How to say NO kids at your wedding

Ambiance Real Wedding
Robert E Holley Productions 

Whether or not to have kids at the wedding is a big decision! It has become more common for couples  to decide against having children at their celebrations. Some couples are even forgoing a flower girl and ring bearer as part of the wedding party. A few Ambiance couples shared that meal costs for kids is one factor for the decision; but also not worrying about censored music, accidents with alcohol, or taking over the dance floor, as others reasons. 

What I hear them saying is that parents don't always do a great job of parenting during a wedding. But that is another story for another day. 

So how do you say it? How do you say no thank you to children for your big day? 

TECH-NI-CALLY, it is poor etiquette to print "No Children" or "Adults Only" on your invite. One should simply address the invitation to the person or persons being invited. For instance, if your formal invitation is addressed to Mr and Mrs John Doe, then it is for grown ups only. Addressing an invitation to The Doe Family or Mr and Mrs Doe, John and Sarah Doe, would indicate that the entire family is invited.

The proper way to handle a guest that has mistakenly RSVP'd for more persons than the number you've allowed, is for the wedding host ( you or a parent) to call, gently remind them the invite was only for (insert number or names), that you hope this isn't too much of an inconvenience and hope they'll still be able to attend; but understand if they can not. 

Again, I say this is proper etiquette. Twerk and Binge-watch are also words that have been recently added to the dictionary, so I get it when you roll your eyes because it seems like another hassle... I know. The etiquette is truly centered in knowing the guests you are inviting. You should know and be decently familiar with your guest list. Being able to pick up the phone shouldn't be awkward.

Clearly, you can see how we've evolved into printing decrees for all to read and obey. Frankly, in the words of Sweet Brown..."Ain't nobody got time for that!" I tell my clients the proper way and allow them to decide for themselves. The Ambiance bride is typically a working one, so I understand and support her choice for having fifteen less phone calls on her to do list.

Printed or not, if no kids in the right choice for your wedding day, just be prepared to stand firm in that choice. The big girl panties must be pulled up tight...like spanx...no exceptions! Understanding fully that it may mean a near and dear friend/family member may not be able to make it. Don't make this decision lightly, because the only thing worse would be to allow even one person an exception, when others made the sacrifice. There will be whispers...and shaming. 

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#weddingadvice #weddinginspiration #howto #askambiance # virginiaweddings #virginiaweddingplanner #dayofcoordinator

#AmbianceInvites you to help yourself to the ONE thing every bride needs

Every Bride? C'mon...impossible. Each bride is uniquely different in her concerns, her vision, her plans for her day. This is 100% true. Yet, there are several steps of the planning process that are exactly the same for each Ms on her ways to Mrs.

Each bride-to-be will collect addresses of family and friends they intend to invite. The length of their list may vary but at some point there are bound to be one or more of the following:

engagement party invite,  shower invite, save the date, wedding invitations, RSVP card/return envelope, thank you card. 

Although, every bride-to-be may not choose a professional stationer or calligrapher for addressing, all these pretty pieces of paper have to be sealed and sent out some how. That's where we come in (insert superhero arrival theme music). That's right, telling the masses what every bride needs but doesn't know she wants...yet!

Envelope Moistener with Adhesive from Carlson Craft

The Envelope Moistener! Compiling a solid and correct list of addresses for guests is difficult enough. It is one of the most commonly dreaded tasks of wedding planning; only because few are thinking ahead to the actual sealing of a potential 300-500 envelopes. This moistener is ideal because of the adhesive, a smooth seal in a single stroke. Cheap moisteners with refillable water containers leave much room for error, most commonly spills that ruining envelopes and pre-written/typed addresses. Raise your hand if you like to do your work twice? No one...exactly. 

This tool is an inexpensive no-brainer for every couple announcing they are getting hitched. Throw one in a bridal bag for your Bestie, attach to a congratulations card for your daughter, neice, or neighbor. Be the knight in shining armor Groom by volunteering to seal envelopes for her (major brownie points). Better yet, treat yourself because you are the bride and now know you don't have to do this the hard way. 

CLICK HERE, to save your sanity or that of someone you love. 

Hugs, Kisses, & Best Wedding Plan Wishes,

Team Ambiance



#ambianceinvites #weddinginvitations #bride #groom #weddingstationary #weddinghacks #weddings #weddingtip #ido #weddingplanner #virginia #maryland #dc 

Maximize Your Event Budget! At Dollar Tree?

It is easy to get side tracked with aisles and aisles of items that only cost $1. One can find beauty/health care, garden and seasonal items to cleaning products and even condiments, which leaves the questions, is there anything really worth going for? Granted some items will break just by looking at them but we've found at least 5 things that are an absolute SCORE for your special events budget!

