WHISKER KISSES DESIGNS

Guest Attire

2/6/2024

When going through the invitation process with clients, In our consultation we chat about the The Who, What, When, Where, Why type of questions. Then I send a questionnaire with more specific details, and this is what I use to put together the proper wording for the invitation, response card and any additional cards. One of the topics in both of these is Attire!

It’s OKAY to put the attire on a wedding invitation! Trust me, your guests will appreciate it. They want to know that when they’re getting ready for your wedding that they aren’t going to be over or under dressed for your big day. They’ll know ahead of time and can plan accordingly and can be comfortable with their choice.
So today I figured I would explain the different types of attire that can be listed on a wedding invitation so there is no guessing game when you’re trying to figure out what you want to tell your guests.

Casual Attire
Casual attire is just that, casual. Guests can dress informally, often suggesting dressy casual attire such as slacks and a button-down shirt for men, and a sundress or nice blouse with slacks or a skirt for women.

Semi-Formal / Cocktail Attire
\This is probably the most common type of attire.Men are expected to wear suits or sport coats and ties, while women usually wear cocktail dresses or elegant separates.

Formal or Black Tie Optional
This attire is a more formal style, but not necessarily a full black-tie wedding. While formal attire is suggested, guests have the option to wear a tuxedo or a dark suit for men and a formal gown or cocktail dress for women.

Black Tie
This would be considered the most formal style of wedding attire. Guests are expected to wear formal evening attire, typically including tuxedos for men and elegant evening gowns for women.

There are a few other styles that would be appropriate for specific occasions. Such as a Destination/Beach Wedding, or a Cultural Wedding with specific cultural traditions.

Beach Attire / Tropical Casual
Common for destination weddings, guests are encouraged to wear light, breezy clothing suitable for a beach or tropical setting, such as linen shirts and sundresses.

Traditional Cultural Attire
In weddings that celebrate cultural traditions, guests may be encouraged or required to wear specific traditional clothing.

Theme Attire
If the wedding has a specific theme, such as a costume party or a period theme, the invitation may indicate appropriate attire related to the theme. (White party anyone?)

With all of these, it is also nice to let guests know if it is an outdoor wedding so they can dress accordingly as well.

I hope this has helped answer some questions about wedding attire for you!

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How to Politely Ask for Cash Instead of Physical Gifts

1/10/2024

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Asking for cash instead of wedding gifts can be a delicate matter, as it may go against traditional wedding etiquette in some cultures. However, it's becoming increasingly common for couples to prefer cash gifts for various reasons, such as funding their honeymoon, saving for a down payment on a house, or covering wedding expenses. Here's a guide on how to politely communicate this preference to your guests:

Use Clear and Tactful Language: Frame your request in a polite and gracious manner. You can include phrases such as:
- "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. However, if you wish to honor us with a gift, we would be grateful for a contribution towards [insert purpose, e.g., honeymoon fund, home renovation, etc.]."
- "In lieu of traditional wedding gifts, we kindly request your support in helping us start our life together. Monetary gifts would be greatly appreciated."
Explain the Reasoning: Providing a brief explanation for why you prefer cash gifts can help guests understand your request better. For example:
- "As we are planning to move to a new home shortly after our wedding, contributions towards our savings fund would be immensely helpful in making this transition smoother."
- "We are excited to embark on our honeymoon adventure and would be grateful for any contributions towards making it an unforgettable experience."
Offer Alternatives: Some guests may prefer to give physical gifts, so it's considerate to offer alternatives. You can include phrases like:
- "While monetary gifts are appreciated, please know that your presence at our celebration is what truly matters. If you prefer to give a physical gift, we have registered at [insert registry information]."
- "Your love and support mean the world to us. If you would like to contribute in a different way, we have a small registry available at [insert registry information]."
Communicate through the Wedding Invitation: Avoid directly mentioning gifts on the wedding invitation itself, as it's considered poor etiquette. Instead, include a separate enclosure card with your invitation that conveys your preference for cash gifts tactfully.
Utilize Online Platforms: If you have a wedding website, you can include more detailed information about your gift preferences there. Make sure the website is accessible to all guests, and include a link or QR code to it on your invitation.

