Business History Books » Business Plans » The Wedding Social
The Wedding Social
Question:
> Wedding "socials" aren’t a very old tradition…less than ten years.
Okay, had to jump in on this. Wedding socials have been around in Winnipeg for at LEAST 50 years. My mother went to wedding socials in the 50’s. The money that’s paid for the social ticket is like a cover charge for a bar. You get admission, you get access to cheap drinks, you get a full night of dancing and socializing, you get free food, you get a chance to win door prizes and can go in for auction prizes, not to mention the fact that you’re supporting your friends who are planning their future together. Winnipeg is more of a close community than most cities I’ve been to – we tend to support each other a tremendous amount. In any case, for most socials the ticket price is more than worth it for what you get in return. And if it helps the happy couple to pay for the wedding or the honeymoon, then all the better. On a related note, I’d hate to know what most non-Winnipeggers think about Presentation. No doubt many think it’s "vulgar". Most probably have never heard of it. FWIW, the first time I heard about registering I thought THAT was vulgar. I still don’t like the idea of it, and it’s a dispute my fiance and I have from time to time because I really don’t want to be registered anywhere. But I’d do Presentation. I guess because Presentation is another tradition that’s been around for ages (for as long as my Mother can remember), and to me registering is like saying "not only do you have to buy us a gift, but you have to buy us THIS gift". As far as I’m concerned if someone wants to buy a gift then it should be something they want to give us, not something they feel obligated to give us. For those that aren’t familiar with Presentation: It’s our local way of saying "please give us money". I’ve never been to a wedding that didn’t have Presentation as part of the reception. Expressed by the simple word "Presentation" on the reception card or invitation. That’s it. Everyone local knows what’s meant by that. Everyone pretty much assumes there’ll be Presentation at a wedding. Again, it’s a tradition. And I don’t care who thinks it’s vulgar. It’s just the way things are done here. <donning asbestos suit> Annette
Response:
Just going to answer this one right now. Haven’t read the rest of the ng posts. : Wedding "socials" aren’t a very old tradition…less than ten years. Ah ya they are. They’ve been going on in Manitoba for YEARS. I’m in my 30’s and remember going to them in my teens. (In my "culture" we are trusted to drink when we’re younger than "some" countries – yes I know I’m going to get an earful for this one:) Socials have been around more than "ten years". You’re obviously not from MB so why dismiss what you have no knowledge of?
Response:
I’ve been warned not to respond to Ron Ng but… what the HECK are talking about?!!! : >Wedding socials are common and expected in Winnipeg. They’re tradition : : They’re VULGAR. : : : Ron Ng Knows!
Response:
: Okay, had to jump in on this. : : Wedding socials have been around in Winnipeg for at LEAST 50 years. My : mother went to wedding socials in the 50’s. Better put than I had : On a related note, I’d hate to know what most non-Winnipeggers think : about Presentation. No doubt many think it’s "vulgar". Most probably : have never heard of it. FWIW, the first time I heard about registering : I thought THAT was vulgar. I still don’t like the idea of it, and it’s : a dispute my fiance and I have from time to time because I really don’t : want to be registered anywhere. But I’d do Presentation. I guess : because Presentation is another tradition that’s been around for ages : (for as long as my Mother can remember), and to me registering is like : saying "not only do you have to buy us a gift, but you have to buy us : THIS gift". As far as I’m concerned if someone wants to buy a gift then : it should be something they want to give us, not something they feel : obligated to give us. : For those that aren’t familiar with Presentation: It’s our local way of : saying "please give us money". I almost have a similiar view. I don’t like presentation. It doesn’t seem right to stand in line shaking hands with your guests knowing what goes in the other hand is a "card" wishing you good luck. It happens because, I suppose, many people don’t know what to get the couple. Also I’ve always have given enough to pay for mine and my partner’s meal (haven’t been to too many weddings as a guest – worked many 100+ but not as a guest). I’ve seen different traditions from many cultures – the presentation (and the garder/bouquet) always stays the same. On your other point. The registering means something different to me. I look at it as… IF you’re going to buy china or silverware, THIS has already been purchased as a gift so if you still wish to purchase something from the list these others have not been purchased. Anyone can get married and say their vows infront of their god or somewhere else with family and friends. Some people have small weddings, some big. The wedding isn’t as important as the marriage itself, I think everyone on the ng will agree. We’re just speaking of my culture.
