Wedding Question Wednesday ~ When and How to Tip your Wedding Vendors

~Wedding Question Wednesday ~ Our New Weekly BlogPost!  A chance for all couples and/or wedding goers to get some real answers on some real life wedding situations. 

This Week's Question:  Which vendors are you supposed to tip, and how much?

Answer: When you hire multiple people for wedding day services, it is always tricky to figure out who you should tip, and how much. Because we're asked this question so often, we have created a Tipping Cheat Sheet for our clients, and we are sharing here in hopes to make tipping easier for every couple!

**For answers/advice regarding your own wedding, please email us at: info@infinite-events.com.  We are happy to keep your questions anonymous if you prefer.  Thanks for reading and we look forward to hearing from you!**

Wedding Question Wednesday ~ Inviting Guests who can not attend...

~Wedding Question Wednesday ~ Our New Weekly BlogPost!  A chance for all couples and/or wedding goers to get some real answers on some real life wedding situations.  From etiquette, unique ideas, and even family drama, let us help you become an expert.  Follow us now and check back every Wednesday for tips, tricks and guidance to help you throughout your planning process.

This Week's Question:  "Speaking with one of my friends last night that I had intended to invite to our wedding, I found out she was going to be in a wedding in VT the same day as ours. So she won't be able to make it. What is the proper protocol here? Do I still invite her even though I know she won't come?"

Answer:  For guests that you know can not attend your wedding, you do not have to send them invitations if they have told you they can not attend. Sending an invite anyway can imply that the guest still has to send you a gift so just a verbal "we wish you could make it, we would have loved to have you there" is completely acceptable.

**For answers/advice regarding your own wedding, please email us at: info@infinite-events.com.  We are happy to keep your questions anonymous if you prefer.  Thanks for reading and we look forward to hearing from you!**

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

The “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition is one that we’ve all heard of but where does it come from?  It hails from an Old English rhyme that actually says: "Something olde, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe."  These items were given to the bride on her wedding day (before she walked the aisle) for good luck.

As planners, couples often ask us whether they should follow this tradition and/or if it's still commonly followed.  Our answer is always the same - it's truly a matter of preference and about half of our couples choose to embrace it.  Before deciding whether it's right for you, we thought we would provide a better explanation on the meaning behind the words.

"Something Old" represents the past moving into the future. Some of our favorite "old" items we've seen incorporated include heirloom jewelry from a bride's relative, a piece of a grandmothers/mothers dress sewn into the bridal gown, and a locket with a relatives photo inside hanging from her bouquet wrap.

"Something New" represents optimism for the future life the couple will share together.  This is typically the easiest option of the tradition as it can be a new dress, new jewelry, a garter or lingerie.

"Something Borrowed" represents borrowing happiness, usually from another happily married couple or a friend or relative who symbolizes happiness in the couple's eyes.  Some of our favorite borrowed items include an aunts gorgeous cathedral length veil and even using a parents first dance song.

"Something Blue" represents love, good fortune, and fidelity.  Some of our favorite blue items included bright blue shoes, a blue sapphire necklace, and a headpiece lightly embellished with blue gemstones.

The sixpence is still a widely performed custom in Britain but not so much here in the U.S.  It is placed in the left shoe before walking down the aisle and represents prosperity for the new couple.

Whether you decide to embrace this tradition or not, we hope this helps you in making your decision!

The People You Will Always Remember, On the Day You Will Never Forget

Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most special days you will experience in this lifetime. It is a day you hope to share with some of the most important people in your life. But, unfortunately, some of our most loved family and friends are unable to be with us on the big day. Many couples will incorporate a piece of clothing from their loved ones into their gown or suit to symbolize their presence on the wedding day. Whether you wish to use a piece of your grandmother’s dress as your own or sew your father’s favorite handkerchief onto your gown, these seemingly small gestures have a much bigger sentimental meaning behind them. Here are some creative and thoughtful ways to incorporate your loved ones into your special day.

      This bride had her father’s favorite handkerchief sewn on the inside of her dress.

 Credit: Kevin Trimmer Photography

Some couples use a piece of their loved one’s jewelry on the ribbon of their wedding bouquet.
Credit: Shannon Lee Images

You can use the cuff links of someone special as your own on your wedding day.
Credit: Janis Foley Photography

Unique Ways to ask your Maids!

Your fiance popped the BIG question, now it's time to ask your bridesmaids to join the party! Consider asking them in a most memorable way. Whether it is sentimental or humorous, these great ideas will surely have your bridesmaids ready to bustle your dress on command! 

Grab their favorite wine and add custom labels (example shown from My Own Labels)

These fun cards above can be found on Zazzle 

A custom frame with a sentimental note is something they'll cherish for a long time after the wedding.

Creative Poster Idea above by Kendra Joy

 

 A Gift of Custom Jewelry {these beautiful examples can be found on BuySomeLove's Shop on Etsy}

Venue Spotlight ~ Alden Castle, Boston, MA

If you have dreamed about your fairytale wedding since you were a little girl, Alden Castle may be the perfect fit.  The venue is located in Brookline, MA, just minutes from downtown Boston. It was named after John Alden who traveled to America on the Mayflower and was built in 1925.  At the time, this breathtaking castle was one of the most prestigious luxury residence hotels in the world.

As far as hosting weddings, Alden Castle has a lot of offer; the vintage ballroom can fit up to 200 guests comfortably and for smaller guests counts, the modern club is one of a kind, with an intimate setting.  Alden's vintage decor features royal Tudor architecture, ecru Becara chandeliers, silk champagne drapery and large windows which fill the ballroom with natural light. Alden's modern club plays up it's dramatic mahogany walls, stunning gold leafed fleur-de-lis ceiling, and breathtaking original glass chandeliers.  Did we forget to mention they both have amazing balconies and the castle has a terrace that overlooks a gorgeous rose garden?  Absolutely a site to see! 
Not only does the Alden Castle have two amazing event spaces but they are also known for great food! Everything is prepared on-site by their in-house chef who supports local farmers by using their produce.  Their cuisine is to die for. 

One of our own event planners, Christine Mansella, was lucky enough to have the opportunity to recently take a tour of the castle.  "{Alden Castle}  greatly exceeded my expectations!  Michelle there is truly a pleasure.  She has a very upbeat personality and really knows what it takes to run a successful event!"
If you're venue shopping in the Boston area, definitely put this on your list and check out some of these amazing photos and Alden Castle's website for more information.

               

Get Creative with your Valentine's Day Gifts!

If you're tired of the same old box of chocolates and flowers for Valentine's Day, check out these unique gift ideas.  It's time to think outside the little red box!

Map Art - a super thoughtful gift from hubby to wife!  Celebrate not only Valentines Day with this cool gift but also memories, vacations, family, etc.  Perfect to hang in your home as a constant reminder of what's important in life. {find it at Wandering Fables on etsy.com}

For the man who is business by day but rocker at night, what's better than guitar cufflinks?

{find these on Beluga Home Studio on etsy.com}

Customize your other half's phone case with your wedding photo or a family pic!
{find it at TinyPrints}

Message on a Bottle; Personalized Moët & Chandon with your very own love note this year!

 For the man who loves beer and leaves rings on your coffee table
{find these at Gorgeous Glassware on etsy.com}

And last but not least, something for the couple with a good sense of humor

{find it at Signature Tshirts on etsy.com}

 From all of us at IE, Happy Valentines Day!