Friday, December 3, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Holiday Saviness!
The Holidays along with their gift giving and family togetherness are the most popular time of year for couples to get engaged. If you are recently engaged (or anticipating that much anticipated question!), use the earlier part of this month to beat the wedding rush in January and save a few bucks along the way!
Start shopping now for all of the services you will need and negotiate with the security of knowing that what is available this month and the fees quoted will likely go up in January. Therefore, now is the best time to shop and sign along the dotted line!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Cold Hard Cash
As someone who is consciousness about getting out of debt and building wealth, u subscribe to a daily email geared towards women and money (if you aren't interested in a daily email, you can view their posts at www.DailyWorth.com). Interestingly, today's email was geared towards weddings and the etiquette of asking for monetary gifts. I enjoyed this post and I think you will too!
Q: I'm planning my wedding and I'd like to ask for cash gifts instead of doing a traditional registry. My fiancé and I already live together—we don't need china or a blender—but my mom says that's tacky. Is it?
A: Good etiquette has always said it’s okay to give cash (or a check) to the bride and groom; a modern twist says it’s now okay for the couple to signal that gifts of money would be welcome.
After all, money is often the most useful gift a newlywed couple could receive. Life isn’t cheap these days, and neither are weddings, let alone putting together a household together.
The key to pulling it off without offending anyone is in how the ask is made.
As with registry information, the news that money is preferred should be given out by word of mouth—never on the invitation.
When asked, simply say, “Of course we would love anything you choose, but we could really use help with a down-payment.” This wording acknowledges the guest’s right to choose the gift—while painting a picture of what the money will be used for.
If using the words “money” or “cash” goes against the grain, phrases such as “help with” or “a contribution toward” are good euphemisms. Coach immediate family and close friends to help them tactfully answer the inevitable guest questions they’ll receive about where the couple is registered. Your personal wedding website is also a great place to post this message, along with your registry information or online money gift sites—as long as that's not the only information there. And it is best to have a few items on a traditional registry for guests who prefer a gift wrapped with paper and ribbons.
Anna Post is the great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, the co-author of "Great Get-Togethers" (William Morrow, 2010), and the author of "Do I Have To Wear White? Emily Post Answers America's Top Wedding Questions" (Collins, 2009).
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Money Rules: Can the Bride & Groom Ask for Cash?
Q: I'm planning my wedding and I'd like to ask for cash gifts instead of doing a traditional registry. My fiancé and I already live together—we don't need china or a blender—but my mom says that's tacky. Is it?A: Good etiquette has always said it’s okay to give cash (or a check) to the bride and groom; a modern twist says it’s now okay for the couple to signal that gifts of money would be welcome.
After all, money is often the most useful gift a newlywed couple could receive. Life isn’t cheap these days, and neither are weddings, let alone putting together a household together.
The key to pulling it off without offending anyone is in how the ask is made.
As with registry information, the news that money is preferred should be given out by word of mouth—never on the invitation.
When asked, simply say, “Of course we would love anything you choose, but we could really use help with a down-payment.” This wording acknowledges the guest’s right to choose the gift—while painting a picture of what the money will be used for.
If using the words “money” or “cash” goes against the grain, phrases such as “help with” or “a contribution toward” are good euphemisms. Coach immediate family and close friends to help them tactfully answer the inevitable guest questions they’ll receive about where the couple is registered. Your personal wedding website is also a great place to post this message, along with your registry information or online money gift sites—as long as that's not the only information there. And it is best to have a few items on a traditional registry for guests who prefer a gift wrapped with paper and ribbons.
| Get engaged. What do you think about giving money instead of a gift? |
Anna Post is the great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, the co-author of "Great Get-Togethers" (William Morrow, 2010), and the author of "Do I Have To Wear White? Emily Post Answers America's Top Wedding Questions" (Collins, 2009).
Friday, July 30, 2010
The Power of the Pen
The concept of negotiating comes up between me and clients almost daily. While in my daily life i'm not a fan of haggling, i'm a big advocate when it comes to your big day. While some vendors will not be willing to negotiate their price with you, a great many are. Besides, what's the worst than can say, no?!
When encountering a vendor who is not willing to budge, consider another tactic, perhaps they can throw in an extra service or upgrade your package for free. Remember, once a contract is signed, there is no negotiating. However, if you haven't signed a contract, your strongest time to negotiate is when you mention you brought your checkbook with you. There is something magical about the words "I have my checkbook with me and i'm ready to sign a contract, but can you do any better for me."
Let me know your thoughts and any success stories!
When encountering a vendor who is not willing to budge, consider another tactic, perhaps they can throw in an extra service or upgrade your package for free. Remember, once a contract is signed, there is no negotiating. However, if you haven't signed a contract, your strongest time to negotiate is when you mention you brought your checkbook with you. There is something magical about the words "I have my checkbook with me and i'm ready to sign a contract, but can you do any better for me."
Let me know your thoughts and any success stories!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Introducing Elsa Jewelers - Bridal Showroom
I love vendors that really cater to weddings and special events in a unique way! What's why I am pleased to announce that Elsa Jewelers is the newest vendor to be recommended by our program (and the only jeweler i might ad!). What makes Elsa unique? A number of things - all of their work is custom work (at rates that are normal jewelry rates, not custom rates), custom means your wedding band will match flawlessly with your engagement ring, you are engaged in the design and production process (don't like something, change it!), they have a Bridal Coordinator (ask for Carol), and they even have you pick out the stones.
If you arent already sold, i promise a meeting with Carol will seal the deal! Visit www.elsarings.com and call 631-293-4500 - make sure to tell them Raquel sent you!!
If you arent already sold, i promise a meeting with Carol will seal the deal! Visit www.elsarings.com and call 631-293-4500 - make sure to tell them Raquel sent you!!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
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