Browse our wedding toasts and speeches guide and ensure your words leave a memorable impression.

Raise a glass – now’s the time to toast to the happy couple! Wedding toasts and speeches can sometimes cause anxiety, but don’t let them. Enjoy your moment in the limelight, and make the most of these situations with some wedding speech prep work. Read the rest of this entry »

Set a responsible financial precedent now, and avoid the major pitfalls couples face when they get married.

If every couple devoted as many hours to strengthening their relationship as they do to planning their wedding, U.S. marriage statistics would boast a brighter tale. The high divorce rate proves combining two lives in wedded bliss requires more than a knack for stamping a monogram atop every unembellished surface. So just what is the key to a healthy marriage? Read the rest of this entry »

Congratulations! You said yes…now what?

Unfortunately, for many newly engaged women, the euphoria of finding “the one” is slightly dampened by a dose of anxiety. Engagement is one of the most significant transitions in our lives. And let’s face it, most brides-to-be have never faced such a milestone and are unsure what to expect from those first few weeks. Here are the first three emotional milestones during the early stages of engagement. Read the rest of this entry »

National Bridal Chains

National bridal chains, such as David’s Bridal and Alfred Angelo, offer a huge selection of dresses in all different sizes and styles at mostly affordable prices. In general, these bridal chains sell their own brand of dresses, save for some exclusive and licensed collections.

According to Leonard, the dresses these stores sell are typically made from a less expensive fabric than what you’ll find at a bridal salon. Read the rest of this entry »

You’ve been dreaming of this day for years: Your boyfriend finally popped the question, and you’ve set a wedding date.

Now starts the hunt for a bridal gown that will make you feel like the most beautiful girl in the world but won’t have you crying down the aisle because you’ve spent a small fortune on something you’ll (hopefully) only wear once. Don’t fret: We’ve explored the costs of buying a dress at bridal salons, retail chains, sample sales and online resale resources — and offered tips for landing a solid deal from each option. Read the rest of this entry »

With these smart money saving tips, wedding favors needn’t be a budget buster.

Wedding favors are often the first item to suffer deletion a bride’s to-do list. They’re not mandatory, so why waste precious wedding dollars on these seemingly frivolous items? Before brushing this task aside due to budget constraints, realize that wedding favors offer a relatively inexpensive outlet for you to demonstrate your creativity and set your wedding apart from the rest. Read the rest of this entry »

Creating a wedding website to inform your guests of your wedding details? You’ll want to brush up on these etiquette tips for wedding websites first… Read the rest of this entry »

Get your table etiquette right! Learn how to set your wedding reception table…

Your wedding reception is a formal affair. Proper etiquette and good table manners call for the host to ensure the table has been set correctly. The place settings should reflect the menu choices and always be positioned correctly. Don’t leave anything to chance. It is best to consult with your catering manager to be sure everything will be set properly. Read the rest of this entry »

Yes, weddings are expensive. Yes, couples should be on the lookout for budget saving tips. Yes, weddings are expensive – we know. But never – under any circumstances – should you ever consider hosting a cash bar at your reception. Think about it – you would never ask anyone to pay for a cocktail in your own home. People at your reception are still your guests, even if the event is not held in your house. That said, if a full bar is not within your budget, consider these alternatives:

Host a soft bar, in which guests can order champagne, beer and wine.

Find a reception site that allows you to bring in your own alcohol; you will save serious cash, and anything unopened can be returned for a full refund. Cut down the size of your guest list – the only significant way to reduce costs in the first place.

What is the proper etiquette for monetary gifts? Is it ever appropriate to ask for them? Are “money trees” and “money showers” considered in bad taste? What if I receive an invitation requesting a monetary gift?

Asking for Monetary Gifts You’re planning a bridal shower, and let’s face it – the bride and groom have been living together for three years, already accumulating at least two blenders and a toaster oven. What they could really use is some extra cash (they’ve been dying to remodel their bathroom.) However, blatantly asking for specific gifts – monetary or otherwise – is in poor taste. Just imagine an invitation that reads: “I could really use some new shoes – please send me some strappy sandals.” (Just because Carrie Bradshaw got away with it does not make it ok!) What you can do is let guests know if they ask that the bride prefers cash gifts. Send shower invites without registry information; inquiring guests will ask where the couple is registered, presenting a perfect opportunity to respond with the bride’s preference. Some guests will still prefer to give a tangible gift, so the couple should register for a few items. Avoid drawing attention to the cash with a “money tree,” or other cash-displaying gimmick, so guests bringing tangible gifts don’t feel awkward. Simply display all cards and gifts together for the bride to open and acknowledge.

Bottom line? The happy bride-to-be should always remember to feel privileged, not entitled.

Giving Monetary Gifts You’re sorting through your mail, and to your dismay discover a shower invitation with a cutesy rhyme such as…

…To make it easy for you and avoid a shopping spree We thought that we would have instead, a little money tree…

Although this presents a clear breach of etiquette, it does not justify an uprising of the etiquette police. Pointing out another’s faux pas is just as rude as the original blunder. Here are your options:

Bring a monetary gift – If you choose to participate with a cash donation, give whatever you feel comfortable giving. The shower host will start the tree off for guests by tying a bill or small envelope on the tree, and guests will follow suit. There is usually no way to tell who gave what amount. In this instance, bring a card separate from the cash for the bride.

Bring a tangible gift – I say this with caution, because you don’t want to appear as if you’re protesting the shower theme. However, if you’ve put a lot of thought into selecting something memorable for the bride, take pride in presenting her with a thoughtful gift to acknowledge her upcoming nuptials.

from: Egala.com

Learn the proper etiquette when it comes to weddings and family issues.

As one of the biggest and most potentially stressful events of your life, getting engaged and subsequently planning a wedding brings with it an onslaught of questions. As times change and weddings evolve, traditional rules of etiquette have followed suit, only adding to the confusion. Read the rest of this entry »