Gift Registries

Despite the fact that gift registries have been around for nearly a century, there are still couples who resist using them and feel awkward about signing up with their "wish list".  They feel like they are begging for gifts and are embarrassed to do so.  But know this - gift registries are a blessing to both the couple AND THEIR GUESTS.  Guests would prefer to give gifts that they know the couple want and will prize.  They are going to give a gift but would much rather give something sought after.  Help them out and register.Here are some guidelines to help make the registry lists helpful to both you and your guests.

·         Take a look at the guest list and make sure the items for which you are planning to register offer a wide price range.  If many of your friends are in university or just graduated, they may have student loans to pay off and can't afford expensive gifts.  Make sure your gift registry has moderately priced  items on it.

·         Put gift cards on the list.   At one time people felt funny about gift cards, but they are totally acceptable.  They are an easy last minute grab for guests who don't plan ahead and are a lovely bit of spendable "cash" for an item you wanted but didn't put on your gift registry.

·         Provide in-store and online options.  The online options are perfect for out of town guests and relatives.  However, remember that there are people who like to lift and touch the items they plan to buy for you.  For them, a bricks and mortar store is a must.

·         Ask only for items you really want.  Some wedding planners will say it's ok to include items that you don't particularly want because you can always return them.  Try to avoid that.  It can be a hassle to return things and you can end up having to explain to your favorite aunt why the lamp she purchased for you isn't on the end table as she envisioned it.  Spend time up front and make good choices the first time.

·         Consider adding a few personal items to the list.  The bride can add a few things she personally wants and so can the groom.  The items don't need to all be useful around the house.

·         Be gracious no matter what the gift is.  You must thank every person for every gift whether you like the item or not and whether it was on your registry or not.  People give you gifts because they care for and about you and want to share in your celebration.  They need to know how important their gift was to you.

Call 868 628-9333 or email  mwilt@triniweddings.com for more ideas and answers to questions.

Shower Themes

Showers on one's wedding day are supposed to bring the couple good luck but convincing a bride of that is difficult!  A bride would rather have sunshine and pleasant weather.  However, the other kind of shower that is part of the wedding tradition is welcome.

Wedding showers are gift-giving parties held for couples about to get married.  According to experts, the custom began in the 19th century and is primarily celebrated in North America and Australia.  Guests traditionally "shower" the bride-to-be with the items she will need to set up her new home.

And while the traditional shower is still a main focus, versions have erupted and become popular.  According to TheKnot.com there are some key trends in modern bridal showers beyond the traditional "women only" ones.

·         Couples showers - are increasing in popularity.  The guests are a mixed audience of female and male friends and relatives.  While gifts are still the main focus of the event, they are varied and include "guy stuff" in the mix of household gifts.  The shower is a party for good friends.

·         Power showers - are events that focus on the groom-to-be who is showered with a wide range of gadgets and power tools to stock the garage.  These  parties are guy focused and tend to be golf outings, poker nights or action movie themes.

·         Destination/activity showers - move out of someone's living room or the party room at a local restaurant and into a special spot or activity.  Some ideas include a spa day, horseback riding, or a day at a baseball game.  Because these types of showers can be expensive to host, the guest list is usually limited to the bride's closest friends.

·         Bride-involved showers.  This is tricky ground.  Some brides would like to be involved in planning their showers, rather than be surprised by the whole event.  However, "being involved in" is not the same as commandeering the whole event for yourself.  Traditionally, the shower is given by a friend or relative - not by the bride's mother or close relative.

·         Post wedding event -It is customary for the showers to be given prior to the wedding itself.  But with guests and couples spread across the country, some showers are  held after the wedding itself.

Call 868 628 9333 or email  mwilt@triniweddings.com   for more ideas and answers to questions.

How to carry Bridal Bouquets

 

To feel confident and self-assured, your brides will want to make sure they are holding and carrying the bouquet appropriately. Not every bouquet is carried the same way. Typically, the type of bouquet and features of the gown will determine the way the bouquet should be carried.

The most popular round, heart, cascade, and crescent bouquets are normally held and carried in front. These types of bouquets should be low enough to reveal the details on the neckline and bodice of the gown and are held with both hands as if arms are resting on the hips. The tendency to bring the bouquet up to the waist is natural; however it hides the details of the gown.

