Parents of the Couple
Every season. Every setting.
Our tents are made to handle it all— snow, wind, and long-term use. Ideal for year-round events and corporate needs in the Berkshires, Boston, and surrounding areas.
classicaltents. com | 1-800-70-TENTS Timeless tents and trusted service since 1993
WE DO.
WEDDINGS, ELOPEMENTS, CELEBRATIONS
North Adams, Mass. | massmoca. org / weddings | 413.662.2111
Background: Detail of Sol LeWitt, Wall Drawing 793A, 1996 Image: Angelina Rose, @ angelinarose _ photography
• Book a room within their block. These hotels have been secured both to ensure you have a room to book and as a way for all of their special people to be in one place. Typically, couples will book a block at multiple hotels providing accommodations at a range of prices. If you elect to book outside of the block, you may miss important communications from the couple such as welcome bags, printed schedules, and even hotel shuttles. That means you may be stranded without a ride.
• If they say no gifts, please don’ t bring a gift. They will not think you are cheap; they are truly grateful to have you attend and are happy to not have to lug home a stand mixer.
• RSVP on time! Either you can go or you can’ t. Delaying your RSVP because you are waiting to see what your psychic says about the weather means you are holding up the couple from finalizing their wedding plans. Last-minute RSVPs cause unnecessary chaos for vendors.
• Do not bring an uninvited guest. I know you believe the person you met online three days ago is the love of your life, but the couple has not reserved a chicken for them. In regards to children, it doesn’ t matter how cute and wellbehaved your little cherub is. If they haven’ t been invited, then arrange for a sitter.
• For the love of God, please do not go into the dining room or tent until instructed to do so. This enables the waitstaff to finish setting dinner service and allows the photographer to capture the tablescape without your purse disturbing the shot.
• When it comes to the reception, sit where you are assigned, accept the meal you selected when you RSVP’ d, and don’ t make unnecessary requests of the waitstaff, including sending them on a wild goose chase for hot tea if it’ s not readily available. It distracts them from their duties.
• Let the couple eat! They have paid the equivalent to a down payent on a small mansion to pay for this food. If the couple is sitting and eating, let them be.
• Finally, under no circumstances, do not bother the couple before the wedding. This includes their parents, because most of the time they end up deferring to the couple. If you are unable to plan your trip without pinging the couple 52 times, consider staying home and sending them a card.
Parents of the Couple
“ Congratulations! I am so happy for you both. What a handsome couple you are— I can’ t wait to start planning your wedding.” You just got the frantic FaceTime Call— your son / daughter is engaged to their soulmate! Now the work begins. When it comes to weddings, the role of a parent is rather complex. Some couples pay for their weddings themselves. Some parents foot the entire bill. Sometimes it ' s a combination
60 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday 2023 2025