Ask A Planner

In grade school, teachers always reinforce that the only dumb questions out there are the ones left unasked. Well, my friends the same applies to us adults as well, especially those in the midst of planning one of the most important day of their lives. I'm sure some of you out there have burning questions about the wedding or event planning process, questions that a lot of other readers can benefit from. And Fabulously Ever After would love to ease your inquisitive minds and answer some of your questions here on the blog.

All you have to do is send an email with your questions to info{at}fabulouslyeverafter{dot}com.

So go ahead and Ask A Planner, 'cause there's no such thing as a dumb question in this classroom ;)

Ask A Planner: Say Yes to the [Pre-Owned] Dress

Recently, a follower of our Facebook Fan Page asked us to do a post on alternative wedding dress options. Now we're not talking about alternatives like walking down the aisle in your bikini here (though I think that could be a fabulous option for a beach wedding), but rather alternatives to shelling out the Benjamins for a dress you're only going to wear once. This must be the theme of the week because Broke Ass Bride just did a great post on the same topic.

Whether you want to believe it or not, there are many alternatives to that couture Pnina Tornai gown you see on Say Yes To The Dress every week (the new season just started on Friday by the way!). One option is to buy a preowned gown. It's kind of like buying a certified used vehicle. These gently used dresses look spankin' new in most cases, have minimal wear (usually less than 10 hours), but cost a fraction of the price - we're usually talking around 50% off.  Sites like Recycled Bride, Bravo Bride, Wedding Dress Market and the like all have great options, like this gorgeous Kenneth Poole for Amsale dress, originally $4700, for only $2500. I'm tempted to buy it myself right now, but Prince Charming might get a little freaked out if he finds a wedding dress in my closet before he's even proposed. 

Kenneth Poole for Amsale

Just like you rent a car for your weekend road trip, you can do the same for your wedding dress as well. Stores like Bella Bridal in Los Angeles rent gorgeous gowns, sometimes even ones that are brand new! The saving will be even greater than buying a preowned dress...rental gowns usually cost less than $1000.

If  buying or renting aren't your thing though, don't count out stores like David's Bridal or the Bridal Salon at your local Macy's department store. If you thought these stores offered tacky or out of season dresses, think again. In fact, David's Bridal just announced they'll be launching a new line designed by Vera Wang, which will retail from $600-$1500.

David's Bridal

So now that you know your options, don't be afraid take advantage of them. Just think of everything you can do with a few extra $$$ in your pocket - reception centerpieces, that dessert bar you wanted, airline tickets for your honeymoon....you get the point.

Ask A Planner: Keeping Uninvited Guests Off Your RSVP

Dear Fabulously Ever After,

I’m getting ready to send out invites for my summer wedding but have a small concern. I’m afraid that some invited guests will see the invitation and assume that their entire household is invited, instead of just the adults the invite was intended for. I have a fixed number of seats for the wedding and reception and want to make sure that only the invited guests RSVP for the event. Any tips?

Dear Bride-To-Be,

I’m so glad you asked this question because this is a frequent concern for brides and grooms. I’ve seen situations where five people RSVP to an invitation, when the invite was actually only intended for two. It’s also not unheard of for someone to add a “plus one” to their RSVP when only one was really invited in the first place.

Nothing is worse than having to inform someone who RSVP'd for your wedding that they actually weren’t invited after all. So, as you prepare your invites, keep the following points in mind to prevent this from happening:

The outer envelope for your invitation should make it very clear who the invitation is intended for and who is invited. So, for example, if you want to invite the whole Jones family, your invitation should be addressed to Mister and Misses Jones and Family. If only Mr. & Mrs. Jones are invited, the wording should simply say Mister and Misses Jones.

It is always polite to give single guests the option of bringing a date. So, if your friend Ashley Smith is welcome to bring the new guy she’s dating, the invitation should be addressed to Miss Ashley Smith and Guest. But, if only Ashley is invited because you want to use this opportunity to set her up with your fiancée’s handsome cousin, simply address the envelope to Miss Ashley Smith.

Regardless of the how the invitation envelope is addressed, you still may have some not so savvy wedding goers that think they can bring a date or their children. If you’re still concerned you can also use the RSVP card to reinforce who is invited. Consider the following layouts:

We have reserved___ seat(s) in your honor.

M__________________________________

__Accept with pleasure

__Decline with regret

OR

M__________________________________

____of _2_ accept with pleasure

These recommendations should have you covered. However, in the off chance that someone you invited still RSVPs for an uninvited guest, this is where your wedding planner comes in. Your planner will respectfully and kindly call your guest to inform them that while the bride and groom would love to celebrate their day with the entire Jones family, unfortunately only blank number of seats have been reserved for them.

Good luck!

Zoe'
Fabulously Ever After