Small, lightweight and delicate bouquets, such as nosegays, clutch bouquets or single blossoms, can be carried to the side with one hand and are generally held at the same level as a bouquet held in front. If the nosegay is mounted in an elaborate or family heirloom tussy mussy (a small, Victorian style, metal or glass, cone-shaped holder), proudly display it by holding and carrying the bouquet in the front instead of the side. If a tussy mussy holder is chosen for the, there is generally only enough room to hold it securely with one hand. For proper positioning, carry the tussy mussy upwards in the hand with the forearm bent slightly so it is horizontal (parallel to the floor) while the elbow rests comfortably on the hip.

Floral pomanders (bloom-covered balls or cones suspended from a ribbon) can be carried to the side in the same manner as a nosegay or in front in the same manner as a round bouquet. Typically, adult attendants carry pomanders to the side with one hand while children carry them in the front with both hands. Arm bouquets which are long floral stems should rest naturally and comfortably across the inner bend of the elbow so that the bouquet is cradled in the arms with the blossom end of the flowers facing away from the body. This holding and carrying technique is not only comfortable, but it also allows guests on one side to see the open blossoms as you walk down the aisle and guests on the other side to see the open blossoms as you walk back up the aisle. Specialty bouquets such as fans, baskets, and prayer books should be carried according to their size and proportion. Smaller specialty bouquets can be carried



to either your front or side, while larger baskets should be carried down and to the side.

Whatever style is chosen, it's always best to hold and carry the bouquet in the most appropriate and natural way. You will want your bride to look regal and confident as she walks down the aisle, and this will ensure that all photographs capture her holding the bouquet comfortably without raising it too high and covering portions of the neck, face, or the exquisite details of the gown

Handling Your Destination Wedding

 

These days more and more couples are choosing to combine weddings and vacation celebrations, and it brings more issues to handle than is realized.

 For couples thinking of this option, the following advice refers:

·         Decide on your guest list which will likely be small.

·         Research your chosen destination to see if it will work for you.

·         Ask about length of residency required before you can marry there.

·         If at all possible, visit the location before you make your decision.

·         Once decided, book as early as possible and hire a local wedding planner to handle the legwork for you.  Your TriniWeddings  Planner is certified and can provide invaluable assisstance to  brides in coordinating their weddings anywhere in the Caribbean. Your TriniWeddings Planner will be your eyes, ears and spokesperson as you create plans via long distance.

·         Be aware that other cultures may not always reply as promptly as you might expect.

·         Be aware that other cultures may not always have written contracts.

·         Learn about any restrictions or requirements that may exist for ceremonies and receptions.

·         Be aware of any dress requirements for the wedding couple and/or their attendants.

·         Be prepared to pay extra to bring your wedding dress and the groom’s wear on board your flight.

Once you have made your decision, resolve to be flexible and relaxed about the outcome.  TriniWeddings will make sure that it will all work out!

For more advice and information about your destination wedding, call TriniWeddings at 868 628 (WEDD) or email  info@triniweddings.com

Some ideas for a successful wedding

·         It sounds like a no brainer, but one of the most important elements of your day is the timeline.  You don’t want to end up paying your vendors overtime charges  or keep your guests waiting because  some element of your wedding  ran late.  Staying as close to the timeline as possible is the key to throwing a successful event.

 

·         Instead of decking your space out in crazy centerpieces and crystals, focus your energy and money on things like creative entertainment elements.  One couple we worked with brought in an artist to paint the party scene.  Another hired a caricaturist and guests took home custom portraits at the end of the night. Yet another had a photo booth where guests were  provided with two pictures. One was a keepsake and the guests were able to paste the other picture in the guest book and write their greeting underneath.  Then again there is the Ad Lib where guests are guided to write fun things about the couple. These kinds of activities really make the experience special for everyone.  They also minimize the waiting time while photographs are taken.

 

 

·         While edible and charitable favors are popular, every now and then we see a very specific favor that works great with a fun story or background.  For instance, there was a couple who met on an airplane and gave luggage tags as favors.  If they’re relevant, small keepsakes can be charming favors.

 

·         As your most photographed accessory, your bouquet should harmonize with your gown.  Different dress styles and fabrics set the tone for wedding flowers.  Think:  delicate florals like peonies or lisianthus for a soft lace gown, and architectural blooms like calla lilies or orchids for a modern dress.

 

·         Choose arrangements that look like they belong in your venue.  Small loose clusters of colorful wild flowers would look out of place in a formal ballroom, while glamorous groupings of all white orchids with crystals would not seem right in a rustic setting.

