How to Be a Perfect Wedding Guest

There is much written about weddings to help the bride and groom, but what about the guests? The people who attend a wedding have a lot to do with how pleasant the event turns out to be, both for the bride and groom and the rest of the guests. This is how to be a perfect wedding guest.

R.s.v.p. Promptly. Always respond to a wedding invitation in a timely fashion. If there is a specific “please respond by” date given, then by all means, please respond by that date. The busy couple will be grateful to have one less person to try to track down at the last minute!

Send a Gift Ahead. Hey, everyone loves getting gifts, and no bride or groom will turn up their nose at a present which is brought to the wedding reception. However, it is technically not correct to bring a gift to the wedding itself, nor is it particularly sensible. Not only do you have to deal with dragging a gift around until you can find a place for it at the reception, but then someone has to keep an eye on it (sad but true, gifts have been stolen from weddings), and transport it somewhere after the wedding without losing the card which gives the name of the donor. Save everyone a lot of hassle and send the gift to the bride’s home before the wedding.

Dress for the Occasion. If you have ever seen anyone wearing sneakers at a wedding (I have!), you will understand why I must state the obvious. A wedding is a festive occasion, so please dress like it. This means wearing something which is both dressy and cheerful. Yes, a black cocktail dress is a wardrobe staple, but a dress with some color to it is really better for a wedding. Add in the jewelry and accessories which will make your outfit come to life, such as sparkly Swarovski crystal earrings, a beaded clutch, and a pair of killer heels.

Have Fun. Seriously. Even if the band is lousy, your chicken was cold, and you are in the middle of a bad breakup, you owe it to the bride and groom to be pleasant and upbeat during their wedding. Before you know it, you may just find yourself having a terrific time, and that would make you an ideal wedding guest.

The Ins and Outs of Promise Rings

What is a promise ring, you may ask? It is a special ring which comes before an engagement ring, and it promises that the giver and recipient are pledged to one another, even though they are not yet formally engaged. Read more about the ins and outs of this old custom, and learn whether a promise ring might be right for you.

An engagement is a very serious commitment, and at times may be too official a step for a young couple to make. Yet, at the same time, if a man and woman are in a very serious relationship which both intend will one day lead to marriage, just being boyfriend and girlfriend may not seem like enough. Enter the promise ring, also sometimes referred to as a pre-engagement ring. The purpose of the promise ring is to be less of a commitment than an official piece of wedding jewelry like the engagement ring, but a serious pledge and a promise that the relationship is headed down the path to engagement at some point in the future.

There are many situations in which a promise ring might be in order. It can be a wonderful way for a very young couple to show that they are serious about their relationship, without becoming officially engaged if they feel that they are too young to get married. Promise rings are popular among people who travel extensively for work, as in the case of military deployments or in the case of a long separation caused by one half of the couple moving away to attend college. The pain of an extended separation might be eased considerably by the love and commitment implied by the promise ring.

The promise ring is generally worn on the ring finger of the left hand until such time as it is replaced by an official engagement ring. Although it is nice if the style of the promise ring is compatible with the rest of the wedding jewelry which follows, one would not typically wear the promise ring and engagement ring together on the same finger. Typically, the promise ring will be moved to the ring finger of the right hand once the woman has her engagement ring. One thing is for certain: the promise ring will be a beloved and sentimental favorite piece of jewelry.

Etiquette for Religious Wedding Ceremonies

These days it is very common for people to have friends and even family members who are of a different religion (or possibly who follow no religion at all). It is also far more common than it used to be for the bride and groom to come from different faiths. All of this diversity can lead to some confusion on the part of the guests. It is up to the bride and groom to make sure that their guests have an understanding of what is happening, and it also falls upon the witnesses at the wedding ceremony to know how to act and what to do at a religious wedding.

A very simple thing which the bride and groom can do from the start is to give guests a hint about what is to come with their wedding invitations. The name of the house of worship being listed as the ceremony site should make it obvious to anyone that the ceremony will be religious in nature, of course, but there is more than can be done. It is particularly important that Roman Catholics specify that guests are invited to a Nuptial Mass, if they have opted to have a full Mass with Communion. The Nuptial Mass by its nature is one of the longer wedding ceremonies, and guests appreciate having a sense of what to expect.

