Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Dress

Many brides begin dreaming about the perfect wedding dress long before they are even engaged. Choosing the perfect wedding dress is critical because it is the one day that all eyes will be on you.

A dress that is beautiful without being too ostentatious and is also flattering to your figure will ensure that you are looking your best on your wedding day.

With so many style, color and fabric option s available, choosing the perfect wedding dress can be a difficult task but fortunately most brides simply know when they have found the perfect wedding dress. From the moment they put on the dress, their gut instinct tells them that this is the perfect wedding dress for them.

The most important piece of advice for shopping for the perfect wedding dress is to begin shopping for your dress at least six months before your wedding date. Finding the perfect dress can take quite a bit of time and once you find the dress, it may take up to four months for the dress to be ordered and shipped to the store.

Then once the dress arrives in the store you may require several fittings to ensure that the dress fits you perfectly. You will want to take your time and enjoy shopping for your wedding dress so it is important to begin the process early so that you avoid feeling rushed and overwhelmed.

Another worthwhile piece of advice for finding the perfect wedding dress is to try on many different styles of dresses. Even though you may be convinced that you want a particular style you may find that the style that looks so appealing in magazines does not suit your body type. You may also find that a style that you would have never chosen can be flattering to your figure.

For this reason it is important to try on a wide variety of styles before ruling out any particular style. The old saying, you won’t know unless you try it, holds true for wedding dresses. There have been countless brides who have found that their perfect wedding dress turned out to be significantly different from the one that they had pictured in their mind.

Although it may sound counter-intuitive, the color of the wedding dress is an important consideration in choosing the perfect wedding dress. Many people think that the only acceptable color for a wedding dress is a pure white but if you are open to other options, you may find yourself in a wedding dress that is far more flattering to your skin tone than a pure white dress.

Wedding dresses come in a multitude of colors including ivory, cream and even subtle beiges. If you are willing to consider these options it is important to try on dresses in these colors to see how they work with your complexion.

Choosing the perfect wedding dress sometimes requires reinforcements.

Having a few trusted friends or family members come dress shopping with you can help you find the dress of your dreams.

They can offer opinions on each dress that you try on and can also scour the countless racks of dresses available and choose dresses for you to try on. Many brides instantly know that they have chosen the perfect wedding dress the moment they put on the dress but having trusted friends and family members along can confirm this feeling.

The moment you step out of the dressing room and reveal the dress you are wearing you may see instant confirmation that this is the perfect dress. The reactions of your assistants will indicate that you have found the perfect dress.

The first impression is the best impression. We have written this article on wedding dress in such a way that the first impression you get will definitely make you want to read more about it!

When you have found the perfect wedding dress, you will know it so now is also the time to buy the dress.

Nothing is more important than your gut feeling and the reactions of your shopping partners so if you know you have the perfect dress in your hands, don’t risk losing the dress by opting to think about it for a few days before you make your purchase.

There is always the chance that the last available dress will be sold or that the company will discontinue the dress so do not allow yourself to miss out on buying the perfect wedding dress by not buying it the moment you realize it is the dress for you.

Prepare Your Year-Long Wedding Checklist

Your wedding should be coming up within the next 6 to 12 months. Do you know what to do and when exactly you need to do them? Here is a guided timeline that specifically gives you the approximate time tasks that should be completed within that time frame.

Use the following list as a guide to help you get the right things done, in the appropriate order. Print this guide out and “check off” all the items that you have completed to make things less stressful and more fun for you.


Six To Twelve (6 -12) Months Before The “Big Day”!

Announce your engagement

Decide on what kind of wedding and the time of day. Are you prepared to feed your guests dinner or do you want a simple ceremony with cake and punch only? The time of day that you choose will dictate the food choices.

Pick a date. Do this as soon as possible so that your bridal party and faraway family can begin making arrangements for hotels and scheduling time away from their workplace.

Choose a location. Remember to take into consideration what the weather could be like on your wedding day. So keep an open mind. Set a budget. This is so important. Discuss it carefully between the two of you and your respective families.

Start planning the reception. Secure a hall, hotel, lodge, or whatever suits you guys for your reception area.

Select the bridal party. It is important to do this as soon as possible so these special people can set aside some time away from work to fulfill their duties and roles in your wedding.

Secure the church and inquire about premarital counseling. Some churches require this for a marriage to be allowed.

Choose your colors. Your flowers, attire, linens, and cake will reflect your choice. Since you have to shop for these items fairly far in advance, it’s important that you are rock-solid on your color decision.

Choose and order the bridal gown, bridesmaids’ gowns and accessories. Choose wisely and stay within your budget.

Start planning the honeymoon. The groom often takes the lead on this, but it should be a spot you will both enjoy.

Begin your bridal registry. Visit your favorite stores and choose items that you will need to start your life together.

Select and order wedding invitations and announcements.

Select the caterer, photographer, florist, and musicians. Keep their phone numbers handy in case you need something.

Choose and order the wedding rings.


Three Months Before The “Big Day”!

Complete the guest list.

Plan to have both mothers select their dresses. The mother of the groom will often wait for the mother of the bride to select her dress.

Make reservations for the honeymoon. Remember to tell them that you will be newlyweds. You’ll be surprised at how many perks you will get!

Confirm the dates and times with the florist, caterer, photographer, musicians, and the church.

Discuss transportation to and from the wedding and reception sites.

Order the wedding cake.

Choose and order the tuxes

Schedule the bridesmaids’ dress fittings. It is also a good time to choose and dye the shoes if that is necessary.

Place engagement announcement in the local newspaper (optional).


Two Months Before The “Big Day”!

Prepare and mail the invitations.

Get the marriage license.

Finalize the honeymoon reservations.

Make transportation arrangements


One Month Before The “Big Day”!

Reserve accommodation for the guests.

Record gifts received and send thank-you letters to each person. Many couples think that they must wait to send those thank you notes. Get them done as soon as the gifts begin to arrive to avoid stressful times later on closer to your wedding.

Purchase the gifts for the bridal party. Brides often buy inexpensive earrings or necklaces that the bridesmaids can wear to the wedding. Popular choices for the groomsmen are money clips, key chains, or ball caps.

Schedule the final fittings for the bride and bridesmaids.

Get Wedding programs printed.

Schedule appointments at beauty saloons for attendants, if needed.

Host the bridesmaids luncheon.

Purchase a guest book and decide where it will go. Some couples place the book just inside the door of the church or wedding area. Some prefer to display it at their reception. In either case, have someone stand nearby to invite guests to sign the book.


Two Weeks Before The “Big Day”!

Arrange to have names changed on the driver’s license, social security, etc...

Finalize the number of guests with the caterer.


One Week Before The “Big Day”!

Start packing for the honeymoon. Be sure to choose clothing that you won’t need during this very big week for you.

Plan the seating arrangements for all guests.

Have a beautician practice fixing your hair. You may also want to practice your make-up or make an appointment at a department store so it can be done for you.

Make sure that the wedding rings are picked up and fit.


The “Big Day”!!!

Congratulations! You made it to your big day! The last thing to do is to just relax. You’ve earned it and should enjoy your entire day!

Wedding Etiquette: - Summarized

Unique Wedding Program Etiquette and Wedding Announcement Etiquette

Looking for solutions for your specialized wedding needs? Whether you are planning a traditional or contemporary wedding, we have unique wedding program etiquette and wedding announcement etiquette suggestions for you here!

