Wedding Invitations

Considering that you see the office romances everywhere — TV couples, political couples, and maybe even your neighbors or best friends– the odds are good that a fair number of those romances will result in a walk down the aisle.  So, it’s not surprising that a new topic of conversation is becoming all the more off-limits while at the office:  weddings. 

The thing is, you should believe us that it’s not just wedding etiquette experts who say this, let’s correct that thought right now.  No, it’s also employers and co-workers who say this.  Why would it be that the wedding of an employee or co-worker would be not a good idea to discuss at the office? It’s very important to remember that while it is certainly a happy event, it’s unlikely that the wedding is a business-related issue, unless the employee is working for a florist, bakery, wedding planner, or other similar wedding industry business.  Or at least no need to discuss it endlessly with coworkers, only when asked.  For example, when a co-worker asks about the wedding, it’s generally best to give vague replies, such as, “it’s going very well, thank you.”  Keep it businesslike at the office whenever possible.

Another issue is that many couples are not able to afford to invite every single co-worker (and their spouses) to their reception, which is perfectly understandable in some ways, but hurtful to those not invited nonetheless.  Sometimes couples solve this problem by inviting just the boss (and spouse) and their closest workplace friend and spouse.  If a co-worker is upset about being left out of the wedding, explain that you value their friendship. But because you are having a small wedding you’re restricted.

That’s not the only guest list dilemma to consider here, but etiquette experts say that inviting the boss can be a good idea, because an employee’s relationship with his boss is important, and this could be a good way to strengthen it. However, please do realize that, if you can’t stand being in your boss’ presence, don’t feel obligated to send an invite. 

Did you just get engaged? The odds are good that you’re plenty overwhelmed at the thought of all there is to do to plan your wedding and you might not know where to begin. We thought we’d give a few pointers to get you started, as well as a reminder that it won’t go on forever and all that hard work will result in a beautiful day for you and your future spouse to remember for years to come.

Among the important things to decide early on would be the date of the wedding. You don’t necessarily have to have a firm date and time squared away within 72 hours of that engagement ring going on your finger, that’s definitely not in any wedding etiquette or planning guides, but a general idea of how much time you’ll have to plan this wedding is a handy thing to have, both for you and for your family and other members of your wedding party. Have you always dreamed of a spring wedding? Or perhaps the thought of a Christmas wedding gets your heart racing. These are the kinds of date-setting we’re talking about. From there, you can go on to pick locations for both ceremony and reception, wedding gowns, flowers, and bridesmaid dresses. But without the date, you can’t make very many firm plans.

Do also keep in mind that many wedding-related items must be ordered months in advance, such as the gowns and the wedding invitations. Factor in that wedding etiquette also advises that it’s best to send invitations out anywhere between one to two months before the wedding, and you’ll quickly see that there’s a lot more planning involved than you might have originally thought.

This is a common wedding etitquette concern: who will walk the bride down the aisle? Normally, the bride’s father does, but there are many exceptions. Perhaps your relationship with your father is strained. Maybe he isn’t coming to the wedding. Or, you may be closer to another father figure besides your father - like your grandfather.
Here’s one thing to remember, you can have the best of both choices. Both men can walk you down the asile. In fact, it’s acceptable to walk you down the aisle just about any way you choose. That includes walking down the aisle by yourself. Or, you can have someone on each arm and have two people walk you down the aisle.

Some wedding etiquette experts suggest that almost everything is negoatiable, including having women walk you down the aisle (like your mom or sister or a close friend). I’m still a traditionalist though. I prefer an older man, preferably your father to do this honor. However, if that is uncomfortable or near impossible, a man who is like a father to you is a prefectly acceptable choice.