Class Is In Session

Weekend weddings have become sort of the norm now. With family & friends stretched all over the globe, it’s kinda hard to play catch up with everyone during a four-hour reception, on what is one~ if not thee most important event of you life.

Now one might say, “What could I offer my guests in the city of Baltimore?” Let’s not be fooled!

I had guests calling, not to inform or confirm lodging and travel accommodations but to find out where they could eat CRABS. Since the main focus, besides the wedding that is, of all the out-of-town guests seemed to be CRABS, I suggested an informal crab feast.

I had the pleasure of taking one of Maryland’s favorite summer past times and turning it into an edible course- -“The Art of Cleaning & Correctly Eating Crabs”. That’s right, you’d be surprised how many non-Marylanders are oblivious as to how to really enjoy these delectable little scavengers. What’s even more surprising is how many Marylanders are lost at sea (no pun intended), when it come to these blue babies.

Well folks, let’s just say that this event went over so well that the Sunday departure brunch that had been anticipated by everyone, especially the Groom- - a true southern gentleman that loves his shrimp and grits; had to be altered a wee bit to accommodate the new guests of honor, you guessed it…CRABS.

All in all it was a loud of fun. The lesson here…. Don’t worry if your weekend wedding ideas are not those of tea and sandwiches for the ladies or golf and cigars for the men. Do what comes naturally.

1. If basketball or flag football is a shared favorite, have a family tournament
2. Wine tasting during brunch, Rum sampling during a dinner
3. Gather everyone on Friday evening for a quick Salsa lesson

What ever your fancy, don’t count Baltimore out yet.

WEDDING GUEST ETIQUETTE

Many of us (Wedding Planners) spend our progress meetings advising the lucky couple and their parents on the proper etiquette to coincide with the formality of the event. After a number of weddings this spring and summer, it finally occurred to me, "The Guests need a little advice of their own".

A Matter of Time

Ladies & Gentlemen~ Regardless of knowledge you may have gained via word of mouth and or what your past experience has been... Don't assume that all weddings are going to begin late. I don't know how many times, in the past three-four months, I've heard, "They're done already?" or "I went through all this for nothing!" Uh, here's a word to the wise----BE ON TIME. The time that appears on your invite has been selected by the couple and confirmed by various vendors. The couple has based all of that day's pre & post events around the time that is engraved on the invitation. A delay in the ceremony can cause a potential domino effect with other wedding events, thus costing hundreds of extra dollars needed to compensate service providers for extending contracts.

Follow The Leader

After speaking with several of my colleagues around the Baltimore area it also became clear that we all have, at one point or another, been asked by a tardy guest, "Why can't we sit in the front, I see a place to sit right there?” Please don't become angry with the Hostess, Usher and or Wedding Professional because you are informed that you may not sit in the very front; guests are seated as they arrive and so goes the old saying, "The early bird gets the worm". Everyone in attendance should be seated prior to the processional. Should circumstances arise that cause you to arrive late and you just happen to get lucky finding someone that will let you quietly enter the rear of the site or the balcony, grasp the opportunity and enjoy what's left of the ceremony. Do not walk pass the person at the door and take the seat that you feel you are entitled to.

R.S.V.P. ~ Pleeease!

Everyone loves a lazy weekend afternoon. You arrive home from running the morning's errands, church or maybe you've decided to sleep in on this particular day; whatever it is that you choose to do, you would normally have an idea of the movie(s) in which you'll view, snacks that you would want to eat and what time you will decide to turn the ring volume back up on the telephone. You settle into your leisure day of relaxation and get that un-expected knock at the door. While we all love of family members and value our friends, don't you just detest when that happens? Now, you may say, "I would not answer my door or telephone" but at a wedding ceremony and reception, one cannot bar the entrance into the room.
R.S.V.P. is not just fancy letters that appear on correspondences because we enjoy making life difficult for guests. Those very important letters are there to ensure that everyone is accounted for---- a place to sit and a meal & beverages to enjoy. Don't take for granted that because you are a relative of the Bride or Groom, they were guests at your wedding or because they sent an invitation so they must know that you're going to attend. When the couple begins to combine and total their lists, they are not going to sit and search for those near and dear that are sure to attended but did not return the response card. Now as much as the couple would love to include you and your guest in the celebration, if you did not return the card or at least place a telephone call, then it is assumed that you are declining the invite.

Make it easier on everyone involved- return the card, get decked out and let's all have a good time.