Wedding Etiquette

Wedding receptions are a large part of a wedding. Included in the reception are dancing, the speeches and food. Certain etiquette should be followed in regards to the menu depending on the time of day…

When it comes to your attire, wedding etiquette just isn’t what it used to be. Many brides no longer stick to the traditional guidelines and allow their guests a little more freedom. While black…

Calligraphy is a very skilled form of writing consisting of a stylized alphabet. It is frequently used to address wedding invitations and envelopes, as it lends a sense of refinement and attention to…

The reception portion of a wedding is the time where the celebration and festivities begin after a day of formalities. Though wedding receptions can vary, with some only offering wedding cake and…

Although wedding celebrations are a matter of personal style and choice, there are still a few general guidelines for etiquette and custom that most couples follow. Guests have come to expect these…

When serving dinner to a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, good manners and proper etiquette is essential. However, in addition to formal, traditional rules of dinner…

Brides planning their wedding budgets need to add in a very important--and sometimes costly--column on the ledger sheet: gratuities. Read all of your contracts carefully to find determine whether you…

There are many budget concerns during the wedding planning, and tipping may add unforeseen expenses to the wedding day. Wedding officiants often have fees they present to the bridal couple when…

Many couples are looking to incorporate customs and traditions into their wedding ceremony, as a way of making it both personal and unique. One such increasingly popular ritual in contemporary…

Rules of etiquette change over time. The rule regarding congratulating a bride or bride-to-be is one of these. Brides and grooms may both be offered congratulations in the 21st century, although in…

When guests arrive at your ceremony with gifts in hand, they're committing a minor etiquette faux pas. Lei Lydle, founder of "Wedding Basics," recommends that guests send their gifts before or after…

Your wedding day isn't just one of the most important days in your life; it's also a very special day in your parents' lives. Your parents have dreamed of your wedding day your entire life. They want…

Understanding proper place setting etiquette is simplified with a few basic rules and guidelines. According to etiquette scholar Mike Lininger, the formal place setting is rarely seen; the informal…

When a woman announces the happy news of her engagement, she is showered with well wishes and attention. For months to come, she is expected to tell her engagement story to friends and strangers…

Wedding gift-giving etiquette can get confusing and complicated. Although the traditionally strict lines of wedding etiquette are now somewhat blurred, a groom can still get lost in knowing what is he…

As many brides choose to plan weddings that are less traditional and more informal, there are host of ways any of the standard elements of the wedding can be planned. From holding the reception in a…

If you have the opportunity to say the blessing at a wedding reception, first take the time to plan your comments. Officiants, parents, relatives and friends most commonly get asked to speak during…

Weddings can include social situations not normally encountered in everyday life. Knowing the proper etiquette can help people navigate through tedious social situations with ease and poise. A bride…

Creating and sticking to a budget is an important key to planning a wedding. In the past, the burden of paying for the wedding was placed solely on the father of the bride. More recently, couples have…

Planning your wedding is one of those special times in your life. You want everything to look perfect and you want to look your best. If you're planning a courthouse wedding, you might wonder what the…

Your wedding engagement is likely to be one of the busiest, most exciting times of your life. You will encounter some unfamiliar etiquette territory during this time. One area which often causes…

Wedding prayers and blessings can come from just about any religion and culture. People can opt to have a reading at their wedding that originates from an entirely different religion and culture than…

Having a bartender at your wedding is a great way to provide your guests with drinks in an organized, classy and controlled fashion. How you tip the bartender at your wedding depends greatly on how…

When you have a complicated family tree, you must find a way to include everyone who's meaningful to you without stepping on anyone's toes. You want to include your stepmother in your wedding, but you…

Whether it's a high school reunion or charity fundraiser, a black tie gala is one party that encourages guests to dress their best for an elegant evening together. When planning one of these formal…

Few things are more exciting for a woman than receiving a marriage proposal from her true love. The prospect of sharing her life with you is probably something she's considered during the course of…