Remember that while it's acceptable to express your preference for cash gifts, it's essential to do so with tact and consideration for your guests' feelings. Some may still choose to give physical gifts, and it's important to appreciate and thank them graciously regardless of their choice.

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10 Special Ways To Honor Your Grandparents at Your Wedding

9/8/2023

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Honoring grandparents at your wedding is a beautiful way to recognize their importance in your life and make them feel cherished on your special day. Here are some special ways to do just that:

Reserved Seating Designate a special section or rows of seats near the front for your grandparents. Place reserved signs with their names to ensure they have prime seats to witness the ceremony.
Family Heirlooms: Incorporate family heirlooms, such as jewelry, handkerchiefs, or a piece of clothing, into your wedding attire or bouquet. This can be a touching tribute to your family's history and heritage.
Memory Table: Set up a memory table at the entrance or reception area with photos and mementos of your grandparents who are no longer with you. This allows their memory to be present on your special day.
Special Dances: Dedicate a special dance to your grandparents during the reception. You can have a father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, and a grandparent-grandchild dance to honor them.
Personalized Gifts: Give your grandparents personalized gifts, such as custom photo frames, engraved jewelry, or a heartfelt letter, expressing your gratitude and love.
Include Them in the Ceremony: This is my faveorite! Involve your grandparents in the ceremony itself. They could do a reading, light a unity candle, or share a special blessing or prayer. Need a ring bearer, or flower girl? Grandparents are just the cutest doing these roles!
Escort Down the Aisle: If your grandparents are physically able, consider having them escort you down the aisle or be part of your processional. It's a touching way to involve them in the ceremony.
Acknowledgment in the Program: Include a special section in your wedding program that acknowledges and thanks your grandparents for their presence and love. (Have you seen our customized programs? We can add grandparents characters as well!
Bouquet Dedication: After the ceremony, present your bouquet to your grandmother as a symbol of passing on love and tradition.
Table Settings: Consider naming your reception tables after your grandparents or incorporating their names into the table settings or centerpieces.

Remember that the specific gestures you choose to honor your grandparents should reflect your relationship with them and their preferences. It's about celebrating their presence and love on your wedding day in a way that feels meaningful to all of you.

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Most Common Wedding Invitation Grammar Mistakes

8/16/2023

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I always cringe when I see a word being improperly used on an important document or something that represents a special celebration, such as a wedding. Don’t get me wrong, I am not the grammar police (Im sure some of you could rip apart some of my emails!) But I figured today I would go through some of the common mistakes I see when it comes to the wording of wedding invitations and stationery.

Stationery vs. Stationary
I know the word stationery will not be printed on any of your wedding stationery, but this is one of the most commonly misspelled words in the wedding industry. I do see this mistake made A LOT (and way to often its from other vendors!) When referencing save the dates, invitations, or any printed paper pieces, always use stationery with an "e." An easy way to remember this? E is for envelope, and wedding stationery goes inside beautiful envelopes!

Complimentary vs. Complementary
"Complimentary" and "complementary" are two words that are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation, but they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. "Complimentary" is an adjective that describes something given for free, as a courtesy, or as a form of praise. It implies a favorable or positive gesture. This is used to describe a room block: A complimentary block of rooms has been reserved at Four Seasons. *please also note here - you should use "has" instead of "have" since you are referencing a single block of rooms, not the multiple hotel rooms. "Complementary" is also an adjective, but it refers to things that go well together. It denotes a relationship of harmony or balance. An example of this would be: The bridesmaids dresses do not all perfectly match, their color palettes and design details are complementary.

Honor vs. Honour and Favor vs. Favour
When it comes to wedding invitations, the choice between using American English or British English spellings (such as "honor" vs. "honour" and "favor" vs. "favour") largely depends on the style and formality of the wedding, as well as personal preferences. Using the British spelling, honour and favour, can be considered more formal and this is more appropriate for weddings where the ceremony will be taking place in a place of worship. Regardless of which spelling you use, it is important to be consistent in your spelling choice throughout your invitation suite!