Other Wedding Stationery Etiquette

So you have selected your wedding invitations, and you feel like you are done with the wedding stationery. Think again! There is also wedding program etiquette, wedding place card etiquette and wedding announcement etiquette to attend to. If you want your programs, place cards and announcements to all reflect the theme of your wedding and have a design and style to complement your wedding invitations, you should consider having them designed together.

Wedding Programs Etiquette

If you are having a ceremony that not all of your guests will be familiar with, such as a religious ceremony or a unique ceremony that incorporates cultural rites, you may want to consider putting together a wedding program. Even unique fairy-tale-type nuptials require some sort of wedding program so guests can follow along and know where they are in the time line of the entire ceremony.

Any program should include the processional, service components and explanations of any ceremonial elements that may be unfamiliar.

Wedding Place Card Etiquette

Seated dinners of more than 20 guests typically require place cards to help them find the right seats. Typically designed to match the rest of your wedding stationery, these place cards can be pre-printed or hand written. The most common way to introduce place cards to guests is by placing them on a table at the entrance. All names will be in alphabetical order with a table number so the guests can guide themselves to their tables in an organized fashion.

More upscale weddings often employ a host of ushers that guide guests to their tables according to a guest list and seating chart. Once there, the guests will find that their place cards are already in place.

Wedding Announcements Etiquette

As a good rule of thumb, wedding announcements, while not required, should be sent to acquaintances, friends and relatives who were not invited to the wedding, but may show an interest in your marriage. A good audience would be your co-workers or distant relatives. A common mistake is sending these announcements to guests who were invited to the wedding.

Wedding announcements should be sent within a few weeks after the wedding. In a perfect world, they'll all be sent within the first few days following.

The wording and design of the announcement will be similar to what you used on the invitation. If you chose a more traditional invitation where the parents did the "inviting" then that's the way it should be on the announcement. However, more modern couples choose to have the invitation-and announcement-come from them rather than their parents.

Thank You Cards Etiquette

Thank you cards are perhaps the most forgotten part of the wedding. Couples concentrate so heavily on the ceremony and reception and all of their collective elements that they forget post-wedding courtesy.

Many couples choose to have their thank you cards printed to match the rest of their wedding stationery. While not required as a matter of etiquette, this is often a good idea.

Everyone who attended the wedding should get a thank you card-whether they brought you a gift or not. If they did bring a gift, it's okay to mention the gift specifically in the thank-you card. If they didn't bring a gift, then thank them for attending.

Couples or families who received one invitation should get one thank you card rather than sending one thank you card per individual.

Whether you are ordering announcements, thank you cards, programs, invitations or other stationery, it is a good idea to order everything together in order to save money and assure the designs are consistent.

Etiquette for Mother’s Attire

1. Tradition holds that the mother of the bride chooses a dress first, followed by the mother of the groom. Their dresses should complement each other, as well as the bridal party. For instance, having one mother in a floor length dress and another in a mini-skirt is a major no-no. Likewise, your mother wearing an orange dress next to your bridesmaid’s light green ensembles are bound to make your wedding pictures look tacky. While your mothers shouldn’t be wearing the same style and color, their dresses should coordinate.

2. Generally, at formal weddings, your mother and mother-in-law should be in floor or tea- length dresses. Semi-formal or informal weddings allow them to get more creative with the length, but they still need to make sure they are complementing one another.

3. Unless your bridesmaids will be wearing black, a mother of the bride or groom should avoid this color. Until recently, black at weddings was considered a social blunder and many guests will still look at the color choice with suspicion. Steer them away from choosing a color that will raise eyebrows as to whether or not they approve of the marriage.

4. Don’t forget to finish the look with a matching corsage or a small bouquet.

Responsibilities of the Wedding Party

Maid of Honor/Personal Attendant: (Usually special friend or sister of the bride.)

• Helps bride with shopping, invitations and other details as requested. Attends all pre-wedding events
• Pays for own wedding attire
• Takes charge of groom's ring during ceremony
• Witnesses, signs wedding certificate
• Helps bride in arranging veil and dress at ceremony and reception
• Returns bride's gown to designated place after wedding.

Bridesmaids:

• Purchases and completes fittings of gowns
• Performs tasks as assigned by bride
• Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Best Man: (Assists groom with all details of the wedding day.)

• Pays for own attire
• Transports groom to the church.
• Supervises the groomsmen, regarding their dress and duties at ceremony
• Takes care of bride's ring until ceremony.
• Presents the clergy person with fee.
• Signs and witnesses the marriage certificate
• Offers the first toast to the bride and groom.
• Dances with the bride after the groom and both fathers have danced with her
• Prepares the honeymoon car, packs suitcases in car.
• Holds for safekeeping, any tickets, keys, etc. for the groom.
• Returns groom's tuxedo to rental shop.

Groomsmen:

• Pays for their own wedding attire
• Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Attends bachelor dinner if there is one
• Escorts bridesmaids during the ceremony

Ushers:

• Pay for own wedding attire
• Make sure principles have flowers before being seated. (Unless this task is assigned to another)
• Distribute wedding programs. (Unless this task is assigned to another)
• Seat guests on appropriate side of church.
• Assist elderly guests to seats.
• After all guests are seated, unroll aisle carpet.
• Check church or synagogue for any items left behind.

Ring bearer and Trainbearer Responsibilities

Neither of these is required positions and may be boys or girls. Usually only one ring bearer is used, but two with one ring per pillow will work if you have an abundance of four or five year children that you would like to have involved in the ceremony. Although the rings on the pillows are usually not the actual wedding rings, you could have two ring bearers if you are having a double ring ceremony, one for the bride and one for the groom. Trainbearer or pages usually walk in pairs but a single trainbearer can be used.

Advance Help

If ring bearers and trainbearer are little boys they are not likely to be interested in any pre- wedding parties. If they are girls, they might want to attend the shower and some other parties. They attend the rehearsal and may attend the rehearsal dinner with their families.

At the Wedding

The ring bearer(s) carries a pillow with a ring or rings sewn to it. (These are usually not the real wedding rings but symbolic ones for show only.) They walk either directly in front of or beside the flower girl(s) in the processional and the recessional. If real rings are tied to the pillow, the ring bearer takes the pillow directly to the maid of honor and the best man who will remove the rings. The trainbearers follow the bride in the processional and recessional, and carry the bridal train. During the ceremony, the ring and trainbearers may stand near the groomsmen or sit with their families. They are in the formal photographs of the bridal party.

At the Reception

Ring and train Bearers do not usually stand in the reception line. They usually sit at a table of honor with their families.

Expenses

Families of ring and trainbearers are expected to pay for attire. If travel expenses are involved, the children's families pick up these costs. Ring and train bearers are not expected to bring gifts to any pre-wedding parties they may attend. If their parents attend, gifts expectations would be the same as any other guest. If they attend more than one party, only one shower gift is expected.

Essential Responsibilities of Maid of Honor

The maid of honor is usually a sister or very close friend. Choose someone dependable. If you choose, you may have both a maid (single) and a matron (married) of honor, who takes precedence at the ceremony, signs as your legal witness and carries the groom's ring.

Advance Help

The maid of honor may plan your wedding and take care of details for you. If she lives nearby she might help address invitations, plan pre-wedding parties, make favors or table decorations, and keep track of gifts received and thank you cards sent. The maid of honor usually hosts a bridal shower. The bride can delegate care of bridesmaid's fittings and details. She attends pre-wedding parties. She attends the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.


