If your parents are divorced, several difficult decisions must be made in order to accommodate both parents.

Your invitations. The parent with whom you have been living the longest should issue the invitation. The other parent is not
mentioned. However, if both parents agree, the invitations may be in both names.

Introducing future in-laws to each other. Protocol dictates that the first introduction should be to the parent with whom you have been living, followed a week or so later by a visit with your other parent.

Seating at the ceremony. The bride’s mother more...

Your wedding gown will likely be the most beautiful-and most expensive-dress you ever buy.

When you buy your dress, ask the retailer about suggested cleaning and storing procedures. If you consider these points carefully, your elegant gown can become a wedding tradition and grace other beautiful brides in future generations.

Before purchasing your gown inspect it carefully and check the cleaning and storage requirements. Wedding gowns decorated with beads, sequins, lace and other ornate trim may cause problems during cleaning.

After the wedding, have your gown more...

Etiquette and ideas

The bridal shower occurs between two months and two weeks before the wedding.

Tradition dictates that immediate family members (mothers, sisters, mothers-in-law) should not give showers as it appears the family is soliciting gifts. Invite only those who have been invited to the wedding and who know the couple.


As the bride, one of your responsibilities is to provide the hostess with a guest list and to assure you haven’t created a financial burden on someone by inviting them to more than one shower. Send more...