Invitation Etiquette: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about the appropriate way to respond to a wedding invitation, birthday invitation, shower invitation or other event invitation? You've come to the right place! We've compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked invitation etiquette questions. Using these tips (and erring on the side of common courtesy) will help ensure you don't get cut from the guest list next time invitations go out.

What's the best way to respond?

Always reply as instructed on the invitation. For more informal events like baby showers or birthday parties, you may simply be asked to respond by phone or email.

Wedding invitations are usually accompanied by a response card. Fill out the card accordingly and mail it back by the RSVP date at the very latest. Of course, it's best to send it back within 1-3 days of receiving the invitation.

Sometimes your hostess will request that you respond only if you cannot attend. If you don't RSVP with your regrets, your presence is expected.

What if my circumstances change?

It is considered rude to cancel unless you or a family member is sick, there has been a death or family emergency, or you have a work conflict that simply cannot be avoided. Let the host know immediately that you have to change your plans.

It's considered very rude if you simply don't show up at the party after responding 'yes.'
Sometimes it's possible to change a 'no' response to a 'yes' after speaking with the host, but you should be considerate. In many cases it could be too late for the host to accommodate last-minute additions.

Can I bring someone with me?

• Unless you're very close to the party host or you just enjoy being a social pariah, it's rude to even ask this question. Invitations are extended to the person or persons listed only. There really aren't any exceptions to this rule.
  
• If your children or other family members are invited to attend, the invite will list them by name or say something like "Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson and family."
  
• If the invitation is addressed to you and a guest, include your guest's name in your response.
  
• If you have an out-of-town guest and don't wish to leave them out, it's best to decline the invitation and let your host know why. They may extend an additional invitation, and they may not, but this keeps you from appearing presumptuous.

If you have any doubts at all about the appropriate thing to do, it's hard to go wrong with the golden rule. Think about how you would wish to be treated if you were planning a wedding, a birthday party, or a shower and needed to know how many people to expect.

Bridal Bouquets 101

If you’re newly engaged, planning your own wedding and a little overwhelmed, I understand! As a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, the best advice I can offer is this: turn everything into a list of single, manageable tasks and tackle them one at a time.

Pinwhirl Wedding Bouquet



Today’s lesson is all about selecting the perfect bridal bouquet for your wedding—from simple round bouquets to fanciful arrangements with twirling Pinwhirls.

First let’s talk a little bit about money. In most cases you can find a florist to make a stunning, customized bouquet that complements your wedding for $100 - $150. Of course, this will depends on the size of the bouquet, your wedding colors, and the number and variety of flowers. The larger and more exotic the bouquet, the more quickly your costs will rise.

Budget Tip: If you’re trying to keep your wedding within budget, try limiting your floral costs (all bouquets and arrangements, not just the bridal bouquet) to about 15-20% of your entire budget.

Don’t panic if you fall in love with an arrangement that’s a little out of your price range. Try do-it-yourself embellishments or find other areas to trim the budget.

Bridal Bouquet: Traditional and Contemporary Bouquet Shapes

• Round bridal bouquets are a throwback to Victorian times. Their encircling shape can accommodate virtually any flower shape or size, making the round style one of the most versatile.
• Cascade bridal bouquets feature an elongated trail of flowers that extend below the central bouquet. They are more extravagant work well for very formal or elaborate weddings.
• Hand-tied wedding bouquets offer a European influence. Stems are typically wrapped with ribbon, and fanned out at the bottom.
• Arm bouquets are nestled into the crook of the arm and help off to the side. Brides opt for arm bouquets when they have intricate beadwork or an exceptional gown bodice they don’t want to hide with their bouquet.

Unique Wedding Bouquet Ideas




Pinwhirls pinwheel bouquet accents



Any bouquet shape can be embellished with trim and accents that make it one-of-a-kind. Our Pinwhirls add a personalized flair whether you’re looking for a something elegant or fun and day-dreamy.

If you really want to go bold, consider a single large wedding Pinwhirl in lieu of the traditional bouquet or build your perfect pinwheel bouquet with our do-it-yourself kits.

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5 Creative Things You Can Do with Pinwhirl Pinwheels

Have you seen the little pig in that Geico commercial holding pinwheels out the window of an SUV while he screams "Wheeee!" in sheer delight? That's how we feel about pinwheels too!

The really great thing about our Pinwhirl items is that they can be used for so much. Here are a few fun ways that you can incorporate Pinwhirls in party decor and more!

1. Embellish a bouquet or floral arrangement.



2. Make a pinwheel boquet or centerpiece.



3. Make a Pinwhirl boutineer.

 


4. Create festive place cards.



4. Top cakes and cupcakes.



What creative uses can you come up with?

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To purchase items featured in this article, visit our Pinwhirls Online Shop. Brides, don’t miss out on our special offer! Learn how you can save 10% on your order.

How to Plan a Classroom Valentine’s Day Party

Classroom Valentine’s Day parties are so much fun, but it’s already February and you don’t have much time left to plan! We're here to help with fun tips for your child’s classroom party. We've got ideas ideas for everything from decorations to games and super sweet treats.

To pull off a great classroom party, make sure you have these 5 things covered:



Valentine’s Day Party Favors

There’s no such thing as a party without favors. At Pinwhirls, we’ve got you covered with pinwheels that are colorful and fun! Swirling, twirling hearts and spinning stripes can be used to decorate goodie bags or as Valentine’s Day cupcake toppers. Children love to make them spin. For older children, try our do it yourself pinwhirl kits.

Games & Crafts

The game or craft you choose will depend a lot on how much time you have, but you simply must have a fun activity planned for the kids! Some of our favorite crafts include making personalized Valentines to give to mom and dad, making woven paper hearts, and stamping fingerprint hearts.

If you need a simple but fun game for the whole class, how about a Valentine’s Day themed scavenger hunt? Send the kids searching for cupid, St. Valentine, red hearts, pink bows, flowers, stickers, markers, pencil toppers, and whatever else you can think of. Other activity ideas we like include making your own Valentine’s Day word searches and trivia games. Don’t forget the prizes!

Valentine’s Day Cards

The great thing about kids’ parties is that Valentine’s Day is pure fun. There’s no pressure. Everyone gives cards and everyone gets cards. You can make the cards with your child ahead of time using beautiful craft papers or buy a boxed set.

Pinwhirls make great Valentine Mailbox Decorations

Valentine Mailboxes

Creating customized mailboxes for all of those classroom Valentine’s is a lot of fun. Using markers, craft paper, glue, stickers, glitter, and more you can let the kids go crazy decorating shoe boxes, tissue boxes, instant oat canisters and more.


Sweet Treats

No party is complete without some yummy treats to share. Store bought treats like conversation heart candies and chocolate hugs and kisses are sure to please, but you can also try cupcakes and cookies. For an extra special party, prepare cupcakes and cookies ahead of time and let the kids decorate their sweets with frosting and candies.

Once you’ve got these five Valentine’s Day party ideas covered, you’re all set! May your Valentine’s Day be lovely and sweet!

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To purchase items featured in this article, visit our Pinwhirls Online Shop. Brides, don’t miss out on our special offer! Learn how you can save 10% on your order.