Wedding Etiquette - What You Need To Know Before The Wedding

Weddings needn’t be the stiff, formal affairs they were in past decades. Any wedding, from formal to casual will benefit from following these simple guidelines that will provide the basis for good wedding planning.

The Planning Stage

• Choosing Bridesmaids and Groomsmen can be a daunting task. You don’t want to offend anyone and for this reason many brides end up with a wedding party much larger than they first anticipated. Choose your bridesmaids based on YOUR desires and who YOU are closest to.
• Once you are engaged it is proper for the parents to meet. Arrange a dinner party at a restaurant that has a wide array of food. You don’t need to make it the most expensive place nor the cheapest. Formal etiquette called for the parents of the groom to initiate this encounter. Nowadays, it really doesn’t matter who starts the arrangements. When parents are divorced, things get trickier. If all are amicable you may meet together but more often you may want to have separate meetings to make things more comfortable for everyone.
• Engagement announcements are typically sent to the local newspaper for both the bride and groom. Have a professional picture taken (black and white is best) to send with the announcement. Write a short informational bio on you two to print with the picture.
• Engagement party – Often times the family or friends of the couple will throw an engagement party. The party should be fun not stuffy. It is the first event to officially announce the wedding. Have some answers ready to give inquisitive guests. If you haven’t ironed out all the details yet (who HAS at this phase?) find some answers that will satisfy the curiosity of others. Knowing the basics – who, what, where, when and why will suffice in most situations.
• Register for Gifts – People will be buying you gifts for both your shower and for the wedding itself. You should register for gifts at several places. Always choose one less expensive option. If you have out-of-town friends and relatives choose at least one place that has multiple locations.
• Wedding shower. You will usually have one to several wedding showers where you will open gifts. A traditional shower may be for women only or may be combined as a couple’s event.