Lining up for a wedding may not seem important, but the devil is in the details. For the bride who needs to know who goes where and when, it is very important. The walk down the aisle goes predictably…

Postponing a wedding is never easy, either emotionally or physically. The closer you are to the official date, the harder it is; more people know about it, and vendors have already received monetary…

An aisle runner is like a red carpet for your wedding ceremony --- it leads from the back of the ceremony to the altar, creating a dynamic visual that divides the seating. While traditional wedding…

In 2009, there were more than 2 million weddings in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If any of them were at your church, then you might already know…

Galas are social events or gathering that are planned to mark a special occasion. The occasion can be anything from a gala to promote a product or service, to open a conference or convention or to…

An ex is called an ex for a reason. The two you are no longer together. However, if your ex is getting married you may feel an urge to send him a wedding present. While some people would say you are…

A wedding prayer can be performed at your wedding reception, whether you've had a religious or civil ceremony. The wedding prayer should suit your religious devotion and represent your beliefs and…

If you have been chosen to be the best man in Irish wedding, consider this to be one of the highest honors the groom could give you. Out of everyone he knows, you were chosen to be the one to stand by…

In some marriages, it is not only the lives of the husband and wife that change, but also the lives of the children they may already have. When two families are blended together into one, it is…

Greek weddings are lively occasions filled with tradition. For anyone attending such weddings, it is good to be prepared to offer a traditional gift. Not only will this be appreciated by the family,…

For generations all the way to the present, individuals chose wedding gifts based on the needs of the couple getting married as well as things they would be using to set up their household together.…

Planning a wedding involves taking care of the hundreds of details from the ceremony to the reception. One important detail is the music at the ceremony. Many couples hire a Scottish bagpipe player to…

If you are Scottish, or even if you just like the culture, you can incorporate many aspects of being a Scot into your wedding planning and the overall arrangement of your wedding. In Scottish…

When planning their weddings, many couples adopt a decorative or conceptual theme. Wedding themes help give the wedding plans a direction and make the event more cohesive. However, sometimes what may…

Rumors swirl when news travels of a postponed wedding. While the term provides a smokescreen for relationship troubles and imminent cancellation, couples postpone the wedding dates for illnesses and…

Planning a wedding can prove to be as simple or as complex as you wish. The list of requirements that you must meet before the wedding can, at times, seem endless. The couple has to choose the right…

The country of Scotland is part of the United Kingdom and occupies the northern third of Great Britain. Although it is known for its cold climate and harsh weather conditions, Scotland offers…

Gifts for the kitchen are traditional and often requested by the bride and groom, but not all kitchen gifts are the same. Knives have a long history of superstition that may not make them an…

You might be interested in having a Scottish wedding because either you or your beloved is of Scottish heritage, or you admire Scottish culture. You don't have to go all the way to Scotland to throw a…

The wedding day is the most important day in a couple's life. Couples carefully select the people with whom they want to share the special occasion. It is important to follow the rules of proper…

The Victorian era lasted from 1837 to 1901, during the reign of Queen Victoria in England. A good number of Western wedding traditions stem from that era. For example, Victoria was the first to wear a…

A best man is more than someone to stand by the groom; he's also in charge of helping make sure a wedding runs smoothly. From hosting the bachelor party to giving a toast at the reception, there are a…

Formal dining skills in children today are heavily lacking. Kids tend to just gorge down meals without appreciating the craft of proper manners. However, there are many etiquette classes for children…

You may attend dozens of wedding over your lifetime, and prior to each one, you'll have to figure out an appropriate gift to give the married couple. Wedding gifts can depend on what the couple has…

It is an accomplishment in itself to live for into your 80s, but to share 60 of those years with the same person is an achievement that must be celebrated. You have endured the good times and the bad…

Traditional Scottish wedding favors are a nice added touch to give your guests as a way for you to express your gratitude to them for helping to celebrate your special day. Giving favors is not…

Kitchen wedding gifts are useful to newlyweds who are about to set up home together. A wedding is an expensive affair, so little is often left when it comes to buying the latest gadgets to fill a new…

