Wedding Book 2013
A reference guide to your special day.
Published by the
Š2013
Getting Started
Whether you are getting married next year or getting married next week, planning the details of your wedding can help ensure that your big day goes smoothly, and is as enjoyable as you want it to be. Planning a wedding can be challenging, especially as the vast majority of people getting married have little or no prior experience. Before you can get down to the nitty-gritty of seating plans, programs and favours, there are a few things you will need to do before anything else: First of all, although you may already have an ideal wedding date in mind, there may be a few extra points to consider such as weather, wedding style, venue and vendor availability. Historically, the wedding takes place in the bride’s hometown. However, it is getting widely acceptable to hold the wedding in the groom’s hometown, or where the couple lives. Others choose to get married on a distant island. Whatever location you choose, keep in mind how many guests you are about to invite and how far your guests will have to travel. Once you have set the date and decided on the location, you can get into details such as your guest list, bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses, rings, flowers, theme of the wedding, and so forth. With this guide, you can begin thinking about some of the decisions that need to be made and start making your plans to make this not only the biggest, but the happiest day of your life.
A successful marriage proposal
You’ve finally found your kindred spirit and you’ve decided you want to marry her. But how and when do you pop the question? What will sweep her off her feet? A marriage proposal is a unique occasion, one that your true love has likely dreamed of since she was a little girl. Try to plan a meaningful proposal so that the moment remains unforgettable for both of you. Here are a few suggestions. If you spend your nights together, wait for your loved one to open her eyes in the morning and ask her tenderly if she will marry you. Rent an advertising panel at a sport event so that your marriage proposal will be flashed around the stadium at half-time, and invite the sports announcer ahead of time to draw the crowd’s attention to it. Take a hot air balloon ride; your head in the clouds and your heart racing wildly. This is a unique place to ask the woman of your dreams to spend her life with you. You could plan a holiday to an exotic location and pop the question while riding on the back of an elephant in India or standing at the top of Machu Picchu, Peru or even get down on one knee in the middle of Times Square, New York! If the internet is a part of your daily lives, you could make your proposal during a chat session, or buy an advertising banner at a website she visits regularly. Maybe she has a wonderful sense of play and would enjoy a scavenger hunt to end at a romantic note and a ring. Proposing in winter could be fun, too. You could pack the snow into letters or build a snowman and have him holding a sign that reads your proposal. If traditional is more your style, ask the big question while on a walk in the park, canoeing on your favourite lake, horseback riding, or during a romantic candlelit dinner. There are endless ways to propose. Use your imagination and creativity. No matter how you decide to pop the question, the essential goal is to touch her heart. 2
A Class Act for any Occasion
Class Act Formals is your full service bridal shop in the Cariboo, and is proud to provide professional, personalized service to every bride. We have the big city selection of the latest styles, and our friendly sales associates will help you fulfill your dream of the perfect wedding gown It doesn’t matter whether you are planning an informal garden wedding, on the beach in Mexico or a traditional church wedding, we have the gown for you. We pride ourselves in making your shopping experience relaxing and fun, we will help you choose the perfect bridal gown and all the accessories to go with it. Don't forget your attendants and mother, we have the outfits for your bridesmaids, flower girl, ring bearer and to make his and hers mom feel special too. We also carry a large selection of prom gowns, cocktail dresses, summer dresses, evening tops and shoes. Come see us for every event – from a casual dinner party to a formal wedding we will give you the service you expect from the people you know with the selection of the big city. Class Act Formals provides brand name styles for every occasion. Choose from the many gown companies we carry in sizes from 0 - 30. Guys, we now carry tuxedo rentals from Derks and Collins. So we are truly your full service bridal location in the Cariboo. Now you can browse from the comfort of your own home, check us out on line at www.classactformals.ca, or like us on Facebook with the phrase that saves. But do your shopping at Class Act, where you can touch and try on your gown before you buy and where you can do business face to face with our experienced personnel. Article provided by Class Act Formals.
