–Wedding–
Spring Shower Menus (Perfect for Baby or Bridal Showers)
March 1, 2023
Spring is just around the corner, and with it come warmer days and blooming flowers. It’s an excellent time for a bridal shower or baby shower because everyone will appreciate celebrating with family and friends after months of winter hibernation. Our carefully crafted Spring Shower Menus are perfect for celebrating a new baby or a […]
– 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. […]
– Ask A Real Bride – What Should I Do If a Guest Asks for a Plus One?
February 23, 2023
If you’ve started working on your guest list, you know that the name of the game is usually shrinking the list to fit your budget and venue–not adding to it. So how should you respond if someone asks if they can add a guest? Far and away, this is the most popular question in my […]
– 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 […]
Your Ultimate Wedding Day Emergency Kit
January 31, 2023
You won’t have to worry about a thing when you’re prepared for anything with a wedding day emergency kit! Don’t get me wrong — no one wants something to go sideways on their wedding day. But let’s be honest, those who show up unprepared usually wind up wishing they were. In the hopes that it […]
– 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 a Real Bride – Should I Ask a Friend to Officiate?
January 19, 2023
Couples are always looking for ways to make their weddings unique and unforgettable. One of the most popular ways to do that? Choosing an officiant you know and love! While many of the brides I surveyed via Instagram (@askarealbride) chose a professional officiant, like a pastor, priest, or judge, a whopping 40% of brides tell […]
– 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 […]
– The Registry that Lasts – Ten Wedding Gifts You’ll Still Be Using in Ten Years
January 5, 2023
So many couples tell me they’re stressed about their wedding registry. Before they even start scrolling through websites or strolling into the stores themselves, they’re already thinking, “Do we really need all of this?” and “Where am I going to put all of this stuff?” Even if you’re a minimalist or think you have everything […]
What Your Bridesmaids Wish You Knew
December 20, 2022
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 […]
The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Wedding Registry
December 6, 2022
The first few weeks after your engagement can feel like a blur: your to-do list is a mile long, with items like, “set wedding date,” “book venue,” “find vendors,” and “order a dress.” Making those big decisions can take a month or two, but once you’ve nailed down a date, dress, venue, and vendors, there’s […]
Unique Engagement Photo Ideas
December 1, 2022
There are so many ways to take memorable engagement photos that show off your personality as a couple — discover your inspiration! After getting engaged, I’m pretty sure I went brain-dead for a few days (or weeks) just thinking about everything that lay ahead. From our save the dates and invitations to choosing a wedding […]
– Ask a Real Bride – The Pros and Cons of Registering Completely Online
November 17, 2022
We’ve gotten used to doing pretty much everything from the comfort of our own homes on our computers and devices. Wedding registries are no exception! Years ago, choosing items for your registry meant going to a store, being handed a scan gun, and manually picking items to add. Not any longer! With just a few […]
– Ask a Real Bride – Sweet Ways to Honor Your Future In-Laws
October 20, 2022
As your wedding day approaches, you might be coming to a new realization: you’re about to become someone’s wife AND someone’s new daughter. What’s the best way to start building this new relationship with your future in-laws? Our real brides are here to help. I took to Instagram (come join our Ask a Real Bride […]
– 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 […]
