trends
Back-off Mom…It’s My Turn!!
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 | etiquette, media, Q&A, trends, weddings | 5 Comments
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE CALGARY HERALD, AUGUST 2005, IN LISA HANSLIP’S COLUMN “I DO, BUT DON’T…”
Q. We’ve recently started planning our wedding and it seems like everyone has an opinion about how everything is supposed to be done. No one really agrees which one is the “right” way, but I’m fairly certain a lot of them are definitely the wrong way. I really like my future in-laws, but their ideas are making me cringe. I don’t want to offend them – but how do I tell them that their plans are way off base?
A. Getting everyone to agree on details when planning a wedding can often require more tact and patience than a UN peacekeeping summit. You want to make sure that you’re following protocol, and do not offend your guests. However, while you are planning your wedding you are also establishing a relationship with your future in-laws and don’t want to cause hard feelings that may still be lingering when it comes time to plan your 25th anniversary party.
If the details in question are small (your future mother-in-law wants programs that include all the readings for your ceremony and you don’t), the best idea is to let them go – by letting her take charge of something you don’t care too much about – it might take the attention off a more contentious issue. If they’re a big deal like she is determined your wedding colours should be purple and green (or some other combination you find equally distasteful), or she decided she didn’t get to invite enough people and has had her own invitations printed (even though you’ve already invited more people than the venue will hold) – then something should be said – but not by you. It will make for far less hurt feelings to always have your fiancé deal with issues involving his family, and you with yours (bringing in those UN peacekeeping forces might be a wise idea also).
Here are a few tried and tested rules of etiquette that will help the bride and groom, their families and the guests from pulling their (or anyone else’s) hair out:
• The mother of the bride or mother of the groom should never host the bridal shower.
• Don’t invite 400 people if you can only afford to host 100 – and similarly don’t invite throngs of people you know cannot attend in hopes they’ll send a gift.
• Make sure your guests feel welcome – think about details like parking and dietary restrictions – and don’t expect them to pay for anything at your wedding.
• Don’t refer to gifts or gift registries with the wedding invitations; however it is ok in the bridal shower invitations as the bride or bride’s family is not hosting (see above).
• The rules of “who pays for what” are traditional – but don’t be unreasonable: don’t ask the groom’s family for money – but don’t be shy about discussing the realities of the financial situation and accepting help or to split costs.
• The bride and groom must send a written thank-you note for every gift (yes, even those crocheted place mats!) – and do so in a timely manner – aim to get them out in a month – but absolutely no later than three months after the wedding.
Good luck with your in-laws…but don’t let anyone make you lose sight of the fact that the day is about you and your fiancé…enjoy!
Happy Earth Day!
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 | trends, weddings | No Comments
It doesn’t have to be Earth Day for us to think about making less of an impact on our environment. Many of couples have been asking for advice on how to make their weddings green. Here are some of the tips we like to share with all our clients:
1) Use green invitations. Believe me the quality of recycled paper has come a long way from the 80’s. This elegant invite gives you the chance to change the world one simple choice at a time. The paper is made with 100% post-consumer fibers and created without the use of chlorine compounds. The manufacturer uses a significant amount of renewable energy resources and responsible forest management practices. http://mystylishwedding.com/store/invitations-c-1/go-green-green-seal-certified-recycled-invitation-p-813.
2) Instead of cut flowers (which can be full of pesticides) there are several stunning rentals that can be used as centerpieces. Take our bronze trees for example … you can’t make more of an impact in a room.
3) Banish disposable water bottles! Hand out these gorgeous re-usable water bottles as favours instead. These sturdy metal bottles can be personalized any way you like and will help encourage your guest to kick the plastic habit as well!
4) Use a beautiful seating chart instead of placecards. We love seating charts because they don’t waste all that cardstock and are made using post-consumer material. The best part is that they are 100% customizable. Our brides love them so much that they often hang them in their home after the wedding. Check them out at http://mystylishwedding.com/store/wedding-day-printing-c-30/seating-charts-p-650
5) We love, love, LOVE these organic favour boxes. Need I say more?
Calling All Tacky Brides!!
Monday, April 20th, 2009 | etiquette, media, Q&A, trends, weddings | No Comments
Ok…seriously…I know no one sets out to be a tacky bride. I know sometimes friends, families and retail establishments give engaged couples erroneous information & advice. After writing an etiquette column for many years…and having a website titled “ask” a wedding planner…many people do just that…It wasn’t a bride that asked the last question, it was a wedding guest that was perplexed by a wedding invitation they received:
“We have been invited to a wedding and on the invitation was told there would be a presentation basket at the reception. What is this? Thanks in advance.”
So I may as well tell you what I told them:
Typically a presentation basket is referring to money – which by they way is COMPLETELY tacky to reference on a wedding invitation. You should not feel obliged to give them money if you would prefer to give them a tangible gift. It is a complete etiquette no-no to reference gifts of ANY kind on the invitation – and registries & suggestions are merely there to make things easier for the guests – it is not appropriate to mandate what, if anything, you give as a wedding gift.
Hope that helps!
When it comes to gift registry cards, sending guests gift requests, having a cash bar before dinner, letting the tulle fairy throw up on you or your reception venue….JUST SAY NO!! When you look back on your wedding in 20 years…you’ll be oh-so-glad you did! 
Kim Returns From the Jewel of the Rockies
Monday, April 20th, 2009 | travel, trends, weddings | No Comments
The team at the Chateau Lake Louise extended a very warm welcome to our team to come and experience first hand what their hotel has to offer our clients. Their AMAZING staff did a wonderful job at making the hotel feel like a luxurious home away from home. Everything from their friendly staff, romantic turndown service, and luxurious suites with breathtaking views makes this hotel a great choice for a destination wedding of any size.