At the Wedding

The maid of honor helps the bride with dressing and assists with the, train, veil and holding the brides bouquet during the ceremony. The maid of honor wears the groom’s ring on her thumb or carries it in some other safe manner until it is time for the blessing and exchange of rings in the ceremony. She is responsible for having an emergency kit with miscellaneous items such as a needle and thread, extra nylons, a roll of tape etc.

The maid of honor holds on to a duplicate list of desired shots for the photographer and Videographer as well as a song list for ceremony musicians and a copy of any special prayers or readings to be used during the ceremony. She walks in front of the bride in the processional and with the best man in the recessional and stands near the bride at the altar. She makes sure that all of the bride's clothing, make-up and personal belongings are removed from the changing room at the ceremony site and taken back to the bride's home. She helps to line up bridesmaids for formal photographs.

At the Reception

The maid of honor stands next to the groom in very formal receiving lines. The maid of honor is seated at the head table or table of honor. During the reception, she mingles with guests.
She dances with the best man at the reception. She helps the bride with her train, fastening it to floor length so it is out of the way for dancing, if necessary.

The maid of honor keeps a duplicate copy of the list of names and pronunciations for the bridal party announcements. She also keeps a duplicate song list for the reception musicians or disc jockey. If the bride needs assistance in tossing her bouquet or in gathering single women to catch it, the maid of honor can help out.

If requested, she helps the bride dress for the honeymoon and makes sure the bridal gown and other personal clothing items are returned to the bride's home after the reception. She takes the bridal bouquet for preserving and may take the gown for heir looming while the bride is on her honeymoon.

Expenses

The maid of honor pays for her own dress and other attire. If travel expenses are involved, she pays for her own dress and other attire. Although she may attend several pre-wedding parties, only one shower gift and one wedding gift are to be expected. She may share the cost of bridal shower.

Wedding Etiquette - Who Pays For What?

Cultural backgrounds and individual convictions heavily influence the decision-making in Wedding Etiquette. Nevertheless, the following is a general guide that should be construed as such and adopted as you deem fit:

Who Pays For What?

The Bride typically pays for:

• The wedding ring for the groom
• Gifts for the attendants
• Accommodation for out-of-town attendants
• The wedding gift for the groom

The Groom typically pays for:

• The bride's rings including the engagement ring
• The honeymoon
• Wedding gift for the bride
• The marriage license
• The groom's men gifts
• Accommodation for out-of-town groom's men
• Flowers for the bride
• The going-away corsage, corsages for mothers, special ladies;
• The boutonnieres for men in wedding party
• The gloves, ties and accessories for the men in the wedding party
• Fee for clergy person or judge

The Groom's Family typically pays for

• Clothing for the wedding
• Travel and lodging expenses
• Rehearsal dinner
• The wedding gift for the newlyweds

The Bride's Family typically pays for:

• The cost of the reception.
• The bride's wedding attire/trousseau
• Invitations, announcements, thank you notes
• The seating assignment chart, napkins and mailing costs
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Ceremony costs
• Bridesmaids, flower girl, ring bearer flowers and accessories
• Transportation for bridal party on wedding day from ceremony to reception.
• All gratuities for all services: parking, security
• Bridesmaid luncheon

The Attendants typically pay for:

• Their wedding clothes
• Travel expenses
• Wedding gift for newlyweds

Important FAQs on Wedding Decorum

Q: Should guests have a say on the menu?

While it is not mandatory, it is still a thoughtful gesture to allow them to share their ideas or inputs on food. After all, you want them to enjoy and feel comfortable during the wedding. You really don’t have to conduct a 100% guest survey, but just keep in mind that there may be vegetarians present during the celebration too.

Q: Are wedding favors necessary?

The wedding favors can be your sincerest expression of gratitude to your guests for being a part of the occasion. Moreover, these will serve as great keepsakes for your big day.

Q: Should the bridesmaids pay for their own dresses and accessories?

It has always been an accepted custom that the bridesmaids are responsible for their own wedding attire and accessories. That is why it is appropriate to give each of them a gift as a token of your gratitude.

Q: What is the most appropriate number of bridesmaids?

It is actually your choice. But you don’t want your wedding to look like one giant parade. Six bridesmaids is considered by some as plenty. But at least, if one or two won’t be there for some reasons, no one will notice you’re one bridesmaid short.

Q: Is it ok not to invite co-workers?

Of course, it is. Especially if they’re not the people you maintain close friendships with, then there is no reason why you should stretch the budget for them. Just tell them politely that the wedding is going to be attended only by your family and that your budget does not allow you to hold a big one.

Q: When should thank you notes be sent out?

Sending these out about three to four weeks after the occasion is appropriate. Remember though that these should never be typed, but should be handwritten. Make sure that you include the guests’ names and your very own thank you notes to them.

Q: Should my RSVP state my bridal registry?

No. this is not appropriate. This will look like you are soliciting gifts from your guests. Instead, have your own wedding website. This will allow you to provide all the details of your wedding, with links to the bridal registry.

Q: Is it proper to dance with both fathers in my life?

This is your wedding. And even if there are certain traditions to live by, you can still get away with your own rules. If you are close to both fathers, then by all means dance with both of them. However, if you feel that you will be creating a tension by doing so, then refrain from doing it.

Q: Should I use the gifts I received even if I call off the wedding?

Your wedding gifts and those that were given during your shower should be returned in case a couple’s wedding is canceled or is annulled prior to their living together.

Weddings entail so many preparations that some people do not have the time to check if they have everything under decorum. Since wedding celebrations have vastly evolved throughout the years, there really is no definite standard for them.

During the preparations, what you have or how much you spent on them is not really important. You may have the best and the most expensive wedding essentials the world can conceive, but they don’t really serve that much purpose any way you look at it. The important thing is you have found someone whom you love to have close for the rest of your life.

And what better way to celebrate this magic than by having the people who matter most witness it? You don’t have to go over etiquette book to do things right. So before you make or alter any wedding plans, see everything from your guests’ point of view. What you don’t like seeing or hearing, won’t be pleasing to them as well.

Anyway, granting that you only have your closest family and friends on your wedding, you can ease up on decorum. Because no matter how you planned your wedding to be, they’ll surely let you get away with it. After all, you don’t get to celebrate your big day often.

Planning to tie the knot, follow these tips and it will become a lifetime experience which you ad your beloved one will never forget And Have a good luck

The Do's and Don'ts of Weddings

Your wedding allows you to be a celebrity for a day. But just because you’re the star doesn’t mean that you can make your own rules. Sure, you can have most things according to your personal choices, but then everyone is as part of the occasion as the couples are. So regardless if you have the urge (and the right) to do something totally unorthodox, it’s best to stay slightly grounded to tradition as well.

A wedding is one of the most potentially taxing occasions of a person’s existence. From the time of the engagement until the wedding planning stage, the couple goes through the most stressful days of their lives. What’s with the flood of questions, and preparations? And since times have changed and wedding celebrations have greatly evolved, traditional norms of etiquette went through changes, complicating things further.

In order to simplify things a bit, we must first accept the fact that etiquette is only meant to show respect for other people. Adhering to its rules does not mean losing one’s individuality. Thus, when faced with an issue that concerns etiquette, just think of its impact on other people. Because even if the wedding is your life’s most memorable moment, it is probably theirs’ too.

Meet the Parents

You and your fiance may have come to an agreement, but that doesn’t mean you leave your parents out of it. Tradition insists that the parents of the groom and bride meet prior the wedding date. Customarily, the groom’s parents initiate the introduction. However, nowadays, it is irrelevant who makes the first move. If it is hard for both parents to meet personally, a phone call or a letter can be an alternative.