The first day of you future... Let us help make it special. • • • • •
Gowns Tuxedos Accessories Shoes Lingerie
Class Act Formals More than Just Formals
250-395-8825 • Birch Ave.
email: info@classactformals.ca
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Common mistakes brides make when dress shopping
Choosing where you purchase your dress is very important. Your store should be an authorized dealer for the designer which you are interested in. If not, you will have no recourse for damaged or late delivery. If you decide to buy from an online retailer, the same should be noted. If they are not an authorized dealer, you likely won't receive an authentic designer gown. And don't be fooled by an unauthorized online vendor offering huge discounts. You may receive a poor counterfeit. Check the return policy. If it says "sold as is", then it is not the place to purchase a gown. Most designers warn consumers that they don’t support such online retailers. Check the designer's official website to find out which stores are authorized to sell their lines. Besides, you should really try on your dress before purchasing it. It may look fabulous on the model in the magazine, but it may not look the best on you. A bride should bring only 2 or 3 people when dress shopping. A mom and sister or best friend usually have the bride's best interest at heart. Also, don't try on too many dresses. Seven is usually enough to find "the one". Know when to stop searching. Bring pictures of the gowns you like, but if your consultant recommends something different, give it a try, too. The consultant will know what style will look best on your body. Remember, too, that buying a dress you don't love will haunt you later. Buy a dress that fits you now. Don't buy a smaller size with the idea that you will lose weight to look perfect in it. A dress can be taken in, but can rarely be let out. Have a budget set before you start shopping. Avoid trying on dresses that you know you can't afford so you don’t have your heart broken. Be sure to include the taxes, cost of alterations and accessories in your budget, too. Buying your wedding dress should be a fun and memorable experience. Bring with you the few people you want to help you and go in prepared. Enjoy the hunt!
Angie’s Party Rentals and Supplies Several Rental Packages to choose from to suit every budget. Tents. Decorations. Dishes. Wine Glasses. Linens. Chairs. Tables. Arches decorated individually. And so much more!
For more information please call Angela 250-396-4317 houston47@bcinternet.net 4
Pre-wedding grooming tips for the Groom
Gentlemen, on this day, you're expected to look better than your best. This means manning up for a little pre-wedding "groom"-ing - even if you're more macho than metro. As soon as your wedding date is ďŹ xed, get looking after your skin. Start a daily cleansing routine for your face. Use a good deep-pore cleanser to remove grime. Use a good toner to close your pores and remove dead skin cells. Use a good moisturizer to re-hydrate your skin after cleansing and toning, making it soft and touchable. Visit a spa to get a professional facial a couple of weeks before your wedding. The morning of, get a straight-edge shave from a professional barber. Your hands will be the focus on your wedding day. A manicure is recommended. Getting a pedicure is optional, but enjoyable and relaxing. Manis and pedis are a hygienic way to clean your hands and feet, and to get rid of unsightly calluses and hangnails, plus your nails will be neatly cut, too. Remember to pluck the unibrow and trim your nose and ear hair. Trimming armpit hair would be an idea, too: Less hair means less bacteria, less bacteria means less odour. Also trim any unruly chest hairs that tend to stick up out of the top of your shirt. Having your chest and back waxed is an option. Oral hygiene is always important. When brushing your teeth, clean your tongue too. Floss and use a good mouthwash. For a bright smile, use a home whitening kit or have your teeth professionally whitened before your big day. Keep a tube of moisturizing lip balm on hand. It will keep your lips from cracking during all the smiling you will be doing. Get your usual hair cut a week before you get married. Do not experiment with a new cut too close to your wedding day. If you want a new look, go to a salon a month or more before the wedding so you have time to regrow an "accident." Once it's tested and approved, repeat a week before. Also, if you have any hair fall or dandruff problems, your stylist will know how to solve it. A day before your wedding, have your hairline at the back of your neck cleaned up and make sure your sideburns are even. Following these simple grooming tips will have all the eye on you as well as your beautiful bride, and she will appreciate your effort in helping to make the day memorable.
Good advice and attractive mortgage options to get you off to the right start.
