http://dearsugar.com/ Just ask. en http://dearsugar.com/1892273 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/35_2008/toast.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="290"></span>The rehearsal dinner night has become much more than just practicing your place in the wedding processional. It's become an event all in its own and often ends up being the most fun part of the wedding weekend. Since only the maid of honor and best man are supposed to speak on the actual wedding night, the rehearsal dinner is where the bride and groom's friends can say a few words about the happy couple. I've been to my fair share of weddings so I've heard my share of speeches, and I must say, the heartwarming ones are by far my favorite. Of course, the roasting approach gets people laughing, but there's a thin line that can easily be crossed, especially when there's alcohol involved. I'm sure you've witnessed both variations so tell me, where do you stand on taking the roast approach to a wedding toast? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1892273#comment alcohol best man embarrassed maid of honor speech Wedding where do you stand Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1892273 http://dearsugar.com/1892668 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/35_2008/bride.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" width="352" height="485"></span>Dear Sugar,</p> <p>I'm getting married in a few months, and I asked my four closest girl friends to be my bridesmaids. Three of the girls have been amazing, but I've been having a lot of issues with the last girl. They were kind enough to throw me a lovely bachelorette party, but they had a hard time settling on the date because the girl in question was always "busy." They finally settled on a date that worked for her, and then three weeks before the party, she called to tell me that she couldn't make it because she decided to take a vacation instead. I feel extremely hurt because I knew the other girls bent over backwards to accommodate her because we all felt it was important for her to attend since she was a bridesmaid. Am I wrong to be hurt that she would miss my bachelorette party so she could go on a vacation instead? — Peeved Penelope</p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1892668">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1892668#comment Advice bridezilla Friendship hurt feelings Jealousy married Wedding You Asked Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1892668 http://dearsugar.com/1885812 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/34_2008/drink.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right outline image preview" width="313" height="313"></span>Your engaged friend has been acting incredibly distant lately. You assume it's because she's planning her wedding, but when you finally get time together, she opens up to you after a few drinks. She tells you that things aren't going well and she's having serious <a href="http://dearsugar.com/294164" >cold feet</a>, to the point that she wants to call off the wedding. You try to calm her down, but the more details she divulges, the more you're starting to think perhaps calling off the wedding is the right decision. You've grown to love her fiancé, and you remember how happy they once were, but you want the best for your friend. You don't want to give her bad advice, so how do <i>you</i> handle this? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1885812#comment cold feet engaged Handle This personal decision Relationships Wedding Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1885812 http://dearsugar.com/1883492 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/34_2008/wedding.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="300"></span>Dear Sugar, </p> <p>My husband's best friend, who has become a close friend of mine as well, recently got married and my husband was a groomsman. I was OK with how consuming that responsibility was until we got to the reception, where everything went downhill. I was excluded from eating with my husband and I didn't get to dance or celebrate with him at all because the groom was occupying all his time. We of course got into a fight that night, and I blame the groom. Am I wrong for feeling slighted by my friend for setting up that recipe for disaster? — Angry Angelica </p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1883492">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1883492#comment bridezilla fighting Friendship Wedding You Asked Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1883492 http://dearsugar.com/1850612 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/32_2008/skd183069sdc.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" height="320" width="320"></span>I’ve always thought that when a man knows he wants to propose to his lady, he should ask for her parents' permission. Now I know it’s a tad old-fashioned, but I think what I like about it is the idea that he’s taken the time to contact her family and let them in on this momentous occasion so they can be a part of it from the very beginning. </p> <p>But every family is different, and I know that there are some people who don’t have a relationship with their parents that would call for such formality. What do you think? Where do you stand when it comes to a man asking his girlfriend’s parents’ permission before popping the question?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1850612#comment Engagement Etiquette Family Parents proposal Relationships Wedding where do you stand Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1850612 http://dearsugar.com/1842352 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1842352"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1842352',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1842352');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>For single guys and gals, weddings have a reputation for matchmaking — even if that match is sometimes for just one night. After all, you're surrounded by friends, love is in the air, and booze and bad dancing are plentiful. It's no wonder that for some wedding guests, the night ends with a little bit of making out or hooking up with a fellow wedding goer. Some couples even try to seat their single friends next to each other in hopes of making a connection. I've seen it work a few times so have you ever indulged in a wedding hookup?</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/17_2008/dv1321028.preview_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="center image preview" height="263" width="350"></span></p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1842352" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Dear Poll: Have You Ever Had a Wedding Hookup? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Guilty! I've actually done it several times.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Sure, I've had a wedding hookup or two.