social grace « Proposal Magazine

Archive for the category ‘social grace’

Grace’s Tip of the Day: Stillettos vs. Bare Toes?

By Social Grace

: Image by geishaboy500 via Flickr

Where shoes during your reception! Who knows where that floor has been! If you absolutely must where stilletos down the aisle simply bring a comfortable pair of shoes to change in to before you dance.

Every wedding I attend, I see, to my dismay, women of all ages running around and dancing with out their shoes. We can’t shop without our shoes on, we can’t go grocery shopping without our shoes on, we can’t even order fast food without our shoes on, so why is it that ladies get all dressed up and then take off their shoes? If you are over 8 years old, you have to keep them on.

Alas! You don’t have to go barefoot, girls! There is an old friend you may have forgotten: the flat.

Don’t wear heels if you can’t, flats come in all styles that will fit any wardrobe. If you can’t go without your tallest heels, then bring a pair of flats or sandals to wear towards the end of the evening.

It doesn’t matter how beautiful your pedi is, why get all dressed up just to run around with bare feet?

Did you like this? Share it:

Tags: Barefoot, Clothing, Dance, etiquette, Footwear, Sandal, Shoe, Shopping, Wedding, Women's

This entry was posted on February 8th, 2010 under social grace, tip of the day.

Ask Grace: “Making it Official”

By Social Grace

Dear Grace,

My Grandma (and everyone) keeps asking me when my boyfriend and I are going to “make it official.” It’s true we have been dating for five years and we live together, but we don’t want to get married now; I’m not sure if I ever want to get married. How should I tell her the truth without sounding offensive?

Thank you,

Confused in Tucson

- – - – - – - – - – - – -

Dear Confused,

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the truth when your own feelings may go against your loved ones’ personal values. You are living with a man, you’ve been together for five year; it’s only natural that your family will start expecting that next step. And even though this is a personal decision to you, you can’t very well tell your dear grandmother that it’s none of her business without causing a war. So here is what I think is your best option:

If you don’t want to talk over the phone or in person, send a friendly note or email and just say, “We know everyone’s probably eager to see that happen, but now isn’t the right time.” You will know when you are ready to make that step so just encourage your family to trust your instincts. Don’t expect them all to understand, especially if they have religious reasons behind their beliefs, but try to be as diplomatic as possible. By keeping a short, clear answer will reassure everyone and prevent an argument (hopefully). This is one of those situations where you can be overly sensitive. Think about your grandmother’s point of view and speak from your heart.

Good luck! I hope they get off your back!!

XOXO,

Social Grace

Now that I’ve answered “Confused’s” question, feel free to enjoy some less tactful responses from our one and only Lazy Susan.

Did you like this? Share it:

Tags: advice, Business, Grandmother, Luck, Marriage, Relationships, Religion and Spirituality

This entry was posted on February 4th, 2010 under ask grace, social grace.

Grace’s Tip of the Day

By Social Grace

: Image via Wikipedia

Don’t be a bridesmaid nazi!

Okay, so we get that you want everything perfect. But what can be more perfect than having your best friends surrounding you with love and support on one of your most special days? So many Brides create guidelines that dictate how their bridesmaids should wear their hair, shoes, make-up and even nails! What’s so perfect about french tip manicures anyway? Brides, please think of your girlfriends during the planning process. Turning into a “bridesmaid nazi” will only cause much unneeded stress to you and your friends. You love your girls for who they are so let them be themselves and just enjoy your day!

Did you like this? Share it:

Tags: bridesmaid, Clothing, Formal wear, Friends, girlfriend, Gown, manicure, Shopping, Wedding

This entry was posted on February 2nd, 2010 under social grace, tip of the day.

Grace’s Tip of the Day: Giving Thanks

By Social Grace

: Image via Wikipedia

Despite what you may have been told, thank you cards should be sent out no later than two months from the day of your wedding. Don’t believe us, just ask your Grandma!

In 1952, Amy Vanderbilt wrote that one must send out that thank you notes no later than 2-3 weeks from the time you receive your gifts. This is a far change from some of the event planners of today, saying that you can wait an entire year before sending your notes of gratitude! Ladies, write your notes as soon as you can! It will take you less time to write the cards than your reception lasted. If your friends and family were able to give you that much time, you can do the same for them.

If that’s not enough motivation, then here are some helpful hints to help you get through the massive amount of thanking you will most likely have to do.

1. Keep a list to organize who you need to thank. You can use this list to track who you have left. Remember, you must thank everyone. Think about who hosted events, who sent notes, gifts, helped out at events, and don’t forget your wedding professionals that helped you along the way!

2. Everyone has their own way of getting things done, and women are multi-taskers, so don’t be afraid to turn on your favorite rom-com and write away! Turn writing your thank-you’s into something fun that connects you further to your guests, not a chore.

3. Even though some say store bought cards that have sayings and “thank you” pre-printed within are tacky and impersonal we at Proposal understand that not every budget can handle letterpressed stationary and one of a kind designs. The truth is, as long as it contains kindness and true appreciation, it can be on any style paper or card. We don’t promote paper snobs.