Weddings

Here comes the bride, all dressed in...whatever she wants! The HowStuffWorks guide is dedicated to helping you make that special day reflect your (and your spouse-to-be's) personality. From rings to roses and dresses to first dances we've got it all.

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As you decide who will participate in your wedding, you may wonder, "Is there an age requirement to be a bridesmaid?" The answer is kinda/sorta.

By Ellen Stockstill

Valentine's Day is a day of romance and sweet gestures, so what better day to propose? Here's how to tell a proposal is in the works for you this year.

By Sara Elliott

As the song says, "Here comes the bride, all dressed in white." But why? Sure, there's a tradition attached to it as with so many other wedding customs. Sometimes, however, traditions were made to be broken.

By Jeff Harder

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Now that you're married, do you miss wearing white so much it's making you blue? Does the absence of the day-to-day stress of planning a wedding make you want to crawl back in bed? If so, you probably have a serious case of wedding withdrawal.

By Echo Surina

What makes a respectable wedding guest turn into a detail-obsessed critic the moment a bride takes her walk down the aisle? We attempt to uncover the real reason why we judge our friends' nuptials.

By Natalie Kilgore

Wedding crashers aren't just a figment of Hollywood's imagination. Chances are you or someone you know has witnessed a crashed wedding firsthand. Learn more about who these bold people are and why they do it!

By Alia Hoyt

Even if you're never a bride yourself, you can absolutely count on being a bridesmaid. These days, that role can be expensive. We'll try to prepare you and your purse.

By Chris Obenschain

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Despite the lengthy, detailed planning that goes into a wedding, sometimes there are missteps, mishaps -- even major disasters.

By Natalie Kilgore

There's a reason that Danny and Sandy sang about summer lovin' -- it's a magical time of year! Make this a summer to remember by popping the question. We've got 10 proposal stories that are sweeter than ice cream.

By Natalie Kilgore

A girl can only take so many string quartets and watered-down versions of "Love Lifts Us up Where We Belong." That's why we've put together a list of ceremony-ready songs that will add a touch of sophistication and whimsy to your service, whether you're into metal or country.

By Natalie Kilgore

Everyone will be looking at the bride on her wedding day, but don't think your fashion faux pas will go unnoticed. Unless you're attending a hip, non-traditional wedding, you probably want to avoid nuptial notoriety!

By Chris Obenschain

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Dad, this is a proud day for you. You're giving away your daughter, or you're watching your son start his own family. Obviously, your usual dad duds won't cut it. We'll bring you up to speed on wedding attire so you can make a civilized statement at the big event!

By Chris Obenschain

Are brides programmed to dislike the MOG? Sometimes it seems that way. You've been pitted against each other in movies, and you've had a real face-off in the bridal salon. But it's not over for the two of you -- you're in this for life!

By Echo Surina

According to wedding lore, the mother of the groom just has to show up, wear beige and be silent. You can build a better relationship with your future mother-in-law by getting her involved with the wedding -- here's how!

By Natalie Kilgore

A wedding invitation just arrived in the mail with that dreaded bit of cursive at the bottom: "Black tie optional." Obviously, this is going to be a formal affair. Should you dress your guy in his best suit, or does he need to sport a tux?

By Alia Hoyt

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Bride veterans love dishing about their honeymoons. For every bride who got the perfect golden tan and learned to snorkel in crystal-clear Caribbean waters, there's a bride who has a horror story. These cautionary tales will make you laugh, cringe and take heed.

By Echo Surina

Every bride ends up with something she didn't register for. Maybe it's a bright red chip and dip set -- or sheets that fit a twin bed. Some brides luck out with extravagant-beyond-their-wildest-dreams gifts. Others get self-help books. You won't believe these presents!

By Natalie Kilgore

Calling off a wedding is never easy, whether you nix plans six months before the big day or make your way down the aisle to find out your intended isn't there. Even if you're the one who said "I don't," you'll need some time to recover.

By Alia Hoyt

His devotion to Mama is just one clue you've found a good, sensitive man. Sometimes, though, the apron strings can be tied a little too tightly. You're the No. 1 woman in his life now, so here's how to break old habits -- gently.

By Alia Hoyt

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Is there anything more precious than a child in patent leather dress shoes or a teeny-tiny blazer? Kids would be perfect wedding guests if they were seen and not heard, but that's usually not the case. You won't believe the monstrous behavior we've witnessed.

By Chris Obenschain

Sometimes, with registry gun in hand, a bride becomes drunk with power, and shoots a margarita machine and a set of shrimp forks. What other gifts will she regret tagging with that gun?

By Debra Ronca

There's nothing sweeter than digging your toes in the sand and staring into your new hubby's eyes. But what about trading a tropical vacay for a cute cottage or spacious urban loft? Some couples are using the honeymoon fund for a down payment on a home.

By Chris Obenschain

Delivering the perfect wedding toast is no easy task. People get flustered and emotional on such a momentous occasion. We can excuse some muttering and nervous laughter, but we can't forgive any of these 10 toasting transgressions.

By Jessica Willis

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Something about living with a new husband seems to bring on the "married 15" -- an extra 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) of weight gain. Maybe it's cooking those larger meals for two or slacking off on exercising in favor of spending time together. We've got some strategies to help you avoid this.

By Laurie L. Dove

The wedding day is coming up fast and you still have 10 pounds to lose to fit into your dress. Could a diet featuring meal replacement shakes be the answer? You might be surprised.

By Laurie L. Dove