For more ideas feel free to  arrange a Conultation  with TriniWeddings . Call us at 868 628-9333 or email mwilt@triniweddings.com

Portraits and Pictures

Looking back at the Fall/Winter 2012 edition of the knot.com I noticed that they did a good job of suggesting new ideas for photo ops at weddings.  I am including some of their ideas as well as suggestions from other  wedding planners. 

Wedding photos are THE lasting memory of your special day.  It is so important to making sure that the photographer captures the essence and spirit of the day.  You may wish to review some of these ideas with your photographer prior to the wedding.

·         Though you may not like standing for posed portraits at your wedding, don’t make the mistake of skipping them.  This is a special day that will only happen once.  Everyone is together looking their best.  Even if you think you don’t want them, you’ll be glad to have them after the wedding is over.  You can pare down to five must-take portraits:  the bride and groom together, the entire wedding party, the bride and groom with their parents, the couple with the bride’s immediate family and the couple with the groom’s immediate family.” (theknot.com)

·         Consider photos of the groom and his groomsmen getting ready.  The focus of the pre-wedding pictures  does not have to be on every hairbrush and roller in the bride’s room.

·         If you don’t mind having the groom see you before you walk down the aisle, consider “staging” a “first look” photo on a stair case, in a garden or courtyard.  The point is to capture his reaction to the first time he sees you in your gown.  This can be a special shot especially if you won’t have time between the ceremony and reception for many formal pictures.

·         Consider having the photographer capture the look on the faces of family members as they see you walk down the aisle.  You may not even have noticed those reactions in the rush of the moment but will enjoy them later.

·         Ask the photographer to seek out an unusual vantage point for shooting photos of the ceremony.  Request the same for the reception.  A wide angle shot of the reception area filled with guests will be a wonderful reminder of the entire day.

·         Think of your wedding as a “time capsule capturing the context in which your wedding takes place” (theknot.com).  In fifty years, your grandchildren will enjoy looking at the photos.

While wonderful wacky informal shots from your reception may be recorded on the disposable cameras you have left at every table, you will want pictures from a professional photographer who knows how important they are as a record of your incredible day.  Hire the best you can afford.  They are worth it! Check us at Triniweddings for suggestions of good photographers. Call 868 628-WEDD (9333) or  email mwilt@triniweddings.com

U.S. Wedding Planning Certification Courses Are Now Being Offered in the Caribbean

NEWS RELEASE

                                                               



March 31, 2014 - Weddings Beautiful Worldwide, a US based leader in training and certification for wedding planners since 1968, announced today that they have granted Marilyn Duncan-Wiltshire of Trini Weddings an exclusive licensee to teach the Certified Wedding Specialist course and the Accredited Wedding Planner course in the Caribbean under the name Weddings Beautiful Caribbean. 

Gary Wright, CEO of Weddings Beautiful Worldwide shares, “I am extremely pleased to be bringing our courses to the Caribbean, and I am confident Marilyn, who received her CWS certification from us in 2008, will be eager to share her own experiences from taking the course and starting her own successful wedding planning business.” 

Weddings Beautiful Caribbean will be offering two types of courses, which include the Accredited Wedding Planner (AWP) course and the world famous Certified Wedding Specialist (CWS) course.  The AWP course consists of 10 assignments focusing mainly on coordinating weddings, and is perfect for someone interested in assisting a wedding planner or working as a wedding coordinator in the hotel and resort industry.  The CWS course contains more information on starting your own business.  It consists of 18 assignments and a final exam, and has earned the seal “standard of excellence” in wedding planning.  It will provide novice and aspiring wedding planners with the entrepreneurial and wedding planning skills to run a successful business.   

 

Media Contacts:

Weddings Beautiful Caribbean

Marilyn Duncan-Wiltshire, CWS

868-628-9333

marilyn@triniweddings.com

www.triniweddings.com

 

Weddings Beautiful Worldwide (USA)

Gary R. Wright, CEO

804-342-5880

gwright@weddingsbeautiful.com

www.weddingsbeautiful.com

 

Smart Phones at your Wedding?!

The proliferation of camera phones has raised a new point of discussion for brides and grooms hoping to capture the essence of their wedding through a professional photographer of some distinction.  How to handle wedding guests with cameras in their phones and preserve the privacy and security of the wedding events is a growing challenge. The rules regarding social media are changing especially as it relates to the ceremony. Traditionally the ceremony was about the Bride and Groom. Today social media encourages random acts of mindlessness even though there has been careful detailed planning.  

