A few tips for guests invited to same sex unions

If you're invited to a same sex ceremony and have not previously attended one, It's natural to wonder what is expected of guests. The answer is simple, guest etiquette is the same as for a traditional wedding celebration. The points address some common concerns, but common sense is always the best guide.

• Reply to the invitation as soon as possible, If you must decline, there is no need for excuses. Invitees who are genuinely  opposed to, or upset by same sex unions would be wise to decline graciously rather than risk dampening the happiness of the couple. 

• Whether you can attend or not, the invitation obliges you to send a wedding gift.

• When choosing attire, be guided by the time of the ceremony and the nature of the invitation. (Formal, Informal or Casual)

• Follow the order of service in the ceremony program if one is provided, otherwise
  take the lead from the wedding party and other guests. Chances are the ceremony and reception will be similar to other weddings you've attended.

• Go through the receiving line if there is one. If not be sure to extend best wishes to the couple and their families at some point during the party.

• Refrain from making comments or asking questions that might be perceived as negative. This wont be hard if guests bear in mind that the ceremony while it may not be legally sanctioned, it honors the lifetime commitment of two people in love.

Same sex couples have commitment ceremonies which is usually planned the same way as heterosexual weddings are planned. Although there is no set structure for a commitment ceremony, it often includes; The introduction; the service; the vows; the exchange of rings; the pronouncement. Let me point out verbiage may change in same sex nuptials for example; the couple is recognized as married, this part of the ceremony can be worded in several ways; "since you have consented to join together in the bond of matrimony and pledged yourselves to each other in the presence of this company. I now pronounce you married" or  "by the presence of this company, by the power of your love, I now pronounce you married." Now you feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to each other. Now you feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to each other. There is no more loneliness, for each other will be companion to each other. Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you. You will now go to your dwelling place to enter unto the days of your togetherness.

At the end of it all enjoy yourself and celebrate the joining of two people in love.

5 Points that make you Photography READY

Each Photographer has his or her own distinct style, which is reflected in the photographer's portfolio of work. Before you choose a photographer, decide on the photographic style you prefer, and then seek out those photographer's whose work reflects that style.

Traditional: 

A traditional photographer generally treats every image as a poised portrait, even shots you may think of as candid. That doesn't mean that the pictures will appear forced or posed, but that they will likely be few spontaneous "Action shots" included in the mix. Traditional wedding photographers look to capture perfect moments with artistry and dignity and generally produce excellent, albeit formulaic shots of the wedding party, families and planned events.

Classical: 

These photographers specialize in expertly composed, well lit portraits. They try to keep an unobtrusive presence at the reception in order to set up classical images. You won't find them mingling or telling your guests to "Look at the camera" to come up with magical moments.

Photojournalistic or Reportage:

A wedding photographer who takes a photojournalistic approach is one who considers it is the photographer's job to record events, not stage them. This photographer will take group shots you want, but will mostly include candid and spontaneous images.

Commercial:

These photographers will perfectly capture shots of the centerpieces, cakes, flowers and decor and could be hired just for this purpose supplemented by another photographer to handle "people pictures." This type of photographer is a professional and capable of taking magazine quality images.

Photographic artist:

A photographic artist rarely takes traditional shots but prefers to find artistic way to photograph elements, people and events. the artist is adept in the medium of black and white and at producing beautifully composed photos, likely to be less candid than full of drama and artistic beauty.

Remember A picture is worth a thousand words!

Designing from afar. Destination Weddings

Destination weddings are generally very intimate.  
When choosing a destination, it should be a place both of you have visited and hold memories for both of you. It is a very important location that you visit  annually; where you got engaged, or where your grandparents are from. Some couples choose to have their wedding in their dream honeymoon location, so that they can combine the lavish wedding and  the extensive honeymoon.  The couple should be thrilled to be there and it should reflect on their faces. That kind of excitement is infectious so everyone ends up being in a state of bliss.

