{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2025-04-17T16:01:15+00:00"},"categoryId":34200,"data":{"title":"Weddings","slug":"weddings","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Relationships & Family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"slug":"relationships-family","categoryId":34189},{"name":"Weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"},"slug":"weddings","categoryId":34200}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":34189,"title":"Relationships & Family","slug":"relationships-family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"}},"childCategories":[],"description":"Nothing brings people together more than lovebirds joining in holy matrimony. But there's no doubt that arranging a wedding can be stressful. Make it a bit easier with our helpful articles on matrimonial planning.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=34200&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":55,"bookCount":6},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":55,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2022-05-13T16:54:05+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-05-13T16:56:50+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:43+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Relationships & Family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"slug":"relationships-family","categoryId":34189},{"name":"Weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"},"slug":"weddings","categoryId":34200}],"title":"Planning a Wedding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"planning a wedding for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"planning-a-wedding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This Cheat Sheet summarizes the main aspects of wedding planning, including the budget, guest list, ceremony, reception, and more.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Congratulations — you’re engaged and that should be celebrated! Now it’s time to make it official and plan your perfect wedding day. It’s all about perspective. The big picture in planning a wedding is that at the end of the day, you will be married. That’s what’s most important. Along your journey, there will be bumps in the road. But wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful. Following the simple steps outlined in this Cheat Sheet will ensure a perfect wedding day.","description":"Congratulations — you’re engaged and that should be celebrated! Now it’s time to make it official and plan your perfect wedding day. It’s all about perspective. The big picture in planning a wedding is that at the end of the day, you will be married. That’s what’s most important. Along your journey, there will be bumps in the road. But wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful. Following the simple steps outlined in this Cheat Sheet will ensure a perfect wedding day.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":34773,"name":"Sarah Barker","slug":"sarah-barker","description":"Sarah Barker is a wedding and event planner, florist, venue owner, venue manager, and educator in the events industry. Sarah has planned and executed more than 600 weddings and proposals, made more than 4,000 bouquets, 20,000 arrangements, and served more than 500,000 guests across the United States. Her work has been featured in Buzz Feed, PopSugar, MSN Lifestyle, The Huffington Post, Every Last Detail, Wedding Chicks, Desiree Hartsock, Southern Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes and Borrowed and Blue. She has also won several industry awards, including Best Planner and Florist in Nashville, and an Industry Leader for Smart Meeting Magazine.  ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34773"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34200,"title":"Weddings","slug":"weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209446,"title":"Budget Weddings For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"budget-weddings-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209446"}},{"articleId":209377,"title":"Wedding Etiquette For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"wedding-etiquette-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209377"}},{"articleId":208156,"title":"Wedding Planning For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"wedding-planning-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208156"}},{"articleId":200700,"title":"Choosing Bouquets and Boutonnieres for Your Wedding","slug":"choosing-bouquets-and-boutonnieres-for-your-wedding","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200700"}},{"articleId":199371,"title":"Displaying and Cutting Your Wedding Cake","slug":"displaying-and-cutting-your-wedding-cake","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199371"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":292284,"slug":"planning-a-wedding-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119883203","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119883202/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119883202/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119883202-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119883202/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119883202/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119883203-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Planning a Wedding For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"34773\">Sarah Barker</b> is a wedding and event planner, florist, venue owner, venue manager, and educator in the events industry. 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Her work has been featured in Buzz Feed, PopSugar, MSN Lifestyle, The Huffington Post, Every Last Detail, Wedding Chicks, Desiree Hartsock, Southern Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes and Borrowed and Blue. 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Crafting a workable budget is a vital part in wedding planning. It is the compass that will guide you in multiple decisions along the way so you don’t outspend your means.</p>\n<p>Everything in weddings is pretty. It’s like walking into a car dealership where everything comes with a big, beautiful bow and a pristine interior.</p>\n<p>If you lose your focus on the budget, you will buy things you don’t need because they’re so alluring. Follow these steps to stay on track with your budget.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pick your must-have items. </strong>Those are the items that you can’t live without. Do you want an amazing venue? Is a five-star meal a must have? Do you want an amazing photographer? Come up with your top five items and focus your budget on those pieces.</li>\n<li><strong>Determine who’s paying.</strong> Make sure you know how much you have available to spend so you can maximize your budget. Resource all your connections to determine you max budget.</li>\n<li><strong>Determine what your own budget includes.</strong> Does it include your dress, hair, makeup, or honeymoon? Does it only cover the reception elements, such as food, entertainment, bar, photo, flowers, and decor? Make a list of the items that need to fit within your budget.</li>\n<li><strong>Don’t forget about service fees.</strong> Service fees can add up quickly. Make sure you understand all the fees associated with a vendor’s services so you can maximize your budget. For example, if you think the food will be $25 per person, after you add the service fees, the actual cost is $38 per person.</li>\n<li><strong>Budget for tips and gratuities.</strong> Make sure you include tips and gratuities in your budget. If you have a $10,000 budget and plan to tip your vendors 20 percent, that makes your overall budget $12,000.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Determining your budget will help you prepare your guest list, because you will pay for every guest you invite. With the average total cost per guest at $250, knowing your budget will help you formulate your guest list.</p>\n<p>Remember to stick with your budget no matter how big or how small. Everyone has one and it is important to figure out what yours will be for a successful event.</p>\n"},{"title":"Picking your dream team","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Your wedding day is only as good as the team you put in place. Picking your dream team is a vital part of wedding planning. Making sure that you have the people in place to do the job you have hired them to do will eliminate the stress of planning a big event. You need to be able to trust them with your plan.</p>\n<p>Building relationships with wedding planning team will allow you to let go when you need to so they can execute your plan. Follow these steps to ensure you select the dream team you deserve.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Quality:</strong> Make sure you hire quality vendors for your big day. You do pay for what you get, and hiring vendors that don’t offer quality service will leave you wishing you had a different team.</li>\n<li><strong>Get referrals: </strong>If someone you know has gotten married, ask them who they had on their team. They will tell you the good, bad, and ugly. Additionally, when you’re considering a particular vendor, always research them online. Don’t believe everything you read, but this will help you pick a team that offers quality service.</li>\n<li><strong>Consider a wedding planner: </strong>You may be planning your own wedding, and that is why you’re reading this book. If you aren’t working with a wedding planner, at the very least hire a wedding coordinator. It will be worth the money so that you can relax and enjoy your day.</li>\n<li><strong>Build relationships: </strong>Make sure you get to know your team for each category: florist, decorator, rentals, photo, video, catering, venue, bar and bartending, baker, entertainment, and transportation. If you establish relationships with your team, you will be able to let go and know they’ll make the best choice for you on your wedding day if something were to go wrong. If they don’t know you, they can’t make good decisions on your behalf. This will also help you let go, knowing they’ll take care of what needs to be done on your wedding day.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Selecting your guest list","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Selecting your guest list will drive your budget. The guests at your wedding are a variable cost. This means the cost of your food, flowers, bar, rentals, and cake will go up or down based on the final number of guests at your wedding.</p>\n<p>It is important to follow these steps when formulating your guest list.</p>\n<ol>\n<li>Determine your size: micro, medium, or large wedding.</li>\n<li>Determine who is invited: your friends, your family, your fiancé’s friends, and your fiancé’s family.</li>\n<li>Organize your guest list so that you can keep track of who is coming to your wedding.</li>\n<li>Determine if you are allowing your guests to bring a guest.</li>\n<li>Keep track of the RSVPs so that you aren’t paying for one more guest than you need do.</li>\n</ol>\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you could hand your guests $250 cash and ask them to come to your wedding, they should make the cut. There will be difficult choices to make on who you are inviting, so work with your fiancé to determine the most important people in your life who need to be with you on your most important day.</p>\n"},{"title":"Creating your ceremony and reception","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The ceremony and reception elements are only yours. You may have attended weddings in the past, but no two weddings are alike. It’s important to customize your wedding day because all the elements work together as a reflection of your relationship.</p>\n<p>Following, are some tips for ensuring a perfect ceremony and reception for your big day.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Book the perfect ceremony and reception venue to fit your specific needs: indoor, outdoor, all-inclusive, venue only.</li>\n<li>Book an officiant who will customize your ceremony type to your specific needs.</li>\n<li>Make sure to check with the county clerk’s office so you know the rules and regulations for obtaining a marriage license.</li>\n<li>Choose your ceremony type (for example, will you have a religious ceremony or not?) and design a ceremony that is meaningful to you.</li>\n<li>Set the mood with music for your prelude, processional, special music, recessional, and postlude.</li>\n<li>Create a detailed timeline of events for your reception, including items such as cocktail hour, bridal party introductions, welcome before dinner, dinner service, cake cutting, toasts, special dances, bouquet toss, garter toss, and formal exit.</li>\n<li>Pick your food and beverages based on items you enjoy.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Remember to make your ceremony and reception memorable by including as many personalized touches as possible. For example, fill out a questionnaire sharing how you met or when you knew you were in love and have your officiant share that insider information at your ceremony.</p>\n<p>You could also have a close relative share your love story with your guests. All your favorite people will gather to witness your marriage and celebrate at the reception.</p>\n"},{"title":"Create, distribute, rehearse, and implement your plan","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>An important part of a successful wedding weekend is the creation, distribution, rehearsal, and implementation of your plan. Just as in marriage, communication is key to any successful event. If you don’t communicate, you won’t have a successful wedding day — it’s a simple as that. It’s also important to rehearse the plan with your bridal party. Finally, you get to watch the plan in action.</p>\n<p>Following these steps to ensure a perfect wedding day:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pick a good team of vendors who can implement your plan and vision. Having a team you trust will enable you to relax and enjoy your wedding day, knowing that they’re taking care of the details.</li>\n<li>Create your detailed schedule of events to include your bridal party names, vendor names and contact information, the timeline of the day, flowers and decor, and final guest list.</li>\n<li>Distribute your detailed schedule of events to your vendor team. Make sure they know who the contact is on the day of the event in case they have any questions.</li>\n<li>Rehearse with your bridal party to make sure they know how they will enter and exit the ceremony. They will also need to know the activities that are scheduled for the wedding day, including when and where they’ll be getting ready, the ceremony elements, and the reception elements.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Knowing your state's marriage license rules","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Don’t forget to obtain your marriage license before your ceremony! The following table includes info on what form of identification you need, whether you must be a resident, how old you need to be, when the license expires, if you need a blood test, if there is a waiting period, and whether you need a witness, and if so, how many.</p>\n<p>It’s always a good idea to reach out to the state or county where you’re getting married to confirm the information because rules and regulations do change.</p>\n<h3>Marriage License Rules by State</h3>\n<table width=\"524\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\"><strong>State</strong></td>\n<td width=\"143\"><strong>ID</strong></td>\n<td width=\"74\"><strong>Residency Required</strong></td>\n<td width=\"54\"><strong>Age</strong></td>\n<td width=\"46\"><strong>Expiration</strong></td>\n<td width=\"52\"><strong>Blood Test</strong></td>\n<td width=\"48\"><strong>Wait</strong></td>\n<td width=\"62\"><strong>Witness</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">AL</td>\n<td width=\"143\">One of the following: a valid driver’s license, nondriver’s license, passport, birth certificate, military identification, or school record</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">16 with</p>\n<p>parent.</p>\n<p>18+ alone</td>\n<td width=\"46\">30</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">AK</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Picture ID or driver’s license is required and a birth certificate to show proof of age</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">90</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">3 days</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">AZ</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid government-issued photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">365</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">AR</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid government-issued photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">CA</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid government-issued photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">90</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">1</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">CO</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid government-issued photo ID with birthdate and expiration</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">35</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">CT</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid driver’s license, passport, military ID, or green card, along with Social Security card</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">65</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">DE</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Driver’s license, passport, military ID, US visa, or government ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">30</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">24 Hours</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">DC</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid driver’s license, state ID, military ID, passport, or birth certificate</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">None</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">FL</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or 1-94 card) along with Social Security card</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">3 days</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">GA</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">None</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">HI</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid ID and proof of age</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">15 with parent.</p>\n<p>18+ alone</td>\n<td width=\"46\">30</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">ID</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of ID as well as an original birth certificate or certified copy</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">None</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">IL</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid, up-to-date, photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">24 Hours</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">IN</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Current and valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or birth certificate</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">IA</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">None</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">3 Days</td>\n<td width=\"62\">1</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">KS</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Photo ID and Social Security card</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">180</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">3 Days</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">KY</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Photo ID, original birth certificate, and Social Security card</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">30</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">LA</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">30</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">72 Hours</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">ME</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">90</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">MD</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and Social Security cards</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">15 w/ parent.