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Where Do Parents & Grandparents Sit at the Wedding Reception?

Ask the Celebration Advisor: Where do the bride and grooms parents and grandparents sit at the wedding reception?   My daughter is getting married in June.  At my wedding, the parents and grandparents sat at the head table.  My daughter and her future inlaws said they never heard of that. – Becky

The Celebration Advisor:

Hi Becky,
Honestly, both are correct. You can have parents & grandparents sit at the head table or you can give them their own separate table. It's up to you. If you are limited on space at the head table, consider sitting them at their own table close to the head table. Or, if you would like them at your table, seat them there. It's completely up to you and your preferences. Also, this post shares information on reception seating as well. Hope this helps!

If you have a wedding or party question, ask The Celebration Advisor!

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Help! Do You Have Any Ideas for a Disney Themed Bridal Shower?

Ask The Celebration Advisor:

Help! Do You Have Any Ideas for a Disney Themed Bridal Shower? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely – Katherine

The Celebration Advisor:

Katherine,

A Disney bridal shower sounds like such a fun idea! You can easily come up with such an elegant bridal shower that is Disney themed, even though you may think it could turn out looking like a kid's birthday party. First decide which route you want to go. Do you want to go with Mickey and Minnie or a princess themed route? Here are some ideas for both,

  • Disney Princess Themed Shower – A Princess themed bridal shower should be centered around a tea party. Theme each table after a Disney Princess. For example, for Ariel, create an under the sea theme table or for Cinderella, use the castle, blues and silvers for inspiration. Serve petite fours and play games that lets guests guess release dates in order of Disney films. Don't forget a "throne" like chair for the bride where she can open all her goodies.
  • Mickey & Minnie Themed Shower – Of course, red and black should be the colors of this shower. It doesn't have to be over-the-top Mickey and Minnie. Talk with your local florist and let them know what theme you're going with. They can create elegant arrangements in black and ride and even incorporate hidden Mickeys into the centerpieces. You can then create cute Mickey and Minnie cake pops, cupcakes, and cakes for this shower.

Hope this helps!

Need suggestions on more bridal showers? Check out Wedding and Party Network!

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Ask The Celebration Advisor – Unequal Numbers

Ask The Celebration Advisor:

Is it okay to have a different number of bridesmaids and ushers?

– Brittany

The Celebration Advisor:

Of course! It's your wedding day! You shouldn't feel forced to put someone in YOUR wedding just to make everything equal. Don't feel obligated to put anyone in your wedding party that you don't have to, it's your day and you want to share it with people who matter most in your life.

You may have a friend that you've been friends with since you were younger, however, you haven't talked to them in ages. If you want them in your wedding, great! However, if you don't, you are not obligated to put them in there just because you need to make up the difference. Everything will work out with the uneven numbers, don't stress about it. It's your wedding day, do what you want.

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Ask The Celebration Advisor: How Can I Throw A Nautical Themed Party?

Ask The Celebration Advisor

"How can I throw a tasteful nautical-themed party?"

– Michelle

The Celebration Advisor

A nautical themed party is a huge trend now. And there are ways that you can make it a tasteful nautical themed party.

Party Colors – Of course, stick with the traditional colors of the sea. Choose navy and white and an accent of red for your party colors. When hosting this party, stick with the traditional colors.

Party Decorations – If this is a kid's birthday party, consider placing fun sail boats out as party decorations and using seashells. Get really creative and make an actual sailboat out of cardboard boxes. Kids can get in it and take fun pictures. However, if this is for an adult party, create some unique rope centerpieces. You can use rope, anchors and classic starfish as part of your party decor. Use clean, white table linens and place blue and white floral centerpieces on the table. Keep it simple and classic and you'll have a tasteful party.

Party Food – Keep it with the theme and choose seafood as your food of choice. Serve shrimp cocktail, crab stuffed mushrooms or crab cakes. However, everyone is not a fan of seafood. Therefore, serve up light and refreshing appetizers. A caprese salad or bruschetta would be nice. Just remember, keep it light, refreshing and of the sea.

When hosting a nautical themed party, stick with the traditional decor and food. That's how you can throw a tasteful party. Think vintage, rustic and of the ocean. Sail boats are known for being classic, so stay with that theme.

Hope this was helpful and that you enjoy your nautical themed party!

Party Tip – Always keep with the theme. If it is a traditional and classic party theme, keep things simple. However, if you are throwing an over the top bash, you can go overboard as much as you want!

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Wedding Etiquette: How Do I Say No Children At The Wedding?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I have sent wedding invitations for my daughters wedding. They were specifically addressed to only the adults. I have started receiving the RSVP's and people have added children.  How do I let them know it is only for adults?

Thank you
J.

