From ABC’s Good Morning America (09/05/10): Tips on how to have the wedding of your dreams on a budget.

Create Advance Excitement For Your Kansas City Wedding Reception With A Save The Date Wedding Video.

At Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment, we have a tremendous respect and admiration for the imaginative spirit. We believe it is the primary ingredient to creating an unforgettably fun wedding celebration. Your imagination is the greatest tool you have to enjoy the Kansas City wedding and wedding reception of your dreams.

But, you don’t have to wait until your Kansas City wedding and wedding reception to show off your innovative style. Create a festive tone, well in advance of your celebration, by sending your family and friends a Save The Date wedding video announcement for your big event!

Save The Date wedding videos are a fun surprise for your guests that can also add an element of excitement to your special day…long before it happens. And, you don’t have to be an expert at film making to put together a wedding, Save The Date video.

What follows are some of our favorite Save The Date wedding videos.

Some are a bit more elaborate than others. But, you can easily incorporate one or more of the best ideas from these videos to make your very own creative and unique, Save The Date video for your fun, Kansas City wedding and wedding reception.

The only limits are your imagination…and maybe your access to a video camera. But, if you can take a photograph, you can still produce a slide show, Save The Date wedding video that your friends & family will want to watch over and over, again.

No Video Camera? No Problem!
Gather up all of the favorite, fun photos of you and your fiancè that you’ve stashed away on your hard drive throughout your relationship. Maybe take a few more pics with the 2 of you holding signs that give hints or lead the viewer to the finalè of your Save The Date, wedding slide show video.

Then, using a software program like Windows Movie Maker or Apple’s iMovie, add the pictures, along with transitions, text and music, to create a personalized, Save The Date wedding video slideshow.

Lights! Camera! Action!
Create an entire “screenplay” that highlights important points in your relationship then capture it all on video!

Let your imagination run wild.

The following example of a Save The Date wedding video is so creative and unique, with so many hits on You Tube that the couple (getting married in just a few weeks) was interviewed on the CBS Early Show.

Here’s the full length version of their “blockbuster,” Save The Date wedding video. Don’t let the “production value” scare you off. There’s more, less “explosive” Save The Date wedding videos to follow.

“Just ‘Roll ‘Em!’”
This Save The Date wedding video makes you wonder if it was scripted or if the couple improvised. It’s so “natural” that people that don’t even know these 2 will want to send them a waffle maker as a wedding gift! And, it’s pretty simple to create.

“Be Kind. Rewind!”
If you like cake, you’re going to love this incredibly fun, Save The Date wedding video. The best part…there’s no mess to clean up at the end of the shoot.

“String Them Along!”
Admittedly, this very short and sweet, stop-motion Save The Date wedding video is so well done that it looks really easy to produce. Our guess, however, is that you’ll need to invest a little bit of time in finding some magical string. Once you do, you’ll probably discover a creative side to yourself that you never knew you had.  The only way you’ll know for sure is to grab your camera and get started.

Words really can’t describe our final, favorite, Save The Date wedding video. It’s safe to say, however, that this couple had fun injecting their individual personalities and style into the final product. We don’t know for sure but we can surmise that their family and friends were probably amazed by the video but not totally suprised by the couple’s performance. It’s an excellent example of incorporating  the most recognizable things about “you” into your Save The Date wedding video to make it fun, entertaining and extraordinarily memorable.

Well, that does it for our favorite Save The Date wedding videos thus far. We’ll post others as they become available that you may find inspiring in creating one of your own for your Kansas City wedding and wedding reception . In the meantime, visit You Tube and check out all of the creative and imaginative Save The Date wedding videos that couples have posted. We were particularly amused by a number of Lego, stop-action videos…like this one!

If you’ve created a Save The Date wedding video for your Kansas City wedding and wedding reception , we’d love to see it! Email a copy to ron@ronruthweddings.com or post a link in the “comments” section.

HOW TO CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLY FUN CELEBRATION!
In 2007, my friend and fellow Wedding Entertainment Director™, Peter Merry, released his self-published book, ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!,” the first wedding planning book for Brides and Grooms who want their guests to enjoy an unforgettably fun celebration.

Since its initial release, ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” has received outstanding reviews and extraordinary media coverage , while over 10,000 Brides and Grooms purchased the book to assist them with their once-in-a-lifetime wedding receptions. It also became a must-have reference for countless wedding DJs and other wedding professionals across the country.