In the event that the groom’s parents and/or the bride’s parents are divorced, the parent who maintains the closest relationship with the groom should be the one to arrange the meeting with the bride’s parents. If in case none of the parents make a move, it is the couple’s responsibility to make sure that both sets of parents meet in order to avoid awkward situations later on.

Since most weddings are a bride’s thing, the parents of the groom are usually left out in the dark with regards to the preparations. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to inform them about your plans especially about the date, location, style, and the size of your wedding. They may want to get involved in some way such as in helping with the preparation or finances.

The Bill Please

Who takes the responsibility of paying the bill? Traditionally, the parents or the family of the bride is responsible for it. However, this is mostly rare nowadays. Majority of marriages has the couple splitting expenses between themselves or their families.

Invitation Guidelines

When you’re going to invite a person who you know is engaged, married, or is living with his better half, the partner should also be invited as well. A single invitation bearing both persons’ names are sent to couples who are living together. Separate invites should be sent person who are engaged or have a long term relationship but are not living together.

When inviting single persons, it is a thoughtful gesture to let them bring a date. However, this is not necessary. If your budget will allow them to bring their dates, you can find out the names of each of their dates and put their names on the invites as well. If you haven’t found out who they’re bringing to the wedding and you need to send the invites, the inner envelopes may simply include “and guest” as an indication that they are each allowed an escort to the wedding.

Kids in attendance sometimes spell disaster in weddings. Thus, if you want it to be a strictly-for-adults-only affair, ensure that you have made that clear to your guests. Guests who are under 18 years old may not be given their own invites but may have their names included in their parents’ invite. Thus, if you’re not inviting a couple’s children, their invite should only bear the couple’s names.

Children who are beyond 18 years old and are invited should be given their own invites, whether or not they are still living in the same house with their parents. That means, if you did not send them invites, then they are not invited to the occasion.

If you think that some guests may insist on adding their children’s names on the reply cards, you may print the names of the persons you have invited on their reply cards too. This will give them a clear understanding that they are the only ones you invited to the occasion.

Guests who bring other people along should know that it is not appropriate to do so unless their invites suggest that they may bring along a date. But if your wedding doesn’t allow guests to bring in their escorts, you have every right to say no to their request.

If you are not sure whether you should invite people who are quite far from the location of the wedding, think about the kind of relationship that you maintained with them. If they haven’t seen you or spoken with you for years, wouldn’t it be awkward to finally be hearing from you again? If you don’t want your invite to sound like you are soliciting gifts, skip those people. But if you feel that they need to know anyway, send them wedding announcements since these won’t obligate them to give anything.

When sending invites, make sure that they are sent around 6-8 weeks prior the date of the wedding. Thus, it is advisable to have them printed at least 3-4
months before the occasion. If you feel that some guests would need to be informed earlier, send them save-the-date cards in advance. This way, they won’t miss the wedding.

Whether you’re having the invites printed or you are printing them out yourself, check that you have around 25% more than the actual number of invited guests. You’ll never know how many errors you are going to make and just how many more people you will try to squeeze in later on.

Etiquette on Gifts

Even if it is customary to receive plenty of gifts on your wedding, make sure you realize that this is a privilege. Don’t ever think that you are entitled to receive one from your guests.

Gifts should not have a place on the invites. Keep in mind that there is no polite way to solicit for monetary gifts. However, you may inform your guests about your preference through word-of-mouth.

There are no specific guidelines as to how much guests should spend on their gifts. In short, gifts are not mandatory, but are simply charming gestures.

Furthermore, gifts received before the wedding date should only be used after the occasion.

The Controversial Dress Codes

The guidelines on the proper wedding attire have changed over the years. However, tradition has set some standards on styles, lengths, and fabrics that have served as very effective basis for most people.

The dresses of your bridesmaids and other members of the entourage should be as formal as that of the bride’s wedding dress. In the past, the length of the dresses should be about the same as the bride’s gown. But nowadays, as long as the style and fabric of the dresses match that of the bride’s wedding gown, shorter lengths have become totally acceptable.

Guests who are attending evening weddings are almost always required to wear formal attire. That is, men wear suits, or in some occasions, black tie. The lengths of the women’s dresses should be according to the style of the wedding and its location.

Some people’s greatest worry when attending a wedding is that they might stand out in the crowd by being either underdressed or too dressed-up for it. Bottom line, it is always a must to adhere to what the invite says. If it says black tie, there’s no way that the couple meant it some other way.

Shall We Dance?

Who gets to dance with the bride first? It has been customary that the groom dances with the bride first. The groom’s father then gets his turn just as the groom is dancing with his mother. The bride’s parents are then given their chance to dance with the couple. After both parents had their turns, the reception then opens the dance floor to all the guests.

Those mentioned do not entirely cover every aspect of a wedding. Thus, to give a more comprehensive guide on the soon-to-be-wed couples, here are some of the most frequently asked issues about weddings

Wedding Speeches - Wedding Speech Two

This is the speech I gave when my eldest daughter, Marie got married last year

I am sure you could modify this one with your own daughter's and son-in-law's names plus any relevant jokes that fit their situation.

This one also takes about 3 minutes or so when you're sober, but add one minute for every glass of wine you've consumed before giving your weeding speech.

Wedding Speech Starts:

Good afternoon, my name is Ricky, and I am Marie's Dad. As Father of the Bride, it is an honor and my pleasure to be first to speak today and propose the toast to our bride & groom.

On behalf of me and my wife Janette as well as Pat & Fred, Paul's mum & dad I'd like to welcome all the relatives and friends of both families to this very happy occasion as we celebrate the marriage of Marie and Paul.

I've been advised not to speak for too long because of my throat; what Janette actually said was she'll cut it if I go on for too long!

The first wedding speech I ever made was at our wedding 34 years ago and my speech that day started badly, and finished worse. I've had some practice since so I hope this one turns out a bit better.

First of all I want to thank Janette for not only being chief worrier for this event, but more importantly for being an outstanding mother and the guiding influence in the upbringing of Marie.

I'd also like to say thanks to the hotel catering staff for a superb meal.

As you know it is traditional for the Brides father to offer some worldly thoughts and advice about marriage, and during the last 34 years I've learned a few things.

Paul, we're delighted to welcome you into the family, and you're probably wondering what on earth you let yourself in for. I want you to know that Janette and I took to you instantly. You are a kind, considerate, man who deserves a good wife. And you chose Marie.

Marriage is a great institution - and while some say Paul belongs in one, I'd like you to know he's already become like a son to me - cocky, impudent and cheeky!

When you buy flowers...it proves your guilt. But it's even more serious if you don't and the only time you'll have the last word is when you say "Yes Darling"

Janette and I are very proud of all three of our children, but especially proud today to see Marie looking so beautiful on her wedding day. It seems only five minutes since she was toddling round the garden in nappies chewing slugs. Her artistic side somehow always involved orange wool, and when she was a little girl she would pose as soon as she saw anyone with a camera. These days she would rather be on the other side of the lens and her diet is rather better too.

Marie, be magnanimous when you let Paul have your way; in your marriage you'll find that you make all the minor decisions whilst Paul will make all the major decisions. And Paul, in future all decisions will be minor.

Marie and Paul are extremely well suited, aren't they? They're happy and love each other. That should be enough. It's been said that marriage is a 50/50 partnership. Whoever said that knew nothing about women and even less about fractions.

Anyway, I can see Janette is eyeing up the cutlery so I think it's probably time for me to sit down.

Before I go some words for both of you: in any marriage there is no challenge that can't be overcome by just three simple, three word sentences: I was wrong. You were right. I love you.