At some weddings, the bride and groom aren't the only ones whose lives will change after the ceremony. When the bride or groom (or both) already have children, the wedding is a celebration of joining…

Weddings have changed over the years, and so has the etiquette. The do's and don'ts for wedding guests and the bride and groom are not as rigid as they used to be. However, this is not an invitation…

An emcee serves as a representative of the hosts of the sweet 16 party to help greet the guests and keep the party moving. As the emcee you might have a variety of duties ranging from greeting guests…

Sending wedding gifts directly to the couple before the wedding is quickly becoming the norm in today's society. This prevents the need to have to worry about someone stealing gifts from the reception…

A black-tie gala can be a number of things. Whether it's a show, dinner or wedding, casual attire is not appropriate to wear at the event. Traditionally, men, women and children should be dressed up…

Preparing wedding invitations can be an exciting task, since it is yet another reminder of your special day. If you and your future spouse are of the Mormon or Latter Day Saints faith, chances are…

While purchasing an English wedding gift is much the same as any wedding present, certain traditions and superstitions need to be kept in mind. Observing these traditions will show the happy couple…

Many old ideas of what should and shouldn't be done for a second wedding are obsolete. It is commonly accepted that the bride can wear white. The number of guests is limited only by space and budget.…

A wedding program's purpose is to acknowledge the members of the wedding party and those participating in the ceremony. When there is a close relationship between the stepfamilies and the bride and…

Planning a wedding is stressful, but even more so when there are children from previous relationships involved. In addition to being a key part of the wedding party, you will want to take care to…

If you've been asked to emcee an anniversary party, you may be a bit nervous or even intimidated, especially if you don't have much experience as a master of ceremonies. However, if you prepare well,…

If you or your betrothed are of Scottish decent, or if you simply love Scottish culture, planning a wedding with a Scottish theme may be an ideal choice for your upcoming nuptials. There are a number…

Stepparent wedding etiquette guides them on how to behave and conduct themselves at the weddings of their stepchildren. According to St. Louis Healthy Families, a non-profit agency serving the St.…

Whether choosing a wedding gift from the bridal registry or picking a present on your own, consider the rules of wedding etiquette concerning price, when to give the gift and where to send it.

If you or your future spouse is of Irish descent, or you enjoy some of the traditions of the culture, there are a number of ways to incorporate Irish practices into your wedding ceremony and…

Planning a wedding is a huge task and there is a generally acknowledged standard of wedding etiquette that applies to everything from the flowers to stationery and invitations. While your wedding is…

A wedding day is a special time in the eyes of the couple. Family and friends might consider it a special day, too. Oftentimes, couples work out every detail to create the perfect day. One part of…

In addition to selecting just the right gift for the newlyweds, wedding guests also have the extra added pressure of choosing an outfit to wear for the ceremony. Here's a quick guide to help you pick…

Scottish wedding history goes back as early as the 13th century. While many traditions have remained part of medieval history, many have carried over into modern day. Prewedding festivities,…

If you're planning to have a wedding blessing in order to further confirm your commitment, it's best to keep a few rules of etiquette in mind. Being aware of the courtesies that are…

Etiquette expert, Emily Post, said “The good guest is almost invisible, enjoying him or herself, communing with fellow guests, and, most of all, enjoying the generous hospitality of the…

Modern weddings can be expensive affairs. They typically include at least one bridal shower, a rehearsal dinner, the actual wedding, wedding reception and honeymoon. When you add up the costs for…

From compiling guest lists to writing thank-you notes, planning weddings are great tests of etiquette savvy. Some of the trickiest questions arise when it comes to properly writing names on…

The choice of whether to invite babies to a wedding or to include them in a bridal party depends on each individual situation. Wedding etiquette does not dictate when children should be included, just…

Indian weddings offer guests a riot of color and celebration, packed with people, food and a wealth of traditions. Steeped in cultural and religious importance, Indian weddings contain much symbolic…

