Over the past few years, many couples have chosen more intimate weddings, then informed family and friends of their nuptials with a printed wedding announcement. But when newly wedded couples include registry information on that announcement, should those receiving it feel obligated to send a gift? Dear Cheryl, My niece’s son had a small outdoor… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: Registry Info on a Wedding Announcement?
Author: Cheryl Seidel
Cheryl is a happily married mom to two adult children and has recently enjoyed being a mother-of-the-bride. Her background in product development and marketing led Cheryl to create RegistryFinder.com, a search engine for gift registries, in 2012. Long considered a gift-giving and gift etiquette expert, her firm belief is that gifting should be fun, easy, and stress-free! Readers regularly write to Cheryl about their etiquette questions and she answers them here on our blog.
Baby Gifts for the Clueless
My 30-year-old daughter was home for a visit and asked me to help her find a baby gift. She didn’t have time to order from the registry, so we visited a local retailer with a baby department. I was surprised by how lost she felt while looking at baby gift choices. Her questions, “What’s this… Continue reading Baby Gifts for the Clueless
AskCheryl: If Paying for the Wedding, Should Parents-of-the-Bride Have a Role in the Planning?
Today’s question is from a newly minted Mother-of-the-Bride. She and her husband are paying for their daughter’s wedding and want to know their role in wedding planning. Dear Cheryl,My husband and I are paying for our daughter’s wedding. We are trying to help them find a venue, but they don’t want us to be involved.… Continue reading AskCheryl: If Paying for the Wedding, Should Parents-of-the-Bride Have a Role in the Planning?
AskCheryl: What to do with Unwanted Wedding Gifts?
In this week’s AskCheryl question, our bride and groom have established lives and don’t want wedding gifts, but a disagreement has come up on how to handle any gifts that they do receive. Hi Cheryl, My fiancé and I are getting married in July. We are 45 and 51 years old. This is his first… Continue reading AskCheryl: What to do with Unwanted Wedding Gifts?
Ask Cheryl: Does Wedding Attendance Affect Wedding Gift Value?
Today’s question comes from a reader in New York who wants to know if the amount she spends on a wedding gift should be dependent on whether or not she attends the wedding. Dear Cheryl, Is there a difference in the amount you spend on a wedding gift when you attend a wedding versus what… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: Does Wedding Attendance Affect Wedding Gift Value?
Ask Cheryl: Is it OK for the Mom-to-Be to Host Her Own Virtual Baby Shower?
The Pandemic has definitely changed the way we celebrate baby showers. But does that mean it’s ok for the mom-to-be to host a virtual baby shower for herself? Hi Cheryl- My daughter lives in Florida with her hubby and their adorable, active 3-year old son. They are expecting their 2nd son in mid-October. My daughter… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: Is it OK for the Mom-to-Be to Host Her Own Virtual Baby Shower?
Ask Cheryl: If I Was Invited to the Virtual Shower, Shouldn’t I Be Invited to the Virtual Wedding?
A reader wonders if etiquette has changed and why she was invited to the bridal shower and not the wedding. I am hoping you can provide some insight and advice. My long-time friend (59 years) has three children who I have known since they were born. Her daughter is getting married this month, but with… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: If I Was Invited to the Virtual Shower, Shouldn’t I Be Invited to the Virtual Wedding?
Ask Cheryl: How Do I Let People Know What Gifts I Would Like?
It is customary to give and receive gifts for major life events like weddings and baby showers. But how do you let family and friends know what you need without sounding “gift-grabby”? Dear Cheryl, If I register for gifts, how will people know where to find my registry? How do I let people know what… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: How Do I Let People Know What Gifts I Would Like?
Ask Cheryl: What to Wear to a Wedding – Decoding the Wedding Dress Code
How do you know what to wear? Do you ever wonder what you are expected to wear as a wedding guest? Weddings are indeed a time of celebration, but the heart of the ceremony is serious. A wedding ceremony is a momentous event in a couple’s life. As a wedding guest, your clothing should reflect… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: What to Wear to a Wedding – Decoding the Wedding Dress Code
Ask Cheryl: How Do I Host a Drop-In Baby Shower?
The pandemic has us all trying to figure out the best way to navigate life’s major events while keeping everyone safe. This question is from one of our very own team members about hosting a baby shower. Hi guys! I have a baby shower question. I’m hosting one in May and there are 53 people… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: How Do I Host a Drop-In Baby Shower?
Ask Cheryl (COVID Edition): Is it Acceptable to Have a Shower for Baby #4?
Each new family addition should be showered with love and celebration, from the first baby to the fourth. But given the current health precautions and suggested social distancing, what are some safer alternatives to a traditional baby shower? Hi Cheryl, “My son and daughter-in-law are getting ready to have their fourth child; is it acceptable… Continue reading Ask Cheryl (COVID Edition): Is it Acceptable to Have a Shower for Baby #4?
Ask Cheryl: What is the Best Way to Share Wedding Registry Information?
During Covid, there were unique challenges to wedding planning. Big events gave way to smaller ceremonies and postponed receptions. Can you share wedding registry information with family and friends who may want to send a gift, even without a formal wedding invitation? Hi Cheryl, If you are getting married in one state and having a… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: What is the Best Way to Share Wedding Registry Information?
Ask Cheryl: What is the Best Way to Plan a Small Wedding Without Offending Any Uninvited Family or Friends?
Planning the most important day of your life should be exciting, but it is not without its fair share of stress. Is it possible to make everyone happy? And if a “minimony” or an elopement is the desired path, what is the best way to share the happy news with the rest of the family? … Continue reading Ask Cheryl: What is the Best Way to Plan a Small Wedding Without Offending Any Uninvited Family or Friends?
Ask Cheryl: How to Avoid Wedding Registry Blunders
What Should NOT be Included in my Wedding Gift Registry? Creating your ultimate wedding wishlist is a fun experience and the perfect opportunity to ask for some unique gifts you wouldn’t normally request from your family and friends. But are there some things you should leave off your wedding registry? Dear Cheryl, I want to… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: How to Avoid Wedding Registry Blunders
Ask Cheryl: How Do I Host a Post-Wedding Virtual Bridal Shower?
Smaller weddings and virtual showers have become the “new normal” for many 2020 couples. But these modified celebrations can still be a wonderful way to shower the happy couples with love and best wishes while staying socially distant. What are some tips for hosting a successful virtual shower? Who should be included on the shower… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: How Do I Host a Post-Wedding Virtual Bridal Shower?
Ask Cheryl: Should I Ask My Bridesmaids to Help Pay for My Bridal Shower?
Your best girls are going to be your best bridesmaids; let the celebrating commence! But what are they responsible for? What should you expect from them in regards to the party planning, hosting, and all related expenses? Hi Cheryl, I am getting married in May and have a total of eight bridesmaids including a Matron… Continue reading Ask Cheryl: Should I Ask My Bridesmaids to Help Pay for My Bridal Shower?