• Marie and Paul Here's to the past for all that it's taught you
• Here's to the present for all that you share
• And here's to the future for everything you look forward to

Ladies & gentlemen please stand and raise your glasses with me in a toast to the health and happiness of our Bride and Groom, Marie & Paul.

I will now hand you over, to my son in law, Paul to say a few words.”

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Wedding Speeches - Wedding Speech One

Related Articles:

Four Steps To A Great Wedding Speech

Wedding Speeches - Wedding Speech One

This is the speech I gave when my youngest daughter, Jane got married

I am sure you could modify this one with your own daughter's and son-in-law's names plus any relevant jokes that fit their situation.

This wedding speech takes about 3 minutes or so when you're sober, but add one minute for every glass of wine you've consumed before giving your weeding speech.

Wedding Speech One Starts:

Good afternoon, for those who don't know me I am Ricky, Jane's Dad.

As Father of the Bride, it is an honor and my pleasure to be first to speak today.

On behalf of myself and my wife Janette as well as Margaret & Adams, Mike's parents I would like to welcome all the relatives and friends of both families, to this very happy occasion celebrating the marriage of Jane & Mike.

I spent hours preparing a long speech for you today because I knew that's what you would be looking forward to, but I'm only going to speak for a couple of minutes because of my throat . If I go on too long Janette has threatened to cut it.

It seems only five minutes ago, this little girl was toddling around our first home chattering away non-stop. You couldn't shut her up and some things never change

Where has the time gone? Mind you it's nearly two years since they both set up home together and we've only just rediscovered the "Lost Bathroom"

We are really proud today, to see Jane looking so beautiful & married to Mike. During the time we've known him, we've really come to like him and realize how special he is to her; and anyone can see that they're made for each other! Mike you've always been welcome in our house, but it's now too late for refunds or returns. With or without a receipt.

We are also very proud that Mike's parents feel the same about Jane. They've clearly taken her to their hearts, and I believe that she is now their daughter, in fact as well as in law!

Apparently it's traditional for the bride's father to offer some worldly thoughts and advice about marriage. I've learned a few things about it during the last 32 years our anniversary is later this month, so perhaps I'm at least part-qualified...

A marriage certificate is like a lottery ticket. You pin all your hopes and dreams on it, but you don't really know how it'll turn out. I hit the jackpot with mine and I'm sure you two are both winners.

To Jane, the definition of a perfect wife is one who helps her husband with the dishes....

And to Mike, remember, man is unfinished until he finds a wife then he's completely finished!

• To both of you: I wish you fun and excitement for today.
• Hopes and dreams for tomorrow.
• and love and happiness forever.

Finally before I ask you all to join me in a toast and this couple fly off for their honeymoon, I should just remind Mike that the honeymoon is the period between "I do" and "you will"

Ladies and gentlemen please stand, raise your glasses and drink a toast with me to the health and happiness of our bride & groom Jane & Mike

Ladies and gentlemen, I would now like to hand you over, to my son in law, Mike who is dying to say a few words - as few as possible I think.”

Four Steps To A Great Wedding Speech

Introduction:

I've been fortunate just recently in seeing both my daughters get married to good men.

The only thing was it raised two is janette’s: does this mean I'll become a grandfather (heck at 56 I'm too young - grandfathers are old aren't they?) and I would have to give two wedding speeches!

So here's my formula for a great wedding speech:


1. You must want to do it;

2. You must prepare your wedding speech very well;

3. You must prepare yourself very well and

4. You must make sure you enjoy it.

So it's quite straightforward really; just 4 easy steps that anyone can follow.

Read On...

1. I really did want to do it; I relished the challenge of preparing something from the heart that would be memorable for my daughters and entertaining for the gathered family and friends.

2. Preparing the wedding speech well is key to your whole success as a wedding speaker.

As I was father of the Bride it would fall to me to speak first after which I could relax and see how well the other speakers would get on. There is a formula for a great wedding speech which if followed makes everything so much easier.

• Introduce yourself and the other parents and welcome family and friends of both sides.

• A couple of mild humorous references to your daughter's childhood and teenage years.

• Say how proud you are of her and her choice of husband.

• Make a joke or two at his expense.

• Offer some worldly advice about marriage, being experienced in these matters.

• Give some serious thoughts or a prayer for their future together.

• Propose the toast to the happy couple then hand on quickly to the next speaker.

3. Prepare yourself well by writing out your speech and practicing often. The best way to practice a wedding speech is to read it aloud in front of the mirror until you feel comfortable with the words. When you feel a need to change a word or two - do so! You'll soon feel it becoming a natural flow and you will be able to memorize it easily. But take a copy with you!

4. Enjoy it - it's your daughters big day, something to be proud of so savor the day and lock it in your memory.

Follow the 4 easy steps and you have the formula for a great weeding speech.

Wedding Favor Creator Unique Wedding Favor Ideas

Wedding favors have always been a nice, personal gesture to include in your wedding preparations. Unfortunately, there are too many "cookie-cutter" type favors out there, which portray the couple's lack of interest in providing something unique.

Here is a Wedding Favor Creator for you to use for your upcoming wedding or one that you're planning for your best friend. You can mix and match to your heart's content and according to the budget you have.

Small containers to use for candies, chocolates, small floating candles, decorative soaps, etc. (many of them can be purchased at your local dollar store)

• tiny wicker baskets or straw hats
• egg cups
• candle holders
• flat shells (scallops)
• small filigree metal boxes
• decorated wooden boxes
• coffee mugs
• wine glasses
• small decorative dish
• tiny flower pots
• little tin watering cans
• small jars
• ceramic spoon rest

Fillings to add to your favor containers

• heart-shaped candies or chocolates
• Hershey's kisses and hugs
• small floating candles
• gourmet or flavored coffee - enough for one pot
• little decorative soaps
• wild flower seed packets or small quantity of seeds with planting instructions, wrapped in colored cellophane
• flower bulbs
• bath oil beads
• bath salts
• small bag of mixed spice (cinnamon/nutmeg) and your
favorite
• apple pie recipe
• packets of specialty tea
• hot chocolate and cinnamon mix - enough for one mug
Sample sayings and poems to write or print onto a small note card along with your names and wedding date (punch a hole in the card and attach a ribbon to tie to your favors)


• Please plant these to celebrate our growing love (for bulbs, seeds)

• All things grow with love (for bulbs , seeds)

• Our flame of love will always be bright (for candles)

• Hugs and Kisses from the new Mr. And Mrs! (for Hershey's kisses and/or hugs)

• Heart-felt wishes from the new Mr. And Mrs. (for anything heart-shaped)

• Love lives in happy hearts (anything heart-shaped)

• The best gifts are tied with heartstrings (anything heart-shaped)

• May there always be spice in your life! (for apple pie recipe and spice; for hot chocolate/cinnamon mix)

• We're suited to a 'T' (for specialty teas)

• Nothing can wash away the love we feel! (bath oil, bath salts, soaps)

• Thanks for sharing this special day with us

• Thank you for sharing in the celebration of our love (or union, etc.)

• Thanks for joining us on our wedding day

• Thanks for sharing in our special day


Other Unique Ideas

• Personalized coasters made from CD's

• Personalized CD mix of your favorite music - print out a liner for the CD case with your names, wedding date and a nice background or a photo of the happy bride and groom-to-be!

