Everything You Need to Know About Eloping

August 2, 2022

Thinking about opting for an elopement instead of a traditional ceremony? Our handy guide includes everything you need to know to start planning! Couples have been eloping for centuries — whether to assert their independence, circumvent societal pressures, save money, or just to keep their wedding as intimate as possible. When the pandemic hit and […]

– Ask a Real Bride – How Involved Should I be in My Bridal Shower?

July 21, 2022

Your wedding year 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 filling your social media feed, many brides are left wondering: where exactly do the planning responsibilities end? I’ve got some […]

– Ask Cheryl – Is it OK to Ask a Couple if a Wedding Gift Was Received?

July 12, 2022

If you’re wondering whether a wedding gift was received, is it ok to reach out and ask the couple? Read on to find out! Dear Cheryl, I took a gift to the wedding and had a gift from Amazon sent to the house. Today we received a gracious thank you for the gift we took […]

– Ask Cheryl – What is the Best Way to Give a Cash Wedding Gift?

June 28, 2022

Gift registries and online shopping have made purchasing wedding gifts easier than ever, but some guests (and couples!) still prefer cash. What’s the best way to send the money? Dear Cheryl, Is it permissible to include money in the wedding card on the day of the ceremony? I’d like to contribute toward the honeymoon fund […]

– Ask a Real Bride – How to Plan a Bachelorette Weekend, Not a Guilt Trip

June 23, 2022

If you’re a bride currently planning her bachelorette weekend, this is your sign to step back, take a deep breath, and honestly ask yourself: am I planning a girls’ trip or a guilt trip? Since I’ve been writing about weddings for nearly 8 years, people love to tell me their wedding stories–and I love hearing […]

Finding the Perfect Groomsmen’s Gift

June 16, 2022

While your wedding is primarily a celebration of the love and commitment between you and your spouse, it’s also a celebration of the family and friendships who supported you on your journey to the altar. Your groomsmen have been by your side through the highs and lows, the good and bad — that’s good enough […]

How to Write the Perfect Couple Story for Your Wedding Website

May 31, 2022

Your wedding website is a great place to direct your wedding guests for so much helpful information. From venue details to local recommendations for food and lodging, crafting your site can save you tons of time as you get closer to your big day. One element that every wedding website needs is a couple story […]

11 Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Love

May 19, 2022

Wedding favors are usually small in size but can become a big part of your budget! I am a firm believer that wedding favors should be something that your guests can eat or actually use. If not, your favor will end up getting tossed by your guest! Favors show guests your appreciation for taking time […]

What Should I Write in a Wedding Card?

May 17, 2022

Ideas for what to write in the card for a wedding or bridal shower gift Part of being a perfect wedding guest is finding the perfect wedding gift. But once you’ve found it, an important task looms ahead: writing a note to go along with your gift. If you’re shopping online, the limited space adds […]

An Outdoor Lovers Guide to Creating a Wedding Registry

May 10, 2022

When you create your wedding registry, you’re also creating a vision for the life you plan to live together. For those who have a sense of adventure and love the outdoors, the traditional gifts of china and crystal might not match the vision of the everyday life you would like to create with your future […]

Cringe-Free Bridal Shower Games & Activities

May 3, 2022

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 there’s nothing wrong with Don’t Say “Bride”, Match the Song to the Disney Movie, and Bridal […]

– Ask Cheryl – Can My Ex and I Give a Joint Wedding Gift?

April 26, 2022

Are there any rules for giving a joint wedding gift? Cheryl weighs in on co-gifting, even with an ex-husband, and shares some other wedding gift-giving FAQs. Dear Cheryl, My ex and I had a very amicable divorce. My nephew invited both of us to his wedding. I will be attending the wedding, but my ex […]

– Ask a Real Bride – Are Wedding Programs Worth It, or a Waste?

March 17, 2022

Is a wedding program worth the time and cost, or should couples save by skipping them? Our real brides help you decide! Wedding blogs, Instagram accounts, and Pinterest pages are filled with “must have” items to achieve the perfect wedding, but all of those great ideas can quickly become overwhelming for brides-to-be. It’s a challenge […]

8 Steps to Throwing Your First Bridal Shower

March 15, 2022

Hosting a bridal shower for the first time? Ace the celebration by following these eight easy steps! So, you’ve been tasked with throwing your very first bridal shower. While it might seem daunting, consider it a vote of confidence and accept the challenge. As the maid/matron of honor or a close family member/friend of the […]

Bridal Shower Etiquette for All Involved

March 8, 2022

As with all things “wedding year,” throwing a bridal shower comes with certain rules of etiquette—and we don’t just mean for the host. Whether you’re the host, a guest, or even the bride herself, follow the rules below to find out what you should and should not do. Bridal Shower Etiquette for the Bride It’s […]

14 Wedding Gifts to Fuel Your Adventurous Side

March 1, 2022

Calling all brides who love to hit the trail, get in an aquatic adventure, or can’t get enough of the outdoors — these wedding gifts are a must for your registry! If you love the great outdoors, then you know how much your gear matters — even if you’re on an easy out-and-back hike. From […]

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