What’s Up With: Invitation Etiquette

Our clients truly drive our blog content. It never ceases to amaze me when clients receive ambiguous RSVPs, too many RSVPs or guests who don't even bother to RSVP. As event planners, we see this all the time, but the the clients who are collecting the numbers for their big day, this is a stress that is more common than one would believe. 

GUIDE FOR GUESTS!

If person takes the time to send you a $5-$20 card that has details to their special event, courteously let them know that you are or are not able to attend. 

It is important to realize that an invitation sent to you will identify who is invited. There are several ways to recognize who is invited. (and if that is not clear, it is totally okay to contact the person who invited you and request further detail...remember not to react negatively if the response is not what you are expecting.)

1) The outer envelope: Often times, outer envelopes show Mr. and Mr. John Smith and Family. It would be safe to assume that the entire family is invited to the event. If the envelope excludes "and Family" then further information is needed. When an outer envelope shows Ms. Jill Smith and Guest, it is safe to assume that Jill Smith can bring one date to the event. 

2) The inner envelope or belly band: If things are not clear on the outer envelope they get more clear as your peel the layers! The inner envelope or the belly band (a band that goes around the formal invitation) also holds keys to determining who is invited. When the inner envelope shows John, Mary, Suzie and Tommy Smith, then you know that your children are invited. (or other members of your household) If the band shows only Ms. Jill Smith then you can assume that you are not permitted to bring a date. 

3) The RSVP card: The final place to determine who is invited is the RSVP card. This card often has information printed on the card that can help you identify how many are invited. For example, if a family of 4 (two adults and two kids) receive a RSVP card that is similar to the one on the left,  and the number of reserved seats is (2) then it is safe to assume that the children are not invited. 

There is just one other place you can look for information that is gaining in popularity: the event website. Couples often create a wedding website, and events have a site or a page where you can register, get info or directions. If you know the site or if it is listed on the invite, check there first. Again, if you are still unclear, contact the people who invited you. 

What NOT TO DO!

- Leave your name off the response card (and or the name of your guest/kids/spouse etc)

- Show up with out RSVPing

- Invite a date when you were not permitted to

- Bring children to an event that has specified "no children" or get upset and harass the hosts if other children are permitted to attend and yours are not.

GUIDE FOR CLIENTS!

Be sure to be clear to your invited guests as to who can come or not. You can use invitation wording and RSVP card wording to get your point across. Remember, it's your event.

- Keep your information consistent and clear

- Don't be offended if someone asks you about guests or kids. It is better to ask in advance. The other option is that they show up with unwanted/uninvited guests.

- If you have an event website, keep it up-to-date and include a page for invitation info

- Number your guest list and number the backs of each RSVP card (trust me, you will be glad you did when a guest sends a card back without a name- happens more than you'd think"

- Leave yourself enough time to make calls to those who you have not received RSVPs from, especially the guests that you want or expect to be there. The last thing you'd want to do is to have them show up and you were not expecting them.

- Have contingency plans for unexpected or uninvited guests. Some clients are more accommodating and will allow the venue or planner to make room for those unexpected guests, while others require a more strict policy, not on the list, not allowed in. A middle ground is: allowing unexpected guest to be seated in the locations of the guests who did RSVP but did not attend (there will be some). Any versions is acceptable. Do what is best for your budget, sanity and level of comfort.

Happy Planning!

{Olivia}

Thank You For Your Reviews

This week, we received two 5/5 stars reviews from one of our wedding clients and one of our event clients on Wedding Wire and Event Wire! Check it out by clicking the Wedding Wire logo!

Well, it prompted me to begin thinking about how reviews really help businesses!

I can't tell you enough how many times I get an email inquiry from a potential client who says, I read great thing about you on some website! It's true! Just like you, many potential clients read our business reviews. It makes me happy that our past successes can make a difference in bringing in new events to Precise Events.

I want to thank all the clients who have given us reviews and prompt all the new potential clients and our other past clients who have not yet told others about your experiance with Precise Events, please do! Not only do you flatter us with your kind words, you help us to realize what we are doing right and what we can improve on for the next event. Your reviews keep us innovative and growing and helps us to have the fact we need to improve each event.

Happy Planning,
{Olivia}

Happy Mother's Day: Special Place in Your Wedding

Happy Mother's day to all mothers out there. It gets me thinking about how we can make mothers feel special during the wedding day. When you think about it most get walked down the aisle by their fathers and have a father daughter dance with their dads.

For many brides, the bond with your mom is special. If you are interested in showing her just how much you lover her during your special wedding day, why not show her how much you love her by dedicating a special song and sharing the spotlight with her during your very own Mother Daughter Dance.

Traditionally this dance happens after the father daughter dance, but never forget, its your day and you can do what makes you feel good. Sometimes mothers cut in on the father daughter dance, sometimes the groom's mother dances with the groom and then with the bride when the relationship is close.

We hope this gives you some inspiration to include your mom on your wedding day.
Happy Planning
{Olivia}