"Something borrowed, something blue" will guide a bride through her decisions about what to wear to her wedding, and "outside in" will help her decide which fork or spoon to use for each course of the…

There are dozens of personal decisions to be made when planning a wedding, and some of them can be extremely stressful. The wedding tasting to choose a caterer and menu can be one of the most fun and…

Photography is an important part of your wedding, as it serves as a lasting memory of your special day. Most couples hire a photographer---or team of photographers---to capture every moment of their…

Wedding buttonholes are designed to hold a small flower for the groom and his groomsmen. The boutonniere will coordinate with or complement the colors and types of wedding flowers. Buttonholes are a…

Most brides-to-be are concerned about wedding etiquette. From who pays for what to the duties of the bridal party to wedding labels. When purchasing or making your own labels, whether it's to address…

The Master of Ceremonies' main function is to ensure the orderly flow of events at the wedding reception. It is your duty as an MC to be an unobtrusive organizer, from the time before the first guest…

Same-sex weddings generally observe the same guidelines and etiquette as heterosexual ceremonies. Like traditional brides and grooms, a lesbian or gay couple might choose to customize their event and…

An evening wedding starts at five in the afternoon or later and typically requires semi-formal to formal attire. Receptions are elegantly extravagant, with larger guest lists and wedding parties to…

A wedding ceremony and reception are a time for the bride and groom to invite their closest friends and family members to celebrate with them and honor their commitment to each other. Often, unmarried…

You have received an invitation from the happy couple and now you are wondering what you can and cannot wear to the nuptials. While there is no clear-cut answer that covers all scenarios, reading the…

The etiquette of wedding attire can be tricky; because weddings can range from elegant evening events to laid-back morning brunches, it can be difficult to decode invitation language and determine…

Most will agree that weddings provide occasion to celebrate, rejoice and embrace the union of two individuals who ultimately join two families the moment they say "I do." However, it remains a matter…

Your most important role as father of the bride is to make sure your daughter and your wife are happy with the wedding, from the preparations to the day itself. Make them feel special by asking how…

Regardless of your response, replying promptly to a wedding invitation is important because the bride and groom have to give a headcount to their caterer and other vendors. Typically, your wedding…

Following their wedding ceremony, the bride and groom look toward the reception to round out their perfect day. Typically, the bride and groom will ask a family member or close friend to serve as the…

When you are planning a luxurious wedding, it is imperative that you strive for the highest degree of etiquette in every aspect of this important occasion. No expense should be spared and every…

Big wedding receptions usually require place cards to help guests find their assigned seats. Design your place cards to match your wedding stationery (invitation, program cards, dinner menu, escort…

Your wedding day is your chance to shine. It is your day to spend with the people you love, doing things that you love. When planning the wedding day menu, most couples want their food to match either…

Being invited to share a wedding day with those you care about is one of the kindest gestures you can receive. Included in your invitation will be the bride and groom's names, the date, time and…

Wax seals are a beautiful and elegant way to add flair to your wedding correspondence. Invitations, thank-you cards and postcards are given an air of formality when graced with a seal.…

A semi formal wedding is usually more relaxed than its formal counterpart. Decors are simpler, attire is less constricting, and food is less extravagant. Usually comprised of 100 people or less, they…

Children often take part in weddings, serving as the ring bearer or flower girl. However, couples might not know how to handle children at their weddings beyond these basic roles. From how you extend…

A wedding luncheon, also known as a bridesmaids' luncheon, is an optional part of a wedding. A wedding luncheon gives the bride an opportunity to hand out gifts to the bridal party and thank the…

There are so many little details to wedding planning and etiquette that it's easy to overlook something small like a guest book. While this isn't an essential element to your wedding, it's one that…

A big part of wedding planning is trying to fit your own tastes as a couple into the cultural norms and traditional customs of getting married. Typically, wedding greetings, be they announcements or…

The ring ceremony is a traditional part of many weddings. Here, the bride and groom exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment to each other. While the tradition behind the ring ceremony varies…

