We All Like to Have a Good Time

With so many holiday parties turning their heads, I think it is time to review some tips when it comes to alcohol.  Let me first say, I enjoy having a good time out just like anyone else!  However, I have come to learn that sometimes taking advantage of the open bar is just not worth it.  So here are some tips to help you avoid becoming the office drunk (or even the drunken bridesmaid!).

• Eat something! The worst thing you can do to yourself when you know you will be drinking is not eat anything.  I know that when you’re running around just trying to get to the party, food is the last thing on your mind.  But really, praying to the porcelain god should be deterrent enough to make you stop and have a bit to eat.
• No shots. Of any kind.  See the problem with shots is that you can’t measure your intake, and then they just hit you like a ton of bricks because chances are you already had a drink or two prior to that and after that.
• Pace yourself. You are not in a drinking contest.  If you’re at a holiday party, you’re there to socialize and have fun and maybe get on your bosses good side.  You’re not there to be a spectacle.  And if you’re at a wedding, you’re there to celebrate.  Not make the embarrassing drunk toast to the bride and groom.
• Eat something! If you have already been drinking and feel yourself approaching that line, get some food in your stomach.  It will help you from hurling yourself across the line.
• Alternate your beverages. There is no harm in changing up your beverage selection throughout the night.  Have a glass of wine or two, then a glass of water.  Part of the socializing bit is having a drink in your hand.  But there’s no law that says the drink must be alcoholic.

I met with a bride yesterday who is planning her wedding for 2010.  Like many people, she postponed her 2009 wedding because of the economy and also because she and her fiancee wanted more time to spread the spend (smart move!).

So in our conversation we got to talking about the guest list.  Her fiancee wants to invite everyone they have known throughout their lives.  She would prefer to keep the guest list to a minimum only inviting those they both know.  “I don’t know what to do!” she said.  So here was my two cents on the matter!

Make a guest list of those people you absolutely HAVE to have at your wedding.  Then make a list of those people you would LIKE to have at your wedding if budget, location, etc, make that possible!  So now you have your minimum and maximum, which is a good place to start in the planning process.

These numbers will allow you to weigh all the pros and cons of locations, caterers, florists (cause 10 centerpieces will be less than 20!), so that you can make smart decisions on the things that are important to you!  If the caterer says they can do a wedding for 150 and a wedding for 200 with the same bottom line, then maybe you do go big and invite everyone (keep in mind that the style of service and type of food would be different though).  Or perhaps you find a location you absolutely love but it only accomodates your HAVES guest list.  Then you make the decision on your priorities there.  But at least you are making those decisions together, and taking each other into consideration.

AND if you have hired a full service wedding planner then they can mock up budget scenarios and tell you how realistic your guest list combined with your budget and all the other special requests you have match up!

Happy planning!

I know…I talk a lot about dress codes.  But as a woman I feel it is super important to know what is acceptable and not acceptable to wear to events with a specific dress code (especially since at one point I had no idea!).

I have a corporate holiday party this Friday and the invitations read “Formal Attire” and I have received quite a few inquiries, from men and women, as to what black tie mean.  So, here is what you can get away with:

Men

It is really quite simple.  If you have a tuxedo, wear it.  If not, then a nicely tailored black suit will do just fine.  Pair that with black leather dress shoes (preferably patent leather) and a black tie and you’re done!

Classic Tux!

Keep it to a white shirt & black tie and you're set!

Ummm....yea...maybe not.

Okay, it gets a bit more complicated for us.  But very simply, you will look completely appropriate in a long formal gown or dressy cocktail dress.

Classic Evening Gown

If you're not into the long gown...LOVE THIS!

Totally Cute!!! But not for Black Tie.