Expert Advice News - The Emily Post Institute

How to have an unforgettable wedding reception with etiquette

I loved my wedding reception – outdoors, between storms, on a cool August day by Lake Champlain – not just for the beautiful dahlia and snapdragon flower arrangements, Lillet cocktails, and local Vermont cheese plates, but for the joy of having all of my favorite people in the world celebrating with me. It is, simply put, the best pa... More »

4 Ways to Help You Deal with Poor Guest Behavior

Discover tips on how to handle your loved ones’ cringe-worthy actions.

How to deal with bad guest behavior at your wedding

Manners are sets of acceptable social behavior – how we are expected to carry ourselves, and how we expect others to act in return. And weddings have lots of expectations – err, manners! For guests who are not up to speed on what those are or how to read the more subtle signals, there are a few ways you can help steer them on the ri... More »

The Top 4 Wedding Traditions That Couples Should Not Forgo

The great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post shares reigning wedding traditions.

Anna Post wedding traditions advice and etiquette

“Something old, something new,” the saying goes, and it’s just as true for wedding traditions as for the bride’s attire. Traditions are wonderful when they hold meaning and value for you. They are not there to force your hand to do something that makes no sense for your situation or goes against your vision of your weddin... More »

Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Help avoid pitfalls during the invitation selection process by following this expert advice.

Anna Post wedding invitation wording and etiquette

I’ll admit it – initial wedding planning was stressful. Deciding on the guest list size, budget, and venue took a lot of focus and energy. In part because it required a great deal of research to know our options, along with coordination between the many people involved, and in part because these are big decisions that no one wants to... More »

What to Do in the Final Days of Wedding Planning

The great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post provides insight on the moments leading up to your wedding.

Wedding Planning Etiquette tips from Anna Post

As I sit down to write, I am less than two weeks from my wedding. I’ve never come anywhere close to running a marathon, but I imagine that the mental component of running 26.2 miles must be akin to planning a wedding. These last weeks I’ve hit some decision fatigue, even though they are lovely decisions to make. This weekend I was lu... More »

What to Expect From Bridesmaids & How to Keep Them Happy

The great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post shares etiquette tips for the bridal party.

Bridesmaid Dress Etiquette and More from Anna Post

There are plenty of myths about bridesmaids, but for every movie-worthy tale of absurdities, I’m willing to bet there are hundreds, if not thousands, that tell the real story. Bridesmaids are a bride’s closest friends, and often closest family, who enjoy helping her plan for the big day without the drama (or at least, not m... More »

How to Avoid Common Etiquette Errors While Wedding Planning

The great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post reveals nonnegotiable rules every couple should follow.

Etiquette tips for nonnegotiable wedding rules

When asked if it’s okay to wear a pink wedding dress or serve pie instead of cake, I answer, “Yes!” Other questions, such as “Do I need a receiving line?” require longer responses that start with, “It depends.” There are not many “musts” in this day and age. Don’t want traditional wordi... More »

You're Engaged! 6 Steps to Follow After Saying "Yes"

Etiquette expert Anna Post shares a checklist of next steps to get you from "yes" to "I do."

Emily Post great great granddaughter on engagments

For brides and grooms who are newly engaged, here is a road map to the first things you’ll want to consider. And, congratulations! (Which, yes, is appropriate to say to a bride-to-be these days.) Tell Your Friends & FamilyMost brides find it hard to contain the news that they are engaged, and I was no different. Over t... More »

Traditional Etiquette for the Modern Family

Anna Post discusses traditional wedding etiquette and how it relates to same-sex soirées.

Gay wedding family portrait with two brides in dresses

The heart of a wedding isn’t about flower arrangements, favors for guests, or color schemes. It’s about the couple’s love for one another and how they share making such a deep commitment with their closest friends and family. The best weddings are the ones that are a true representation of the couple – be it a fancy black... More »

Modern Wedding Showers and What You Need to Know

The great-great-grandaughter of Emily Post offers updated etiquette tips for hosting a spectacular shower.

Bride and bridesmaids holding banner sign at bridal shower

Legend has it that long ago, when a poor miller fell in love with and wanted to marry the daughter of a wealthy man, the father refused to give his daughter any dowry at all. The couple married anyway, even though the miller had almost no possessions for a household. The townsfolk, who knew the miller to be a kind and generous person, came to th... More »

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How to Make Your Reception the Best Party of Your Life

Four important ways to ensure your post-ceremony soirée is a success.