc than coming from you. As a couple, you have to agree on the decision and have each others backs when things like this come up.

Bumping into a Childhood Friend You Didnt (or Wont) Invite

Say, for example, you havent seen your childhood best friend in 10 years and you bump into her at the grocery store. You catch up for a brief minute and exchange Facebook names and Instagram handles. The next day, you receive an inbox message saying, Congrats, I saw that you were engaged. I look forward to my invitation. What do you do?

Well, if you are able to invite unlimited people to your wedding and you would like to stay in contact with this friend apart from Facebook, then by all means invite her. If you dont want to invite her, you have a couple of options. You could simply ignore the message, but the question will likely come back up and youll have to address it sooner or later. Plus, ignoring it is rude and thats not the type of girl you are. You can graciously reply to the message and say that the count for the wedding has already been finalized. Mention that A LOT of pictures will be posted, so she will be able to see EVERYTHING. Make your message light-hearted, gracious, and apologetic, but stand firm.

When Youre Not Inviting Guests With a Plus-One

So, youre not inviting guests with a plus-one and youve heard from a couple of them that theyre not happy about it. Ugh, they wanted to bring a date! Youre getting pressured to cave in and told how stupid it is not to include one; you just want your decision to be respected. You did, after all, think this through before you made the decision. How do you handle it?

First, if they are true friends or family members who really do care about you, they will understand your reasoning, even if they arent happy about it. Explain that each person costs extra and you just do not have any room within your budget. Let each person know they wont be the only one there without a significant other. Point to some positiveslike, this could be a great excuse for a girls night out or give them some much needed me time, just like the good ol days when we had little responsibilities and less obligations.

When Co-Workers Want Invites, But Youre Not Inviting Them

Nothing is more awkward than having co-workers join in on all of the wedding talk and mention how excited they are for your wedding. The problem is: Youre not planning on inviting them. How do you handle it?

You can handle this situation in the same manner you handle the childhood friend you dont want to invite. Graciously mention that the invite list has already been finalized, and you just do not have it in your budget to extend anymore invitations. If the invite list hasnt been finalized and you know youre not inviting them, you can say that its going to be a close friends and family affair. Reassure them by saying you will take lots of pictures, so theyll get to relive the event as if they were there.

If youve been on your job a year or less, you likely barely know your co-workers, so extending an invitation isnt necessary. If you do choose to invite your co-workers, limit the invites to your team members. If you feel like you wont be able to let loose and enjoy your day, because youre nervous about being the office gossip, then dont invite them. Simple as that.

You Really Want to and Need to Ask for Money in Lieu of Gifts

Ok, so youre in a little predicament. Youve read bridal magazines and advice articles, and wedding etiquette says that you should not ask for money in lieu of gifts. The trouble is that money is exactly what you and your fianc want and absolutely need. Monetary gifts would really help you guys get started on the right foot. What are you supposed to do?

Alright, so Im big on etiquette, but Im all for bending this rule and being a bit of a rebel if money is what you really need. Its all about how you ask for it. Dont just put a statement like money in lieu of gifts on your invitation. Add a little rhyme or come up with some creative wording that softens the direct request. Something like, To keep you from shopping, looking, and buying, maybe a monetary gift is worth trying. You can also create a honeymoon fund on your wedding website and have people donate there.

PART II

Straight-Talk Wedding Planning Advice

Finally, the Advice You Actually Asked For

Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it. Harper Lee

Since you announced you said yes to marrying your hubby-to-be, youve been getting advice. Sometimes, its well-meaning and helpful. Other times, it makes you want to scream. Hellocant anyone keep their opinions to themselves?! I get it; Ive been there! You want everyone to stop giving you advice alreadyunless you ask for it. Then, its totally cool and you want all you can get.

Girl, its likely going to keep rolling in and youll just have to take it all with a grain of salt. Do what I do, eat the meat and spit out the bones. Of course, dont literally spit, because were ladies (batting eyes) LOL. Take whats good and helpful and get rid of the rest.