Question:
I have an interesting dilemma. The bride-to-be is a dance teacher and due to her profession, she has a lot of girls that want to be invited to the wedding. Due to budget, she won't be able to invite all 60 dancers, teachers, etc. We thought it'd be nice to throw a shower/reception/gathering just for this group of people about a month before the wedding. I've decided that it will be a dessert party but how do I incorporate dance as the red thread through this? I feel like there's a lot of incorporate, I just don't want it to be messy!
Answer:
Dear Autumn,
Dilemma for sure! You're not alone. Many Brides-to-Be face this exact challenge. Who to invite, who not to - and it's typically dependent upon finances and not upon the heart. We'll have to figure a way to dance your way around this one...but how?
First rule: Never throw a shower and invite guests who are not invited to the wedding itself. So what do we do? There are options. You can hostess a brunch in honor of the Bride-to-Be, but do not call it a shower. It sounds like you have a plan of action which is that you would like to hostess a dessert party before the wedding.
My suggestion to you is that you wait until after the wedding to hostess your dessert party so that the Bride-to-Be can include video clips and photographs of the ceremony if she so chooses. No need to wait the three to six months for the professional photos to come back. Digital photos are great and will allow her colleagues, pupils and friends to participate in her wedding and feel that they were a part of the event in a way that will fit your friend's budget.
The invitations may be as simple as
"Come celebrate and dance
It's about love and romance."
Your friend may want to make a simple statement at the party that she wishes she could have had everyone be at the wedding physically, but that her heart is much bigger than her pocketbook and she is she is filled with gratitude that they were there in person to celebrate with her today. Then go on to dance the day or night away!!!
Remember, these times are tough right now economically and celebrations need not be focused on hardships. We need to incorporate love, openness and joy into each and every moment we can! So go out there, Autumn, and celebrate! Let your friend know how special she is to you and let her joy spill over to each of her friends and to her new Groom!!
Happy Showering and Partying!
Susan "The Shower Diva"
Where Fun Reigns!™
