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Wedding invitation etiquette
What is the best wedding invitation etiquette? How many people should you put on your guest list? What's the best way to narrow your list?
Formal weddings usually have a larger number of attendants than informal ones, but you can feel free to break from any tradition you wish if you think it's appropriate. Think about which close friends and family members you and your groom would really like to have in the wedding. Brides often feel obligated to have certain people (long lost cousins, your mothers bridge partners) in their wedding even if they're not that close. Don't bow to the pressure unless you don't mind the extras.
Once you have a list in mind, write it all down. If you're lucky, the number of ushers will equal the number of bridesmaids; if not, you may have to do a little cutting and juggling. The general guideline is one usher for every fifty guests.
If any of your attendants are coming from out of town to be in your wedding, try to arrange for them to stay with another friend or family member. If the alternate housing is not possible, pay for rooms at a nearby hotel. But if your attendants would rather stay at a hotel than with your brother Joey, they should pay for the hotel themselves.
As soon as you figure out whom you want in your wedding party, get out there and ask them. Sometimes, due to monetary problems or other conflicts, one of your first choices may have to decline. You want to make sure you have enough time to dig up a replacement. Even if you're absolutely sure everyone will say yes, don't wait until the last minute to ask him or her. Six months is the absolute minimum amount of notice you need to give everyone involved.
Tipping etiquette: weddings
Tipping guidelines for your wedding service. How much should you tip those who provide services for your special day? The caterer? The limo driver? Etc.
Tipping originated from the practice of trying to insure-prompt service. Today, prompt service is not always delivered, but tipping has become a social mainstay. Even the most budget conscientious wedding planner can overlook the substantial expense of tipping. Depending on the size and grandeur of your reception, tipping can easily inflate the cost by hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Who and how much to tip can make easy situations turn taxing and cause headaches for both parties. Although tipping is supposed to be optional, it is almost always expected. But, the amount of tip is completely at your personal discretion. Here are some
simple guidelines to consider when tipping.
aters and reception managers usually have gratuities of 15-20 percent figured into their contracts. These are usually paid prior to the reception. If the manager has gone out of their way for you and your guests, a tip of £1-£2 per guest will suffice. The waitstaff is customarily tipped 15-20 percent of the food bill. Tips are sometimes included but make sure to check to insure no one is slighted. Bartenders are also tipped 15-20 percent based on the bar bill. An additional 10 percent on top of the gratuity is also common. DO NOT allow the bartender to accept tips from the guests and place a sign at the bar that simply states "No Tipping Please."
Restroom, coat check or valet should be prepaid and are usually tipped £1-£2 per coat or car. Ask the staff to decline tips from the guests. Limousine drivers usually receive 15-20 percent of the bill as a tip. Anything on top of this is at the host's discretion. Musicians are tipped if their performance was exceptional, this goes for the DJ as well. Tips can start at £25 per band member or for a DJ, 15 percent of their total fee.
Florists, photographers and bakers are not usually tipped. A flat fee is paid and expected for their services. Finally, an officiant is never tipped. A religious official may accept a small donation for their organization but a civil officiant is not allowed to accept tips.
Tipping may seem like a huge ordeal but it's not. Use common sense and tip what the service was worth to you and your guests.
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