Wedding Wednesday: Gift Registry - To Do and Not To Do

 

DO

1. Register Early. From the minute people hear of your engagement they are going to want to send gifts. 
2. Register for a range of gifts in varying price points. People like to choose from a wide range of gifts so as a barometer, if you have invited 100 people to your wedding register for a minimum of 125 items.  From this list you should have 1/3 of the items under $50, 1/3 from $50-$200 and the rest over that price range. If you register for all high priced items you will be unpleasantly surprised by how many off your registry items you get. 
3. Register for the basics. Though it's fun to register for bone china and crystal don’t forget about the every day items such as bath towels and everyday dishes.
4. Register for items that reflect you as a couple: You will want to register for some traditional items but it is also fun to show your personality as a couple. For example, if you are both cooking enthusiasts register for cooking classes along with your pots and pans.  Or, if you enjoy wine tasting register for a wine of the month club. 
5. Wait to use all presents until after the wedding: Heaven forbid the event not take place.  Yet, if it doesn’t, etiquette dictates that all gifts must be returned. 
6. Write considerate, prompt thank you notes: Thank you notes should be written within 6 weeks after the wedding.  Phone calls and e-mails do not count.  Notes should be handwritten and should address the giver and the gift specifically.  We recommend making a list of the gift and giver when opening your gifts so when it comes time to write your thank you notes you won’t need to rely on your memory. 

DON’T

1. Register at one location. Two to three is ideal and at least one of them should have a brick and mortar store.  Though most people will purchase your gifts online there will be guests that wish to go in-store themselves for your gift, like your Nana.
2. Never, ever reference your registry on any wedding stationary such as the Save The Date card or Invitation. You can include the URL for your wedding website on such stationary – the website will then have info on where you are registered.  If asked directly by a guest what sort of gift you would like you may then tell them where you are registered. 
3. Ask for money instead of gifts. If you wish for cash your best option is to not register anywhere and hope your guests get the hint.  Family could help spread the word but you and your bride/groom must keep mum.  

Wedding Wednesdays: It's a privilege to introduce Privet House

On Sunday, May 6th, The Shops at Target launched a carefully curated collection of items from their favorite stores around the country.  Included in these shops is Privet House, a charming store located in Connecticut that sells vintage and antique decorative collectibles from all over the world.  When we heard they were collaborating on a collection with Target we knew we were in store for a treat, and they didn't disappoint.  As we browsed the aisles “oohing” and “aahing” over the collection, our creative juices started to flow; wouldn't these items make for a fabulous, vintage casual wedding?!   

So…we thought we would share with you our favorite picks from the collection and then show you how we might incorporate these pieces into a wedding. *We have done the work for you =)

Here are our favorites from the collection:

{1. Hurricane Candle Holder, $24.99}

{2. Chalkboard Name Cards (set of 4) $24.00}

{3. Coral Napkins (set of 4), $15.99}

{4. Warren Orchards Candle, $15.00, Pillar Candle - Coral, $8.99, Votive Candle - Green, $2.99}

{5. Coral Rope Pouf, $79.99, Natural Rope Pouf, $79.99}

{6. Sugar Sack Pillow, $24.99}

{7. White Rectangle Basket, $34.99}

{8.Wire Two-Tier Tray, $29.99}

{9. Cheese Tray, $14.99}

Here is how we imagine you could use them to create similar looks for a wonderfully vintage wedding!

 We promise your guests will marvel at how you managed to chicly use all of your family’s heirlooms on your special day!

Wedding Wednesday: Primero de Mayo

Last week was one of the co-founders' birthdays here at JOWY (the WY of JOWY).  In true, chic party style she celebrated in Mexico with her lovely husband and friends. With that on our minds and Cinco De Mayo swiftly approaching (tomorrow) here are a few things that are inspiring us for May.  

Poolside at Las Ventanas in Los Cabos

Fresh guacamole in a festive bowl

Ceremony site in Campeche

Ellen Pompeo's rustic mexican style dining room in Elle Decor

Mexican Paper Flowers from Olvera Street to match a brightly colored outfit

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

*photo credit: Cupcakes and Cashmere

Wedding Wednesday: Engaged? Now What?

It’s finally happened! YOU ARE ENGAGED!  The man of your dreams got down on one knee and asked, “will you marry me?”  You are now walking around calling him your fiancée while staring at that beautiful ring on your finger.  This calls for a celebration!  Your very own Engagement Party!  But where to begin, whom do you invite and what is the proper etiquette?  Not to worry, we have you covered. 

Here is our quick reference guide to throwing your Engagement Party:

1.    Who hosts the engagement party?

Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the engagement party. Nowadays it’s anyone’s choice. Usually it’s a family member or close friend but more and more couples are choosing to host their own engagement soirees. 

2. When to have the party?

With the social media rage these days, news of your engagement was probably out minutes after the asking took place but, for some non-social media users (yes, there are still some!) this will be the first they hear of your happy news.  Therefore, we suggest having your party soon, while the news is still fresh.

3. Who gets invited to the engagement party?

Etiquette suggests that people invited to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding. It is thought to be poor manners to include anyone who you are not planning to invite to the wedding. That being said, you don't need to invite the entire wedding guest list to your engagement party.  Keep this party intimate if you can: family and close friends. Co-workers and extended family can celebrate with you on the big day.

4. What kind of party should you have?

Be creative! This is your first party as an engaged couple. Use this to tell your family and friends who you are as a team.  It can be casual or fancy, or somewhere in between, just make sure its personal and shows who you both are as a couple. 

5. Register Early

Gifts are usually optional at an engagement party but it's smart to start your registry early in case guests ask what they can get you.  Remember though, never tell people what you want or where you are registered. Offer this information only if asked. 

6. Gifting the Host

The engagement party is the first of many memorable moments on your path to the altar so it will hold a sentimental significance for you in years to come. To that end, the family member or friend that throws the party for you (if you do not throw it yourselves) has given you a special gift.  Return the present in kind and try to be just as thoughtful, perhaps a wine flight tasting class for the wine enthusiast, or a gift certificate to their favorite spa. It doesn’t need to be extravagant but it should be special and thoughtful. 

Our last bit of advice about your engagement party: ENJOY IT! The engagement period in one’s life is brief, soak it all in and enjoy the ride. It’s a beyond exciting time and part of your wedding journey!

Wedding Wednesday: OMBRÉ!

Oh Ombré, how we adore you! 

The ombré trend has been big in fashion for a few seasons now. Yet, in case you aren't familiar with the term, it's French and means shaded.  The ombré look basically takes a color from its most saturated hue to its lightest incarnation in a wave of beautiful color.  

Since last fall, we have begun to see this trend seep from the fashion pages onto more and more wedding albums. And we must say, we love this look for a wedding!

*We have a high design wedding on Labor Day and will see the ombré look – blush to coral!!

From wedding dresses (the first to implement this trend was Ms. Gwen Stefani on her wedding day in 2002, and we wouldn't expect anything less from the fashion forward maven) to bridesmaids dresses, place cards and centerpieces, ombré in any color is wonderfully romantic!

Here are some of our favorite ways to implement ombré throughout your wedding!!