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Articles by Jaimie MackeyPublished
20 Creative Wedding Transportation Ideas for You and Your Guests
Looking for fun wedding transportation ideas for your big day? The logistics of getting to and from your wedding venue (and in some cases, a separate reception site, as well) are something everyone will have to figure out. It might be easiest to assume everyone will just drive themselves, but in many situations, that may not be the best (or safest!) plan. Which is why it's a very smart and thoughtful idea to make room in your wedding budget for transportation for yourself and your guests.
What’s the Deal with Dye Lots For Bridesmaid Dresses?
If you’ve ever been a bridesmaid and shopped for a bridesmaid dress at a salon, you’ve heard chatter about dye lots - and what you’ve heard has probably varied a lot. Some salons insist it’s the only way to ensure those colored frocks match perfectly. Some brides care and will insist that their bridesmaids all order their dresses at the same time and through the same salon.
9 Reasons to Hire a Travel Agent for Your Honeymoon
You and your S.O. may have traveled together in the past, but your honeymoon isn’t just any trip. It’s most likely longer, more exotic, and more expensive than your previous vacations, meaning it deserves just as much careful attention as your wedding day.
How Post-Wedding Plans Can Impact Your Wedding Budget
These days, more and more couples are contributing their own money to their wedding (if not covering it entirely on their own), so it’s more important than ever to consider your post-wedding plans just as carefully as you’re considering your wedding budget. After all, that age-old “First comes love…” rhyme doesn’t end with marriage.
The Ultimate NYC City Hall Wedding: 12 Tips to Pull It Off
Whether it's because crave an intimate ceremony or simply can't wait any longer to say "I do," there is something incredibly romantic and chic about having an NYC City Hall wedding. Not all couples dream of a huge wedding with hundreds of guests and a massive production. Some prefer something a little more private, with just a few friends and family members in attendance — or even an elopement for two. Here, discover 12 expert tips for pulling off the ultimate New York City Hall wedding! 1.
Little People, Big World's Jeremy Roloff and Audrey Botti's Wedding Photos Revealed
Last week, Little People, Big World star Jeremy Roloff wed Audrey Mirabella Botti on his family's farm in Hillsboro, Oregon, and we've got the exclusive photos of their outdoor celebration! Six months after Jeremy popped the question to his girlfriend of three years with a custom-designed engagement ring, the pair made it official, walking down the aisle on September 20th, 2014 at Roloff Farms and celebrating with nearly 300 guests.
A Foodie Couple's North Carolina Wedding
In the fall of 2011, Lauren DiMartino was in her first year of pharmacy school at the University of North Carolina, and had fallen into a study routine with her best friend that included afternoons at a local café, followed by a glass of wine at a nearby wine bar when the café closed for the evening. “We became regular customers at both places, and quickly befriended the bartender,” she recalls. That bartender was Dylan Terhune, and he fell for Lauren much more quickly than she fell for him.
How to Request Time Off for Your Honeymoon
Wondering to how request time off for your honeymoon ? With all the wedding plans swirling around your head, this is one key detail you can't afford to forget. It's one of the first steps to figuring out the ideal time to take your once-in-a-time-vacation. It's best to get this out of the way as soon as possible. A trip of this magnitude requires at least a few days off, so here's how our experts suggest talking to your boss about taking some personal time.
Rehearsal Dinner Seating Chart: Who Should Sit Where?
Planning a wedding rehearsal dinner and wondering if you need to prepare a rehearsal dinner seating chart? That's entirely up to you. For both rehearsal dinners and actual wedding receptions, having an official seating chart is optional.
A Berry-Hued Wedding in the Adirondacks
When Danielle Kantrowitz-O’Keefe met Louis DeSantis in September of 2009, the timing probably couldn’t have been worse. “It was days before I was moving to Los Angeles to pursue my music career,” she says, “but Louis came to visit a few weeks later, and it was clear from the beginning that we had to try dating long distance.” Every few weeks, Louis would fly to L.A. on Friday night, and then take the red-eye flight back to New York on Monday morning.