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, but it's not for lack of trying!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Sorry, I'm just not the wedding hookup type.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Other — Tell us below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1842352" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://dearsugar.com/1842352#comment Dear Poll fling one night stand Wedding wedding hookup Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1842352 http://dearsugar.com/1806993 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/30_2008/bride.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="310" height="316"></span>Dear Sugar,</p> <p>I recently got engaged, and my fiancé and I are planning a small destination wedding. We both come from fairly large families and them alone is already 50 guests, which leaves very little room for friends.</p> <p>I am curious to see what the general opinion is about having a small destination wedding (50 or so) and then having another party, say in my hometown, where all of our family, friends, and extended family could attend. I know a destination wedding might be too pricey for some of our guests so I want to be able to accommodate everyone. I know etiquette dictates that if you invite someone to an engagement party or shower you should also invite them to the wedding, but is asking certain guests to attend one wedding and not the other in poor taste? And is asking other guests to attend both selfish? I don't want to be looked at as a <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/bridezilla" >Bridezilla!</a> — Planning My Wedding Miranda</p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1806993">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1806993#comment Advice bridezilla Money Wedding You Asked Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1806993 http://dearsugar.com/1802079 <p>Being the traditionalist that I am, I can say, hands down, that wearing white to someone else's wedding is a major no-no. Dresses with white <i>in them</i> are OK, but competing with the wedding gown is just plain tacky. For whatever reason, not all people feel the same way — I've been to a handful of weddings where guests wore white, so tell me where you stand on the subject. Is wearing white to a wedding a faux pas in your eyes are do you think that in this day and age, anything goes?<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/30_2008/wedding.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline image preview" width="507" height="337"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1802079#comment Etiquette faux pas Wedding where do you stand Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1802079 http://dearsugar.com/1796621 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/29_2008/preg.larger_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="240" width="240"></span>If you missed any of my newlywed coverage this week, just check out my recap below!</p> <ul> <li>First comes love, then comes marriage, but <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1787692" >what comes next</a>? Share with us how you and your spouse dodge those annoying questions. </li> <li><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1716564" >Changing your name after marriage</a> is a very personal decision so is it for you?</li> <li>Find out <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1779426" >everything you need to know</a> about writing your many thank-you notes!</li> <li>Getting ready to live together? Check out my <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1793114" >eight tips for moving in</a> with your new spouse.</li> <li><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1773039" >Raising children in a two religion household</a> can be a very challenging situation. Check out what people had to say on this serious matter and weigh-in with your own views. </li> <li>Be sure to see my advice for <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1779514" >combating your post-wedding</a> blues.</li> <li>What would you do if your new husband wanted you to be a <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1784826" >stay-at-home wife</a>?</li> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1796621#comment 2008 wedding newlywed week This Week With DearSugar Wedding Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1796621 http://dearsugar.com/1793114 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/29_2008/skd231811sdc.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="450" width="300"></span>Deciding to <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1608595" >wait until marriage</a> to move in together is a choice that many couples make. And though any couple's move-in is a serious step, there’s something particularly significant about newlyweds starting a life together. It’s exhilarating, but certainly a little scary, so I’ve come up with some tips for moving in with your new spouse. </p> <ol> <li>Talk money beforehand. Discussing and deciding <a href="http://dearsugar.com/636397" >who’s paying for what</a> prior to signing a lease or shelling out a down payment will save you many potential headaches down the road. </li> <li style="width:550px;">Be prepared for an adjustment. Once you’re living together there are certain parts of your relationship that will naturally change. Whether those changes are good or bad will be determined based on your attitude toward them, so stay positive.</li> <li>Figure out <i>both</i> of your expectations regarding cleanliness. And if they’re different, come up with a compromise you both can live with. </li> <p>To see the rest just </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1793114">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1793114#comment 2008 wedding Living Together moving in newlywed week newlyweds Wedding Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1793114 http://dearsugar.com/1716564 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/29_2008/wedding.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="403" width="300"></span>I have a close friend who's getting married and she has an amazing last name. It's so awesome, in fact, that everyone refers to her by it. Her dilemma then is, should she change her last name and take on her husband's after saying I do? It's a tough decision for any woman: giving up your identity to take on your man's is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Some women may find comfort in the idea of becoming a family and both having the same last name whereas others prefer to hold on to her own family roots; and then there are those who stay safe somewhere in the middle. It's totally a personal preference, so where do you stand on this issue? After getting married, will you take on your partner's last name?