When a wedding ceremony is religious in nature, it may include rituals which are unfamiliar to some of the guests. This is when a wedding program can come in really handy. If a couple will be having a Jewish service for instance, it would be very nice to include brief explanations of some of the customs, such as the chuppah, so that people of other faiths can follow along and also so they can have a greater appreciation for the significance of any special rituals. It can also be considerate to include a notation such as, “We invite all those who have been baptized to join in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist” or something to that effect at a Catholic ceremony.

Wedding guests have a few responsibilities of their own at a religious wedding. Chief among them is to show respect, whether they share the bride and groom’s faith or not. This means dressing appropriately in demure clothing with classic accessories like pearl wedding jewelry, rather than showing up in something risque or flashy. When a guest is unfamiliar with the rituals of a particular religion, they should simply do their best to follow along: stand when others stand, sit when they sit, and so forth. Guests should not take part in any religious customs which are reserved for members of a religion to which they do not belong. And last, but not least, wedding guests should refrain from obviously checking their watches to see “how much longer this thing can possibly drag on”, even if it is a full Nuptial Mass! With these pointers in mind, the wedding ceremony should be every bit as meaningful and blessed as the bride and groom intended.

Wedding Slide Shows: Are They a Do or a Don’t?

It has become very popular in recent years for the bride and groom to put together a slide show for their wedding. Sometimes displayed during the ceremony, sometimes during the reception, and in a few cases at both, the slide show can be a chance to share pictures which show bow the bride and groom’s relationship developed over the years. The wedding slide show can be very sweet, but it can also be a major bore for guests. This is a look at the slide show concept, and whether it is a do or a don’t.

In an era where “personalization” is the biggest buzzword of wedding planning, there is nothing more personal than pictures of the bride and groom, often set to music. Many of the shows do go all the way back to childhood, through the early courtship of the bride and groom, right up through engagement photos, and even studio shots of the bride in her wedding gown and bridal jewelry taken just days before the event. Such an involved presentation may well last 20 – 30 minutes, which frankly, is well past the attention span of most of the people in attendance.

The chief complaint that wedding guests have about slide presentations is being forced to sit and watch them for extended periods of time. At one wedding I recently heard about, the bride and groom stopped their marriage ceremony to show a 20 minute presentation before they exchanged their vows, and then subjected their hapless guests to a second slide show during the toast portion of the reception. It might have been a beautiful journey down memory lane for the bride and groom, but for everyone else, the slide show was the obstacle standing between themselves and getting fed in a timely fashion!

This is not to say that a couple cannot choose to do a photo presentation without aggravating their guests. The key is to have a slide show playing in the background while something else is going on rather than forcing people to sit still and watch it continuously. If you want to project some images on a wall while guests mingle during cocktails, fine. As long as your guests do not feel like a captive audience, a wedding slide show can be a wonderful addition to a reception.

Caring for Your Wedding Jewelry

Your wedding jewelry is the most special jewelry which you will ever own. The earrings, necklace, and bracelets which you wear on your wedding day will do so much in creating the perfect bridal look. And your engagement ring and wedding band will be the two pieces of jewelry that you wear every day for the rest of your life. Learn how to care for your precious wedding jewelry, both before and after the wedding, so that it will last you a lifetime.

Pearl bridal jewelry is the most classic type of wedding jewelry. The nacre (mother of pearl coating) on the outside of a pearl is what gives a pearl its signature luminosity, but it is also very fragile and must be babied. If the nacre is damaged, the pearl will end up with a dull appearance, and it can never be restored to its former beauty. This is why preventing damage is key. Never get pearls wet, and use only a soft dry cloth for cleaning. Store pearls separately from other jewelry, so that they cannot be scratched.

Brides who are wearing pearl necklaces and bracelets which have been worn before should take them to a jeweler several months before the wedding to be evaluated. It is not uncommon that a strand of pearls may need to be re-strung, either because the silk thread has become thin and weak or because the thread between the pearls has gotten dingy. Re-stringing is a very straightforward process, and not particularly expensive, but it can take some time, so be sure to plan ahead.

Brides have always loved sparkly wedding jewelry, and if you have chosen crystal or diamond pieces, you will want to be sure that they shine brilliantly for your special day. The best way to care for fine Swarovski crystal bridal jewelry is gently, so as not to scratch the reflective surfaces. Wipe them with a soft cloth, and do not immerse them in water. If deeper cleaning is needed, a diluted glass cleaner can be gently brushed on with a cotton swab (not a toothbrush, which can scratch the surface). Most diamond jewelry can stand up to fairly vigorous professional cleaning by a jeweler. A day or two before your wedding, have your engagement ring professionally cleaned so it shines like the sun.

