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Archive for the ‘Dear DW’ Category

Tipping Vendors

Categories: Dear DW, Details, Planning & Ideas, Planning Tips March 9, 2012 / Danielle Freedman

Brides and their family members will often ask me if gratuity for vendors is encouraged, necessary or expected on the big day.  Of course, by the time the nuptials arrive, many are feeling stretched thin financially, as those costs just seem to add up and up – some of which are unexpected or unplanned.

So, the first thing that I always remind brides of is that a gratuity is never expected or required. However, if you have the means, showing your appreciation with a monetary bonus is a wonderful way to express your gratitude. In my experience, based on industry standards in D.C., I would recommend the following:

Hair and Make Up: I suggest giving your hair stylist and make up artist an additional 20% of the total cost of services.  If your girls are paying for beauty on their own, then you can ask that they include a tip in the total that they each pay.

Photo Credit: Andrew Reilly

Hotel or Venue Staff: For the bellmen carrying your luggage and dress or for the conciereige distributing your welcome bags it is nice to offer a $5.00 thank you each time they assist you.

Band or DJ: Generally, I like to give each band member $50.00, especially if you booked them through an agency and they are only paid a cut of the total contract amount. If it is one DJ, then I bump it up to $100.00.

Catering or Venue Rep: For your catering and banquets representative (whether with a catering company, at a venue, or at a hotel), I think it is nice to provide a $100.00 gratuity. If you want to go all out, you can also give an additional chunk of change for the wait staff – just ask your representative how many employees they will have on site that day – I think $20.00 per person is lovely!

Transportation: Finally, if you can, treat those drivers to a little extra dough. They are in charge of getting you, your family and guests from one place to the next safely and efficiently. So, I like to throw each driver about $50.00 to say “thanks!”.

Planner: After taking care of all of the logistical elements, the many moving parts and the vendor coordination, it is wonderful to give your planner a little “icing on the cake”.  I have seen gifts from $100.00 per team member to a percentage of the overall consulting fee to a gift certificate for a spa treatment –even a fancy bottle of champagne.

If anyone ever has questions, I love hearing from you — so shoot me an email at danielle@districtweddings.com. Happy weekend!

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Everything Etiquette – Part II

Categories: Dear DW, Planning & Ideas February 25, 2011 / Emily Machernis

I hope that everyone has enjoyed the beginning of our etiquette series – I know I sure have!  Today we will move on to a variety of difficult situations brides often face while planning their wedding…

“How do I send out invitations to people who are living with extended family?”

Good question! If an extended family member is living together, such as “John Smith” and “John Smith Jr”, you should send separate invitations to each individual or couple.  Even if extended families are living under the same roof, invitations to both parties make it clear who is included.  Names listed on the invitation are clear designators of who is invited, and this rule can be carried to an “adults only” weddings as well.

Cheree Berry Paper

Read the rest of this entry.

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Dear Danielle: Time Required to Plan a Wedding

Categories: Dear DW March 17, 2010 / Danielle Freedman

Every once in a while, I like to take a break from our regular posting schedule to try and answer interesting questions from our readers. As I have mentioned, I love hearing from you all – keep the questions coming!

Today, Maddie asks:

My fiance just proposed and we really want to get married this summer. We want something nice, elegant and intimate…Is it feasible to plan and execute a wedding in four months?

I often like to say, where there is a will, there is a way. So, yes, it is most certainly possible to plan your wedding in four months. With that being said, with less time, there are a few important caveats to note —

1. Venue and Vendors: Many popular DC venues and vendors (depending on the category) are booked up to a year in advance. Summer in DC is a bit less busy with weddings, so there most certainly may be dates open, but if you have your heart set on a specific place, vendor, or company, your quickly approaching date may be a limiting factor.

2. Comparative Shopping: The good news is that with less time you will be forced to make decisions and move forward. On the flip side, you may have less time to get comparative quotes from vendors and thoughtfully negotiate.

Photo by Paul Morse

3. Guest Attendance: Usually, save the dates are mailed six months before a wedding. Since you will have missed this window of time, it will be important to reach out to your closest friends and family to let them know of your plans. However, with summer being a busy time for many families, you will have to be prepared to receive declines from some of those invited (which sometimes can be a good thing, right?)