</p>\n<p>18+ alone</td>\n<td width=\"46\">180</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">48 Hours</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">MA</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and Social Security cards</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">3 Days</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">MI</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid photo ID with current address, birth certificate or valid passport, and Social Security numbers</td>\n<td width=\"74\">Must file in the county</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">33</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">3 Days</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">MN</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">180</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">MS</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">21+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">0</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">MO</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and proof of age</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">19+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">30</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">MT</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and proof of age</td>\n<td width=\"74\">Must file in the county</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">180</td>\n<td width=\"52\">Yes</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">NE</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and proof of age</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">19+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">365</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">NV</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">365</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">NH</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and proof of age</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">16+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">90</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">NJ</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and Social Security card</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">180</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">72 Hours</td>\n<td width=\"62\">1</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">NM</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">90</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">NY</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">24 Hours</td>\n<td width=\"62\">1</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">NC</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and Social Security cards or tax forms</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">ND</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">30</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">OH</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and Social Security cards</td>\n<td width=\"74\">Must file in the county</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">OK</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">10</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">OR</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">3 Days</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">PA</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and Social Security cards</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">3 Days</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">RI</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and birth certificate</td>\n<td width=\"74\">Must file in the city</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">90</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">SC</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and Social Security cards</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">None</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">24 Hours</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">SD</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">20</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">TN</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid photo ID or certified copy of birth certificate, Social Security numbers, and parents’ names</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">30</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">TX</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">90</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">72 Hours</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">UT</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID and Social Security cards</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">30</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">VT</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">Must file in the city</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">VA</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">WA</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID with birthdate</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">3 Days</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">WV</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID or certified copy of birth certificate, Social Security numbers, and parents’ names</td>\n<td width=\"74\">Must file in the city</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">60</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">0</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">WI</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">Must file in the city</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">30</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">5 Days</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"45\">WY</td>\n<td width=\"143\">Valid form of photo ID</td>\n<td width=\"74\">No</td>\n<td width=\"54\">18+</td>\n<td width=\"46\">365</td>\n<td width=\"52\">No</td>\n<td width=\"48\">No</td>\n<td width=\"62\">2</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-05-13T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":293034},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:58:04+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-16T12:59:54+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:27+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Relationships & Family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"slug":"relationships-family","categoryId":34189},{"name":"Weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"},"slug":"weddings","categoryId":34200}],"title":"Wedding Etiquette For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"wedding etiquette for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"wedding-etiquette-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"As you're planning your wedding, you'll want to check these etiquette tips on the guest list, invitations, and gift registry.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Wedding etiquette rules have relaxed a bit over time, but common sense and basic etiquette are still necessary in every phase of wedding planning — and on the big day itself.\r\n\r\nFamiliarizing yourself with what to do before, during, and after your wedding will help ensure that everyone enjoys all your wedding festivities.\r\n\r\n ","description":"Wedding etiquette rules have relaxed a bit over time, but common sense and basic etiquette are still necessary in every phase of wedding planning — and on the big day itself.\r\n\r\nFamiliarizing yourself with what to do before, during, and after your wedding will help ensure that everyone enjoys all your wedding festivities.\r\n\r\n ","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9775,"name":"Sue Fox","slug":"sue-fox","description":" <b>Sue Fox</b> is the author of <i>Etiquette For Dummies</i>, 2nd Edition, and a professional member of the International Association of Protocol Consultants (IAPC) in Washington, D.C.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9775"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34200,"title":"Weddings","slug":"weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat 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Invitations","slug":"the-etiquette-of-writing-and-addressing-wedding-invitations","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195009"}},{"articleId":195008,"title":"Etiquette Pointers: Registering for Wedding Gifts","slug":"etiquette-pointers-registering-for-wedding-gifts","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195008"}},{"articleId":192579,"title":"Choosing Wedding Ceremony Music","slug":"choosing-wedding-ceremony-music","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/192579"}},{"articleId":192578,"title":"Escorting Guests to Proper Seats for the Wedding Ceremony","slug":"escorting-guests-to-proper-seats-for-the-wedding-ceremony","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/192578"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":293034,"title":"Planning a Wedding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"planning-a-wedding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/293034"}},{"articleId":209446,"title":"Budget Weddings For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"budget-weddings-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209446"}},{"articleId":208156,"title":"Wedding Planning For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"wedding-planning-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208156"}},{"articleId":200700,"title":"Choosing Bouquets and Boutonnieres for Your Wedding","slug":"choosing-bouquets-and-boutonnieres-for-your-wedding","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200700"}},{"articleId":199371,"title":"Displaying and Cutting Your Wedding Cake","slug":"displaying-and-cutting-your-wedding-cake","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199371"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282664,"slug":"wedding-etiquette-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470502082","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470502088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470502088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470502088-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470502088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470502088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/wedding-etiquette-for-dummies-cover-9780470502082-169x255.jpg","width":169,"height":255},"title":"Wedding Etiquette For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9775\">Sue Fox</b> is the author of <i>Etiquette For Dummies</i> and <i>Business Etiquette For Dummies.</i> She is the founder and president of The Etiquette Survival Group, a California-based professional development and publishing company. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9775,"name":"Sue Fox","slug":"sue-fox","description":" <b>Sue Fox</b> is the author of <i>Etiquette For Dummies</i>, 2nd Edition, and a professional member of the International Association of Protocol Consultants (IAPC) in Washington, D.C.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9775"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n 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List","slug":"etiquette-tips-for-compiling-your-wedding-guest-list","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195010"}},{"articleId":195009,"title":"The Etiquette of Writing and Addressing Wedding Invitations","slug":"the-etiquette-of-writing-and-addressing-wedding-invitations","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195009"}},{"articleId":195008,"title":"Etiquette Pointers: Registering for Wedding Gifts","slug":"etiquette-pointers-registering-for-wedding-gifts","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195008"}}],"content":[{"title":"Etiquette tips for compiling your wedding guest list","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Etiquette can help you decide your wedding guest list. Compiling a wedding guest list can be extremely stressful because people&#8217;s feelings are involved. Here, etiquette calls for extra tact and sympathy for others&#8217; feelings — and patience and understanding to avoid conflict.</p>\n<p>Here are some etiquette guidelines for building your wedding guest list:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Find out how much money you can spend per guest on food at the reception, and use that amount to determine the number of guests you can invite. After all, the head count at your reception is the biggest expense in your wedding budget. Establish your budget, and stick to it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Before creating a master guest list, you and your spouse-to-be make a list, your parents make a list, and spouse-to-be’s parents make a list. Compile these lists and work graciously together to come up with a final master list and reach the desired number of guests that fit into the budget.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">To prioritize your master list, you first have to determine the <i>must</i> invites, the <i>should</i> invites, and the <i>could </i>invites. Does your budget cover all the <i>must</i> invites? If so, move on to the <i>should</i> invites and then to the <i>could</i> invites. By using this system, you ensure that the people who are most important to you, your spouse-to-be, and your families make the cut.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">As a general rule, always invite family first. Remember that the guests at your wedding are your “witnesses,” so they should be family and close friends whom you care about and will stay in touch with for many years.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If any single friend or family member is in a long-term relationship, invite that person and his or her significant other by name even though they aren’t married. Also, if your budget allows, give the single members of the wedding party and any single family members the option of bringing a guest.</p>\n<p>If your budget doesn’t allow for each single guest to bring a date — and many couples’ budgets don’t — address the invitation appropriately. Don’t include “and guest” in the hopes that they won’t bring one because they probably will.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t feel obligated to invite co-workers because, after all, you may not work with them six months after the wedding. Remember, no hanging invitations on workplace bulletin boards! If your budget allows, you can follow the unwritten rule that says to invite the co-workers and business acquaintances you socialize with outside of work. However, inviting everyone on your team except one person isn’t appropriate.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Determining whether to invite children can be tough. Before you make the decision, consider the type of wedding you’re having. If it’s a black tie affair and your reception begins in the evening, you may have to deal with a few meltdowns as children become tired. If you’re having a casual garden wedding in the early afternoon and your motto is the more the merrier, by all means, invite children.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Children count toward your final number, and, if space is limited at your reception, you may have an easier time making your decision. Keep in mind, though, your flower girl and ring bearer are part of your wedding party, so you should invite them, of course.</p>\n<p>If either you or your spouse-to-be has children, you should absolutely include them, too. If either of you has children in your immediate family (that is, brothers or sisters), you should invite them, as well.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Writing and addressing wedding invitations","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>There&#8217;s a purpose for all the etiquette surrounding written wedding invitations. The etiquette of writing and addressing invitations provides important answers for wedding guests: They&#8217;ll know who the hosts are; who&#8217;s invited; and the locations of the ceremony and reception.</p>\n<p>Before you select your invitations, you need to know how to properly word your invitations; send all the right enclosures with your invitations; and properly address the envelopes so that everyone clearly understands who’s invited:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Spell out professional titles, such as Doctor and Reverend, and all military titles (General, Major, and so on.) for names on your invitations. Acceptable abbreviations are the nonprofessional titles of Mr., Mrs., and Ms. Don’t include academic titles, such as PhD, on the invitation unless the person is a minister with a theological degree. And no nicknames! Use full names instead (such as Michael rather than Mike). If you choose to include any middle names on the invitation, spell them out, too.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Spell out street names, such as Avenue, Boulevard, and Street, on all invitations. Also spell out days of the week, dates, months, times, and numbers in addresses for invitations to black tie and formal weddings. For invitations to semiformal and informal weddings, you can use numbers freely.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">For a ceremony in a house of worship, use the word <i>honour</i> to show reverence to God, as in “request the honour of your presence.” For a location other than a house of worship, even if the ceremony is religious, use the phrase “request the pleasure of your company.”</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Give the hosts of your wedding top billing on the invitation.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do <i>not</i> include gift registry information or gift suggestions on your invitations. And never, ever, handwrite anything on the invitation.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Include lodging information on a separate enclosure card with a map and directions to your ceremony and reception. You may also include this information with your save-the-date cards and/or on your wedding Web site.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Address the inside envelope with exactly whom you’re inviting. For example, writing “Mr. and Mrs. Swanson” tells your guests that just the Mr. and Mrs. are invited, not their children.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Registering for wedding gifts","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Using a wedding gift registry makes it easy for friends and family to shop. Registering for wedding gifts is fun, but remember your etiquette! Consideration is key, whether you&#8217;re working with the gift consultant, settling matters of differing taste with your beloved, or choosing your items with a range of prices in mind:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Call ahead and make an appointment with the registry consultant at each store where you choose to register. Always be patient with and kind to consultants because they’re often being pulled in different directions by the many couples they’re trying to help.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">List items in different price ranges on each of your registries. Many national stores have lots of fun and useful, less expensive gadgets that make great gifts. Of course, it’s okay to register for some pricier items, as well; often friends and family go together to purchase one larger, more expensive item, such as a new grill.</p>\n<p>Don’t be concerned with having too many items on each list; your guests will appreciate having options to fit any budget. Besides, you have engagement parties and bridal showers, plus the wedding! Feel free to register for more gifts than the number of guests who will attend the wedding.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Feel free to list “gift cards welcome” on your registry.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Try to register together with your spouse-to-be or at least discuss each other’s likes and dislikes before registering. Be respectful of your different tastes!</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Let your family and wedding party spread the word about where you’re registered. Noting where you’re registered, as well as any gift alternatives, such as contributions to charities, on your bridal shower invitation and wedding Web site, is also acceptable.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check your registries throughout your engagement period (especially two weeks before and one week before your wedding), and add items as needed. If the pricier items are the only ones left, be sure to add some less expensive items.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keep a detailed list of who sent gifts as you receive them; also keep the enclosure card and receipt for each gift. This organization makes writing and sending thank-you notes much easier — and hopefully provides an incentive to start writing thank-you notes immediately.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-16T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209377},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:58:27+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-09T19:20:03+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:22+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Relationships & Family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"slug":"relationships-family","categoryId":34189},{"name":"Weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"},"slug":"weddings","categoryId":34200}],"title":"Budget Weddings For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"budget weddings for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"budget-weddings-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Follow this quick guide on planning a fantastic wedding without breaking the bank. This includes prioritization and money-saving tips.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Planning a wedding shouldn’t break the bank — it should be fun, exciting, and worry-free. To plan a budget wedding that looks anything but cheap, make a priority list, cut back on food (the biggest wedding expense), and consider adding some wallet-friendly touches that are also good for the environment.","description":"Planning a wedding shouldn’t break the bank — it should be fun, exciting, and worry-free. To plan a budget wedding that looks anything but cheap, make a priority list, cut back on food (the biggest wedding expense), and consider adding some wallet-friendly touches that are also good for the environment.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10019,"name":"Meg Schneider","slug":"meg-schneider","description":" <p><b>Kevin Felner, MD,</b> an expert in pulmonary and critical&#45;care medicine, is an assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine<i>.</i> <b>Meg Schneider</b> is an award&#45;winning writer with more than two decades of experience. 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Cake","slug":"displaying-and-cutting-your-wedding-cake","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199371"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282024,"slug":"budget-weddings-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470502099","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470502096/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470502096/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470502096-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470502096/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470502096/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/budget-weddings-for-dummies-cover-9780470502099-170x255.jpg","width":170,"height":255},"title":"Budget Weddings For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<strong>Meg Schneider</strong> (Cleveland, NY) is an award-winning journalist who planned her own wedding for less than $5,000.","authors":[{"authorId":10019,"name":"Meg Schneider","slug":"meg-schneider","description":" <p><b>Kevin Felner, MD,</b> an expert in pulmonary and critical&#45;care medicine, is an assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine<i>.</i> <b>Meg Schneider</b> is an award&#45;winning writer with more than two decades of experience. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10019"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;relationships-family&quot;,&quot;weddings&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470502099&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b2a6f21b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;relationships-family&quot;,&quot;weddings&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470502099&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b2a6fc95\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":195822,"title":"Save Money on the Wedding of Your Dreams","slug":"save-money-on-the-wedding-of-your-dreams","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195822"}},{"articleId":195865,"title":"Budget Wedding Tips: How to Spend Less on Food","slug":"budget-wedding-tips-how-to-spend-less-on-food","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195865"}},{"articleId":195864,"title":"Plan an Eco-Friendly Budget Wedding","slug":"plan-an-eco-friendly-budget-wedding","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195864"}},{"articleId":195863,"title":"Make a Priority List for Your Budget Wedding","slug":"make-a-priority-list-for-your-budget-wedding","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195863"}}],"content":[{"title":"Save money on the wedding of your dreams","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When you’re planning a wedding on a budget, you want to get the best value for your dollar. You aren’t interested in anything that looks cheap; you want your fairytale wedding for less. If you follow these tips, your guests will never imagine that they’ve been invited to a budget wedding:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Choose a budget-friendly wedding date and time: </b>Getting married on a weekday, on a Sunday, in the morning, or on a Saturday in November or January will save money on everything from the ceremony and reception venues to the band or DJ you hire.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Don’t go overboard on invitations: </b>Buy for the number of households, not the total number of guests. Otherwise, you end up wasting money on unused invitations.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Find a less-expensive wedding dress: </b>Search online retailers, borrow a dress, rent a gown, or buy a bridesmaid’s dress in white, cream, or ivory.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Create your own wedding playlist:</b> Recorded music is the least expensive way to have the melodies you want for your ceremony. It’s also the easiest way to mix and match the styles and songs that best suit you as a couple. Put the playlist on your MP3 player and check whether you have access to the sound system at your ceremony site.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Skip pew or chair decorations: </b>Guests won’t miss them, and you’ll save money.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Pick something other than flowers: </b>Ditch the bouquet idea altogether and carry a fan, a small parasol, a loved one’s Bible, a rosary, or even a fancy clutch or evening bag. Or opt for a bouquet made of feathers, crystals, candy, antique buttons, or origami.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Serve only beer and wine.</b> This common compromise doesn’t violate any etiquette rules. As a variation, you can serve beer, wine, and a signature drink. This variation gives your guests more drink choices but still keeps expenses down.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Do without the wedding cake:</b> You can serve alternative desserts — like cookies, bars, brownies, cheesecake, pies, or tarts — in any number of ways: as a dessert buffet, as centerpieces on your tables, or as butler-passed treats.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Forgo favors: </b>You can make a donation to a charity in your guests’ names for less than you’d pay for some favors.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to spend less on food","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Food and alcohol represent the biggest expense for most weddings. So, it makes sense to cut back on that expense if you’re planning a budget wedding.</p>\n<p>Broaden your idea of what a stylish and elegant wedding reception looks like and prepare to save. Your guests will eat to their heart’s content, but you won’t break the bank when you host one of these receptions:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Brunch:</b> Brunch fare can cost less than half — even as little as a third — of a full dinner menu. Consider providing a variety of specialty buffets, such as a fruit bar or an omelet station.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Garden parties:</b> No one expects you to provide a full meal, so go all out on fancy appetizers. Serve a signature cocktail in lieu of a full bar.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Afternoon tea: </b>Pull out all the stops for a traditional British affair and limit alcohol to Champagne for toasts.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dessert reception:</b> If you have a sweet tooth, this is the best way to indulge it! Serve nothing but sweets — wedding cake, petit fours, cheesecake, sundaes, and a chocolate fountain.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cocktail reception:</b> Alcohol will consume the biggest part of your budget with this type of reception, but you save by serving appetizers and dessert instead of a full meal.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Consider eco-friendly options","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Green is the new white — at least when it comes to eco-friendly weddings. Even better, going green can save you money. That’s always a plus if you’re planning a budget wedding.</p>\n<p>Even though some green wedding products and services are pricier than the traditional ones, others cost far less than you’d expect. The following list tells you how to save some green on your green wedding:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Eliminate paper.</b> Bypass printed invitations, response cards, and maps in favor of web-based versions. Provide maps and driving directions on your wedding website, issue save-the-date info and invitations via e-mail, and keep track of your guest count and meal requests with web-based forms.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Choose a &#8220;green&#8221; dress.</b> To find an inexpensive dress that’s environmentally friendly, shop vintage stores, peruse eBay, or consider renting your gown.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Think locally.</b> Using caterers and florists who work with local producers can save you money, and it reduces the environmental impact of your wedding by cutting down on transportation emissions.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Go for green gold.</b> For more eco-friendly (and potentially more budget-friendly) wedding rings, look in pawn shops and at estate auctions for vintage rings that can be updated. Or collect your unused gold jewelry and hire a jeweler to melt it down and make your wedding bands out of it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Opt for reusable decorations.</b> Rent potted plants or silk flower arrangements that can be used again. Or pot your own plants or flowers and incorporate them into your new home after the honeymoon — you’ve just cut down on your interior decorating budget!</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Make a priority list","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re planning your wedding on a budget, prioritizing is a must. Without a priority list, you’re likely to overspend — often before you even realize you’re going over your budget. To keep your wedding finances on track, sit down with your fiancé and compare your lists of priorities for the big day.</p>\n<p>If you aren’t sure how to come up with a priority list, start by jotting down what you liked and disliked about other weddings you’ve attended. Then think about the wedding traditions you’re familiar with and decide whether you want to follow them. Don’t worry about the associated costs just yet.</p>\n<p>When you compare your list with your fiancé’s priorities, talk about how each item fits into your overall budget. Then you can decide together whether the expense of getting married in a dream location is worth giving up the acres of orchids you always imagined seeing at your ceremony.</p>\n<p>After you and your intended identify what you really want for your wedding, write your priorities on a sheet of paper so you can refer to them when you’re making wedding decisions. You may even want to carry the list in your wallet as a reminder when you’re interviewing vendors.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-09T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209446},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:50:46+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-16T20:41:31+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:08+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Relationships & Family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"slug":"relationships-family","categoryId":34189},{"name":"Weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"},"slug":"weddings","categoryId":34200}],"title":"Wedding Planning For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"wedding planning for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"wedding-planning-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This Cheat Sheet summarizes some of the decisions you'll need to make as you plan your wedding, as well as other important advice.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Planning a wedding involves hundreds of decisions, from calculating how much liquor to buy to figuring out how much space and how many servers you need for your reception.\r\n\r\nYou also want to be prepared for any kind of emergency that happens on your wedding day. Fortunately, many new websites and smartphone apps can help you with all aspects of your wedding planning, especially your budget.","description":"Planning a wedding involves hundreds of decisions, from calculating how much liquor to buy to figuring out how much space and how many servers you need for your reception.\r\n\r\nYou also want to be prepared for any kind of emergency that happens on your wedding day. Fortunately, many new websites and smartphone apps can help you with all aspects of your wedding planning, especially your budget.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9850,"name":"Marcy Blum","slug":"marcy-blum","description":" <p><strong>Marcy Blum</strong> (New York, NY), is the co-author of previous editions and a world-renowned event planner who has orchestrated lavish functions for Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Billy Joel and Katie Lee, the Rockefeller family, and Regis and Joy Philbin. Blum is recognized by such publications as <em>New York</em> magazine, who named Marcy their first (and only) \"Best Wedding Planner.\" She frequently contributes her expertise in food, entertaining and decorating as a writer for <em>InStyle Weddings</em>, <em>Town & Country</em>, and?<em>Modern Bride</em>. Blum is often featured and called upon as an industry leader for <em>Forbes</em>, <em>The Wall Street Journal</em>, <em>People</em>, and <em>Brides</em>, and has hosted segments on?<em>The Today Show</em>, <em>Good Morning America,</em> <em>Live! With Regis and Kelly</em>, <em>Dateline</em> and <em>Top Chef</em>. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9850"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34200,"title":"Weddings","slug":"weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat 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Wedding","slug":"how-much-liquor-to-buy-for-a-wedding","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172166"}},{"articleId":172167,"title":"Bridal Emergency-Kit Checklist","slug":"bridal-emergency-kit-checklist","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172167"}},{"articleId":172164,"title":"Round-Tablecloth Sizes for Your Wedding Reception","slug":"round-tablecloth-sizes-for-your-wedding-reception","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172164"}},{"articleId":172146,"title":"How Many Servers Do You Need at Your Wedding Reception?","slug":"how-many-servers-do-you-need-at-your-wedding-reception","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172146"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":293034,"title":"Planning a Wedding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"planning-a-wedding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/293034"}},{"articleId":209446,"title":"Budget Weddings For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"budget-weddings-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209446"}},{"articleId":209377,"title":"Wedding Etiquette For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"wedding-etiquette-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209377"}},{"articleId":200700,"title":"Choosing Bouquets and Boutonnieres for Your Wedding","slug":"choosing-bouquets-and-boutonnieres-for-your-wedding","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200700"}},{"articleId":199371,"title":"Displaying and Cutting Your Wedding Cake","slug":"displaying-and-cutting-your-wedding-cake","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199371"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282665,"slug":"wedding-planning-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781118360354","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118360354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118360354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118360354-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118360354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118360354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/wedding-planning-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781118360354-202x255.jpg","width":202,"height":255},"title":"Wedding Planning For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><strong>Marcy Blum</strong> (New York, NY), is the co-author of previous editions and a world-renowned event planner who has orchestrated lavish functions for Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Billy Joel and Katie Lee, the Rockefeller family, and Regis and Joy Philbin. Blum is recognized by such publications as <em>New York</em> magazine, who named Marcy their first (and only) \"Best Wedding Planner.\" She frequently contributes her expertise in food, entertaining and decorating as a writer for <em>InStyle Weddings</em>, <em>Town &amp; Country</em>, and?<em>Modern Bride</em>. Blum is often featured and called upon as an industry leader for <em>Forbes</em>, <em>The Wall Street Journal</em>, <em>People</em>, and <em>Brides</em>, and has hosted segments on?<em>The Today Show</em>, <em>Good Morning America,</em> <em>Live! With Regis and Kelly</em>, <em>Dateline</em> and <em>Top Chef</em>. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9850,"name":"Marcy Blum","slug":"marcy-blum","description":" <p><strong>Marcy Blum</strong> (New York, NY), is the co-author of previous editions and a world-renowned event planner who has orchestrated lavish functions for Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Billy Joel and Katie Lee, the Rockefeller family, and Regis and Joy Philbin. Blum is recognized by such publications as <em>New York</em> magazine, who named Marcy their first (and only) \"Best Wedding Planner.\" She frequently contributes her expertise in food, entertaining and decorating as a writer for <em>InStyle Weddings</em>, <em>Town & Country</em>, and?<em>Modern Bride</em>. Blum is often featured and called upon as an industry leader for <em>Forbes</em>, <em>The Wall Street Journal</em>, <em>People</em>, and <em>Brides</em>, and has hosted segments on?<em>The Today Show</em>, <em>Good Morning America,</em> <em>Live! With Regis and Kelly</em>, <em>Dateline</em> and <em>Top Chef</em>. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9850"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;relationships-family&quot;,&quot;weddings&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118360354&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b1c7e0db\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;relationships-family&quot;,&quot;weddings&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118360354&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b1c7eb50\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":172167,"title":"Bridal Emergency-Kit Checklist","slug":"bridal-emergency-kit-checklist","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172167"}},{"articleId":172166,"title":"How Much Liquor to Buy for a Wedding","slug":"how-much-liquor-to-buy-for-a-wedding","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172166"}},{"articleId":172165,"title":"How Much Space Do You Need for Your Wedding?","slug":"how-much-space-do-you-need-for-your-wedding","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172165"}},{"articleId":172164,"title":"Round-Tablecloth Sizes for Your Wedding Reception","slug":"round-tablecloth-sizes-for-your-wedding-reception","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172164"}},{"articleId":172146,"title":"How Many Servers Do You Need at Your Wedding Reception?","slug":"how-many-servers-do-you-need-at-your-wedding-reception","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172146"}},{"articleId":172109,"title":"Wedding-Planning Websites and Apps","slug":"wedding-planning-websites-and-apps","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172109"}}],"content":[{"title":"How much space do you need for your wedding?","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Figuring out how much space you need for wedding events isn&#8217;t easy, especially for the reception site, which has to accommodate tables, chairs, bars, open cocktail space, the dance floor, and so on.</p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a chart that tells you how many square feet you need for various wedding events.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Space</th>\n<th>Recommended square feet per person</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ceremony</td>\n<td>8</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cocktails (pre-meal)</td>\n<td>8</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cocktails with dance floor</td>\n<td>10</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cocktails with hors d&#8217;oeuvres stations</td>\n<td>12–13</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Seated and served meal with dance floor</td>\n<td>13–15</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Dance floor</td>\n<td>3 (for a dancing crowd)</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"How many servers do you need for the reception?","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The number of servers included in your wedding reception contract will vary depending on the venue, its service standards, and the event&#8217;s degree of formality.</p>\n<p>This table lists the suitable amounts of staff for different types of wedding receptions:</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Type of Service</th>\n<th>Recommended Number of Servers</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Formal, multi-course meal</td>\n<td>1 to 2 waiters per 10 to 12 guests</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Simple menu or buffet</td>\n<td>1 waiter per 25 guests</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pre-dinner cocktails</td>\n<td>1 bartender per 50 to 75 guests, combined with wine passed by<br />\nwaiters</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"How much liquor to buy","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you&#8217;re hosting your wedding in an off-premise facility or your rehearsal dinner at home, you need to know how much liquor to buy. The following table gives the standard amounts needed for a simple bar.</p>\n<p><strong><em>Note:</em></strong> Amounts are for 100 guests with a four-hour open bar, including cocktail hour. For ice, figure on 1-1/2 pounds per person; 2-1/2 pounds per person if also chilling bottles.</p>\n<table border=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Alcohol</span></em></th>\n<th><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Amount</span></em></th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Campari</td>\n<td>1 liter</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Gin</td>\n<td>5 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Rum</td>\n<td>2 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Scotch</td>\n<td>4 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tequila</td>\n<td>1 liter</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Vermouth (dry)</td>\n<td>2 750-ml bottles</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Vermouth (sweet)</td>\n<td>2 750-ml bottles</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Vodka</td>\n<td>6 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Whisky (blended)</td>\n<td>1–2 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<th><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Beer and Wine</span></em></th>\n<th><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Amount</span></em></th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Beer</td>\n<td>2 or 3 cases</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Champagne during cocktails</td>\n<td>1-1/2 cases</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Wine (white) during cocktails</td>\n<td>1-1/2 cases</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Wine (red) during cocktails</td>\n<td>6 bottles</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<th><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Mixers</span></em></th>\n<th><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Amount</span></em></th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Club soda</td>\n<td>9 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cola</td>\n<td>14 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Diet cola</td>\n<td>12 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ginger ale</td>\n<td>7 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Juices (cranberry, orange, grapefruit)</td>\n<td>8 quarts each</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lemon-lime soda</td>\n<td>7 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Diet lemon-lime</td>\n<td>7 liters</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tonic</td>\n<td>1 case</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Round tablecloth sizes for your reception","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Change the look of your entire wedding reception simply by choosing a floor-length tablecloth. But what size tablecloth will cover those nasty, industrial-looking legs of a typically round banquet table?