• Fortune cookies with printed fortunes that you create on your computer - or add your names and wedding date

• Small picture frames that can double as place cards

Wedding Etiquette For Cancelled Weddings

The worst nightmare of any couple is the cancelled wedding. Despite months of preparation, things can still go wrong even at the moment of saying “ I do” From a cheating partner to having the extreme case of cold feet, one must remember to maintain wedding etiquette throughout the entire ordeal.

Depending on the seriousness of a cancelled wedding, one can still turn a failed occasion into a positive one. An obvious wedding etiquette procedure is to inform the family and guests that there will be no wedding celebration. If the wedding is cancelled a few days before the actual ceremony, sending cards to family and friends announcing the broken engagement is a suitable wedding etiquette.

All arrangements made for the wedding date itself should be cancelled. Some companies will ask for payment, an amount that could be equal to the preparations taken by the supplier. It is a wedding etiquette to handle all this with grace and finesse.

However, if the cancellation happens on the wedding date itself, the announcement must be made verbally and as soon as possible to avoid public humiliation. The family should use the wedding etiquette of comforting the one left at the altar and make it a point to shield him or her from other people since this is a sad situation.

Gift wedding etiquette should be followed. This means all the wedding gift items will be returned, including cash, appliances or properties. It will be hard to do but at least the aggrieved party will not be accused of impoliteness.

When calling off a wedding, it really is a proper wedding etiquette to do it months before the wedding date. That is what pre-marriage counseling is for. The wedding etiquette dictates that all couples should take marriage seminars to make sure that they are prepared emotionally and mentally for the huge responsibility ahead.

A broken engagement is embarrassing as it is but as a wedding etiquette, you have the freedom not to question the couple why they decided not to continue with the wedding. And being the couple, you also have the right not to tell anyone until you feel you are ready.

Not all broken engagements happen because of a lonely partner. When a relative’s death occurs, it is proper wedding etiquette to cancel the wedding. This shows wedding etiquette in respect to the deceased’s family and expresses sincere sorrow.

Proper wedding etiquette is to allow six months to pass before attempting to walk down the aisle again. And even if the couple decides to wed two to three months after the death in the family, one must be ready to simplify the ceremony to observe wedding etiquette.

Engagements broken by family members also happen. If this occurs, try to resolve the matter as discretely a possible. Wedding etiquette dictates that only the couple can decide on canceling the weeding or postponing it to a later date.

When a partner is left cold on the altar:

Things can become worse but you can also turn it into a positive one. If the wedding reception has been paid for, the person who paid for it can use the reception and continue on with the party for the guests’ benefit. Wedding etiquette may not require the aggravated person to attend but it is a better way to forget the embarrassment.

When the cancelled wedding occurs out of town, it is an important wedding etiquette to have a clear head and sort out the pre-made plans of the wedding. Things like the honeymoon trip and the hotel accommodations must be taken cared of. If the aggrieved party has paid for the trip, he or she can choose to take it as a getaway and period of reflection.


Bouncing back from the broken engagement:

The first few weeks are the toughest to face. Be prepared to here the question why? And what happened? a lot. Wedding etiquette dictates that you have to face these people with a smile and offer as little detail as possible.

As attractive as the sound of revenge is, you must try to keep an open mind and be as civil about everything a possible. Remember that this person once had an important part of your life and part of a wedding etiquette is to respect their decision.

The Shower And Stag Wedding Etiquette

Being the maid of honor and the best man have a number of wedding etiquette duties. This includes the church responsibilities of handling the train, making sure that everyone is in their place and hosting the reception program.

One of the important duties for any maid of honor and best man is to arrange for the bridal shower and stag party. Wedding etiquette for showers or stags can be done separately or together. It is a traditional wedding etiquette for the bridesmaids to have their own celebration as well as the groomsmen for their stag party.

For the bridal shower:

Women have more finesse when it comes to bridal shower parties. The wedding etiquette for such events may require the maid of honor to come up with original ideas for the shower. The first thing to consider is the format. The wedding etiquette for formats can be from the formal (a dinner) or informal (strip club party).

Aside from that, there are other alternatives like going to the spa, spending a party at the circus or whatever the maid of honor thinks that the bride will appreciate. A bridal shower is thrown in honor of the bride and her friendship with the girls. Wedding etiquette only calls for all the bridesmaid’s help in organizing it and making it memorable.

A proper bridal shower observes the wedding etiquette of a program. A simple one will do. Depending on the theme, the program starts off with an introduction of the bride’s friends, a round of games for everyone, the gift giving (if any) and then dinner.

Gifts for the bridal shower are optional but are a great wedding etiquette to follow. The bride’s friends can chip in for one extravagant gift or each of them can bring a piece for the bride. The wedding etiquette gift for bridal showers can be as tame as matching monogrammed towels to something naughty like lingerie.

The wedding etiquette for games is to celebrate it as a fun reminder of the bride’s single days or something about her current relationship. It is acceptable to have games purely for fun. But what the maid of honor has to remember is the shower giveaways.

Already considered as an art form, the giveaways or gift bags are a wedding etiquette must have. The bags should contain a souvenir (any object of choice chosen by the maid of honor), a thank you card for making the event and maybe a picture of the couple for remembrance. Yes it sounds corny but it is about the bride and groom.

Another wedding etiquette to remember is the timing of the bridal shower. An event like this should be celebrated weeks before the wedding date. This will allow the bride enough time to relax and truly enjoy the shower. And should she get drunk then, there is a lot of time to recover from the hang over.

For the best man:

A stag party is usually celebrated weeks before the wedding celebration. It is bad wedding etiquette to hold it the day before the ceremony. Things can go wrong what that happens. Imagine the groom arriving with a big headache.

All the stag party is concerned is the budget of the event. If the best man can get as much funding from the other groomsmen, the event can go well underway. Most wedding etiquette for a stag party is not followed but the concept is there.

Hosting is a wedding etiquette that the best man has to perform. Unlike the bridal shower, this process is very informal. The hosting job may only go as far as introducing the other groomsmen and then inviting in the strippers.

The wedding etiquette of providing food and drinks still apply though. If the stag party is held at the hotel, room service can be ordered up to their room. If they decide to celebrate in a bar, the menu is easily available to them.

The groomsmen can get as frisky as they want with the hired strippers but as a wedding etiquette rule, the groom should have self-control. The saying look but don’t touch applies. Or if it is unavoidable, touch but don’t squeeze will do.

Stag parties are different from bridal showers because men view this as their last hurrah. The most important wedding etiquette rule or both parties is to never ask what transpired that night. It will only open up suspiciousness and could cancel a wedding. Brides, just be glad that your man made it to the altar. By him showing up there and meeting you means that nothing further happened.

Wedding Etiquette For Brides

Whether we admit it or don't Wedding Etiquette is still an important issue to many of us. Don't you hear yourself complaining for some weddings that you have attended? Maybe you have heard some friends who have attended a wedding ceremony and learning after the rites that he or she was not invited for the wedding reception.

Although it is acceptable and is within the Wedding Etiquette standard to invite some guests only at the wedding reception and some only at the wedding reception, the guests should be informed of this fact before hand. These instances want us to shout: Learn some manners!

For brides out there who are getting married next year, it will be for your own good if you would buy Emily Post's book on Wedding Etiquette. It will teach you the Wedding Etiquette basics and Wedding Etiquette blunders. Knowing what violates and follows Wedding Etiquette will help you go through your big day, hassle and stress free.

Basic Wedding Etiquette for Brides

- On what to wear.

Modern Wedding Etiquette allows brides to wear any design that she want in any color. Brides are not anymore limited to wearing ultra white wedding dress with sleeves. They may wear a tube, halter or spaghetti strapped wedding dress in cream beige or pastel colors.

