Brooke mentioned the etiquette books and thank you notes. I must say that I had many, many friends who commented on those notes. They truly were meaningful to the friends whose generosity surely went beyond anything we had ever imagined. And, of course, it made me very proud that my daughter took the time to make each note specific and meaningful. For those who are Simply Southern good manners is an important part of childhood training, beginning with "yes ma'am" and "yes, sir," and "please" and "thank you." While this might seem like a trifle to many, Bernie Brillstein, author of The Little Stuff Matters Most, writes, "Outcomes rarely turn on grand gestures or the art of the deal, but on whether you've sent someone a thank-you note."
This was just the beginning of our appreciation of "little things" that really matter.
Monday, September 22, 2008
So you're engaged?!!!
It has almost been a full year since my wedding day, but my mother and I enjoyed planning it so much that she thought we should share some of the details that went into the big day.
Mike and I got engaged on December 23, 2006. I had no idea what was in store for me. When I got to my parents' home that night to share the good news, my mother surprised me by already knowing - and having the wedding half planned! Of course, Mike had secretly met with my parents and asked for my hand in marriage. I'm shocked mother was able to keep the secret for almost two weeks as Mike planned the perfect proposal, but apparently, she had been keeping busy! She already had a guest list full, a proposed menu, and a list of who she thought should be our attendants. She also had gifts for me! I was a little overwhelmed, but excited and the wedding planning commenced.
One of the lovely engagement gifts that my mother gave me that night was Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette. It was filled with information that really was helpful as I was entering a whole new world where people throw you parties and give you gifts for no reason other than their own generosity and love. This book, however, was quite long. For those of you with a little less time that still want to mind their p's and q's, check out The Little Pink Book Of Weddings. My sister gave me that book and it was small enough that I could fit it in my handbag and read it whenever I had some free time. This is where I learned the art of writing "Thank you notes" like a pro! I highly recommend them both.
Having several friends that had gotten married before me, I had a wealth of knowledge at my disposal. One friend in particular, my best friend since kindegarten, Lauren, had gotten married the year before and was deep in "Wedding planning withdrawal", so she was more than ready to pitch in! The first piece of advice Lauren gave me was to get myself over to TheKnot.com. She suggested that I look at the message boards and post any questions I may have for other brides all over the US to answer. There was even a local Alabama board which was very helpful. I found the most interesting ideas by looking through other the profiles of other brides-to-be.
Mike and I got engaged on December 23, 2006. I had no idea what was in store for me. When I got to my parents' home that night to share the good news, my mother surprised me by already knowing - and having the wedding half planned! Of course, Mike had secretly met with my parents and asked for my hand in marriage. I'm shocked mother was able to keep the secret for almost two weeks as Mike planned the perfect proposal, but apparently, she had been keeping busy! She already had a guest list full, a proposed menu, and a list of who she thought should be our attendants. She also had gifts for me! I was a little overwhelmed, but excited and the wedding planning commenced.
One of the lovely engagement gifts that my mother gave me that night was Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette. It was filled with information that really was helpful as I was entering a whole new world where people throw you parties and give you gifts for no reason other than their own generosity and love. This book, however, was quite long. For those of you with a little less time that still want to mind their p's and q's, check out The Little Pink Book Of Weddings. My sister gave me that book and it was small enough that I could fit it in my handbag and read it whenever I had some free time. This is where I learned the art of writing "Thank you notes" like a pro! I highly recommend them both.
Having several friends that had gotten married before me, I had a wealth of knowledge at my disposal. One friend in particular, my best friend since kindegarten, Lauren, had gotten married the year before and was deep in "Wedding planning withdrawal", so she was more than ready to pitch in! The first piece of advice Lauren gave me was to get myself over to TheKnot.com. She suggested that I look at the message boards and post any questions I may have for other brides all over the US to answer. There was even a local Alabama board which was very helpful. I found the most interesting ideas by looking through other the profiles of other brides-to-be.
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