Wedding guests often wonder whether they should give the couple a gift, even if it means incurring travel expenses to attend the wedding. Dear Cheryl, I am going to my nephew’s wedding celebration out of state. The couple is already married. I have to purchase a flight and a hotel room, so I’m wondering: am I expected […]

Letting other people plan a celebration just for you sounds dreamy… until you’re actually the one getting married. Before my bridal shower, I was definitely excited, but I also felt a surprising sense of guilt. Being the center of attention has never been my strong suit, so the idea of a party in my honor […]

In recent years, the bachelorette party has become a huge production. What once was a fun night out with the bridesmaids has become an extravagant (and expensive) weekend-long trip. The new bachelorette party format raises new questions, like who should be invited. Hi Cheryl, What is the etiquette on inviting friends to a bridal shower […]

Get inspired by these fun and memorable party ideas that won’t break the bank! Bachelorette parties originated in the 1960s when a bride-to-be would celebrate her final night of singledom with a get-together with her female friends and family members. It wasn’t until the ‘80s that they turned into the wild nights we see today. […]

In the midst of wedding planning, a weekend getaway with your best friends sounds like the perfect break from all the stress. But in order to keep your bachelorette weekend truly stress-free, there are a few things brides may want to keep in mind. My favorite source for wedding-related wisdom? Our @Ask a Real Bride […]

If you’re a bride currently planning her bachelorette weekend, this is your sign to step back, take a deep breath, and honestly ask yourself: am I planning a girls’ trip or a guilt trip? Since I’ve been writing about weddings for nearly 8 years, people love to tell me their wedding stories–and I love hearing […]

Your best girlfriends are going to be your bridesmaids; let the celebrating commence! But what are their responsibilities? What should you expect from them regarding party planning, hosting, and all related expenses? Hi Cheryl, I am getting married in a few months and have a total of eight bridesmaids, including a Matron of Honor. My […]

Hello Cheryl, My best friend is having a destination wedding and asked me to be a bridesmaid. I generally do not like the idea of traveling internationally for a wedding, but I agreed to go and be there for her. This will be the first wedding I have ever attended. It’s the first time I’m […]

When it comes to planning a bachelorette weekend or a bridal shower, there are lots of things to consider. One of those things is the date! Can’t decide if you should have your bridal shower on your bachelorette weekend? We’re here to help—read below for the pros and cons of each. PROS  Your friends will […]

Destination weddings seem to become more popular every year. With the ease of planning online and snagging great travel deals, why not have your wedding weekend double as a vacation for family and friends? Yet a wedding that involves travel may also lead you into uncharted etiquette territory–and we’re here to help! Read on for […]

Bachelorette weekends are a rite of passage for any bride these days. It’s a time to kick back, have fun with your favorite ladies, and if you plan it right, do it all in a destination that fits the personality of the lady of honor. Don’t know where to take your bridal BFF for her […]

  Before you roll your eyes, let me first assure you that co-ed bachelor/bachelorette parties are now a thing, thanks to celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, Nick Carter and Lauren Kitt, and Anna Camp and Skylar Astin (details here).   Mixing the girls and guys doesn’t have to cramp […]

Dear Brides, Choosing your bridesmaids is one of the first decisions you’ll make after becoming engaged. Most friends are honored to stand by your side as you say, “I do!” Yet year after year, my inbox is filled with stories and dilemmas from bridesmaids who are struggling to fulfill their responsibilities and remain friends with […]

Throughout the wedding planning process, the mother of the bride takes on many roles: she often plays the part of organizer, budgeter, coordinator, counselor, and confidante. But is “shower hostess” a title that should be taken on by the MOB? With the help of our Ask a Real Bride Instagram audience, let’s explore the traditional […]

We’ve all heard the joke, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” So when it’s finally your turn to be the one in white, you may struggle with two conflicting feelings: Brides juggling those conflicting emotions reach out to me week after week on our @askarealbride Instagram page with questions like this: The key to answering […]

After you say “YES” to your perfect partner, you get to choose the besties that will stand by your side as you say “I do”! Each of these ladies is, without a doubt, so important to you and adds her own unique element to your life. When you thank them for being a huge part […]