Sentimental Wedding Tips

Spend a day making a time capsule. Each of you can write a letter containing your thoughts, dreams and hopes for your new life together. Put the two letters in a box and seal it. You can then open the box on a set date, maybe your 25th wedding anniversary.

Make a special wedding gift for your partner. For example, you could laminate a box with photographs or keepsakes, such as ticket stubs, from your courtship together.

On your wedding day, dab your, and your partner’s, handkerchiefs with your favorite fragrances, for a reminder of each other.

Write your own vows. Couples often find that their own words can be more meaningful than traditional vows and can give their ceremony a feeling of intimacy.

Arrange for a family member or close friend to make a video consisting of photos of you and the groom since you first met. Show the video to your guests while you are having your photos taken.

Have two special champagne flutes personalized for your reception. You can then use them on special occasions at home.

While you are on your honeymoon, write a postcard to your partner and mail it for a special surprise when he gets home.

Sentimental Ways to Honor Your Parents at Your Wedding

1. Walk down the aisle (the recessional) to the same song as your mother did.

2. Give a rose to your mother and groom’s mother as you walk down the aisle.

3. Prior to the ceremony, place a personalized handkerchief and a rose at both mothers' seats. The handkerchief will be a wonderful keepsake and remembrance.

4. Have your mother’s bridal bouquet duplicated. Find some pictures of her wedding and give them to your florist.

5. Instead of doing a "bouquet toss", dedicate your bouquet to your mother.

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Invitation wording for divorced parents

Your mother’s name goes first, followed by your father’s name. Do not connect the names with an "AND".

If your father hasn’t been in your life since you were a baby, it is acceptable to put just your mother’s name or the names of your mother and stepfather on the invitations.

Every family is unique, and there may be a host of other issues you are worrying about. Just remember that communication is a key. Keep both of your parents informed as to what you are thinking about and ask for input from both of them. Don’t compare one parent to another as this will only increase the tension for your big day.

If you are in a very complicated situation, you might want to consider asking your Officiant, wedding coordinator or counselor for advice.

Wedding Budgeting when Parents are Divorced

How do you sort out wedding budgets when parents are divorced? Below are a few ideas that will ease tension and are socially acceptable.

Creating a Budget - Consider opening up a checking account for the sole purpose of wedding expenses. If both of your divorced parents are contributing to the wedding, discuss with them (together or separately, depending on the situation) and find out how much they can contribute. Ask both parents to write you a check for a lump sum and put it in your account. Take out the money as needed. That way you do not have to run after the money every time you make a wedding decision.

Another option is to write out a detailed list of all the expenses you plan to encounter. Go down the list, and assign each expense to a parent. Make a copy for each parent so they know what exactly you are expecting them to pay for.

Seating - If your parents aren’t on speaking terms, or if one of them has a girlfriend or spouse that your other parent is uncomfortable around, be sensitive and seat them apart.

Etiquette holds that in the ceremony, your mother and stepfather sit in the first row and your father and stepmother are seated in the second row.

If everyone gets along -- they can be seated together at the ceremony.

For the reception, it's usually best to seat them at different tables.

Getting married for the second time?

Getting married for the second time? Or maybe you're marrying someone who has already been married before? Here are a few tips...

Don't Ask - Don’t ask about the details of his first wedding… and if you were married before - don’t bring up what you did at your first wedding. Just concentrate on planning the wedding the way you want it to be.

What to Wear? - No matter whether it is your first, second or third wedding… the focal point is still the wedding dress. Many second-time brides choose a simpler, more elegant or sophisticated wedding dress. Many second time brides will choose a floor length or cocktail length dress in white, off-white or a pretty pastel. Many choose a dress that they may wear again, such as a cocktail length dress or a dressy, feminine looking suit.

When it comes to bridesmaids, many second time brides choose to have a smaller wedding party with again, simpler style of bridesmaids dresses.

Children in Weddings - If you or your fiancé have children from previous marriages, include them as much as possible in your wedding plans!

Should I Register for Gifts? - YES! You may feel uncomfortable that friends and family gave you gifts at your previous wedding. There is no getting around that! People will want to give you a gift for your wedding. By registering, you help yourself by getting gifts that you want and you also help your guests in choosing gifts for you too.

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10 Reasons to Consider a Wedding Website

1. You’re either planning a wedding at the last minute or years in advance.
2. The wedding invitations, reply cards and envelopes, and reception cards barely fit into their envelopes.
3. Some f your family and friends are clueless.
4. Half of the people in your wedding don’t know each other.
5. Information on paper has a way of disappearing.
6. You and your fiancé come from different cultural backgrounds.
7. Most of your family members live out-of-state, cross-country, or internationally.
8. Everyone wants to join you on your honeymoon.
9. Because it’s fun!
10. A way to get Bride and Groom involved in a fun project.

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Advice for the Bride and Groom

Tips for selecting a wedding gown
Tips on bridal gown styles
Groom’s Formal Wear
Obtaining your Marriage License
Marriage Laws
After the Wedding, Name and Address Changes
New name comes with the ring
The Art of Wedding Hair
Hair Tips: Long, Medium, and Short Hair
Tips for Getting Your Hair Done at the Salon
Getting Along
Getting Rid of Pre-Ceremony Stress
The Night Before Your Wedding
Honeymoon Tips
Storing your wedding gown
Caring for your diamond ring

Tips on bridal gown styles

Different gown styles can help create a shorter, taller, heavier, or thinner look. Here are some tips:

A short, heavy figure: To look taller and slimmer, avoid knit fabrics. Use the princess or A-line style. Chiffon is the best fabric choice because it produces a floating effect and camouflages weight.

A short, thin figure: A shirtwaist or natural waist style with bouffant skirt will produce a taller, more rounded figure. Chiffon, velvet, lace and Schiffli net are probably the best fabric choices.

A tall, heavy figure: Princess or A-line are the best styles for slimming the figure; satin, chiffon and lace fabrics are recommended.

A tall, thin figure: Tiers or flounces will help reduce the impression of height. A shirtwaist or natural waist style with a full skirt are ideal choices. Satin and lace are the best fabrics.

Tips for selecting a wedding gown

Here's some guidelines to help you select the most appropriate gown for your wedding:

Informal wedding:
Street-length gown or suitCorsage or small bouquetNo veil or train

Semi-formal wedding:
Floor-length gown; Chapel train; Finger-tip veil; Small bouquet

Formal daytime wedding:
Floor-length gown;Chapel or sweep train; Fingertip veil or hat; Gloves; Medium-sized bouquet

Formal evening wedding:
Same as formal daytime except longer veil

Very formal wedding:
Floor-length gown; Cathedral train; Full-length veil; Elaborate headpiece; Long sleeves or long arm-covering gloves; Cascading bouquet