Response:
: >In Manitoba the government allows a stimulation in the economy by having a : >wedding social BEFORE the wedding in order to raise money for the new couple and their wedding day. : How VULGAR. : Ron Ng Knows! Here I go again. If this is, as you say, is VULGAR, then without revealing too much of your culture – as I don’t want to be judging you anymore than I am – would you be willing to share some familiar (and unfamiliar) traditions of your own with us?
Response:
: It’s just evidence that if there enough greedy, tacky people in a population, : they will make bridal begging a "common thing". Raising money in this manner : for a wedding dilutes the reason for marriage into a profit generating venture : and raises suspicions as to whether the couple is marrying for love or for the : big party of which they are the center of attention or in desperate need of a : financial boost. : : > We’ve got alot working for us compared to most. If we max out on tickets and : > beer/liquor we’re looking at making $6000.00+ : Have you tallied up what you’ll get from each guest as wedding gift yet? Be : sure to calculate the value of the gifts you receive with the cost per person : you spent on the wedding and then send those cheapskate guests of yours a bill : for the discrepancy. You wouldn’t be the first to do so and it would be the : common thing to do. You have misunderstood the purpose of the social. Its to raise money for the wedding. Its more realistic than expecting the parents to pay (as tradition dictates). These ticket buyers – well half of them wouldn’t be attending the wedding. No I haven’t included the money OR gifts collected from GUEST FROM THE WEDDING which is a COMPLETELY different event (usually 2-5 months after the social will be the wedding/reception). This event pays for PART OF the $10,000.00 wedding that begins the couple’s lives together. I didn’t mention this event and its idiosyncrecies to start a debate of its moral bindings. I just asked for assistance with the form letter and I have received that help. If you want a cat fight than go somewhere else. g
Response:
> It’s just evidence that if there enough greedy, tacky people in a population, > they will make bridal begging a "common thing".
Hey, if it’s acceptable in her community and among her family and friends, as she said it is, then she’s not "begging." Why can’t you just accept the fact that not everyone lives in your world and they don’t have to follow your rules? Etiquette does not apply to every one of lifes’ situations, and obviously it does not here. Perhaps it would be considered rude if she *didn’t* have this fund raiser. Do you have enough knowledge of her region to be able to say otherwise? If you have nothing positive to contribute, move on.
Response:
> > It’s just evidence that if there enough greedy, tacky people in a population, > they will make bridal begging a "common thing". > Hey, if it’s acceptable in her community and among her family and > friends, as she said it is, then she’s not "begging."
I agree. Different people have different ways. — Louise
Response:
>In Manitoba the government allows a stimulation in the economy by having a >wedding social BEFORE the wedding in order to raise money for the new couple >and their wedding day.
How VULGAR. Ron Ng Knows!
Response:
> >In Manitoba the government allows a stimulation in the economy by having a >wedding social BEFORE the wedding in order to raise money for the new couple >and their wedding day. > How VULGAR. > Ron Ng Knows!
I have to agree with Ron here. All showers (baby, bridal) and this type of social (not common here in NJ) are just a nice way of begging for money. If it’s socially acceptable up there, fine. Scary how the government promotes this type of thing but begging is begging. Peanut
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> I have to agree with Ron here. All showers (baby, bridal) and this > type of social (not common here in NJ) are just a nice way of begging > for money.
