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Traditional wedding showers have outdated, stale rules that don’t really apply to modern showers. But with all the changes, how can one be certain their wedding shower etiquette is up to speed? This series of articles will outline the essentials of proper wedding shower etiquette for the:

Topic 1: INVITATIONS & GUESTLIST

Host/Hostess(es):

Typically, it is the maid or matron of honor’s responsibility to throw the wedding shower. However, sometimes it is hosted by another member of the wedding party. If you are the maid/matron of honor and no one else is already planning on throwing a shower, you probably need to step up!

If you are having a bridal shower for females only, it is typical to invite the bridesmaids, the bride’s close girlfriends, and any female relatives that are close to the bride and/or groom. If you are having a couple’s shower, you should invite the entire wedding party, close friends and family. (Even those who probably will not be able to attend should get an invitation.) Most of the time, children are not invited to the shower but can be. If it is a concern, address it on the invitation by letting guests know whether or not children are welcome.

On your invitations, be sure to list the following information:

• Bride’s (and Groom’s if it is a couple’s shower) Full Name(s)
• Date of the shower
• Time of the shower
• Location of the shower (Include directions if it is hard to find.)
• RSVP information (name, phone number, and date to RSVP by)

Optional information:

• If it is a surprise shower, be sure to say so on the invitations. You wouldn’t want a guest to spoil the surprise!
• Registry information
• Host’s or Hostess’s Name(s)

Invitations should be sent out at least 4 weeks before the shower, and the RSVP date should be between 1-2 weeks before the shower.

Guests:

If you have been invited to a wedding shower, make sure that you RSVP by the date on the invitations whether or not you are going but ESPECIALLY if you are going. The host/hostess will only plan for enough favors, food, etc. for those who say they will attend.

If this is a surprise shower, remember to keep it a secret, even if you aren’t going!

Bride and/or Groom:

When it comes to planning the wedding shower, the bride and groom are pretty much responsibility-free. The only thing they need to help with is the guestlist. Make sure your host/hostess knows who you want invited (and maybe more importantly who you DON’T want invited)! You will also need to provide the contact information for those you want to invite.

If we left something out or if you have more questions about wedding shower etiquette for invitations and guestlist, ASK OUR ULTIMATE BRIDE!

I have gotten some “Ask Tinka” emails about throwing a wedding as little as $1000 so I decided to respond with an idea I have.  Afterall, everyone deserves to celebrate their wedding– even those who don’t have $15,000 to spend!

If I were getting married with a small budget and wanted to have a simple wedding day with only close family and friends, this is what I would do: I would have the wedding and reception at my home or the home of a close relative or friend. It’s cozy and best of all, FREE! I would wear a simple white sundress and have my groom wear something casual like khakis and a white shirt. Then, instead of a traditional buffet or sit-down dinner, I’d serve coffee, hot chocolate, and cake! Get your favorite songs together to play on your stereo and have a designated area for dancing. Keep the reception short– about an hour or two and maybe serve wine and beer.

That sounds just delightful to me

Milledgeville Limousine Service, Inc. was founded in 2008 to provide the people of Milledgeville and surrounding areas with a convenient, safe, stylish, and affordable alternative to celebrate many of life’s special occasions. The owner/operator, Tracy Daugherty, a retired educator, taught in various colleges throughout the South for nearly 40 years.

Milledgeville Limousine Service, Inc. offers a full array of customer directed charters. Our goal is to provide our customers with safe, convenient, and affordable transportation. And for a nominal extra charge, we can stock the limousine with ice, water, your choice of beverages, newspapers, or whatever else you would like to take on your journey. Below is a sampling of how our customers may want to use our service:

• Dining out
• Shopping
• Retirement parties
• Weddings
• Funerals
• Anniversaries
• Special lunches
• Girls’ nights out
• Boys’ nights out
• Proms
• Birthday parties
• Valentine’s Day
• Tailgate parties to Athens
• Atlanta/Macon sporting events
• Airport transport to Atlanta/Athens/and Macon
• Transport to and from Grooms in Macon  

1. Gratuity! Gratuity is usually added to the final bill for your caterer. However, it is also polite to tip waiters/waitresses, bartenders, church musicians, and any others who you think deserve it.
2. Taxes! Don’t forget to include taxes in your budget for the dress and tux, flowers, food, and beverages. You may think you are paying $20 per person and end up paying over $25!
3. Overtime! Many wedding vendors such as photographers and DJs charge overtime fees. You never know until the day of your wedding how long you are going to need them so make sure to work this out BEFORE your big day!
4. Food for your wedding vendors! Don’t forget to feed your wedding vendors! Your photographer, videographer, DJ, etc. will probably be at your wedding for more than 6 hours. Unless you want them to leave to get dinner, make sure you have a meal for each of them.
5. Postage! Some invitations can cost up to $2 for postage. If you are sending out 100 invitations, that adds up to $200. Make sure to leave some room in your budget for stamps.

And they are having a sale… buy 3 shirts, get the 4th free. Also, free shipping for orders over $50.

They have original and hip designs that any bride-to-be would love!

Our top 5 designs:
- Just Hitched (complete w/ cowgirl boots)
- Bridezilla ROAR!
- Homegirl of the Bride
- Groom- Under New Management
- Team Bride

Leave a comment, and let us know.

BM= bridesmaid or best man
MOH= maid/matron of honor
GM= groomsmen
FH= future husband
FW= future wife
FG= flower girl
RB= ring bearer
MOB= mother of the bride
MOG= mother of the groom
FOB= father of the bride
FOG= father of the groom

Any others?

Dear Heather,
I am always all for doing whatever is going to make you and your fiance happy on your wedding day. However, you should always show your guests respect. In other words, do what makes you happy without horribly offending your family. I would suggest completely eliminating liquor. You can serve champagne with the toasts and then maybe offer beer and wine. Also offer cider or something similar to those who do not wish to drink. This way, those who want to drink will (in moderation) and those that are against drinking don’t have to.

COLORS

ATTIRE: A mermaid gown with a chapel train. A short bubble veil will compliment the look perfectly.

LOCATION: A glamorous indoor setting such as a ballroom. Don’t forget your red carpet!

CAKE: Couture wedding cake. A classy, couture cake with red and/or gold accents.

MENU: A sit-down dinner with only the finest foods. Serve steak and/or lobster, and don’t forget the wine!

OTHER IDEAS:
- Don’t forget your red carpet!
- Leave your reception VIP-style in a stretch limo!
- Place disposable cameras on each table and let your guests know they are your paparrazzi!
- Don’t forget to hire a videographer!

Budget: $10,000
Ceremony venue: $300
Reception venue: $800
Officiant: $100
Florist: $700
Caterer/Food: $1500
DJ: $800
Wedding dress & alterations: $700
Suit/Tux: 150
Bride & Groom Accessories: $400
Cake: $200
Photographer: $1000
Videographer: $600
Invitations/Announcements: $300
Favors: $150
Hair, Make-up, etc: $100
Transporation: $200
Rings: $800
Wedding party gifts: $200
Marriage license (depends on state): about $50
Alcohol: $500
Other costs (decorations, ceremony accessories, etc): $450