Gifts for the Blissful Couple

The inevitable questions...

What do I get the couple for their wedding? 

How much should I spend on a wedding gift?

It seems that the retail industry has made gift-giving more complicated than ever!  We understand there is a huge market for gift registries and money to be made, but let's be realistic about this.

Sauce of Life Tip #1: Don't budget the money you spend on a gift vs. the cost of dinner at the reception.  There's more to life than money!  It's plan tacky too!

Sauce of Life Tip #2: The average amount of money spent on a wedding present is roughly $75-$100.  However, remember to consider other factors in this amount.

     How close are you with the couple?
    
     Are you a close relative, or long-distance cousin and you are meeting for the first time?
   
     Are you in the bridal party?

     Have you attended the showers or engagement parties?

www.weddingclipart.com

Sauce of Life Tip #3: If you know the couple well, it is more likely you will be happy to spend a little extra.  If you are bringing a date to the wedding, you should expect to spend a little more on the wedding gift.

Sauce of Life Tip #4: Don't bust your own budget!  If the only thing left on the registry is a $400 oil canvas, then either give cash or purchase a gift the couple may enjoy (this works if you know the couple well).  Try to purchase off the registry, the couple actually prefers those items!

Sauce of Life Tip #5:  Include the gift receipt.  Those gift registries don't always function properly.  I have seeen brides open 3 sets of the same knives because the registry wasn't updated by the store! 

Sauce of Life Tip #6:  If you have attended an engagement party and/or bridal shower, don't assume you have to spend $100 at each function.  A typical disbursement is: 15% engagement party, 25% shower gift, 60% wedding gift.  Split your budget to fit with the events you are attending.

Word to the Wise: Don't be cheap!  The couple is starting a new life together, if you have a little bit to spare, then share with love!

And the Winner is...

Congratulations to Krissy A.!  You won the Sweet Pea Scarves Giveaway!  You will absolutely love the scarf, it's so beautiful!

Pink and Sassy!

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

~ Pink makes everything a little bit sassier! ~

Five Things: Bold and Beautiful!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

~ Let's start out with shoes!  What's better than bold and beautiful print pumps? ~

Shoes: Mootsies Tootsies

~What an amazing way to start a business meeting!  An array of bold and beautiful drinks! ~

~ Here's a bold and beautiful bag that can be used for summer and transfer into fall!  ~

www.facebook.com/maryalisonhandbags

~ My current bold and beautiful perfume! Tantalizing and Enticing! ~

~ What better way to end than with Rita Hayworth?  Gilda, bold and beautiful! ~ 

The Empty Chair

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

While we were at the County Zoo today, I was horrified to see a man quickly claim the last empty chair in the shade.  At the same time a pregnant woman was trying to make it over to that same chair while pushing a stroller and holding the hand of her 3 year old daughter.  All she needed was a place to rest in the shade, and unfortunately that last lawn chair was taken and never offered to the woman.

 
  www.schoppeefarm.com

What happened to the days when men would immediately relinquish their seats to any woman, pregnant or not?  This should be common-sense; it isn't rocket science!  Now granted, there may be exceptions to this theory, but over all, women appreciate the courtesy a man shows by relieving his seat for her.  It provides the man with a sense of chivalry and shows the woman respect.

So to make this short and sweet...

Men, offer up your chairs!  It is probably one of the most simple but honorable actions.  This may require you to become more observant and courteous, but make that extra effort.  Stand out from the crowd and be a gentleman!

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