MAKING THE “BEST” BETTER!
Peter Merry has now updated “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!,” adding even more valuable information. ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” features 230 creative ideas for planning a wedding reception celebration that will be filled with laughter and dancing and memorable moments that flow smoothly from one moment to the next.

COMING TO A BOOKSTORE NEAR YOU!
The good news is that it will be possible for nearlyweds to find this incredible resource at bookstores everywhere, beginning October 12, 2010! If you just can’t wait, you can pre-order “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” on the Barnes & Noble and Borders Bookstores’ web sites. 

Peter Merry, Author.

PETER MERRY IS COMING TO KANSAS CITY!
But, here’s the best news…ever! You can snag a copy of “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!“ before it goes on sale to the general public when Peter Merry comes to Kansas City for a series of personal appearances and a very special, “Sneak Preview Release.” You can catch Peter at a number of speaking engagements throughout the metro, from Wednesday, September 15th, through Sunday, September 19th…including the Perfect Wedding Guide Fall 2010 Bridal Show in Overland Park, KS.

CHECK OUT PETER’S BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE.
A short list of Peter Merry’s appearances has been listed in the “Events” section of the Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment Facebook page. Become a fan by “Liking” our page and we’ll keep you posted as to where and when you can see Peter and get your inaugural, signed copy of ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!“

Get Your Signed Copy At The PWG Fall 2010 Bridal Show

“The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” also has 101 full color images submitted by 32 highly talented professional wedding photographers…along with 22 real couple profile pages showcasing each couple’s uniquely personalized reception agenda and music selections.

GET A TASTE OF WHAT’S INSIDE!  
These are the Chapter Titles for “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!“…the first wedding planning book for brides and grooms who want their guests to enjoy an unforgettably fun celebration.

Chapter Titles for “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” from The Best Wedding Reception Ever! on Vimeo.

The Overland Park Marriott
Proudly Presents:

An Entertaining Workshop For Every Bride & Groom!

Please Attend As Our Guest:
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
from
6:00pm-8:00pm

At the
Overland Park Marriott (Map)
Grand Pavilion

Admission: FREE

You and your guests will have the opportunity to meet Ron Ruth, owner of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment and one of the most sought after Wedding Entertainment Directors™ in the Midwest.

Ron will share his helpful tips, creative ideas and insider’s secrets of using…

to design and create an extraordinarily fun wedding celebration
that your family and friends will rave about for years to come.

To RSVP please contact Christina Cook, Catering Sales Executive, at 913.338.8626
or Christina.Cook@marriott.com.

Come and experience The Overland Park Marriott’s Chef’s culinary delights and discuss your
Wedding Reception, Rehearsal Dinner, Bridal Shower, or Luncheon with a Marriott Certified Wedding Planner. Prepare to be inspired by the striking, contemporary design
that now embodies the Overland Park Marriott.

To RSVP please contact Christina Cook, Catering Sales Executive, at 913.338.8626
or Christina.Cook@marriott.com.

Recently Added: Exciting news from the Mojica Photography blog. Loraine Mojica McCall writes: “I will be there as well, and will give all attendees a free digital portrait after the workshop. Even if you think you’ve already planned everything for your wedding, it will be worth your while, plus you’ll get a free professional portrait for your FB profile.”

Love it or hate it, the “Money Dance” remains a popular custom at wedding receptions throughout the Midwest. In the Kansas City area, the “Money Dance” is also referred to as the “Dollar Dance” or “Honeymoon Dance.” No matter how it’s named, however, it ultimately means that guests, who wish to dance with the Bride and Groom, at a specifically designated moment in the reception, must “pay” for the privilege.

Very few Brides and Grooms are ever “on the fence” when it comes to choosing to include the “Money Dance” in their wedding reception. Many couples decide very early on in the planning process that it is a “cheesy and tacky” formality and adamantly rule it out without hesitation or regret. The “Honeymoon Dance” simply does not fit their personality and style and that’s OK.

But, there are also couples that enthusiastically look forward to the opportunity to spend a few, personal moments with their guests on the dance floor while, at the same time, graciously accepting the generosity of their family and friends to help them with their honeymoon expenses.

At Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment, we assist with the “Dollar Dance” at about 50% of the weddings where we perform. And, those couples that have chosen to embrace the tradition have held their receptions in every conceivable venue from modest halls to lavish hotel and country club ballrooms.

The custom of the “Money Dance” was originated in America in the early 1900’s by the European immigrants who wanted to assure that the young couple had a few extra dollars to get them started on their future together. It has endured in certain areas of the United States, while many other regions are less familiar with the tradition.

Along the upper east coast, some believe that the custom of a “Dollar Dance” has its direct roots in both the Italian and Polish heritages, two groups of people who appreciate a good time and love traditions.

The aim of this article is not to convince anyone to include the, “Money Dance,” “Dollar Dance” or “Honeymoon Dance” in their reception…like that would even be possible. But, if you’ve already made up your mind that you wish to make it a part of the festivities, here are a few things you should know. 

Here in the central Midwest, a successful “Money Dance” (not just in dollars and cents) relies on 3 key factors; timing, presentation and time allotment.

TIMING: If you plan to have a “Dollar Dance” at your reception, it should be a part of the natural flow of events. We suggest that it be held after the traditional, dancing formalities but before the bouquet and garter toss. All of your guests, particularly older family members who will surely want to participate, will still be in attendance. And, few, if any, of your guests will have had so much to drink that you have to hold them up while they step on your toes. Plus, your photographer will still be on hand during the “Honeymoon Dance” to capture those special photos of you with your closest friends and family.

PRESENTATION: A talented Wedding Entertainment Director™ or highly experienced Kansas City wedding DJ can help you find extremely creative, engaging and entertaining ways to introduce the “Money Dance” into the planned activities of your reception. Make sure to ask him/her to share those ideas with you if you want your “Dollar Dance” to be just as much fun and memorable as the rest of your reception. If presented properly, your guests will not only be anxious to dance with the 2 of you, they will “pay” handsomely for the pleasure.

TIME ALLOTMENT: You’ll also want the “Money Dance” to move along at a pace that allows you enough time to thank your dancing partner for coming to your reception without the conversation turning into a long and drawn out exchange. A dance with each new partner should only last about 20-30 seconds. Overall, we suggest that the “Dollar Dance” take no longer than about 15 minutes to complete to keep other guests from getting bored.

The background accompaniment to a “Honeymoon Dance” is usually a series of back-to-back slow songs, played at low volume levels to allow you to comfortably converse with each guest while dancing.

The Best Man & Maid/Matron of Honor are generally given the responsibility of collecting the money for the Bride and Groom. The minimum donation for the “Money Dance,” of course, is one dollar, although larger denominations are routinely contributed.

Regardless, those guests who join in the “Dollar Dance” are happy to be able to share a dance with the newlyweds on their wedding day.

“Fun Wedding Reception Ideas” By Guest Blogger & Friend…Tamara Sims.

Planning a wedding can be challenging for many Brides so it is important not to lose sight of the fun and creativity when planning your big day.  Here are a few fun wedding ideas that I hope will bring out your “playful” side during the planning process:

Did your Ceremony take place on the Beach? Why not have your DJ create a custom cocktail hour complete with exotic drinks and Island Music to really put your guests in the mood. You can even incorporate shells and sand in your centerpieces along with your favorite flowers.  And don’t forget to show your destination wedding video to your guests at your reception.

Do you love the city? The next time you are downtown, bring your camera and take fun photos at your favorite spots throughout the city. The photos can be used to name your tables at your reception…how fun would it be to have your guests seated at the Navy Pier Table (complete with a photo of the two of you on the Ferris Wheel) or the Wrigley Field Table (with a photo of the two of you sharing a hot dog)…the possibilities are endless.

Are you a Foodie? Sit down with your caterer to create a menu that reflects some of your favorite cuisine.  What about a sushi station or taco bar during cocktail hour?  Or maybe the chef can recreate a dish from your favorite restaurant to share with your guests.  Or perhaps you have a sweet tooth like me!  Try something interactive like a Crepe Station, Make your own Blizzard Station, or Chocolate Risotto Station prepared on site by the Chef.  You are only limited by your imagination!

Share your ”playful” wedding reception idea with the world in the comment section below!

