Wedding Planner Thank You / Gift Etiquette

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

Maximillion of Austria is said to have started a wonderful tradition over 500 years ago when he gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy to seal their engagement. The Duke made a wise choice-the diamond-proven to be a fitting symbol for everlasting love because of its beauty, hardness and rarity, not to mention its enduring value.

Before purchasing a diamond every couple should understand the Four C's(cut, color, clarity, and carat)– the diamond industry uses the Four C's to determine the value of a diamond.

Cut

Determines the visual beauty of a diamond
The cut transforms a rough, natural occurring crystal into the faceted, refined gemstone seen in the jewellery store

Color

The common diamond is somewhat colourless, usually tinged yellow, brown or grey
Very rare is the completely colourless diamond thus making it very valuable
Also rare and valuable are "fancy stones" a diamond with definite color such as red, yellow, green, blue or canary rather than just a shade or tinge

Clarity

Is the most impressive quality of all
The more irregularities there are, the lower the value of the diamond
A flawless diamond must show no surface blemishes or interior inclusions when examined at a 10-power magnification

Carat

The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats
The weight of a diamond is the most important factor when determining its value-however a smaller carat diamond with better color, clarity or cut can easily cost more than a larger carat diamond

Most importantly your ring's cut, setting and stone should all be a reflection of your own tastes, opinions and backgrounds.

The Guest List

When you are planning your guest list you need to set some limits. Most couples have several factors to consider like their budget and the size of the facility where the wedding is going to take place. If you need to set limits you should also prioritise your guest list to an "A list" immediate family members, members of the wedding party, and closest friends. You both need to establish the ground rules up front and have both families abide by these ground rules. Some examples are no co-workers, no dates for single guests, no distant relatives, or maybe no children. It is best to be up front and let your parents and future in-laws know before hand how many guests they are allocated. Another tip is to send out wedding announcements to individuals whom know about the wedding but you are unable to invite due to limitations.

Invitations and Thank–You Cards

Finalize and "Cut" the list: Separate your list into a "A" and "B" list. The "A'" list is composed of family and friends who you can't imagine not being there and the "B" list is composed of people that you would like to attend, but whose absence wouldn't upset you. Send invitations out to the "A" list first then when you receive regrets, send out invitations to the people on your "B" list.
Invitations should be ordered at least three months prior (at this time you must have your locations for the ceremony and the reception confirmed)
Invitations should consist of the "invitation", the envelope, the response card and a stamped envelope for the response card.
Order at least 30 extra invitations for mistakes and last minute additions.
Mail invitations out at least six weeks before the wedding to allow enough time to receive the response cards.
No nicknames should be permitted and the date and time should be written out in full.
Addressing Etiquette: use full names including first names, write out all words (including "and") and use figures only when writing house numbers and postal codes, write first names of children to be invited below the parents in age order, children over the age of 16 should receive their own invitation and on inner envelopes exclude first names

Guest	Outer Envelope	Inner Envelope
Married couple with children	Mr. and Mrs. Smith	Mr. and Mrs. Smith John, Susie and James
Married couple and wife kept maiden name	Ms. Grant Mr. Johnson	Ms. Grant Mr. Johnson
Unmarried man with guest	Mr. Joe Smith	Mr. Smith and Guest
Unmarried woman with guest	Miss Ann Smith	Miss Smith and Guest
Divorced woman	Mrs. Ann Smith	Mrs. Smith
Widow	Mrs. Robert Howe	Mrs. Howe
Two or more sisters living at home	The Misses Ann and Linda Smith	The Misses Smith
Two or more brothers living at home	The Messrs. John and Tom Smith	The Messrs. Smith
Two married doctors	The Doctors Neil and Shannon Smith	The Doctors Smith
Unmarried couple living	Miss Amy Olson Mr. Todd Smith	Miss Olson Mr. Smith

Thank–You Cards

The well planned bride always keeps thank – you cards at her fingertips. You will need to send thank – you cards after your bridal showers and engagement parties. These will come from the bride herself. After your wedding day you will need to send thank – you cards for your wedding gifts. These will come from the bride and groom using their newly married titles. It is also good to keep some special thank – you cards on hand to thank someone who has gone out of their way to help you or make your day special.

Professional Wedding Planners vs. Planning your own

Professional Wedding Planners

Professional Wedding Planners are the creative genius behind many dream weddings. Many couples have demanding careers that do not enable them the time or energy to plan their special day the way they want it to be. Wedding consultants provide professional help and expertise. Their responsibilities include start to finish wedding planning plus their connections with allied firms that are reputable and cost saving freeing up your valuable time. Most consultants charge a flat fee or charge by the hour if require help in a specific area?

Planning your own

Most brides today are truly fortunate as there are many magazines and planning guides in the market to help you create your dream wedding. Shows like Bridal Fantasy are also a good venue for couples to get an overall view on this years wedding scene and some great information on the products, venues, catering, fashion, services that they will be requiring.