Whether you're walking down the aisle or not, chances are, you'll be attending a wedding or two before the warm temps disappear this year.
To help you navigate through wedding season, Catherine Lash, founder of The Wedding Co., was online earlier to take your questions. From etiquette to gift ideas to planning tips, Ms. Lash can help with it all. So whether you're wondering if you really have to make an appearance at that out-of-towner or you're looking for this year's must-have gift or you're on the hunt for the right photographer, ask Ms. Lash.
Your questions and Ms. Lash's answers appear at the bottom of this page.
Eight years ago, Catherine Lash created The Wedding Co. Her mission was to provide wedding-related resources and support to engaged couples and to ensure the experience of planning a wedding was an enjoyable and creative process. Ms. Lash's 10 years as a wedding photographer and her extensive research mean The Wedding Co. is a valuable asset to brides and grooms as well as to the industry. Her future plans include expanding the company to provide national coverage and to build on her successful boutique design for bridal events.
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Katie Clarke, Canada: What is the best type of gift to give soon-to-be-married, already living together couples? With people getting married so late into life (read: established their own household) and/or often living together for years before tying the knot, I'm often stumped as to what to give - especially on a budget. Maybe I'm just old-school in wanting to give something lasting as a memorial of their special day, or something practical to make life easier. Nothing really comes to mind in the modern condo based been-together-10-married-for-2 lifestyle. Gift cards have always seemed tacky for me, if practical for the couple. I don't like the idea that it puts a price tag on my affection. What could I give, that would fit?
Catherine Lash: We love the idea of personalized gift giving. If your couple is registered, that is the best place to start, I do believe registering is important whether it's at a favourite book store, home décor boutique or garden centre. If the couple is not registered, work within your budget and think about who they are as a couple and what their hobbies and interests are. I love the idea of helping to build a collection, whether it's art, a library or a wine cellar — here's an example of a really fun way to build a custom gift of wine, head to your local wine store and request suggestions for bottles that will be acceptable to drink after one, two and three years. Not only will the couple look forward to the day each bottle is ready to drink, they will love that you took the time to learn more about their favourite grapes. In the end, if it comes from the heart, the price tag doesn't factor in.
