Avoiding Aunt Mildred's You-Know-What List!

Still sporting your golden tan from honeymooning in paradise, the last thing on your mind is wedding etiquette. But waiting to send a thank you note twelve months after "I do" could end you up on Aunt Mildred's you-know-what list.

Thank you notes should be written ASAP. For gifts and parties given before the wedding, it is expected to send a note within two weeks. Gifts received after the wedding are allotted a more generous time span, but should be sent no later than two months after the event.

Here are a few more pointers:

1. Thank you notes should be handwritten and sent in the mail. Save email, blog posts, e-cards and Facebook for casual correspondence.

2. Your thank you notes don't need to be long. Three or four sentences are plenty. Be sure to mention the gift and how you plan to use it, though avoid specifying dollar amounts unless you want Aunt Mildred spreading rumors about how tacky the new bride is. For financial gifts, explain how you plan to use the money. Do not mention if you plan to return the gift, or worse, stow it away in a dark closet!

3. Thank you cards should be personal. While it may be tempting, fill-in-the-blank templates, form letters, or generic pre-printed cards with your signature should be avoided. Even though you might save time, keep in mind that your gift-giver took the time to buy your gift, wrap it, and arrange for it to be delivered. It doesn't hurt to show the same courtesy.

4. Waiting for custom-made thank you cards with your photo shouldn't cause a delay. If you plan to have custom-made cards, plan ahead with your photographer and/or stationer.

- Melissa L Hickman

Finding the Fit: Choosing the Right Reception Venue

As highly regarded as the church, garden or hall, the reception venue is critical to the wedding’s success. When selecting a location, make sure it accommodates every guest and compliments your type of wedding. Guests will often drive to a separate site, but consider places within reasonable distances and avoid lengthy time gaps between the ceremony and reception.

The venue is also not only meant to cater to you and your guests, but should cater to your vendors as well. Planning a cocktail hour and a four-course meal? Select a site with ample room for caterers to set-up both. Looking to shake your groove thing? Pick a place with an oversized dance floor that provides spacing for your DJ’s speakers, turntables and the occasional strobe light.

Above all, integrate characteristics about your life, your partnership and your guests to find the ideal venue. If you are an outdoor, adventurous couple, opt for a garden reception or a lavish tent party. Reserved and simple? Choose a country club, restaurant or banquet hall for a romantic and intimate gathering. Into the arts and entertainment industry? Consider a museum or gallery for a modern reception. Having a reunion-style affair? Incorporate a place that holds personal significance (a familiar park, renovated warehouse, local watering hole, etc.).

Finally, remember when you’re so lucky to find the perfect place, don’t hesitate to secure it. The last thing you want to worry about is stumbling upon an equivalent venue if your dream site becomes completely booked before you make up your mind!