Traditionally, the bridal shower was a small pre-wedding get together that the bridesmaids would throw for the bride-to-be. They would invite family and friends who would shower the bride with domestic gifts such as dishes, bedding, towels, and small kitchen appliances. Unlike most of the pre-wedding festivities, the bridal shower was basically a gift-giving extravaganza and that concept hasn’t change much.  What has changed? Everything else! Today’s bridal showers are themed events, chock-full of fun games, and oftentimes include the groom.  Before you(or your bridesmaids) start planning a bridal shower, take these tips into account!

1- Decide Who Plans It

There is nothing wrong with letting your maid of honor or bridesmaids take the entire task of planning your bridal shower, but these days almost anyone can take part in planning.

2- Dream Up and Finalize The Plan

Start by selecting a theme. A few great ideas include an afternoon tea party, complete with several varieties of hot tea and plates full of European-style pastries and cookies.  Or, make it a movie night and indulge in your favorite chick flicks while munching on popcorn, candy, and soda. If you’d rather have a couples shower, then plan a theme that appeals to everyone like a bowling night at a local bowling alley or maybe a potluck picnic party.  The possibilities are endless as long as you can budget the party. Buy a party planner or notebook in which you can store all your lists, budget plans, and more.

3- Complete Your Bridal Registry Beforehand

The bridal shower usually is eight to six months before the wedding, so that should give you plenty of time to finish adding things to your registry list. Make sure to mention where you’ve registered on the bridal shower invitations and not the wedding invitations.

This is part two and the conclusion of Wedding Etiquette Myths Debunked. Last week  I discussed issues like who pays for the wedding, whether should you invite everyone you know, and if you should cover the guests hotel accommodation expenses.  Read below for more wedding myths debunked.

6- In The Age Of Modern Technology, Thank-You Notes Are Not Necessary.

The time and energy spent on selecting the perfect gift hasn’t changed, and neither should the time and energy spent on crafting a thank-you note.  But that doesn’t mean you should send out pre-made thank-you notes either. Instead, buy a box of  fine stationary or blank thank-you cards, and write up a heart-felt letter to show your appreciation for the gift.

7- Couples of Different Faiths Should Choose One Faith To Base The Ceremony On.

Since a wedding is all about unity, it would only make since to combine both your religious beliefs and traditions into the ceremony.  Make sure that you discuss your plans and traditions with your fiance beforehand and find out if your church/synagogue/other house of worship can acommodate.

8- All Bridesmaids Must Be Female

This rule is as outdated as the rule that states that the bride must be given away by her father.  If you’re a bride and your best friend (other than your fiance) happens to be male, there is nothing wrong making him a bridesman or even a man of honor.

9- If You Can’t Afford Serving Drinks At The Wedding, Offer A Cash Bar

There is nothing more tacky than asking the guests at your wedding to pay for their own cocktails and wine.  If you can’t afford a bar at your wedding, then serve the basics: beer, alcohol, and non-alcoholic drinks. Another option is to offer a cocktail hour before the meal is served, and then serve wine with the meal.

The typical bridesmaid dress has come a long way from the pink poofy gown. Today’s styles are often shorter and much more chic. Today’s bridesmaid dresses come in a rainbow in hues including muted and classic shades, and thanks to the current trends in bridesmaid dresses, selecting the right style of bridesmaid dresses has never been more fun! Lets take a closer look at some of the most current trends and how to make them work for you.

A-Line Dresses The most universally flattering trend is the a-line dress. This silhouette works on all body types so it should be relatively easy to find a dress that everyone can agree on.

Strapless Dresses Another hot trend for bridesmaid dresses is the strapless look.  Whether the dress is short and sweet or long and elegant, this style is sure to be a favorite that they might wear again! A few things to keep in mind when selecting a strapless style — try to find  dress with a little bit of embellishment or detail like a sash in a contrasting tied at the waist and steer clear from dresses that are too short or bright. You want the eyes on you, not your bridesmaids!

Knee Length Skirts Long skirts are beautiful but can sometimes overwhelm the short bridemaids, and short skirts are too casual for most weddings- thats why knee length skirts are so popular! They are long enough without overpowering the bridesmaid wearing the gown.  Dress with knee length skirts are also appropriate and chic for women of all ages from 12 to 60.

Selecting and wearing your dream gown is almost half as fun as the wedding itself. Flipping through bridal magazines, trying on dozens of beautiful gowns, selecting the perfect shoes and accessories– it kind of makes you feel like you’re living in a fairy tale. That is…until you see the price tag. No need to worry or pay more than you can afford, here are just a few ways to save money on a gorgeous gown that you will love!

1- Consider A Second-Hand Wedding Gown
Why pay an extraordinary price for a dress that you will only wear once? There are more than a dozen websites that specialize in second-hand designer dresses for a fraction of the original price. Now you can buy your dream dress and save money for things that really matter, like your honeymoon!

