Etiquette for Real Brides

At the ABC Business of Brides conference, I had the tremendous opportunity to hear Peggy Post (great, great granddaughter in law of Emily Post) speak.  She was great!  Her relaxed approach makes the guidelines of etiquette completely doable.  I have to repeat this fabulous quote Peggy shared:

“It really doesn’t matter what fork you use.  What really matters is being interested in the people you’re having a meal with.”  --Emily Post

As all my clients know, I am a huge promoter of this concept of etiquette.  One of the first things I often  tell my clients is that etiquette exists to make us feel comfortable and to resolve awkward situations in a non-offensive way.

Peggy says etiquette is the fuel that helps us build relationships.  Here are her three principles:

*Consideration--thinking before acting

*Respect--interest in others as they are (empathy)

*Honesty:  being sincere, truthful, tactful

Peggy believes that those who follow etiquette, in essence, abide by the Golden Rule which transcends culture, tradition, race, education, or marital status.

How does this apply to your wedding?  Your wedding is about you and the groom, but it also involves your family and guests.  You are building the relationships for your future from your past and present.  Each of these relationships can only be made stronger when you treat others with consideration, respect and honesty at all times--even on your own special day.

On a note about the future, Cindy Post Senning (great, great granddaughter of Emily Post) writes books for children and parents about manners based on the principles of etiquette and different developmental abilities.  I can’t wait to get the illustrated books for three year olds based on a little girl named, what else but, Emily!  Peggy and Cindy's books are available online of course, but I also recently saw one of Cindy's at the Baggie Goose in Biltmore Village.

So by now you may have guessed part of my inspiration behind a wedding planning career.  Call (828.808.8888) or email me today to talk about how the three principles of etiquette can help you through the sensitive moments of your wedding.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Emily and Cindy Post Senning

Camilla Calnan Photography

Cami and I have worked at weddings together over the years--her sense of humor and calm is priceless. And of course her photography is beautiful!  I had the chance to bring my girls to her for a portrait session at the Botanical Gardens.  Of course I'm completely biased, but I think these are GREAT!

Give me a call (828.808.8888) if you'd like to know more about Cami's packages for your wedding or other special event.

ABC Business of Brides Conference

I just returned from Indianapolis where I attended the annual Business of Brides conference sponsored by the international Association of Bridal Consultants. I met so many wonderful and talented people in the industry. There were gala events showcasing the latest trends in weddings (these photos are from my personal camera) and classes upon classes taught by industry leaders on how to provide more and better services to our clients. The Association of Bridal Consultants strives to take each member to the next step as a professional by providing and rewarding continuing education, community and industry participation so that when brides contract with an Association consultant or vendor, they know they can trust that company to be top in the field. I am so excited to be a member of an Association that sets the bar for excellence in wedding planning and design!

Yes, the chocolate really was as good as it looks!

This sign inspired me every morning

From the skywalk on the way

to the Circle City Mall.