WEDDING NOTES™ - Engaged to Party

Once you have announced your engagement get ready to party!  An impending wedding is the focal point for plenty of celebrations.  Here is the who, the what and the why of parties with you two as the honored guests.

• ·         The Engagement Party -Usually hosted by the bride's parents but can and frequently does feature both sets of parents celebrating the event.  Who comes?  Guest list normally includes close friends and relatives of both the bride and groom.  Yours can be formal or informal.  It can be dinner, a picnic, a brunch or a barbeque.  The point is to celebrate your engagement.

• ·         The Bridal Shower - usually hosted by the maid of honor, bridesmaids or female family members.  The guest list should include all female members of the bridal party, both sets of mothers and close relatives.  If it is a couples shower, it includes men in the bridal party and close friends of the couple.  If it looks like you might have multiple showers, take it easy on the members of your wedding party and remind them that a gift at every shower is not necessary - their presence is gift enough.

• ·         The Bachelorette Party - generally hosted by the maid of honor and includes female members of the wedding party, close friends and mothers if they choose to attend.

• ·         The Bridal luncheon - generally hosted by the bride or her family.  Guests are female members of the wedding party.  This is an opportunity to thank them for being a part of your big day. Itmay be luncheon or brunch and many brides follow it with a Spa Day.  That can be expensive so don't consider it mandatory.  Many brides choose to distribute gifts to their attendants at this luncheon rather than the rehearsal dinner.

• ·         The Rehearsal Dinner - traditionally hosted by the groom's family although both families may host.  Guest list should include anyone in the wedding party, including readers, ushers and soloists.  If you have out of town guests, you may wish to include them if the budget can handle it.

• ·         THE BIG DAY AND CELEBRATORY RECEPTION!!!!!!!!

• ·         The Post-Wedding Brunch - can be hosted by either family or both or the bridal couple themselves.  Invited are bridal party members, parents and out of town guests.  It is a chance to say goodbye and thank you for coming to our wedding celebration.