The Rehearsal Dinner

BLUEman: The Male Perspective

One of the traditional responsibilities for the groom is the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is that meal that takes place after the bridal party has walked through their ceremony procession, which usually takes place the day before the wedding, or two days prior.

Rehearsal dinners can either be just as elaborate as the wedding day, or much more subtle. It all depends on the type of budget you have for this occasion, but it is usually safe to plan for 25 to 35 people depending on the size of your bridal party and family members.

It’s a good rule of thumb to allow the bridal party to bring a guest of their own. And, if you have close family flying in from out of town, like your grandparents, it’s a great idea to include them as well in this occasion.

So what about the venue?

This could be as simple as a great brewery restaurant like Rock Bottom or BJ’s Brewhouse, a nice Southwestern or Mexican restaurant like Jalapeno Inferno, or a more elaborate setting like Maggiano’s Little Italy or Mastro's Oceans Club.

Let’s look at a few options.

Maggiano’s is a great place to do a family style rehearsal dinner. From a wide selection of entrees on the menu, you get to choose two to three appetizers, two to three salads, two to three entrees, two to three pasta dishes, and two to three deserts. There is plenty of food for all to enjoy and with a price range of $29 to $40 per person, it is definitely worth every penny. Plus, if you liked something more than others, you can order as much as your heart desires and the price still remains the same.

Another great place located in North Scottsdale is Jalapeno Inferno. With great margarita tastes like the Creamy Coconut or the Prickly Pear, and flavorful dishes, like The Chimichanga that Ate Nogales, you’re sure to find something for everyone to enjoy. And being in Arizona, this is a great way to treat those out of town family or bridal party members who don’t get to taste the true authentic flavors of the Southwest.

With so many great restaurants to choose from in the Valley of the Sun, you’re sure to find any restaurant to meet your rehearsal dinner needs.

Destination Love || Wedding Anniversaries

Planning a wedding takes so much energy, sweat and tears. The pure joy is walking down the aisle to your bridal march music heading up to the man of your dreams. The main idea that most brides forget is the part after the wedding. The many years of learning and growing together through the vow words you spoke on that very wedding day. I recently celebrated a fabulous wedding weekend in the city of quickie weddings and high-roller nights (..also day’s too). The wedding weekend was actually to celebrate the union of my aunt and uncle from April 10, 1960. Yes, it was a 50th Wedding Anniversary in Las Vegas. I didn’t know them when they were married but to know them now you would be so impressed. The romance is seen in the way they look at each other. My Aunt Jeanette understands the dry humor of her hubby Michael as he listens so quietly while we get lost in our chatty talks. Giddiness comes over me when I'm talking with my auntie.

Brian, my hubby and I created a poem/picture frame (goldish frame- tradition says it's the color for 50 years) as a gift to give them. A poem by my favorite writer, the BLUEman (aka Brian) perfectly captured their life together.

I’m in an industry of love but no one really talks about after the wedding day. I think it’s special to celebrate the marriages that started and will last a lifetime…let’s congratulate my friends and family who have beat the odds.

Anniversary Congratulations!

Michael & Jeanette – 50 years

Lew & Sue – 34.5 years

Sherry & hubby – 30 years

Alise & hubby - 24 years

Jo Ann & Grant – 19 years

Tracy & Bill– 16 years (and 11 months)

Jen & Brian– 11 years

Janel & Shawn– 8 years

Laura & hubby - 5 years

Becky & Mark -3 years

Opal & Ed – 2.5 years

Andy & Michelle – 2 years

Love Love || Thank You Gifts for Parents

Saying ‘Thank You’ are the most powerful words to hear. Think about the hard work you’ve done while planning your wedding and don’t forget to thank your parents. The Mother of the Bride or MOB has helped you along the way since you first got engaged. The Father of the Bride or FOB has probably worried about this moment since you were born. There are so many emotions in place during your wedding day and then you join lives with your new husband. Your wedding day is all about wedding vows, great speeches, wedding toasts, wedding cake, first dances, and bringing together your two families. Keep those great milestones in mind and remember your parents who are trying to catch up with your move into married life.

The truth in thanking your parents is they want to be appreciated. It’s up to you to take this on. If you struggled with your parents during planning, remember its proper etiquette to thank them, and you could really surprise them with your thoughtful actions. You may have a large or small budget for thanking your parents but make sure you do something that’s special. I love those Priceless commercials from Mastercard and I challenge you to think of creative ways to say ‘Thank You’. No matter what, your words or actions will be priceless.

Priceless

A heartfelt note thanking both your parents

Add a thank you message about both parents in your wedding program

Gifts Less Than $50

Keepsake Photo Boxes (Mother & Father)

Photo Frame w/portrait picture (Mother & Father)

Photobook for family collection (Mother & Father)

Cigar Box w/accessories (Father)

Personally chosen jewelry (Mother)

Embroidered Handkerchief (Father)

Gifts $50-$100

Schedule a massage for them to relax after wedding (Mother & Father)

Purchase a day at the local spa (Mother)

Purchase a round of golf at local country club (Father)

Gifts $100 and more

Book a trip for a few nights at a nice hotel (Mother & Father)

Create a gift basket with all your parents’ favorite treats, drinks, and a few personalized items (such as new book, travel games, magazines, and cologne/perfume). Think of personal items and you won’t disappoint. (Mother & Father)


What are some ways that you will say thank you to your parents? Post your response here.


Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Victory Cigar?

BLUEman: The Male Perspective

The night is winding down on your wedding day festivities. You’ve watched your beautiful bride come down the aisle, you said your vows, and you said “I do.” The reception went off without a hitch. The first dance was just how you both pictured it. And, if you were creative, you followed the lead of TLC’s Rock the Reception. The best man and maid of honor gave their toasts and everyone danced till they could not dance no more.

And then, your father comes up to you, or your father-in-law, and he wants to share in a moment with you by lighting a cigar and kicking one back with him and the rest of the guys. It’s his way of saying “congratulations” and what some guys might call the “Victory Cigar”. So the question is: do you do it?

Here are two things to consider before you light up that cigar:

1. Is the bride to be going to get upset if the groom lights up the cigar? The bride might not want to kiss cigar breath afterward. But you can likely convince her by chewing some gum after the fact.
2. Does your venue allow you to light up inside or outside? Most places in Arizona would not allow that to take place due to current laws in place that prevent restaurants from allowing patrons to smoke inside, but you might be able to outside.

I can honestly say that lighting up that cigar with my dad, brothers and friends near the end of my reception was a great experience for me. I looked forward to my wedding day, and being able to say thank you in the man sort of way to the guys for supporting me every step of the way meant a lot.

Enjoy your wedding my friends, and if you decide to, savor that cigar…

That’s it for now. Be sure to come back next Monday at 3:33 p.m.

Prepped To Go || Newly Engaged

It happened – you are ENGAGED! The real question is “now what are you supposed to do?”


You met the person you can imagine sharing the rest of your life with and now you should listen up. Deciding on the next steps will strangely shape how your engagement leading up to your wedding day will be. There’s no joke that weddings are big business. I’m sure you didn’t realize it was “big” on your part of wedding planning.

Calling It

Decide on who you will tell and how to communicate the wedding proposal. For parental consideration, be sure to make a visit, or if they are out-of-state, be sure to call her family first and then his family. In some families, the well-known “asking for her hand in marriage” has already been completed and now the announcement is warmly welcomed. Many newlyweds announce to other friends and family through picture texts (of the gorgeous ring) and the simple words “I said I do”.

Write It Down

Announcing your engagement can be done in a variety of ways. Save-the-Date cards are a nice touch as inserts, magnet or postcards. Many couples still decide to publish their announcement in the newspaper which is now electronic on the web for all to view. You may consider creating your wedding website to document the details of your engagement and update guests on wedding plans.

Planning Time

Take time to review your guest list, bridal party selections, budget concerns, and the ideal way you want to share your wedding day. Be sure to set aside time to decide on the wedding planning tasks and who will be actively involved in the decision-making process. Be prepared for many decisions from everything including wedding colors to designs on your tablecloths. This is the best day of your life so make sure to plan it out. There are no rewind buttons on your wedding day, unless of course, you have it videotaped.



Image: Danilo Rizzuti | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Prepped to Go || Guest List Bloopers

Make a list and check it twice. Sound a little familiar to a song during the holidays? Many brides ask a common question “do I have to invite ____?” You can fill in the name of that person not on the preferred list. The answer is, you can invite or not invite anyone to your wedding day. However, be ready with some wedding etiquette before you fasten the lock on your guest list. You have many options when it comes to your wedding day but be mindful of checking everyone’s list so you don’t – blacklist the wrong person on your “nice” list.


Adults Only Please

Consider limiting your guest list to a reception filled with guests not needing the kid table. This could include adding “Adults Only” to your invitation and wedding website. Some family members may not understand the exclusion to their tiny tot but be sure to include all children (this does include the flower girl and ring bearer). Be sure to have that information printed and not hand written to practice proper etiquette (also less harsh).

Additions With Exceptions

Many guests have never attended a wedding or been married. With that in mind, it is better to provide the RSVP or response cards with acceptable wording to prevent any guest count mis-steps. Be sure to use correct wording on the response card that prevents adding more guests than expected. You may end up inviting two guests but the response card reads “# of guests: 6”. Check that your inner and outer envelope name imprints list only the names requested to your event.

Plated To Serve

Eating may not be on your mind during your wedding but it will be for your guests. Be sure to work with a professional caterer who is aware the length of your wedding and how many guests will be present. Depending on the ages of guests, food selected, and timing of food, this will help you determine if additional courses are needed. Be sure to always consider guests with food restrictions and notify your caterer for menu selections. Fed guests are happy guests. Weddings are never fun when unexpected guests arrive and the caterer has not planned for overage. Actively monitor your guests list and always round up if uncertain guests decide to make an appearance.