Tips on Tipping!

During the holidays it is always nice to tip the mail man, your hair dresser, the doorman, etc. Holiday Tipping is about Holiday Thanking!

I know this year is tougher then usual but don't forget to do something -any token is appreciated. If you plan to do a monetary tip - do only 10% of service instead of 20%. Maybe make cookies or fudge with a nice note instead.

I plan to make some candy for my mailman - he has been so nice to me this year.

Emily Post has some good etiquette advice about holiday tipping. Check it out. She even lists some recommendations in a table.

The Knot Best Of 2008

We are honored to have been rated by local brides and voted for the second year in a row - Best Event Planner by The Knot. Thank you to everyone that voted.

This will be on newsstands this month - pick up your copy and check out all the amazing wedding professionals.

The Art of Thank You

So now that Santa was good to you you need to say thanks to everyone on the list!

A thank you note is always welcome and should be sent. Your friend or family member spent time picking out your gift - show the same with a thoughtful handwritten note.

Here are some pointers if you get stuck.
1- everyone should have nice personal note cards, not necessarily ones that say Thank You on the front.
2- open with enthusiasm
3- think about starting with how lucky you are for being their friends or family
4- mention the effort they made to attend the event or party
5- highlight something you remember about them from that day (special red santa hat or black sequined shoes)
6- specify how or where you will use their gift
and don't repeat 'thank you' over and over again

This is the same advice for sending thank yous after the wedding or shower. Since you have lot to write make a template and stick with it.

If you are looking for a unique card check out Shutterfly.com for their picture cards.
Pick a style, upload a pic of you and the gift giver and send them a note through Shutterfly or any other picture website.

Now get to it....

The Thank You Note

These days with email and text messages some people are forgetting the personal handwritten note. They aren't even sending birthday cards, just birthday texts. I wish people would get back to being a little more personal. I know lives are busy but the joy of getting a handwritten note or card speaks wonders.

Brides and grooms should especially have special note cards available during the wedding planning. They are going to have to send a lot of notes. 'Thank You' notes to the parents for the engagement party, for shower gifts, for all the wedding professionals for a job well done and of course a note to all the guests for attending the wedding and/or sending a gift.

If you are going to send a note before you are married its a good idea to have your name or personal monogram on the card.

If you are sending notes to your wedding professionals or guests after the wedding, use your new name, names or monogram.

Don't get the standard 'Thank You' written card because its nice to be a little more personal, show off your style and you can use them for all occasions.

Here are some of my favorite resources:
Cross My Heart - print your own name or monogram on cutsie cards
Checkerboard cards and invites for something a little more formal
Moo note cards and calling cards using your own pictures
For Your Party notecards and other personalized items