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I have one bridesmaid who is a large size, while my others are petite. What can I do about finding a dress that flatters all of them?
All of the dresses do not need to be the same style. If you choose to go this route, all of the dresses should be the same color (and possibly the same fabric). The hem lengths should also be the same. Another option is to have the dress custom made. Another is to order from a company that carries large sizes as well as regular sizes. In this instance, you may be able to find flattering dresses in the same fabric and color without the cost of custom made dresses. And, finally, you can let each bridesmaid choose her own dress. Give them guidelines on style, color, and hem lengths. The fabric will not be the same.
I am having a small wedding with only family. My Maid of Honor (my sister) would like to host a bridal shower for other friends. Is it rude to invite friends to the bridal shower who are not invited to the wedding?
Strict etiquette says otherwise, but most find this acceptable as long as the Maid of Honor explains the circumstances. This is often the case when a co-worker throws a shower.
May I include "Registered at…" cards with the bridal shower invitations?
It is acceptable to include these cards with the bridal shower invitations.
What do I do with my engagement ring during the ceremony?
Wear your engagement ring on your right hand, or have the Maid of Honor hold it for you until after the ceremony, and then slip it on, on top of your wedding band. The wedding ring should go on first, and be worn closest to your heart.
I have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. How should they walk for the processional and recessional?
You may want to consider having the groomsmen already in their ceremony positions, and the bridesmaids walk the processional alone. During the recessional, the wedding party can file out one by one, boy girl, boy girl, or each groomsmen can escort two bridesmaids or visa versa.
Neither of us belong to a church, where do we find an officiant?
Regional bridal magazines have many ads for officiants who will perform a ceremony for you. Some areas even have a toll free number to call for referrals.
How can I distinguish my Maid of Honor from the other bridesmaids?
The Maid of Honor can wear a floral wreath on her head, or have a slightly different bouquet than the other bridesmaids; for instance she may have flowing ribbon, or a special color of ribbon. Her dress style may differ as well. It is not necessary to distinguish her in any of these ways either. Typically she will be your "right hand" and stand closest to you during the ceremony, which is often enough distinction.
I have many bridesmaids and a small budget. Those bouquets can be pretty expensive. What can I do to cut costs?
Have each bridesmaid carry a single flower, perhaps a rose. Tie a bow with some beautiful ribbon, and have them carry this down the aisle.
May I include gift registry cards with the invitations?
No. It is acceptable to include these cards in your bridal shower invitations, so, many guests will already know where you are registered. Have your families spread the word regarding your choices for gift registries to other invitees.
We would really prefer money in lieu of gifts. Can we put this in the invitation?
Absolutely not. If you would prefer money, have your families be the ones to spread the word - but only if they are asked what you would prefer for a gift.
I don't see how we can fit all those pictures in between the ceremony and reception. What is another option?
Taking photos (even of the bride and groom) before the ceremony is increasing in popularity. If you choose to do this, have your photographer take you some place quiet and private when it is time for you and the groom to meet for the first time. This can still be a special moment for the two of you.
I am having a small ceremony. Is it O.K. to invite more people to the reception?
Many couples are choosing to exchange vows in front of close friends and family only, or even alone. Yes, it is O.K. to issue invitations to only the reception if you would like to invite more people to the "party."
All of the dresses do not need to be the same style. If you choose to go this route, all of the dresses should be the same color (and possibly the same fabric). The hem lengths should also be the same. Another option is to have the dress custom made. Another is to order from a company that carries large sizes as well as regular sizes. In this instance, you may be able to find flattering dresses in the same fabric and color without the cost of custom made dresses. And, finally, you can let each bridesmaid choose her own dress. Give them guidelines on style, color, and hem lengths. The fabric will not be the same.
I am having a small wedding with only family. My Maid of Honor (my sister) would like to host a bridal shower for other friends. Is it rude to invite friends to the bridal shower who are not invited to the wedding?
Strict etiquette says otherwise, but most find this acceptable as long as the Maid of Honor explains the circumstances. This is often the case when a co-worker throws a shower.
May I include "Registered at…" cards with the bridal shower invitations?
It is acceptable to include these cards with the bridal shower invitations.
What do I do with my engagement ring during the ceremony?
Wear your engagement ring on your right hand, or have the Maid of Honor hold it for you until after the ceremony, and then slip it on, on top of your wedding band. The wedding ring should go on first, and be worn closest to your heart.
I have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. How should they walk for the processional and recessional?
You may want to consider having the groomsmen already in their ceremony positions, and the bridesmaids walk the processional alone. During the recessional, the wedding party can file out one by one, boy girl, boy girl, or each groomsmen can escort two bridesmaids or visa versa.
Neither of us belong to a church, where do we find an officiant?
Regional bridal magazines have many ads for officiants who will perform a ceremony for you. Some areas even have a toll free number to call for referrals.
How can I distinguish my Maid of Honor from the other bridesmaids?
The Maid of Honor can wear a floral wreath on her head, or have a slightly different bouquet than the other bridesmaids; for instance she may have flowing ribbon, or a special color of ribbon. Her dress style may differ as well. It is not necessary to distinguish her in any of these ways either. Typically she will be your "right hand" and stand closest to you during the ceremony, which is often enough distinction.
I have many bridesmaids and a small budget. Those bouquets can be pretty expensive. What can I do to cut costs?
Have each bridesmaid carry a single flower, perhaps a rose. Tie a bow with some beautiful ribbon, and have them carry this down the aisle.
May I include gift registry cards with the invitations?
No. It is acceptable to include these cards in your bridal shower invitations, so, many guests will already know where you are registered. Have your families spread the word regarding your choices for gift registries to other invitees.
We would really prefer money in lieu of gifts. Can we put this in the invitation?
Absolutely not. If you would prefer money, have your families be the ones to spread the word - but only if they are asked what you would prefer for a gift.
I don't see how we can fit all those pictures in between the ceremony and reception. What is another option?
Taking photos (even of the bride and groom) before the ceremony is increasing in popularity. If you choose to do this, have your photographer take you some place quiet and private when it is time for you and the groom to meet for the first time. This can still be a special moment for the two of you.
I am having a small ceremony. Is it O.K. to invite more people to the reception?
Many couples are choosing to exchange vows in front of close friends and family only, or even alone. Yes, it is O.K. to issue invitations to only the reception if you would like to invite more people to the "party."
Questions & Answers
Planning a wedding can be fun, but overwhelming. Our bridal show is designed for you to visit with quality wedding professionals in a relaxed atmosphere taking stress out of your planning. At the bridal show, sample wedding cake and tasty food, see live hair and makeup demos, get money-saving specials for your wedding day too! Whether you’re planning a small intimate wedding or a large lavish affair, you’ll find wedding fashions, accessories and services to fit every taste and budget. At our wedding show, you and your fiancé can meet with some of Sacramento's most trust-worthy wedding professionals. Wedding cakes, caterers, bridal accessories, bridal gowns, bridesmaid fashions, wedding jewelry-including wedding bands and diamond rings, photographers, DJ’s, videographers, honeymoon and travel planners, tuxedo’s, bridal gift registries, favors, invitations and the list goes on. Wedding Planning has never been easier! You'll get new ideas, see live demonstrations and more; all to help take some of the stress out of your wedding planning.