What Not To Do At A Wedding Shower

January 25, 2011 by  
Filed under Wedding Humor

Wedding showers are all about the bride.  Sometimes you know her really well and the shower is a happy, fun-filled occasion.  Other times, you barely know the girl and you have no idea how to act, what to get her, or what to say.  In each situation and every one in between, here is a cardinal list of rules of what not to do at ANY wedding shower.

Unless it’s ONE OF THOSE Showers, Stay Away from Inappropriate Gifts

blushing
Unless the shower is designated for gifts of the *ahem* more intimate nature, stay away from sex toys and risque lingerie.  One famous story is floating around the internet that regards a ninety-year-old grandmother who was so offended at a shower gift that she spit her dentures out and stormed away.  We want to avoid offended grandmothers.

Keep Your History To Yourself

love-triangle
There are countless stories out there about girls who attend the bridal showers of women who are marrying their ex boyfriends.  Maybe that’s not clear, so let’s put it into second person narrative.  You’re at a shower.  The girl who is getting married is getting married to a guy you used to date.  Whatever you do, do not talk about your relationship with this girl’s groom-to-be.  It’s in poor taste and makes everyone feel awkward.

Other Don’ts

Don’t:

tell dirty jokes
get naked
encourage anybody else to get naked
get wasted
get wasted and  naked
be mean to the  bride
be mean to the bride’s mother, grandmother, sister, best friend, etc.

If you follow these simple rules, you should be fine.  If you think of something other than one of these things to do to offend people, PULEASE write to tell me about it.

“Unveiling Weddings” Book Launches

December 7, 2010 by  
Filed under Wedding Planning

“Unveiling Weddings” Book Launches as the Something Blue for Today’s Bride Co-Authors mix narrative stories and solid psychotherapy tools to create a fun-loving read that brings peace of mind for brides-to-be

San Francisco, CA – The old adage, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” just got a modern gift idea for the bride-to-be before her wedding day with “Unveiling Weddings,” a smart read written by two psychotherapists who bring a collection of stories and advice for brides to make the most out of their engagement. The book gives readers emotional support to find clarity, balance and joy leading up to their big wedding day and it’s the perfect girlfriends’ guide to support the bride from “Yes” to “I Do!” With a cauliflower blue book cover and illustration of a bride riding a bicycle with her feet up in the air, the book instantly references the balancing act brides face during their engagement that can turn any self-assured woman into an anxious “bridezilla.” On November 29, 2010 “Unveiling Weddings” will be available for purchase at www.amazon.com or on www.unveilingweddings.com for $14.95 in a 173-page paperback edition.

Co-authors Rebecca Sacerdoti, Ph.D., and Tasha Jackson Fitzgerald, M.A., who make their living helping individuals navigate their major life transitions, were struck by the intensity of issues a bride-to-be faces when planning her wedding. From cultural and social expectations to relationship fears and amplified family dynamics, an engagement brings an immense opportunity for a bride-to-be to get a better understanding of herself and her relationship with her future husband. Through a variety of narratives and comforting psychological guidance, “Unveiling Weddings” brings a chance for brides-to-be to feel nourished throughout the marriage planning process. With chapter titles such as “I Am Engaged, But I Feel a Bit Zany,” and “Relationships: Managing the 3 F’s Without Letting the ‘F’ Word Sneak In” the book will bring smiles, serenity and happy tears for the bride-to-be who reads about the myths and legends passed down from one generation to the next. This shared knowledge can help a woman experience her engagement as a time of empowerment and as an opportunity to improve her relationships.

“I was able to smile at things that happened on my wedding day, like when my mother-in-law took it upon herself to surprise us all with a song to her son to the tune of Celine Dion,” said former bride Michelle Walsh. If I hadn’t read the book “Unveiling Weddings,” I might not have had the insight to put my ‘quickie calmer’ into action and remember that everything will work out – now the story brings laughs to my husband and me.”

According to the Bridal Association of America, there were more than two million weddings held in 2009 with an average engagement lasting 17 months. Today’s bride is more aware about constructive psychotherapy tools that can be instrumental in helping to ease the challenges leading up to the big day, yet schedules and budgets may not allow for one-on-one scheduled visits to a therapist. For those brides, “Unveiling Weddings” is a welcomed “something blue” that will bring peace of mind leading up to and on her wedding day. In addition, the book may also be referenced as a tool as part of an ongoing therapist practice with brides-to-be nationwide.