Coordinating a wedding and incorporating divorced families create a difficult situation for the bride and groom. Correct etiquette for a couple to deal with their divorced families helps lessen the…

A wedding reception can be a memory-producing celebration, serving as a foundation to a couple's long life as husband and wife. However, some of those memories can be soured by the behavior of…

When planning a wedding, there are so many decisions to be made. From the location to the food to the floral arrangements, it can all seem overwhelming. Then, once you rent and secure all of the…

A wedding reception is a celebration, and many couples feel that their guests will not be able to relax and enjoy themselves without a full bar. However, an open bar for your guests during your…

Wedding registries allow the bridal couple to tell guests what items they need to start a life together. Bridal couples may be unsure about where to register, when to register, and how many items to…

Weddings are joyous occasions that require preparation that entails a significant amount of attention to detail and etiquette. Brides can be surprised at the extensive rules that are part of wedding…

A Greek wedding is an exciting event that is steeped in a combination of traditions encompassed in ancient Greek culture and the influences of the Greek Orthodox Church. In particular, a Greek wedding…

Your wedding is the perfect time for you to sheath your hands in a pair of attractive and elegant wedding gloves. Bridal gloves not only give you the right amount of charm, grace and elegance but they…

If you've been asked to be the matron of honor at a loved one's wedding, it's important to be aware of your duties and to practice proper etiquette to ensure that the bride's big day goes as smoothly…

The signature of the 60th wedding anniversary is the diamond, which began with the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria celebrating her 60th anniversary of the throne. Celebrate this special occasion…

As far as traditional wedding etiquette goes, addresses for your wedding invitations should be written out by hand. Since weddings are intimate affairs, addressing envelopes by hand helps to establish…

Anxious brides and grooms often worry not about their own mess-ups on wedding day but what their families and friends might do to embarrass them. Or for those with more tempered families and guests,…

Planning a wedding is an exciting time for the bride and groom. A well-executed wedding requires attention to detail and advanced planning. Understanding traditions and etiquette will help the couple…

If you are planning a wedding or taking part in one in the near future, consider the proper etiquette and your role in making the event as special as possible. Wedding etiquette is not just about when…

A bride and groom want to plan a wedding that is distinctly theirs, and rules of etiquette can help accomplish this while clarifying the process. The bride or groom's role in a traditional wedding may…

The question has been popped, the excitement is in the air and now the planning must begin. For your wedding reception, there are a million things you will have to worry about, but the first thing you…

When attending a wedding in England it is important to be aware of the local traditions and etiquette. While many elements of an English wedding are the same, or similar, to the elements of an…

Aside from the bride and groom, perhaps the next most important person at a wedding is the pastor who is officiating at the ceremony. Yet, the pastor may pose one of the biggest wedding etiquette…

A wedding tea, also called a bridal tea, is a time for the bride to gather with her closest companions before her wedding. Bridal teas can take the place of a bridal shower or they can be their own…

As one of the oldest female relatives, a grandmother plays an important and special role on her grandchild's wedding day, whether she is the grandmother of the bride or groom. To ensure respect for…

A wedding is an emotional time, and if you're trying to figure out how to accommodate parents who have divorced, step-parents, stepchildren and/or your own exes, it can be a logistical nightmare.…

Wedding etiquette is complicated enough during the most traditional of circumstances. Add parents who are exes, stepparents and battling checkbooks, and this special occasion can soon become a recipe…

Planning the wedding reception means doing your best to make sure all your guests have a great time. This also means following a few rules of etiquette in the wording on your place cards so your…

In the midst of wedding planning, a couple is likely to receive engagement and wedding gifts. Most stores make it easy to set up a wedding registry, but there are some etiquette guidelines to keep in…

There is special etiquette when it comes to weddings, especially regarding the bride and groom's families. The families and the couple should try to fulfill the role set for them and show good…

It seems that so many expenses exist when paying for a wedding. Not only must the bride and groom pay for the caterer, the florist, the photographer, for the church and for the minister, there's a…