When is the Best Time to Give Wedding Gifts for Parents?
We love time-honored wedding traditions, including thoughtfully choosing wedding gifts for parents . Whether it's a sweet memento, a frame, or a more substantial gift to thank them for their contribution, they've done so much to get you this far, so it's important to honor them in some way! Presenting the gifts, however, is a little tricky — after all, your wedding day will likely have a very tight timeline.
How to Plan and Create Your Own Wedding Ceremony
When it comes to wedding ceremonies, there's a general outline that's usually followed: Processional, welcome, readings, vows, kiss, pronouncement, recessional — you're married! But there's no reason you have to adhere to the expected. If you're wondering how to plan a wedding ceremony that's entirely unique, feel free to throw out the script and start from scratch. Or, you can take ceremony format you like, and then customize it to reflect your relationship. We turned to JP Reynolds, M.Div.
10 Muslim Wedding Ceremony Rituals and Traditions, Explained
A Muslim wedding is all about love and commitment and happily ever after. There are, however, some traditions and rituals that set this religion's wedding ceremony apart. Read on to discover what happens at a Muslim wedding ceremony! 1. The Bride Avoids Leaving Her House the Week Before the Wedding To bring about good luck, the bride-to-be wears yellow clothes and stays at home for the week leading up to her wedding.
8 Father of the Groom Duties and Responsibilities for the Wedding
It's not just the father of the bride that has major responsibilities on the wedding day — there's plenty for the father of the groom to take care of, as well! Dads should make sure all these boxes are checked as they get ready for their son's big day! If the father of the groom doesn't already have a suit on standby, he'll need to buy or rent his suit — and this should be done sooner rather than later.
A Traditional Indian Wedding...In Tuscany!
In October of 2009, Helena and Vivek were both living in Tokyo, and headed to a bar with a mutual friend. “Vivek says he remembers thinking that I was the most beautiful girl he’d ever spoken to, but I don’t remember meeting him!” says Helena. Thankfully, they met again a few weeks later at a Halloween party and became fast friends.
8 Things that *Seem* Like Healthy Relationship Qualities—But Really Aren’t
When you think about a healthy relationship , what does it look like? What does it feel like? Chances are, an image popped into your head with a smiling couple that’s holding hands and tackling whatever life throws at them, side by side. But there are a number of traits that sound like signs of strength, but are really things a couple should steer clear of.
5 Reasons to Get Married That Have Nothing To Do With Love
Yes, marriage is about love and romance. But when you boil it down, the difference between dating and being married is a legal one, and the change starts as soon as you (and all the necessary witnesses) sign your marriage license . So what else changes along with your legal relationship status? We spoke with Kara Bellew, a partner of Rower LLC who has been practicing matrimonial and family law since 2005, about the legal benefits that come along with tying the knot.
Beware! 5 Warning Signs Your Marriage Is In DEEP Trouble
It’s safe to say no couple goes into a marriage expecting a divorce. If you knew you weren’t going to make it, you wouldn’t spend the money or walk down the aisle in the first place, right? But marital problems are something every couple faces . The issues that could lead you and your partner from a justice of the peace to a divorce lawyer’s office might sneak up on you, or they could be staring you right in the face. So how will a couple know when it’s time to seek help (or part ways)?
How to Word Your Wedding Reception-Only Invitations
Traditional etiquette states that anyone invited to your wedding ceremony has to be invited to your reception—but it doesn’t apply the other way around. That means you can 100 percent keep that ceremony small while still getting to have a party with all of your friends (and without any major faux pas).
8 Things You Need to Know About Blending Families
A marriage is the start of a new life with your partner, whether it’s your first trip down the aisle or you’ve gotten back in the game after a divorce. It’s an exciting time for all involved, but if this isn’t your first rodeo, you may not be the only one joining a new family. If you (and your partner!) have children from previous relationships, you’re not just tying the knot—you’re blending families.
