Let's Talk... With Rubies and Pearls

I am planning to buy my bridesmaids dresses and give this to them as a gift.  Do I need to also buy them something personal or is that okay?

Gift Giver

Richmond, VA

What a lucky group of ladies you have! In most cases, bridesmaids are responsible for their own dresses, shoes, travel, and lodging. It is common for brides to give their attendants a token of their "appreciation" for agreeing to be in their wedding.  The gifts are usually jewelry, toiletries, perfumes,  small personalized gifts, or pampering like manicures, pedicures and/or massages.  Any gift that you decide to give to your ladies is appropriate. If you want to purchase their dresses for them that is just fine. You CAN include a small personalized gift along with the dress if you would like but it is not necessary. They should certainly appreciate the gesture of having their dresses purchased for them, since that is usually the largest expense a bridesmaid would incur aside from travel and lodging.

~The Lovely Ladies of R&P~

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Do I really need to have favors at a wedding?

Not in Favor

The short answer is No.  A “favor” can be anything you want it to be.  Some brides and grooms opt to donate to a special cause that is dear to them, in the name of their guests, and let their guests know with a simple card that says “a donation has been made in your name to our favorite charity”. Other couples present a candy or dessert bar and let their guests take home a treat as a favor.  Many guests like favors that they can have as a keepsake of  your wedding day.  However,  if providing a favor for your guests it is out of your budget, or is something you just DO NOT want to purchase, you don’t have to!  If you are looking for favors, I suggest  that you look online and in magazines for creative favor ideas.  Try to find something that represents you and your fiancé. If you like it, I am sure your guests will also!

~The Lovely Ladies of R&P~

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I have a family member who is somewhat an event planner, however, I do not want to use her.  I prefer using a professional.  How do I tell her, when she automatically assumes she will be doing it? I have not given her any indication that I even want to use her.  I know she will be offended. Help!

Family Planner Drama

Norfolk, VA

To prevent hurt feelings, you can tell your family member that you are planning to secure the services of a another planner because you would like her to enjoy the wedding as a guest and not have the stress of planning and coordinating our wedding.  If you like, you can ask her to "be in charge" of a special task so that she can feel like she has something to do - such as setting up your room block or managing your guest list. Remember, it is your wedding, and you should select your own wedding planner, not feel obligated to use your family member.  As an aspiring event planner, she should understand that.   Good luck!

~The Lovely Ladies  of R&P~

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After being in the wedding and event planning business for 10+ years, we decided it was time for a new look. Our look has changed from pink lace, white pearls, and red rubies when we got our official start in 2001 to the bold black, white, and red that everyone (including us) grew to love, to our newest grey, black, white, and red logo to celebrate our 'tin"th Anniversary!...

As you can see, there was a running theme... Black, white, and red... but not anymore!!  We have left behind our old colors and  logos to start the new year off right. So, from now on, when you see the green, gold, and grey, remember you are getting the same great service you have come to expect over the past 10 years... We just have a new look!!

As for our new blog, you can find the hottest trends, answers to your most difficult questions, and other facts and information dealing with all things wedding and event related.  We wish you all a blessed new year and look forward to working with you (and for you) in the months to come!

~The Ladies of R&P~

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