Health & Fitness
Divine Decorum: Expert Advice for Parties and Weddings
Christina Currie answers your most pressing party- and wedding-related questions! With over 20 years of event planning experience, Christina Currie Events has planning down to a science!
Q: I’m planning my 5th annual “Fall Fest” at my home. Since it’s gotten so big, I want to send some formal invites to guests so that they know I’m looking for a bit more fancy event than years past. How do I go about selecting an invitation that conveys my vision?
-Jenelle, Chicago, IL
A: Invitations really set the mood for any event. This is the perfect way to convey the formality you’re looking for at your event. To make it seem more formal, include “cocktail hour” or “dress to impress” so that your guests have an obvious clue to what you’re looking for. And of course, the more formal the invitation the more formal the event! Jazz up the invite by incorporating ribbon, lace, or letterpress.
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Q: Help! My father-in-law is coming over for Sunday night football. He is notoriously difficult to please, and is always expecting some huge spread, decorations, and (most importantly) a cigar waiting for him. Any suggestions on how to please Mr. Difficult?
-Samantha, Lake in the Hills, IL
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A: It is sweet of you to want to make sure that your father in law has a great time at your home for the game. Perhaps calling him prior to the event to ask if there is anything you can do for him will allow him to recognize your concern that he has a good time. He can address anything he would specifically like and you could go from there. If some of his requests are over-the-top, I recommend sitting down with your husband and discuss your concerns as a team.
Q: I am trying to create the perfect Save the Date card for my upcoming nuptials in the spring. I’m sick of the typical magnet (no one has magnetic refrigerators anyway!), or other silly nick-knacks. What’s the new trend when it comes to staying in a budget and still being creative?
-Mel, Waukesha, WI
A: Many brides struggle with their save-the-date cards. Keep in mind they don’t need to echo the style of your wedding. The save-the-date notification can be as informal as an e-mail. Don’t worry about looking like you’re cutting corners on the save-the-date. Even at the fanciest weddings, my clients usually use offset printing, the fastest and least expensive printing method, which is essentially what you get with your own printer. A simple postcard size save-the-date will get the job done; that there’s a wedding in the future, 6-7 months down the road.
