Lifesavers Spring 09

Lifesavers

Weddings 101

The nuptial season is upon us.  Here’s a (very) brief refresher on the dos and don’ts of weddings. 

Can I bring a date if my invite is only addressed to me?

No. Sorry, but it looks like you’ll be going solo on this one according to Andrea Mancini, an event planner at Soirée Event Planning. “Brides and grooms have either set a budget or they have a certain number of people they can have in the room.” Not putting “and guest” on an invite was likely done on purpose.

Is giving money as a gift OK? How much?

“The days of couples having their parents pay for their weddings aren’t as common as they used to be, so generally a monetary gift is fine—if not preferred,” says Mancini. As far as how much, a few factors may come into play such as if the couple is paying for the wedding themselves or even if it’s a cash bar, but mostly it’s about how much you care. “Generally if you’re close to the couple, $100 and over, and if you’re not as close, $100 and under,” Mancini says. Mainly you want to at least cover the cost of your coming to the wedding.

Does the bride have to send thank-you cards?

Yes. “Plain and simple—there’s no option,” says Mancini. It’s a matter of manners to take time and acknowledge that others contributed to your special day. Thank-you notes or cards are a definite must for engagement, shower and wedding gifts, no matter how big or small.

Be Prepared

A literal lifesaver, the Emergency Response Information Kit (E.R.I.K.) helps you
keep vital information handy in case a scary situation pops up. A plastic envelope holds emergency information such as doctors’ names, current medications and even your health care directive all in one place—on your fridge. A sticker on your front door alerts paramedics, who are trained to check for the kits. This little package is a must for older family members and will help ease worries about what-if situations. E.R.I.K.s can be found at some pharmacies and are available at all Senior Resource Councils in Manitoba. Call 1-800-665-6565 to find a Senior Resource Council in your area.

 The New Baby Book

A brand-new networking site lets new parents share everything about baby, from photos and stories to videos and growth charts. Family and friends from near and far can sign up for updates and get all the details about the little ones they may have otherwise missed out on. The free site was developed by Winnipeggers, but is available worldwide. Its super user-friendly format will keep everyone in the know with photo-sharing, journals, video uploads, messaging and wall-posting. Think facebook but entirely devoted to your baby. www.babylolly.com.

Tie one on

For some time scarves have been a major player on the accessory scene. Just because the mercury has (finally!) risen above freezing, doesn’t mean you need to pack away your fabulous neckwear. From Chanel to Winners, retailers across the price points have stocked the shelves with scarves this season. From bright and bold silks to artsy, Bohemian styles, the scarf is definitely a must-have layering piece. One place that has always stepped-up their scarf selection, and presentation, is Peppertree Fashions. Owner Connie Hall takes her scarves very seriously, offering workshops that extensively cover scarf tying from flattering folds to classic knots. If you can’t make it to a

workshop, Connie and staff would be more than happy to offer suggestions in store. Call 837-2435 for more information, or visit the boutique at 123 Scurfield Blvd. Scarves shown, $10-$19 each.