The New Wedding Etiquette

(ARA) - Wedding traditions can and do change. And, sometimes, traditions should change.

So says Peggy Post, the great-grand-daughter-in-law of Emily Post, today's leading authority on etiquette and the author of a dozen books. As
1-800-FLOWERS.COM's etiquette expert, Post provides enlightened solutions to weddings questions.

Here are a few established wedding traditions that have taken on a fresh twist in recent years:

Old: The bride's family pays for the wedding

New: Today, just 27 percent of weddings are paid for by the bride's family. Even a simple affair can have a significant cost, so it is not surprising that families
attack this in different ways. The bride's family may pay. The couple themselves may pay, or the groom's family, the bride's family and the couple may share
expenses. What's important is that the bride- and groom-to-be discuss the budget early to ensure a smooth path to the altar.

Old: There should be no more than six bridesmaids and six groomsmen.

New: You can have as many or as few attendants as you want; there is no maximum and minimum. Even at a big, formal wedding, just one or two attendants on
each side are acceptable. Because groomsmen/ushers have the responsibility of seating guests at the ceremony, the rule of thumb is one usher for every 50
guests, and it's fine to have more ushers than bridesmaids.

Old: The bridal bouquet must be white or, at the very least, subdued.

New: Bouquets can be as beautiful and varied as the brides who carry them. Vibrant wildflowers, lavender roses that match the bridesmaids' dresses, the
groom's favorite flower - all are acceptable and wonderful. Brides, however, should consider guests who might have allergies to certain flowers.

Old: The mother of the groom shouldn't choose her dress until the mother of the bride has chosen hers.

New: Traditionally, the mother of the bride chooses her dress and then notifies the mother of the groom of its style and shade so that she can purchase a dress
that complements but doesn't exactly match the bride's mother and attendants. Today, the mother of the groom should select an outfit that she feels beautiful and
comfortable in and that is appropriate for the time of day and formality of the wedding. And if the bride's mom hasn't contacted the groom's mom, it is perfectly
fine for mom o' the groom to initiate that phone call to discuss dress details.

Old: Traditional household appliances and linens are the best wedding presents.

New: Any gift is fine, just choose thoughtfully. Some couples today have already combined households and may not need another blender, compact toaster
oven or set of thirsty bath towels. Gift registries are now the norm, and handy things they are for guests who may not know the couple as well as they might like.
And don't be surprised by a registry that may contain non-traditional items like chipping in on vacations and mortgage payments.

Old: Guests shouldn't wear white or black to a wedding.

New: You can wear white as long as it doesn't look like a wedding dress: it's the bride's day. If you wear black, it should look like you are attending a wedding,
not a funeral. Also consider time of day, location and any rules of attire specified by religion (for example, bare shoulders or too much cleavage or leg showing).

Old: All guests should receive hand-written thank you notes for their gifts.

New: Sorry, there's no changing this one! All guests should receive hand-written thank you notes for their gifts. Save the e-mails for lunch dates and
business-related thank yous.

For beautiful and unusual wedding gifts, including the Flower Cake for Wedding, made completely of fresh flowers, visit www.1800flowers.com. Courtesy of ARA Content

* Games - Bridal Shower Games

People tend to be split into two camps where shower games are concerned -- either they think no shower would be complete without them, or they’d rather visit the dentist than play them. Take your lead from the bride on this one; after all, it’s her party. Check your local bookstore, library, or the Internet for party game ideas. Chances are you’ll be able to find a game that ties in with your theme. For example, if you’re having a recipe shower, you could play the apron game: attach a variety of kitchen utensils to an apron and have the bride put it on and model it for a couple of minutes, then leave the room. Have guests write down as many items as they can remember; the person with the longest list wins.

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Gifts & Favors
Bride Bear
Groom Bear

Other Decorating Ideas
Wedding Canopy
Wedding Decorama

Party Favors

Bride Cap
12mm Pearl Necklace

Unique Wedding Products
Unity Candles
Wedding Pillows & Baskets
Bride's Thank You Guide
Water Bottles
Ribbon Pulling Charms
Love Savers Candy Favors
Room Key Holders
First Love Cake top
Glass Marker - Decorate the windows
Car Decorating Kit
Wedding Time Capsule
Sewing Kit
Daisy Place Cards
First Love Plate and Pen
The Memories Cake Storage Box
Personalized Single Deck Playing Cards
Personalized Double Deck Playing Cards
Piggy Bank Silver-plated

Product Search:

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Personalized Bridal Shower Invitations

Traditional Roll of the Wedding Attendants

Many couples choose to do most of the work themselves i.e. Buy the clothes for the bridesmaids etc.. But the traditional way is as follows

Matron of Honor (Bride's right-hand woman)

Is responsible for her own gown and accessories
Arranges the bachelorette party and bridal shower (guests, entertainment etc..)
Keeps a record of wedding gifts
Acts as official witness
Helps to settles the bride's nerves
Helps bridesmaids on the big day
Holds bride's bouquet during the ceremony
Looks after bride's things at ceremony and reception
Assists the bride when changing from her wedding gown to her going-away clothes

Bridesmaids
Responsible for their own gowns
Assist in all pre-wedding festivities
Helps to prepare for the reception
Fill cups with confetti, rice, or rose petals to throw for the getaway
Decorates the car

Best Man
(Groom's right-hand man)
He's responsible for his tuxedo
Makes sure the groom arrives on time
He sees that ushers' function runs smoothly
Gives toast and speeches at ceremony and reception
Pays the officiant's fee
Keeps rings, license, and honeymoon tickets
Acts as toastmaster at the bridal table
Plans for reception exit transportation

Ushers/Groomsmen
Responsible for their own attire
Involved in all ceremony festivities
Greet all guests at the ceremony, ask which family they represent and seat them accordingly.
Unrolls the aisle runner after the bride's mother is seated
Decorates the car

Flower Girl
Precedes the bride, tossing flower petals down the aisle

Ring Bearer
He walks down the aisle carrying the ring secured to a satin pillow.

Personalized Printed Bridal Shower Invitations and Wedding Supplies

Wedding Accessories and Favors

Wedding Products
Engagement
Bridal Accessories
Bridal Shower
Rehearsal Dinner
Casual Wedding
Seal 'n Send Invitations
Printed Thank You Notes
Blank Thank You Notes
Tableware
Stemware

All Accessories
Cake Servers
Cake Tops
Ceremony Essentials
Coasters
Decorations
Favors
Garters
Gifts
Glassware
Matches & Notepads
Memory & Guest Albums
Napkins
Pens
Place Cards
Precious Moments
Programs
Reception Essentials
Ribbons & Bows
Seals
Thank You Notes

Need bachelorette party ideas....visit the
Wedding Parties
Bridal Parties
Bachelorette Parties