But for the sake of Wedding Etiquette, she should also consider her cultural background and her church's dress requirement. If your church requires you to wear a shawl over a tube wedding dress, then you must do so.

If the minister or priest thinks that your red wedding dress is inappropriate for the church and ask you to replace your $10,000 designer wedding dress for a white wedding dress, then you should take it off and buy a white ready-to-wear wedding gown at Macy's.

- On who to invite.

It is a basic Wedding Etiquette for a bride to talk to her groom on who and who are not to invite. Remember that the is the two of you who will get married, not only you. It will be a violation of Wedding Etiquette if you will invite persons your groom do not want to get invited or do not want to see, such as your old flame or his old boss that he had an argument even though you are in speaking terms with his old boss. It is not just about Wedding Etiquette, it is in fact about the issue of respect.

If it is your second marriage, you should not invite your ex-spouse or your ex-parents-in-law. Even if you are in good terms with your ex, Wedding Etiquette dictates that you should not invite them. This is to avoid unnecessary confrontations or wedding drama. Your guest will also feel uncomfortable around your ex.

But there is an exception to this Wedding Etiquette. If your children to your ex-spouse has requested for the presence of their father, then you should talk about it with your groom. If he agrees, then invite your ex to your wedding. But there is an alternative to this, however.

You can invite your guest for a dinner at your home after your wedding or honeymoon. This private dinner is more quiet and will save you the trouble of explaining to your father and mother and other close guests why your ex-husband is in your wedding.

- On gift giving and registry.

It is a big Wedding Etiquette no-no to ask for cash gifts from your guests. Although it is a reality that newlyweds need cash as a startup money since they need to rent a bigger place or buy new appliances that the two of them needs, you don't want to look like a greedy bride for asking for some cash.

Let them decide what to give. If they have decided to give you cash, then say your thanks. But don't ever ask them to fund a mortgage or fund a charity that you will establish as a wedding gift.

Registry card is acceptable although modern Wedding Etiquette objects to insertion of the registry card in the invitation. Wedding Etiquette specialists say that brides should put up an online registry card and inform your guests through your invitation that you have an online registry and they may want to look it up in case they would decide to buy you gifts from your registry.

Wedding Etiquette For A Second Marriage

What if your heart beats again for the second time? Scary, isn't it? Many questions pop-up your mind especially now that he proposed marriage to you. The first question that your mind has formed was what is the wedding etiquette for a second marriage?

It is a tough question but it needs to be answered. Learning the wedding etiquette for a second marriage will help you lessen the pressure and tension that your first family (which you love so much) has unconsciously thrown at your back. You need to carry the situation like any sensible adult.

Before, it is a popular thought that second marriage should not be elaborate, extravagant and formal the way a first marriage is celebrated. But today, this belief does not hold true anymore. You can still aim for an intimate, smaller and quieter second marriage but you can also celebrate a festive one, if you prefer and your budget allows you to do so.

What is important is that your second marriage is celebrated the way you would want it to be. Don't limit yourself and do what others expect you to do for a second marriage. Remember, it is you who will get wed and not them. Besides, you would not violate any wedding etiquette by following your heart's desires.

Here are some information for you on wedding etiquette for a second marriage.

Wedding Etiquette for a Second Marriage - Announcing Your Engagement

In getting wed for the second time, your major concerns will be the second marriage's effect on your children, if you have any, and to your close relatives. If you plan to remarry, your children should know first of your decision. You must ready your children for having a new family and new brothers and sisters. Uniting two families will not be stressful for you but for your children, most especially.

The next to be informed are your parents. Of course, they need to be in your wedding and informing them is a sign of courtesy to them. Next will be your ex, especially if you have arranged joint custody for the children. He should know that there will be some changes in your household.

Also, you should wear your new engagement ring. There mustn't have any trace of old flames on your fingers the moment you begin planning and announcing your second wedding.

Wedding Etiquette for a Second Marriage - Dress Issue

Widow brides who are getting married for the second time are expected to wear lilac or lavender dress. But these does not hold true nowadays. Wedding etiquette for a second marriage gives bride a chance to wear white dress again. Divorced brides can also wear white dress although they could remove the veil and tiara and instead simply wear flowers on your head.

Wedding Etiquette for a Second Marriage - Who to Invite?

When planning for your second wedding, think that you can invite any person you want to attend to your wedding. Refrain from inviting former in-laws and ex-spouses, even if you are on good terms with them. Guests may also feel awkward seeing and being around them.

If your children, however, requested that their father should be in the wedding, try to talk them out about it and tell them how awkward it would feel for the new in-laws and the new groom to see an ex-spouse around. Wedding etiquette for a second marriage does not obligate you to invite an ex-spouse to your second wedding, although you may do so if the situation warranted.

But if your new groom agrees to the idea of inviting an ex-spouse as requested by the children and your ex-spouse agreed on it, then you may invite your ex-spouse to attend your second wedding.

But there is a more sensible idea than inviting your ex-spouse to your wedding. Invite him to a dinner, perhaps at your home, with your children and new husband, if he is up to it. Tell your children that the dinner replaces the wedding invitation and your children may finally agree on not inviting their father on the wedding day. You may do this before or after your wedding or honeymoon.

Petty Situation - Bride Or Groom’s Father Has A Girlfriend

Let us have a close look on a situation - Martha was about to get married. On the wedding day, she, her mother, her bridesmaids and her father’s girlfriend went to the beauty parlor to have their hair done. Upon arrival, they have learned that only one stylist was present.

The situation created a commotion. The father’s girlfriend, being so vain and inconsiderate was the first to manage her hair done. Of course, the mom and the bridesmaids fumed in anger.

Similarly an another situation - Albert was the groom. His father has a current hot girlfriend. The girlfriend was almost of Albert’s age and is obviously just after fun. In short, it was apparent his father’s girlfriend and his dad are just having a fling. Should the girl be invited to the wedding?

There you go. Wedding situations can sometimes get really petty. If you are a bride or a groom’s father’s girlfriend, consider your position. Do not ruin some people’s precious moments. Do not settle to steal wedding thunders. Adopt a mature stance even just for the wedding occasion.

Dilemmas

The usual dilemmas brides and grooms encounter involving their father’s girlfriends and their moms will be discussed in this blog post.

Let us consider this situation. Dory’s father has a girlfriend. He threatens that he will not attend or show up at the wedding if the girlfriend will not be invited. In short, the father wants to display his sexual prowess by tagging along his hot girlfriend in the wedding.

Inviting them both will never be a problem, Dory thought. But the situation got complicated when Dory got to talk to her mother.

Telling the mom of her father’s demand, the mother, of course, got really angry. There will be no way she can be at the wedding if her father will bring along his girlfriend. The world seems too tight for the three people.

What should Dory do? It is like asking her who she loves more, her father or her mother?

Adhering to the wedding etiquettes, Dory should not choose one. She should instead strategize to avoid being made to choose.

As a wedding etiquette, fathers and mothers should be in the wedding. For Dory’s case, she just told her mom and dad that they would not want to ruin the occasion just because of a tiny dispute. It worked.

Of course, the mom, the dad, and his girlfriend will never get along, but Dory made sure the three will not meet face to face during the occasion. That way, the wedding moved smoothly. No cakes were thrown and no one screamed at each other.

What if the father’s girlfriend is for the long-term?

Bride’s or groom’s father’s girlfriends are not always on the downside. Sometimes there are these girlfriends who are meant or intended to be long time partners.

