–Wedding–
– From Guilt to Gratitude – What My Bridal Shower Taught Me About Letting Go
July 25, 2025
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 […]
– Ask Cheryl – Travel, Hotel, and a Wedding Gift Too?
July 24, 2025
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 […]
“Fall In Love” Bridal Shower Recipes & Decor
July 17, 2025
I’ve only lived somewhere with real seasons for a few years, but fall has quickly become the one I look forward to most each year. There’s something so perfect about the crispness in the air, the vivid colors of the changing leaves, and the quiet, almost magical feeling that the season brings. All of this […]
Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations (That Feel Like a Total Splurge)
July 10, 2025
Let’s be honest, after planning a wedding, budgeting for a honeymoon can feel like one more thing on your to-do list. But here’s the truth: a magical honeymoon doesn’t have to come with a five-star price tag. Whether you’re planning on a tighter budget or simply looking to make your money go further, there are […]
Best Wedding Gifts
June 26, 2025
There’s something extra special about creating your wedding registry. It’s one of the first times you and your future spouse get to build your life together, one thoughtful gift at a time. Whether you’re outfitting your first home or upgrading the essentials, your registry should reflect the way you actually live. Some items, like a […]
– Ask Cheryl – Should My Bridesmaids Help Pay for My Bridal Shower?
June 19, 2025
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 […]
Say “I Do” with Red White and Blue
June 17, 2025
With the Fourth of July right around the corner, we’re feeling extra patriotic! A July 4th wedding (or a patriotic-themed celebration any time of year) adds a playful, red, white, and blue twist to a traditional wedding. From star-spangled outfits to a menu full of classic American favorites, every detail can reflect the spirit of […]
Cringe-Free Bridal Shower Games & Activities
June 1, 2025
Looking for an alternative to toilet paper wedding dresses, and bridal bingo? Check out these fun, cringe-free bridal shower activities everyone will enjoy. Let’s be honest — there are plenty of bridal shower games that we’d rather do without. While some think there’s nothing wrong with Don’t Say Bride, Match the Song to the Disney Movie, […]
– Ask a Real Bride – How Involved Should I be in My Bridal Shower?
May 27, 2025
Your wedding can feel like a crash course in event planning: suddenly, your to-do list is filled with finding vendors, building your budget, and creating your guest list. With endless event inspiration and ideas flooding social media feeds, many brides are left wondering where the planning responsibilities actually end. I’ve got some good news for […]
– Ask Cheryl – Invited to the Shower, but not the Wedding?
May 20, 2025
It is a truth universally acknowledged (or at least it should be) that all those invited to the bridal shower must also be asked to the wedding. Unfortunately, confused hosts/hostesses sometimes extend shower invitations to those they can’t invite to the wedding. So what’s a shower guest to do when she’s not on the wedding […]
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
May 15, 2025
There are few things I love more than sweet summertime! Depending on your location, summer can mean hiking through gorgeous national parks, spending days on the lake surrounded by majestic mountains, sunbathing by the ocean, or dining with loved ones along the Northeast coast. However, if your social calendar is anything like mine, your weekends […]
How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Gift?
May 6, 2025
The most often asked question in my “Ask Cheryl” inbox is how much to spend on a wedding or shower gift. And while we all love a hard and fast etiquette rule, this is one of those questions that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Read on for my advice and spending guidelines to help you […]
– Ask a Real Bride – Can I Register for Whatever I Want?
April 24, 2025
Fishing poles, office supplies, board games, a $700 massage chair: what do these items have in common? I’ve seen them all included on wedding registries of friends and family within the last few months! Why are these non-traditional items popping up on wedding registries? I can think of two reasons: But with Amazon, Target, and […]
– Ask Cheryl – Etiquette of Having a Bridal Shower with a Small Destination Wedding Guest List
April 17, 2025
When a couple chooses a small, destination wedding, family and friends might try to insist on traditional pre-wedding celebrations, like a bridal shower. How should couples handle the pressure to register and have showers when their wedding guest list is small? Cheryl offers her solution and the one etiquette rule that should never change with […]
Hot Summer Bridal Shower Themes and Recipes
April 15, 2025
Summer is the heart of wedding season and the perfect time for a fun bridal shower! We’ve rounded up some of the best bridal shower themes, tasty recipes, and gorgeous decor ideas to make your celebration a breeze. With these ideas in hand, you’ll be all set to create a memorable day for the bride-to-be […]
First Wedding Anniversary Gifts
April 3, 2025
Every wedding anniversary is special, but there’s something uniquely beautiful about your first. While some say it’s the hardest year, I think it’s the most exciting. It’s your first year legally bound to your best friend, fulfilling the vows you made for eternity—it’s a big deal! So when it comes time to choose the perfect […]
