The more bridesmaids you have more coordination and communication your going to have to take care of. Remember you’ll have plenty of issues to deal with from dresses, to nails, to hair, to jewelry. So don’t choose more bridesmaids than you think you can handle. This is supose to be a happy time for you and stress doesn’t make a person happy.

Forget old theory that if you don’t include everyone that’s close to you, there will be hard feelings. Most women have outgrown this childish thought pattern, and recognize that modern bride has tough choices to make to stay within budget and fulfill her special day. Sometimes a future bride just has too many close friends to have them all in wedding party. Relax! Invite them to wedding, and if you want ask them to do special favors such as perhaps your nails or your hair, depending on their own unique talents.

The maid of honor has a role to play besides in wedding party. She needs to be brides right arm and help with any wedding tasks she can. She can help select wedding gown, get invitations in order, arrange a wedding shower, help with choosing a reception location, help decorate, or even help prepare food. The duties that can be assigned to your made of honor are endless, just be sure not to overwhelm her with too many requests. Your maid of honor is like brides personal first aid kit. Ready to fix anything that’s broken.

Bridesmaids also play an important role by planning bridal shower, preparing munchies, cake, or sandwiches for shower. They are also there to support and help bride whenever they can.

For modern bride these are happy times, choices are endless, you can make your fashion statement and let your bridesmaid’s make theirs. No more having to follow traditions unless you want to. Planning perfect wedding has never been easier!

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

First, it’s okay for wedding couple to ask for cash only. The correct way is to include a little note in invitation that reads something like. Because we are saving for [insert item] we would appreciate cash donations in lieu of gifts. Thanks so much! It’s simple and to point and these days people understand. For many it’s much easier than trying to figure out what you need.

If you are blending two households that are financially set, and you don’t want any gifts or cash, then make a note of this on your invitation. Some people will feel uncomfortable with not providing a gift. So you could include a note that reads. We would like to decline any gifts. If you would like to give, please donate to our favorite charity [insert here]. Many thanks! Or, you can indicate they can donate to their favorite charity.

If you are going to be accepting gifts, then do your guests a favor and have several wedding gift registries set up at various stores. This will alleviate a lot of stress for your guests and insure you receive items you really need or want.

My daughter’s wedding is coming up shortly. Her and her fiancée are planning to take a 6 month backpacking trip into South America, right after wedding. So their gift registry is made up of camping supplies they will need. Be creative! Fine tune your gift registry to what “you” want and need. It will please your guests to know they are spending their hard earned money on something you will actually use.

These days, anything goes. The only big tip about wedding gift etiquette is to be polite in your requests. You’ll feel better and so will your guests!

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.