There has been an uncomfortable trend in recent years for large showers with nearly everyone bride knows invited. This is not what bridal shower is supposed to be. A bridal shower is supposed to be a small, intimate gathering of bride's closest friends and family. Proper bridal shower etiquette dictates a group of no more than ten to twenty guests.

The guest list should include wedding party, mothers of bride and groom, sisters of bride and groom, and bride's closest friends and/or coworkers. It shouldn't include every female invited to wedding.

Finally, bridal shower etiquette means being sure to include wedding party and mothers in shower itself in some way. Ask each person to take on some responsibility, whether it is recording a list of gifts and givers as they are opened or organizing group for games. This will make everyone feel they've been part of this special day.

Normally, a destination wedding combines elements of wedding and honeymoon. You are already out of your daily existence. You've chosen a place you've always wanted to go. And you've shared it with those close to you. For your guests this is also an opportunity to enjoy a break from their day-to-day and combine pleasure of being with you when you marry and a great vacation.

While I'm a great fan of destination wedding, it can become complicated and you need to carefully check out all details, from local wedding laws to just who will marry you, where and how. Even within US, laws vary significantly from state to state. For foreign destinations please don't jump into without doing your research.

You can find wedding planners, travel agents, resorts and hotels that can greatly ease problems of organizing from a distance. Many resorts and hotels offer packages that include these services or can recommend local resources. Do not neglect checking references.

Obviously, economics play a significant role. You'll need to consider just what you can really afford and just what your guests can afford. Of course, it's always possible to make a destination wedding just two of you. Sometimes an elopement is best solution - and then whole thing from beginning to end can be a dreamy honeymoon.

Whatever your dream, you don't need to feel limited any longer by outmoded traditions and ancient etiquette. There's a new freedom we are all reaching for and it includes option of structuring important events in our lives to be more personally relevant and meaningful. From wedding itself to type and style of wedding dress, alternatives have grown incredibly in this new age. Why not make your marriage an expression of your uniqueness?