Articles Index

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?

What is a Wedding?

A definition of a wedding, including the essential components of the wedding ceremony and reception.

10 Tips for the Perfect Outdoor Wedding

You've decided to have an outdoor wedding? Congratulations! Outdoor weddings are romantic and beautiful. However, they aren't as easy as they may look. Outdoor weddings come with additional caveats and pitfalls, but if you follow these tips, you'll be sure to shine on your wedding day.

Newly Engaged?

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

Engagement

Your engagement is a special period in your life of anticipation, celebration and love. Though it's easy just to think of your engagement as a countdown to your big day, you should realize that this is a special time that you'll (hopefully) never have again. Here's how to make your engagement something unique and wonderful.

Beach Wedding Planning Guide

A beach wedding can be a casual toes-in-the-sand party, or an elegant luxurious celebration. Take your cues from the many celebrities who've had a beach wedding, and plan the best event for you with this beach wedding planning guide!

Wedding Ceremony Details: Community Vows of Support

The community vow of "speak now or forever hold your peace" is a traditional part of many wedding ceremonies. But if you can, rather than asking this question in the negative, I suggest asking your guests to help sustain your marriage and love for one another, with a community vow of support.

2010 Wedding Trends

Everyone wants to know what the 2010 wedding trends are going to be. Will cupcakes still feel cute, or just like last year's news? And what's so trendy, it will feel strangely dated in just a short period of time. Here's what I and my readers think will be the 2010 wedding trends.

Picking the Perfect Wedding Date

Choosing a wedding date is a little bit like playing Tetris. There are lots of different considerations, and 365 (or more) days to choose from. Here are the major things you should think about when choosing a wedding date.

How Many Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

At what point does a wedding party get too large? You may think the more the merrier, but actually there are some important ramifications of a large wedding party that you should consider.

Should You Host a Day After Wedding Brunch?

What's the truth? Do you really need a Day After Wedding Brunch? Or is it just one more extra that the wedding industry wants you to spend money on? Here are tips on who should have a day-after brunch, and how to keep planning one from making you crazy!

Throwing a Great Bridal Shower

Throwing a bridal shower for the first time? You're probably full of questions. Luckily, we've got lots of answers. From who to invite, to where to have it, and what bridal shower games to play, here's all the basics of throwing a bridal shower.

Bridal Shower Themes and Ideas

Searching for bridal shower ideas? You might have already come up with a theme, but the secret to a great party is in the details. Here are some fun and unusual bridal shower ideas that I hope will inspire you! Ideas on decorations, invitations, food, gifts, and more.

Countdown to Wedding Day Beauty

Bridal beauty isn't frivolous! Feeling gorgeous on your wedding day is just as important as making sure you addressed the invitations correctly, or stuck to your wedding budget. While you're picking out those invitations and bridesmaids dresses, take some time to work on your beauty regimen. Making an investment for the few months before your wedding will pay off big on your wedding day. Here are the things you need to be doing now to be a beautiful bride.

A Cheap Bridal Shower Gift Idea

The best bridal shower gift I received was free. It's true - though my family and friends showered me with generous gifts, the best present was more rich with sentiment than expense. In these economic times, when everyone is trying to save money, the bridal shower gift is a good opportunity to give a meaningful but inexpensive present.

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.

Wedding Dates to Avoid

Most of the wedding articles you'll read will tell advice on the best wedding dates to have the best weather and the biggest discounts. What they don't tell you is what the WORST wedding dates are. Here are wedding dates you'll surely want to avoid when planning:

Men's Wedding Rings

If you're a man getting married soon, you're probably considering a wedding ring. Before you decide, here are some pros and cos of men's wedding rings.

The Victorian Wedding

If you've always loved the Victorian era and elegant old-fashioned style, why not have a Victorian wedding? Here are some great tips to get you started.

Most Outrageous Celebrity Weddings of 2004

Looking for the dirt on celebrity weddings? Look no further. Here are the Most Outrageous Celebrity Weddings of 2004, including the weddings of Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Nikki Hilton, Star Jones, Nicolas Cage, Billy Joel, and more.

The Casual Wedding

Tips on throwing a great casual wedding- what you should wear, where to have it, charming menu ideas and more.

Wedding RSVPs The Etiquette of Response Cards, and Response Card Wording

Wondering how to get guests to RSVP to your wedding? The common way to do so is to include a response card or reply card with your invitation. Here's advice as to what should a response card say, the etiquette of response cards, and other ways for guests to RSVP.

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.