Welllllll…properly speaking, showers aren’t a way of begging for money, as the recipient doesn’t have anything to do with deciding to have a shower, planning it, or anything else except perhaps helping with the guest list (to ensure that no one is invited who isn’t invited to the wedding, that no one is invited to multiple showers, that the guest doesn’t include guests who would be otherwise inappropriate to invite to a shower). Since the recipient has no control over the shower, and since close relatives also are prohibited from throwing a shower, I don’t think that one can say that a properly done shower is begging for money. That’s not to say all showers are properly done, of course, but in *theory* they aren’t the same type of beast at all. Best wishes, Ericka
Response:
Wedding socials are common and expected in Winnipeg. They’re tradition – much like a bachelor party or a stagette. The thing you need to know about Winnipeg is that people like any excuse to party – they have a lot of nightclubs/bars for such a small city. Anyway, the social is a way to involve hundreds of people you know to celebrate your upcoming wedding, who may not otherwise be invited to your wedding. In Winnipeg, everybody knows everybody and there is no realistic way of inviting every single person you know to your wedding (unless you are a millionaire). It’s a great fun night out. The money’s just a fringe benefit. In our social, we are having it at a friend’s nightclub (free) which happens to be one of the biggest bars in the city – holding up to 1000 people. We hired two really good funk bands (close to free) and we are preparing all of the (gourmet) food with the help of a chef friend. There is a door prize which will either be a DVD player or a laptop. Our wedding party has donated a lot of stuff including a trip to Hawaii. Wouldn’t you pay $10 to join in? Wouldn’t you want to host such a kick-ass party? I host parties all the time – I enjoy it. $10,000 that we’ve made just from ticket sales is pretty sweet, but we are not destitute. We are both professionals and we do well financially. My point is, and I do have one, is that I find it irritating that you jump on the OP’s post – when he was clearly just asking for help – insulting his culture and way of life, calling the entire population "greedy, tacky people" without prior knowledge of the subject. In short, you were spouting off where you shouldn’t be. {breathe} NOW, I can get my coffee. | It’s just evidence that if there enough greedy, tacky people in a population, | they will make bridal begging a "common thing".
Response:
> Wedding socials are common and expected in Winnipeg. They’re tradition – > much like a bachelor party or a stagette.
Wedding "socials" aren’t a very old tradition…less than ten years. > Anyway, the social is a way to > involve hundreds of people you know to celebrate your upcoming wedding, who > may not otherwise be invited to your wedding.
Poor people! They’ve been abused so much they actually think it is fun to be soaked for cash for a wedding they are not qualified to attend. "You’re not close enough to us to actually be a real guest at our wedding but your money can come!" > In Winnipeg, everybody knows > everybody and there is no realistic way of inviting every single person you > know to your wedding (unless you are a millionaire). It’s a great fun night > out. The money’s just a fringe benefit.
Eeeuww! Classification of friends into "guests" and "potential donors". > In our social, we are having it at a friend’s nightclub (free) which happens > to be one of the biggest bars in the city – holding up to 1000 people. We > hired two really good funk bands (close to free) and we are preparing all of > the (gourmet) food with the help of a chef friend. There is a door prize > which will either be a DVD player or a laptop. Our wedding party has > donated a lot of stuff including a trip to Hawaii. Wouldn’t you pay $10 to > join in?
No. I astutely avoid occasions which pervert the entrance to marriage into fundraisers or financial investment opportunities. > Wouldn’t you want to host such a kick-ass party?
What you are doing is not "hosting" in any sense of the word. You are merely a fundraising event coordinator. > I host parties > all the time – I enjoy it. $10,000 that we’ve made just from ticket sales is > pretty sweet, but we are not destitute. We are both professionals and we do > well financially.
You didn’t need the cash but you had to have a "social" to raise money anyway. That’s defined as "greedy". > My point is, and I do have one, is that I find it irritating that you jump > on the OP’s post – when he was clearly just asking for help – insulting his > culture and way of life, calling the entire population "greedy, tacky > people" without prior knowledge of the subject.
