Given that we work with brides & grooms day in and day out, we’re not surprised when we get a lot of the same questions from our couples. For most of our couples, this is the first time they’re getting married, but even for those celebrating a second love, similar worries still arise. Our couples aren’t often experts in this industry (and why should they be?) so it’s up to us to calm any fears and answer as much as we can! We’re often asked…

Do I have to greet every table at my reception?

While some tried and true traditions are slowly fading out, the idea of greeting and thanking your guests at your wedding is one we just can’t let go of yet. Simply put, in one way or another, your guests are invested in your wedding. The bride and groom are the stars of the show and chances are, if you don’t swing by to say hello, some of your guests may not get to enjoy your company. Don’t worry, when we build your wedding day timeline, we make sure to factor in time for making the rounds!

 

Do I have to send out physical Save the Dates?

More and more, couples are deciding to forgo paper Save the Dates in lieu of electronic copies. While we’re total suckers for sweet stationery, we completely understand why couples are going this route. Electronic Save the Dates are becoming more and more popular, but we would still recommend sending physical wedding invitations. Not only does it set the tone for your affair, but guests are still expecting them and might be confused if they never receive them in their mailboxes (and by mailboxes we mean those at the end of the driveway).

 

Do I have to wear white?

Ahhh we love this question! NO!! You absolutely DO NOT have to wear white anymore! White dresses used to symbolize the bride’s purity, and while an ivory or blush gown won’t signal you out as un-pure, it might look incredible on your skin tone! Dusty blue and gray dresses are also all the rage right now and we are totally obsessed with the idea of designing around a bride’s gorgeous gown!

 

Do I have to invite children to my wedding?

This is a great question that we’re asked more often than you might think. Here’s our take. If you’d prefer an adult-only wedding, make it very clear on your wedding website and when addressing the envelopes on your invitations. For example, address the envelope as “Mr. and Mrs. Tom Smith” specifically, as opposed to “The Smith Family”. If a guest responds with “Mr. Tom Smith, Mrs. Lisa Smith, Gary Smith and Ella Smith”, we suggest giving them a call to explain your decision to have a kid-free affair. Some couples go as far as to hire a babysitter to watch any kids in a nearby hotel, but this isn’t required. Recommendations for a great sitting service might be a nice touch, though!

 

Do I have to give my guests a plus one?

This is a difficult question to answer, as it so often completely depends on the situation and your comfort level. First, put yourself in your guest’s shoes. If you were invited to a wedding solo (especially one where you may not know too many people), how would you feel if you couldn’t bring along your significant other? But guests, put yourself in the bride and groom’s shoes. How would you feel if your second cousin wanted to bring a girl he’s known for a month to your wedding? The bottom line is, weddings are expensive. If a bride and groom are providing their guests with open bar and filet mignon, it’s no wonder they’re hesitating when it comes to the guest list. We’ve seen some couples only invite a plus one if the invitee has been in a relationship with their S.O. for a year or more. We’ve also seen couples allow every guest to have a plus one. It’s completely up to you, we just recommend keeping it consistent across the board.

 

Do I have to have an open bar?

Oooh, another toughie. Our immediate response to this is yes, you need to have an open bar. More and more, guests are expecting to come to a wedding and see that they can eat and drink for free all night. Don’t let this panic you, though. There are a few ways around breaking the bank for the booze! Have a beer and wine only open bar, allowing guests to spend the cash for the liquor. Have a full open bar that tops out at a certain price (your caterer can help you come up with this number, but chances are, by the time your guests reach that amount of alcohol consumption, they won’t mind paying for one last drink). Have a few signature drinks! If you’re not interested in paying for beer, wine, or liquor at your wedding, buy liquor at warehouse prices pre-wedding and have the bartenders mix up a signature cocktail for guests to enjoy. Chances are, any unused, unopened liquor can be returned and you will likely spend less overall! Bottom line: if your wedding has alcohol, your guests shouldn’t have to pay for it.