Gorgeous Beach Wedding Dresses

The beach is one of the most wonderful places to hold a wedding ceremony. There is nothing quite like the sand under your feet, the ocean breezes, and the smell of the salt air. Such a special wedding calls for an equally special wedding gown. These are some tips on finding a gorgeous beach wedding dress to make you feel amazing on your big day.

Halter necklines are always fantastic by the water. They are not too formal, very flattering, and have a summery appeal which is great for any warm weather wedding ceremony. There are lots of different halter necklines available, from little wispy gowns which suit a fashion forward bride with very little cleavage, to more structured wedding dresses done in midweight fabrics such as silk gazar. Finish it off with beach theme wedding jewelry like crystal starfish dangle earrings.

Strapless gowns are always pretty for a bride, and they are lovely for a beach wedding. A lightweight organza wedding dress with an empire waistline and a slim A-line skirt would be comfortable and beachy. Choose a dress with special details, such as organza streamers in the back which will flutter in the ocean breeze. If the beach you have chosen for your ceremony site tends to be fairly windy, pull your hair back into a casual knot at the nape of your neck and accent it with a few pretty hairpins.

One shoulder bridal gowns are very popular this season, and would be a very stylish option for a beach wedding. Select one in a sheer fabric like organza or chiffon, which will gently float over a solid underlining. A cluster of organza flowers flowing over the shoulder or a large chiffon bow will give your one shoulder wedding dress the perfect amount of detail. When shipping for any style of beach wedding dress, it is a really good idea to try it on in bright sunlight to make sure that it will not be too see-through in the direct sun.

Honeymoons on the Water

A cruise can be a fantastic idea for a honeymoon trip. Most cruise ships are like floating cities, complete with everything from fine dining to swimming to nightlife and sporty activities. There is a huge variety in cruise types, as well. If time is short, take a weekend party cruise out of New York or another major port city. Or take a traditional tropical cruise which visits numerous ports of call all along the Caribbean.

There are more exotic cruises, as well, such as those to Alaska, the Greek islands, or the fjords of Scandinavia. The experience of being out at sea with your new spouse taking in breathtaking sights will truly make your honeymoon memorable. One thing that most cruise lines have in common is the expectation that guests will dress up for dinner, so be sure to pack some pretty dresses, and bring along your crystal bridal jewelry to add that touch of elegance.

A fantastic voyage for sailing aficionados is a sailboat cruise. On many of these excursions, there is a crew, but the newlyweds also get to take part in sailing the boat. It is a great balance between getting the fun of sailing, without having total responsibility for the vessel 24 hours a day. Most of these types of honeymoons will be on sailboats with sleeping cabins, so you will call the boat your home for the duration of the trip. To keep things interesting, plan on visiting a few spots along your journey where you can share a romantic dinner in a great restaurant. Even newlyweds cannot live on love alone, after all.

Finally, thrill seeking newlyweds will find many adventures to share on the water. There is waterskiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and even scuba diving for those who are certified. If a natural time in the water is more your style, book your honeymoon at a resort which offers the chance to swim with dolphins. Or head to the Everglades and see the sights from a fan boat.  Whatever your interests, there is sure to be a honeymoon trip on the water which will be a lot of fun for the newlyweds.

Quiz: How Should Bridesmaids Be Treated?

Every bride has bridesmaids, but not every bride has the same reputation amongst her bridal party. Some are called bridezilla behind their backs, while other brides are known as being gracious. Take this quiz to find out if you know how you should treat your bridesmaids.

1. The main purpose of bridesmaids is:

   a. to lend support to the bride and to help her celebrate a joyous occasion in her life

   b. to run errands, throw parties, and generally be at the bride’s beck and call for a year

   c. who knows?

2. True or false: bridesmaids are obligated to throw the bride a bridal shower and a bachelorette party.

3. The bride should show her appreciation for her attendants in the following way:

   a. by asking as little of them as possible

   b. giving them thoughtful bridesmaid gifts, such as jewelry or engraved silver items

   c. bridesmaid gifts? The honor of being in my wedding is all the gift any bridesmaid needs!

4. If one of my former bridesmaids asked me to be in her wedding, I would be:

   a. delighted! I can’t wait to help my friend as much as she helped me with my wedding.

   b. irritated; why should I spend all that time and money being in a wedding?

   c. terrified! Did she invite me just to get revenge for the way I acted when she was my bridesmaid?

