HowStuffWorks Newsletter
If only weddings would plan themselves! Stay organized with these tips on everything from flowers and toasts to cakes and stationery.
Topics to Explore:
Some wedding traditions are lovely and others don't make much sense — their original purpose is lost in the mist of time. Test your knowledge of wedding traditions here!
By Alia Hoyt
No bridesmaid? No problem. You can just hire one.
Education and money go a long way, but it takes marriage to become a royal. Here are five times Americans have married into royal families.
Advertisement
Wedding guest lists are getting smaller — and not just because weddings are getting more expensive. Brides and grooms have different expectations for weddings, especially post-pandemic.
By Alia Hoyt
Some couples love it, others hate it. Where did this bridal custom come from and why is it in decline?
By Alia Hoyt
The marriage of the Internet and the wedding industry has been a match made in heaven — you can plan your entire wedding without leaving your couch.
If you know your way around a kitchen, then you may be ready to bake your own wedding cake -- if you're brave enough, that is.
Advertisement
On your wedding day, everything needs to be perfect, including the flowers.
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.
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
Advertisement
Despite the lengthy, detailed planning that goes into a wedding, sometimes there are missteps, mishaps -- even major disasters.
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.
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
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.
Advertisement
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.
"It should've been me" is a popular sentiment right now, leaving the lips of girls everywhere and being printed on commemorative plates. How did Kate snag the world's most eligible prince?
A dusty, dried bouquet and photo album make up most personal wedding memorabilia collections. But the royals get far cooler mementos of their special occasions. From beer mugs to thimbles, here's what's wacky in wedding memorabilia.
The best part of royal watching is the royal wedding dresses of course. HowStuffWorks remember 9 old and new favorites — and the brides who wore them.
Advertisement
Snow White sang "One day my prince will come," but we think you've got to be a little more proactive than that. Don't wait around for Mr. (Royal) Right -- get out there and seek him! Here are some ways to tell if you're eligible to marry into the royal family.
Americans are pretty excited about the big royal wedding coming up in May. But across the pond, some Brits are grumbling about the price tag. Are they responsible for footing the bill? And how much can they expect to pay?
A $30,000 wedding with a guest list of 150 means you're paying $200 per person. That's $40 per hour for a 5-hour party. But if your guests are bored to tears, they leave after dinner ... and you've blown $120. Our tips will make sure that doesn't happen.
By Alia Hoyt
No rest for the weary bride! Even after you've booked the photographer, DJ and cake baker, you've got to put all the pieces of the puzzle together into a fabulous reception. A solid time line will help you pull off the party -- we've got one you'll love.
Advertisement
Whether you love or loathe public speaking, it's intimidating to give a speech about your very best friend. You want it to be sweet, sincere, funny -- maybe even tear-jerking. Here are five ways to craft a memorable maid of honor speech.
For every two couples that send save-the-dates, there are two more who skip them. When the budget is tight already, do you really need to send an extra piece of paper that has to be addressed and stamped? We demystify the ultra-modern save-the-date card.