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Wedding Planning During the Recession: What Happens if You Get Laid Off?

Let's face it. The economy sucks. And for those who are planning an important -- and expensive -- event like a wedding, it especially sucks. Worries over getting laid off, or how to pay for the wedding when you're unemployed can prevent you from the joy of planning the wedding of your dreams. But does that mean you should postpone or cancel the wedding? Here are my tips on how to deal with wedding planning during the recession, and when it might be time to postpone or cancel the wedding.

Who's in a Wedding Party

Your wedding party (also known as the bridal party) includes not only the people who you'll count on to help you with planning, but also are the ones you want by your side when you walk down the aisle and say your vows. Here's a guide to who's who in the wedding party.

Thanking the Wedding Party

Thanking your wedding party is one of those all important, yet slightly tricky tasks. Here's all the ways you should be sure to say thanks to your wedding party

The Maid of Honor

What's so special about a maid of honor? A lot of people think she's just the bossiest bridesmaid, or perhaps the person most likely to go home with a groomsman. But she actually does have some special duties, as well as some special benefits. Here's the role of a maid of honor explained.

Your Flower Girl

Having a flower girl is a nice way of honoring a young girl in your life and making her a part of your big day. And of course, her cuteness will make your guests smile. Here are tips and advice on choosing a flower girl, preparing her for her role, and finding the precious dress that she'll wear.

The Role of Ushers

Ushers are those oh-so-helpful members of a wedding party - but what exactly do they do? Find out, along with answers to questions like "How many ushers do you need" and "Who should be an usher?"

The Role of the Mother of the Groom

There's a traditional saying about what the mother of the groom is supposed to do – Show Up, Shut Up and Wear Beige. But is that still true in this day and age? Here's a guide to the duties of the mother of the groom, along with ideas on what to wear.

Acknowledging the Death of a Parent at Your Wedding

A wedding is a joyous occasion, but when you have a deceased parent or family member, it can be difficult to know how to remember them in a way that won't change the tone of the day. Here are 6 interesting ideas on remembering a parent at the wedding.

2010 and 2011 Wedding Trends

Here's what's hot and popular for 2010 and 2011 wedding trends

Wedding Music that Will Get Your Guests Dancing

Wedding music is perhaps the most important element of making your guests go home saying, "Man, that was a fun wedding." If you want to ensure that your guests are dancing and having fun all night long, here are my tips for great wedding music.

Wedding Makeup for Beginners

For those of you who prefer the natural look, wedding makeup might be something you're dreading. Here's how to find out if you need wedding makeup, and tips on how to begin.

Do You Need a Wedding Planner?

An easy checklist to find out if you need to hire a wedding planner.

What Do Wedding Planners Do?

Wedding planners can make your job as a bride or groom a whole lot easier, as long as you know what you're looking for! Before you hire wedding planners, read about their duties and things to watch out for.

How Much Do Wedding Planners Cost?

Wedding planners can be invaluable vendors for the busy bride and groom, but many worry that they are expensive and unaffordable. The truth is that the cost of wedding planners vary widely, and most couples can afford to hire someone to help them with at least a portion of their big event.

Destination Weddings in Barcelona: Getting Married Mediterranean-style

Considering a destination wedding? Don't just limit yourself to Caribbean countries; a European destination wedding can be magical and fun. Barcelona in particular is becoming increasingly popular among couples who are looking to celebrate their wedding in an original and distinctive way. The city, located on north-eastern Spain's Mediterranean coast, has a year-round sunny climate providing an excellent setting for the bride, groom and guests to enjoy their event to the full.

Reader's Marriage Proposal Story: A Surprise Trip Yields an Even Bigger Surprise

Part 4 of our series of real reader's stories of true marriage proposals. They're not only a great source for inspiration, comfort, and ideas for those planning on popping the question soon, but they're also a romantic fun read.

Wedding Invitation Wording

Once upon a time, there wasn't much variation in wedding invitations. Since the bride's parents were paying for everything, wedding invitations always read that they requested the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter. These days, with divorce, blended families, untraditional families, and any and all of the above helping to pay for it, invitations have gotten complicated! Here are some common situations, and the appropriate wording for each.[br]

Chosing Your Wedding Venue

When looking at wedding venues, it can be easy to get swept up in a breathtaking view without considering all of the potential complications of a particular site. Before you sign that contract, ask these questions.

Inexpensive Wedding Locations

Ideas of wedding locations that will be cheaper than country clubs and hotels.

Create a Wedding Website

If you don't already have a wedding website, you should! They're an easy (and often free) way to communicate with your guests and provide directions, maps, hotel reservations and other planning information in a central place. Here's how to create a wedding website, which are the best companies to use, and what your site should include

Announcing Your Engagement

Looking to announce your engagement but not sure where to start? Here's the steps you should take, the etiquette on whom to tell first, samples of engagement announcement wording, and advice on where to announce your engagement.

The First 10 Steps for Wedding Planning

Newly engaged? Congratulations! Get started with wedding planning with these first ten essential steps.

Wedding Receptions - The Do Not Play List

A good "Do Not Play" list will stop your wedding from turning into an ironic joke or a slimy cheesefest. Make sure your DJ or band steers away from the worst wedding songs by reading my personal "Do Not Play List."

Top 5 Michael Jackson Wedding Songs

Michael Jackson's untimely death has the sad silver lining of reminding all of us of how talented he was, and how his music made us feel good. And since a wedding is a time to feel good, it makes sense to play some MJ! He might be best known for Thriller or Beat It, but there are in fact Michael Jackson wedding songs about love and happiness. Here are my top 5 Michael Jackson wedding songs.

The Difference Between a Wedding, a Marriage, and Legal Marriage

Is a wedding the same thing as a marriage? Should gays and lesbians denied legal marriage not have weddings?

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