Bridesmaid Dress Conflicts and Resolving Them

One of the biggest conflicts that happen when it comes
to a wedding is the one between brides and their
bridesmaids over the bridesmaids dresses. To help with
this problem, here are some tips on selecting
bridesmaids’ dresses.
Color - This is one thing that the bride should be
able to choose. But when you are choosing your color,
take into consideration your bridesmaids’ coloring.
Have a base color, but be willing to compromise on the
shade. The other thing that some brides do is to have
a rainbow wedding.

Style - This is something that your bridesmaids should
be able to help in choosing. Try not to choose a style
that is to garish or frilly. The best type of dress is
one that they can wear again to another formal dinner.

Remember, these dresses are dresses that your
bridesmaids will be paying for, and they should be
able to enjoy wearing them. So take that into
consideration and choose a style and color that will
make everyone happy.

You want to choose a style that will look good on all
of your bridesmaids and that enhance their best
features. When your bridesmaids are wearing dresses
that they like and they know that they look good in,
things will be a lot less stressful for everyone.

If you aren’t sure what type of dress will work for
everyone, talk to people at the bridal shops and they
will help you.

American Wedding Practices

Living in the United States makes one feel free - free to do anything, free to live, free to love, free from traditions.  While this is true, there are still many practices done during wedding that renders this memorable event with a distinct American touch.  Here are some:

Starting from the engagement, Americans can think of unique ways to personalize their wedding.  As there really isn't any engagement tradition, the more unique the marriage proposal is done, the better.

For most wedding preparations, the engaged couple visits their parents to inform them of their recent engagement.

At times, the engaged couple hosts an engagement party.  The engagement party costs less than a wedding reception since most of the time, the menu will only include cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.  Therefore, if the couple is on a tight budget, they can just invite more guests to the engagement party if they plan to limit the number of guests during the wedding.

Most wedding preparations have a bridal shower given by the maid of honor and the bridesmaids.  The groom may also have a bachelor party the night before the wedding but he has to be careful not to drink too much.

Wedding invitations should include response cards to quickly inform the couple whether the person has accepted or declined the invitation.  The wedding invitations should also be sent within four to six weeks before the event.

Usually, there is a rehearsal dinner in which the wedding party and guests came from far places to be present at the wedding attend.  It was practiced that the groom's parents pay for this dinner.

A bridal luncheon may be hosted for the bride's attendants during the wedding day.  However, time constraints may not permit this to be part of the schedule for the wedding day.  Likewise, the groom may also host a groom's dinner for his groomsmen.

Interestingly, even if the couple is not very religious, they still prefer a religious ceremony.  However, this may pose a problem since in America people of different faiths and religious backgrounds get married.

Even if there are few people who believe in bad luck, some couples still make sure that the groom does not see his bride until she starts waking on the aisle.

It is still practiced that the groom and his groomsmen enter the church through a side door.  The bride will then walk down the aisle with her father.  In some cases when both her father and stepfather brought up the bride, she may ask them both to escort her.

During a formal reception, there is usually a bridal table where the couple and the attendants sit.  Also, food and drinks should be served as the guests appear at the reception.

Before, gift giving used to depend on what the guest will feel useful for the couple.  Now, it is better to register for gifts so the guests will know what to bring that the couple will need.

Upon receiving an engagement or wedding gift, it is better to send a thank you note apart from saying "thank you" to the giver.  This should be sent within two weeks upon receipt of the gift.  Make a personalized thank you note, instead of using an impersonal generic thank you note.

These are just some American practices during weddings.  Whether one chooses to this or prefers to have a very different wedding, what's more important is that American's still believe in the wedding vow, "For better or worse, 'til death do us part."

Accommodation Options For Your Honeymoon

For those of you who are seeking peace and quiet on your honeymoon there are a variety of options available. Bed and breakfasts plus small inns offer great getaways and a chance to immerse you in more of the local area.

Many of these small inns were made around historic great houses on former plantations. These are often intimate properties that only host a handful of guests at a time. Here the two of you will be part of a small group of guests, and you'll get to know each other as husband and wife. Often the owners of the inn reside right on property, so you'll receive personal attention.

For some couples, the idea of real romance is a private villa, without any other guests. Its just the two of you alone, apart from the occasional visit by a cook or maid. They are there to help to meet your special requests, to introduce you to island cuisine, and to make you feel pampered. Italy, St. John, Jamaica and Barbados are always popular destinations for villa rentals.

Many resorts also offer villa rentals. These homes are located on the resort property. Guests can enjoy the security and services of the resort while at the same time having the space and facilities of a villa home. Here you can cook your own food and do what you want without being rushed or interrupted.

Let the hotel know when you make the reservation you will be celebrating your honeymoon. Many hotels like to recognize honeymooners. Some hotels offer a special gift or even a room upgrade if available. Remember, as much as you want to have a good time, the hotel also wants to make this an extra special trip for the two of you. What better way to get return visitors or referrals?