Tamara Sims is the Director of Sales and Marketing for Something 2 Dance 2 DJ Entertainment in Chicago, IL, which she proudly owns along with her husband and Wedding Entertainment Director, Jay Sims.  She has over 20 years experience in the wedding industry and loves to create wonderful wedding memories for her Brides & Grooms.  To learn more creative wedding ideas, please visit Tamara’s Blog:  http://www.something2dance2.com/blog/

Zach & Kellie Strube Trade Their Guests "A Kiss For A Kiss"

From the moment Zach and Kellie Strube began planning for their wedding reception at the Doubletree Hotel in Overland Park, KS, they were focused on having fun. They wanted to include wedding reception activities that would assure that their guests would have a great time from the second they walked through the ballroom door.

Zach & Kellie enthusiastically sifted through dozens of fun, wedding reception activities until settling on 3 or 4 that would mix well with their personality and style and create the level of excitement they wanted.

One of the fun wedding reception activities they included was “A Kiss for a Kiss.” It not only produced a room full of happy energy, it also gave a few of their family and friends the opportunity to show off their imaginative spirit.

During the meal, at almost every Kansas City wedding reception, the guests will “tink” their water or drink glasses with their silverware as a cue for the Bride and Groom to kiss. “A Kiss for a Kiss” adds an amusing twist because the newlyweds will only respond to the “tinking” glasses after another couple, married or dating, demonstrates exactly how they want them to kiss. 

As suggested, so many couples get very creative in their kissing technique, which is pretty funny. But, the real fun comes as the guests watch the Bride & Groom try to accurately imitate those unusual kisses. 

Done properly, “A Kiss for a Kiss” is an entertaining way to fill the lull that can occur during dinner, especially when a plated meal is served. And, it creates a tremendous amount of laughter and unforgettably fun wedding reception moments that will make newlyweds smile every time they look through their photos.

These are just a few of the fun, sequential, “A Kiss for a Kiss” photographs from Zach & Kellie’s wedding reception.

To successfully incorporate “A Kiss for a Kiss” into your wedding celebration, you’ll want the assistance of a Wedding Entertainment Director™ that knows the very necessary secrets to making this wedding reception activity one of the most memorable moments for you and your guests.

Contact me today for your free, no-obligation entertainment consultation and I’ll fill you in on the necessary details. I’ll even share a few more entertaining ideas that will allow you to enjoy an unforgettably fun, Kansas City wedding reception.

ron@ronruthweddings.com
816.224.4487

Photos: Angela Needs Shipps Photography

Work For A Win-Win Solution

Imagine, you’re a couple planning your wedding, and you’re looking for the perfect wedding professionals that match your style, have great experience and referrals, and are within your budget.

Let’s say you’ve come across a professional that fits the first two criteria and you absolutely LOVE their work. You’re also certain that they can meet your every need and you think they are just the coolest person(s) ever!

Aaaand then they share their fees for their services…and, unfortunately, they are out of your budget. What do you do?

Many Brides and Grooms I speak with will take an “oh well” attitude and move on. They keep searching, but that one perfect, wedding pro keeps popping into their heads. As they shop, they compare all others to that one awesome individual and it becomes increasingly apparent that no on else will do.

So, here’s a thought.

Instead of giving up on your perfect choice and, perhaps, settling on second best, you do have a couple of options! Which option you choose will depend on just how far that vendor is out of your budget.

My first bit of advice is to contact them and explain what it is, specifically, that you love about their service, but don’t be afraid to let them know that you just don’t have quite that much to spend.

If your budget and their pricing are hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars apart, ask for a referral! As a wedding professional, myself, owner of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment in Kansas City, MO, I’d always prefer to find a way to work with couples that really want to work with me. But, I can also point you in the direction of someone that has a similar style that you might like just as much, will meet your needs, but is in your price range. And, you can still be confident that they will perform in a professional manner and do a great job.

Another possibility is that the vendor may offer associate services. They may have an assistant or associate that has been trained by them, works in a similar style, but is more affordable.

I have an associate Entertainment Director (her name is Carrie…she’s super awesome…but more about her another day) that has worked many, many wedding receptions with me. Most importantly, I am completely confident in her ability to plan, direct, entertain and exceed expectations at wedding celebrations. There are times that she’s a much better fit for a couple on a tight budget.

