How to Be a Gracious Bride

Why the blushing bride? Are her cheeks rosy from joy - or could it be the excess attention? Here are ways to minimize the attention and emerge shining as the model of modesty.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thank-you Greeting Cards
• Disposable Cameras

1. Admit your discomfort to yourself and to your betrothed, and figure out a plan together to handle your stress. Think of scenarios and how to deal with them. Communication here is key.

2. Let your family and friends know that you prefer to keep a low profile, and garner their support. You can even think of ways to include them in the ceremony and reception rituals.

3. Think joint celebrations: Have a couples' shower instead of an all-female one and share the limelight.

4. Make your guests feel included on the big day - give them each a flower or provide disposable cameras at the reception and have them leave the film behind for you to develop later.

5. Sit among your guests at the reception, rather than holding court onstage at the head table.

6. Ask the best man or maid of honor to include words of thanks to family and friends in his or her wedding toast.

7. Make your first dance a family or group affair.

8. Donate leftover food to needy organizations and extra flower arrangements to local hospitals.

9. Send out handwritten thank-you notes or cards to participants and guests as soon as time allows.

Tips & Warnings

• Be clear about your boundaries and avoid those embarrassing surprise parties, strip-o-grams and toastathons.

on 3/25/2006 I think one of the most important things to do is show your parents and the wedding party that you appreciate all of their hard work and efforts. Sometimes, to some people, everything they are helping with seems to go unnoticed.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of the officiant asking, "Who gives this woman in marriage?" have your clergyman ask "Who blesses this marriage?" or "Who rejoices in this union?" Everyone answers, "we do." It brings both families together.

on 11/22/2005 I never liked the fact that the couple gets married with their backs turned. So I'm reversing the positions. The offiant stands with his back to our guests and we get to share our moment with our family and friends.

on 11/22/2005 Have the groom - with or without his family - light a smaller-sized candle on the left. The bride - with or without her family - lights a smaller-sized candle on the right. From the flames of those two candles, you light the taller unity candle.