Formal Impressions http://www.formalimpressions.com Designs limited only by your imagination Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:58:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 What do I do when uninvited guests show up to my event? http://www.formalimpressions.com/2012/02/09/what-do-i-do-when-uninvited-guests-show-up-to-my-event/ http://www.formalimpressions.com/2012/02/09/what-do-i-do-when-uninvited-guests-show-up-to-my-event/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:57:05 +0000 Gail http://www.formalimpressions.com/?p=491 Continue reading →]]> There are times when invited guests bring uninvited guests to
your party without notice. Usually, the wedding invitation will
spell out precisely who is invited. If a surprise guest happens to show up — simply seat them with a smile. There is no reason to add any stress to your celebration.

]]> http://www.formalimpressions.com/2012/02/09/what-do-i-do-when-uninvited-guests-show-up-to-my-event/feed/ 0 Do I need to have placecards or seating assignments? http://www.formalimpressions.com/2012/01/28/do-i-need-to-have-placecards-or-seating-assignments/ http://www.formalimpressions.com/2012/01/28/do-i-need-to-have-placecards-or-seating-assignments/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:46:07 +0000 Gail http://www.formalimpressions.com/?p=486 Continue reading →]]> It is easier the day of the event to have seating assignments for guests.When guests arrive and know where they are sitting, is alliviates the splitting of groups and tables that are half filled.The response from the wedding invitation allows the host to seat guests with people they know. It may seem like a lot of work for the event planning prior to the party, but it makes for smooth sailing for everyone.

]]> http://www.formalimpressions.com/2012/01/28/do-i-need-to-have-placecards-or-seating-assignments/feed/ 0 How do I request a meal with dietary restrictions? http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/11/21/how-do-i-request-a-meal-with-dietary-restrictions/ http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/11/21/how-do-i-request-a-meal-with-dietary-restrictions/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:23:59 +0000 Gail http://www.formalimpressions.com/?p=482 Continue reading →]]> When you receive your party invitation, if you have dietary restrictions, it is appropriate to answer on the respond card that you request a special meal. If you are a vegetarian, gluten or dairy free, or if you have any allergies such as nuts, you should let the host know so they can provide for your special needs.

]]> http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/11/21/how-do-i-request-a-meal-with-dietary-restrictions/feed/ 0 Is it appropriate to request cash for a wedding gift? http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/10/31/is-it-appropriate-to-request-cash-for-a-wedding-gift/ http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/10/31/is-it-appropriate-to-request-cash-for-a-wedding-gift/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:51:31 +0000 Gail http://www.formalimpressions.com/?p=475 Continue reading →]]> There are many ways to receive cash for your wedding other than simply asking for it. Let your friends and family know that you would prefer it so they can spread the word. Also, registering at locations that will exchange your gifts for something you need will always help as well. An enclosure included in your wedding invitation for gift registry will do the trick.

]]> http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/10/31/is-it-appropriate-to-request-cash-for-a-wedding-gift/feed/ 0 Do I need to have a ‘cocktail hour’ before my reception? http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/10/23/do-i-need-to-have-a-cocktail-hour-before-my-reception/ http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/10/23/do-i-need-to-have-a-cocktail-hour-before-my-reception/#comments Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:59:00 +0000 Gail http://www.formalimpressions.com/?p=473 Continue reading →]]> The purpose of a ‘cocktail hour’ before any event takes care of welcoming guests who do not all arrive together. During this time, when guests are served something to drink as well as small bites, they have the oportunity to socialize with each other. When everyone is seated during dinner, contact with other guests is limited.

]]> http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/10/23/do-i-need-to-have-a-cocktail-hour-before-my-reception/feed/ 0 When should a “Save the Date” be sent? http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/10/16/when-should-a-save-the-date-be-sent/ http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/10/16/when-should-a-save-the-date-be-sent/#comments Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:40:33 +0000 Gail http://www.formalimpressions.com/?p=461 Continue reading →]]> A “save the date” should be sent as soon as the host knows the details of their upcoming event. It should arrive long before the wedding invitation.With everyone’s busy schedules, this allows out of town guests to plan their travel and lodging arrangements as well as the possibility of using loyalty points.