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1716564#comment 2008 wedding changing your name newlywed week Wedding where do you stand Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1716564 http://dearsugar.com/1787692 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/29_2008/preg.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="313" height="313"></span>First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in the baby carriage . . . or does it? While there's a natural progression in all relationships, it seems that people can't help but to meddle in your personal life. The questions start when you first meet that special someone: When are you moving in? And then once you move in together, it's when are you getting engaged? And once you're married, you then get asked about having kids. Of course those are questions that already have a place in the back of your mind, but warding them off when you're either not ready or too fed up with answering them can be hard to avoid. So for all you married women out there, do tell, how do you dodge those invasive questions about starting a family?</p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1787692#comment 2008 wedding Children Do Tell Kids Marriage newlywed week Wedding Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1787692 http://dearsugar.com/1779514 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/28_2008/stk25539wds.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="413" width="300"></span>With all the excitement and energy leading up to a <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/2008+wedding" >wedding</a>, it's likely that the day after may seem a bit lacking. Add in the emotions, relief, and exhaustion from your big day, and it's a recipe for postwedding blues. But just because the wedding is over doesn't mean you don't have plenty to look forward to in your <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/newlyweds" >newlywed</a> status. Check out my advice for combating postwedding blues, and </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1779514">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1779514#comment 2008 wedding newlywed week post wedding blues The How-To Lounge Wedding Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1779514 http://dearsugar.com/1784826 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/29_2008/let down.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right outline image preview" width="335" height="508"></span>Dear Sugar, </p> <p>I just got married to the man of my dreams (YAY!!), but now that the wedding high has worn off, settling into married life has been different than I expected. Both my husband and I are very career oriented but all of a sudden, now that I have a ring on my finger, he wants me to be a stay-at-home wife, just like his mother! We talked about our future before getting married and we were on the same page, but my husband has done a complete 180 and I don't know what to do. He says that he makes enough money to support the both of us, but I don't want to quit my job! He expects me to stay home to "run the house," but I'm not ready to be a housewife! While I don't want to knock those women that love being a <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1686494" >stay-at-home wife/mom</a>, it's just not what <I>I</I> want for myself quite yet. Do you have any advice for me? — Career Woman Wendy</p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1784826">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1784826#comment Advice Career Wedding You Asked Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1784826 http://dearsugar.com/1779426 <p>Once the wedding is over and you're home from your honeymoon, it's time to get back to normal life and take care of <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1767173" >long list</a> of <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1611213" >to dos.</a> Hopefully you took note of who gave you what gift because now's the time to write your <a href="http://www.papyrusonline.com/product/stationery/thank+you+cards/triple+hairline+-+thank+you+notes_413634.do" target="_blank">thank-you notes.</a><br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/28_2008/413634_0.jpeg" alt="" title="" class="outline center image preview" width="304" height="304"></span><br /> Time is of the essence so to see my dos and don'ts on how to make this process fast and painless, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1779426">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1779426#comment 2008 wedding newlywed week thank you notes The How to Lounge Wedding Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1779426 http://dearsugar.com/1773039 <p>In today's world, it's not uncommon to marry outside of your race, culture, or religion. That's all fine and well when you don't have kids. But when children are brought into the mix, deciding how to raise them, religiously speaking, could be problematic. What if both parents have strong beliefs in their faith? Some families have no problem teaching kids both (Chanukah Bush anyone?) but is that confusing for the kids? Should one parent convert to the other's religion? Of course, this matter should be worked out before getting married and starting a family, but tell me, where do you stand on raising kids in a duel-religion household?<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/28_2008/religion.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline image preview" width="506" height="337"></span></p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1773039#comment 2008 wedding Children Marriage newlywed week Religion Wedding where do you stand Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1773039 http://dearsugar.com/1766597 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/28_2008/scale.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="313" height="313"></span>Dear Sugar,</p> <p>I was asked to be a bridesmaid for a friend a year ago and since then I've started graduate school and, sadly, piled on some weight. Unfortunately we bought our bridesmaid dresses a year ago, preweight gain, when they were on sale at Ann Taylor. The wedding is coming up in two months and I'm worried I won't be able to lose enough weight to fit into the dress. What do I do if I can't? — Gained Weight Wednesday</p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1766597">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1766597#comment Advice bridesmaid Diet Friendship gain weight Wedding weight You Asked Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1766597 http://dearsugar.com/1754416 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/27_2008/wedding dress.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="295"></span>Dear Sugar,</p> <p>Like a lot of girls out there, I have already figured out what kind of wedding I want even though there's no groom just yet! Well, my close friend <i>is</i> getting married and while surfing some of the more popular wedding planning websites, I showed her my "dream" dress. She fell in love with it too and now says that it's <i>her</i> "dream" dress as well.