</p>\n<p>Here’s a guide to tablecloth lengths for various-sized round tables:</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Table diameter</th>\n<th>Floor-length cloth</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>60 inches</td>\n<td>120 inches</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>54 inches</td>\n<td>114 inches</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>48 inches</td>\n<td>108 inches</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>36 inches</td>\n<td>96 inches</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Bridal emergency kit checklist","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You want to make sure you&#8217;re prepared for any kind of issue that might arise on your wedding day. Consider packing a satchel or gym bag with some or all of the following items:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Aspirin, antacid, and any other meds you need</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Hand wipes</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ballet slippers for dancing</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Blow-dryer</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Brush, comb, and hair spray</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Clear nail polish, nail glue, and emery board</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Contact lenses and solution</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Earring backs</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Extra copies of wedding-day and transportation schedule</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Eyedrops</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Makeup</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Masking tape (for ripped hems) and double-stick tape</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pins (bobby, hair in blonde and black, safety, and straight)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sewing kit complete with thread in white, black, and bridesmaids&#8217; dress colors; have needles threaded and ready to go</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Smelling salts</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Stick stain remover</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Stockings (two pairs)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Straws (for a quick drink without messing up lipstick)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Studs, cuff links, and bow ties</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Tampons and sanitary napkins</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, and breath mints</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Tweezers and crochet hook (to get at button hooks and other teeny places)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">White chalk (a savior for lipstick on a wedding dress or shirt collar)</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Wedding planning websites and apps","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>There are many websites and apps that can make the wedding-planning process infinitely less painful (although apps can’t replace a real, live, hands-on wedding planner, thank goodness!). Below are just a few suggestions to give you an idea of what&#8217;s out there. But do an internet search to find what suits you best.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li><a href=\"https://www.weddinghappy.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WeddingHappy</a>: An app preloaded with tasks you&#8217;ll need to complete, alerts to deadlines, and the ability to share with family and friends.</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.paperlesspost.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Paperless Post</a>: Use this site to send beautiful, electronic save-the-dates and e-invitations.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.socialtables.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social Tables</a>: This site makes creating your seating chart a snap!</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-16T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208156},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:29:52+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-12-02T16:56:05+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:49+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Relationships & Family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"slug":"relationships-family","categoryId":34189},{"name":"Weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"},"slug":"weddings","categoryId":34200}],"title":"How to Choose an Engagement Ring","strippedTitle":"how to choose an engagement ring","slug":"how-to-choose-an-engagement-ring","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Engagement and wedding rings come in a huge array of styles and material. When shopping for engagement and wedding rings, many couples go together — or at least","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Engagement and wedding rings come in a huge array of styles and material. When shopping for engagement and wedding rings, many couples go together — or at least pre-shop together so that each person has an idea of the other's taste. When choosing rings, consider your lifestyle and price range, and determine what's most important to you by prioritizing the 4 C's.\r\n\r\nThe stone you choose for an engagement ring can be anything you wish — emerald, sapphire, ruby, or topaz, for example. But the most popular stone is <a href=\"http://goo.gl/6vl1cX\">diamond</a>.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Selecting a diamond</h2>\r\nA diamond is the hardest transparent substance known to man, one hundred times harder than ruby or sapphire. This durability, along with its light, has made diamonds an enduring symbol of marriage. They are evaluated and classified by the four C's—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.\r\n<h3>Cut</h3>\r\nA diamond's cut and proportion determine its brilliance and fire, making the cut perhaps the most important factor in a diamond's beauty. Each facet acts as a light-dispersing mirror, so more facets generally mean greater beauty. A modern, round-brilliant-cut diamond has 58 facets, which makes it more brilliant than other shapes.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Don't confuse cut with shape. Various shapes — oval, pear, round brilliant, emerald, baguette, and marquise — are shown here:</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489433.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Diamond shapes (not to be confused with the cut).\" width=\"535\" height=\"301\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Diamond shapes (not to be confused with the cut).</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<h3>Color</h3>\r\nThe Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades color starting with the letter D (colorless) through the letter Z (progressively more yellow). In nature, diamonds occur in virtually every color and shade: blue, pink, lavender, yellow, green, red and even black. <a href=\"http://goo.gl/IFKdj2\">Colored diamonds</a> are increasingly popular for engagement rings, and some rare colors are quite pricey.\r\n<h3>Clarity</h3>\r\nInternal imperfections, such as small cracks, whitish dots or dark spots, are called <em>inclusions</em>. External flaws are <em>blemishes</em>. Generally speaking, the fewer the inclusions and blemishes, the clearer and more brilliant the diamond, the rarer it is, and the more it's worth.\r\n\r\nThe GIA classifies diamonds and their flaws into the following categories:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">FL: Flawless, meaning without any surface characteristics or internal imperfections. Extremely rare.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">IF: Internally flawless with only minor external blemishes that a jeweler can polish away.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489434.image1.jpg\" alt=\"An internally flawless (IF) diamond.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">An internally flawless (IF) diamond.</div>\r\n</div></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">VVS1 and VVS2: Very, very small inclusions that are difficult for a qualified observer to detect.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489435.image2.jpg\" alt=\"VVS1 diamond with a very, very small inclusion.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">VVS1 diamond with a very, very small inclusion.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489436.image3.jpg\" alt=\"VVS2 diamond with very, very small inclusions.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">VVS2 diamond with very, very small inclusions.</div>\r\n</div></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">VS1 and VS2: Very small inclusions visible only under magnification.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489437.image4.jpg\" alt=\"A VS1 diamond with very small inclusions.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">A VS1 diamond with very small inclusions.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489438.image5.jpg\" alt=\"A VS2 diamond with very small inclusions.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">A VS2 diamond with very small inclusions.</div>\r\n</div></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">SI1 and SI2: Small inclusions that are readily apparent under magnification but not to the naked eye.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489439.image6.jpg\" alt=\"SI1 diamonds have small inclusions seen with magnification.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">SI1 diamonds have small inclusions seen with magnification.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489440.image7.jpg\" alt=\"SI2 diamonds have inclusions spotted easily under magnification.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">SI2 diamonds have inclusions spotted easily under magnification.</div>\r\n</div></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">I1, I2, and I3: Imperfect grades in which the flaws may or may not be visible to the naked eye. Much lower in price and generally don't appreciate in value.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489441.image8.jpg\" alt=\"Imperfect diamond grades, like the I1 here, have flaws that might be visible without magnification.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Imperfect diamond grades, like the I1 here, have flaws that might be visible without magnification.</div>\r\n</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Carat weight</h3>\r\nGemologists measure the size of diamonds in terms of weight, specifically in carats. A carat contains 100 points. If a jeweler says a stone weights 25 points, it's 1/4 carat. While size still matters, it is almost meaningless outside the context of cut, clarity, and color. A large stone that is dull, flawed, or improperly cut is worth less money than a perfect little diamond.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Selecting a setting and metal for an engagement ring</h2>\r\nChoosing the right setting for a diamond is like choosing the right frame for a picture. Classic settings include the prong-less bezel, elaborate carved scroll, clean-looking channel, decorative cluster, flush-lying gypsy, expensive invisible, glittery pavé, traditional prong, light-reflecting silver cups, singular solitaire, floating tension, and classic six-pronged.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">The metal of your ring should flatter your skin tone and the color of your stone. <a href=\"http://goo.gl/khqkr9\">Platinum</a> is the most expensive, but beautiful, and both hard and resilient. Whatever metal you choose, you may have the ring designed with a variety of finishes, patterns, or edgings.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Stretching your diamond dollar</h2>\r\nHere are a few tips to help make the most of your ring-shopping budget:\r\n<h3>Go under-size</h3>\r\nIf you're able to find an \"under-size\" diamond, which is a diamond that weighs just under a cut-off weight (for example, 0.95 carats instead of 1 carat; 0.45 carats instead of half a carat), you can save substantial sums of money for a diamond that looks, to the naked eye, essentially the same as a diamond that hits the larger cut-off weight.\r\n<h3>Go for clarity and color that looks clean to the naked eye</h3>\r\nWhen it comes to white (non-fancy) diamonds, most consumers can't tell the difference between diamonds on the very high end of the clarity scale (such as VVS1) and those lower on the scale, which contain very slight or slight inclusions (VS1 or SI1). In the case of many SI1 diamonds, for example, the flaws are only visible under 10X magnification, although the price difference between a VVS1 and an SI1 diamond is considerable.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">The same advice applies to a diamond's Color Grade. A \"D\" or \"F\" diamond (colorless) can easily cost double the price of an \"I\" (near-colorless) diamond of the same cut, although most people can't tell the difference between colorless and near-colorless diamonds. Consider buying a near-colorless diamond to get the most from your budget.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Good polish is good enough</h3>\r\nWhen it comes to a diamond's polish, a \"good\" grade is good enough in most cases. Most consumers can't tell the difference between a diamond with \"good\" and the more-expensive \"excellent\" polish\r\n<h3>Choose white gold instead of platinum</h3>\r\nAlthough platinum is a preferred ring metal, it is also the most expensive of the precious metals. White gold, on the other hand, is an excellent and affordable alternative to platinum and a great choice for the budget-conscious shopper. White gold has a stunning appearance and a white/gray patina that resembles platinum. White gold is also very durable, has a high scratch resistance factor, and does an excellent job of drawing attention to a diamond's brilliance.\r\n<h3>Buy online</h3>\r\nWhen purchasing an engagement ring, you can do so in a brick-and-mortar store, or you can purchase your ring online. Some people prefer to interact with a salesperson face-to-face, which you can do when shopping in a store. Making your purchase through an online retailer, though, has its own benefits, including saving what could be quite a bit of money and having a pressure-free purchase experience:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Online retailers can save you 30–50 percent off the prices of traditional retailers.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The tremendous selection at online retailers can help you find exactly what you want and stay within your budget.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Buying online allows you to be in the driver's seat — you can take your time and educate yourself about your diamond-buying options; you can avoid being persuaded by commissioned sales associates and instead can feel confident that your decision is the right one for you.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Buying online is extremely convenient — some online retailers offer customer service 24/7 so you can shop wherever you want, whenever you want.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"Engagement and wedding rings come in a huge array of styles and material. When shopping for engagement and wedding rings, many couples go together — or at least pre-shop together so that each person has an idea of the other's taste. When choosing rings, consider your lifestyle and price range, and determine what's most important to you by prioritizing the 4 C's.\r\n\r\nThe stone you choose for an engagement ring can be anything you wish — emerald, sapphire, ruby, or topaz, for example. But the most popular stone is <a href=\"http://goo.gl/6vl1cX\">diamond</a>.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Selecting a diamond</h2>\r\nA diamond is the hardest transparent substance known to man, one hundred times harder than ruby or sapphire. This durability, along with its light, has made diamonds an enduring symbol of marriage. They are evaluated and classified by the four C's—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.\r\n<h3>Cut</h3>\r\nA diamond's cut and proportion determine its brilliance and fire, making the cut perhaps the most important factor in a diamond's beauty. Each facet acts as a light-dispersing mirror, so more facets generally mean greater beauty. A modern, round-brilliant-cut diamond has 58 facets, which makes it more brilliant than other shapes.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Don't confuse cut with shape. Various shapes — oval, pear, round brilliant, emerald, baguette, and marquise — are shown here:</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489433.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Diamond shapes (not to be confused with the cut).\" width=\"535\" height=\"301\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Diamond shapes (not to be confused with the cut).</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<h3>Color</h3>\r\nThe Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades color starting with the letter D (colorless) through the letter Z (progressively more yellow). In nature, diamonds occur in virtually every color and shade: blue, pink, lavender, yellow, green, red and even black. <a href=\"http://goo.gl/IFKdj2\">Colored diamonds</a> are increasingly popular for engagement rings, and some rare colors are quite pricey.\r\n<h3>Clarity</h3>\r\nInternal imperfections, such as small cracks, whitish dots or dark spots, are called <em>inclusions</em>. External flaws are <em>blemishes</em>. Generally speaking, the fewer the inclusions and blemishes, the clearer and more brilliant the diamond, the rarer it is, and the more it's worth.\r\n\r\nThe GIA classifies diamonds and their flaws into the following categories:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">FL: Flawless, meaning without any surface characteristics or internal imperfections. Extremely rare.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">IF: Internally flawless with only minor external blemishes that a jeweler can polish away.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489434.image1.jpg\" alt=\"An internally flawless (IF) diamond.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">An internally flawless (IF) diamond.</div>\r\n</div></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">VVS1 and VVS2: Very, very small inclusions that are difficult for a qualified observer to detect.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489435.image2.jpg\" alt=\"VVS1 diamond with a very, very small inclusion.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">VVS1 diamond with a very, very small inclusion.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489436.image3.jpg\" alt=\"VVS2 diamond with very, very small inclusions.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">VVS2 diamond with very, very small inclusions.</div>\r\n</div></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">VS1 and VS2: Very small inclusions visible only under magnification.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489437.image4.jpg\" alt=\"A VS1 diamond with very small inclusions.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">A VS1 diamond with very small inclusions.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489438.image5.jpg\" alt=\"A VS2 diamond with very small inclusions.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">A VS2 diamond with very small inclusions.</div>\r\n</div></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">SI1 and SI2: Small inclusions that are readily apparent under magnification but not to the naked eye.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489439.image6.jpg\" alt=\"SI1 diamonds have small inclusions seen with magnification.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">SI1 diamonds have small inclusions seen with magnification.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489440.image7.jpg\" alt=\"SI2 diamonds have inclusions spotted easily under magnification.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">SI2 diamonds have inclusions spotted easily under magnification.</div>\r\n</div></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">I1, I2, and I3: Imperfect grades in which the flaws may or may not be visible to the naked eye. Much lower in price and generally don't appreciate in value.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 320px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489441.image8.jpg\" alt=\"Imperfect diamond grades, like the I1 here, have flaws that might be visible without magnification.\" width=\"320\" height=\"217\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Imperfect diamond grades, like the I1 here, have flaws that might be visible without magnification.</div>\r\n</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Carat weight</h3>\r\nGemologists measure the size of diamonds in terms of weight, specifically in carats. A carat contains 100 points. If a jeweler says a stone weights 25 points, it's 1/4 carat. While size still matters, it is almost meaningless outside the context of cut, clarity, and color. A large stone that is dull, flawed, or improperly cut is worth less money than a perfect little diamond.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Selecting a setting and metal for an engagement ring</h2>\r\nChoosing the right setting for a diamond is like choosing the right frame for a picture. Classic settings include the prong-less bezel, elaborate carved scroll, clean-looking channel, decorative cluster, flush-lying gypsy, expensive invisible, glittery pavé, traditional prong, light-reflecting silver cups, singular solitaire, floating tension, and classic six-pronged.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">The metal of your ring should flatter your skin tone and the color of your stone. <a href=\"http://goo.gl/khqkr9\">Platinum</a> is the most expensive, but beautiful, and both hard and resilient. Whatever metal you choose, you may have the ring designed with a variety of finishes, patterns, or edgings.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Stretching your diamond dollar</h2>\r\nHere are a few tips to help make the most of your ring-shopping budget:\r\n<h3>Go under-size</h3>\r\nIf you're able to find an \"under-size\" diamond, which is a diamond that weighs just under a cut-off weight (for example, 0.95 carats instead of 1 carat; 0.45 carats instead of half a carat), you can save substantial sums of money for a diamond that looks, to the naked eye, essentially the same as a diamond that hits the larger cut-off weight.