5 Wedding Professionals Using Sustainable Practices
Weddings are exciting, emotional, beautiful—and fleeting. Yes, the love and relationship are here to stay, but almost all of the things that go into your big day are gone by the time the sun rises on your first morning as a married couple. And if you sit down and really think about it, putting so much time and money into a few wonderful hours can start to feel wasteful. The good news is, you’re not alone.
Bridal Shower Etiquette 101: Everything You Need to Know About Your Pre-Wedding Party
Got questions about bridal shower etiquette? From who throws a bridal shower to when to send an invite, we've got answers. Read on to discover everything you need to know about planning this pre-wedding bash! A bridal shower is a pre-wedding celebration in honor of the bride that traditionally is an opportunity for guests to give her gifts to help set up her new home.
A Destination Wedding Weekend at an Aspen Ranch
Brittany Atha and Clark Johnson have college football to thank for their romance. Back in October of 2010, Clark was watching the University of Texas game at his neighborhood bar when Brittany and her girlfriends walked in. They started chatting and hit it off, beginning a six-year romance.
4 Ways Brides (and Grooms) Can Give Gifts Graciously
We talk so much about asking for and receiving gifts throughout your engagement, but getting married comes with just as many opportunities to give gifts to others, too. From “Be my bridesmaid?” presents for your BFFs to the perfect wedding day gift for your parents and your new spouse, knowing how to give a gift is just as important as knowing how to receive one.
The Ins and Outs of Opening a Joint Bank Account
While planning a wedding is probably at the forefront of your mind throughout your engagement, there’s something else you should be planning for, too: your marriage. You’ve got decades of life together ahead of you, so it’s important to take a little time between the cake tastings and dress fittings to lay the groundwork for the future. If there’s one thing couples have a hard time discussing, but really need to address together, it’s finances.
The Pros and Cons of a Wedding Day First Look
First looks may not be the newest trend in wedding photography , but they’re still a hot topic. The time-honored practice of not seeing the bride until she walks down the aisle is more of a good-luck superstition , and many couples are still sticking to it, while others are opting for a first look for reasons that range from easing nerves to making sure they can actually get to cocktail hour.
What is Mirroring, and What Does it Mean for Your Marriage?
So much of a relationship happens on a subconscious level. It’s the things you love about your partner that you can’t put into words, the actual chemical connection the two of you share, and those moments when you just feel totally in sync. Have you ever felt like your S.O. can read your mind, found yourselves completing one another’s sentences, or even walking, talking, and acting in similar ways?
Make Divorce a Little Less Painful With "It’s Over Easy"
No one walks down the aisle thinking about if their marriage will end. But it’s something nearly all of us will deal with at some point, whether it’s our parents ’, our friends’, or our own marriage running its course. If you and your partner find yourselves in the position where staying married simply isn’t an option anymore, there are still major hurdles looming ahead—namely, the divorce process.
So Your Friend Wants to be a Bridesmaid After All
You carefully considered every option, finally settled upon your Dream Team (you know, your bridal party!), and sent out those “Be My Bridesmaid? ” gifts. Of course you hoped everyone will be on board, but one friend, for whatever reason, wasn’t able to join your #bridesquad . It’s a bummer, but hopefully she’ll still make it as a guest! Fast forward a few months, and that same friend now wants in. So what’s a bride, in the midst of planning her wedding, to do?
30 Small Wedding Ideas For An Intimate Affair
Overwhelmed by the thought of gathering 200 of your “nearest and dearest” together for your wedding day? Eloping may have crossed your mind, but that’s not the only way to avoid the crowd. Instead, have all the fixings of a wedding, but on a smaller scale. We’re talking 10 guests, 20 max—your actual nearest and dearest—and all of the things that will make your wedding feel like your wedding. Invitations. Dinner. A white dress. Cake.