Contact us for more information: www.wldcu.com 2 95 B Cariboo Hwy 97 (Coach House Square) 100 Mile House, BC 250-395-4094
Williams Lake & District Credit Union 5
Wedding trends for 2013
Top colour for 2013 is mint - Mint is very popular on the runway this year. It is very refreshing, delicate and can be mixed with many other colours for a beautiful palette. Non-white wedding dress - Depending on your style and preference you can have a dress fully completed in your chosen colour, or if you must have a mostly white dress, go for little colourful elements like small designs, flowers, lace, etc. A special photo-shoot just for him - Create a special sexy photo-shoot just for him and send him the album the morning of the wedding. Feather centrepieces - Peacock and ostrich feathers come in a huge array of colours. Be creative. Combine feathers and flowers in any shape and size vase or holder, however you please. Rainbow of colours - ROY G. BIV : Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. Have each of your bridesmaids wear colourful shoes with matching bouquets and neutral or white dresses. Or have their dresses each the colour in the spectrum of the rainbow. Have the groomsmens’ vests correspond with the bridesmaids. Your reception tables could be colourthemed. The ideas are endless. Relax during reception party - Have special lounge areas for guests where they can relax and socialize away from the party. Have a cigar lounge for the guys and martini lounge for the ladies. For kids, have a play lounge with a hired babysitter. Photos reflecting your personality - Do you have a mutual hobby? If you enjoy riding bicycles together, incorporate them into your photos, for example. Go to the place where you first met, or your favourite place you hang out as a couple and use that space as your backdrop. If your wedding has a theme, continue it in your photos. Don’t be limited by a studio shoot. Have fun. Personalize - Don't settle for common and traditional wedding ideas. It's your day and it should reflect your style, your ideas and only your persona. Use your imagination and create a truly unique wedding and make it unforgettable.
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CHEERS!
Plan ahead and enjoy the results of your efforts
The following is a traditional time line for you to use as a guide, and set deadlines for yourselves. If you have fewer than 12 months to plan your wedding, don’t panic; just get started as soon as possible. Remember the thing is to enjoy yourselves!! Twelve or more months ahead • Announce your engagement, buy a ring, have a party! • Choose a wedding date • Set a budget. • Decide on a theme and type of wedding you want formal or informal, big or small. • Start compiling a guest list and organizing addresses. • Choose your bridal party: best man, bridesmaids etc. • Book a wedding planner, if required. • Arrange appointment with officiant clergyman, celebrant and make bookings. • Look for a ceremony location and a reception venue and book • Discuss honeymoon destination and make bookings. Six or more months ahead • Find your dress and accessories, including veil and shoes. • Select outfits for the groom and his party • Organize bridesmaids dresses and accessories. • Book caterer, if necessary. • Order wedding cake. • Book florist, music for ceremony and reception. • Book photographer and videographer. • Book your wedding transportation • Organize an MC for the reception. • Send save-the-date cards, if using. • Organize accommodation and activities for out of town guests. • Reserve rental equipment, such as tables, chairs, and tents. Four to six months ahead • Begin a health and beauty regime • Order stationery, including invitations and thank-you cards • Organize gift registry. • Purchase wedding rings. • Buy stockings and any special lingerie your dress requires. • Organize your guest gifts or bomboniere. • Book a room for wedding night. • Choose gifts for wedding party. • Sign up for dance lessons. Two to four months ahead • Mail invitations. • Choose readings for ceremony • Write or choose your wedding vows. • Schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner. • Draw up a timetable for the wedding day. • Try out makeup and hairstyle. • Discuss details of menu with caterer • Discuss service with officiant. • Reconfirm travel arrangements
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One to two months ahead • Write thank-you notes as gifts arrive. • Buy a guest book. • If you intend to change your name prepare the necessary documents. • Send change of address details to the post office. • Contact local newspapers about publishing wedding announcements. • Apply for marriage licence • Hold bridal shower and / or kitchen tea Two weeks ahead • Have final dress fitting with shoes, accessories, and lingerie. • Check the bridal party outfits are in order • Begin seating plan, and write place cards. • Reconfirm all details with all bridal suppliers; get their mobile numbers! • Hold rehearsal dinner • Notify caterer of guest count. • Write toasts and speeches for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception. • Address announcements. • Break in wedding shoes at home. • Designate someone to look after your home while you are on your honeymoon. • Find out where your guests will be staying, if you plan to deliver welcome notes or gifts to their rooms. • Deliver place cards and bomboniere to reception manager. • Present bridal party with gifts. One week ahead • Finalize seating plan. • Assign specific responsibilities, such as handing out corsages, to members of your wedding party. • Pick up dress or have it delivered. • Confirm details with caterer. • Confirm honeymoon arrangements, and give your itinerary to a friend or family member in case of emergency. • Pack for honeymoon. • Update caterer with final guest and vendor meal counts. One day ahead • Confirm transportation arrangements for ceremony and reception. • Give announcements to an attendant for mailing after the wedding. • Have manicure and pedicure. • Prepare payment envelopes for officiant and vendors, and make arrangements for someone to distribute them your wedding day. On the day • Relax and enjoy yourselves!