2- You Could Also Wear Your Mother’s Wedding Dress
Now here’s an idea your mother will love. Wearing the same wedding dress she wore on her big day is a great way to add a little sentiment and meaning to your big day, but its also a smart way to save money considering you’re wearing her dress gratis. You could also consider wearing the same dress your grandmother or great-grandmother wore.

3- Get Creative With Any White Dress You Love
There is no rule that you have to wear a long white poufy ball gown, especially if you don’t want to. You could wear any dress you want to, as long as its comfortable, makes you feel special, and is something you can actually imagine walking down the aisle in. So go ahead and wear that knee-length white silk dress that costs just $50 off the rack.

4- Shop For Your New Gown At A Specialty Discount Shop
It could be a bridal chain (e.g. David’s Bridal) or a designer discount warehouse. Only one caveat– what you save in price, may also sacrifice in service and frills, so decide what is more important to you.

Weddings and nuptial ceremonies have been around for a long time. And while traditions remain the same, time doesn’t, so it’s only natural that trends and tastes change over the course of decades. What may have been popular during your great-grandmother’s heyday may not be so cool now (i.e. dressing your bridesmaids in the same dress style). What else has changed over time? Let’s take a look at weddings then and now.

Then: The father-of-the-bride gave his daughter away.

Now: The bride can choose who will give her away or she can walk down by herself. Many of today’s brides often choose to be escorted down the aisle by a relative or friend she’s closest to, and others choose to walk alone.

Then: Couples exchanged vows inside a house of worship.

Now: You can get hitched almost anywhere! These days, weddings are a big deal, and many people want to showcase their personal tastes, which is not something most churches and synagogues won’t allow. And many of today’s modern couples would prefer to get married on a exotic island, hence why destination weddings have grown in popularity.

Then: No wedding was complete without a speech, formal sit down dinner, and flower toss.

Now: If you want the traditional speech and toast, a formal sit down dinner, and a flower toss, then by all means you should incorporate these traditions into your reception- but you don’t have to. These days, there are no rules for your wedding. It can be as big or as small as you want.  You can cater a gourmet meal or host a cocktail hour. The possibilities are endless!

Selecting the right wedding invitations and stationery is so important because that is what sets the tone for the wedding. You and your fiance should sit down and talk about both of your visions of the wedding and set a theme. If you haven’t already, then do so soon or at least before you start sending out the invitations. You will want the invitations to invoke the details of the wedding, which would include the theme and formality. When you purchase your invitations, you probably want to think about other stationery options like save-the-date cards, ceremony programs, and thank you cards. Lets take a look at all your options.

Save-The-Date Cards
Many engaged couples opt to send out save-the-date cards before the formal invitation to remind the guests of the upcoming nuptials. You send them out after you have the official date of the wedding but before the formal invitations are sent out. A save-the-date isn’t mandatory, but it is ideal for those who are planning a destination wedding. Be sure to send them at least 6 months before the wedding day or weekend.

Formal Invitations
After you’ve made the list, you can send out the formal invites about 6 to 8 weeks in advance. That should give invitees enough time to RSVP and let you know if they’ll be there. About three or two weeks before the big day, you should start to take the final count of how many people will attend.

Programs
Once you’ve got all the ceremony details, it’s time to start planning a program. The ceremony program usually outlines the important events in the order that will take place during the wedding. A proper program should include the full names of the couple, officiant, and wedding party.  Many couples also add song lyrics or hymns to give the program a personal touch, but it’s not mandatory.

Thank You Cards
You and your fiance will be showered with gifts, so it’s only fair to send thank you cards. Don’t wait until you receive all the gifts, instead send out a thank you card as each gift arrives-  send them within two weeks of receiving it. Don’t forget to take out the time to write a heartfelt message in the thank you card. Never send out a thank you card that lacks a personal, handwritten message from you or your fiance.

Not every engaged couple is going to want fine china, crystal, and a new blender. Many  a couple these days don’t spend much time in the kitchen, and even less time actually cooking. Why make a list of gifts that will probably end up collecting dust in the pantry? If a gift registry is not your (nor your fiance’s) thing, then what options do you have? Aside from asking for money (not a bad idea once you know how to phrase it well), there are more creative options out there.

1. Ask Them to Chip in for Honeymoon Expenses
The whole wedding is pricey, and so is the honeymoon. Why not let them help pay for the romantic getaway of your dreams? With website like Buy Our Honeymoon, you easily can make a list of experiences, accommodations and more. Then your family and friends can select what they want to pay for, which saves you more money in the long run.

2. Have Them Donate to a Meaningful Charity
Perhaps you and your fiance are involved in a charity that means a lot to both of you. Why not politely ask guests to donate money to your preferred charity in your honor? This is truly a gift that keeps on giving, plus they can donate a little or a lot. The I Do Foundation is just one website specializing in charity registries.

3. Ask Them to Purchase the Big Picture
If what you really want is a new couch, who says that a new piece of furniture or maybe a new kitchen appliance doesn’t make a great gift? Now, since these are probably the most expensive and largest of gift idea, you might ask for everyone to pitch in together to purchase that big screen television or new china hutch.