If you notice, I did not "jump" on the OP’s first post but rather his second in which he admits and justifies soliciting cash. It had sequed from a request for help to a statement of opinion which I cheerfully disagreed with. And yes, if someone is going to claim the practice is "common" , my response is to remind them of the Stockholm Syndrome where if people are abused long enough, they begin to identify with their torturers.
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I guess you are just too good for us common folk. Please forgive me.
Response:
>Wedding socials are common and expected in Winnipeg. They’re tradition
They’re VULGAR. Ron Ng Knows!
Response:
> My point is, and I do have one, is that I find it irritating that you jump > on the OP’s post – when he was clearly just asking for help – insulting his > culture and way of life, calling the entire population "greedy, tacky > people" without prior knowledge of the subject. In short, you were spouting > off where you shouldn’t be.
AMEN!!!
Response:
wow i wish they did something like this here! heehehe altho im not too familiar with it ill throw a few suggestions out there . . . the letter nala posted looks great, altho in place of the word ‘fundraiser’ i’d probably use ’social’ – assuming ‘wedding social’ is a well known term for this kind of thing there. i think it would make the guests feel less like youre soliciting money from them and more like theyre invited to a party, a party where they have the chance to help you and your fiancee out with the wedding plans. fine line, i know, but if i got invited to a ’social’ vs a ‘fundrasier’ id feel better about it. also, and this may not apply to you, but i think that if the couple can afford to do the wedding themselves, they shouldnt have an event like this!! i know if i had friends who i knew were well off, and they had something like this, not only wouold i not show up, but id defintitely think they were greedy.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > We are also having a social in Winnipeg, but ours is more of a fun night out > thing – we’re having it at a bar so we don’t have to worry about all of the > liquor rules. Anyway, below is a form letter that a friend of mine is using > for their social. I just have advice though..coming from friends of mine > where these letters are received all the time..they don’t like receiving > them – it’s like solicitation. They suggest that the couple come in and > talk to them instead. I never knew people sent out letter requests like > this – people in our wedding party and friends are donating raffle items. > One last opinion? People don’t make much off of liquor – I calculated what > we would be making net off of 300+ guests – it was slightly over $400. Plus > all the MLCC headaches. You’re better off going to a place with a liquor > license so you don’t have to worry about it. Most of the money is made from > the tickets and raffles. Anyways, here is the said letter (after much > rambling): > <Date> > Attention: Manager/Event Coordinator > RE: WEDDING FUNDRAISER > To Whom It May Concern: > on the ___ of _____ 2002. Presently, they are coordinating a wedding > fundraiser and they are hoping that your company will assist in this > wonderful event. > This event will entail free advertisement for your company among 300 of > their guests. In return, they would ask if you could possibly donate an > item to them for their silent auction. your > company. They have always been satisfied with the service presented to > them, and have always noted their satisfaction to other possible future > customers. > If you have any further questions regarding this function, or would like to > this letter, and we will gladly continue our business with your company. > Sincerely, > | I’m from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I think we’re the only province that > | does this and I’m not sure if any states do this down south. > | In Manitoba the government allows a stimulation in the economy by having a > | wedding social BEFORE the wedding in order to raise money for the new > couple > | and their wedding day. I know of other provinces that do this after the > | wedding supper but this is a bit different. > | Any profit made on the social is kept by the couple to pay for the wedding > | and reception/dinner/dance. Tickets are usually $10.00 and Beer and Liquor > | minimum charge is $2.25 but the average is $2.50. Profit is made from > | selling drinks. Any money on top of the cost for the liquor is kept. In > | Manitoba we’re allowed 4.2 units of liquor/beer/wine divided into the > | capacity of our social halls (which are usually community clubs). Our > | capacity for the hall we’re using is 235 so our units we’re allowed is 65. > A > | unit is a case of 24 beer or 750ml bottle of liquor or wine. Usually > costing > | @ $30.00 per case or bottle (or less) and the Manitoba Liquor Commission > | charges $2.50 per unit. Any unopened cases or bottles can be refunded. So > | we’re not losing money on this unwanted stock. > | On top of ticket sales we have what we call a silent auction. This is a > | raffle for prizes that are donated for the social. This may appear as a > | money grab of sorts but it is common to have socials here so it is > expected > | to have the raffle. This is where I ask for help. Anyone that have done > | these raffles will know of the letters you’d write the potential donors. I > | was wondering what would be expected as I don’t want to write a form > letter > | of sorts but a genuine letter. I also want to be able to the common theme > of > | asking for donations. > | Any suggestions? > | > |
Response:
> : But yes you’re correct it is soliciting > donations. > :<snip> > Actually I calculated with 235 people (if we sold out, which is unlikely) is > about $1600+ for the drinks alone. > $2350.00 would be tickets alone (maxed out again). Then on top of that we’d > have the raffles. Yes, again I agree a money grab but remember this is a > common thing in Manitoba.