How (and When) to Say “No” to Being a Bridesmaid
If you’ve ever walked down the aisle yourself, you know that choosing your bridesmaids is a major undertaking. There are lots of feelings involved, and even the most courteous of brides knows she’s asking a lot of her closest friends. And if you’ve ever been a bridesmaid before (or have just heard horror stories ), you know it can really tap into your reserve of time, energy, and funds.
4 Stunning Inexpensive & Budget-Friendly Wedding Venue Ideas
Your venue is more than just a place to have your wedding. Choosing the right one plays a major role in the look and feel of your celebration—and can often account for up to half of your total wedding budget . Yikes! If the thought of writing such a large check is making you reconsider eloping, don’t panic. There are plenty of budget-friendly wedding venues that don’t sacrifice on style and personality. Don’t believe us?
Can We Have a Civil Ceremony Now and a Traditional Wedding Later?
Sure, we love the pomp and circumstance (and flowers, and cake, and ball gowns…) that go along with a traditional wedding, but when it comes to legally tying the knot, that’s extra. All it really takes is a recognized officiant, a marriage license, and a few witnesses (and even those aren’t required in all states!).
How to Write a Thank-You Note for a Wedding Gift That You Returned
By now you know you’ve got to send a thank you note for all of those wedding gifts (including the ones you get at your engagement party and bridal shower!), and that the best way to do that is to handwrite a card and put it in the mail. And yes, you have to say thank you even if it’s something you don’t love! If you get a gift that you’re planning to return , here’s how to show your appreciation for your loved one’s generosity.
A Hometown Celebration in Westchester County, New York
It’s a good thing Nicole Schade and Brian Farrington are both Yankees fans. On Thanksgiving Eve in 2009, they first spotted each another on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Yankee Stadium. Nicole noticed Brian was wearing a Dobbs Ferry shirt (the town next to hers in Westchester County, New York), and wondered if she'd spot him at the local bar that night (it was the night before Thanksgiving, after all). “Within five minutes of getting to the bar, he walked in," she remembers.
How to Keep Your Love Strong Through the January Blues
The holidays are over, it's chilly outside, and you might be starting to get a little stir-crazy—which does not always mean good things for your relationship. In fact, January is the most popular time of year for Americans to file for divorce . Yikes! But don’t worry, you and your partner can get through this, and spring is right around the corner.
Why You Need a Pre-Engagement Party Registry-and What to Put On It
Who’d have thought that a list of gifts you’d like to get could be so complicated? While the concept seems simple (and you’ve been making birthday wish lists since before you could write!), putting together a registry for your wedding comes with its own set of etiquette rules and some serious subtleties. For example, have you ever thought about when you should put your registry together? If you assumed it will be fine as long as it’s done before your invitations go out, you’re wrong.
How to Serve Rum at Your Wedding-Even if it’s Not on a Beach
Nothing completes a beach vacation like a rum punch or a piña colada—especially if you’ve got your toes in the sand. But that’s not all this spirit is good for! In fact, whether you’re tying the knot next to the ocean or are decidedly inland, rum really shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to your wedding bar .
How to Choose Wedding Music for Your Ceremony
Wondering how to choose wedding music ? In the midst of thinking about flowers, cakes, dresses, honeymoon destinations, vows and everything else, your ceremony music timeline is yet another aspect of your wedding to figure out.
How to Create a Wedding Budget and Save for What you Really Want
Looking to save money on your wedding expenses? (Aren’t we all?) While planning this once-in-a-lifetime celebration is full of big-ticket items, there are ways to keep the costs down (or at least know what to expect when the invoices arrive!) and to make your money go a little farther. As you start figuring out just how much your wedding will cost, we have a few expert tips to help make your budget work for you.
