Bridesmaids Luncheon

Let’s face it: Weddings go by in such a blur that after the dishes have cleared and the flowers begin to wilt, many brides realize they never really had a chance to spend some quality time with their nearest and dearest. That’s what makes bridesmaids’ luncheons so great: They afford the perfect opportunity to get together and enjoy some time with your closest girlfriends one last time before the main event. They’re entirely optional, but this fun and typically hassle-free soiree is definitely worth your while. So what does it entail? 

Think of the bridesmaids’ luncheon or tea like a reverse bridal shower in which you’re now the hostess. The etiquette surrounding the bridesmaids’ luncheon is pretty flexible, so feel free to adapt to suit your needs. The “luncheon” can be dinner, brunch, an afternoon of pampering at the nearby spa, or a group activity of some kind.

Obviously all of the bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids will be in attendance, along with your mom and your fiancé’s mom. Other attendees may include your close female relatives – sisters, cousins, aunts – as well as any flower girls. Regardless, it’s usually best to try to keep it intimate. This may be one of the few times during the whirlwind wedding weekend when you can relax and enjoy some close, quiet time with the special women in your life. Think of it as a bittersweet, fond farewell.

Unlike showers, bridesmaids’ luncheons aren’t typically centered around planned games and activities. The one constant is that you thank your bridesmaids, either formally in a prepared speech or toast, or one-on-one throughout the event. The luncheon is also a great time to present your bridesmaids’ gifts, along with any gifts to the moms and grandmothers in attendance.

Melissa shares a great tip for making memories without making a mess.

    On the initial call, You ask “Can I get some information on Wedding Cakes?” I give you information on a Wedding Cake, you ask questions, I ask questions.  We find out if I have the date available, what you are looking for, etc.  If you wish more information….

We set up an appointment for a consulation and cake tasting.

Since I do not freeze my cakes, I bake a small cake for you and your family/friends to taste.

Then prior to baking and decorating your wedding cake, I

• check back with you for changes and additions
• figure out what I need to make your wedding cake
• go shopping for supplies I need
• make all special decorations, i.e.: sugar flowers, ribbons

 And finally I am baking and decorating.

 I bring your wedding cake to the venue, set it up, make final touches and make sure it is just the way you want it,

AND YOU LIVE HAPPILY EVERAFTER!!

Sarah & Christ Turnbull, Bride and Groom

Married 11-14-2009

In almost all cultures the marriage ceremony ends with the bride and groom exchanging a kiss. The wedding kiss transcends cultures, it bridges tribes, it is one of the very few things that bind all of us together as human beings. From ancient times to the modern day, from the deepest jungles to the tallest skyscrapers, the wedding kiss symbolizes for all people everywhere the physical uniting of two souls.

I say, give your gorgeous cake the placement it deserves! With my brides, I often place the cake table front and center at the reception, where all guests will see it as they enter the room. You can also set it up behind the sweetheart table as a beautiful backdrop. Have a spotlight on the cake or place several candles around it so that it can’t be missed—and serves as part of the room décor.

• The bride and groom make the first cut of the wedding cake to signify sharing their life together.
• Every guest then eats at least a crumb of the cake to ensure good luck.
• And if a single woman sleeps with a piece of wedding cake under her pillow, she will dream of her future husband.
• The wedding cake, to be shared by the newlyweds and their guests, signifies the “breaking of the kinship.”
• The brides knife signifies that the new wife is ready to accept the responsibilities of her role as keeper of her own household. 

A: You are not obligated to invite five people you don’t know to your wedding, nor pay for her hair and makeup especially if you can’t afford it.

Why don’t you ask her to join you for lunch, and a day of shopping. Keep the conversation light and breezy with the focus on her not your wedding plans or your fiance’. Towards the end of the day remind her that you and your fiancé are trying to work within a budget and you cannot afford to add people to your guest list or have added expenses. Be sure to let her know that you want her, all your family and your friends to share in your big day and have a wonderful time. 

May be she wants her friends added to the guest list because she does not feel comfortable with those you invited.  In that case, you  may want to let her invite one of of her friends and if she still wants all three invited, ask her to cover the cost of adding them to your guest list. 

As for paying for her hair and makeup, if you can afford it, why not pay for one or the other? Or…Why not have a sister’s spa day and cover the cost of her manicure(not acrylic)?

Some brides and grooms will present a single rose—a symbol of love—to their mothers early in the ceremony as a gesture of love and gratitude.

Wouldn’t be even more special if you carry their roses in your boquet?