Photo: Cotto Valley Country Club

Soon after your engagement, not only is it common to have an intimate party to formally announce your upcoming wedding, but it also signifies the official start of your wedding countdown! Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the event, but it’s not uncommon that the groom’s parents, relatives or friends will want to host an engagement party as well. In that case, you might opt to have two or more parties. One with your family that’s more formal and one with your friends that’s a bit casual.

Keep in mind that your guest list should be considerably shorter than who you plan on inviting to the wedding. In addition, plan on doing a lot of talking. Each guest will want to congratulate you on your engagement once the party starts, so take time to speak with them. Of course, there should also be a toast from the bride’s father and your fiance.And don’t forget to toast your host! Gifts are not required from guests, but as a token of appreciation, the bride and groom should give a gift to the host at the end of the party. 

Are you having an engagement party? If so, who is your host? Let us know in the poll below.

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Photo: Natalie Franke Photography

Tis the season to be engaged! Jewelry stores are filled with silver and gold, sparkling with a diamond (or diamonds) awaiting a ring finger to adorn. According to our infographic, 43 percent of couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Hence, why it’s no surprise that more couples get engaged during the holiday season than any other time of the calendar year. Perhaps, it’s one of these top reasons why your significant other proposed:

• You didn’t suspect anything when he/she went out to do some holiday shopping.
• It was the perfect opportunity to ask your parents’ permission.
• Having your family around made it more memorable.

Did your significant other pop the question? Let us know in the poll below.

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Photo: Heidi Elnora

Have you ever wondered what you can do with your once-worn gown after the big day? A tactic that’s become popular among budget-conscious brides these days is selling their designer dress before their wedding. On various wedding web sites, brides can inform potential buyers when their never-worn wedding gowns will be available at a discounted price.

“The economy is still not where we’d all like it to be,” Tracy DiNunzio, CEO and founder of RecycledBride.com said in a Today article. “If you find your dream gown and you know it’s a little bit out of your budget, you can guarantee you’ll make some of your money back even before you wear it.”

What do you think? Let us know in the poll below.

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Photos (from left to right): KT Merry Photography and Photography by Verdi

Throughout history, it has become a tradition for a bride to wear a veil on her wedding day, and its symbolic meaning has developed from modesty to chastity into what we now assume a fashion accessory. Whether you choose to wear a veil or a headpiece (or none at all), make sure it suits your personality and enhances your wedding day style. Tip: Choose your veil or headpiece last. Pick your wedding gown first and your hairstyle second. For more veil styles we adore, check out our photo gallery.

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Photo: Andria Lindquist Photography

So the saying goes, “It’s bad luck to see your bride before the ceremony.” But couples these days are proving this myth wrong. A pre-executed first look before the ceremony allows for the bride and groom to have an allotted amount of private time together and take a few intimate photos.  Whereas, during a traditional walk down the aisle, all eyes are on the bride, and your guests have their phones out ready to upload photos to a social media platform. What your guests don’t realize is that they are missing the groom’s spontaneous emotion as he sees his bride for the first time. It’s the best part! (Remember, you could have an unplugged wedding.) So, will the first time your groom sees you be before the wedding or as you walk down the aisle? Let us know in the poll below.

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