</p> <p>I know I don't own the dress or the design, and that anyone can buy it, but I can't help but feel shocked, crushed, and even betrayed by her. Granted I am not getting married anytime soon, but when it comes to wedding dresses, I often hear women say, "You'll know it's the one when you see it" and <i>I KNOW!</i> What should I do? Should I say something or am I crazy for thinking this way? — Jumping the Gun Gwen</p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1754416">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1754416#comment 2008 wedding Advice Friendship Wedding wedding dress You Asked Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1754416 http://dearsugar.com/1733352 <p>After the <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1691707" >big day</a> is over, I can only imagine how exhausted the bride and groom must be, and I know when I'm tired, I get cranky and easily irritated. Sure, honeymoons are all about celebrating each other and relaxing after the mayhem of planning a wedding, but being a newlywed doesn't automatically make you immune to arguments. A week in a remote destination can be a lot to handle so ladies, knowing you're only human, tell me, did you and your hubby argue on your honeymoon?<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/26_2008/fight.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" width="505" height="337"></span></p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1733352#comment 2008 wedding arguing fighting honeymoon Wedding Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1733352 http://dearsugar.com/1740091 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1740091"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1740091',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1740091');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/26_2008/dv087005.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="300" width="300"></span>My friend is getting married later this month in a fairly modest <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/wedding" rel="nofollow">wedding</a> — just over 30 people at her grandparents' home. She and her fianc&eacute; decided to take all the money they would be spending on a bigger wedding and plan an ultrafabulous <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/honeymoon" rel="nofollow">honeymoon</a>. </p> <p>This isn’t the first time I’ve heard a couple put their honeymoon plans before wedding celebrations, and while I can’t say whether or not it’s what I’d want for myself, I definitely see the appeal. What do you think? Is the wedding or the honeymoon more important to you? </p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" rel="nofollow">IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1740091" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Dear Poll: What&#039;s More Important? The Wedding or the Honeymoon?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> The wedding — You can always travel later, but an amazing wedding is once in a lifetime. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> The honeymoon — A wedding is only one day, but a honeymoon is an experience. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I can’t decide between the two!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Neither — I’d rather take the money and buy a house. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Other — I'll explain</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1740091" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://dearsugar.com/1740091#comment 2008 honeymoon 2008 wedding Dear Poll honeymoon honeymoon week Wedding Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1740091 http://dearsugar.com/1736822 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/26_2008/medfr03245.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="450" width="300"></span>Dear Sugar,</p> <p>My friend's wedding invitation arrived in the mail yesterday, and it was addressed to my name and "partner." My friends know that I'm not seeing anyone at the moment, yet they included this in my invite. As I don't want to go alone (I won't know anyone at the ceremony or party), do I just assume that this is giving me permission to bring a friend instead of a romantic date? Or would this be bad etiquette? I'm assuming that since they didn't specify a name and know that I'm not seeing anyone, that they took that into consideration when writing the invite. But I don't want to be rude. What should I do?</p> <p>— Uncertain Cee Cee</p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1736822">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1736822#comment Advice Etiquette rude Wedding You Asked Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1736822 http://dearsugar.com/1733312 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/26_2008/moon.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="313" height="313"></span>When you mix <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1730304" >sexy lingerie</a> with a <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1731341" >picturesque atmosphere</a>, love can't help but be in the air, and since honeymoons and sex go hand-in-hand, it's no wonder that newlyweds spend more time behind closed doors than anywhere else! So ladies, if you've been lucky enough to honeymoon with that special someone, give us single ladies something to be jealous about and tell us, how often did you get busy?<br /> <br><br><br /> To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.<br /> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1733312#comment 2008 wedding honeymoon Relationships Sex Wedding Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1733312 http://dearsugar.com/1736570 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/26_2008/71056565.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="420" width="280"></span>Although I can't think of a better reason to <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1730304" >buy some new lingerie</a> than a <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/honeymoon" >honeymoon</a>, showing off new skivvies as a married woman certainly isn't mandatory. But back when <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/tradition" >tradition</a> ruled courtship and marriage, things were different. A wedding was the transition from girl to woman, and this step was reflected in a myriad of customs. One such practice that a soon-to-be bride partook in before her wedding was to collect new linens, personal effects, and particularly, lingerie to bring to her new home. Do you know what this compilation of bridal items was called? </p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1736570">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1736570#comment dear exam Dear Quiz lingerie traditions Wedding Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1736570 http://dearsugar.com/1737280 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/6066/26_2008/LS020564.