InvitingSmiles Blog

Honoring the bride’s deceased father at a wedding can be a touchy subject. Who will walk her down the isle, and how will her father be honored?

Weddings are a joyous occasion for celebration, love and laughter. Try to maintain the focus on the joyous occasion, rather than the sadness that her father is not there. A male relative, friend, or the mother of the bride may walk her down the isle. The bride can carry something of her father’s to represent him. She may be able to incorporate something of his in her bridal bouquet.

Family photos including her father can be part of the reception. Someone may wish to make a toast to honor him. If the bride and groom already have what they need to start their lives together, make a note that “In lieu of gifts, a donation to the (Cancer Society for example) would be greatly appreciated.” These donations can be made in her father’s name.

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What exactly is a honeymoon registry?
Couples that have lived together prior to their marriage, have accumulated many items that are traditionally given at a bridal shower. Therefore, travel agencies are now offering honeymoon registry.
The couple books their honeymoon and the travel agency can provide a registry of items the couple might like to do, or have provided for them. The registry may include contributions to the costs of airfare, hotel rooms, candlelit dinners, room service, breakfast in bed, or champagne. Your registry may also include tickets to shows available in the area, snorkeling, scuba diving, casino chips, ski lift tickets, etc.
What a wonderful way to help the newlyweds start their married life together.

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Is it time to have a party, but you do not want children at the party. How do you request that adults leave their children at home?

Etiquette states to never put ‘adults only’, or ‘no children’, on an invitation. The guests should know that only those named on the invitation envelope are invited. Rely on family and friends to spread the word that no children are invited.

If you have addressed the invitation to only the adults and they RSVP including their children, then you may contact them immediately and explain the situation.

For more information regarding shower invitations, click this link:

http://www.invitingsmiles.com/baby-shower-invitations-2.html

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Traditionally, when a man was ready to ask for his loved one’s hand in marriage, it was important to ask her dad’s permission first. Today, many couples bypass this step, but asking dad is still a very honorable and noble thing to do. Here are some suggestions:

Plan ahead:
  Pick a location where dad is comfortable.
  Choose a time that you know he will be alone.
  Wear something presentable, but comfortable.
  Practice what you are going to say.

Prepare for questions you may be asked:
  Will you take care of my daughter?
  Are you going to move away?
  She has a great career. Will you put yours over hers?

Asking a father for his daughter’s hand in marriage will show him that you respect him. It will show that you care enough about his daughter, to care about her family as well.

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During the winter and early spring, you might choose to have your child’s birthday party at a hotel with an indoor pool. My daughter has attended two of these, and enjoyed them both.

Ask the kids to bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Pillow and sleeping bag (if there are more girls than beds)
• Change of clothes, etc.

You can decorate the room with Birthday Banners and bring a cake.

This is usually best for smaller groups, so they will not disturb others in the hotel. Close supervision of the kids is necessary for their safety in the hotel. A parent should stay with the girls or boys at all times.

Click this link for your Thank You Card Etiquette:
http://www.invitingsmiles.com/thank-you-card-etiquette.html

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Did you know that one of the most common surgeries performed on a baby is hernia repair? If you notice a bump, or bulge, around your baby’s belly button or groin area, this may be a hernia. You will need to visit your pediatrician for an examination to be sure.

If your baby has a weakness in his/her abdominal muscle, it is possible for part of the intestine to protrude through the muscle. This is called a hernia. In babies the most common place for this to occur is the belly button area or the groin area.

In some cases your doctor may be able to push the tissue back to where it belongs. In other cases, surgery may be needed to repair the hernia. Some hernias repair themselves, so your doctor may choose to do nothing at the time.

If you think your baby has a hernia, do not panic. However, it is necessary to have a pediatrician examine your child. Symptoms of a hernia may resemble other conditions, so a doctor will need to make the final diagnosis.

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The words budget and wedding gowns just do not seem to go together. There are ways to save on wedding gowns, but you have to be willing to compromise.

Seek discount prices, or borrow a dress:
* Second hand stores         * Craigslist

* Ebay                             * Discount formal wear stores

* The local newspaper         * Friends and Family

These dresses have probably only been worn once. A size close to yours could be altered and dry cleaned for a fraction of the cost of a new dress.

While searching for your wedding dress, keep an eye out for bridesmaid dresses as well. These dresses do not have to be exactly the same make or color, as long as they compliment each other.
 
More information on Wedding Gowns can be found at
http://www.invitingsmiles.com/wedding-gowns.html

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If your child happens to be in the hospital on his birthday, you may need to consider a little hospital party. Of course, the reason for his hospital stay may not allow him to be active, so talk with his doctors first. If they feel it would be okay, ask about the hospital rules and regulations.

If your child is only up for brief visits, you may invite a few friends to stop by and bring their birthday wishes.

If your child is feeling up for more fun, you could have a clown, or magician, come by. The performer could perform in a mutual area that more children in the hospital could be involved as well.  

Speak with your local fire department and see if a few firemen would like to come visit him on his birthday.

Be sure to decorate his room. This will surely brighten his spirits and make his hospital stay a little better.

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