Wedding Ceremony Flowers
Without flowers, a wedding would not be complete. For many years, flowers have acted as the centerpiece of both the wedding ceremony and the reception and help set the mood and the atmosphere of any venue. This holds true whether you are having your wedding indoors or outdoors, whether it be formal or informal. Floral arrangement ideas are limited only by your imagination. If you are having an outdoor wedding in the summer, chances are you are going to want different flowers than if you were having an indoor wedding in the winter. Many factors go into choosing the floral arrangements for a wedding including the venue, the season, and the couple’s preference. If you are on a tight flower budget, the best thing to do would be to cut back on what you have for the actual ceremony and spruce up the reception hall instead. The reason for this is quite simple: the reception lasts for several hours, whereas the ceremony is not nearly as long. By spending most of your flower budget for pieces at the reception, they will be enjoyed much longer. To take this step further, you may want to pick out floral arrangements that can easily be transported from the ceremony to the reception location. By doing this you will only have to buy one set of flowers which will in turn cut your costs. When it comes to the actual flowers, the most important aspect to most people is colour. There are hundreds of different types of flowers to choose from each coming in different colours. A few factors to think of when choosing the flower colours are location, season, color of the bride’s and bridesmaid’s dresses, wedding theme and personal preference. Before you order flowers, be sure that your venue allows them. This may sound silly, but many churches have their own flower arrangers and other arrangers may not be allowed. Turning any venue into the perfect atmosphere is easy with the right floral arrangements. Your options are endless so be sure to do your research before making any decisions.
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Wedding website
The Internet has made planning a wedding a much easier process for couples of the 21st century. It is a tremendous source of information for everything you could ever imagine related to the big day. One application that is becoming increasingly popular is a wedding website where all of the details of the wedding can be posted along with many other terrific features. There are many benefits to having a wedding website. There is a lot of information to disseminate, and by putting all of the information online; the couple eliminates the endless requests for information that typically occur when a wedding approaches. Most wedding websites allow people to RSVP online. A huge benefit of a wedding website is that the couple can have a link to their online registry. This allows guests to see what the couple has chosen and to make a contribution without leaving their home. There are also fun things for the guests to see like photos, a countdown, a poll, a story of how the couple met, and quiz about the happy couple. Some sites have additional features such as a special page for out-of-town guests. This allows the couple to provide their guests with all kinds of information about their city, suggested accommodations, places to visit, restaurants, and shopping. Perhaps the greatest thing of all is that the couple can make everyone a part of the festivities. If it is available, set up a webcam for real-time viewing of the ceremony for those who could not attend the event. The internet and web technology is such that now everyone can be involved and experience the couple’s special day.
Celebrate Your Special Day
Weddings Your Way
The 108 Mile Ranch Community Centre has two halls to choose from. The main floor has a 200 seat capacity and a self-contained kitchen. We also have a cozier setting upstairs for small gatherings and weddings to a maximum capacity of 80 people.
All you need is love. We’ll provide the rest! • Budgeting & Organization • Ceremony Planning • Floral Arrangements • Catering • Dress Selection • Reception • Music & Entertainment • Save-the-Dates & Invitations • Photography & Videography • Wedding favours • & much more
For inquiries and bookings, call 250-791-5599 To find out more or to view photos of our facility, go to:
Call us today for your complimentary wedding consultation 1-250-791-6362
www.108ranch.com/ communityhall.html
Weddingsyourway@yahoo.ca
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Finding the perfect photographer...