1
  Glassware: the dollar tree has vases in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are great standard pieces for centerpieces and excellent for the craftier guys and dolls that go so far as to glue and paint the pieces into more custom centerpiece designs. A big win for your budget.

 Greeting Cards: Browse birthday, friendship, thinking of you, seasonal, wedding, baby, and more for just a buck. Tell me where in the world you can find a selection of greeting cards cheaper? Dollar Tree greeting cards are becoming so popular that the cards are $1/piece. If you are lucky, some locations still have a selection are that are 2/$1. So when you are heading out to your next event (birthday, baby or bridal shower), spring for the card, tissue paper, and bag, all from Dollar Tree.

3 Balloons: That’s right! Mylar balloons are only a $1/ balloon as opposed to a competitor like Party City which charges $1.99 each, an economical choice for kid or adult Birthdays, office celebrations, baby showers and open houses. Foil not your thing? No worries, you can also find packs of balloons you can blow up yourself, perfect for decorations, favors and party games.

Party Essentials: Table cloths, plates, napkins, cups, and cutlery. Although I’m not a huge fan of plastic tablecloths, there are some cool decorations and other décor you can make with them. I look at it like the very basics for customizing. For example, take a plain paper cup (any color) and add a themed sticker. Voila, instant custom cups for your party! Mix and match to create something you are sure to love.

5      Stationary: In this section you’ll find pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, stickers, activity books, note pads, crayons, stickers, and more. All the things you need to create custom bags/buckets to keep the kiddos occupied at something like a wedding or office picnic. Most items come with multiples in a pack, so you’re sure to make your dollar stretch farther. 

Cheers, To More Lasting Marriages!

On this upcoming Sunday, May 18^th, I will have been married for 12 years. With each passing year, I’m overwhelmed come Anniversary time, simply because I’m grateful beyond measure. I wonder how I got so lucky.  I’m fortunate to still like my husband, as a friend, making everything else a bonus. Let’s be honest, I’m fortunate, he still likes me because we know this doesn’t work one sided. I’m lucky to like my in-laws, to not have a worry in the world. Because I believe, we can overcome any obstacle together.

Be encouraged! My feelings are typically associated with “new love”, when everything is wonderful and before the relationship has been tested. I can tell you from experience; that feeling doesn’t have to end, during or after tests. Tests of your relationship do not always mean ultimatums or infidelity.  You are two people who will change and grow as individuals, meaning your relationship will constantly evolve.

I love myself more that ever because I truly get to be myself; all my quirks and craftiness embraced. He wouldn’t have it any other way. I feel supported in my hopes and dreams for myself, my business, and our family. How many people can say that? I love this life…MY life with him.

My husband and I choose to love each other in the way each of us needs it; not in the way that is easiest for us to give it. That alone can be a challenge... still we choose.  We choose to journey together. We choose to be open and honest, even when it’s uncomfortable. We choose to work together, to set goals, to dream bigger. Year after year, we choose to do it all over again. It is a magnificent feeling in an era where most marriages come with an expiration date.

I am blessed.

I love getting to plan special events for a living. I do what I do, not for the show, but for the magic that is inspired by what brings us to this place of planning, LOVE.  Don’t get me wrong, I adore choosing colors, setting the table, adding a wow factor or two, and challenging myself to do it all together different the next time. I enjoy watching everyone enjoy what I’ve worked so hard to produce. But, I love love more. I love what I do because I get to try to give each client a piece of what I’m feeling: Love, Happiness & Joy.

 It’s my wish for you in each and every celebration I plan.  Cheers to love and all the things we do to celebrate it, cheers to you, and cheers to more lasting marriages. 

#1 Thing Not To Forget On Your Wedding Day

You Want To Be THIS Happy
 From The Start Of Your Day To The Very End!

It’s will be so easy to get caught up in last minute details of your wedding day. There will be hustle and bustle of bridesmaids & family member itineraries.   There will be morning hair & make-up appointments. You’ll be checking and double checking to make sure your bag is packed for the hotel, you have your garter and the flower girl basket. You’ll worry if everything is going according to plan, if you’ll start on time, and if everyone will have a memorable evening. And in the midst of all that... the number one thing you can’t afford to forget on your wedding day is…

 Eat!

Yes, you will want to skip it but it is oh so important to make sure you eat and keep eating throughout the day. Start the day with a muffin and some fresh fruit, or a smoothie. Have a half of a sandwich or an apple with peanut/almond butter or have a whopper... but whatever you do, EAT! The day will be long, your nerves will be on edge and you will need the energy to keep smiling & ready to enjoy the day you've worked so hard to plan.