“We wanted to write a book that would support women through this important rite of passage by providing them with stories and psychological insight, so they could get the most of their engagement,” said Rebecca Sacerdoti, who has a doctorate in psychology. “As co-authors, Tasha and I worked tirelessly to capture the best stories and write in a style that makes the book accessible and fun-loving. We’re proud that “Unveiling Weddings” can be read from front to back or flipped through for the chapters of interest that a bride-to-be can turn to when she needs it.”

Brides can also engage with the expert authors and fellow readers through social media channels including Facebook (www.facebook.com/unveilingweddings) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/readytowed). Through these interfaces, the authors will share information on upcoming book signings, recommended resources, nuggets of wisdom, and more. The online resources are a welcomed addition to the host of wedding conversations taking place, as well as the resources found in “Unveiling Weddings.” The book’s focus is helping brides to find their authentic voice and experience during their engagement rather than seeking to aspire to a level of unachievable perfection.

More information about “Unveiling Weddings” can be found by visiting www.unveilingweddings.com or by e-mailing [email protected].

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Groomsmen Gifts: A Modern Tradition

October 4, 2010 by  
Filed under Bridal Parties, Featured

There are many old traditions still visible in today’s modern wedding. One of the most obvious is the best man and groomsmen standing next to the groom during the ceremony. We now see this custom as an opportunity to involve our friends and close family members in our big day, but at one time the groomsmen were seen to guard the bride until she was married to her husband and new protector.

These days the groomsmen often help out with the arrangements and tasks leading up to the wedding, and most importantly keep the groom smiling no matter how stressful the wedding plans get. A modern tradition is that the groom gives each member of his wedding party a gift on the day of the wedding to say thank you for helping out. Whether your groomsmen gifts are traditional or modern is completely up to you.

groomsmen

Traditional groomsmen gifts offer a touch of class and remind us of an era our grandparents might recognize more easily than we would. A watch was a traditional gift for any big occasion, from graduation to retirement. The symbolism of a watch varies depending on your culture, but in North American it’s often seen as a wish for long life.

Other traditional groomsmen gifts are flasks, cufflinks and money clips. While most of use don’t wear shirts with cufflink holes, keep a flask in our hip pocket and prefer a debit card to a wad of cash, the timeless significance of these gifts is what makes them special.

A modern groomsman gift generally reflects the taste of the man receiving it. It could be sports related, like a golf set or a baseball bat engraved with the date of the wedding and the groomsman’s name. For a groomsman who travels frequently a leather carry-on featuring his initials, or a travel case for his grooming kit also makes a thoughtful gift.

No matter which route you choose, traditional or modern, adding personalization to the gift will remind your groomsmen of your big day and the important role they played in it. You can add their monogrammed initials, the wedding date and even the bride and groom’s names to many different types of gifts.

It’s important to think about each of your groomsmen and choose a gift that suits his personality and taste. Choosing the right gift is the best way to show just how well you know the men standing by your side and how much you appreciate them being there for you on your wedding day.

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Beat The Heat – Summer Wedding Weather Survival

Summer weddings are popular for a number of reasons:  the brilliant sunshine, the ready abundance of flowers and plants, and the overall sense of energy and vibrant life that comes with the season.  These sunny celebrations of love and eternity do present a seemingly inescapable fact of nature: the heat.   Not to be dissuaded; however, countless couples choose to tie the knot outdoors during the summer.

flamehead by Cayusa

flamehead by Cayusa

Fear not!  Surviving the sweltering temperatures is easily accomplished for both the guests and the bride and groom.  Here are a few simple tips for keeping your cool:

  1. If you’re invited to a summer fete, choose a light-colored outfit (avoiding white, of course).  The light colors will help reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cooler than dark colors.  Also, if you wear a dress, avoid long skirts.  Knee length or mid calf skirt will allow for the movement of air without smothering your legs.
  2. If you have long hair (bride or guest), wearing your hair up will work wonders to keep your neck and shoulders cool and pleasantly un-sweaty.
  3. Stay hydrated.  One of the number one dangers during any summertime celebration is dehydration.  Keep cool beverages on hand.  This can be especially important for the bride and groom, as she is likely to be weigh down under layers of a heavy wedding gown, while he’ll be sporting a fetching (but also heavy) tuxedo.
  4. Try to stay in the shade.  Avoiding the direct sunlight can help keep you cool as well as avoiding sunburn.  Sunscreen is a must for outdoor ceremonies.  No one wants a blistering sunburn as their thank-you note for attending.
jasmined - sweaty guy photo

jasmined - sweaty guy photo

So don’t dread the long ceremony in the sun.  With proper planning and a little common sense, disaster can be avoided and you can cut loose and celebrate with the proper enthusiasm, without worrying about the heat.