An engagement party may be hosted by the couple or either set of parents. It can be cocktails and hors d’oeuveres at your home. You could include family and friends. Dinner at a restaurant with just family is another option. In any case don’t expect a gift at this party.

Some say it’s o.k. to say “adults only reception” in the invitations. In my opinion I would relax about having children at the wedding. Of course if children are part of the wedding party they definitely will be there, but don’t get bent out of shape if others come along with their parents. More than likely people won’t bring them unless they are particularly close to you (they enjoy an evening out). Never include the words “no kids” on the invitation.

Think a long time about who your attendants will be. It wouldn’t be very good wedding etiquette to “uninvite” someone after you’ve already asked them to be a bridesmaid, for instance. By the way, bridesmaids and ushers don’t have to be an even number. One usher may escort two bridesmaids if necessary.

If this is your second marriage and you have children, by all means include them in the wedding. One way is to let them give you away. It will make it a lot easier for them knowing you want them to be a part of it.

Wedding etiquette has changed. If it’s your second time around it’s all right to wear white.

If it’s your first time around it’s o.k. to wear a color.

If money is an object, you and your fiancé should invite only the people that mean the most to you. Sometimes the guest list is very lopsided. This should be discussed and all parties should have a meeting of the minds.

The groom’s mother should talk to the bride’s mother about what she should wear. It’s only good wedding etiquette.

Everyone should feel comfortable at the reception. Use place cards at the tables so people will be with others that they are compatible with. Have a seating chart where they enter so that they don’t have to search for their table.

Where there are more than two sets of parents (stepparents) it can sometimes be unpleasant. Come to an agreement beforehand about seating, the receiving line and such.

Speaking of receiving lines, it is not necessary at a small and informal wedding. You can just mingle and introduce people.

It may not be good wedding etiquette to ask for money as a wedding gift but today it is very acceptable especially with the use of a wishing well poem.

Your thank-you notes should be sent out within two to four weeks after the wedding. Don’t forget to mention the specific gift and how you plan to use it.

Planner
Your engaged now what? A step by step guide to making sure you have thought of everything?

Wedding Budget Planner
Setting a budget and sticking to it. Avoid overspending on you wedding with this easy to follow guide considering wedding etiquette.

Money Saving Tips

No matter what your wedding budget learn tricks to save you thousands without sacrificing wedding etiquette .

Choosing a Wedding Consultant
A must read if you are planning on hiring a wedding consultant / coordinator to plan you wedding day.

Who Pays for What?
Whether you are planning a traditional or modern wedding, the wedding etiquette of who pays for what?

Wedding Traditions
What are they and where did they come from?

Wedding Invitation Wording Ideas
wedding invitations wording ideas for all types of weddings. How to word your wishing well for wedding etiquette.

Wedding Invitation Etiquette
Need to know etiquette for your wedding invitations and stationery.

Writing a Wedding Speech
It’s easy! Just follow our simple steps for a crowd pleasing speech with wedding etiquette.

Bridal Emergency Kit?

No bride should be without one! Avoid disaster on your wedding day by putting together a few little items