You may also find some wedding professionals, like me, that will try to work with your budget! If there is only a small discrepancy between what you have to spend and the fee, let them know what part of their services you love, that you really want to hire them and ask if there’s any room for negotiation. My mama taught me that it never hurts to ask! They may be willing to work with you a bit. But, be prepared to bend your budget a bit for them, too.

Personally, I want nothing more than to assist couples that truly appreciate my work.

Let’s say, regardless of the company, the DJ entertainment package you want is $500 more than what you have budgeted. Depending on the popularity of the date of your wedding, you should not be afraid to ask if there may be a reasonable, “middle ground” that is mutually agreeable. They bend, you bend and you both win. Keep in mind, however, that it is not fair (or nice) to ask any wedding professional to negotiate if you are not willing to make concessions, as well.

Another possibility is to consider the importance of each item you want to include in your wedding reception and the impact (and expense) that those amenities will have on creating lasting memories. In other words, in what areas might you scale back a bit that most of your guests will not really notice, let alone remember?

As an example, I am a DJ that is also a certified, Wedding Entertainment Director. I offer, literally, dozens of creative options. Some can be quite time consuming to prepare for in order to provide a quality performance. How much you may invest in my services depends greatly on all of the options you may want to include in your wedding celebration and the amount of time that must be dedicated to helping you realize your dream. Perhaps you can do without 1 or 2 to make my services more affordable to you.

Important Note: You’ll have a better shot with negotiating if your wedding is during the off season (November – March) or on a day other than Saturday.

One word of caution, Only enter into negotiations if you really, truly LOVE the vendor’s work and you REALLY…REALLY want to hire them for your wedding. If they simply have no room to negotiate, don’t take it personally.  Like you, wedding professionals have budgets they must meet, expenses they must pay and depend on their salaries for their livelihood.

If all else fails, just go back to “Plan A” and ask for that referral! Either way, you’ll benefit.

The original inspiration for this post came from a blog article written by Kristen Kaplan, a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and owner of Simply Stunning Events in Nashville, TN. I appreciate her permission to borrow from the essence of her article, “Vendor Pricing & Negotiation,” to create this post.

Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment Presents 10 Tips For Wedding Toasts and Wedding Speeches at Kansas City Wedding Receptions

So, you’ve anxiously agreed to be the Best Man or Maid/Matron of Honor at your best friend’s or relative’s upcoming wedding and you’ve also been assigned the important task of giving a wedding toast or speech at the reception. Writing a good wedding toast is a job that should not to be taken too lightly. The Best Man’s and Maid/Matron of Honor’s wedding speeches are your moment to shine by adding a fun, personal touch to the wedding reception that should create a fond memory.

As someone that performs weekly at Kansas City wedding receptions, I’ve seen and heard a number of wedding toasts and wedding speeches, from very emotional and endearing to funny and extremely creative. Most have been impressive and entertaining in their own special way and, of course, unique to the Bride & Groom.

Some, however, could have been better had the presenter taken a few minutes to research the very basic structure for delivering a good wedding toast or wedding speech.

What follows are 10 tips to help you give Kansas City’s best wedding toast or wedding speech based on years of personal observations.

Tip #1 - Know What You’re Going To Say: Invest in a stack of 3×5  cards and jot down bullet points of the highlights of your wedding speech or toast. Do not write it out in it’s in entirety. A case of nerves can make the temptation to read your speech verbatim too great and that can be extremely tedious for the listener. And, above all, do not fool yourself into believing that you can “wing it.” You’ll not only risk forgetting important things you wish you had said, but “winging it” can also lead to meaningless rambling and, worse yet, saying something you might regret.

Tip #2 - Know Your Audience: Know that you are speaking to the Bride & Groom’s family members and closest friends. Some may be strangers to you.  Although a touch of humor is a great ice breaker and attention grabber, it may be best to steer away from jokes that cross into the sometimes sensitive areas of old boyfriends/girlfriends, embarassing private stories, religion, politics  or sex. When in doubt, pretend YOUR Grandmother is sitting front row center.

Tip #3 - Introduce Yourself: Whenever you speak before a group, it’s always a good idea to introduce yourself and to let the audience know why you’re speaking. 

Tip #4 - Show Appreciation: Thank the host(s) for inviting you and acknowledge those that helped make the Bride & Groom’s wedding day so special.

