Etiquette: The RSVP

While I would love to direct this post to all of the horrible guests that wait until the last minute to reply or (gasp) never do reply, there are a few things that make this a two sided street. Yes it is awful for guests to skip the RSVP, but they way you go about collecting the missing ones says a lot about you as well. 

As a guest to an event, try to remember that it is an honor to be invited and to get a night out on someone else's dime. The most courteous thing to do is to reply on a timely manner and to bring a hostess gift or gift for the appropriate party (i.e. wedding couple, birthday person, etc). 

If an RSVP card is not included, the first thing to do is to write a short note and mail it. If not available, call them personally and thank them for the invitation and state your ability to attend or not. 

As a host, try to always give the benefit of the doubt. Their invitation could have been lost in the mail, a spouse received it and forgot to notify the other, it was accidentally thrown out... and so on. Your first attempt to see if they are coming should always be a phone call. Not an email, a Facebook mass message, or a text. A phone call, and a phone call from YOU. 

Simply inquire if they have received your invitation and if they will be able to attend. Never mention anything about their lateness, your growing guest list, or your budget. This might sound obvious but with the growing number of missing RSVPs it is easy to get annoyed and blame the tight budget and too large of crowd for your harshness. This only makes your guest feel less invited and uncomfortable with bothering you by coming. You want them there! 

If you can't reach them by phone after attempting at least twice, email is acceptable, but only to them directly, not as a mass message. Graciously explain that for catering and seating arrangement purposes it would be wonderful to know a final guest count and that you hope they can be a part of the day. 

hint hint... The more fun your RSVP card is the more guests will use it. Just sayin'. 

Etiquette: Wedding Party Cuts and Keeps

We've all been there... waiting on pins and needles after a friend gets engaged to hear the much anticipated question, "Will you be my bridesmaid?"

In today's bridezilla filled, recession trodden, manners missing world - there are a lot of feelings hurt and lines crossed when making the wedding party cuts. 

Don't fret sweet bride! We are here to help you along the way so that your wedding party will be a little less drama and a lot more love! We've lined up a few guidelines to follow in choosing your best babes. 

1. First things first, you can't cut family. You just can't. I don't care if you have 103 sisters, you now have 103+ bridesmaids. Also, if you are asking your groom to put your brothers in the wedding, you better expect to make room for his sister you never talk to. Just talk about it for crying out loud! Family is around forever and friends come and go, so if you want to keep anyone happy... you catch my drift. 

2. Determine a number you both think is appropriate and try to stick to it. To have mismatching sides is SO not a big deal unless it is obvious and sad. Don't ask your entire sorority when your guy only has two bffs he's known for years. 

3. If you have to split a group of friends into a smaller one to accommodate your number, don't go all high and mighty on everyone. The last thing anyone wants to hear is "It's my wedding so I can do what I want!" However true that may be, even the lucky ones that made the cut don't want to hear it. BE GRACIOUS. Gently tell the ones that might be offended by your decisions in private, and perhaps ask them to be a part of the wedding in another way. There are PLENTY of details to take care of that will make others feel inside the loop and a part of everything. 

Overall, when deciding who you want to hold your dress up while you pee, talk you back out of a momentary cold feet spat, or sip mimosas while getting your hair done - make sure it is the friends that really matter. A wedding party can make or break your big day. If you choose right, they'll make sure it is the best day of your life. But if you choose poorly they could spend the whole night in the parking lot with the keg they brought. :)

It's gettin' personal over here!!

One of my favorite photos - my mom snapped this of my bestie and I on her wedding day right before they made their grand exit. Obvs she was a bridesmaid in my wedding too :) 

Hope you all enjoy the wedding party wonderfulness this week! Stay tuned for more wedding etiquette posts :) 

XOXO, Abby

Etiquette: Guest Dress Code

When attending an event or wedding there is always the question of... "WHY!... WHAT ON EARTH MIGHT I WEAR!?"

Okay, maybe it is a little less dramatic.

The truth is, the attire you choose says a lot about how you view the event you are attending. No one wants a guest to come to their fancy party wearing jeans. For goodness sakes, this took some time and effort to plan! So next time you step out, think about what your wardrobe is saying to your host. The only thing better than a humble hostess, is a gracious guest. 

We have put together some fashionable favorites that you are sure to love and that are sure to not only say, "Thank you ever so much for the invitation dahhhling" but, "I know... I look FAB!" 

Black Tie Affair:

Above: This STUNNING belted, floral silk number is a jaw dropper. 

Below: Horizontal stripes at the waist bring in the midsection creating a beautiful shape. This dress could be worn by anyone at any age! 

This flowing beaded gown is formal yet fun. Thin straps attach to a blouson bodice and a nude color scheme sets a very modern tone. Make it spunky with a bold shoe, or classic with swept back up-do. 

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Evening Wedding:

Above: This coral color is taking the world by storm. Wearing this "poppy" version is sure to turn some heads and make a few bridesmaids jealous :) 

Below: This hot little Kate Spade number is ADORABLE and totally okay in white considering it has such a bold black print. We love it paired with a hot pink pump or a big sparkly earring. 

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These jewel toned lace and sheer cocktail dresses are perfect for an evening wedding. They are elegant and appropriate, while not being boring. 

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This neon high-low dress is so modern and minimalist right now. You can glam it up with accessories to make even more of a statement. 

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Morning or Early Afternoon Wedding:

The sweet mint color of this pleated dress makes it great for a daytime wedding or event. Very classy, but very on trend. 

A soft flowing jersey gives this dress a more casual feel. Cobalt blue keeps it in the running for "best dressed guest" and the comfort factor is out of this world. 

A flirty frock with lace trim. Perfect for sipping mimosas with the best man :) 

Etiquette: The Host/Hostess Gift

To throw a party these days is not something that most people just throw together. It takes quite a bit of work. There is planning a date and setting a schedule, ordering, addressing, and sending invitations, managing the guest list and tracking down all those that don't RSVP (don't get me started on that one), and then planning, decorating, cleaning, and throwing the party itself! 

For someone to reserve a night out of their busy schedule and invite you to be a guest while they show you a good time is a very generous and thoughtful thing for a someone to do! With that being said, it is pretty much required for you to be THANKFUL. This in no way means that you have to bring a lavish and expensive gift to every single thing you are invited to, but it does suggest that if you are going to an event organized by someone else and designed for you to enjoy you might consider bringing a token of your gratitude. 

I recently made some very EASY and affordable goodies for a family get together that I thought could be used for a variety of events as hostess gifts.

These chocolate covered pretzels were a breeze to make and since it was for a holiday gathering I coated mine in crushed candy cane and red sprinkles. Throw a dozen or so of these in a cellophane gift sack and tie with a pretty ribbon... VOILA! 

These homemade crackers are way more doable than I thought they would be and the flavors are ENDLESS! I made rosemary lemon, spicy cheddar, and Italian parmesan. Thrown in a basket with some tissue paper and they were out the door! 

There are so many easy and inexpensive ways to get a gift together these days. Hello we have pinterest!! So when attending your holiday parties this season don't forget to be a grateful guest! 

Do you have a go to hostess gift that you like to give? What are some etiquette tips you have for party guests?