Wedding & Party Celebration Advisor Answer:

I think the best way to handle this is to stand firm in this decision. There is a good reason your daughter's wedding is an adult only wedding. I suggest that you send out another formal notice or contact them however you prefer and say, "Our wedding is for adults only, however, here are a list of babysitters and their contact information" Make sure to research babysitters or find a few in your area that you can give your guests. You may even find a babysitter for your daughter's wedding so guests will be able to drop their children off at a specific place and they'll be close by. I hope this is helpful!

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Where Do Parents Sit During The Wedding Reception?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: Do the brides and brooms parents, grandparents sit at the head table??? What is the proper etiquette for their seating arangements??? Please e-mail ASAP, Please and Thank you!!! ~Dianne

The Celebration Advisor: Wedding reception seating etiquette can be a tricky issue, but it's best to keep in mind the golden rule of head table seating: the head table is reserved for the bride, groom, and wedding party. This includes groomsmen and bridesmaids. While parents and grandparents may have a table reserved for them, it is typically a separate table situated close to the head table.

Here are a few other etiquette tips for wedding reception seating. Hopefully this will clear up many issues that you may have.

Order of Seating at Head Table — Regardless of the shape of the head table, the order of seating always allows for the maid/matron of honor to sit on the groom's left and the best man to sit on the bride's right. Spouses may sit with members of the wedding party if space is available at the head table. If not, spouses (and sometimes children) are seated together at a separate table.

Seating Parents and Grandparents — Parents and grandparents are usually seated at the same table. The bride's parents and grandparents are seated together, often with their children, children's spouses, and grandchildren if space is available. The groom's parents and grandparents are seated at another table, often with their children, children's spouses, and grandchildren if space is available. If space is an issue, families are seated together accordingly (parents and children along with any additional guests of that group).

Seating the Minister — The minister and his or her spouse are generally seated at the table of the bride's parents. Grandparents may also be seated at this table as it is common to seat families together.

Seating Divorced Parents — This one is not as tricky as you would expect. Divorced parents and couples (remarried or not) should not be seated at the same table unless their relationship is exceptionally jovial. All divorced partners and their new spouses are seated as individual families. (i.e. the married couple, their children, their parents, and any additional guests of that group).

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Top 10 Tips For Throwing A Bachelor Party

Ask The Celebration Advisor: Hello, can you give any ideas for a bachelor's party? thanks ~ secil

The Celebration Advisor: Sure! Here are a few tips for a bachelor's party that will make "The Hangover" look like a chick flick.

10.  Keep beverages on tap at all times.
Alcoholic or not, men drink and men drink a lot so keep the beverages flowing.

9. Think outside the box for entertainment.
Of course you have your scantily-clad standards, but try to provide other forms of entertainment too. Think party bands and awesome games. We're not talking Pin The Tail On The Donkey here. Think of games that require a certain machismo to pull off. Make sure it's macho. Make sure it's easy to do while drinking.

8. Amp up your drinking games.
If you're going to have alcohol at your bachelor party,  you have to play a drinking game. It's like bachelor party etiquette: 101. Keep in mind, though, that you have to make your bachelor party the best. Amp up your games. Go frat boy on their butts with Beer Pong. You could also gather the guys in front of a chick flick and have everyone take a certain number of drinks per "girly" word like "love", "trust," or "relationship." Let's face it. That may be the only way some of the guys make it through a romantic chick movie.

7. Food, food, food!
Oh yeah. And FOOD!!! Guys only drink so much because they're washing down all of the food that they eat. It's simple science really. *grins* Flush out the pork rinds, pizza, and greasy finger foods with a little fluid. Always keep the food coming and the drinks flowing if you want a bachelor party that NO ONE will whine about. A simple party credo for men – "If it's green, it's trouble. If it's fried, get double."

6. No girls allowed!
Yeah, some of the more *cough* attached men will want to bring their partners, wives, girlfriends, et al. to your bachelor party. No! While it's not as unheard of as before to have the feminine of the species running around, it's a party pooper if you want a raucous night with the guys. Even if you don't want it to be too outlandish, the last meeting of the "he-man woman haters club" is officially YOUR bachelor party.

5. If it can be delivered, it's golden.
Don't worry about having the food picked up or making a last minute beer run. If you plan on making this an all-nighter, you're not going to want to wake up and clean up the ruins of a guys' night out. Keep it simple by hiring a caterer to bring over the food, that is unless you have a chef among you that wants to spend his time in the kitchen instead of with the guys. If you hire a caterer (a smart move), let them what kind of spread you would like and stick to that. It's really THAT simple.

4. Have a designated drive (if alcohol will be present).
If you plan to drink, plan on having a driver or a bunch of overnight guests. No one wants to get hurt or have a friend hurt, especially that close to the groom's big day.

