Month: February 2014

The long standing tradition of a bridal shower or “hen party” for the soon-to-be bride, and a “stag party” or bachelor’s party given for the groom are evolving into a couple’s party, also known as a “Jack and Jill” or “stag and doe” party.

Since weddings have grown more elaborate (and more expensive), and for many families, money is tight, a couple’s party usually combines a celebration with raising money to help defray the costs of the perfect venue, the perfect dress, the perfect catering, and the perfect cake.

While some controversy exists—some people perceive a couple’s party as too blatant or crass–for many engaged men and women, asking their friends for help by throwing a creative, fun event as a fundraiser is the only way they can afford their dream wedding. In most cases, a couple “sells” tickets to the event for a certain dollar amount, although if there’s a cash bar, that fact should be stated openly.

Some top tips for hosting a Jack and Jill party are:

• Be totally up front about the purpose of your party—to help defray your wedding costs. Don’t be coy. Guests should have the opportunity to decide for themselves if they want to participate. Be sure to tell them gifts aren’t expected.
• Curb your expectations and be reasonable.  Don’t put a high price on the tickets. You’ll get a more positive response if you keep your price within your friends’ budgets.
• Be classy and avoid falling into the cheap and tacky trap. The goal is for your guests to have fun. A theme might be the way to go. Use your imagination. Offer games and snacks, and conduct yourself like a proper host.

Greeting Card Universe offers our assistance in your quest for wedded bliss with unique Jack & Jill/Couple’s Shower Invitations to help entice friends and loved ones to join you and enjoy themselves at your special event.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Oh i just love the cards I just purchased. I have ordered other cards.They are just the prettiest cards ever. I am very happy with them. I will be ordering more cards.”- Ann Latone, February 24, 2014

We’re all familiar with the traditional roles played by bridesmaids, flower girls, ring bearers, ushers, and a best man, but what does a Coin Bearer do? In honor of every couple tying the knot this month, here’s the scoop on  five unusual Wedding Party Attendants.

Coin Bearer
Particularly in Filipino wedding ceremonies, it’s traditional for a young boy to carry a pillow bearing 13 Unity Coins—a collection of gold and/or silver coins given to the bride by the groom during the ceremony. The coins, called arras or arrhae, are marked with meaningful symbols and can be treasured heirlooms.

Veil Sponsor
Another Filipino wedding tradition. During the ceremony, the Veil Sponsor drapes a veil to cover both groom and bride together, symbolizing his love and faithfulness.

Unity Sand Ceremony Sponsor
A relatively new , the Unity Sand Ceremony or sand ceremony involves glass containers—one each for bride and groom plus an extra empty vessel. During the wedding, the bride and groom pour their individual sands together into the empty vessel, signifying how their lives have entwined.

Cord Sponsor
During a traditional Filipino wedding,  the Cord Sponsor(s) lower a knotted cord over their heads of the bride and groom and leave it resting on their shoulders. The cord symbolizes their new combined life as a couple.

Candle Sponsor
Candle Sponsors are responsible for lighting the candles on the altar, usually at the beginning of the ceremony.

You’ll find one of a kind Wedding Party Attendant Invitations in these categories and more than 45 more  at Greeting Card Universe, so none of your nearest and dearest will be left out when you and your loved take the final step in becoming a couple.

Oops! Did you overlook someone on your list? No problem. Even at the last minute, you can order a card on-line and get free in-store pick-up—usually in 1 hour—at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I am always completely satisfied with all the purchases I have made from this company. They are clever and printed on glossy high quality paper, and sent safely in a cardboard box to arrive in perfect condition. I have ordered cards in different languages, and have found one of a kind cards for special occasions, ie. St. Francis Day.” – Elaine – February13, 2014

National Weddings Month, with Valentine’s Day on the fourteenth, make February the most romantic time of the year! According to the US Census Bureau and Time.com, over 200,000 marriage proposals are made and on average, almost 6,000 couples tie the knot on Valentine’s Day!

The tradition of wedding attendants—bridesmaids and groomsmen, maid/matron of honor and best man—has its roots in the distant past. Today, new non-traditional roles have become increasingly popular: the bridesman (a very good male friend of the bride) and the groomswoman or groomsmaid (a very good female friend of the groom). Ceremonies are often progressive than the past, allowing a bride and groom to stand at the altar supported by all their friends and favorite relations  regardless of gender.

We offers the following tips for groomsmaids and bridesmen:

• Typically, the bridesman will be asked to wear a suit or tuxedo with some element, like a tie or boutonniere, that  ooordinates with the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses. A groomsmaid may be asked to wear a tailored suit to match the groomsmen. Be gracious in accepting the outfit chosen for you.
• Smile and be your most charming self, especially during the reception. Remember, part of your role is to greet and entertain guests when the bride and groom are otherwise engaged.
• Be helpful and stay friendly with the other attendants in your group.
• Never be tardy and always cone prepared.

Greeting Card Universe makes it easy to invite your best bud to have your back on your most special day with one of a kind, specially designed Be My Bridesman/Male Bridesmaid and Be My Groomsmaid/Female Groomsman invitations. Need a card in a hurry? Order on-line, get free pick-up—usually in 1 hour—at most Target and Bartell Drug Stores.

What Are Happy Shoppers Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Realized I needed a wedding card quickly, so I immediately went onto the site…found four I loved, so I have extra stock, plus a couple of Get Wells and Thank Yous…I can always count on Greeting Card Universe to have the perfect card with prompt shipping!!!” – Susan, February 1, 2014