Wedding Wednesday | No. 101
#WeddingWednesday is a way to connect with our customers and hear their wedding worries or allow them to ask us questions. We have planned hundreds of events in our past life and created printed items for many events over the last 15 years. Every Wednesday, we will post a question box on our Instagram Stories. Be sure to submit your questions every Wednesday and we will answer any and all questions!
If you invite someone to the bridal shower, are you obligated to invite them to the wedding?
The short answer is YES. Think of it this way…it is a pre-wedding activity. If they are close enough to be invited to the bridal shower and celebrate with you, buy you a gift, etc…it would be poor etiquette not to invite them to celebrate on the most important day of your life.
What side of the jacket does the boutonniere go on?
It goes on the LEFT. (That is where the button hole is on a men’s jacket).
How much money is proper to give as a wedding gift?
This is a tricky one…being from an Italian family and we typically gift money, I personally prefer to send an actual gift (I’m super sentimental).
Some people in past years have estimated it off the price per plate. Some people base it off of closeness to the Bride and Groom. Both are great measurements to start with. However, a good rule of thumb is $250-500 and you can go up from there based on your closeness to the Bride & Groom. If you are on a budget, just know you should not gift money below $100.
Do you recommend couples doing a first look?
We are traditionalists when it comes to seeing the bride before the ceremony. However…as photographers first and foremost. We live for natural lit photos, so if your ceremony timing is going to hinder that in any way, it’s best to do a first look.
How far in advance to the wedding should you plan to mail out the invitations?
Wedding invitations should be sent 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding date. If you are sending your invitations internationally, it is best to send them 12 weeks prior to your wedding day.
How far in advance should you ask your bridesmaids to be in your wedding party?
If your wedding date is a year or more away, ask them no later than 8 months in advance. If your wedding date is less than a year away, ask at least 6 months in advance. If your wedding date is less than 6 months away, ask immediately. Remember…being in a wedding party is expensive, so you want to give people as much time to save as possible.
What’s a good gift to give to the groom from the bride on the wedding day?
They say the male engagement ring is a Rolex. We know a trusted source to buy them refurbished if that is the route you want to go (just email us at info@pursuitofpaper.com for more information).
A nice watch would be a great gift if you can’t afford a Rolex. But other great ideas are listed below:
A round of golf at an upscale course
A GoPro
Tickets to a show or concert they’d love
Creative art
Custom cuff links
Tiffany & Co. Money Clip or Tie Bar
How much does the average wedding cost in South Florida?
The average cost of a wedding in the United States is $28,858. The average cost of a wedding in South Florida (East Coast) is $51,000.
Where is the best-priced place for cut flowers to make arrangements?
Well, each area has local wholesale markets you can purchase at. Some great online resources are bloomsbythebox.com and fiftyflowers.com. I also really love Trader Joe’s fresh flowers and you can make some really beautiful arrangements from them.
What’s the difference between Black Tie and Black Tie Optional?
BLACK TIE: Men are required to wear tuxedos. Women are required to wear formal floor-length gowns, but extremely dressy cocktail dresses and elegant pantsuits are acceptable.
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL: Men have the option to wear a tuxedo or a formal dark suit. Women have the same options as Black Tie. However, a cocktail dress is more common. The “optional” is really for the men.
Looking for food ideas for a bridal shower. Any recommendations?
You asked the right people because we are MAJOR foodies! We also host a ton of parties. It totally depends on the type of event you’re having, but appetizers are best. I’m going to add some ideas below, but totally keep it to a theme. Just remember whatever you serve, keep it simple. Best to prep the day before so you (or the host) are not stressed the day of.
Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and a Walnut
Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle
Charcuterie Board
Dress Up a Veggie Platter with Assorted Cups/Vases to accompany a Charcuterie Board