Wedding photographers must be discreet during those intimate moments, be sensitive to your feelings and love the spontaneity of the moment. Finding the perfect photographer can be a real headache for the bride and groom. A crucial choice indeed, as the photograph album is always a precious souvenir. Whatever you do, don’t accept the services of a distant family member who happens to have a reasonably good camera. In fact, few people have enough experience and knowledge to deliver a final product capable of reproducing the magic of a wedding. Looking for a photographer is a little like finding your future partner; you need to discover that rare pearl, the one just right for your style and your personality. It is vital, therefore, to organize a first, informal meeting where general questions can be discussed regarding the photographer’s methods and how he or she intends to recreate your special day in pictures. Some offer eccentric, modified or sepia photographs, others will talk about a photographic wedding story while some will offer to take the photographs when the light is ideal... even when this is not on the day of your wedding! Whatever is suggested, always ask to see examples of the photographer’s work, although any professional would have taken care to bring a portfolio to the meeting. This promotional tool should be able to speak for itself: no fake expressions, an atmosphere faithfully captured, natural colours. It’s always a bad sign if, from the first encounter, the photographer spends a lot of time trying to sell you a package deal in an insistent manner. Think quality rather than economy. engagement wedding maternity baby family children
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Children in the wedding party
Maid of Honour, check. Best man, check. Bridesmaids and groomsmen, check. Now you need a flower girl and a ring bearer. A ring bearer is traditionally a boy, but a girl is not out of the question. These positions are usually filled by children between the ages of four and eight. Keep in mind a few criteria when choosing the children. Check with the parents first. Make sure they are comfortable with the idea and are willing and able to take on the expense and responsibilities involved. They will need time to practice with their child and accompany them to the rehearsal and wedding. Are the children you are thinking about mature enough to handle the responsibilities? Are they hyper or overactive, or are they too shy to walk down the isle in front of a large group of people? Remember that the younger the child, the more difficult it may be for them to do the job. The ring bearer’s attire should complement that of the other attendants. When selecting a pillow, it should have good support underneath to help the ring bearer balance it and ties for the rings. If your ring bearer is younger, you may want to tie fake rings to the pillow for carrying and have the best man hold the real ones. The flower girl’s dress should complement the style of your dress or the bridesmaids’ dresses. She may be holding a basket of flower petals to scatter on the floor in front of you, hand out single flowers to guests or just carry a small bouquet. It is not easy to choose the right ring bearer and flower girl, especially if you have several candidates. Keep their age, personality and temperament in mind, and for best results, do not permit the children you choose to eat candy, cake or have any other sweets before your wedding. Keep them as calm as possible and give them a small gift afterwards to thank them for a job well done.
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From Miss to Mrs.
So, now you’re married to that wonderful new husband of yours, and you’ve decided that you’re going to take his last name. Where to start with changing your name? If possible, try to get a ‘notarized’ copy of your marriage certificate to carry with you, instead of carrying your original. Most offices will make a copy for themselves if they need it. Never leave your original marriage certificate with anyone. Some of the identification and documentation on which you will need to change your name are:
- social insurance card - banks - drivers license & vehicle insurance - utility companies - credit cards - passport - clubs and associations - your employer - insurance companies - income tax - doctors and/or dentists - school/college or university - magazine subscriptions - email address - legal contracts - health insurance (MSP card) - property titles or rental/lease agreements
Getting Married in B.C.
Beyond belief.
So, you have your wedding date set. You have your venue booked. What’s next? Like most couples getting married, you are probably feeling a little overwhelmed with the whole process. Trying not to forget the small but very important things. Well, bookmark this website http://www. vs.gov.bc.ca/marriage/ This is the BC Government Vital Statistics Agency website. This is where you can find out where in your town you can purchase a marriage license, how to change your name once you are married, find a Marriage Commissioner in your area, even a sample wedding ceremony and a schedule of fees for the services provided. These items along with an array of other services are all laid out in an organized fashion to take the guesswork out of the legalities of getting married.
