Planning + Design News - Wedding Etiquette

bride with bridesmaids in crimson and blush dresses, bridesman in tux carrying bouquet

As gender norms have relaxed over the years, more wedding parties are blurring the lines and embracing roles like bridesmen, groomsmaids, or simply having gender-neutral wedding attendants. As much as you may be ready to embrace a co-ed bridal party, the logistics can be trickier when it comes to getting ready the morning of the big day. A bride... More »

Tips for Attending a Wedding By Yourself

It's not as bad as it might sound!

black-tie tented wedding reception with drapery, chandelier of greenery, large golden candlesticks

Whether you are currently single and didn’t receive (or choose to use) a plus one, or your significant other is simply unable to attend, there may be a time where you find yourself going to a wedding without a date by your side. It’s often assumed that this should be an unpleasant experience, but that doesn’t have to be the cas... More »

Your Guide to a Guest List You Won't Regret

Keep everything under control by following these suggestions.

how to create the perfect guest list your guide to a guest list that you won't regret later

After getting engaged, one of the first things you should do is figure out at least a rough estimation of the guest list. The venue is the first thing you should book, and you’ll need to know how many people you want to invite before making that decision, as it can affect your options. Photo by Sam & Sola Lee Photography; Plannin... More »

What to Do When You Have to Cancel After RSVPing

Sometimes it's unavoidable, but there are ways to redeem yourself.

How to handle canceling your rsvp at the last minute etiquette tips for guests

Receiving an invitation to a wedding is an honor, but it’s also filled with etiquette hurdles that may be unfamiliar to you. Perhaps the most important responsibility for a potential wedding guest is the RSVP. It’s best to send in your response card (or submit it online) as soon as you know whether or not you are available, but it... More »

Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Announcements

Is this tradition right for you, or is it one to forgo?

groom in suit kissing bride in long bridal gown in front of x-wooden fence in nature

Outside of society weddings, engagement and marriage announcements in the newspaper have become less common than in the past – perhaps in part due to the general decline in newspaper subscriptions. However, while planning your nuptials – especially when selecting your stationery – you may hear talk of wedding announcements. The... More »

Top 3 Etiquette Tips for Planning a Sunday Wedding

Learn what you need to do differently if you marry on a Sunday.

tips for planning a wedding on a sunday wedding planning advice and tips for wedding dates

Saturday may be the most common day of the week to get married, but it’s not always the best choice for some couples. For example, traditional Jewish ceremonies cannot be held on the Sabbath, which is from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. Thus a classic summer wedding would have to be held either late in the evening on Saturday... More »

Top 3 Etiquette Tips for Planning a Friday Wedding

Learn what you need to do differently if you marry on a Friday.

tips for planning a wedding on a friday etiquette tips for friday weddings

Though Saturday is easily the most common day of the week to get married, more and more couples are choosing alternative dates. Sometimes the reasoning is simply to save money, but dates other than Saturday may be chosen due to a date with sentimental value, or to secure time at a dream venue. Sweethearts having a short engagement will almo... More »

What Not to Tell a Bride on Her Wedding Day

These statements and questions will not help make her day special.

If you’re going to be a guest at a wedding, you’re probably hoping to get some face time with the bride. A safe bet would be to congratulate her on her marriage, and say how beautiful she looks. However, some people prefer to make more of an impression, or perhaps even feel self-conscious about coming across as boring or generic. Whi... More »

How to Have a Mixed-Gender Bridal Party

Throw tradition out the window with men and women on both sides of the altar.

wedding ideas mixed gender bridal party bridesman groomsmaid man of honor best woman

With artfully mismatched bridesmaid dresses and more creative suit options for groomsmen, bridal parties have been drifting away from tradition in recent years. As gender roles become less defined in a world that gets closer to equality, brides and grooms are becoming more likely to have an attendant of a different gender stand on their side of ... More »

How to Ask Your Flower Girl & Ring Bearer to Be in the Wedding

Find out how to ask your favorite little ones to be a part of your big day.

etiquette tips asking children to be in the bridal party wedding advice

After getting engaged, it’s time for some proposals of your own. Once you settle in and start the planning process, you’ll probably want to ask people to join your wedding party! Perhaps you’ve already pinned precious ways to propose to your bridesmaids, but have you thought of how to ask the littlest attendants? Because y... More »

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Your Guide to Getting Ready with a Coed Bridal Party

Read advice on navigating the morning of your wedding with coed attendants.