Wedding Etiquette

Picture this: A beautiful bride walks down the aisle. The bride and groom say their romantic vows with happy tears in their eyes. They say 'I do', kiss, and then, while standing at the altar... post to Facebook?

Here are a few of the most ridiculous gifts we've heard of: a giant ceramic rooster, a custom created ashtray (for a non-smoking couple), a birdbath (for the urbanites) and the best of all... a hand-knitted baby dress for the firstborn child (awkward).

So why would anybody choose to ambush their wedding planner instead of preparing her for the insanity that is their family for their wedding weekend?

You couldn't put a price on my dreams. And, while, those visions included all that he presented: the house, the kids and the financial security, the wedding was also on that list and weddings trump all, at least in little girl's and engaged young women's minds.

Brides know better than anyone that weddings can cost a fortune, but somehow we forget that we're not the only ones incurring charges just because we're getting married.

I don't like the idea that -- despite how the roles of women have changed -- a bride is assumed to fall in line with antiquated constraints on her wedding day. She might not be a virgin, but for the wedding she needs to appear chaste.

It's time for you to take back the one party that is truly all about you: your bachelorette party.

But what happens when the girls who have so enthusiastically spent your money for their wedding events suddenly don't want to spend the same money for you?

Wedding season is just around the corner. There are rules of decorum that go along with being a bride-to-be. Make sure you're a gracious bride and not a Bridezilla by following these guidelines.

My sister got the invite, and since she's not seeing anyone and I live a quick cab ride away from the venue, I'm coming along as her guest -- which made me think of some things I wish plus-ones didn't do at weddings.

However, with weddings costing an AVERAGE of $196 per guest, not every couple feels like doling out "and Guest" to each and every one of their single friends, and sometimes take great pains to avoid the extra mouths to feed.

At some point, the sheer size of your bridal party, especially at a destination wedding, dictates that you're going to need a trained lion tamer to deal with all of them once they get the rum punches going.

But seriously, why do guests want to wear white so badly? Just wear some other color. ANY other color.

While brides know that nothing is more "en vogue" than casual, nontraditional celebrations at all budgets and that wedding "rules" are now meant to be broken, this is still coming as news to many a mother out there.

It might be taboo to wear a white dress to a wedding if you're not the bride, but how about letting your 8-year-old daughter wear a tux? Best-selli...

It is traumatic to lose a loved one at any time, but when this happens close to your wedding day, it can be devastating and disorienting. There many ways to lovingly acknowledge your loss while maintaining the spirit of the occasion.

With all the details, many seem to overlook the important task (and etiquette) of tipping. Here's my no-fail guide on making those who put your wedding together as happy as the bride and groom.

Do you know how many months you have to send out those thank-you notes after your Big Day? What about the rules on where guests should send their too-...

In my experiences as a wedding celebrant, I often have brides who are concerned about being tearful. Although I have found that make up never seems to get very smudged by tears of love.

Etiquette evolves. But we should know the rules and understand their purpose before we discard them.

There's been a lot of talk this week about why Kim Kardashian split from her husband, Kris Humphries, after just 72 days of marriage. Some speculate t...

Should you be asked to make some remarks at a wedding, or are thinking of taking the mic up at your own wedding, here are five topics that should be avoided ... at any and all costs.

While there may be a trend toward more casual entertaining with open seating, especially if you are planning a buffet, I still encourage you to be the more thoughtful, gracious host and assign seating.