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401 cedar ave. 100 mile house 250.395.2021 parksidecentre@shaw.ca parksideartgallery.100mile.com mon to fri; 10 to 4 sat; 12 to 4
An Alternative Gift If you have both lived on your own, or are living together before getting married, you may already have all the “things” you need for your household. As an alternative to receiving gifts that you may not need nor have space for, here is a neat idea for something perhaps a little more meaningful and practical. You can send either of these poems, or compose your own, out with your wedding invitations, and spare everyone the time and expense of an unnecessary gift. Honeymoon Donation Poem In our home we have the things That living together always brings; Toasters, tumblers we have bought And because of this we have thought A honeymoon donation would be great If wedding guests wish to participate So we can travel far and wide But never leave each other’s side And when our honeymoon is done We will thank you for all the fun.
Honeymoon Donation Poem 2
We’d love to have you with us when all our dreams come true, But at the risk of being bold we ask one thing of you. We’ve been collecting household items before tying the knot, And consequently have what most newly married couples do not. We’re on our way to Hawaii for our honeymoon, A holiday for us to share that hasn’t come too soon. So if you’re thinking of a gift and don’t know what to get, A gift of cash would help us most and get us on that jet! But most of all we’d love you there on our special date, To share with us our happiness and help us celebrate!
Going green on your wedding day.
There are eco-friendly versions of most wedding products, but the best option is to forego the extra items and trinkets altogether. Re-use wherever possible - and save not only resources, but cash too. For invitations and stationery, use recycled paper or paper made from natural fibre - such as hemp or bamboo. Print on front and back and try to fit all the information on one sheet. If you can, send all correspondence via email. The etiquette gods might gasp, but, electronic mailings are the most earth-friendly way to go. Buy organic, locally grown blooms. You could plan ahead and grow your own flowers. Re-use your ceremony arrangements at the reception or skip the cut flowers and use potted arrangements. Give them to your guests to be planted later. Find a venue for your wedding that will benefit from your site rental fee, such as a museum, gallery or other cultural organization. The perfect green venue is outside. Go to a beach, garden, park, but be sure to leave it as you found it or better. Have your wedding at a central location so that guests don’t have to travel so far. Host ceremony and reception at the same site or within walking distance. Organize car pools for your guests and use hybrid vehicles when available. You can be creative, too, by using a non-motorized mode of transportation such as a horse-drawn carriage, or bicycle for two for your arrival or send-off. You can have fun with this. Find a caterer who will use local, organic produce and farm-raised meat for your menu. This will support your local farmers, too. Has your mother’s wedding dress been saved for your special day? Make a second-hand dress uniquely your own by doing alterations. Sewing your dress using natural fibres is green, and renting the tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen is also a good idea. Many more green ideas can be found just by looking online. Even the old saying is suggesting being green: Something OLD, something new, something BORROWED, something blue. 13
Her “Honey-Do” List
Maid of Honor - Helps bride select attire and address invitations - Plans bridal shower for the bride - Arrives at the dressing site 2 hours before the ceremony to assist the bride in dressing - Arranges the bride’s veil and train before the processional and recessional - Holds bridal bouquet and the groom’s ring during the ceremony, if there is no ring bearer - Witnesses the signing of the marriage licence - Dances with the best man during the bridal party
Bridesmaids - Assist maid of honor in planning bridal shower - Participate in all pre-wedding parties - Arrive at dressing site 2 hours before the wedding - Arrive dressed at the ceremony site 1 hour before the wedding for the photographs - Walk behind ushers in order of height during the processional, either in pairs or in single file - Sit next to the ushers in the head table - Dance with the ushers and other important guests - Encourages single women to participate in bouquet-tossing ceremony Flower Girl - Usually between the ages of four and eight - Attends rehearsal to practice her role - Arrives dressed at the ceremony site an hour before the wedding for photographs - Carries basket filled with loose rose petals to strew along bride’s path during processional
His “Honey-Do” List
Best Man - Responsible for organizing the usher’s activities - Organizes the bachelor party for the groom - Drives groom to the ceremony site and sees that he is properly dressed before the wedding - Brings marriage license to the wedding - Pays the clergyman, musicians, photographer, and other service providers on the wedding day - Holds the bride’s ring for the groom, if there is no ring bearer - Witnesses the signing of the marriage licence - Drives the newlyweds to reception if no driver hired - Offers first toast at the reception, usually before dinner - Dances with the maid of honor during the bridal party - Oversees the return of the tuxedo rentals for groom and ushers Ushers - Arrive dressed at the wedding site one hour for photographs - Distribute wedding programs and maps to the reception as guests arrive - Seat guests at the ceremony - Dance with the bridesmaids and other important guests Ring Bearer - Usually between four and eight years old - Attends rehearsals to practice his role - Arrives dressed an hour before the ceremony for photographs - Carries a white pillow with rings attached 14
Thank you for thinking of us.