\r\n<h3>Go for clarity and color that looks clean to the naked eye</h3>\r\nWhen it comes to white (non-fancy) diamonds, most consumers can't tell the difference between diamonds on the very high end of the clarity scale (such as VVS1) and those lower on the scale, which contain very slight or slight inclusions (VS1 or SI1). In the case of many SI1 diamonds, for example, the flaws are only visible under 10X magnification, although the price difference between a VVS1 and an SI1 diamond is considerable.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">The same advice applies to a diamond's Color Grade. A \"D\" or \"F\" diamond (colorless) can easily cost double the price of an \"I\" (near-colorless) diamond of the same cut, although most people can't tell the difference between colorless and near-colorless diamonds. Consider buying a near-colorless diamond to get the most from your budget.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Good polish is good enough</h3>\r\nWhen it comes to a diamond's polish, a \"good\" grade is good enough in most cases. Most consumers can't tell the difference between a diamond with \"good\" and the more-expensive \"excellent\" polish\r\n<h3>Choose white gold instead of platinum</h3>\r\nAlthough platinum is a preferred ring metal, it is also the most expensive of the precious metals. White gold, on the other hand, is an excellent and affordable alternative to platinum and a great choice for the budget-conscious shopper. White gold has a stunning appearance and a white/gray patina that resembles platinum. White gold is also very durable, has a high scratch resistance factor, and does an excellent job of drawing attention to a diamond's brilliance.\r\n<h3>Buy online</h3>\r\nWhen purchasing an engagement ring, you can do so in a brick-and-mortar store, or you can purchase your ring online. Some people prefer to interact with a salesperson face-to-face, which you can do when shopping in a store. Making your purchase through an online retailer, though, has its own benefits, including saving what could be quite a bit of money and having a pressure-free purchase experience:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Online retailers can save you 30–50 percent off the prices of traditional retailers.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The tremendous selection at online retailers can help you find exactly what you want and stay within your budget.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Buying online allows you to be in the driver's seat — you can take your time and educate yourself about your diamond-buying options; you can avoid being persuaded by commissioned sales associates and instead can feel confident that your decision is the right one for you.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Buying online is extremely convenient — some online retailers offer customer service 24/7 so you can shop wherever you want, whenever you want.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34200,"title":"Weddings","slug":"weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Selecting a diamond","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Selecting a setting and metal for an engagement ring","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Stretching your diamond dollar","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":293034,"title":"Planning a Wedding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"planning-a-wedding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/293034"}},{"articleId":209446,"title":"Budget Weddings For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"budget-weddings-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209446"}},{"articleId":209377,"title":"Wedding Etiquette For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"wedding-etiquette-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209377"}},{"articleId":208156,"title":"Wedding Planning For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"wedding-planning-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208156"}},{"articleId":200700,"title":"Choosing Bouquets and Boutonnieres for Your Wedding","slug":"choosing-bouquets-and-boutonnieres-for-your-wedding","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200700"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = 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id=\"du-slot-63221b09f14a6\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-12-02T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":141434},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:51:39+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T22:51:39+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:11:55+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Relationships & Family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"slug":"relationships-family","categoryId":34189},{"name":"Weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"},"slug":"weddings","categoryId":34200}],"title":"Choosing Bouquets and Boutonnieres for Your Wedding","strippedTitle":"choosing bouquets and boutonnieres for your wedding","slug":"choosing-bouquets-and-boutonnieres-for-your-wedding","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"The term personal flowers refers not only to the bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, but also to all the flowers worn or carried by attendants, family memb","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>The term <i>personal flowers</i> refers not only to the bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, but also to all the flowers worn or carried by attendants, family members, or others you wish to honor. Men often have preferences, some quite specific, for the boutonniere they sport on their wedding day. For brides, though, the flowers they carry as they walk towards married life are the ultimate — and very visible — accompaniment to their wedding dress.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Specify exactly where you want the florist to deliver your personal flowers and that you want them all labeled to avoid even the slightest chance that an usher may try to pin the flower girl's posy to his lapel. </p>\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Bride and attendants</h2>\n<p>At the beginning of the twentieth century, brides and bridesmaids carried such elaborate bouquets that the women practically needed a wheelbarrow to transport them down the aisle. Bouquets can be striking but never distracting; you want all eyes on the carrier, not on her bouquet. As an accessory, the bouquet should complement the dress as well as the size and shape of the wearer. Bridesmaids' bouquets need not be dwarf versions of the bride's, but can be mini works of art in themselves.</p>\n<p>Antique lace, organza, or wired ribbon wrapped around the stems finish a bouquet beautifully, but with some cost. One of our favorite looks is having each bridesmaid carry a different vibrantly colored bouquet finished with matching ribbon streamers.</p>\n<p>For years, people considered only one styleof bouquet to be appropriate for formal weddings: all white roses, stephanotis, and lily of the valley. This idea is no longer the case. At even extremely formal ceremonies, brides now carry a variety of flowers, colors, and shapes.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Flowers, however dazzling and pure, can cause you grief if they aren't prepared with meticulous care. Before handing them to attendants, ask someone to check them to make sure they're dry and that any stamens that might stain dresses have been removed.</p>\n<p>Hold your bouquet by placing your elbows at your hipbones and grasping the stems or handle with both hands in front of your belly button. You should be able to do this while linking your arm with one person, unless you choose a pageant or presentation bouquet, which you must cradle in both arms. In other words, who is walking you down the aisle and how you walk together affects the kind of bouquet you can comfortably carry. See Figure 1 for some examples of bouquet types.</p>\n<div class=\"figure\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-07645-5685-1_1102.jpg\" /></div><br />\n<span class=\"caption\"><b>Figure 1:</b> A bouquet's shape and style are as important as the kind of flowers it contains.</span><br />\n<ul><li><b>Biedermeier: </b>Tightly composed concentric circles of individual colors, wired into a lace collar or other holder.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Cascade or shower: </b>Classic, elaborate shape with ivy and long-stemmed flowers that are wired or pulled out to droop gracefully in a waterfall effect.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Composite: </b>A flower constructed of hundreds of real petals wired together to look like one enormous flower.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Crescent: </b>Composed of one full flower and a flowering stem, often orchids, wired together to form a slender handle that you can hold in one hand. Designed as either a <i>full crescent,</i> a half circle with a central flower and blossoms emanating from two sides, or as a <i>semicrescent, </i>which has only one trailing stem.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Nosegays: </b>Round bouquets (16 or 18 inches in diameter) composed of flowers, greenery, and occasionally sprigs of herbs, all wired or tied together.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Posies: </b> Smaller versions of nosegays. Ribbons and silk flowers are often integrated into them.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Presentation: </b>The pageant bouquet — long-stemmed flowers cradled in your arms.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Tossing: </b>A bouquet used for tossing so you can save the actual wedding bouquet for posterity. No need to duplicate the original; the tossing bouquet can be entirely different.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Tussy mussy: </b>From the Victorian era, a posy in a small metal hand-held vase. Some have attached ring chains for easy carrying.</li></ul>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Instead of a bouquet, consider using fewer flowers in these innovative ways:</p>\n<ul><li>An heirloom prayer book accessorized with flowers</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A single long-stemmed flower such as a calla lily, rose, or Casablanca lily</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A wreath of flowers worn in the hair</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A hat adorned with fresh flowers</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A comb, barrette, or headband covered in lace, ribbon, and flowers</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A border of flowers on your veil or hem of your dress </li></ul>\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Mothers, stepmothers, fathers' girlfriends, and others</h2>\n<p>Say \"corsage\" and many women think \"blue hair,\" not to mention pinholes in their fancy silk frock. Alternatives exist, including <i>tussy mussies</i> (ornate Victorian bouquet holders), flowers pinned to a handbag, or a floral bracelet, much like a minigarland — not to be confused with wrist corsages, which can be as dowdy as the pinned version. Some florists now use magnets to hold corsages in place on a dress. Ask your florist for this option if a pinned-on corsage is a must-have. </p>\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Grooms, ushers, stepfathers, mothers' boyfriends, and others</h2>\n<p>No longer the standard-issue white senior-prom carnation, the groom's boutonniere may be the same as one of the flowers in the bride's bouquet — as if plucked from there. The ones he chooses for his ushers and other gentlemen he wants to honor should reflect his personal style and be appropriate for their outfits. These flowers should neither brown around the edges nor wilt in the heat and should be hardy enough to withstand hours of hugs.</p>\n<p>A few replacements for trite lapel pins:</p>\n<ul><li>Cornflowers</li></ul>\n<ul><li>Acorns</li></ul>\n<ul><li>Vibrant-colored roses set with a sprig of herbs</li></ul>\n<ul><li>Berries backed by a galax leaf</li></ul>\n<ul><li>Variegated ivy, fern, and pine</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A stem of hydrangea</li></ul>\n<p>Also, having the stems wrapped with spiffy ribbon in an unexpected color or design can turn a mundane boutonniere into something dapper.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Men should wear boutonnieres on their left side and pin them on the underside of the lapel so that no part of the pin shows.</p>\n<p>Order extra boutonnieres because they're relatively inexpensive and one or two may not survive ham-fisted attempts at pinning or may get crushed by well-wishers. Besides, it's good to have extras for any forgotten menfolk. </p>\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Little touches for little people</h2>\n<p>When dealing with flower children (or any children, for that matter), keep accessories in proportion to the child's size. You don't want your flower girl to look like an ungainly flowering plant moving down the aisle. Some simple floral alternatives to the traditional flower basket include</p>\n<ul><li><b>Circlet: </b>A ribbon or twig band accented with blossoms and worn on girls' heads.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Garland: </b>Birch vines covered with smilax and flowers and carried in tandem by two or three very young children. This arrangement looks adorable and also keeps them together.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Hoop: </b>Made of vine strung with flowers and carried like a tambourine.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Pomander: </b>AStyrofoam ball, covered in lace and tulle and trimmed with floral heads, which hangs on the wrist (see Figure 1).</li></ul>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Fresh petals can be slippery. If you wish to follow children strewing petals from baskets, show them how to sprinkle them, alternating sides of the path rather than straight down the danger zone.</p>\n<p>The ring bearer's main accessory is the ring pillow, which may be sewn of luxurious fabrics such as satin, silk, velvet, or organza. These pillows are sometimes embroidered or trimmed with silk, natural flowers, or ornate tassels. The rings are tied on with attached ribbons. As special as the pillow is, the ring bearer may be more interested in wearing a boutonniere identical to that of the ushers. The ring pillow should never have the real rings on it. To protect the child's ego, attach fake rings and have the best man make a display of untying them. The real rings are, of course, safe with the best man and maid of honor.</p>","description":"<p>The term <i>personal flowers</i> refers not only to the bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, but also to all the flowers worn or carried by attendants, family members, or others you wish to honor. Men often have preferences, some quite specific, for the boutonniere they sport on their wedding day. For brides, though, the flowers they carry as they walk towards married life are the ultimate — and very visible — accompaniment to their wedding dress.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Specify exactly where you want the florist to deliver your personal flowers and that you want them all labeled to avoid even the slightest chance that an usher may try to pin the flower girl's posy to his lapel. </p>\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Bride and attendants</h2>\n<p>At the beginning of the twentieth century, brides and bridesmaids carried such elaborate bouquets that the women practically needed a wheelbarrow to transport them down the aisle. Bouquets can be striking but never distracting; you want all eyes on the carrier, not on her bouquet. As an accessory, the bouquet should complement the dress as well as the size and shape of the wearer. Bridesmaids' bouquets need not be dwarf versions of the bride's, but can be mini works of art in themselves.</p>\n<p>Antique lace, organza, or wired ribbon wrapped around the stems finish a bouquet beautifully, but with some cost. One of our favorite looks is having each bridesmaid carry a different vibrantly colored bouquet finished with matching ribbon streamers.</p>\n<p>For years, people considered only one styleof bouquet to be appropriate for formal weddings: all white roses, stephanotis, and lily of the valley. This idea is no longer the case. At even extremely formal ceremonies, brides now carry a variety of flowers, colors, and shapes.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Flowers, however dazzling and pure, can cause you grief if they aren't prepared with meticulous care. Before handing them to attendants, ask someone to check them to make sure they're dry and that any stamens that might stain dresses have been removed.</p>\n<p>Hold your bouquet by placing your elbows at your hipbones and grasping the stems or handle with both hands in front of your belly button. You should be able to do this while linking your arm with one person, unless you choose a pageant or presentation bouquet, which you must cradle in both arms. In other words, who is walking you down the aisle and how you walk together affects the kind of bouquet you can comfortably carry. See Figure 1 for some examples of bouquet types.</p>\n<div class=\"figure\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-07645-5685-1_1102.jpg\" /></div><br />\n<span class=\"caption\"><b>Figure 1:</b> A bouquet's shape and style are as important as the kind of flowers it contains.</span><br />\n<ul><li><b>Biedermeier: </b>Tightly composed concentric circles of individual colors, wired into a lace collar or other holder.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Cascade or shower: </b>Classic, elaborate shape with ivy and long-stemmed flowers that are wired or pulled out to droop gracefully in a waterfall effect.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Composite: </b>A flower constructed of hundreds of real petals wired together to look like one enormous flower.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Crescent: </b>Composed of one full flower and a flowering stem, often orchids, wired together to form a slender handle that you can hold in one hand. Designed as either a <i>full crescent,</i> a half circle with a central flower and blossoms emanating from two sides, or as a <i>semicrescent, </i>which has only one trailing stem.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Nosegays: </b>Round bouquets (16 or 18 inches in diameter) composed of flowers, greenery, and occasionally sprigs of herbs, all wired or tied together.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Posies: </b> Smaller versions of nosegays. Ribbons and silk flowers are often integrated into them.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Presentation: </b>The pageant bouquet — long-stemmed flowers cradled in your arms.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Tossing: </b>A bouquet used for tossing so you can save the actual wedding bouquet for posterity. No need to duplicate the original; the tossing bouquet can be entirely different.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Tussy mussy: </b>From the Victorian era, a posy in a small metal hand-held vase. Some have attached ring chains for easy carrying.</li></ul>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Instead of a bouquet, consider using fewer flowers in these innovative ways:</p>\n<ul><li>An heirloom prayer book accessorized with flowers</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A single long-stemmed flower such as a calla lily, rose, or Casablanca lily</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A wreath of flowers worn in the hair</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A hat adorned with fresh flowers</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A comb, barrette, or headband covered in lace, ribbon, and flowers</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A border of flowers on your veil or hem of your dress </li></ul>\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Mothers, stepmothers, fathers' girlfriends, and others</h2>\n<p>Say \"corsage\" and many women think \"blue hair,\" not to mention pinholes in their fancy silk frock. Alternatives exist, including <i>tussy mussies</i> (ornate Victorian bouquet holders), flowers pinned to a handbag, or a floral bracelet, much like a minigarland — not to be confused with wrist corsages, which can be as dowdy as the pinned version. Some florists now use magnets to hold corsages in place on a dress. Ask your florist for this option if a pinned-on corsage is a must-have. </p>\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Grooms, ushers, stepfathers, mothers' boyfriends, and others</h2>\n<p>No longer the standard-issue white senior-prom carnation, the groom's boutonniere may be the same as one of the flowers in the bride's bouquet — as if plucked from there. The ones he chooses for his ushers and other gentlemen he wants to honor should reflect his personal style and be appropriate for their outfits. These flowers should neither brown around the edges nor wilt in the heat and should be hardy enough to withstand hours of hugs.</p>\n<p>A few replacements for trite lapel pins:</p>\n<ul><li>Cornflowers</li></ul>\n<ul><li>Acorns</li></ul>\n<ul><li>Vibrant-colored roses set with a sprig of herbs</li></ul>\n<ul><li>Berries backed by a galax leaf</li></ul>\n<ul><li>Variegated ivy, fern, and pine</li></ul>\n<ul><li>A stem of hydrangea</li></ul>\n<p>Also, having the stems wrapped with spiffy ribbon in an unexpected color or design can turn a mundane boutonniere into something dapper.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Men should wear boutonnieres on their left side and pin them on the underside of the lapel so that no part of the pin shows.</p>\n<p>Order extra boutonnieres because they're relatively inexpensive and one or two may not survive ham-fisted attempts at pinning or may get crushed by well-wishers. Besides, it's good to have extras for any forgotten menfolk. </p>\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Little touches for little people</h2>\n<p>When dealing with flower children (or any children, for that matter), keep accessories in proportion to the child's size. You don't want your flower girl to look like an ungainly flowering plant moving down the aisle. Some simple floral alternatives to the traditional flower basket include</p>\n<ul><li><b>Circlet: </b>A ribbon or twig band accented with blossoms and worn on girls' heads.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Garland: </b>Birch vines covered with smilax and flowers and carried in tandem by two or three very young children. This arrangement looks adorable and also keeps them together.