4. Beware of DIY’s: Of course, I am a HUGE fan of creative “Do-It-Yourself” details. But, take it from me, DIY does not always equal less money or less time. Be smart about what you can do yourself and what is best left up to the experts or generous family and friends.

5. Prioritize: Finally, with less time, it will be important to be organized and know what items mean the most to you and what you should prioritize. It is easy to get wrapped up in the details of planning but try to keep in mind, in the end, it is one day and ultimately about being with the person you love for the rest of your life! In ten years, are you going to remember if your invites went out a few days late or if the cocktail napkins were slightly too lime-green? Enjoy the process and maintain perspective!

Has anyone else planned a wedding in a shorter period of time? Do you have other advice that you would add?

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Dear District Weddings: Great DC Spa?

Categories: Dear DW, Planning & Ideas September 25, 2009 / Danielle Freedman

Dear District Weddings,

My sister was recently engaged and is soon to be married!  I am thinking of fun ideas for a ‘bachelorette celebration’ for her, and would like to do a girls day of pampering at a great DC spa. Where is the best place to go?

Best, Heidi

Great question! Although there are so many wonderful spas in the area, our absolute favorite is the Mandarin Oriental Spa.  Decorated in warm neutral colors, the Mandarin Spa has a calming essence that is enhanced by signature aromatherapy candles.  Guaranteed to offer you a full day of luxury, the Mandarin boasts an amethyst steam room, vitality pools, an amazing, sauna, and zen relaxation rooms that will leave you completely relaxed.  How often do we actually have the opportunity to feel that way!?

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The treatments offered at the Mandarin are also a MUST- they are so unique, and really do have an effect on the mind, body, and spirit.  Rooted in ancient rituals, the Mandarin Spa treatments fuse techniques and philosophies for around the world to create experiences that are unlike any other, trust us!


 

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Some of the Mandarin’s signature treatments include the “Cherry Blossom Ritual”, a foot ritual followed by a cherry scrub and Aromatherapy Massage with hot stones, and the “Traditional Thai Ritual”, one that draws from Thai culture and restores tranquility – how GREAT do those sound?  A large variety of massages and wraps are also offered – perfect to suit each woman’s needs.

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For your sister, you might want to check out the full day and half day programs – several options are offered and will allow your party to receive that full, fantastic day you are looking for!  Trust me, your sister will LOVE it, and she will end up completely relaxed and ready to plan her fabulous DC wedding!

 

 

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Also, be sure to follow the Mandarin on Twitter at MO_WashingtonDC and become a friend on Facebook to learn about their special deal!

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Dear Danielle: Children Invited?

Categories: Dear DW, Planning & Ideas September 14, 2009 / Danielle Freedman

Dear Danielle,

We are planning our upcoming wedding and are working to compile our guest list. Many of our friends and family have children, and although we love kids, we picture our wedding as an “adult only” affair. How do we kindly ask our guests to leave the little ones behind?

This is a great question and one that we hear often at DW!  To ensure that your wedding includes a mature guest list, there are a few steps to take.

First, only address the wedding invitation to the parents on both the outer and inner envelopes.  Etiquette rules dictate that you should never state “no children” on the invitation.

Martha Stewart Weddings

Martha Stewart Weddings

Second, it is always polite to book a babysitter on behalf of your guests with children either at the venue or hotel.  You may find babysitter listings at many hotels and if you are working with a wedding planner, he or she will most likely have recommendations.

Martha Stewart Weddings

Martha Stewart Weddings

Finally, if you have children in your wedding party, and they will be attending the reception, it is always nice to have special place settings for these select little ones.  Recently, I have seen a bride set juice boxes and coloring books (and remove the wine glasses and knife) from the child’s place.  Most caterers or venues will offer kid’s meals (often for a lower price than the adult per person cost.)

For post dinner dancing, again, it is thoughtful to offer babysitting so that the Moms and Dads can continue to enjoy themselves, kid-free.

As always, we LOVE hearing from you – please keep your comments and questions coming our way!

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