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 brother is getting married in August at a park and then having the reception in the backyard of their home. They have stated "no children" in attendance. I have a 4 year old daughter who adores her uncle and have clearly stated that my husband and I will not attend unless my daughter can come. The "bride" will not change her mind. I do understand why people opt for "no children" but I have always assumed this does not include "immediate family" children. Needless to say, this has created much hardship in the family. I just can't get past the fact that my daughter cannot come as it is not in a fancy place. What is your opinion?
Answer Hi Gail,
Strange as it may seem, brides don't always take their future sister-in-laws requests. It is her day, her party. The one she dreamed of since she was a little girl. Granted, she may have toned it down from a fabulous country club event with everyone in tuxes and ballgowns, to the reality of a park and a backyard, but by-golly, it will be all adults. Allowing your daughter to be the one child in attendance could cause tremendous hurt feelings on her side of the family or with her dear friends, so a blanket exclusion covers all bases. Your family may include "immediate family" children, but hers may not. There are dynamics from another family involved now. I'm sure your daughter is an angel, and would sit quietly throughout the ceremony, then gently flitter to and fro at the reception with other guests murmuring how well-behaved and gorgeous she is. But your future sister-in-law may have attended a family wedding with little terrors running around and whining, and she has vowed to never have that at her wedding. Once she has her own little ones underfoot, she may feel differently, but this is here and now, and it would be a shame to miss your brother's special day to make a point. The goal of a wedding is to "unite" not divide, and by making this a divisive issue, it can only cause hard feelings for the future. Since you ask, my opinion is to hire a babysitter, go have a great time, and embrace your sister-in-law into your life. That will be the best gift you can give your brother.
Regards,
Brenda Cascio,
www.GraciousBridal.com