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Hoop: </b>Made of vine strung with flowers and carried like a tambourine.</li></ul>\n<ul><li><b>Pomander: </b>AStyrofoam ball, covered in lace and tulle and trimmed with floral heads, which hangs on the wrist (see Figure 1).</li></ul>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Fresh petals can be slippery. If you wish to follow children strewing petals from baskets, show them how to sprinkle them, alternating sides of the path rather than straight down the danger zone.</p>\n<p>The ring bearer's main accessory is the ring pillow, which may be sewn of luxurious fabrics such as satin, silk, velvet, or organza. These pillows are sometimes embroidered or trimmed with silk, natural flowers, or ornate tassels. The rings are tied on with attached ribbons. As special as the pillow is, the ring bearer may be more interested in wearing a boutonniere identical to that of the ushers. The ring pillow should never have the real rings on it. To protect the child's ego, attach fake rings and have the best man make a display of untying them. The real rings are, of course, safe with the best man and maid of honor.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34200,"title":"Weddings","slug":"weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Bride and attendants","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Mothers, stepmothers, fathers' girlfriends, and others","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Grooms, ushers, stepfathers, mothers' boyfriends, and others","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Little touches for little people","target":"#tab4"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":293034,"title":"Planning a Wedding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"planning-a-wedding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/293034"}},{"articleId":209446,"title":"Budget Weddings For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"budget-weddings-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209446"}},{"articleId":209377,"title":"Wedding Etiquette For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"wedding-etiquette-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209377"}},{"articleId":208156,"title":"Wedding Planning For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"wedding-planning-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208156"}},{"articleId":199371,"title":"Displaying and Cutting Your Wedding Cake","slug":"displaying-and-cutting-your-wedding-cake","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199371"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;relationships-family&quot;,&quot;weddings&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6322196b0424b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;relationships-family&quot;,&quot;weddings&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6322196b04ae8\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":200700},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:42:28+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T22:42:28+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:11:37+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Relationships & Family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"slug":"relationships-family","categoryId":34189},{"name":"Weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"},"slug":"weddings","categoryId":34200}],"title":"Displaying and Cutting Your Wedding Cake","strippedTitle":"displaying and cutting your wedding cake","slug":"displaying-and-cutting-your-wedding-cake","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"The wedding cake is usually displayed from the beginning of the reception, so choose a filling and icing that can hold up for the duration. If you're adding spe","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>The wedding cake is usually displayed from the beginning of the reception, so choose a filling and icing that can hold up for the duration. If you're adding special lighting to the room, add a spotlight for the cake table. Otherwise, park it somewhere well lit and in full sight of the guests, but off the dance floor, or it might wind up on the floor during the first fast dance. Keep in mind the time of year and the length of time the cake will be on display so it doesn't begin collapsing by the time it's cut.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Cake table secrets</h2>\n<p>The base of the cake determines the size of the table. A huge, round table makes even the stateliest cake look minuscule. Make sure that the table is sturdy and is either on wheels or light enough with the cake for two waiters to carry it. To elaborately embellish the table, wrap picture wire (as if tying a package) around the tabletop, as shown in Figure 1. After the tables are covered, you can attach swags, garlands, and sprays with safety pins to the wires in the appropriate places. Layer sheets and/or tulle to give the tablecloth fullness and make it look more elegant.</p>\n<div class=\"figure\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-07645-5685-1_1601.jpg\" /></div><br />\n<span class=\"caption\"><b>Figure 1:</b>Make sure your cake table is steady and in proportion to the cake before you decorate it.</span><br />\n<p>Ask the bakery what kind of serving piece they deliver the cake on. Some provide a flat silver tray; others just deliver it on a plain piece of baker's cardboard that you'll need to cover. A sweet touch that also makes use of those expensive bridesmaid bouquets after the ceremony is to have the maitre d' or wedding consultant discreetly relieve the bridesmaids of their bouquets and arrange them around the cake with a studied casualness. The bridesmaids, incidentally, are usually grateful, being at a loss for how to balance the bouquets with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and the arm of their significant other.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Arrange to have the cake delivered at least two hours before the reception begins. Cakes are rarely transported fully assembled. Make sure that you clarify specifically who from the bakery is delivering and setting it up. Tell your caterer of the delivery time so the cake table can be dressed and ready and so the delivery person doesn't just leave the cake in its box and disappear.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Cutting the cake</h2>\n<p>In the past, the cake ceremony was such an anticlimax that brides and grooms used it as an opportunity to act out some thinly disguised aggression by shoving cake in each other's faces. Thankfully, this (ahem) charming tradition has gone by the wayside and the cake cutting has become a sentimental and romantic moment.</p>\n<p>Traditionally, the first shared piece symbolizes the couple's first meal as husband and wife. The cake cutting also used to signal the end of the wedding, as the bride and groom would then change and be off. More often now, the cutting is a natural segue after which people who want to leave may do so, but the newlyweds and the majority of their guests stay and take to the dance floor.</p>\n<p>You can gracefully signal that cake cutting is imminent with a reprise of the first-dance music. The bride and/or groom often make their toast at this time, presenting a perfect photo opportunity. After the cutting and toasts are completed, the band plays quietly in the background until the bride and groom finish exchanging the first bites, whereupon the music swells into a full-fledged dance number.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">When you create your wedding day schedule, put in bold type: \"Entire band should be ready to play immediately after cake cutting.\" Many bands seem to think this is the perfect time for a break. Just the opposite — if the music ebbs now, your party is over.</p>\n<p>The headwaiter should show you where to make the first cut, particularly if the cake has a <i>dummy layer </i>(a fake bottom layer that serves as support for the cake). To symbolize the couples' shared life together, the groom places his right hand over the bride's, which holds the knife. Together they cut a small piece from the back of the bottom tier. Traditionally, the groom feeds the bride first, a small mouthful easily washed down by a sip of champagne. Then the bride feeds the groom. Then, if they're feeling particularly nice, the bride and groom serve a piece to their new in-laws.</p>\n<p>Yes, some couples find this ceremony antiquated and would rather skip it. Just realize, however, that guests do <i>expect</i> to see you cut your cake. They feel cheated if they don't. Some even believe the old superstition that the bride must cut the first piece or risk being childless.</p>\n<p>That said, cut the cake, eat your pieces, put the plate down, and move away. After the photos, the banquet directors should have the cake taken into the kitchen to be cut quickly and efficiently without showing the guests the mess this work of art becomes during slicing.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Some places charge a cake-cutting fee — usually $1 a slice — allegedly to cover the cost of the \"setup\" (plates and forks). If you strongly feel that this charge is inappropriate, then you should attempt to expunge this clause from your contract.</p>\n<p>If the idea of saving the top tier of the cake for future consumption strikes your fancy, take precautions to make the cake as palatable as possible one year later — no mold, freezer burn, or other delightful taste treats. Bring a properly sized box, lots of wax paper, bubble wrap, and an airtight plastic bag. Leave explicit instructions for airtight wrapping (freeze the cake first for a few hours before it's wrapped) and charge someone — a cryogenics specialist perhaps — with taking this precious cargo home and popping it into the freezer right away. Make arrangements to have it transported to your freezer upon your return from the honeymoon. In lieu of this rather complicated procedure, when ordering your wedding cake, you might cleverly put in an order for a small cake of the same flavor to be scheduled for baking and pickup on your first-year anniversary.</p>","description":"<p>The wedding cake is usually displayed from the beginning of the reception, so choose a filling and icing that can hold up for the duration. If you're adding special lighting to the room, add a spotlight for the cake table. Otherwise, park it somewhere well lit and in full sight of the guests, but off the dance floor, or it might wind up on the floor during the first fast dance. Keep in mind the time of year and the length of time the cake will be on display so it doesn't begin collapsing by the time it's cut.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Cake table secrets</h2>\n<p>The base of the cake determines the size of the table. A huge, round table makes even the stateliest cake look minuscule. Make sure that the table is sturdy and is either on wheels or light enough with the cake for two waiters to carry it. To elaborately embellish the table, wrap picture wire (as if tying a package) around the tabletop, as shown in Figure 1. After the tables are covered, you can attach swags, garlands, and sprays with safety pins to the wires in the appropriate places. Layer sheets and/or tulle to give the tablecloth fullness and make it look more elegant.</p>\n<div class=\"figure\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/0-07645-5685-1_1601.jpg\" /></div><br />\n<span class=\"caption\"><b>Figure 1:</b>Make sure your cake table is steady and in proportion to the cake before you decorate it.</span><br />\n<p>Ask the bakery what kind of serving piece they deliver the cake on. Some provide a flat silver tray; others just deliver it on a plain piece of baker's cardboard that you'll need to cover. A sweet touch that also makes use of those expensive bridesmaid bouquets after the ceremony is to have the maitre d' or wedding consultant discreetly relieve the bridesmaids of their bouquets and arrange them around the cake with a studied casualness. The bridesmaids, incidentally, are usually grateful, being at a loss for how to balance the bouquets with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and the arm of their significant other.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Arrange to have the cake delivered at least two hours before the reception begins. Cakes are rarely transported fully assembled. Make sure that you clarify specifically who from the bakery is delivering and setting it up. Tell your caterer of the delivery time so the cake table can be dressed and ready and so the delivery person doesn't just leave the cake in its box and disappear.</p>\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Cutting the cake</h2>\n<p>In the past, the cake ceremony was such an anticlimax that brides and grooms used it as an opportunity to act out some thinly disguised aggression by shoving cake in each other's faces. Thankfully, this (ahem) charming tradition has gone by the wayside and the cake cutting has become a sentimental and romantic moment.</p>\n<p>Traditionally, the first shared piece symbolizes the couple's first meal as husband and wife. The cake cutting also used to signal the end of the wedding, as the bride and groom would then change and be off. More often now, the cutting is a natural segue after which people who want to leave may do so, but the newlyweds and the majority of their guests stay and take to the dance floor.</p>\n<p>You can gracefully signal that cake cutting is imminent with a reprise of the first-dance music. The bride and/or groom often make their toast at this time, presenting a perfect photo opportunity. After the cutting and toasts are completed, the band plays quietly in the background until the bride and groom finish exchanging the first bites, whereupon the music swells into a full-fledged dance number.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">When you create your wedding day schedule, put in bold type: \"Entire band should be ready to play immediately after cake cutting.\" Many bands seem to think this is the perfect time for a break. Just the opposite — if the music ebbs now, your party is over.</p>\n<p>The headwaiter should show you where to make the first cut, particularly if the cake has a <i>dummy layer </i>(a fake bottom layer that serves as support for the cake). To symbolize the couples' shared life together, the groom places his right hand over the bride's, which holds the knife. Together they cut a small piece from the back of the bottom tier. Traditionally, the groom feeds the bride first, a small mouthful easily washed down by a sip of champagne. Then the bride feeds the groom. Then, if they're feeling particularly nice, the bride and groom serve a piece to their new in-laws.</p>\n<p>Yes, some couples find this ceremony antiquated and would rather skip it. Just realize, however, that guests do <i>expect</i> to see you cut your cake. They feel cheated if they don't. Some even believe the old superstition that the bride must cut the first piece or risk being childless.</p>\n<p>That said, cut the cake, eat your pieces, put the plate down, and move away. After the photos, the banquet directors should have the cake taken into the kitchen to be cut quickly and efficiently without showing the guests the mess this work of art becomes during slicing.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Some places charge a cake-cutting fee — usually $1 a slice — allegedly to cover the cost of the \"setup\" (plates and forks). If you strongly feel that this charge is inappropriate, then you should attempt to expunge this clause from your contract.</p>\n<p>If the idea of saving the top tier of the cake for future consumption strikes your fancy, take precautions to make the cake as palatable as possible one year later — no mold, freezer burn, or other delightful taste treats. Bring a properly sized box, lots of wax paper, bubble wrap, and an airtight plastic bag. Leave explicit instructions for airtight wrapping (freeze the cake first for a few hours before it's wrapped) and charge someone — a cryogenics specialist perhaps — with taking this precious cargo home and popping it into the freezer right away. Make arrangements to have it transported to your freezer upon your return from the honeymoon. In lieu of this rather complicated procedure, when ordering your wedding cake, you might cleverly put in an order for a small cake of the same flavor to be scheduled for baking and pickup on your first-year anniversary.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34200,"title":"Weddings","slug":"weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Cake table secrets","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Cutting the cake","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":293034,"title":"Planning a Wedding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"planning-a-wedding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/293034"}},{"articleId":209446,"title":"Budget Weddings For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"budget-weddings-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209446"}},{"articleId":209377,"title":"Wedding Etiquette For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"wedding-etiquette-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209377"}},{"articleId":208156,"title":"Wedding Planning For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"wedding-planning-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208156"}},{"articleId":200700,"title":"Choosing Bouquets and Boutonnieres for Your Wedding","slug":"choosing-bouquets-and-boutonnieres-for-your-wedding","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","relationships-family","weddings"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200700"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;relationships-family&quot;,&quot;weddings&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221959884f1\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;relationships-family&quot;,&quot;weddings&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6322195988dbe\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":199371},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:03:37+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T22:03:37+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:10:53+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Relationships & Family","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34189"},"slug":"relationships-family","categoryId":34189},{"name":"Weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"},"slug":"weddings","categoryId":34200}],"title":"Budget Wedding Tips: How to Spend Less on Food","strippedTitle":"budget wedding tips: how to spend less on food","slug":"budget-wedding-tips-how-to-spend-less-on-food","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Food and alcohol represent the biggest expense for most weddings. So it makes sense to cut back on that expense if you’re planning a budget wedding. Broaden you","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Food and alcohol represent the biggest expense for most weddings. So it makes sense to cut back on that expense if you’re planning a budget wedding. Broaden your idea of what a stylish and elegant wedding reception looks like and prepare to save. Your guests will eat to their heart’s content, but you won’t break the bank when you host one of these receptions:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Brunch:</b> Brunch fare can cost less than half — even as little as a third — of a full dinner menu. Consider providing a variety of specialty buffets, such as a fruit bar or an omelet station.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Garden parties:</b> No one expects you to provide a full meal, so go all out on fancy appetizers. Serve a signature cocktail in lieu of a full bar.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Afternoon tea: </b>Pull out all the stops for a traditional British affair and limit alcohol to Champagne for toasts.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dessert reception:</b> If you have a sweet tooth, this is the best way to indulge it! Serve nothing but sweets — wedding cake, petit fours, cheesecake, sundaes, and a chocolate fountain.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cocktail reception:</b> Alcohol will consume the biggest part of your budget with this type of reception, but you save by serving appetizers and dessert instead of a full meal.</p>\n </li>\n</ul>","description":"<p>Food and alcohol represent the biggest expense for most weddings. So it makes sense to cut back on that expense if you’re planning a budget wedding. Broaden your idea of what a stylish and elegant wedding reception looks like and prepare to save. Your guests will eat to their heart’s content, but you won’t break the bank when you host one of these receptions:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Brunch:</b> Brunch fare can cost less than half — even as little as a third — of a full dinner menu. Consider providing a variety of specialty buffets, such as a fruit bar or an omelet station.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Garden parties:</b> No one expects you to provide a full meal, so go all out on fancy appetizers. Serve a signature cocktail in lieu of a full bar.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Afternoon tea: </b>Pull out all the stops for a traditional British affair and limit alcohol to Champagne for toasts.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dessert reception:</b> If you have a sweet tooth, this is the best way to indulge it! Serve nothing but sweets — wedding cake, petit fours, cheesecake, sundaes, and a chocolate fountain.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cocktail reception:</b> Alcohol will consume the biggest part of your budget with this type of reception, but you save by serving appetizers and dessert instead of a full meal.</p>\n </li>\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10019,"name":"Meg Schneider","slug":"meg-schneider","description":" <p><b>Kevin Felner, MD,</b> an expert in pulmonary and critical&#45;care medicine, is an assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine<i>.</i> <b>Meg Schneider</b> is an award&#45;winning writer with more than two decades of experience. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10019"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34200,"title":"Weddings","slug":"weddings","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34200"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat 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Weddings Articles