3. Keep it simple.
Guys don't require a whole lot. Shocking, I know, but true. Most men do not want a lavish spread and a fancy party that lasts three days and requires the most expensive ball room in the city. Some guys like that (which is great—go for it!) but most just want a fun night with their Y chromosome having friends.  Work with your vendors to keep the night flowing smoothly. Don't overthink it.

2. Keep the entertainment coming.
Don't stick to one activity the whole night. Plan a few activities that are relatively short but entertaining at the same time. If you don't get to all of them, fine. It's far better than having a bunch of bored men lounging about, staring somewhat enviously at the fly on the wall's level of entertainment.

1. Have fun!
I think this one speaks for itself.

You may also be interested in these cool ideas for bachelor parties:

Asian Inspired Bachelor Party
Fishing Themed Bachelor Party
3 Tips for Bachelor or Bachelorette Parties

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Is This Appropriate Rehearsal Dinner Attire?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I'm the father of the groom, the wedding will be in formal attire and the rehearsal dinner will be semi-formal. Is it appropriate for me to wear a dinner jacket to the rehearsal dinner? If not, what do you recommend? Thank you for your advise!! ~ FV

The Celebration Advisor: Yes, a dinner jacket is appropriate attire. For a semi-formal rehearsal dinner, consider lightweight fabrics in standard colors such as navy blue, black and charcoal gray. Dinner jackets in these colors conform to most formal and semi-formal standards of rehearsal dinner attire. We're sure you'll look dapper!

Something to consider is the type of pants that you will be wearing. Jeans/denim are NOT appropriate for a semi-formal occasion. Semi-formal rehearsal dinners call for a more formal fabric such as khaki or cotton slacks.

A simple suit would be the best attire for a rehearsal dinner. It doesn't have to be your best suit (save that for the wedding) but it can be the runner up. The rehearsal dinner is where you can don your best khaki colored suit, gray suit, or some other neutral color that you are not likely to wear to a very formal occasion. Stray from tuxedos. They're too ritzy for a semi-formal rehearsal dinner.

You'll look great for certain. If you need help picking out appropriate formal wear, contact a local formal wear shop near you. The experts there will be happy to help you create a smooth and refined look.

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Where Can I Find Supplies For A Vietnamese Engagement?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I will be proposing to a Vietnamese girl within the next couple of months. While her family has been here since 1976; I would love to be able to perform the traditional betrothal ceremony for her parents. Any help or advice you could give would be greatly appreciated…Especially where to purchase the gift boxes, gifts, and red cloth coverings for the boxes. Thanks, Jeff in Minneapolis/Saint Paul Minnesota

The Celebration Advisor: Great question, Jeff. Respecting your future wife's heritage is an excellent idea and one that shows how much you love and respect her as well. We recently brought to light some interesting Vietnamese/Chinese wedding traditions. You obviously know some of the basics which will help you when you discuss which supplies you need.

I'm not sure where you are in Minnesota but here are a few places to look to get you started:

  • A local or regional Vietnamese newspaper
  • Chinese stores such as those in the China Town areas of major cities
  • Large malls with unique outlet stores with International imports
  • Borrow from another Vietnamese friend or ask her family if they have any / know where to look
  • Order online from Vietnam (be prepared for shipping costs)

An excellent bakery in Owatonna Minnesota called The Perfect Day Cakes does a lot of interesting theme cakes. There are many bakeries in Minneapolis and bakeries in Saint Paul that would also be able to help make the sweet treats for the celebration and even the engagement party.

Good luck and congratulations!

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How Do I Ask For Cash Wedding Gifts Instead of Presents?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: How could I eloquently ask for cash gifts and/or store certificatest instead of presents at the wedding? ~ Casey

The Celebration Advisor: Typically, giving cash wedding gifts is a big no-no according to traditional wedding etiquette. However, modern weddings are seeing a huge spike in the request for cash gifts or gift cards instead of presents. Don't stress about cash wedding gift etiquette though! When you're in a pinch and need to find out how to go about asking for cash instead, simply remember these things.

* You will want to make this request where you would have announced your registry. It is also a traditional duty of the maid of honor and best man to spread this information around. Make sure those two parties are aware of your wedding gift suggestion as well.

* You can politely request money without asking for cash outright which would likely offend older guests. Instead, list things like these where you would normally announce your registry:

  • "Bride and groom respectfully request cash gifts in lieu of wedding presents."
  • "Bride and groom respectfully request cash gifts or gift cards to *your favorite 'home' store* in lieu of wedding presents."

You can also substitute your name and your groom's name for "bride and groom" as this will personalize it a bit. Keep in mind though that personalization is great for younger guests but maintaining a more traditional tone will help soften any offense that older guests may have.

* You can announce that you will be having a cash money tree at your wedding/wedding reception instead of wedding gifts. I have been to many weddings that prefer this option because it's fast and easy. Still, guests should be warned in advance.

I hope your wedding goes as smoothly as announcing your cash wedding gift preference. Best of luck!

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