4. Money Is Always Welcome
If you really need financial assistance or just would like to start a saving account, then make sure the word gets out that you would like financial gifts.  One method includes mentioning this on your wedding website, but word of mouth is always best!

The best man in a wedding is generally the brother of the groom. If the groom does not have a brother or stepbrother, then he may choose either a close friend of his or the brother of the bride, if she has one and if the two men are close.

It is the job of the best man to be the groom’s right hand man. He is the person who takes care of the groom’s needs and must be a responsible individual who is good at organizing. The role of best man is one that must be taken seriously.

It is the best man who throws the bachelor party for the groom. He can accept input and help from other people involved, but the crux of the responsibility falls on his shoulders. The best man must buy or rent his own tuxedo and shoes for the wedding, and in most cases he must pay for his own travel and accommodations if he is coming from afar.

He also is expected to act as a guide or leader for the groomsmen in making sure that everything to do with the tuxedo fittings goes as smoothly as possible, including making sure each one knows the date, time and place.

If the groomsmen are acting as ushers in the wedding, then the best man needs to be able to organize the gentlemen and coach them on their jobs where he sees fit. The best man and maid of honor traditionally are supposed to work together in organizing any special dinners being held for the bride and groom and/or the wedding party. It is their task to decide on a location and a date and time, as well as any extras that are needed for the occasion. The best man and maid of honor typically pay for the meals of the bride and groom while each member of the wedding party pays for his/her own meal.

In some weddings the best man escorts the maid of honor down the aisle. It is also the best man who gives a speech at the reception and makes a toast to the newlyweds. Of course, the most important job of the best man’s is to be a friend and confidant to the groom!

Have you ever heard the saying, “What’s old is new”?  This saying is definitely resonating in the minds of today’s engaged couples, and vintage is in full swing. Maybe you want to give a nod to your parents’ era when tying the knot, or maybe you just love the style of a particular era. Whatever your inspiration may be, adding that vintage touch will indeed make the big day unique and memorable. Here are some ideas on how to add a little old-fashioned style to your wedding.

1- Instead of buying a brand new wedding gown, why not wear a vintage wedding gown, or a vintage white dress? Some vintage boutiques specialize in wedding gowns, try to find one in your city. You also could have the groom and/or groomsmen don vintage suits.

2- Walk down the aisle to an older love song that has significant meaning. If you don’t have a talented (and close) friend to play the piano, make sure that you hire a professional musician or group to perform the song during the ceremony or perhaps reception.

3- Go with vintage décor. Scour the flea markets or perhaps ask one of your mothers if she has any vintage item that she could loan on your wedding day. As a bonus, using a vintage heirloom not only will add something special, it also will save extra money.

4- Ride in style, and rent a vintage convertible or other car for the big day. Caution, it might be a bit costly, so check to see if you can rent a fairly new automobile that looks vintage.

5- Another fabulous and affordable option that your parents probably will love is to use your great-grandparents’ (or perhaps even grandparents’) wedding bands or engagement rings in your upcoming nuptials.

6- Take a few cues from the more romantic Victorian era with lots of elegant lace details and décor. Or perhaps you could have all the invitations and coordinating wedding stationary designed by a good calligrapher.

When it comes to weddings, the possibilities are endless.

It is no secret that celebrities influence everything we do from what we wear to where we shop. So, it should come as no surprise that we sometimes take trends or ideas from celebrity nuptials to incorporate in out own weddings. Some of the ideas are clever, some are a bit pricey, and others are original, but each idea can be copied if you add your own personal touch. Whether the event you’re planning is big or small, traditional or modern, here are some ideas you can borrow from celebrities.

Expensive as it may seems, some famous brides (like Melania Knauss when she wed Donald Trump) wear two wedding gowns- one for the ceremony and one for the reception.

Why wear white? Some celeb brides go for a non-traditional route and choose a gown in another color, like Sarah Jessica Parker’s glamorous black gown.

If you’ve got the extra cash and time, plan a private wedding ceremony with your loved ones, and a few weeks later throw a reception party.  It is a good option for those who want a private ceremony and later a large reception party. Celebrities who chose this route are Jessica Alba and Cash Warren, as did Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze, Jr.

Majandra Delfino and Devon Gummersall made their wedding guests feel special by writing out little personalized notes for each guest on pieces of pretty stationery.

What do Billy Martin (guitarist from Good Charlotte), Travis Barker (from Blink 182), and Avril Lavigne all have in common? Besides being rock stars, they each incorporated gothic style in their wedding plans.

If you have a beloved pooch, then why not have him (or her) substitute as a ring bearer like Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson did.

If you love your hair and don’t like the idea of covering it up with a veil, do what some celebrity brides do and shun veils altogether, like Tori Spelling and Rebecca Romjin. Or why not wear a few flowers in your hair like Jenna Bush did when she married Henry Hagler?

Which celebrity wedding was your favorite?