Nothing brings people together more than lovebirds joining in holy matrimony. But there's no doubt that arranging a wedding can be stressful. Make it a bit easier with our helpful articles on matrimonial planning.

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Weddings Planning a Wedding For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 05-13-2022

Congratulations — you’re engaged and that should be celebrated! Now it’s time to make it official and plan your perfect wedding day. It’s all about perspective. The big picture in planning a wedding is that at the end of the day, you will be married. That’s what’s most important. Along your journey, there will be bumps in the road. But wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful. Following the simple steps outlined in this Cheat Sheet will ensure a perfect wedding day.

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Weddings Wedding Etiquette For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-16-2022

Wedding etiquette rules have relaxed a bit over time, but common sense and basic etiquette are still necessary in every phase of wedding planning — and on the big day itself. Familiarizing yourself with what to do before, during, and after your wedding will help ensure that everyone enjoys all your wedding festivities.

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Weddings Budget Weddings For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-09-2022

Planning a wedding shouldn’t break the bank — it should be fun, exciting, and worry-free. To plan a budget wedding that looks anything but cheap, make a priority list, cut back on food (the biggest wedding expense), and consider adding some wallet-friendly touches that are also good for the environment.

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Weddings Wedding Planning For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-16-2022

Planning a wedding involves hundreds of decisions, from calculating how much liquor to buy to figuring out how much space and how many servers you need for your reception. You also want to be prepared for any kind of emergency that happens on your wedding day. Fortunately, many new websites and smartphone apps can help you with all aspects of your wedding planning, especially your budget.

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Weddings How to Choose an Engagement Ring

Article / Updated 12-02-2021

Engagement and wedding rings come in a huge array of styles and material. When shopping for engagement and wedding rings, many couples go together — or at least pre-shop together so that each person has an idea of the other's taste. When choosing rings, consider your lifestyle and price range, and determine what's most important to you by prioritizing the 4 C's. The stone you choose for an engagement ring can be anything you wish — emerald, sapphire, ruby, or topaz, for example. But the most popular stone is diamond. Selecting a diamond A diamond is the hardest transparent substance known to man, one hundred times harder than ruby or sapphire. This durability, along with its light, has made diamonds an enduring symbol of marriage. They are evaluated and classified by the four C's—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Cut A diamond's cut and proportion determine its brilliance and fire, making the cut perhaps the most important factor in a diamond's beauty. Each facet acts as a light-dispersing mirror, so more facets generally mean greater beauty. A modern, round-brilliant-cut diamond has 58 facets, which makes it more brilliant than other shapes. Don't confuse cut with shape. Various shapes — oval, pear, round brilliant, emerald, baguette, and marquise — are shown here: Diamond shapes (not to be confused with the cut). Color The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades color starting with the letter D (colorless) through the letter Z (progressively more yellow). In nature, diamonds occur in virtually every color and shade: blue, pink, lavender, yellow, green, red and even black. Colored diamonds are increasingly popular for engagement rings, and some rare colors are quite pricey. Clarity Internal imperfections, such as small cracks, whitish dots or dark spots, are called inclusions. External flaws are blemishes. Generally speaking, the fewer the inclusions and blemishes, the clearer and more brilliant the diamond, the rarer it is, and the more it's worth. The GIA classifies diamonds and their flaws into the following categories: FL: Flawless, meaning without any surface characteristics or internal imperfections. Extremely rare. IF: Internally flawless with only minor external blemishes that a jeweler can polish away. An internally flawless (IF) diamond. VVS1 and VVS2: Very, very small inclusions that are difficult for a qualified observer to detect. VVS1 diamond with a very, very small inclusion. VVS2 diamond with very, very small inclusions. VS1 and VS2: Very small inclusions visible only under magnification. A VS1 diamond with very small inclusions. A VS2 diamond with very small inclusions. SI1 and SI2: Small inclusions that are readily apparent under magnification but not to the naked eye. SI1 diamonds have small inclusions seen with magnification. SI2 diamonds have inclusions spotted easily under magnification. I1, I2, and I3: Imperfect grades in which the flaws may or may not be visible to the naked eye. Much lower in price and generally don't appreciate in value. Imperfect diamond grades, like the I1 here, have flaws that might be visible without magnification. Carat weight Gemologists measure the size of diamonds in terms of weight, specifically in carats. A carat contains 100 points. If a jeweler says a stone weights 25 points, it's 1/4 carat. While size still matters, it is almost meaningless outside the context of cut, clarity, and color. A large stone that is dull, flawed, or improperly cut is worth less money than a perfect little diamond. Selecting a setting and metal for an engagement ring Choosing the right setting for a diamond is like choosing the right frame for a picture. Classic settings include the prong-less bezel, elaborate carved scroll, clean-looking channel, decorative cluster, flush-lying gypsy, expensive invisible, glittery pavé, traditional prong, light-reflecting silver cups, singular solitaire, floating tension, and classic six-pronged. The metal of your ring should flatter your skin tone and the color of your stone. Platinum is the most expensive, but beautiful, and both hard and resilient. Whatever metal you choose, you may have the ring designed with a variety of finishes, patterns, or edgings. Stretching your diamond dollar Here are a few tips to help make the most of your ring-shopping budget: Go under-size If you're able to find an "under-size" diamond, which is a diamond that weighs just under a cut-off weight (for example, 0.95 carats instead of 1 carat; 0.45 carats instead of half a carat), you can save substantial sums of money for a diamond that looks, to the naked eye, essentially the same as a diamond that hits the larger cut-off weight. Go for clarity and color that looks clean to the naked eye When it comes to white (non-fancy) diamonds, most consumers can't tell the difference between diamonds on the very high end of the clarity scale (such as VVS1) and those lower on the scale, which contain very slight or slight inclusions (VS1 or SI1). In the case of many SI1 diamonds, for example, the flaws are only visible under 10X magnification, although the price difference between a VVS1 and an SI1 diamond is considerable. The same advice applies to a diamond's Color Grade. A "D" or "F" diamond (colorless) can easily cost double the price of an "I" (near-colorless) diamond of the same cut, although most people can't tell the difference between colorless and near-colorless diamonds. Consider buying a near-colorless diamond to get the most from your budget. Good polish is good enough When it comes to a diamond's polish, a "good" grade is good enough in most cases. Most consumers can't tell the difference between a diamond with "good" and the more-expensive "excellent" polish Choose white gold instead of platinum Although platinum is a preferred ring metal, it is also the most expensive of the precious metals. White gold, on the other hand, is an excellent and affordable alternative to platinum and a great choice for the budget-conscious shopper. White gold has a stunning appearance and a white/gray patina that resembles platinum. White gold is also very durable, has a high scratch resistance factor, and does an excellent job of drawing attention to a diamond's brilliance. Buy online When purchasing an engagement ring, you can do so in a brick-and-mortar store, or you can purchase your ring online. Some people prefer to interact with a salesperson face-to-face, which you can do when shopping in a store. Making your purchase through an online retailer, though, has its own benefits, including saving what could be quite a bit of money and having a pressure-free purchase experience: Online retailers can save you 30–50 percent off the prices of traditional retailers. The tremendous selection at online retailers can help you find exactly what you want and stay within your budget. Buying online allows you to be in the driver's seat — you can take your time and educate yourself about your diamond-buying options; you can avoid being persuaded by commissioned sales associates and instead can feel confident that your decision is the right one for you. Buying online is extremely convenient — some online retailers offer customer service 24/7 so you can shop wherever you want, whenever you want.