It’s just evidence that if there enough greedy, tacky people in a population, they will make bridal begging a "common thing". Raising money in this manner for a wedding dilutes the reason for marriage into a profit generating venture and raises suspicions as to whether the couple is marrying for love or for the big party of which they are the center of attention or in desperate need of a financial boost. > We’ve got alot working for us compared to most. If we max out on tickets and > beer/liquor we’re looking at making $6000.00+
Have you tallied up what you’ll get from each guest as wedding gift yet? Be sure to calculate the value of the gifts you receive with the cost per person you spent on the wedding and then send those cheapskate guests of yours a bill for the discrepancy. You wouldn’t be the first to do so and it would be the common thing to do.
Response:
: The government has nothing to do with this custom. : : — : Melissa (03/18/01) You sure about this? The MLC has everything to do with the capacity for a liquor license in the social halls and also the amount of liquor allowed in the halls. The provincial government also sets a minimum price for drinks at the socials ($2.25). I don’t see how they are not involved with this.
Response:
:I just have advice though..coming from friends of mine where these letters are received all the time..they don’t like receiving them – it’s like solicitation. They suggest that the couple come in and talk to them instead. I never knew people sent out letter requests like this – people in our wedding party and friends are donating raffle items. This is a good idea however if companies are going to get whatever tax right-off this allows them, the letters make it official. We’re only going to the companies with people we know. I used to work at a bar, she works at a leather and jeans warehouse. I know owners of businesses that have already spoken up for the social donations. But yes you’re correct it is soliciting donations. 
eople don’t make much off of liquor – I calculated what we would be making net off of 300+ guests – it was slightly over $400. Actually I calculated with 235 people (if we sold out, which is unlikely) is about $1600+ for the drinks alone. $2350.00 would be tickets alone (maxed out again). Then on top of that we’d have the raffles. Yes, again I agree a money grab but remember this is a common thing in Manitoba. lus all the MLCC headaches. You’re better off going to a place with a liquor license so you don’t have to worry about it. Most of the money is made from the tickets and raffles. Ahh yes the MLCC. We have a relative that’s offered to take care of the paperwork as he works with a liquor distributor and knows the ins and outs, I suppose. We’ve got alot working for us compared to most. If we max out on tickets and beer/liquor we’re looking at making $6000.00+ Thanks for the form letter.