While some couples may embrace the technology, others wonder “how to keep their vows from going viral”.   This concern has prompted wedding planners, coordinators and consultants to formulate some guidelines covering social media at weddings.

• Recognize that most couples make a distinction between the wedding ceremony and its more solemn aspects and the reception with its feel as a celebration.
• If the bride doesn’t want people to see her in her gown before she goes down the aisle, she needs to make sure her attendants understand that uploading photos of her in that special dress before the ceremony is forbidden.
• Consultants suggest putting a notice in the program itself which clearly states that this is an “unplugged” ceremony.  Reinforce this request by asking the officiant to remind the guests to silence their electronics.
• Some brides have posted signs at the entrance to the ceremony asking people to refrain from using electronics.  Placing a sign at the spot where the guest book is placed is another option.

Social media at the reception seems to be more acceptable.  Photo-sharing sites enable guests to down-load reception photos into a designated wedding album which makes it nice for the couple to see lots of the action at their party.  As one consultant said, the electronics made it possible for couples to livestream their wedding to friends and family who could not make it to the wedding.

Wedding Trends for the 21st Century

 Emilypost.com lists the following trends as increasing in importance for  weddings which are currently being planned.

• Personalized weddings are increasing.  Brides may follow traditional guidelines for the ceremony and reception, but they also want their day to have elements that are unique for the couple and which make the event memorable.  Creating a monogram that is used throughout the process or adopting a signature color or theme are ways to put an  individual stamp on the event.  Invitations may be the first indicator of a couple’s intention to individualize their wedding.
   
• Cost sharing is common.  At one time the bride’s family funded the event, but with couples being older and both employed, wedding costs can be shared or even funded solely by the bride and groom.  What has not changed is the need to have clarity around who is paying for what.
   
   
• High Tech influence is clear.  The internet plays a growing role in registries, vendor research and selection and information sharing related to the wedding.  Maps, instructions and even invitation design are possible with the help of electronics.
   
• Color is appearing in more and more bridal gowns.  Color themes are increasing in popularity and are influencing all aspects of the wedding –flowers, invitations, attendants  attire, reception décor and even food, beverage and cake display.
• Grooms are more actively involved in wedding planning and choices.  Couples often take mutual responsibility for all aspects of wedding decision making – guest list, financing and even writing thank you notes.
  Call us at 868 628-WEDD or email us @mwilt@triniweddings.com to help you incorporate your ideas for a flawless wedding.

Creative ways to personalize your wedding

The urge to be unique is increasingly important to modern brides, so I am sharing some creative ideas.

• If yours is a smaller wedding, consider including a personal note with the invitation.
• If you live in the U.S. the US Postal Service can help you can create your own stamp.
• Stats have shown that social invitations are opened more frequently on Saturdays.  Time your invitation mailings to arrive on Saturday if possible.  You’ll receive more RSVP responses.
• Pick a monogram and use it throughout the planning process.
• Choose a unique start time for the ceremony.  For example use the date you met (5:23) or the date you got engaged (7:04) or other key dates in your lives.
• Take lots of photos during your engagement and pre wedding planning period and use them as table decorations at the reception.
• Create an entrance at the wedding – something that says WOW and let’s guests know they have arrived.
• Include your parents by having their wedding photos on display at the reception.  Include grandparent photos too if they are available.
• To keep everything moving, plan a “surprise” for guests at the reception every 30 minutes.
• If you are planning a Dessert Station at your reception, ask family cooks to bring a dozen or two of their favorite treats.  These will add variety to the selection and invest family in the reception.

For answers to your questions, call (868) 620- 6816 or email mwilt@triniweddings.com

Guidelines for Toasting at Weddings

According to Random House, a toast is “a salutation uttered immediately before drinking in honor of a person or event.”

Toasts acknowledge the wedding couple and express good wishes for a happy future together. They also express a welcome – one family welcoming a new member to the group.

Some general guidelines:
· Toasts are not an opportunity to make the couple blush nor are they the place to tell inside jokes.

· The average toast can run about 3 minutes but no more than 5 minutes.

· The best times at the reception to offer toasts are either before the dinner starts and/or just prior to cutting the cake.