Rehearsal
Another common misspelling is the word Rehearsal.  Make sure to include two "a's" in the word rehearsal. Often times without the help of spellcheck it can be easy to spell the word with only one "a" - as rehersal. However, that is incorrect!

Aisle vs. Isle
Although the word aisle likely will not be on your formal invitation suite, you might use this word on your program! When referencing the narrow walkway you will be walking down, always use the spelling with an "a" - aisle. The word isle refers to a small island. So, you could have an aisle on an isle if you are having a destination wedding!

"And" in a Wedding Date
This is a common mistake that is easy to avoid - Never include the word "and" in the wedding year. I have seen "and" snuck in between "Two Thousand" AND "Twenty Three" - and it simply is not necessary nor is it correct grammar.

Accommodations
This is a very commonly misspelled word, and even I misspelled it more times than id like to admit when I entered the wedding stationery world! Accommodations has two "c's" and two "m's" - make sure this is spelled correctly on your accommodations cards!

These are a handful of the common spelling and grammar mistakes myself and my wedding industry friends have come across throughout our years in the business.

If you are ready to begin your custom wedding stationery design process with me, I would love to hear more about you, your soulmate, and your wedding! Book your free consultation today! Not near the Millbury, MA area? No problem - I can also do Zoom upon request!

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You’re Engaged! Now what???

8/9/2023

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First things first, Congratulations on your engagement! The journey ahead is an exciting and memorable one. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this special time:

Celebrate and Announce to Loved ones
Take some time to celebrate this wonderful milestone with your partner, friends, and family. Plan an engagement party or a simple gathering to share your joy.

Discuss a Vision
Discuss your vision for the wedding with your partner. This includes details like the atmosphere, colors, and overall vibe. Deciding on an overall theme or style you want for your wedding will help guide your choices for decor, attire, and other elements

Figure out a Budget (Probably the most important step!)
Determine your budget for the wedding. This will influence many of your decisions moving forward, so it's important to establish a realistic budget early on. Deciding on the total amount you're comfortable spending on your wedding will be the foundation of your budget and will guide all your spending decisions. Having an honest conversation about your finances - Discuss your current savings, income, and any contributions from family members.

Creating a Guest List
Start creating a preliminary guest list. This will help you estimate the size of your wedding and select an appropriate venue. Your guest count will significantly impact your budget. (But you did step 3, so you know right ;) More guests mean higher costs, etc. etc.

Choose a Venue and Pick a Date
These two go hand in hand. Research and visit potential wedding venues. Consider the size, style, location, and availability of the venues you're interested in based on everything you have discussed from steps 2-4!

Do you want to hire a wedding planner?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you might consider hiring a wedding planner to help with the details and logistics. Obviously this is optional, depending on the room in your budget. Many planners do have different packages or service - full planning from engagement to wedding day, or just help on the day of. Its worth some research!

Hire a Stationer!
I may be a bit biased but stationery is the FUN part of planning! Hiring a stationer can really set the tone for your wedding. These pieces are the first thing your guests will see for your big day and are also pieces you will treasure forever. As a stationer, I can help you from Save the Dates, Invitations, and Day of Needs and complete a cohesive look and feel with your love story in mind

Let's talk stationery! Book a Consultation

I hope this list has helped - but most importantly - Enjoy the Process!
Wedding planning is a journey to be enjoyed. Don't let stress overshadow the excitement of this special time in your life. Remember, every couple is unique, and your wedding planning journey may vary. Take your time, communicate openly with your partner, and make decisions that reflect your personalities and preferences. Congratulations again, and I hope to hear all about your wedding and chat stationery!

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Booking All Seasons for 2024 and 2025 (and beyond!)

Guest Attire

How to Politely Ask for Cash Instead of Physical Gifts

10 Special Ways To Honor Your Grandparents at Your Wedding

Most Common Wedding Invitation Grammar Mistakes

You’re Engaged! Now what???

First things first, Congratulations on your engagement! The journey ahead is an exciting and memorable one. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this special time:

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