Response:
Hi, We are also having a social in Winnipeg, but ours is more of a fun night out thing – we’re having it at a bar so we don’t have to worry about all of the liquor rules. Anyway, below is a form letter that a friend of mine is using for their social. I just have advice though..coming from friends of mine where these letters are received all the time..they don’t like receiving them – it’s like solicitation. They suggest that the couple come in and talk to them instead. I never knew people sent out letter requests like this – people in our wedding party and friends are donating raffle items. One last opinion? People don’t make much off of liquor – I calculated what we would be making net off of 300+ guests – it was slightly over $400. Plus all the MLCC headaches. You’re better off going to a place with a liquor license so you don’t have to worry about it. Most of the money is made from the tickets and raffles. Anyways, here is the said letter (after much rambling): <Date> Attention: Manager/Event Coordinator RE: WEDDING FUNDRAISER To Whom It May Concern: on the ___ of _____ 2002. Presently, they are coordinating a wedding fundraiser and they are hoping that your company will assist in this wonderful event. This event will entail free advertisement for your company among 300 of their guests. In return, they would ask if you could possibly donate an item to them for their silent auction. company. They have always been satisfied with the service presented to them, and have always noted their satisfaction to other possible future customers. If you have any further questions regarding this function, or would like to this letter, and we will gladly continue our business with your company. Sincerely,
| I’m from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I think we’re the only province that | does this and I’m not sure if any states do this down south. | In Manitoba the government allows a stimulation in the economy by having a | wedding social BEFORE the wedding in order to raise money for the new couple | and their wedding day. I know of other provinces that do this after the | wedding supper but this is a bit different. | Any profit made on the social is kept by the couple to pay for the wedding | and reception/dinner/dance. Tickets are usually $10.00 and Beer and Liquor | minimum charge is $2.25 but the average is $2.50. Profit is made from | selling drinks. Any money on top of the cost for the liquor is kept. In | Manitoba we’re allowed 4.2 units of liquor/beer/wine divided into the | capacity of our social halls (which are usually community clubs). Our | capacity for the hall we’re using is 235 so our units we’re allowed is 65. A | unit is a case of 24 beer or 750ml bottle of liquor or wine. Usually costing | @ $30.00 per case or bottle (or less) and the Manitoba Liquor Commission | charges $2.50 per unit. Any unopened cases or bottles can be refunded. So | we’re not losing money on this unwanted stock. | On top of ticket sales we have what we call a silent auction. This is a | raffle for prizes that are donated for the social. This may appear as a | money grab of sorts but it is common to have socials here so it is expected | to have the raffle. This is where I ask for help. Anyone that have done | these raffles will know of the letters you’d write the potential donors. I | was wondering what would be expected as I don’t want to write a form letter | of sorts but a genuine letter. I also want to be able to the common theme of | asking for donations. | Any suggestions? | |
Response:
The government has nothing to do with this custom. As well, it’s sometimes done in Ontario and, I’m sure, other provinces. Although the whole thing always seems like a money grab, it is customary in many places and is even expected. However, you’re going to get slammed here (I would guess) because there’s no way to make it sound like it’s not a money grub. — Melissa (03/18/01)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I think we’re the only province that > does this and I’m not sure if any states do this down south. > In Manitoba the government allows a stimulation in the economy by having a > wedding social BEFORE the wedding in order to raise money for the new couple > and their wedding day. I know of other provinces that do this after the > wedding supper but this is a bit different. > Any profit made on the social is kept by the couple to pay for the wedding > and reception/dinner/dance. Tickets are usually $10.00 and Beer and Liquor > minimum charge is $2.25 but the average is $2.50. Profit is made from > selling drinks. Any money on top of the cost for the liquor is kept. In > Manitoba we’re allowed 4.2 units of liquor/beer/wine divided into the > capacity of our social halls (which are usually community clubs). Our > capacity for the hall we’re using is 235 so our units we’re allowed is 65. A > unit is a case of 24 beer or 750ml bottle of liquor or wine. Usually costing > charges $2.50 per unit. Any unopened cases or bottles can be refunded. So > we’re not losing money on this unwanted stock. > On top of ticket sales we have what we call a silent auction. This is a > raffle for prizes that are donated for the social. This may appear as a > money grab of sorts but it is common to have socials here so it is expected > to have the raffle. This is where I ask for help. Anyone that have done > these raffles will know of the letters you’d write the potential donors. I > was wondering what would be expected as I don’t want to write a form letter > of sorts but a genuine letter. I also want to be able to the common theme of > asking for donations. > Any suggestions?