Answers:

1.a. Bridesmaid should be there to help the bride with minor wedding planning as their schedules allow, but their main purpose is just to be there in friendship for the bride on her wedding day. Far too many brides forget that bridesmaids are not their indentured servants!

2.False. Bridesmaids are under no obligation to throw any parties for the bride. It is true that bridesmaids will often get together to plan a shower, but they certainly do not have to, and the bride should never tell them to give her a party.

3.b. Show your bridesmaids how much you appreciate them with thoughtful bridesmaid gifts! Items with lasting value like jewelry or picture frames tend to be among the most popular gift ideas. Although it is kind to ask little of your attendants, it is not enough of a gift. And no, being in your wedding is not such a high honor that a proper present becomes unnecessary.

4. a. Of course you should be happy to get to return the favor when a former bridesmaid comes to you! After all, she is probably relying on the experience of a friend who is already married to help her figure out how to plan her wedding. It is not so nice to be irritated by a friend’s attempt to honor your friendship by inviting you to be in her wedding. For those who chose c, if you were such a bridezilla that you fear retribution, well…turnabout is fair play!

Wedding Hair Advice

Every bride wants to look perfect right down to the last detail. One of the most important things to consider is the wedding hair. Getting fabulous hair on your wedding day starts long before the morning of the event, however. Learn how to get the perfect look with this helpful wedding hair advice.

There is an old custom that says when a woman becomes engaged she should begin growing out her hair. You know what? This is actually still great advice. The idea is that longer hair will allow you the most versatility for wedding hairstyles. Some of the popular braided buns and chic chignons require a fair amount of hair to work, so having long hair can prove to be an asset. Simple haircuts without a lot of layering are the easiest to put up.

Upon becoming engaged, an initial consultation with a great hairstylist is a really smart idea.  In the beginning, you should discuss your long range plans for your wedding hair. Early in the game is the best time to experiment with a new haircolor or to try out highlights for the first time. If your hair is usually permed or relaxed, discuss with your stylist deep conditioning options to keep it in tip-top shape as the wedding draws closer. No one wants to have frizzy or fried hair in their wedding pictures, after all!

As soon as you have selected your wedding gown, it is time to begin shopping for your bridal hair jewelry. The type of headpiece which you choose will have a major impact on the hairstyles which will work the best. If you have selected a set of hairpins, for instance, an updo will be a necessity to anchor them properly. You will want to bring your bridal hair jewelry to your wedding hair trials so that your stylist can plan around it.

A few final words of wedding hair advice…never make any drastic changes in the final months before your wedding. This is not the time to see how that cute little pixie crop suits you if you have always worn your hair long, nor is your wedding the best time to experiment with bold artificial haircolors. The best wedding hair looks natural, healthy, and timeless.

Dramatic Wedding Flowers

Flowers are one of the most popular wedding decorations, and they have more impact than almost anything else. Of course, flowers are pretty no matter how you use them, but there are some fabulous ways in which wedding flowers can be used beyond the standard centerpieces. Take a look at these ideas for dramatic wedding flowers which will take your wedding to a whole other level.

Chandeliers have become extremely popular for weddings over the last several years. The classic crystal chandelier is certainly beautiful, but flowers can be used to create one-of-a-kind chandeliers which will take your guests’ breath away. This is a great idea for brides who enjoy having things which are custom made for them, such as monograms, bridal jewelry, and wedding gowns.  A stunning design idea is to have a very large circle of roses made to suspend over each table. Have them lit, and they will make stunning chandeliers to illuminate your reception.

Repeated design elements can be a terrific way to make a huge impact on your reception space. One of the most spectacular ways to use wedding flowers is to have them made into pomanders, which are large globes of flowers suspended from ribbons. A mass of pomanders can be hung over any space which you would like to decorate. They also look incredible hung in a vertical row of three or more floral balls. One of the great things about pomanders is that they can be just as beautiful when made from less pricey blossoms like carnations or daisies as from more costly roses.

Floral streamers are another stunning way to decorate your wedding with flowers. For an exotic flair, take white orchid blossoms, and string them on clear monofiliment wire. Make a “curtain” of the floral strands behind the altar to define the space for an outdoor wedding or one in a loft space. A more casual effect can be created by substituting brightly colored gerbera daisies for the more sophisticated orchids. The floral streamers would also look fantastic behind a sweetheart table at the reception or when used to define the bar area. With so many unique ways to use flowers, why stick to the standard wedding flowers?