]]> http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/10/16/when-should-a-save-the-date-be-sent/feed/ 0 What is the first thing to do when planning a wedding or event? http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/20/what-is-the-first-thing-to-do-when-planning-a-wedding-or-event/ http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/20/what-is-the-first-thing-to-do-when-planning-a-wedding-or-event/#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:06:01 +0000 Gail http://staticportfolio.com/Formal_Impressions/?p=309 Continue reading →]]> Situation
Mary and John got engaged and booked a location for their wedding.
They put down their non-refundable deposit and went on their journey to plan their dream wedding.

Unfortunately, as the time grew closer to the date, their guest count grew as well. By the time they were ready to send out their invitations, not only did they not have enough invitations, but they had secured a venue too small for the amount of guests they wanted to invite and their budget would no longer cover their expanded guest count.

Solution
SO…
The first thing to do when planning any event it to determine how many guests will be invited.

It is important to know the guest count when you call for a location.
The venue will ask your count to offer you space to accommodate the number of guests. Some locations can only seat a certain amount of people. Your guest count will help you decide where to have your celebration.

Always increase your numbers because if you add to you list, the last thing you want is a room too small for your celebration.

PS… If you would like to discuss a situation that needs a solution,
email Gail at info@formalimpressions.com

]]> http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/20/what-is-the-first-thing-to-do-when-planning-a-wedding-or-event/feed/ 0 How long does it take to plan an event? http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/19/how-long-does-it-take-to-plan-an-event/ http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/19/how-long-does-it-take-to-plan-an-event/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:05:07 +0000 Gail http://staticportfolio.com/Formal_Impressions/?p=305 Continue reading →]]> Situation
Mary and John want to get married as soon as possible. They have found a location and vendors to participate in their wedding with a 3 month turnaround.

They then found out how much work is involved in putting together a wedding.

They first asked family members for addresses for their invitations—that information was always coming ‘very soon’. The invitations then arrived, damaged in shipping and had to be reprinted. That is not necessarily a dollar issue, but definitely a time one.

Meetings times at the location didn’t work for both parties which ended up costing valuable time that could be spent on other things to be done for the wedding.

Solution
SO…
This is a question asked by brides on a regular basis.
It depends on your flexibility. A wedding can be planned in as short as 3 months and could take as long as 18. No one can guess what is going to happen tomorrow. Please recognize all the limitations and remember that “stuff happens”.

Many event venues will only confirm space availability 12 months in advance. If you are definite on a specific day, date and location your choices are limited

Saturday nights are the most popular which can limit availability of locations and vendors to your event. Other nights of the week, as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons, can expand all of your options, including pricing.

The more time you have available to plan, the more choice you have and ability to make alternative selections when necessary.

PS… If you would like to discuss a situation that needs a solution,
email Gail at info@formalimpressions.com

]]> http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/19/how-long-does-it-take-to-plan-an-event/feed/ 0 Why use a designer / coordinator? http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/18/why-use-a-designer-coordinator/ http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/18/why-use-a-designer-coordinator/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:45:23 +0000 Gail http://192.168.0.199/Formal_Impressions/?p=66 Continue reading →]]> An event designer / coordinator has the experience to bring the newest ideas and sources, other than online, to the client. It also gives the families hosting the celebrations time to concentrate on family, friends and enjoying every minute of their event.

]]> http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/18/why-use-a-designer-coordinator/feed/ 0 When do you order invitations? http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/17/when-do-you-order-invitations/ http://www.formalimpressions.com/2011/07/17/when-do-you-order-invitations/#comments Sun, 17 Jul 2011 19:49:25 +0000 Gail http://staticportfolio.com/Formal_Impressions/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> Situation
Mary and John wanted to order invitations for their wedding.
Mary wanted to order them 6-8 months before the wedding and John thought it was the last thing to do and wanted to get to it 2 months before their event.

Solution
So…
Invitations need to be ordered at least 6 months before the event.
Invitations need time to be ordered, proofed, shipped, addressed and handled.
They should go into the mail 6-8 weeks prior to the celebration. There also needs to be time in case there is a change or damage or loss occurs during shipping.

PS… If you would like to discuss a situation that needs a solution, email Gail at info@formalimpressions.com

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