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Weddings Choosing Bouquets and Boutonnieres for Your Wedding

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

The term personal flowers refers not only to the bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, but also to all the flowers worn or carried by attendants, family members, or others you wish to honor. Men often have preferences, some quite specific, for the boutonniere they sport on their wedding day. For brides, though, the flowers they carry as they walk towards married life are the ultimate — and very visible — accompaniment to their wedding dress. Specify exactly where you want the florist to deliver your personal flowers and that you want them all labeled to avoid even the slightest chance that an usher may try to pin the flower girl's posy to his lapel. Bride and attendants At the beginning of the twentieth century, brides and bridesmaids carried such elaborate bouquets that the women practically needed a wheelbarrow to transport them down the aisle. Bouquets can be striking but never distracting; you want all eyes on the carrier, not on her bouquet. As an accessory, the bouquet should complement the dress as well as the size and shape of the wearer. Bridesmaids' bouquets need not be dwarf versions of the bride's, but can be mini works of art in themselves. Antique lace, organza, or wired ribbon wrapped around the stems finish a bouquet beautifully, but with some cost. One of our favorite looks is having each bridesmaid carry a different vibrantly colored bouquet finished with matching ribbon streamers. For years, people considered only one styleof bouquet to be appropriate for formal weddings: all white roses, stephanotis, and lily of the valley. This idea is no longer the case. At even extremely formal ceremonies, brides now carry a variety of flowers, colors, and shapes. Flowers, however dazzling and pure, can cause you grief if they aren't prepared with meticulous care. Before handing them to attendants, ask someone to check them to make sure they're dry and that any stamens that might stain dresses have been removed. Hold your bouquet by placing your elbows at your hipbones and grasping the stems or handle with both hands in front of your belly button. You should be able to do this while linking your arm with one person, unless you choose a pageant or presentation bouquet, which you must cradle in both arms. In other words, who is walking you down the aisle and how you walk together affects the kind of bouquet you can comfortably carry. See Figure 1 for some examples of bouquet types. Figure 1: A bouquet's shape and style are as important as the kind of flowers it contains. Biedermeier: Tightly composed concentric circles of individual colors, wired into a lace collar or other holder. Cascade or shower: Classic, elaborate shape with ivy and long-stemmed flowers that are wired or pulled out to droop gracefully in a waterfall effect. Composite: A flower constructed of hundreds of real petals wired together to look like one enormous flower. Crescent: Composed of one full flower and a flowering stem, often orchids, wired together to form a slender handle that you can hold in one hand. Designed as either a full crescent, a half circle with a central flower and blossoms emanating from two sides, or as a semicrescent, which has only one trailing stem. Nosegays: Round bouquets (16 or 18 inches in diameter) composed of flowers, greenery, and occasionally sprigs of herbs, all wired or tied together. Posies: Smaller versions of nosegays. Ribbons and silk flowers are often integrated into them. Presentation: The pageant bouquet — long-stemmed flowers cradled in your arms. Tossing: A bouquet used for tossing so you can save the actual wedding bouquet for posterity. No need to duplicate the original; the tossing bouquet can be entirely different. Tussy mussy: From the Victorian era, a posy in a small metal hand-held vase. Some have attached ring chains for easy carrying. Instead of a bouquet, consider using fewer flowers in these innovative ways: An heirloom prayer book accessorized with flowers A single long-stemmed flower such as a calla lily, rose, or Casablanca lily A wreath of flowers worn in the hair A hat adorned with fresh flowers A comb, barrette, or headband covered in lace, ribbon, and flowers A border of flowers on your veil or hem of your dress Mothers, stepmothers, fathers' girlfriends, and others Say "corsage" and many women think "blue hair," not to mention pinholes in their fancy silk frock. Alternatives exist, including tussy mussies (ornate Victorian bouquet holders), flowers pinned to a handbag, or a floral bracelet, much like a minigarland — not to be confused with wrist corsages, which can be as dowdy as the pinned version. Some florists now use magnets to hold corsages in place on a dress. Ask your florist for this option if a pinned-on corsage is a must-have. Grooms, ushers, stepfathers, mothers' boyfriends, and others No longer the standard-issue white senior-prom carnation, the groom's boutonniere may be the same as one of the flowers in the bride's bouquet — as if plucked from there. The ones he chooses for his ushers and other gentlemen he wants to honor should reflect his personal style and be appropriate for their outfits. These flowers should neither brown around the edges nor wilt in the heat and should be hardy enough to withstand hours of hugs. A few replacements for trite lapel pins: Cornflowers Acorns Vibrant-colored roses set with a sprig of herbs Berries backed by a galax leaf Variegated ivy, fern, and pine A stem of hydrangea Also, having the stems wrapped with spiffy ribbon in an unexpected color or design can turn a mundane boutonniere into something dapper. Men should wear boutonnieres on their left side and pin them on the underside of the lapel so that no part of the pin shows. Order extra boutonnieres because they're relatively inexpensive and one or two may not survive ham-fisted attempts at pinning or may get crushed by well-wishers. Besides, it's good to have extras for any forgotten menfolk. Little touches for little people When dealing with flower children (or any children, for that matter), keep accessories in proportion to the child's size. You don't want your flower girl to look like an ungainly flowering plant moving down the aisle. Some simple floral alternatives to the traditional flower basket include Circlet: A ribbon or twig band accented with blossoms and worn on girls' heads. Garland: Birch vines covered with smilax and flowers and carried in tandem by two or three very young children. This arrangement looks adorable and also keeps them together. Hoop: Made of vine strung with flowers and carried like a tambourine. Pomander: AStyrofoam ball, covered in lace and tulle and trimmed with floral heads, which hangs on the wrist (see Figure 1). Fresh petals can be slippery. If you wish to follow children strewing petals from baskets, show them how to sprinkle them, alternating sides of the path rather than straight down the danger zone. The ring bearer's main accessory is the ring pillow, which may be sewn of luxurious fabrics such as satin, silk, velvet, or organza. These pillows are sometimes embroidered or trimmed with silk, natural flowers, or ornate tassels. The rings are tied on with attached ribbons. As special as the pillow is, the ring bearer may be more interested in wearing a boutonniere identical to that of the ushers. The ring pillow should never have the real rings on it. To protect the child's ego, attach fake rings and have the best man make a display of untying them. The real rings are, of course, safe with the best man and maid of honor.

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Weddings Displaying and Cutting Your Wedding Cake

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

The wedding cake is usually displayed from the beginning of the reception, so choose a filling and icing that can hold up for the duration. If you're adding special lighting to the room, add a spotlight for the cake table. Otherwise, park it somewhere well lit and in full sight of the guests, but off the dance floor, or it might wind up on the floor during the first fast dance. Keep in mind the time of year and the length of time the cake will be on display so it doesn't begin collapsing by the time it's cut. Cake table secrets The base of the cake determines the size of the table. A huge, round table makes even the stateliest cake look minuscule. Make sure that the table is sturdy and is either on wheels or light enough with the cake for two waiters to carry it. To elaborately embellish the table, wrap picture wire (as if tying a package) around the tabletop, as shown in Figure 1. After the tables are covered, you can attach swags, garlands, and sprays with safety pins to the wires in the appropriate places. Layer sheets and/or tulle to give the tablecloth fullness and make it look more elegant. Figure 1:Make sure your cake table is steady and in proportion to the cake before you decorate it. Ask the bakery what kind of serving piece they deliver the cake on. Some provide a flat silver tray; others just deliver it on a plain piece of baker's cardboard that you'll need to cover. A sweet touch that also makes use of those expensive bridesmaid bouquets after the ceremony is to have the maitre d' or wedding consultant discreetly relieve the bridesmaids of their bouquets and arrange them around the cake with a studied casualness. The bridesmaids, incidentally, are usually grateful, being at a loss for how to balance the bouquets with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and the arm of their significant other. Arrange to have the cake delivered at least two hours before the reception begins. Cakes are rarely transported fully assembled. Make sure that you clarify specifically who from the bakery is delivering and setting it up. Tell your caterer of the delivery time so the cake table can be dressed and ready and so the delivery person doesn't just leave the cake in its box and disappear. Cutting the cake In the past, the cake ceremony was such an anticlimax that brides and grooms used it as an opportunity to act out some thinly disguised aggression by shoving cake in each other's faces. Thankfully, this (ahem) charming tradition has gone by the wayside and the cake cutting has become a sentimental and romantic moment. Traditionally, the first shared piece symbolizes the couple's first meal as husband and wife. The cake cutting also used to signal the end of the wedding, as the bride and groom would then change and be off. More often now, the cutting is a natural segue after which people who want to leave may do so, but the newlyweds and the majority of their guests stay and take to the dance floor. You can gracefully signal that cake cutting is imminent with a reprise of the first-dance music. The bride and/or groom often make their toast at this time, presenting a perfect photo opportunity. After the cutting and toasts are completed, the band plays quietly in the background until the bride and groom finish exchanging the first bites, whereupon the music swells into a full-fledged dance number. When you create your wedding day schedule, put in bold type: "Entire band should be ready to play immediately after cake cutting." Many bands seem to think this is the perfect time for a break. Just the opposite — if the music ebbs now, your party is over. The headwaiter should show you where to make the first cut, particularly if the cake has a dummy layer (a fake bottom layer that serves as support for the cake). To symbolize the couples' shared life together, the groom places his right hand over the bride's, which holds the knife. Together they cut a small piece from the back of the bottom tier. Traditionally, the groom feeds the bride first, a small mouthful easily washed down by a sip of champagne. Then the bride feeds the groom. Then, if they're feeling particularly nice, the bride and groom serve a piece to their new in-laws. Yes, some couples find this ceremony antiquated and would rather skip it. Just realize, however, that guests do expect to see you cut your cake. They feel cheated if they don't. Some even believe the old superstition that the bride must cut the first piece or risk being childless. That said, cut the cake, eat your pieces, put the plate down, and move away. After the photos, the banquet directors should have the cake taken into the kitchen to be cut quickly and efficiently without showing the guests the mess this work of art becomes during slicing. Some places charge a cake-cutting fee — usually $1 a slice — allegedly to cover the cost of the "setup" (plates and forks). If you strongly feel that this charge is inappropriate, then you should attempt to expunge this clause from your contract. If the idea of saving the top tier of the cake for future consumption strikes your fancy, take precautions to make the cake as palatable as possible one year later — no mold, freezer burn, or other delightful taste treats. Bring a properly sized box, lots of wax paper, bubble wrap, and an airtight plastic bag. Leave explicit instructions for airtight wrapping (freeze the cake first for a few hours before it's wrapped) and charge someone — a cryogenics specialist perhaps — with taking this precious cargo home and popping it into the freezer right away. Make arrangements to have it transported to your freezer upon your return from the honeymoon. In lieu of this rather complicated procedure, when ordering your wedding cake, you might cleverly put in an order for a small cake of the same flavor to be scheduled for baking and pickup on your first-year anniversary.

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Weddings Budget Wedding Tips: How to Spend Less on Food

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Food and alcohol represent the biggest expense for most weddings. So it makes sense to cut back on that expense if you’re planning a budget wedding. Broaden your idea of what a stylish and elegant wedding reception looks like and prepare to save. Your guests will eat to their heart’s content, but you won’t break the bank when you host one of these receptions: Brunch: Brunch fare can cost less than half — even as little as a third — of a full dinner menu. Consider providing a variety of specialty buffets, such as a fruit bar or an omelet station. Garden parties: No one expects you to provide a full meal, so go all out on fancy appetizers. Serve a signature cocktail in lieu of a full bar. Afternoon tea: Pull out all the stops for a traditional British affair and limit alcohol to Champagne for toasts. Dessert reception: If you have a sweet tooth, this is the best way to indulge it! Serve nothing but sweets — wedding cake, petit fours, cheesecake, sundaes, and a chocolate fountain. Cocktail reception: Alcohol will consume the biggest part of your budget with this type of reception, but you save by serving appetizers and dessert instead of a full meal.

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Weddings Plan an Eco-Friendly Budget Wedding

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Green is the new white — at least when it comes to eco-friendly weddings. Even better, going green can save you money. That’s always a plus if you’re planning a budget wedding. Even though some green wedding products and services are pricier than the traditional ones, others cost far less than you’d expect. The following list tells you how to save some green on your green wedding: Eliminate paper. Bypass printed invitations, response cards, and maps in favor of Web-based versions. Provide maps and driving directions on your wedding Web site, issue save-the-date info and invitations via e-mail, and keep track of your guest count and meal requests with Web-based forms. Choose a green dress. To find an inexpensive dress that’s environmentally friendly, shop vintage stores, peruse eBay, or consider renting your gown. Think locally. Using caterers and florists who work with local producers can save you money, and it reduces the environmental impact of your wedding by cutting down on transportation emissions. Go for green gold. For more eco-friendly (and potentially more budget-friendly) wedding rings, look in pawn shops and at estate auctions for vintage rings that can be updated. Or collect your unused gold jewelry and hire a jeweler to melt it down and make your wedding bands out of it. Opt for reusable decorations. Rent potted plants or silk flower arrangements that can be used again. Or pot your own plants or flowers and incorporate them into your new home after the honeymoon — you’ve just cut down on your interior decorating budget!

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Weddings Make a Priority List for Your Budget Wedding

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

If you’re planning your wedding on a budget, prioritizing is a must. Without a priority list, you’re likely to overspend — often before you even realize you’re going over your budget. To keep your wedding finances on track, sit down with your fiancé(e) and compare your lists of priorities for the big day. If you aren’t sure how to come up with a priority list, start by jotting down what you liked and disliked about other weddings you’ve attended. Then think about the wedding traditions you’re familiar with and decide whether you want to follow them. Don’t worry about the associated costs just yet. When you compare your list with your fiancé(e)’s priorities, talk about how each item fits into your overall budget. Then you can decide together whether the expense of getting married in a dream location is worth giving up the acres of orchids you always imagined seeing at your ceremony. After you and your intended identify what you really want for your wedding, write your priorities on a sheet of paper so you can refer to them when you’re making wedding decisions. You may even want to carry the list in your wallet as a reminder when you’re interviewing vendors.

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