Consider the proper etiquette and safety concerns involved with open flames before choosing to include candles in a wedding ceremony or celebration. Choose safety over ambiance to guarantee a safe…

Receiving an invitation to a wedding can present all sorts of questions about what's appropriate and what's not, particularly when it comes to wedding guest etiquette. Many people know the basics of…

In wedding planning, traditional etiquette has been altered by modern lifestyles. Though certain expectations should be honored, modern wedding etiquette allows a couple to strike a balance between…

When you are the child of divorced parents and one or both of them has remarried, you can face some complications on your wedding day. Couples should try to incorporate their step-parents into their…

British wedding etiquette is very similar to American wedding etiquette. There are some long-lasting etiquette rules that are starting to change and adapt to the modern world.

Quaker weddings are usually affairs with a small guest list. Therefore, when it is time to attend one, most people do not know the proper etiquette for a Quaker wedding. Here are a few tips on what to…

A wedding is a special time full of emotions--and a lot of questions. Brides have many questions about what is appropriate, and invited guests have questions, too. What to wear is always a big…

Dancing is the main feature of wedding receptions. From the first dance between the bride and groom to the less choreographed moves of guests, dancing is a large portion of many celebrations. As with…

If you have to postpone your wedding, it's usually due to a death or illness in the family or a national disaster such as a flood in the area of the wedding.

Giving and receiving wedding gifts has a variety of etiquette suggestions. The dos and the don'ts of wedding presents usually are formed through long-held traditions. Though there are no…

When planning a wedding, it helps to know who is going to pay for which expenses. While traditionally most of the burden has fallen to the bride's family, responsibility has shifted and is often…

A wedding is a beautiful event that celebrates the joining of two lives into one. That being said, weddings can also be very stressful, especially when figuring out a budget and who pays for what.

For a couple in love, their wedding is one of the most cherished days of their lives. Though a wedding is supposed to be a joyful occasion, it can become bitter quickly if proper wedding etiquette is…

Wedding etiquette plays an important role in second and especially third marriages. Following proper etiquette ensures the bride, groom, their families and friends can celebrate the union of the…

Weddings and the planning that goes into them can be very stressful. The proper procedures for how weddings are supposed to be aren't always made clear. From the issues of who pays, to the…

According to The Knot, tradition wedding etiquette rules have loosened up. The order of the wedding procession can differ according to the preferences of the bride and groom. While many variations…

There is a reason a wedding is called "the big day"--because it is! From invitations to guest lists to registries it's tough to keep everything straight, no matter who you are. With that being said,…

Getting married for the second time is certainly a joyous occasion, but it has its own set of etiquette rules. Whether you've been widowed or divorced, there are a few things you should consider when…

According to Martha Stewart Weddings, because a wedding program is not a requirement, it doesn't have to adhere to strict etiquette rules. This allows the couple to be creative, express themselves and…

When planning a wedding, including the ceremony and the reception, the scenario becomes a bit more complicated when either the bride or groom's father has remarried, bringing a stepmother into the…

Children can sometimes create noisy distractions at weddings. They often don't care for the food at receptions, yet because they require seats, the bride and groom must pay for their meals. There are…

A bachelor party, a toast, the rings--as the groom's closest friend--a best man has several duties and responsibilities. From helping pick out the tuxedos to even driving the couple to the hotel or…

Everyone knows that wedding customs vary around the world. Weddings in France can be culture shock if you're not forewarned, so keep in mind some information about traditions you'll probably…

Informal weddings should follow certain etiquette just as formal weddings do. Usually there aren't so many "rules" to abide by and the atmosphere is more relaxed, but respectful and polite etiquette…

Many couples are opting for more casual weddings, without all the pageantry and formality. Even casual weddings, however, should follow the rules of etiquette or good manners. The great benefit of a…

On the wedding day, couples and their bridal party must adhere to etiquette for the day to be a success. This includes proper planning, longtime traditions and good manners.

Attending a wedding isn't as simple as showing up and having a good time. There are several things you need to know when you attend a wedding. Wedding guests have responsibilities when it comes to…