Celebrating a marriage is always a joyful occasion. When you choose to remarry later in life, it can be an exciting time, full of new possibilities and second chances. But for adult children who are watching their parent remarry, it can feel somewhat unsettling. Here are some etiquette tips on ... [ Read More ]
Steps to Changing Your Last Name After Your Wedding
The ceremony was beautiful and you've just returned from the honeymoon. What’s next? If you’ve decided to take your new spouse's name, there is still one more hurdle to clear. The time-honored tradition of taking the husband’s last name is still the most popular choice according to recent ... [ Read More ]
How Much Should I Spend on a Gift?
Life is full of moments which deserve to be celebrated with a gift. From your best friend’s housewarming to a distant cousin’s wedding, there are many occasions where presents are fun to give and receive. The answer to this commonly asked question: there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes ... [ Read More ]
Wedding Cake Etiquette and Traditions
One of the highlights of a beautiful wedding is the cake. From elaborate towers of sugar, cream and candied flowers to simple, elegant desserts, the wedding cake is a centuries-old tradition that has morphed into a form of artistry and self-expression. Many of today’s rituals surrounding ... [ Read More ]
Wedding Etiquette: Combining & Purging Your Worldly Possessions
I’d like to introduce you to Jodi Holzband, an organizing specialist with SpareFoot I recently had the pleasure of meeting. Since June is wedding month, her tips on how a new bride and groom can harmoniously merge their households are right on time! Planning a wedding and moving in with a ... [ Read More ]
7 Etiquette Tips to an Unplugged Wedding
Every bride and groom hopes their wedding day will be perfect. That’s why many couples are requesting those in attendance help keep the occasion technology-free. It’s an understandable move. With each guest carrying a smartphone, there are several ways a well-intentioned friend can cross the ... [ Read More ]
Wedding Etiquette: The Modern Rules of Engagement
If you have a feeling your partner may pop the big question this upcoming Valentine’s Day, today’s post is for you! We are answering a few questions that will get you started on your way to “happily ever after,” starting with the proposal. Q: Does the person that is proposing always have to be ... [ Read More ]
Destination Wedding Etiquette
Your partner popped the question, and you've shared the news of your engagement with your overjoyed friends and family. Now the real decisions begin: setting a date, choosing a location, deciding on your guest list and countless other options rapidly growing on your to-do list. If the thought of ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: In-law Wedding Dilemma
Q: I will be getting married in a few weeks and my fiancé and I have scheduled pictures to be taken with the wedding party directly after the ceremony. My future sister-in-law has stated that she wants her 6 month old son to be included in the pictures with the wedding party, and even threatened not ... [ Read More ]
Wedding Etiquette: Commonly Asked Questions: Part II
Question: “Hi Diane. My husband and I are invited to a "Texas Black Tie" Wedding. We are not sure what appropriate attire is, and a friend (and coworker) says it is okay for my husband to wear a black suit? What should I wear? We are also not clear about what to give as a gift since it says, "No ... [ Read More ]
Wedding Etiquette: Commonly Asked Questions: Part I
There is never a lull when it comes to wedding questions and I’m addressing a few that we have recently received. There are many more, so stay tuned for the next increment of questions soon… Let’s get started: How long do I have to RSVP to a wedding invitation? The practical answer is to ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Can I Wear a Black Dress to a Wedding?
Q: I am attending a wedding this spring, and wanted to know if I can get away with wearing my favorite dress, which happens to be black. It will be an outdoor wedding, so I'm interested in what colors to pair with my outfit, other than pearls. I want to look current, yet elegant. Any suggestions ... [ Read More ]
Social Media Etiquette at Weddings and Special Events
It's not uncommon for wedding pictures to end up on other people's social media pages before the bride and groom say "I do". While well-intentioned friends are just sharing a special moment, it may not be the bride and groom's wish to have their wedding uploaded to Pinterest or Facebook before ... [ Read More ]
Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered
Wedding etiquette questions received by our SA Living viewers, blog readers and social media friends: Q: It is a second marriage for both of us and I didn’t have a church wedding the first time around. Is it okay to “walk down the aisle” since I’ve been previously married? A: You may walk down ... [ Read More ]
Can I Wear Black to a Wedding?
It’s wedding season and I have received multiple emails from women asking "Can I wear black to a wedding?". Here is my response: Absolutely. The LBD (Little Black Dress) is a staple in every woman’s closet and considered an appropriate option when worn correctly. Surely, you wouldn’t want to ... [ Read More ]