Getting married on a tropical beach or alpine mountain top makes for a spectacular photo-op, but the planning that goes into destination weddings can be daunting. It is best to hire a Destination wedding planner. Someone who specializes in destination weddings. They are familiar with the territory and can assist you easily. A destination bride should focus on a point of driving home her wedding style and aesthetic. Tablescapes are the perfect way to express your designs and tell a story. Design around the local flowers or even fruit to bring in the destinations flair. 



If you are not comfortable with your destination's florist skills, hire one where you live and have them do a test run. Once you have perfected your tablescape locally, take tons of photos and even sketch out placement of the decor. So that when you pass off the design to your destination planner or florist it's a no brainer.

Make sure your destination wedding has three elements:

Hip; Funky; Friendly. Do not forget some family and friends may be traveling for the first time. So make sure a little extra attention is given to them. You can set up activities or packages that they may explore the destinations' locale the days prior or after your wedding, as most guests may opt to stay an additional day or two before or  after your wedding. Choose wedding favors that compliments the destination so that your guests will not only remember your wedding day but the destination as well. Destination weddings are lovely, when all the attendees are happy and enjoyable. Lets give them something to talk about for a long time to come.

A Little Etiquette

Ten Do's and Don'ts' of Thank You Notes

This Check list helps couples avoid common missteps when expressing their gratitude in writing thank you notes.

• Do personalize your notes, making reference to the person, as well as the gift.

• Do be enthusiastic, but you don't need to gush. Avoid saying that a gift is the most beautiful thing you've ever seen, unless you mean it.

• Don't send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature. Don't  use email or post generic thank you's on your website in lieu of personal notes.

• Don't tailor notes to the perceived value of gifts. No one should receive a dashed off perfunctory note.

• Don't include wedding photo's or use photo cards if this will delay sending notes. 

• Do refer to the use you will make of monetary gifts, mentioning the amount is optional.

• Don't mention that you plan to return or exchange a gift or indicate dissatisfaction in any way.

•  Do promptly acknowledge receipt of shipped gifts either send your thank-you within a few days or call or email the sender - following up with a written note soon.

• Don't use lateness in writing as an excuse not to write, if you're still sending thank-you notes after your first anniversary, KEEP WRITING!

• Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.

Choosing your Maid of Honor

You're engaged! One of your first big decisions is choosing your Maid of Honor.

Choose someone that can Multi-Task. 
She's the one straightening your train during the ceremony, Planning Your Bachelorette Party and entertaining your grandma at showers. Sometimes your choice for maid of honor  is obvious, whether it's your only sister or your best friend since birth. For other brides the can be a serious gray area, that must be navigated delicately to avoid hurting feelings. Etiquette standards for selecting your maid of honor have relaxed in years. It's now socially acceptable to have Co-Maids of Honor, or a Maid and Matron of Honor. Take the time to think over your options before you make a decision about who will be joining you at the altar.

Keep it in the family?? 

Most etiquette guides say that the sister nearest to you in age should be your maid of honor. If you're close to your Sis and she's responsible enough to handle the role, you can call it a day and move on to the cake tastings sessions! If your sister is much younger than you or isn't responsible, your decision isn't so clear-cut. Some brides aren't all that close with their sister(s) and would feel better asking a friend or family member. 

Discuss with your sister so as not to harbor ill feelings. A wedding is a celebration and everyone should be able to participate willingly and freely.

Tap a friend for the role?

Maybe you have three friends chomping at the bit, to be your maid of honor, or perhaps they're all hoping you'll pick some one else. Either way most of us have more friends than sisters, the Pool of candidates is certainly larger. In fact many brides are now turning to male best friends  to fill the traditionally feminine role.


 Consider the responsibilities: 
It's vital to choose someone who can reliably perform all of her required duties after all. The maid of honor is also your go to person for emotional support and she'll be helping you make some tough decisions too. If in the end you find it hard to decide. You can always gauge their opinions about being Co-Maids of Honor.