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="454" width="300"></span>Something borrowed, something blue, and something . . . . totally bizarre. Don't you sometimes wonder where our weirder wedding traditions come from? From throwing rice to wearing blue, lots of things happen at weddings that I've never totally understood. <a href="http://www.mentalfloss.com/" target="_blank">Mental Floss</a> has a fun list of <a href="http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/15969" target="_blank">eight weird origins of wedding traditions</a>. Here are five of my favorite back stories from <a href="http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/15969" target="_blank">MF's list of bizarre traditions</a>.</p> <ul> <li>Brides wearing white. Apparently, it wasn't until Queen Victoria donned a white gown that this virginal shade became the wedding-dress color of choice. Before that, a bride was merely expected to dress in her finest finery.</li> <li>Dads giving the bride away. The tradition of fathers walking daughters down the aisle actually goes back to the days when dads used female offspring as bartering tools to pay off debts or make peace. </li> </ul> <p>Three more fun facts, so </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1737280">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1737280#comment 5 wedding traditions the big day tradition Wedding wedding traditions Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1737280 http://dearsugar.com/1734574 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1734574"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1734574',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1734574');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/26_2008/200301568-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="450" width="300"></span>After all the stress of your <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/2008+wedding" rel="nofollow">wedding<a / rel="nofollow">, the <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tag/honeymoon+week" rel="nofollow">honeymoon</a> has finally arrived, and you and your new husband couldn’t be more excited. The last year has been a whirlwind and you’re ready for some serious relaxation. But within hours of arriving, your dream honeymoon is turning into a vacation nightmare. Would it be worse if . . .</p> <p>This: Your luggage never makes its way around the baggage turnstile? When you talk to a rep at your airline, they inform you that they don’t know where your luggage is or when it will arrive, but hopefully within five days — nearly your entire trip. </p> <p>Or . . .</p> <p>That: Before you have a chance to even change into your bathing suit, you’re sick beyond belief? You’re stuck in the bathroom sick to your stomach for half of your stay. </p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" rel="nofollow">IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1734574" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>This or That: Honeymoon Disasters</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> This — You have a week-long vacation with only the clothes on your back.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> That — Half of your honeymoon is spent attached to the toilet bowl. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1734574" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://dearsugar.com/1734574#comment 2008 honeymoon 2008 wedding honeymoon week sick This or That Travel Wedding Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1734574 http://dearsugar.com/1730304 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1730304"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1730304',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1730304');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>I can't think of a honeymoon without instantly thinking about sex — they just go hand in hand. Not only does hotel sex make everything more fun, but dressing the part is another piece of the puzzle that sets the mood for romance. Even though I'm not a lingerie girl per se, I'm all for bending the rules for special occasions and I can't think of anything more special than your honeymoon! So ladies, even though you spent a lot of money on your wedding, and no doubt a pretty penny on your honeymoon itself, tell me, did you buy new lingerie for your honeymoon or did you pack your sexiest getups from your <a href="http://dearsugar.com/595462" rel="nofollow">already-established</a> <a href="http://dearsugar.com/477588" rel="nofollow">lingerie wardrobe?</a></p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/26_2008/lingerie.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline center image preview" width="464" height="367"></span></p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" rel="nofollow">IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1730304" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Dear Poll: Did You Buy New Lingerie For Your Honeymoon? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> I bought all new lingerie. It's my only honeymoon so I wanted it to be as special as possible! </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I just bought one new piece for our first night and it didn't stay on very long!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I just brought things I already own. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> I've never been a lingerie person — I'm more of a tank top and boy shorts kind of girl!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Other — Please share!</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1730304" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://dearsugar.com/1730304#comment 2008 wedding Dear Poll honeymoon lingerie Wedding Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1730304 http://dearsugar.com/1731341 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1731341"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1731341',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1731341');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>Yesterday <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1725511" rel="nofollow">Honeymoon Fiasco Francesca</a> asked me for advice on how she and her fiance could compromise on their honeymoon destination because she wanted to relax and he wanted to explore. Since I've never been married, I can only imagine how hard it must be to agree on where to go for your honeymoon, not to mention agreeing on everything that comes a long with planning a vacation. When the time comes for me to make such decisions, I'll be all for relaxing and getting pampered, but what about you? Would you prefer a relaxing or adventurous honeymoon?