Question
My mom is happy I’m getting married, but sad because she says we won’t be as close as we are now. Will marriage actually change our relationship that much?

Answer
Maybe, growing up creates a fundamental shift in the parent-child relationship. A parent goes from being the numero uno cheerleader and nurturer involved in your day-to-day life. For some parents this can be a difficult transition. Tell your mom how much you love her and that you want to make sure she continues to be an important part of your life. Set up lunch dates, or if she’s far away, phone dates. You’ll both look forward to get-togethers and may find your conversations becoming even deeper as you address the ups and downs of the married life.

Question
How do I refer to the groom’s stepfather on the invitation? He’s not a host, but his wife my future mother-in-law is pushing for it.


Answer
Tradition holds that the brides parents are the hosts, regardless of who pays for the wedding and only their names are listed on the invite along with yours of course. But nowadays more and more couples are including the groom’s family on the invitations, too. In that case yours would read “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Jane Smith to James Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Martin. If you want to acknowledge the groom’s father, add “and Mr. Dean Jones” on a separate line under his mom’s line. You may want to order an oversize card to fit it all in.

Question
We're on a tight budget. Do we need to invite my sister’s boyfriend to the wedding rehearsal dinner? They’ve been together only three months.

Answer
The significant other of every person attending the rehearsal either the spouse, fiancé, or anyone in a serious relationship should be invited to the dinner. There’s no hard and fast rule regarding length of the relationship. But if your sister considers herself part of a couple, her man should get the green light and be invited.

How to get a professional look at home

Apply Volatizing Mousse to towel dried hair, then flip hair forward and blow-dry with a flat, wide brush.

Curl hair in sections with a 1” curling iron, then brush through to loosen. Spritz with a light-hold spray.

Section Hair from Crown to just above temples in a v-gather into a ponytail, then secure with elastic, making sure to pull the hair only halfway through to create a loop.

Take sections of hair from over both ears and gather into a second ponytail below the crown, finishing as in step #3

Gather remaining hair at nape of neck and repeat as above

Pin all loops to base of neck, spay into place

Question: How much time do we have to send our thank you notes for our wedding gifts ? My fiancé thinks its six months, but I believe its sooner than that. Who’s right?

Answer: You are correct, wedding gifts thank-yous should be sent within three months of the wedding date, so be sure to acknowledge immediately any presents you receive before then. That way, you won’t be overwhelmed after the wedding. And if you both share the writing duties, you’ll get them out in no time.

Question: My sister is turning in to a bridesmaidzilla . She’s insisting I invite fiver of her friends even though I don’t know them, and that I pay for her hair and makeup. My budget is limited, but should I try to appease her to keep the peace?

Answer: No!! There is obviously something more going on here, and I have a slight feeling that nothing you will do will make her happy. You are not obligated to invite five people you don’t know to your wedding, nor should you pay for her hair and makeup if you can’t afford it. She needs to be reminded that this is your wedding, not hers. She may resent all of the attention you’re getting or even that you’re getting married and she’s not.

My best advice would be to ask her to join you for lunch, dinner or a day of shopping. Don’t talk about your wedding plans initially. Ask whets going on with her life and what she’s been up to. Keep the conversation just all about her, don’t let her know that you’re hurt by her behavior hoping she would be happy for you and she would be your biggest supporter. Remind her that her day will come, too, and when it does you’ll be right there for her. She should respect that you are on a budget. Ask her if there is something troubling her and what you can do to help. Hopefully if you reach our to her in a kind, loving way she will respond accordingly.

Putting an original spin on party drinks is one of the best ways to set your wedding reception apart. A drink that’s new to guests becomes a conversation piece and something memorable.

Dress up your drinks. When it comes to cocktails, small touches can make a huge impact.

You can serve colored liquor that matches your wedding décor. Give your guests a pretty place to rest their drinks with decorative coasters. Serve with style, mix things up at the cocktail hour by offering drink from a punch bowl or a pitcher.



Top Cocktails Tips

Offer a variety
Buy strategically
Bolster with bubbly
Personalize the potables
Prep ahead

One month before the wedding start wearing your shoes at home (not outside) for about an hour at a time, and work up the wearing them for three or four hours. That way you will know if the shoe you choose is the right shoe for your wedding. To further comfort, insert self-adhesive pads to cushion the balls of your feet ad add heel grips so your feet wont slip, or rubber pads (available at shoe repair shops) to the soles of your shoes.

I’m worried about being chilled in my strapless dress at my October wedding. I’m looking for something I can wear over it that’s warm, but not bulky. Any suggestions?

We suggest cozy cashmere wraps, lightweight bolero jackets something that can be easy to put on and take off throughout the day. In cooler months, you’ll find a wide selection. You can either choose a white or ivory to match your dress or a color that complements your bridesmaid’s dresses or your bouquet. Another easy-on off accessory is a shawl. For a truly luxe looks check out our faux fur jackets offered visit http://www.bargainweddinggowns.com/jackets.html

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