If that is the case, wedding etiquettes have it that the girlfriend be invited to the wedding. Anyways, she will be a part of the family soon so she should start her function early.

Make sure the ex-wife and the current girlfriend of the bride’s or groom’s father know that each other would attend so both of them will not be surprised. Remember, it is during surprising moments that hot-tempered women act impulsively.

Short-term or flings

If the father’s girlfriend is apparently just a fling or just a short-term relationship, and if the father’s divorce with the mom is not yet through, explain to the father the situation.

Tell him the sanctity of marriage will be symbolized in the ceremony. Tell him, though it may sound not really nice, that bringing in a date especially since he is not yet totally divorced would degrade the solemnity and sanctity of the sacrament.

Explain that whether you dislike his girlfriend or you do like her, people will still see him married to the mother. So he should spare his girlfriend from embarrassment by not bringing her along. The girlfriend might just feel that she is not invited to the wedding anyways.

Fathers should be more understanding because they are assumed to be more mature and wise. Thus, if you are a bride or a groom in those situations, find the strength to deal with the matter with grace and patience. Be diplomatic and talk it out. This will save you your wedding day.

Selecting the Maid Of Honor

The task of selecting the Maid of Honor is one of the most difficult decisions that has to be made by the bride. The complexity is due to the fact that the duties of the Maid are normally not defined and typically poorly addressed. Every bride actually has her own opinion on what how a Maid of Honor should act. However, communicating these ideas are difficult.

The Main of Honor is commonly perceived as a ceremonial figure that walks behind the bride down the aisle before the bridesmaids. In another light, the Maid of Honor can act, as the one that will help calm a nervous bride, helps in sending out invitations, making sure the registry is properly sent, gives tips on the how the wedding gown should look like and acts as the manager of the bridesmaids.

The Maid of Honor can also host the bridal shower or the bachelorette party. To sum it up, the Maid of Honor is the bride’s closest friend or ally in preparing for the wedding and will always be there during times of need and frustration.

The following are certain etiquette in choosing a Maid of Honor to help minimize stress and maximize pleasure.

The Maid of Honor does not have to be a family member.

It is not a requirement to make a sister or a female cousin the Maid of Honor. A best friend who has been there through thick and thin will likely deserve this distinction.

The bride should instruct the Maid of Honor on her responsibilities.

Brides should communicate what they expect from the Maid of Honor such as making a speech during the reception. Open communication between the two should happen frequently.

Choosing more than one Maid of Honor is not illegal.

The bride should make sure that Maids of Honor have different responsibilities in order to avoid jealousy between them.

The Maid of Honor needs to attend all-wedding activities such as showers and parties for the bride. She will also be tasked to plan and be financially responsible for any bachelorette party and assist in organizing invitations and always be open for favors.

The Maid of Honor’s emotional support is one her integral responsibilities. As the so-called "maid" she is expected to give her full attention to the bride during the wedding day. She should also make sure that the bride is looking almost perfect before they troop down the aisle and constantly check on her condition during the middle and end of the ceremonies up until the start of the reception.

Upon choosing the Maid of Honor, she should be treated out by the bride to a nice dinner or spa to make her feel she is a very important part of the wedding. The Maid of Honor could have a dress designed differently from the other bridesmaids to make her stand out in the entourage.

Etiquette also dictates that the Maid of Honor will wear the groom’s ring on her finger in the absence of a ring bearer. She is also part of the group that will decorate the bridal car and help the bride in wearing the bridal dress.

A wedding ceremony adhered to certain etiquette to make the occasion flow seamlessly and orderly.

- In a semi-private wedding, groomsmen and bridesmaids are given certain responsibilities in helping the bride and groom during the wedding day.

- The bridesmaids should be younger than the bride and their dresses should match. Bridesmaid dresses can include more ornaments and should be composed of light and graceful material. Flowers should functions as the chief decoration.

- The wedding dress should be simple but can be attached with small jewels or ornaments. The garland and veil should be the most eye-catching.

- Bridesmaids should stay at the bride’s left side during the actual wedding ceremony. The first bridesmaid should hold the bouquet and gloves.

- Bridesmaids can be positioned from the shortest to the tallest in order to be symmetrical. A bridesmaid and groomsman with similar height can be paired.

- The groomsmen are assigned to guide the clergyman and then show him to the couple. The groomsmen should stand at the groom’s right side during the wedding ceremony.

The Wedding Etiquette Announcements

Beginning on the day he proposed, there are certain wedding etiquette announcements to be observed. The couple should be aware of these wedding etiquette announcements or else wedding could fall into jeopardy.

There are wedding etiquette announcements to be observed when breaking the news to the parents. First, let the people closest to you know of your plans. The groom must ask the bride’s parents for her hand in marriage. It is traditional that men do wedding etiquette announcements to both families but modern times have changed this. Now, both of them can make the wedding etiquette announcements together personally.

The wedding etiquette announcements for friends can be personally by the couple. They can also plan a party for both their friends and turn it into an engagement party. The couple on this event can choose their maid of honor and best man.

Wedding etiquette announcements for sponsors should be done personally with the help of the parents. The sponsors can be chosen by influence, convenience, prestige, or by relationship. The important thing to remember is to get them to commit in being your sponsors and list them down in your planner.

The wedding etiquette announcements for wedding details can be overwhelming, which is why most couples hire a wedding coordinator. If your budget can fit in the fee for this person’s services, hire them. It will greatly lift the pressure of planning, organizing and supervising the entire event.

The maid of honor often performs wedding etiquette announcements for the bridal shower. The bridesmaids, mother and other women family members are invited to chip in and join the event. Depending on what they have prepared, the bride can expect something as elegant as a garden tea party or wild as a trip to the local men’s strip joint.

The best man makes the wedding etiquette announcements for the bachelor party or stag party. Stag parties require little preparation since most parties only require five things: the groom, food, drinks, music and entertainment. The entertainments have wedding etiquette announcements of using either a stripper or just a regular DVD player and watching x-rated movies.

There is a third option of making wedding etiquette announcements for a couple shower. Friends of both the bride and groom organize and celebrate this event. The best choice for this is to have a themed party, something with fantasy on it like a masque ball or have it done like Carmen Elektra and her husband Dave of Inxs where it was one big stripper party.

The wedding preparations:

The wedding etiquette announcements for the flowers should be booked months in advance. The same goes for the caterer, the arranger and the musicians. If the couple decides to hire a wedding coordinator, this will be an easier job for them.

The wedding etiquette announcements for the dress fitting is should also be made weeks in advance. Any adjustments to the dress can be done as the wedding date comes closer. For the men, their clothes are classic pieces so it is no problem for the coordinator. However, it is a must that the groomsmen have a neat hair cut prior to the wedding.

The photography and video documentation needs of the couple should be provided by the coordinator. As a rule, wedding etiquette announcements for photo and video coverage of the wedding can be open to bidders. This way they couple can sample the best work and hire the one they like most at a price that they can handle.

On the wedding event:

Within weeks of the big day, the wedding etiquette announcements for invitations should have already been mailed. Along with it are the wedding etiquette announcements regarding the attire, program, location of the wedding and a map to the reception.

The wedding etiquette announcements for the wedding program at the ceremony is usually printed and given to the guests as they arrive at the church. The couple can skip this if they prefer an informal ceremony.

With the solemnity of church celebration over, it is now time for everyone to relax at the reception. There is still another program in the event but most of it is well-wishes, thanksgiving and entertainment for everyone who attended the wedding.