–Christina Peterson–
– Ask a Real Bride – How Much Can I Ask My Bridesmaids to Spend?
December 21, 2023
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 […]
5 Tips for Planning a Fabulous Co-ed Baby Shower
December 19, 2023
The baby shower traditions you know and (possibly) love got their start during the “baby boom” of the 1950’s and ‘60’s. A lot has changed since the 50’s, and we think it makes sense that the baby shower traditions should change too! While some still prefer the traditional “girls-only” shower, we’ve noticed a trend toward […]
4 Reasons Why You Should Book an Engagement Shoot
December 7, 2023
As a soon-to-be bride, your to-do list might feel a mile long. But one item I’d encourage you to add to the list: a professional engagement photography session! Yes, there might be a financial investment, and it will require a few hours of your time. But the results are well worth the effort! Followers of […]
– Ask a Real Bride – 5 Bridesmaid Getting Ready Outfits Your Girls Will Love
November 21, 2023
The morning of your wedding is a special time: the months of anticipation and planning are finally coming together, and it’s time to soak it all in and enjoy! The best part of the morning is sharing it with your best girls, and one way to make them feel special is to coordinate your bridesmaids’ […]
– Ask a Real Bride – Your Wedding Photography Questions, Answered!
October 19, 2023
Do you know who you’ll spend the most time with on your wedding day? If you think the answer is your fiance or maid of honor, think again–it’s your photographer! That means it’s worth taking the time to learn how to build a great relationship with your photographer, from the very first email to the […]
The Ultimate Birthday Gift Guide
October 3, 2023
Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s rushed into the store on her way to a kids’ birthday party, frantically looking for a last-minute gift. Those quick trips aren’t just stressful; they often end up being expensive, leaving me wondering why I didn’t plan ahead. Confession time: I’m writing this article just as […]
– Ask a Real Bride – Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Welcome Parties
September 21, 2023
Wedding planning is about so much more than the wedding: in addition to the big day, couples also have to think about the “night before!” This month’s question comes from an Ask a Real Bride Instagram follower wondering if it’s necessary to host out-of-town guests at a pre-wedding event. Read on for why a welcome […]
– Ask a Real Bride – How to Honor Loved Ones You’re Missing on Your Wedding Day
August 17, 2023
It’s never easy marking milestones without our loved ones. But because weddings are such family affairs, the absence of a parent, grandparent, or sibling can be especially difficult. That’s where the @askarealbride followers come in! The @askarealbride Instagram page is a place where brides, mothers of the bride, bridesmaids, and wedding guests can ask questions […]
– Ask a Real Bride – How Do I Ask My In-Laws to Contribute?
July 20, 2023
If you’re not yet part of the Ask a Real Bride Instagram community, you have to join us: brides to be, mothers of the bride and groom, bridesmaids, and anyone who loves weddings will find daily etiquette Q+A’s, fun videos, and quick tips to make wedding season more enjoyable! Week after week, brides (and sometimes […]
What to Wear to Your Own Baby Shower
July 11, 2023
If your baby shower is approaching, you’ve probably been focusing on curating the perfect registry of baby items to welcome your little one. But now it’s time to focus on YOU! What to wear to your own baby shower is one of the toughest wardrobe challenges, but I’m here to help with 5 factors you […]
– Ask a Real Bride – Your Most Frequently Asked Questions About Kids + Weddings
June 22, 2023
The @askarealbride Instagram page is growing into a fun community for brides, mothers of the bride, bridesmaids, and wedding guests to interact, ask questions, and weigh in on wedding etiquette hot topics. If you haven’t joined us there–what are you waiting for? One of the most frequent topics? Kids and weddings! I’ve written extensively about […]
– Ask a Real Bride – Ways to Honor Your Mom at Your Wedding
June 6, 2023
While the bride and groom are obviously the stars of their wedding day, the third most visible role belongs to the father of the bride: he often escorts the bride down the aisle, gives a speech at the reception, and shares a dance with his daughter while everyone looks on. The irony? In the lead-up […]
– The Morning Of – 6 Ways Bridesmaids Can Help Create Calm, Not Chaos
May 11, 2023
Bridesmaid dress? Ordered! Bridal shower? Check. Bachelorette weekend? Done! After months of anticipation, a few pre-wedding festivities, and around a thousand messages in the group chat, you might get the sense that your bridesmaid duties are winding down. But the hours leading up to the ceremony are some of the most crucial moments for bridesmaids: […]
How to Address Wedding Invitations
May 2, 2023
You’ve invested time, money, and care into choosing wedding invitations that reflect your personal style and tone of the wedding. The final step: addressing the envelopes! It seems straightforward: title, name, address. But as you scan your guest list, you may find yourself with questions. We’re here to help! Read on for guidelines for every […]
– Ask a Real Bride – What Are Honorary Bridesmaids, Hypemaids, and Something Blue Crews?
April 20, 2023
One of the most frequently discussed topics on our @askarealbride Instagram page is bridesmaids. I hear variations of these questions all the time: How do I choose my bridesmaids? What if I don’t want the chaos of a huge bridal party? Will my friends be disappointed if they aren’t asked to be in the wedding? […]
– Ask a Real Bride – How Do I Tell Guests the Dress Code?
March 23, 2023
Four ways to tell guests what to wear to your wedding If you’re in the middle of wedding planning, your mind is filled with ideas for how to make your big day enjoyable and memorable for your guests. One important element: helping your guests feel comfortable in what they wear to celebrate. So what’s the […]