Response:
My husband grew up in Winnipeg, though we now live in VA. I’ve heard of this tradition through him in the past and think it is a terrific way for the community and the family of those getting married to show their support for the bride and groom. I will get to experience my first of these type of weddings this summer as an old friend of his family is getting married. I myself do not know the protocol, but I can put out feelers in his family. I’ll see what I can dig up. 
Dawn
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I think we’re the only province that > does this and I’m not sure if any states do this down south. > In Manitoba the government allows a stimulation in the economy by having a > wedding social BEFORE the wedding in order to raise money for the new couple > and their wedding day. I know of other provinces that do this after the > wedding supper but this is a bit different. > Any profit made on the social is kept by the couple to pay for the wedding > and reception/dinner/dance. Tickets are usually $10.00 and Beer and Liquor > minimum charge is $2.25 but the average is $2.50. Profit is made from > selling drinks. Any money on top of the cost for the liquor is kept. In > Manitoba we’re allowed 4.2 units of liquor/beer/wine divided into the > capacity of our social halls (which are usually community clubs). Our > capacity for the hall we’re using is 235 so our units we’re allowed is 65. A > unit is a case of 24 beer or 750ml bottle of liquor or wine. Usually costing > charges $2.50 per unit. Any unopened cases or bottles can be refunded. So > we’re not losing money on this unwanted stock. > On top of ticket sales we have what we call a silent auction. This is a > raffle for prizes that are donated for the social. This may appear as a > money grab of sorts but it is common to have socials here so it is expected > to have the raffle. This is where I ask for help. Anyone that have done > these raffles will know of the letters you’d write the potential donors. I > was wondering what would be expected as I don’t want to write a form letter > of sorts but a genuine letter. I also want to be able to the common theme of > asking for donations. > Any suggestions?
Response:
> I’m from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I think we’re the only province that > does this and I’m not sure if any states do this down south. > In Manitoba the government allows a stimulation in the economy by having a > wedding social BEFORE the wedding in order to raise money for the new couple > and their wedding day. I know of other provinces that do this after the > wedding supper but this is a bit different. [...] > Any suggestions?
None from me, sorry. This custom is so far beyond my experience that I have no idea what to say. — Louise
Response:
I’m from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I think we’re the only province that does this and I’m not sure if any states do this down south. In Manitoba the government allows a stimulation in the economy by having a wedding social BEFORE the wedding in order to raise money for the new couple and their wedding day. I know of other provinces that do this after the wedding supper but this is a bit different. Any profit made on the social is kept by the couple to pay for the wedding and reception/dinner/dance. Tickets are usually $10.00 and Beer and Liquor minimum charge is $2.25 but the average is $2.50. Profit is made from selling drinks. Any money on top of the cost for the liquor is kept. In Manitoba we’re allowed 4.2 units of liquor/beer/wine divided into the capacity of our social halls (which are usually community clubs). Our capacity for the hall we’re using is 235 so our units we’re allowed is 65. A unit is a case of 24 beer or 750ml bottle of liquor or wine. Usually costing @ $30.00 per case or bottle (or less) and the Manitoba Liquor Commission charges $2.50 per unit. Any unopened cases or bottles can be refunded. So we’re not losing money on this unwanted stock. On top of ticket sales we have what we call a silent auction. This is a raffle for prizes that are donated for the social. This may appear as a money grab of sorts but it is common to have socials here so it is expected to have the raffle. This is where I ask for help. Anyone that have done these raffles will know of the letters you’d write the potential donors. I was wondering what would be expected as I don’t want to write a form letter of sorts but a genuine letter. I also want to be able to the common theme of asking for donations. Any suggestions?