Ashley Brooke Designs

Happy Monday everyone! Thank you so much for reading every week, I just noticed this morning we are at 200 followers and I’m super grateful for each one of you

Without further ado, here is an excerpt from a reader email regarding a particularly touchy subject: friends and money.

Hi Ashley,

What is the best way to let a bride to be know that I am unable to attend their wedding due to the costs involved (the wedding is in another state)?

I am concerned that she will see us spending money on other things and be hurt by this. We are currently renovating and are already committed to attending another function.

-Britt

Dear Britt:

This is such a great question and I can only imagine the anxiety you must be feeling about communicating this to your friend without hurting her feelings. If I were you, I would send a hand written note explaining your obligations prior to being invited to the wedding and how that has impacted you financially. Express your desire to attend but explain that you due to your monetary constraints it just won’t be possible. Wish them the best of luck and send a small gift for the wedding. It doesn’t have to be expensive but it will be a thoughtful touch.

Love,
Ashley

Content and Illustrations ©2011 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Flea Market china tea cups, personalized to create shower favors! From the exquisite Mika78

Love the homey feel of this shower from weddingbeepro.com

Whimsical Dr. Seuss shower for twins! Via stemparties.blogspot.com

Super cute shower activity courtesy of Landlocked Mermaid! Buy 3 differnt sizes of onesies and LOTS of colorful sharpie markers and have each guest create a onesie for the baby!

happy weekend!

Content and Illustrations ©2011 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

I know you’ve seen this announcement before but I had to show you it with the envelope. I think it makes all the difference!!

Content and Illustrations ©2011 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Do:
-Serve delicious food that is easy to eat
-Have a close friend or family member record the gifts to create a handy reference tool when its time to write Thank Yous
-Select gifts on the registry. People register for things they want and like–use this tool to your advantage
-Send out invitations 3-4 weeks in advance to give guests ample time to respond

Don’t:
-Leave anything open to interpretation. Specify start and end times, and any other boundaries like “adults only”
-Come empty handed. If you are a guest, bringing a gift is cutomary. If you are the guest honor, bring at minimum a hand written note to your hostess thanking them for having your shower. You can also bring a small gift like a flower arrangement or something sweet for their home.
-Ever coerce someone into hosting a shower for you. If you are getting married, a member of the bridal party or close family friend should host a shower. If you are having a baby a close friend or relative should host the shower.

Content and Illustrations ©2011 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

love, Love, LOVE these stickers!! It makes quite the addition to any package, don’t ya think?

Content and Illustrations ©2011 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Content and Illustrations ©2011 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.