If you’re thinking of having a wedding in the Rockies give us a call. Our personal relationship with the team at the Chateau Lake Louise will guarantee the very best service at the best price.
Lisa is on top of the world…literally…
Saturday, March 14th, 2009 | travel, trends, weddings | No Comments
I’m currently at the top of Kicking Horse (Golden, BC) preparing for our clients’ wedding later. I refuse to worry about all the snow & wind…it’s still going to be fabulous & a total experience for all of the guests.
The luscious palette of purples and greens will be a gorgeous contrast to the freshly fallen snow. There will be lots of candlelight and lots of pine cones which will be a striking contrast to the dozens and dozens of orchids that will be scattered throughout the space.
All the details from the invitations to the seating chart, place cards, menus and table numbers all match. The table runners are a deep aubergine, the flowers are a mixture of purples and greens, and all the printed materials are green with striking black and white camping symbols…they’re perfect for this couple.
I LOVE that the bride is going to ski down the hill in her princess gown with the photographer taking photos along the way…I can’t wait to see the photos…and will post some of my snapshots as soon as I’m able.
Lisa Hanslip featured on CBC Radio One – weddings & the economy
Monday, February 16th, 2009 | media, trends | No Comments
Lisa Hanslip was featured on several programs throughout the day on CBC Radio One. Lisa discussed the effect of the economic downturn on weddings.
Statistically when the economy takes a big downturn there tends to be more weddings – just with an overall lower average budget. There probably won’t be any noticeable effect on most weddings until next year – as the vast majority of clients that we work with set their budget in 2007 or 2008 when the economy was in much better shape.
Long after the economy has recovered newlyweds will be remembering their big day and looking at their photos. In any economic environment it is important to prioritize what your priorities are for your wedding day so you have the day that reflects your personalities and your relationship. There are certain things that are worth splurging on – like a great photographer – and many areas that you can easily cut back – like guest list, amount of flowers or number of courses at the reception – so you don’t break the bank but still get your dream wedding.
Man of Honour?!?
Monday, February 16th, 2009 | etiquette, media, Q&A, trends, weddings | No Comments
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE CALGARY HERALD, MARCH 2005, IN LISA HANSLIP’S COLUMN “I DO, BUT DON’T…”
The long road from happy engagement to wedded bliss is paved with potential etiquette faux pas. Wedding planner Lisa Hanslip is here to help you resist your inner Bridezilla along the way.
Q: I’m having a very hard time choosing a maid of honour. I have a few girlfriends that I’m fairly close to, but my very best friend is a guy. We’ve known each other since junior high – and he’s seen me through everything. Would it be weird to choose him instead of a maid of honour? Should he just dress like the groomsmen? Will I give my grandmother a heart attack?
A: Unconventional, yes! Unexpected, you bet! Acceptable, absolutely!
You want your honour attendant – whether it is a maid of honour, matron of honour or man of honour – to be the person to whom you feel closest. You should choose your best friend, the person you want standing beside you on your big day – not the friend that would look best in the bridesmaid dress.
If you choose a man to be your honour attendant – you may opt to eliminate some of the “typical” duties like hosting your bridal shower, or helping you get into your wedding gown. But the most important part of the job description is being supportive and serving as the legal witness to your marriage.
Choosing your attendants can often be a difficult process – for the bride and the groom. There may be family politics involved. Or, like some, you may have served as a bridesmaid for a dozen of your friends and family members and feel obligated to ask them to stand up for you in return. Well…don’t.
This is your day – and although it is impossible to accommodate everyone’s wishes – you can’t make your choices based on not wanting to offend someone. You can’t make everyone happy – nor can you make everyone your bridesmaid – so just choose those you are currently closest to. You can always assign tasks – like doing a reading or taking care of the guest book – to those you want to feel special and included in your wedding but aren’t in the bridal party.
When you decide on the attire for your attendants, he can wear a suit or tuxedo and coordinate his tie to the other bridesmaids. This scenario also holds true for the groom. It is also perfectly acceptable to have a woman be the best “man.” A best “woman” looks great in a black strapless gown to coordinate with the other groomsmen.
So, feel free to choose your best guy friend or brother to stand up for you at your wedding. Just keep your “man of honour” away from the lavender chiffon and size 11 purple pumps – and your grandmother’s heart should be just fine!
Style Me Pretty! The Wedding Planner gets listed in the Little Black Book!
Saturday, February 14th, 2009 | media, testimonials, trends, weddings | No Comments
Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book is a highly edited collection of wedding service providers – from mom and pop boutiques to A-Listers. Personally recommended by our closest girlfriends, industry insiders and Style Me Pretty readers, there are a few hand-picked listings per category. Brace yourself, though…it’s that good!
The Wedding Planner is currently one of only 4 wedding planners in all of Canada to make this prestigious list. We’ve long been a fan of Style Me Pretty so we’re happy to hear they’re a fan of us too!
Crystal & Bronze Tree Centerpieces
Monday, January 12th, 2009 | trends, weddings | No Comments
These crystal trees were a new addition to our inventory last year and we’re still so excited about them. We’ve found so many different ways to use them – and have created such diverse decor space with them – but they’re always GORGEOUS! A few of our clients this year are VERY excited about having them as part of their unique & memorable wedding decor.
Two Strangers & a Wedding
Monday, January 12th, 2009 | media, trends, weddings | No Comments
2008 was a busy year for the staff at The Wedding Planner. Not only did we have a calendar full of our client’s weddings but we planned the Energy 101.5’s Two Strangers and a Wedding which was a social experiment to see if love really is blind. The entire process was a whirlwind from start to finish, with many sleepless nights and fun times had by all.
In the end Monday’s bride did not end up marrying Monday’s groom but it was still a beautiful day even without the “I Do’s”.
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