The Main Event by Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC

Today we live in a casual society. We rush from one appointment to another. We eat with our hands as much or more than with a knife and fork (pizza, sandwiches, chicken and on and on). We dress casually, even for formal events. Do people today think about, or care about, manners? What about consideration for others? Thoughtfulness? Courtesy? Are they all passe in today's society?

At last week's wedding, the bride and groom asked guests to bring food for their church's food bank in lieu of gifts. By week's end the church had received nearly 1,000 pounds of food and over $600 in cash donations, all from a group of 126 guests. You can do something similar at your event. Many charities have needs your guests can meet inexpensively. You might ask for food for the food bank; for dog and cat food for a local shelter; for underwear, socks and/or gloves for the Rescue Mission; hats and scarves for the cancer society, or many other items. Give your favorite charity a call and find out how you and your guests can bless them. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness and you will make a difference in the community.

When is the last time you heard a bride say she was having a bridesmaids' luncheon? If a luncheon was mentioned, did you wonder what the bride was talking about? Unless you live in the southern U.S., there is a good chance you are not familiar with this custom. In generations past, a bride honored her bridesmaids by hosting a luncheon, tea, or a similar social event for them. Other women in the wedding (such as soloists), the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom and perhaps an aunt or two were also invited (but not usually the flower girl). The bride often presented her gifts to the ladies at the party. The event was often held a week before the wedding, though some brides held it the day before the wedding. (The luncheon occurred in addition to a bachelorette party, not in place of it.) The luncheons, tea or brunch were sometimes held at a restaurant and other times at a private home. Dessert was usually a special cake containing charms, such as a ...