· The official host of the reception (usually the bride’s father) is the first to offer a toast. He is followed by the best man and then the maid of honor. Yes, the maid of honor offers a toast to the happy couple. Others may wish to offer toasts, but they should be controlled. No one should speak after the bridegroom or bride gives the vote of thanks.

· If the bride and groom host their own wedding, they start the toasts by thanking family and guests for being with them on this special occasion.

· When looking for words for the toast, consider lines from poems that have meaning for the couple or the person offering the toast. Song lyrics or short anecdotes about the couple are also appropriate.

· The host or master of ceremonies should discourage the clinking of silverware against the glassware for any purpose during the reception. Those offering toasts must remember that they are toasting and not rambling so they must get guests to “raise their glasses” to the couple.

TriniWeddings can help you create and deliver an appropriate toast, just call 868 624 4015 for an appointment that is convenient to us both.
　

Changing Traditions

Many of the traditions that we follow in weddings today have their origins in Elizabethan or Renaissance eras and modern day changes have been made.

·        VOWS – the phrase “Honor and obey” has been replaced with various alternatives that reflect equality in the relationship.

·        BRIDAL ESCORTS – More and more brides and couples are having both parents escort them down the aisle.  In some ceremonies, the groom comes down the aisle with both his mother and father, followed by the bride on the arms of both of her parents.  This honors both parents and recognizes each of their roles in preparing their sons/daughters for this day.  In fact, if the bride’s father is not available or this is a second marriage, a bride may choose to walk down the aisle alone or she may choose anyone to escort her.  A sibling, her mother, her grandfather, her son or a friend may do the honors.

·        PARENTAL ROLES – Parents are no longer limited to escort duty.  Many grooms are choosing their father to be the best man and brides are asking Mom to be the matron of honor.

·        RECEIVING LINES - These may still be part of a very formal wedding where the ceremony and reception are at different venues, but for smaller weddings with the same site for ceremony and reception, more and more couples are foregoing the receiving line and instead making it a point to acknowledge and thank each guest at his/her table throughout the evening.

For more advice about changes you can comfortably make in your wedding plans, stop in and chat with one of our experienced consultants.  We know how to help you make your wedding uniquely yours or tie it comfortably to tradition. For answers to your questions,

call 868 624-4014 or email mwilt@triniweddings.com

Aisle Style

Here are some tips for defining the aisle that you are walking down at your wedding.

If you are marrying in a church and putting down an aisle runner, be sure that the fabric you’ve chosen is sturdy  and has weights to hold it down at both ends.  Do not use a paper runner.  Paper runners are difficult to walk on – especially in heels and they make noise.  It is better to have a bare aisle than to use paper.  Many florists now have colored aisle runners so you can follow a color plan although white or crème are still the favorite choices.

If you are utilizing ushers to position the aisle cloth, it should be done as part of the ceremony setting.  The behavior and demeanor of the ushers while rolling out and securing the cloth, is a significant part of the pre ceremony activities. It should to be done with dignity and care.

If your ceremony is taking place at a location that does not have an aisle, it is possible to create one.  Lanterns, potted plants, torches, flags or pennants, columns and stanchions with velvet ropes can add dramatic impact while defining your passageway.

Usually, tall decorative elements create a formal look while shorter items are appropriate for a more informal wedding.

Whatever aisle style you have fashioned, you should walk it with dignity.  This is not a 20 yard dash!  Take your escort’s arm, stand up straight, hold your head high and walk toward the most important moment in your life.

For more reception ideas, call 868 624-4015 or email mwilt@triniweddings.com.

Ways of Honoring Deceased Family Members

Ways of Honoring Deceased Family Members

It is not proper to honor a deceased family member by including the person’s name on the wedding invitation. While the intention is good, there are other more appropriate ways to honor the deceased.

The deceased can be honored by having an usher, groomsman or other specially assigned person place a white rose on the pew at the moment the deceased would have been seated. 

During the ceremony, a special song or hymn can be dedicated.

An additional candle can be lit during the candle ceremony in their honor.

Rosemary is the symbol of remembrance, so a sprig of rosemary could be included in the bridal or attendants’ bouquets. 

Bouquets could also contain the favorite flower of the family member.

A contribution to the deceased’s favorite charity in their name is another nice way of honoring someone you love. 

Whatever you choose to do should be duly noted on your printed programme.

