Category: Expert Advice

Everyone’s talking about InStyle Weddings’ recent report of celebrity-driven wedding trends…but I have my own opinion!

I’ve noticed very few videographers at the weddings I’ve attended in the past year. In these uncertain times, I’m sure every couple wants to save a little money, but I have to say this trend still surprises me.

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you know that we like to discuss wedding issues by example: what we like, what’s worked for us, and once in a while, what not to do for your wedding (ever, ever again). We do it because all women have a story to tell, and we believe we learn as much from our own experiences as we do from the advice of our friends, women who’ve been there before. It’s only natural to want to add our own valuable voices to the mix. Fortunately, the highly opinionated women of Here Comes The Guide recently discovered a divine online forum with that goal in mind: Divine Caroline, that is.

I admit it—at heart, I’m an old-fashioned girl. Add to that a hopeless romantic and a bit of an Anglophile, and it’s no wonder that I was a huge fan of the magazine classic, Victoria. Lest you cool chicks think that’s the sort of rag read only by grandmas, take note: Besides a healthy dose of lace and roses, Victoria also profiles chic boutiques, insider travel destinations (it’s never too early to fantasize about your honeymoon!), innovative recipes, and plenty of tips for creative entertaining. And as a bride, you’ll be doing plenty of that, girlfriend!

I am utterly shocked. The second of today’s Dear Abby questions was from a Kansas woman who had just attended quite possibly the rudest bridal shower ever. After the gifts were opened, the guests were instructed to address, stamp, and write their own thank you notes. Once the guests properly congratulated themselves on the gifts they brought, all that was left for the bride to do was sign her name to the bottom of each card.

Worried about inviting children to your wedding? My husband and I welcomed children and babies at our wedding. We even asked the religious school kids who had class at the same time as our wedding to join us (in the back of the sanctuary) for the ceremony. None of the single-digit crowd caused any sort of distraction.

I rarely go to weddings (maybe it’s because most of my social circle is either already married or never going to be), but a year ago a friend invited me to one.

As my friend’s date I wasn’t obligated to bring a gift, but I’d I’d been told the bride and groom liked to cook, so I got them a few of my favorite kitchen gadgets from Sur La Table as a wedding present. I put my present on a table with dozens of other gifts, and hoped that it wouldn’t get lost in the pile.

Sure, sex and money are still at the top of the couples quarrel list (right behind the nightly squabble over the remote). But according to a recent British study cited by couples’ counselors Drs. Michelle and Patrick Gannon, husbands and wives also get hoppin’ mad over issues concerning housework. There’s no easier way to build up resentment than mindlessly tossing used socks to the floor