Weddings

Engagements, showers and weddings are joyous occasions -- but that joy can cost you big time if you aren't careful. Do guests have to give all of these gifts? Technically, yes, but you don't have to rush.

By Linda C. Brinson

Not just any guy will drop $150 on a tux and escort your fiancée's painfully awkward cousin down the aisle. You need a few good men to stand at your side as you exchange vows. Here's how to pick 'em.

By Jessica Willis

If you're a mother, one of the happiest days of your life is seeing your daughter get married. But to make the before, during and after perfect, it takes a lot of planning, and the mother of the bridge typically shoulders a wide range of responsibilities.

By Heather Kolich

It's a time-honored tradition to celebrate your wedding day with spirits, but stocking the bar for the reception can be more difficult than you think. How much alcohol should you get, and what should you do if you're on a budget?

By Martha Barksdale

Deciding to get married is the easy part. Planning the wedding is the hard part. Thank goodness for the help of your trusty mom. How will she be involved in the process?

By Meredith Bower

Words can't express the bond between a mother and son. So, what song should they dance to at his wedding? Here's our 10 favorites.

By Sara Elliott

When it comes to engagement rings, there are infinite combinations to choose from. Looking at pictures of rings can give you ideas for the rock you'd like to buy. See pictures of diamond engagement rings.

By Candace Keener

It's your first dance together as husband and wife, so what song should you dance to? You can't go wrong with a tune from this list.

By Sara Elliott

He was the man in your life for the first 18 years, so be sure to honor Dad on your wedding day. Whether you want to share a laugh while you're spinning around the dance floor, or cry on Daddy's shoulder to a sentimental ballad, we've got a song for you.

By Bambi Turner

If the party guests range from the bride's little sister to the groom's great-grandmother, a good hostess knows she needs something to break the ice and get people mingling. In many party scenarios, games are the answer.

By Alia Hoyt

Ever wonder why it's customary to buy a hostess gift? It's because the hostess breaks her back -- and the bank -- to put on a fabulous shindig! But you don't have to spend much to throw a memorable engagement party.

By Chris Obenschain

No one wants a cookie-cutter engagement ring, so think outside the little blue box. Pick your stone, metal and inspiration, and you're halfway to a custom-designed ring. Here's what you need to know.

By Chris Obenschain

Wedding guests always remember the cake. Was it dry? Was it worth eating two slices? Your cake will reign supreme at the reception if it's a wacky color, an unusual flavor or a one-of-a-kind shape. Here's where to start.

By Chris Obenschain

If you can't see forking over $5,000 for a wedding cake, you might be happier with a fake one. In the wedding industry, "fake" isn't a dirty word: It's code for "less expensive."

By Chris Obenschain

Type A brides, rejoice! All your organizational neuroses can make wedding planning a breeze. Just follow our tips to ensure that you get things ticked off your list without ticking off your bridal party.

By Alia Hoyt

Engraving special sentiments inside wedding rings has become a popular and fun tradition for many couples. Not only can it be a special surprise for both parties on your wedding day, it's something that you'll cherish for years to come.

By Emilie Sennebogen & Jessica Willis

Choosing a bouquet can make you feel a lot like Goldilocks. That one's too big, this one's too stubby, and that one is generic. We'll help you pick one with plenty of significance that's the perfect style and shape.

By Chris Obenschain

A wedding only lasts a few hours, but this short-lived occasion produces a lifetime of joyful memories. And what better way to preserve these memories than in moving pictures? What should you know about your videographer?

By Emilie Sennebogen

The wedding industry capitalizes on sentiment, tradition and trends. The bride who buys into the idea that her wedding is the most special day of her life will spend more than $30,000 on her nuptials. These big-ticket items eat up a budget faster than she can say "I do".

By Bambi Turner

Your maid of honor does everything from helping address invitations to holding your bouquet while you exchange rings and vows. She's also spending some serious money to serve as your honor attendant, so acknowledge her accordingly.

By Bambi Turner

What's white and sequined and full of wrath? Bridezilla, of course! You want to be a blushing bride, not one that's flushed red with rage. Here are 10 indicators you're crossing that line, lady.

By Chris Obenschain

We like sipping champagne, eating cake and flirting a little at receptions. But we're tired of dancing the Macarena. That -- and a few other traditions -- need to go away.

By Gallagher Flinn

For the busy bride who hasn't had a moment or a cent to devote to her honeymoon, putting off the trip is one solution that's becoming more popular these days. French Polynesia will wait for you, but can you wait for it?

By Candace Keener

Your love is anything but ordinary, so why would you celebrate your union in a dingy hotel reception hall? Let your tastes and interests shine through in a unique venue that will delight your guests!

By Chris Obenschain

Weddings are hard work, and it falls to the maid of honor to help handle some important details. She's the go-to person for the bride when it comes to guidance, a fresh perspective and, well, some of the heavy lifting.

By Sara Elliott