Tag Archives | Holiday

Raise Your Glasses | Etiquette Tips for Toasting

By on December 29, 2012 in Event Services, Ideas & Advice

With 2012 coming to a close (can you believe it?!) and New Year’s Eve just around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to offer some advice on giving (and receiving) a great toast. It can be one of the most touching moments at a wedding or special event but if you’re not careful, it can also be an embarrassing disaster. Follow these helpful tips and you’ll be well on your way to delivering a one-of-a-kind, heartfelt toast.

Tips on Etiquette

  • If you’re being toasted, don’t drink! Proper etiquette says you never drink to yourself. Instead, personally thank the toaster after they’ve finished.
  • Never toast with water. Legend says it’s bad luck! Not a drinker? No problem; any drink will do, even an empty glass if that’s all you have.
  • If you’re at a formal event, allow the host to open with a toast or a greeting before beginning a toast.
  • Avoid leaving the floor open for toasts. This can lead to extensive toasting which will inevitably bore your guests.

Giving a Toast

  • DO introduce yourself. You don’t need to tell your auto-biography but do announce yourself and let your guests know how you know the host.
  • DO make it personal. Tell a brief story that will entertain the guests as well highlight a special/fun time that you and the host have shared.
  • DO keep it short. Ideally, a toast won’t last more than 2 minutes. A crowd will quickly become distracted and antsy if you go on too long.
  • DON’T wing it. Practice makes perfect! At the least, go over a few things you want to mention a few hours beforehand. Hate public speaking? Keep notes with you and practice your toast aloud in front of the mirror. Still can’t shake the nerves? Give the bride & groom and hand-written letter instead.
  • DON’T mention an ex. If you’re toasting at a wedding, though it may seem like a way to get some laughs, avoid mentioning an ex. Even though you’re so happy your best friend didn’t marry the crazy ex that you hated, his/her wedding night is all about the bride & groom and their new life together, not re-living memories of failed relationships past.
  • DON’T audition for your own show on Comedy Central. Include a few jokes, by all means, but remember your audience. Great grandma Ruth might not appreciate that dirty joke as much as the groomsmen. Also try to avoid telling too many inside jokes. While your toast is directed towards the host, don’t forget you’re also entertaining the entire crowd. Give praise to the happy couple while also engaging the guests.

Now that you’re equipped with this simple advice, grab a bottle of champagne and start writing the perfect New Year’s toast. I’ll leave you with a few of my favorite toasting highlights from our 2012 wedding season. Cheers!

 

Detail of the Week | Holiday Greeting Cards & Invitations

By on November 14, 2012 in Event Services

It’s hard for us at CJ’s Off the Square to believe that the 2012 wedding season has come to an end. Now that we’ve wrapped up another incredible year of weddings, we can shift some of our focus to the holiday season and our favorite part, holiday parties! If you’re throwing a soiree this year, don’t forget to set the tone early with the perfect invitation. A few of my favorites from our online store are below but be sure to browse the entire selection.

And while you’re browsing party invitations, don’t forget about greeting cards! The age old tradition of sending and receiving these beautiful cards signifies the start of the holiday season and is one of my favorites. We carry an assortment of options from traditional and ornate to modern and whimsical. Browse the entire collection here.

You can order any of our invitations, greetings cards and accessories online or if you prefer to set up a personal consultation, give our office a call at (615) 216-7576. We’ll have the fire roaring, Christmas music playing and the hot chocolate steaming. Happy Holidays from all of us at CJ’s Off the Square!

 

Fireside Holiday Wedding | Beverly + James | December 17

By on February 21, 2011 in Weddings

Anyone who knows me even a little knows how much I love the Holidays. Hot cider, roaring fires, lots of twinkling lights – I can’t get enough. That made me especially excited to work with Beverly & James on their sweet, small fireside wedding here at CJ’s Off the Square. Here are Beverly’s own words! Also, be sure to check out their WeddingWire feature.

For the full gallery, visit us our Facebook page.

“I was married around Christmas and the place looked so beautiful that I did not even add decorations. Amy is the event planner there and she was beyond amazing. I arrived later than I expected, so I was very stressed and flustered and she jumped into action to make everything look perfect and go smoothly. She recommended excellent vendors that my guests are all still raving about. I got to be married in front of the working fireplace in an evening ceremony in a beautiful place that was decorated so elegantly for Christmas. I could not have asked for a better ceremony and reception site or a better event planner. Everything matched my needs perfectly.”

Our thanks to Joe Hendricks Photography for the photos!  For the full gallery, visit our Facebook page.

Great Idea for Thank You Notes

By on November 22, 2009 in Ideas & Advice

Looking for a unique way to say “thank you” to your wedding guests? How about a photo card featuring a stunning engagement shot or wedding day portrait. It is a great way to truly personalize your message of gratitude while also sharing a special memory from your big day.

Or use the same idea to send holiday greetings to friends and family.

The Williamson County Weddings Boutique online store has many photo card styles available starting at just $42. You can upload your photo online, add a personal message to the front of the card, and then handwrite a note to your friends and family on the back.  Each card comes with a white envelope so you can easily drop these cards in the mail.

Order now for the holidays…cards take about 3 days to print and 3 days to ship. You can order online or call the office if you need any help with selecting the right photo. (615) 465-8099

Here are some more of our favorites: