The New Rules: When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use Email or Social Media

In The Emily Post Institute's latest book, Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette: 6th Edition, Emily's great-great-granddaughters Anna and Lizzie Post tackle modern-day wedding questions that the original etiquette expert never could've dreamed about, from how to use (wisely) use technology, the rules for same-sex weddings, and much more. Here, the fourth generation of Posts tackle the big question of when you should (and shouldn't) take advantage of email and social media.

Photo Credit: CINEMATICbyDavidM

Do Not Use Email or Social Media For:

Wedding invitations.
Emailing a wedding invitation, even to your closest friend or relative, generally is not appropriate. The wedding invitation serves to set the tone for the ceremony and reception to come in a way that an email just can’t. Pinned on refrigerators or tucked on mantels, they also act as reminders and help build anticipation. Lastly, for many guests, they are keepsakes. The only exception, and it’s quite rare, is in the case of extremely rushed circumstances — if, for example, you and your fiancé(e) are moving overseas and you’ve decided at the last minute to get married before you leave. A good way to judge is that if the invitation is so hurried or informal that your only other option would be to invite someone over the phone, then using email to extend the invitation would be probably be fine.


Thank-you notes.
For each wedding gift you receive, always pen a handwritten note and send it through the mail. No exceptions, unless you’re ship-wrecked on a desert island. If you’ve fallen behind on your note writing, or know you can’t write a note right away, you can send an email or private Facebook message as a stopgap measure to let the gift giver know you’ve received his or her gift and will be sending a formal thank-you soon. “So wonderful to see you at the wedding! We love the vase. Note to follow soon.” Just remember this message doesn’t replace the actual thank-you note.


Discussing personal or thorny issues.
It’s easy for communication over texting, Facebook, and email to be misconstrued, which can make working out compromises or resolving emotional conflicts difficult. You don’t have tone of voice or body language to help interpret or smooth over a difference of opinion. Despite the fact that you wrote the words, it’s also less personal than a direct conversation. If a tricky issue comes up, pick up the phone and call to talk it over, or arrange to meet face-to-face with those involved. It will get you back on the right track much more quickly than waiting for someone to reply. When others need to know personally, privately, or ahead of time.

Similarly, while it’s extremely convenient to be able to send group messages about wedding-related plans (“As mother of the groom, I’m pleased to invite you to a bridal shower for my future daughter-in-Iaw...”), it’s still important to check your plans personally with other key people first. Otherwise, you run the risk of ruffling feathers (“Well! As mother of the bride, I thought we were going to host the shower together!”) and putting a serious damper on the whole event.

Photo Credit: Cramer Photo on Scratch Weddings via Lover.ly

Use Email or Social Media For:

Aside from the specific instances cited previously, email and social media are generally acceptable options for wedding-related communications — including the following:

"Save the Date” notices.
Many couples, once they’ve pinned down their wedding day, choose to send out an early informal note alerting friends and family to put that date aside. It’s perfectly fine to email this note.

Wedding RSVPs.
When sending out your wedding invi- tations, it is acceptable to give your guests the option of emailing their RSVPs to you. Simply add a sentence at the bottom of your printed response card saying, “Replies also welcome at happycouple@rsvp.com by (date).” This is especially appropriate in the case of a short turnaround time for responses, if you are planning a relatively informal wedding, or if you are already in regular email contact with a majority of your invited guests.

Wedding announcements.
Sure, lots of your friends in your Facebook world will know you got married, but you or your parents may have friends or more distant family who don’t keep in touch through social media. Typically, printed announcements are mailed after the wedding itself to friends and family who weren’t on the guest list as well as to acquaintances and business associates you think might wish to hear the news. While many couples and their parents still prefer this more formal way of sharing their happy news, it’s also acceptable to send wedding announcements out via email — particularly if you and the recipient are on infor- mal terms or if the wedding itself was informal. Use the bcc line on your email so that you don’t share recipients’ addresses, or use a service that gives you that option.

Invitations to informal or casual engagement parties, bridal showers, and other prewedding get-togethers.
These are all extremely important occasions, and most couples and their families will want to honor this fact by sending out printed invitations. Emailed invitations, or e-vitations, can be an acceptable alternative, however, particularly if you are planning an informal party or you’re sure the people on your guest list are computer-friendly. This is not the time to create a Facebook event, though — each invitation should be sent to the intended recipient.

Information on lodging and destination.
When sending out your wedding invitations, it’s fine to include an enclosure containing a map and directions for out-of-town guests. To avoid overloading the mailing and detracting from the invitation itself, however, it may make sense to include any other material — including information on hotels, restaurants, and points of local interest — in a separate mailing. For those of your guests who are online, a group email is ideal for this purpose. It’s also standard to include this information on a wedding website.

Wedding updates.
Many couples enjoy keeping their family and friends updated on the progress of their wedding plans. Group emails, Facebook, and Twitter are perfect for this sort of informal communication. Again, though, this convenience factor makes it all the more important to use common sense and consideration: Don’t flood the in-boxes of your entire guest list with daily news flashes and don’t share every tiny detail or development that are best saved for your clos- est friends. If you do decide to send out regular electronic updates, also send a printed copy to any friends and family who aren’t connected through email, Facebook, or Twitter.

Keep in mind proper group email etiquette. Begin any group emails to your guests with a general salutation — “Dear All” — and sign the email as you would on an individual message. To avoid annoying group “Reply All” messages and to respect guests’ privacy, use the “bcc” (blind carbon copy) feature. Put your email address in the “To” line and add your other addresses to the “bcc” line. Your guests’ email addresses will remain hidden and only your email will be available for a reply. Just be certain any guests who might not be online regularly receive the information they need in another form.

It’s not a bad idea to create an email list in your contacts for all of the wedding guests who have accepted your invitation. You may not need to use it, but if anything comes up at the last minute, such as a change in venue due to weather, it’s a quick way to reach a large group at once. Just be sure to remember to phone any guests who might not use email regularly, if at all.


—Anna Post and Lizzie Post, as seen in Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette: 6th Edition. Published with permission from It Books/HarperColilns Publishers. © 2014 The Emily Post Institute.

5 Signs You're Being a Bad Friend (And How to Turn Things Around!)

Photo: Getty Images

It's a given that friendships change over time, and there's no doubt that your friendships will be strained a bit through the stress of wedding planning, and that's fine and normal. But be careful you're not becoming a delinquent friend in the process. Here are five warning signs to watch out for:


1. She does all the calling. When we get busy and feel stressed, we can sometimes retreat, become more self-focused and forget the importance of reaching out to others, even the people we love most. And when your best friend is doing all the calling, you might not even notice that it's happening until she starts to feel like you don't care about her as much as you used to. Try to remember to set your stress aside now and then and initiate contact with your closest friends: suggest a run, a girls' night out, or a shopping trip.


2. You cancelled on her a few times in a row. Once is forgivable, twice is ... a little rude. Three times? She's going to be miffed. She knows you're busy, exhausted, and you have a lot on your plate, but she still expects your best self and your time, just as you deserve hers.


3. Your conversations are all about you. When you talk, is it all about you? Is she always helping you solve your problems? And as the hours pass when you're out to dinner, have you hardly scratched the surface of her life? Red flag! When things weigh too heavily in your direction, tip the scale back to her. Refocus and ask her how things are going in her life. Even if you feel like you have more to vent about and discuss, redirect the conversation by saying something like, "Boy, we've talked a lot about me tonight; Let's catch up on your life!"


4. You haven't asked her "How can I help?" in a while. Of course, your wedding's coming up, and you need help (which is why you're so grateful to your maid-of-honor for handling so many items on the wedding to-do-list!), but if you can't remember the last time you offered to help her with something in her life, time for a redirect!


5. She's stopped sharing secrets with you. Yes, your BFF is a great listener and a sponge for your stress, and while this arrangement can work during a stressful period (i.e., planning your wedding!), if it's a one-way street, it is unsustainable forever. Friendship is a give and take, and she's going to need you to be there for her too. She needs to vent and share her innermost secrets with you, just as you have done. Try to get the two-way street back for the health of your friendship.


—Sarah Jio

5 Ways To Secure Your Happy-ish Ever After

Glennon Melton

Blogger, Momastery

 

 

My friend Fawn, over at Happy Wives Club asked me to answer this question for her:
Glennon, what do you believe about marriage?


Um, WOW. Well, a lot of things. Here are five:


1. If neglect or abuse is present in your marriage and you are being hurt, get the hell out. If your church tells you to stay, get the hell out of your church. Any decent church will promise you that God loves you more than any institution God made for you -- including marriage and including church. If you are telling yourself that you are staying for the kids, tell yourself to leave for the kids so you do not teach them that love is pain. If you have no one to help you get out of an abusive, neglectful, hurtful marriage, start here.


2. If you are not hurt or neglected, but you've "fallen out of love" and are disillusioned about marriage, join the club. All married people in the whole world are in the club. Being disillusioned is good. It means you've stopped believing a lie. The lie is that marriage is like it is in the movies and that everyone else is having hot love affairs while you are cleaning up smelly socks and trying to get someone to actually listen to you instead of pretending to listen to you. The truth is that cleaning up socks and trying to get someone to really listen to you is marriage. It's less sweep you off your feet and more sweep the kitchen four times a day. Like everything good in life, it's 98% back-breaking work and 2% moments that make the work worthwhile. So get ready to sweat. Despite what the movies tell you, you'll sweat less often in bed and more often in therapist's offices, in front of the clothes dryer and in line at the grocery store while the children lick used gum off the floor and you silently curse your partner for existing. I'm actually surprised more of us married folk are not constantly dehydrated from all the sweating.


3. Happily Ever After is not a thing. We are all trained by Disney to believe that the wedding is the finish line, but the wedding is just another starting line. In light of this fact, we should quit the huge, fancy, debt-inducing weddings. When I asked my parents to help pay for my wedding, they said they'd give me a little bit and then if Craig and I made it to our ten-year anniversary, they'd give us some more to throw a big party. "That's the time to celebrate," they said. My parents were right.* Celebrate after hard work, not before. Young people: marry simply, start your life, and party later. Think of how much babysitting for your future colicky baby you could buy with that wedding budget. Think of how much marriage therapy you could buy. Invest in your marriage, not your wedding. Spending all your money on a wedding and leaving nothing for marriage is as irresponsible as foregoing health insurance for your baby so that you can throw her a kick-ass birthday party. It's as backwards as circling the stadium with your arms in the air -- waiting for applause -- before you start the race. Sweat a little, then celebrate. And don't forget the good news/bad news: there is no finish line. Marriage starts over again every.single.day.


4. Sex is really, really freaking confusing. No one talks about this, which is a shame. I've been married for eleven years and my husband and I are still trying to figure out how to make sex enjoyable for both of us. Right now sex is a source off all kinds of confusion and resentment and shame and pain for us. But we don't think this means that there's anything "wrong" with us or our marriage. We just assume that our confusion means we're normal people who've been paying attention to the world's mixed, dangerous sex messages forever and so we have some unlearning to do. When our kids were young, we knew we were stuck when it came to sex but we couldn't find an extra hour or dollar to spend figuring it out. Now that the kids are older, we spend hours a week in therapy muddling through this stuff. It's annoying and painful and expensive and necessary. Mating comes naturally, but healthy sex lives don't. They take work.


5. Marriage is still the best chance we have to become evolved, loving people. We live in a transient, disposable world that teaches us that if we are uncomfortable, we should change our surroundings and people instead of ourselves. I do it all the time. New friends, new house, new church, new, new, better, better. It never works, because wherever you go, there you are. If you keep swapping partners because the ass is always greener, you'll just end up poorer and more exhausted, but with all the same issues. We are like butterflies who want to keep moving, keep flitting around and being free, but freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose (thank you, Janis). What we want even more than freedom is to be loved, and we can only be loved when we are truly known. It takes a lifetime of tears, laughter, arguments, loss and conversation with another human being to be truly known. We have to be patient. Marriage is dogged, determined patience. It's also one of the only ways we'll ever truly know ourselves. Because to know ourselves we have to stop flitting and face our demons in the face of another person who serves as our mirror. Who reflects the best and worst of ourselves back to us. Sometimes I feel like marriage is more a constant relationship with myself than it is with Craig. I've learned to quit listing things he could do to be a better partner and ask myself instead what I can do to be a better partner. If I get stuck in comparison induced self-pity and start feeling like others have better love affairs than mine, I don't need to look for another person to love, I just need to start actively loving the person I already have. Because love is not something to wait for or hope for or look for -- it's something to do. Do not measure your marriage by how much love you feel today, measure it by how much love you've offered today. When you don't feel love, do love. Feelings follow doing, not the other way around. Lasting, true love is not about being swept off your feet. Sometimes love is just sweeping the kitchen and being grateful that there is a kitchen and a partner who is contractually obligated to share it with you forever.

 
*Hey! Dad! Where the Sam Hill's our ten-year money, Bubba?!? Well-played.

9 Real Brides' Wedding Ring Engravings

Photo: Danielle Fleck Events


By the editors of TheKnot.com


The custom of engraving wedding bands dates back to medieval Europe, when couples would include phrases from romantic poetry on their bands -- and we love how romantic this tradition is. We asked real brides on Facebook about their wedding ring engravings, and many of them were creative and unexpected. Get inspiration and ideas right here.





1. You are the best part of my day. -Lindsay
2. His says, "My favorite souvenir." We met at Disney world. -Brandice
3. Mine: "I love you," His: "I know." -Kait
4. Mine will say "I believe in us ." -Sharolyn
5. My engagement ring has "I will..." and the date of our engagement. Our wedding bands will say "I do..." With our wedding date. -Dana
6. "Forever," simple as that. -Sarah
7. Mine will say "to infinity" and his will say "and beyond" possibly the date as well. -Amanda
8. Ours say "Happily ever after 11-8-13″ -Holly
9. "Forever - Pinky Promise" bc we always pinky promise whenever we really mean something. -Lexi

Four Expert Tips On How To Set Your Wedding Budget

OK, so picking your wedding budget isn't the most glamorous part of planning. But you need to nail down your number before you can get to the good stuff. Here's how to make the process practically painless.


Have the money talk

Thirty-six percent of couples now foot the whole wedding bill themselves. That means the majority ask for some help—most likely from mom and dad. Ease the awkwardness by sitting down with each set of parents individually—you with yours, he with his—and asking what they can contribute. They may give you a figure, or they may opt to cover a certain part of the celebration (the catering, the dress, etc.).


Add it up

Your parents' contribution plus yours equals your total budget. Note: Do not include your credit card limits in the total. You don't want to start married life in debt.


Spend it wisely

Now that you have a figure, start thinking about your priorities. What do you want most out of your wedding? A jam-packed dance floor? Crazy-good food? Allot the bulk of your budget there, and find ways to save in other areas.


Consider every cost

"Most couples go over budget by at least thirty percent because they didn't account for everything up front," says wedding planner Annie Lee. Be sure to include the following hidden costs on your spreadsheet: dress alterations, tips, weather backup plans (tents, heaters), taxes, vendor meals, and even postage!

Your Wedding Dress: How Do You Know When You Have Found the 'One'?

Amsale Aberra

Bridal Designer, Amsale

 

 

Looking for the "one" can take time, so give yourself plenty of it, work backwards from your wedding date and plan your appointments. The search may seem endless at certain points, and if you let it, it may drive you crazy! Here are my tips on finding your dream dress while having fun.

Be honest with yourself. Spend time considering your personality and imagine how your wedding day will be. Ask yourself, "Is this me? Will I feel comfortable in this dress? Will it suit my venue?" Even though you are thinking it is just one day, it is a special day and the memories and photos are forever. It is important to see yourself in this moment and feel confident in your dress -- you will shine!

Define your style to the fullest. Before even stepping into a store, give yourself time to figure out what your true style really is. Is it glamorous? Modern? Romantic? Something entirely different? Let go of all inhibitions and be proud of who you are and what you feel comfortable in. You could start by pulling out your favorite dresses in your wardrobe to understand why they make you feel good -- Is it strapless? Sleeved? Or waisted shapes? Also consider the fabric -- Is it lace you love? Or embellishment? You should see similar shapes and details being repeated and you should find it easier to discuss with your bridal consultant.

Compliment your figure. Highlight the best part of your body -- again, be honest with yourself. We all have a great part; we do not need to have the perfect body. Emphasize your favorite feature, as identifying a dress that works for you and your body is key to finding the right dress. To highlight your slim frame you might choose a slinky beaded gown, or to show off your back go low and sexy. If you'd prefer to de-emphasize your arms, go for a sheer sleeved gown, or to minimize your tummy consider a ball gown. You can work around your personal likes and dislikes and it will build your confidence. When making all of these decisions, always take a friend or a family member, someone who clearly knows you inside and out as they can offer you support. They can help guide you, but remember ultimately this is your full decision, and you need to connect with the dress. Only you will know when this emotional connection has happened.

Make believe. When I am designing dresses, I like to take this thought into consideration: working with three distinct aesthetics, my Amsale, Kenneth Pool, and Christos collections, I imagine the bride and the setting -- I make believe I am there. For example, the Kenneth Pool bride is sexy and daring and very confident. The wedding might be elegant and lavish in an Italian villa. There are lots of people, it is black tie and the bride is always center of attention. When I think about the Amsale bride, she is the perfect balance between classic and modern. This blend is very important so the dress does not look dated. The Amsale wedding is timeless but perfectly polished in an understated cool tone. It is so important that this understanding reflects the way the gown looks and feels.


My advice is, understand your style. When the dress mirrors who you are, you feel confident. The right dress will speak to you. If you love it, wear it!

Coffee Talk with Jasmine Cameron

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10 Resolutions for the Newly Engaged

With the holiday season coming to a close and a New Year upon us, chances are high that some of you are reading this while sporting a brand new, snazzy ring on your finger! Over the past decade of working with to-be-weds, we've come up with these Bridal-lutions to help you get through the New Year as the future Mr. or Mrs.-So-and-So. Congratulations!


1. Resolve to not lose sight of the day after the wedding.
And I'm not talking about your post-wedding brunch! You are marrying the most amazing person. You are lucky to have each other. After the cake is cut, the gifts are packed, the the adorable favors taken home, you guys will have one another. So while the wedding is important, remember the next day is the real start of your new lives. If you keep that in mind, you'll inevitably have much more fun planning it all.


2. Resolve to be a gracious bride or groom.
Oh, these people will make you crazy at times. Bridesmaids will be selfish and guests will sometimes pull some crazy, wacky stuff ("What do you mean you want to bring your cousin and her three kids?") but, if you keep your head above the fray and remember to be gracious and thankful, your memories of your engagement will be much sweeter. No one likes a Bridezilla, not even herself! (Seriously, I can't tell you how many past bridezillas have called me months later to say, "I'm not really like that!")


3. Resolve to compromise (sometimes).
It's your day your way, but when arguments arise with mom or in-laws, sometimes its better (and easier) to stop, drop and roll. No, you don't want to hire a band that your mother-in-law loves, or wear a dress just because your mom picked it out, but would it kill you to have a menu card? Probably not. Would a monogrammed napkin totally ruin the aesthetic of your wedding? Not really. Don't sweat the totally small stuff, and you'll be able to put your foot down when it really matters.


4. Resolve to trust your team.
Do your due diligence before you hire a vendor (recommendations, ask around about them, look them up in magazines or online, check on insurance, etc.) and then stop doubting them. If you have hired a true professional, they will care about doing an amazing job almost as much as you do. Energy -- negative, draining energy -- is constantly wasted fretting over vendors who are already contracted. Remember, every vendor is a pro, but also a human, and negative questioning has never extracted top performance, in my experience.


5. Resolve to stick to your schedule.
I have to go to the gym five or six times a week to not act like a crazy rhymes-with-witch around the office. I know that about myself, so I have a schedule and I discipline myself to follow it. If you (or your planner) has set up a schedule for planning tasks and chores for your wedding, stick to it. It's easy to let work and life derail you, but the more you spread out the tasks of planning the wedding, the easier it is to not to be overwhelmed. Hire people in a timely manner, don't drag out the process and stay on top of thank you notes and your registry. Work is very important, but you must prioritize your wedding as well.


6. Resolve to see the big picture.
Read number 1 and 2, and combine. If you find yourself freaking out six months from now over a ribbon trim, stop, walk around the block, and ask yourself, "why?" Maybe it's not about the ribbon and you're annoyed that your fiance doesn't care about the details you care about. Maybe you're exhausted of making decisions. Maybe you need a little break. But remember, a ribbon is still a ribbon. It's one tiny element that helps make the picture of your day, a painting stroke in the masterpiece of your wedding. It will not ruin the image. Step back, see how great everything else is, and move forward.


7. Resolve to accept possible setbacks.
Don't take this as an omen, or as a "wait for shoe to drop," please ladies, but sometimes there are random setbacks. I've had a wedding that needed to be relocated eight weeks before the big day. Once, they put up a scaffold in front of a client's venue the day before the wedding without anyone (even the venue) knowing. A friend's maid of honor was put on bed rest, and she wasn't able to be at the wedding. They sound like horror stories, but ultimately, none of these things ruined anyone's wedding. Remember that, girls and boys. Sometimes life's complications sneak into wedding world. But they will not, and cannot, ruin your dream day!


8. Resolve to do what you can afford.
You aren't going to win any awards by having the world's largest wedding that you go into debt for. Assess what you can afford and commit yourself to having a reception that fits into that goal. Don't be afraid to rethink what the wedding needs to be: Maybe it's a breakfast or brunch instead of dinner, or dessert reception with dancing.


9. Resolve to celebrate who you guys both are.
This doesn't need to conflict with resolving to compromise, but listen, you only do this once. If you guys are quirky, don't be afraid to be quirky. If you are formal, be formal. Celebrate culture, celebrate faith, celebrate the things that made you love one another. If you are enjoying your party, so will your guests, so make it something you would love to attend. Resolve to have it be the kind of celebration that you guys would actually host. If you would never have a sit down formal dinner, no one is telling you that you have to. And if you would never have a low key cocktail party, well, consider cutting your guest list until you can have the kind of fabulous celebration you can swing.


10. Remember, personal is not generic, and inspiring doesn't mean replicating..
Somewhere, personalizing a wedding (making it seem reflective of your personalities and unique to the two of you) got confused with slapping a monogram on anything that was markable and replicating every cute idea seen around the blogosphere. Use blogs to inspire, but try, really try to make it personal. It will pay off. If you are doing a photo booth, what are props you could use say something about the two of you? Maybe a handle-bar mustache speaks volumes about the two of you, but maybe two hockey sticks might say even more.
Enjoy this special, magical time in your lives! Enjoy this wonderful year where you wave your ring finger around and get constant manicures! It's special and fun!

14 Ways To Be A Better Spouse In 2014

As 2013 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the past year and start thinking about how to be a better "you" in 2014. While many people are making New Year's resolutions to lose weight, get more sleep and save money, others are focusing on how they can improve the most important relationships in their lives.


We asked our readers to share their marriage-related New Year's resolutions for 2014. Below are 14 ways to be a better husband or wife in the new year.


1. "I am hoping to set aside one night a week with no social media and just be with him." - @cameronphotos

2. "Listen." - @OurWonderLust



3. "I want to be a better provider. I also want to be less negative and not such a Debbie Downer." - @matthamil

4. "We are going to spend 20 minutes of 'us' time every day after the kids are in bed." - @WordsmithJenn



5. "We will keep asking how we can make each other's day better." - @cschillig

6. "Enjoy the in-between moments just as much as the big ones." - @blulie



7. "More love notes and fewer to-do lists!" - @iteachcafe

8. "I resolve to encourage my husband in everything he touches in 2014." - @humminbirdmoth



9. "I want to cook cleaner and healthier meals for my husband and me." - @TinyPrincess_D

10. "My marriage resolution is to remember that we are on the same team! Work together -- not against each other!" - @PicAshGutierrez



11. "We will continue to say "You are awesome!" to each other every single day." - @ElamFoley

12. I'm marrying my best friend this year. My resolution is to make him the happiest husband ever." - @samyberg



13. "To have more patience and respect towards my husband." - @rnrvent

14. "I plan to be more present when I'm with my husband and enjoy who he is more." - @KarynBT

4 Ways to Be a Gracious Bride

Being a bride is a significantly special occasion in a woman's life. While the bride is traditionally the center of attention during the wedding, she should still remember to be gracious and consider the feelings of others during the planning process and even on her big day. These tips will help ensure a bride appears elegant, courteous, considerate and kind throughout the entire wedding process.


1. Remember to thank everyone.
During the engagement season, the bride (and groom) will be showered with gifts at every occasion including the engagement party, bridal shower and wedding. Shortly after each gift is received, be sure to send out a personalized, handwritten thank-you card. This will go a long way as a show of your appreciation to your gift-bearer for them thinking of you. Also, if someone doesn't present you with a wedding or bridal shower gift, you should understand that they are not obligated to do so, and should appreciate them showing their support by attending the event held in your honor.


2. Keep your bridesmaids in mind.
A bridesmaid's job is to support the bride and make the stress that comes with the wedding process easier for her. That said, the bride should also consider her bridesmaids feelings when making decisions. For starters, the bride should request from her maids their budget for a dress, shoes, hair, makeup etc. and plan accordingly. Also, the bride should be sure to obtain special personalized thank-you gifts for all her 'maids. Making your bridesmaids feel special and showing your thanks for their support will help ensure your friendship continues long after the wedding is over.


3. Remember that the groom's opinion matters.
We tend to consider the wedding day as the bride's day; however, the groom should also feel included and his opinions heard. Keep your fiancé in the loop with all major aspects of wedding planning and welcome his suggestions. Keep in mind that this is the most important day of your lives as a couple and the wedding should reflect both your personalities and interests.


4. Respect your elders.
Parents and grandparents play a tremendous role in your lives and should feel special and honored at your wedding. At the wedding ceremony, make sure they are given flowers and priority seating at the venue/church. Consider creating a special table at the reception just for them with a slightly different decor or even a special sign designating the table is reserved specially for them. Keep in mind, some of your close guests may have dietary restrictions so do your best to work out accommodations in advance.

Kaley Cuoco's Wedding Cake Hung Upside Down From A Chandelier (Yes, Seriously)

Big Bang" star Kaley Cuoco had one of the craziest wedding cakes we've ever seen. Why? Because it was hanging upside down all night, suspended from a crystal chandelier. You read that right -- upside down.


Cuoco posted the photo below on Instagram, with the caption "TY to #thebutterend for creating our magical chandelier cake. Literally hanging above us. EPIC", following her New Year's Eve fire-and-ice themed nuptials to Ryan Sweeting.





The six-tiered cake was made by The Butter End Cakery in Los Angeles. Owner Kimberly Bailey tells The Knot that creating the cake -- from planning to execution -- took about six weeks. As for how it stayed up, she said, "We had hung sandbags off the chandelier to make sure it would hold the weight of the cake. A center pull armature held the cake upright and board planks held the individual tiers."



Not only did the two-flavored cake look amazing, it was actually able to be cut while hanging upside down.


“If you look at the second to bottom tier, there’s a big hole in it,” Bailey told People. “That’s where she cut it. They cut it, they ate it.”


Cuoco isn't the first celeb to have an over-the-top cake. Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann's 2004 wedding featured a seven-foot tall, six-tiered cake topped with Swarovski crystals.

And in 2010, Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky reportedly spent $11,000 on a 500-pound, nine-tier cake, complete with 1,000 intricately designed sugar flowers.

We think Kaley's upside down confection still takes the cake (sorry, we had to!).

Elderly Couple's Themed Photo Shoot Will Convince You That Love Is The Best Adventure Of All

Sixty-one years ago, Dorothy and Donald Lutz's wedding photographer stood them up.

So this year, as a 61st anniversary gift, their grandson's wife -- wedding stylist and planner Lauren Wells -- set up what may be the world's most wonderful photo shoot.

The theme: Disney Pixar's "Up."

Photographs from the session, shot by Cambria Grace, are now popping up all over the internet.
Even though she's thrilled to star in a fancy photo shoot, Dorothy Lutz says she wasn't too crushed when her photographer bailed on her wedding day 61 years ago.

“I was more excited about being married to the one that I loved very much,” she told the Boston Globe. “That was the main thing.”

We think even grumpy ol' Mr. Fredricksen would be touched by this pair.
 

(Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)

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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)
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  (Cambria Grace Photography / Wild Folk Studio)

Custom florals by Wild Folk Studio.
H/T Style Me Pretty

 

 

Best Wedding Photos of 2013

Bridal Guide

Earlier this week, we asked our Facebook followers to take a look back at some of the amazing pictures we've featured as our Photo of the Day over the past year and cast their votes for 2013's Photo of the Year. Here, see the top 25 photos!


25. Because one photo of that first moment in your gown just isn’t enough:
Photo Credit: CINEMATICbyDavidM

24. Sunlight peeking through the trees adds such a magical element:

Photo Credit: Lightedpixels

23. Looking for a creative guest book idea? Set up a photo area, and provide a chalkboard and chalk for guests to leave you photographed messages:
Photo Credit: Jesse Holland Photography

22. Snap a photo of the bridesmaids showing how they met the bride:
Photo Credit: Katy Hall Photography

21. This beautiful bridal portrait is also a sweet and fun way to show off the ring:

Photo Credit: Heidi Elnora

20. We love the lighting in this incredible rainy wedding photo:
Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography

19. This might be the cutest ring photo we've ever seen:

Photo Credit: Jeff Cooke Photography

18. Simply beautiful! We love the romance in this autumn wedding photo.
Photo Credit: Sanya Khomenko

17. This wedding photo in the rain is so stunning:

Photo Credit: Unplugged Photography

16. We love the relaxed romance of this sweet wedding photo:
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Messina

15. Display a meaningful quote above your ceremony aisle:
Photo Credit: Amanda Patrice

14. Pure romance! We love the lighting in this stunning photo:
Photo Credit: Janis Ratnieks

13. We love the pure bliss on this groom’s face upon seeing his bride for the first time on the big day:

Photo Credit: Joe Elario Photography

12. This beautiful photo might just have you wishing for rain on your wedding day:

Photo Credit: Unplugged Photography

11. This bride's excitement makes us smile:
Photo Credit: Amy Arrington Photography

10. Who says your flower girls need to be under a certain age? These grandmas are having a blast:

Photo Credit: Genevieve Leiper

9. We love this beautiful shot through the church’s stained glass window:
Photo Credit: 4Eyes Photography

8. An incredible shot of an incredible dress:

Photo Credit: Rawsii Photography

7. We love the country-chic vibe in this beautiful photo:

Photo courtesy of Hummingbird Bridal and Events

6. We love this unique twist: The bride entered the ceremony by herself, then met her parents halfway down the aisle:
Photo Credit: Stephen Green Photography

5. Adorable must-have photo with your maid of honor and best man:
Photo Credit: Photography by Britton

4. Talk about a dramatic sendoff! We love this couple’s fiery exit:
Photo Credit: Nathan Desch Photography

3. We love this magical way to use sparklers in your wedding photos:
Photo Credit: Captivating Weddings

2. The sunlight adds such a lovely, serene feel to this sweet photo:
Photo Credit: Don't Say Cheese Photography

And 2013's Photo of the Year is...
1. Take advantage of the weather on your wedding day — whatever it may be!
Photo Credit: Still Frames Photography

Tell us: Which photo is your favorite?

What To Ask Your Florist Before You Book......

Photo: Gia Canali Photography


Choosing the right florist for you wedding might just be one of the most important planning decisions you'll make—the vendor who crafts your floral arrangements will effect the style and cost for your entire wedding. You'll be working together to outfit the ceremony decor, reception, and bridal party so you need to make sure you find someone you trust and, most importantly, like! Here, must-ask questions for when you're searching for the right floral genius.


How many weddings do you do in one weekend?
The answer will help you predict how hands-on your florist will be­—and whether you'll be competing with other brides for her attention. Don't book her if she typically does more than two events in a weekend.


Are you familiar with my reception venue?
It's handy if she has worked there before or has a sense of the space, its color scheme, and any logistical challenges that may arise. If she hasn't done a party at your site, ask her to schedule a visit there as soon as possible.


What containers do you have in stock?
Using centerpiece vessels she already has will cost a lot less money than if she has to purchase new specialty ones. Make sure she has enough options in her showroom that will complement your wedding.


How soon can I see a proposal?
She should send you an itemized breakdown of costs about two weeks after your first meeting. Study the fine print, and compare it with two other prospective florists' proposals, looking for points of difference and opportunities to negotiate.

2013 to 2014

What a year 2013 has been for The Camerons.....Graduations, Anniversaries, History, Family and Love. The journey continues into 2014 and I know that this is just the beginning of many blessings to come. Thanks to everyone for your laughs, tears, shoulders and love. We appreciate those who are in our lives. We look forward to achieving new goals and making 2014 a great year!

 

 

Peace and Blessings,

 

 

The Camerons!