Consult with TriniWeddings at 624-4015 for more ideas

Info for U -The Bridal bouquet

Did you know that the bride's bouquet was traditionally made up of scented bunches of garlic, fruit blossoms and herbs. The bride would carry a bundle of these items to ward off evil spirits and impurities.
Over the years, the herbs and grains were replaced by flowers because it represented a sign of happiness and helped promote fertility.

Wedding Trends for 2013

According to several sources, including emilypost.com , brides this year can expect to see weddings that reflect the following changes and influences.

·         Personalized Weddings continue to be important to couples who are looking to include elements that have personal meaning to them. Ceremonies and receptions can reflect multi –cultural and/or inter-faith statements.  Monograms remain important and reflect the couple’s first names.

·         The Internet continues to play an important role in wedding planning.  High tech access is used in vendor selection, gift registries, information sharing, guest information sources and communication with members of the wedding party.  Note:  Emailing invitations and thank you notes is still not considered correct or classy.

·         The importance of color continues in bridal apparel.  While white and ivory remain favorites, wedding gowns are showing color touches, shoes are colorful (with blue the odds on favorite) and floral decorations carry the color theme throughout the wedding plans.

·         The role of grooms in wedding planning continues to grow.  There are more and more joint decisions being made by the couple (who tend to be older and funding their own weddings).

·         While the formal structured wording of the wedding invitation is still customary, more couples are choosing to individualize their invitations with colorful papers, ribbon trims and unique wording.  It is important to note that even if the format of the invitation is unique, it should still contain all the information guests need plus be grammatically correct.

Brides need to remember that no mention of gifts, even “no gifts, please” is ever made on a wedding invitation.  It is acceptable to mention a website on an enclosure card and that website can contain information about gift registry options.  The phrase “black tie” may appear on the reception invitation, but is not printed on a wedding invitation.

For more ideas about making your wedding plans unique, contact us at 868 624 4015  or email  mwilt@triniweddings.com.

Wedding Flowers

Choosing the flowers for your wedding can be a big decision.  Picking the style, color and budget allocations can be daunting.  But if you spend some time thinking about what you want, the selections of these important wedding accessories can give you the WOW factor you want for your wedding.

Selecting a florist is an important first step.  Ask for suggestions from friends, your wedding planner, or other bridal professionals.  Visit florists whose work you like.   Ask to see photos from actual weddings they have done.

As you establish your wedding budget, think about the role you expect  flowers to play.  Wedding planners generally suggest a three part budget allocation.  If you want to use  flowers for your reception decor then it is an important consideration since this is where guests will see flowers first hand.  Many planners suggest the largest allocation here.

Secondly, consider the flowers for the wedding party and immediate family.  Remember that bridal party bouquets are the most heavily photographed so don’t cut too many corners there.  Having bridesmaids carry a single rose for example, can be economical, but remember that single buds tend to look strange in photographs with stems sticking out in several directions.  Bridesmaids tend to carry them awkwardly.

Thirdly and finally, consider ceremony flowers.  The church or venue will likely give you guidelines as to what is allowed.  It makes sense to combine forces and dollars with other brides and choose ceremony flowers that will stay in place if you are getting married on one of the weekend days.   If the space is huge, consider filling it with rental greenery. 

For other  ideas on how to make the most of your floral budget, stop in a see one of our experienced TriniWeddings consultants.

How To Be A Good Guest

An invitation is coming your way from a family member or a good friend or both.  It is an honor to be selected to help the couple celebrate a wonderful part of their life.

If you RSVP with a positive response, you become an official guest at this party.  You will no doubt bring an appropriate wedding gift, but did you know that another gift you give to the couple is the knowledge of how to be a good guest, and the wisdom to use that knowledge.

Here is a checklist of do’s and don’t that you can follow to insure that your behavior will not cause the couple to grimace on their 10^th anniversary as they recall events from their wedding.

 

DO

• Make sure to send your RSVP in a timely manner.
• Arrive at the wedding at least 10 minutes before the ceremony is to begin.
• Stay standing at the back of the church if you are going to be late.
• Keep your cell phone on silent.
• Dress appropriately.
• Have fun dancing but do not call attention to yourself or your partner.
• Respect the couple’s wishes even if they aren’t what you would choose.

DON’T

• Change your mind about attending so that you cancel and then show up anyway.
• Sit in a front row.  That is for the immediate family only.
• Text or tweet or blog during the ceremony
• Wear jeans or other inappropriate wear unless requested by the couple
• Get in the way of the professional photographer doing his job.
• Trash talk the couple’s choices.