Wedding present - how much does one give?

A reader just told me of a letter which was recently written to Dear Abby asking how much money is appropriate for a guest to spend on a wedding present. The bride-to-be/good friend was not-so-gently reminding her guest of the amount being spent per person and how she was looking to "recouping" the cost at her wedding with monetary gifts. Abby's answer was to "take the bull by the horns" and spell out for the "good friend" her financial situation and that she most likely would not be coming up with the "entrance fee." Abby told her that if she felt her friendship might be terminated, it would be anyway since the amount she would give would most definitely not be up to the bride's expectations.
I recently heard of someone receiving an invitation with the words "suggested donation: $350." Yikes! Is this something anyone else has experienced? If so, how did you handle this? What are your thoughts on this subject?

Welcome Bags for Wedding Guests

>Welcome Bags are becoming very popular to welcome your guests staying at area hotels. It's a great treat to register at the hotel and receive your Welcome Bag from the bride and groom. It's an extra special touch for your guests. These usually include a welcome note from the couple, an itinerary of the wedding day/weekend, noted area attractions, water, savory or sweet treats (such as biscotti or chocolates) to munch. The treats can be something akin to the area, for example an apple treat would be a nice touch for Hudson Valley guests. Depending on the time of year, something appropriate for the season and something that is indicative of the area. What's the best "Welcome Bag" treat you have received? Anything unusual that
you especially enjoyed?

Labor Day...Brunch?

How about a twist on the Labor Day party? Why not try a brunch? Not as much work as a Labor Day barbeque and you can enjoy the rest of the day!
Five easy steps:
1.Beverages: Mimosas and Bloody Marys, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic
2.Main course: make-ahead dishes such as eggs with cheese, scrambled eggs, frittatas, stratas, enchiladas, eggs benedict. Also waffles, pancakes, crepes with strawberries and cream, cheese blintzes or quiche. Accompaniments: bacon, sausage, tomatoes and hash browns.
3.Centerpiece: why not a large edible centerpiece of fruit?
4.Dessert: muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls or coffee cake
5.Coffee, regular and decaf and assorted teas

Top Five List for Hosting a Cocktail Party

We all know that cocktail parties are social events where guests mingle. Here are some suggestions for ensuring that your guests are comfortable.

1.Have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages in addition to your usual offerings.
2.Limit the number of heavy scented candles as some guests may have allergic reactions.
3.Control the music volume and room temperature so that guests can mingle and are
not too cold, not too warm.
4.Provide seating for guests who may need to sit.
5.If having buffet table, serve from both sides to alleviate wait.
Bonus tip: Relax! Guests will take their cue from the host/hostess.

A Ladies Brunch for wedding guests

A friend of mine just told me about the lovely "Ladies Brunch" she attended that was given for all the ladies who attended her son's wedding. It was held the day before the wedding and all the ladies got to meet and mingle before the wedding. I have also attended a "Ladies Tea" for my niece where each guest was asked to bring an English tea cup and saucer to be given to the bride. Does anyone have a similar tradition they could share?

Thank you notes

I was recently asked the question "If you thank someone in person when they give you a gift, do you need to send a "thank you" note?" It's not required, but always appreciated and shows thoughtfulness and good manners. If someone has taken the time to shop, wrap and deliver a present to you, it's always nice to send a thank you note. It doesn't matter when it comes, although the sooner the better. Whenever it arrives, it will bring a smile to the recipient!

Book Club Party

There are so many Book Clubs today that a Book Club party is a fun way to celebrate a great book and summer. Send simple invitations to your friends with enough notice of the book you will read and discuss. Two weeks or a month is usually enough time. Depending on the book being discussed, pick decorations that would go with the theme of the book. A fun "summer read" could have simple beach items around with umbrella drinks. If it's a tear jerker, put out plenty of tissues. A more elaborate party could have fancy hors d'oeuvres with the host/hostess dressed as the central character. For a gothic novel, dim the lights and have plenty of candles out. Whatever you decide, just make it fun!

Wedding Programs

I was recently asked by a bride-to-be about wedding programs. What are wedding programs and do we need them?
Wedding programs are not required, but they are a welcome addition to the wedding ceremony. Usually the names of the parents and grandparents are listed. Also listed are the names of the bridal party. Sometimes there are details about the bridesmaids and groomsmen. It's an extra touch to know the relationship between the bridesmaids and the bride, groomsmen and groom. You can make it simple, stating Sally is a friend of the bride, or more elaborate with how long they have been friends, where and when they met, college roommates, etc.
If one is unfamiliar with the protocol of a particular wedding, it will help to know what is coming next in the ceremony for when to stand and/or sit. The music to be played and names of the composers are also listed. Deceased relatives can be listed with a special remembrance. The bride and groom usually thank their parents, relatives and friends for attending their special day.
Any unusual programs that you have seen??