9 Tips to Improve Your Sleep and Get Super Rested for Your Wedding Day
The night before your wedding (or really any night between the day you get engaged and the day you say “I do”), you might find yourself tossing and turning instead of peacefully drifting off to sleep. It might be excitement, it might be stress, it might be the sugar in that champagne cocktail you sipped at the rehearsal dinner. But whatever it is, it’s keeping you from getting the rest you need before you walk down the aisle .
Does My Sister HAVE to Be My Maid of Honor?
Picking between your closest girlfriends to select a maid of honor is a challenge . How do you choose a favorite when you’re presented with such great choices? Most past brides will tell you that, if you have a sister, it’s best to avoid the drama and give her the honor (your friends will understand). But do you have to? Whether you and your sister aren’t that close or you have more than one sister to choose from, here’s how to deal if that “sister-as-MOH” suggestion just isn’t working for you.
How to Plan a Wedding in Less than 6 Months
While most traditional wedding planning timelines are designed for a couple with a year (or more!) to get the details ironed out, sometimes that’s just not realistic—especially if you get engaged over the holidays and are dreaming of a summer wedding! But can you actually pull off a fabulous wedding in only six months? You bet! You might actually be surprised by how easy the process can be (you know, since there’s no time to second-guess your decisions).
How To Strengthen Your Relationship With Positive Psychology
If there’s one thing every married couple will tell you, it’s that marriage is work. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun and exciting, but life is full of ups and downs, and maintaining your relationship requires effort to get through those trying times. So how can you and your partner make sure the marriage you’re starting is going to be a happy one?
6 Tips for Navigating Your B-List Wedding Guest List
It’s so exciting to dream about celebrating your marriage with your closest family and friends. Less exciting, though, is actually making the guest list ! Even if you’re trying to keep it small , there are always a few people you wish you could invite—though that could mean going over capacity at your venue. So what’s a couple to do? Create a B-List! It’s a little tricky, but with some extra prep on the front-end, you’ll be able to navigate it without any faux-pas.
Wedding Flower Etiquette: Fake vs. Real, How Much They Should Cost, and Who Gets a Bouquet/Boutonniere
What’s a wedding without flowers? Even if you’re more of a greenery gal or prefer more of an interior design approach, blooms will pop up a few times on your wedding day (most commonly in your bouquet and boutonnieres, as well as in centerpieces or as altar decor). But just because they’re a popular choice doesn’t mean wedding flowers don’t come with their own set of questions! We’ve got four big ones, and the expert answers to go with them. Who needs personal flowers?
How to Use Linens to Take Your Wedding To the Next Level
You’ve got the flowers picked out, the music selected, and a mouthwatering menu, but there’s still something missing. Looking for that finishing touch, the one that will take your wedding design to the next level? We’ve got a secret for you: It’s the linens . More than basics that cover rented rounds, the right linens can help tie all of those other details together to create a cohesive and immersive experience for your guests.
How to Plan an Engagement Party in 9 Easy Steps
Welcome to engagement season! If you’ve got a brand new sparkler on your hand, it’s time to kick off the wedding festivities with an engagement party . This first celebration comes with way fewer etiquette rules than many other wedding-related events—meaning you and your S.O. can get involved without anyone raising an eyebrow. Ready to start planning? Here are nine easy steps to help you start your wedding countdown.
Here’s How to Set New Year’s Resolutions With Your S.O.
Guys, 2018 is almost here. Are you ready for it? If you’re anything like us, you’re probably starting to brainstorm the resolutions you’ll make (when you’re not daydreaming about the trip you’ll be making down the aisle next year, of course!), but it’s time to put a twist on that tradition. Instead of going at it alone, this year, bring your partner into the mix and make your resolutions together.
Can We Have Cocktail Hour BEFORE the Ceremony?
Weddings tend to follow a fairly set order of events: You get ready in the morning, have your ceremony in the afternoon, and then proceed to cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and the afterparty. This tried-and-tested timeline is a perfect place to start when you’re planning your own wedding day, but it’s not the only way to do things. Looking to shake things up (and maybe get the party started sooner)?
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