The OurWeddingDay Blog

Avoiding Unwanted Announcements at Your Wedding

OWD — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:37:01 -0500

We just posted a new article about stopping guests from stealing your celebration thunder!

In the film “Rachel Getting Married,” Anne Hathaway’s character turns a wedding toast to her sister into a celebration… of herself. It’s a squeamish scene because most of us have witnessed similar “wedding crasher” moments. On your big day, you’ll want to do your best to prevent unwanted interruptions from friends and relatives. You will also need to know how to subvert them should they occur.

Most friends and relatives who seize your day to announce big news of their own (a new job, a new house, and, most common of all, a proposal) aren’t deliberately trying to steal your thunder; they simply don’t realize it’s in bad form. They may have gotten caught up in the excitement, or thought that it would be easier to make an announcement while the family is already gathered together. Head these people off at the pass: If you find out that a guest is bubbling over with big news, get their permission first and make the announcement yourself, at a rehearsal dinner or pre-wedding party... Check out the full article here.

What to Do When Guests Don't RSVP

OWD — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:26:56 -0500

Even though most of your guests will RSVP on time, there's always a certain percentage who won't. However well-intentioned, some friends and loved ones will either forget, assume it’s unnecessary, or think telling your brother is the same as notifying you.

So what's a girl supposed to do?

Check out our new article on how to handle guests who don't RSVP.

The Right Way to Invite Your “B List”

OWD — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:55:51 -0400

We just posted a new article about inviting your "B List" to your wedding.

Since it’s usually impossible to invite everyone to your big day, B-Lists serve a very important purpose, as well as creating new guest opportunities. Remember, everyone you initially invite to your wedding will not be able to attend. Don’t take this personally: Some loved ones will have prior engagements, for others it will be difficult to travel, and last-minute emergencies can crop up. If you’ve prepared a celebration for 100 guests, approximately 80 should arrive... Check out the full article here!

Taking Your Husband's Name, Years Later

OWD — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:15:03 -0400

Supermodel and Project Runway Grand Dame Heidi Klum has just legally become Heidi Samuel, taking husband Seal's surname... 4 years after their marriage (or as we like to call it, their "first wedding").

The taking of the groom's surname continues to be a hot topic for modern brides, and we couldn't help but wonder how waiting to change names affects the debate. Is it unromantic, in a 'waiting to be sure' kind of way, or is it incredibly romantic in a 'reaffirming my devotion in a totally unexpected way' kind of way?

There isn't a standard rule of etiquette as to when to take your husband's name, because until recent generations there practically no discussion about whether individual brides wanted to take their spouses names.

What do you think? Will you be taking your husband's name? If so, will you take it right away? Do you think the taking of the grooms name is the "right thing to do," is is it more of a personal choice? How to hyphenated last names factor in?

Get Expert Reception Seating Advice

OWD — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:37:11 -0400

Reception seating can be one of the most challenging aspects of wedding planning. Since your wedding is, in some ways, a giant party, you want to make sure everyone invited is comfortable and seated at a table with people whose company they enjoy. Of course, you also want to make sure you follow wedding etiquette.

We spoke to party and wedding experts about what they would recommend -- check out what they had to say, read the full article here.

Don't Forget About Gifts to Your Wedding Party

OWD — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:25:23 -0400

We just posted a new article about giving gifts to your wedding party.

Generally, the bridesmaids receive the same gift, as do all the groomsmen. It’s completely acceptable, however, to buy each wedding-party member a different gift, so long as they’re all in the same price range. Your maid of honor and best man should be given something a little more special than the rest of the party.

Check it out!

How & When to Send Thank-You Notes

OWD — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:25:50 -0400

We just post a new and "note worthy" article about the etiquette of thank-you notes.

Just as invitations start your wedding buzz, thank-you notes put an official final “stamp” on it. You should order your thank-you notes 4-6 months before your wedding and no later than a month prior. You won’t need them immediately, but it saves from last-minute chaos and costs.

Check it out!