–Etiquette–
– Ask Cheryl – Do the Groom’s Parents Give a Gift to the Bride’s Parents?
April 11, 2023
Hi Dana, It is rarely “wrong” to give someone a gift, but it might be awkward in this case. It’s not customary for the groom’s parents to give the bride’s parents a gift at either the rehearsal dinner or the wedding. Traditionally, the groom’s parents host and pay for the rehearsal dinner. I don’t recommend […]
– Ask Cheryl – How Do I Tell My Bridesmaid that her Boyfriend is not Invited to the Wedding?
March 28, 2023
Dear Cheryl, I’m getting married next year and a very good friend of mine is a bridesmaid. We have been friends for over 20 years. She has already bought her dress. My question is how do I tell her that her boyfriend of over 2 years isn’t welcome? He has a drinking problem and we […]
– Ultimate Guide to Gift-Giving – When Do I Take a Gift?
March 14, 2023
With 2020 far behind us, you may find that your social calendar is filling up with celebrations both big and small. After years apart, we’re eager to gather to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and more! This sudden influx of invitations might mean you’re shopping for something to wear, brushing up on your small talk skills, and […]
– Ask Cheryl – Is a Honeymoon Registry Tacky?
February 28, 2023
Dear Cheryl, My daughter was considering her wedding registry options. She asked me if including a honeymoon registry was tacky. What do you think? Jerri Hi Jerri, Before electronic transfers became the norm, many wedding guests enjoyed giving cash or a check as a wedding gift, hoping the couple could use it on their honeymoon. […]
– Wedding Edition – When Do I Take a Gift
February 14, 2023
If you have a friend or family member getting married soon, you may have noticed that the festivities begin long before the wedding. The months before the event are filled with gatherings like engagement parties, showers, and other pre-wedding events. If your mailbox (or inbox) is suddenly filled with invitations, read on. I’ll let you […]
How to Write a (Non-Cringey) Wedding Toast
February 7, 2023
Having the chance to give a wedding toast can be exciting — it’s an opportunity to speak from the heart and impart wisdom on the happy couple. But, it can feel overwhelming to get up in front of a bunch of people (some of whom you’ve probably never met before) and talk about such big […]
– Wedding Etiquette Question – What Costs Should the Bride Cover for Her Bridesmaids?
January 24, 2023
Being asked to be a bridesmaid for a friend’s wedding is exciting. But when the questions of travel, lodging, the bachelorette party, and the wedding day itself arise, the bridesmaid may wonder, “Am I supposed to pay for that?” Money conversations are always awkward, but before you say yes to the honor of being a […]
– Ask Cheryl – Are Aunts Expected to Host a Bridal Shower?
January 10, 2023
Hi Cheryl, I am officiating my niece’s wedding and am wondering if it’s appropriate, or expected, for me to help pay for the bridal shower? I already donated $100 toward the shower and bought a gift. There are only a few bridal attendants: 2 bridesmaids, a junior bridesmaid, and a flower girl, so expenses for […]
– Ask Cheryl – How Do I Share My Wedding Registry?
December 13, 2022
Hi Cheryl, How do I share my wedding registry with our friends and family? I want to make sure they know where we’re registered. Thanks, Brenda Hi Brenda, When it comes to informing your family and friends where you are registered, of course, we hope you will tell them to find you on RegistryFinder.com. It’s […]
– Etiquette Guide – When Are Baby Gifts Required?
November 18, 2022
A baby’s entry into the world is definitely a cause for celebration, but with all the different parties and occasions, it’s not always clear when you’re expected to give a baby gift. You may be invited to multiple gatherings, so when should you bring a gift? And what is the etiquette of baby gift-giving? Below […]
– Ask Cheryl – Does My Bridal Shower Gift Have to Be From the Registry?
November 8, 2022
Hi Marcy, To rephrase your question, you are asking if it’s OK to buy a wedding or shower gift for a couple that they didn’t include on their wedding gift registry, and the answer is yes. Gift registries exist for guests’ convenience, and the gift registry is a list of suggestions, not a mandate. As […]
– Ask Cheryl – Should I Send a Gift to the Shower if I Can’t Attend?
October 25, 2022
You’re invited to a baby or bridal shower but can’t go. What are you supposed to do? It’s a common question from our readers and website users wanting to know if they should send a gift to a shower if they cannot be there in person. Dear Cheryl, Can I send my gift directly to […]
– Ask Cheryl – Wedding Invitation Not Specific, Can I Bring a Guest?
October 11, 2022
Today’s question is from a wedding guest who is confused about whether she can bring a “plus-one” to the wedding. Dear Cheryl,I am a single woman who received an invitation to a friend’s wedding. The wedding invitation came addressed only to me. There was no inside envelope which usually states Karen and Guest. In addition […]
– Ask Cheryl – Travel, Hotel, and a Wedding Gift Too?
September 27, 2022
Wedding guests often wonder if they should give the couple a gift even if they must incur 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 […]
– Ask a Real Bride – The Etiquette of Plus Ones
September 22, 2022
Last month, the “Ask a Real Bride” got its very own Instagram account! If you love quick tips on wedding planning and etiquette, and short, sometimes funny, videos in your social media feed, come join the party! I’d love to get your feedback and interact with you there! By far, the most popular topic on […]
Baby Shower Etiquette – Rules to Party By
September 13, 2022
Baby Shower Etiquette for All Involved I love baby showers. I can’t get enough of those cute baby clothes and practical gadgets – not to mention the champagne and girly foods. But I know some of you may not be as excited when a baby shower invitation arrives in your inbox or mailbox. Whether you […]
