AboutBrenda Cascio Expertise As founder and CEO of GraciousBridal.com, I am pleased to offer suggestions for those puzzling situations such as wanting to give personal gifts to bridesmaids that have totally different interests, how to show appreciation to guests on a budget, what small things that can be done to make a huge impact for the ceremony and reception.
Experience At the helm of graciousbridal.com, I am up-to-date on the latest trends. Our products have been featured in the finest wedding and style magazines. I am essentially a consultant to consultants. Because many wedding consultants are a small operation, they don't have access to the vendors, markets and other consultants that we have. Therefore, we use our resources to find those elusive items. Having a party and want to re-create the garden at Tavern-On-The-Green? We provided the marbelized balloons. Are you wanting a garden party with lanterns strung through the trees? We have provided the lanterns with coordinating parasols and hand fans. Want to plan a wedding merging two cultures, I can help navigate you through the potentially sticky situations (now is not the time for a social faux-pas!) It is important to be aware of the various customs in different parts of the country too, and I am more than happy to assist brides, moms and consultants in this.
Education/Credentials Degree in Fine Arts and years of experience in design and marketing prior to becoming involved in the wedding industry.
Question My daughter is getting married in August here in our hometown. My friends are telling me that I need to send save the dates, but honestly, I don't understand why. I have been receiving them for a lot of weddings, but want to know, is this really necessary, and if so, how soon should I send them? Thanks! Laurine
Answer Hi Laurine,
You're right, I'm receiving a lot of save the dates myself these days. They are certainly a good idea if you are having a destination wedding, or a wedding during the holidays when people are likely traveling or spending time with family. For a hometown wedding during the "off-season", you may want to consider sending the save-the-dates only to out-of-town guests, so that they may make plans (and save up their frequent-flyer miles!). If you only send it to a few local invitees, you risk others being offended, thinking that they won't be invited. I hope this helps, and be sure to enjoy this somewhat hectic time of being the mother of a bride-to-be, it will be over before you know it.
Regards,
Brenda Cascio
www.graciousbridal.com