Tip #5 – Tell How You Know The Newlyweds: Tell how you came to know the Bride and/or Groom and how long you’ve known each other. It’s a great back story and personal touch that the guests are sure to enjoy.

Tip #6 – Share Why The Bride & Groom Are Perfect for Each Other: A Best Man or Maid/Matron of Honor’s wedding toast or wedding speech is an opportunity to celebrate two people that got married, so include an unmistakable trait or interest the couple share in common that will lead them to a happy marriage.

Tip #7 – “Cliff Notes” Can Be Your Friend: At a loss for words? In a pinch, a simple search on Google can help you find the perfect, short line of poetry or famous, romantic love quote from someone that has already said it “best.”  A well selected quote can also inspire you to come up with a few words of your own. 

Tip #8 - Give Advice Sparingly: Some Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor wedding toasts or wedding speeches offer some sort of advice. If your toast includes advice, stay away from the type of humor mentioned in Tip #2. Keep it light. Words of advice should be given in a manner that will make the Bride and Groom smile.

Tip #9 - Refrain From Overindulging: Drinking alcohol in excess, prior to the Best Man or Maid/Matron of Honor’s speech or wedding toast, will not make this important task any easier or less stressful. It won’t make you funnier, either. Really! At a Kansas City wedding reception, most toasts will take place early in the evening; right after the Bride and Groom have been introduced or immediately after dinner. There will be plenty of time, afterward, to indulge in your favorite adult beverage. Staying sober will assure that you don’t say something that will embarrass you, the Bride & Groom or their guests. Remember, your Grandma is still watching!

Tip #10 - Don’t Forget To Conclude Your Toast: Often times the Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor will get caught up in the moment of the wedding toast to the Bride and Groom and forget to give their speech an ending that provides the cue for the guests to raise their glasses and drink. Don’t forget to conclude your wedding toast or speech with the obligatory “Please raise your glasses to…” or “Here’s to the…” or the ever essential “Cheers!”

Bonus Tip – Less Is More: Try to keep your wedding toast or speech to 3-5 minutes to avoid guests “tuning out.”  

An excellent resource for wedding toasts and wedding speeches.

It’s easy to research wedding toasts and speeches on-line. A quick Google search will produce a number of sites with wedding toast examples, free wedding toasts, and free Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor wedding speeches.

If you want to appear as an expert at toasting, you won’t find better or more valuable wedding toast and speech information than what Tom Halibeck provides in his book “Wedding Toasts Made Easy.”  Tom also gives you the added convenience of downloading his book directly to your computer.  If you’ve waited until the last minute to prepare, “Wedding Toasts Made Easy” is your absolute best solution.

Here’s to you and to delivering an unforgettably fun wedding toast! Cheers!

Receive Congratulatory Greetings For Your Wedding From The President Of The United States and The First Lady.

Imagine how exciting it would be, as a Bride & Groom, to receive congratulatory greetings for your wedding from the President of the United States and the First Lady.

Well, you can and it’s FREE as long as the recipients are American citizens and you follow 2, very simple steps.

First, wedding greetings may only be requested after the wedding has taken place. 

Second, a Presidential greeting request must include the following information:

Name of the Bride & Groom

Address of the Bride & Groom

Date (month, day, year) of the wedding

The name, email address and daytime phone number of the individual requesting the greeting.

And, although not mandated as a requirement, sending a copy of the wedding invitation might be a nice gesture. It would also add legitimacy to the request.

Now that you’ve got all of the information put together, you can submit it in one of 2 ways:

Fax: 202-456-2461

Mail: The White House
Attn: Greetings Office
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20502-0039

As you can probably surmise, my inside sources* tell me that the White House gets a ton of requests for such congratulatory greetings. So, allow several months for it to reach the recipient.

As an FYI, the White House also sends congratulatory notes to citizens that are…

…commemorating the birth of a child.
…celebrating a birthday of 80 years or older
…retiring from the same job of 30 years or more
…celebrating an anniversary of 50 or more years.     

All congratulatory greeting requests, other than those for weddings and child birth, should be sent at least 8-12 weeks in advance of the specific occasion.

You’ve got to admit, regardless of one’s political affiliation, a congratulatory note from the President of the United States and First Lady would make a memorable addition to any scrapbook. And, you don’t have to “crash” a White House party to get it!

*Just kidding. I don’t really have any inside sources.