Writing your “Thank You” notes is a daunting task to some. Here are some helpful ideas on how to write a simple, yet very much appreciated, “Thank You” note: Handwrite your note: Most people expect something thoughtful and handwritten. It is more polite and memorable to handwrite your thank you notes, even if it is more time consuming. Be timely: It’s good to send your thank you notes as soon as you receive your gift. It’s easier to think of things to say when the gift is fresh in your mind and it’s nice for the giver to hear it arrived safely as soon as possible. But officially: • Standard etiquette says gifts received at the wedding shower and before the wedding day should be acknowledged within two weeks of their receipt. If a person gives you a wedding shower gift and also one for your wedding day, individual thank you notes should be sent for each gift. • Gifts received on your wedding day should be acknowledged within two months of your return from your honeymoon. • If you are not going on a honeymoon, then you have up to six weeks. Keep your notes short and personal: Always mention the item that was given to you. Gifts of money are treated the same as a gift, however, etiquette dictates you don’t mention the exact amount. Also, if you have a particular item you intend to buy with the money, you can include that in the note. Even if you don’t like the gift, still send a thank you note. It’s the thought that counts. The giver spent time and money selecting the gift and that is why they deserve thanks. If the giver was also a guest at your wedding, be sure to let them know how happy you were to see them there. The time-honoured tradition of sending thank you notes in the mail is becoming less of a tradition. People, now-a-days, are so inclined to send a text message or email to say thank you, but for something as important as your wedding day, it really shows class when you send an actual thank you note in the mail. Recipients appreciate your time and effort in remembering them, especially when they took the time, effort and expense to purchase a gift, send it to you or to travel to your wedding.
Interlakes Community Complex • Hall Rental • Catering • Bar Services Available
Destination Weddings Renewal of Vows
We can help you arrange: • Wedding Cake • DJ Services • Decorating/Setup • Clean-up
Bridal Registry & Honeymoons
250-
593-4770 Reasonable Rates
www.allwaystravel.ca • 1-800-737-7631
Dry camp sites available for out-of-town guests!
357 Oliver Street • 250-392-6581 • Like us on Facebook
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“We have an experienced staff, western atmosphere and the unique facilities to ensure a most memorable special event”
Wedding Bells Are Ringing At The Hills
• LINEN & LACE LUNCHEON Ask About Our Unique Luncheon By Horseback For Your Marriage Proposal “Memories are made of this”
• CEREMONY • RECEPTION • HONEYMOON • SPA Chapel, Floral Garden Patio, Indian Tipi, Barbecue on our Chuckwagon Patio, Private Dining Room for up to 36, Grand Ballroom for Banquets up to 150, Barbecues for up to 300, Horseback Ceremonies, Spa Beauty Treatments, Jacuzzi Equipped Honeymoon Room
HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY HONEYMOON AT THE HILLS Also ask about Anniversaries, Retreats, Family Reunions, New Year’s Parties, Bar Mitzvah, Private and Corporate Christmas Parties, Theme Dinners and Cowboy Cookouts!
Please call for more information
250-791-5225
Hwy 97 North, 108 Mile Ranch Email: thehills@spabc.com www.spabc.com