Make your wedding ceremony pop with personal touches like a personalized ceremony space, unique alternatives to a unity candle and handwritten vows. After I graduated college in May 2015, it seemed that everyone I knew was getting married within the next year. Since our own wedding in the summer of 2015, Jon and I have […]

In the past decade, wedding websites have become an essential information hub for the couple and their guests. In a recent survey on our @askarealbride Instagram page, 86% of brides reported that they’ve already built out a website for their upcoming wedding. If you’re in the 14%, don’t stress–we have you covered! Over 500 amazing […]

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When you’re getting married for a second time, your needs are different. You’re at a different stage in life than you were on your first wedding day, and you likely already have many of the typical items on a first-time couple’s registry. It’s a whole new ballgame, and it might be hard to come up […]

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 some spending […]

When you’re planning a wedding, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Here are some tips for building a stress-free wedding registry. If you’re getting married for the first time, there’s a good chance you don’t know much about building your wedding registry — aside from the fact that you get a personal scanner to […]

Speaking from personal experience, receiving a positive pregnancy test can elicit a vast array of emotions. Whether this is your first pregnancy or you are a seasoned mother, preparing to welcome a new family member can feel like an exciting yet overwhelming mission! Riding in like a knight on a white horse is everybody’s favorite […]

Here’s your to-do list for everything that should happen after you get engaged and before you start wedding planning. It finally happened — you’re engaged! Congratulations! Pop the bubbly and let the celebrations begin! You’re about to enter an entirely new and exciting chapter of life, and there’s a lot to get done between now […]

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 […]

Deciding who to invite to your wedding can be more complicated than you think — here’s a step-by-step guide with helpful tips from real brides who have been there! When I got engaged, I just about instantly began planning my wedding: the venue, the atmosphere, the music, and of course, the guests. Little did I […]

From backyard barbecues to rooftop hotels, you can choose some fabulous places to have your rehearsal dinner, making it the perfect kick-off for your wedding weekend. This popular wedding tradition is usually held the night before, right after the ceremony rehearsal. Its purpose is to gather the most important people to the bride and groom […]

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 […]

When you’re preparing and registering for your new baby, it’s easy to focus on newborn diapers, clothes and accessories. It’s hard to imagine, but that little one will grow way faster than you expect! After my first baby shower, I wanted to exchange the only 12-month outfit I received for a smaller size. Luckily my […]

I will never forget how excited I was to register for my first baby. However, when I became pregnant again, I had no clue what I’d need the second time around, and I did not have the extra time to make a registry because I was chasing around an 18-month-old who kept me busy for […]

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 […]

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 […]