</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/26_2008/hiking.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" width="505" height="337"></span></p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" rel="nofollow">IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1731341" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Dear Poll: Relaxing or Adventurous Honeymoon?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> I want to go anywhere relaxing with a beach and a fabulous spa!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I want to explore and go someplace adventurous that neither one of us have ever been to before. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I want a little bit of both!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other — I'll explain below</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1731341" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://dearsugar.com/1731341#comment 2008 wedding compromise Dear Poll honeymoon Wedding Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1731341 http://dearsugar.com/1725435 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/25_2008/LS020590.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="450" width="300"></span>Though the idea of spending the week after your <a href="http://idosugar.com" >wedding</a> exploring Mayan ruins, eating real Italian pizza, or lounging in the Caribbean is fantasy worthy, for many newlyweds the reality is that such extravagant (and expensive) <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/honeymoon" >honeymoons</a> just aren't possible. But fortunately, there's still plenty of just-married fun to be had without a plane ticket or months of planning. To see my ideas for honeymooning at home please </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1725435">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1725435#comment 2008 wedding Advice honeymoon newlyweds The How-To Lounge Wedding Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1725435 http://dearsugar.com/1725511 <p>Dear Sugar,</p> <p>My fiancé and I are getting married in a few months — everything is planned and ready to go, but we just can't seem to agree on where to go for our honeymoon! I know it's typically the man's responsibility to plan and pay for it, but if I left it up to him, we'd be hiking in the Himalayas when all I really want to do is relax on a beach somewhere. </p> <p>Without creating an argument, how can we come to an agreement on where to go and what to do? I don't want to sound like a spoiled brat, but I think it's important for us both to be happy. — Honeymoon Fiasco Francesca </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/25_2008/honeymoon.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline image preview" width="506" height="337"></span></p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1725511">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1725511#comment 2008 wedding Advice honeymoon week Wedding You Asked Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1725511 http://dearsugar.com/1722470 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/25_2008/bridezilla.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right outline image preview" width="313" height="313"></span>Dear Sugar, </p> <p>My sister is getting married in six months, and she has turned into a total <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1570575" >Bridezilla</a>, and I can't take it anymore! She asked me to be her maid of honor, and I was delighted to say yes, but the problem is when she wants to do something, <i>she</i> plans it and then asks me if I'm free that particular day. I have an 8-year-old involved in sports. When I tell her that I can't do something because he has a game or has something school-related, I get a huge guilt trip put on me. Whenever I can't make it, I tell when I can, but you would think the world was coming to an end by her reaction. I don't know how much longer I can do this. Can you help? — Over Her Heather</p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1722470">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1722470#comment Advice bridezilla Family Friendship overreact Wedding You Asked Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1722470 http://dearsugar.com/1701301 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/24_2008/fg.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="339" height="505"></span>Dear Sugar, </p> <p>I'm getting married in December but I'm having a major flower girl dilemma. I had first asked my cousin's oldest daughter (she's 10) but when I recently visited her, she asked me if she could "pretty please be a junior bridesmaid" because she felt she was too old to be a flower girl. I said yes without thinking about who would replace her. My dad who has actually been very active in helping me plan my wedding is dating a very sweet woman with two young girls. I have had the chance to bond with them multiple times and I think her oldest (who is 4) would be perfect for the job, but there is a small problem — my mom would be heartbroken. I don't want to hurt her feelings, but at the same time I want to include my Dad and his girlfriend in the wedding, too. I'm totally torn, do you have any advice? — Frazzled Bride Brenda</p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1701301">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1701301#comment Advice Family flower girl hurt feelings Wedding You Asked Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1701301 http://dearsugar.com/1691707 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/23_2008/200330932-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="230" width="350"></span>If you missed any of the big day coverage this past week, just check out my recap below!</p> <ul> <li>If you've been wondering what the maid of honor should be doing on the big day, then check out <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1675249" >my list of MOH responsibilities</a> to get the low down.</li> <li>Most weddings wouldn't be complete without something going wrong, but do you know of any truly <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1656999" >terrible wedding disasters</a>? </li> <li>Even if the wedding isn't flawless that doesn't mean it's not perfect, so what's <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1689311" >most memorable</a> from your big day?</li> <li>Share your thoughts on the old wedding traditions — <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1686225" >tossing a garter belt</a> and <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1689356" >wedding night sex</a> — and the more contemporary twists, like <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1686648" >letting a friend officiate</a> the ceremony!</li> <li>Is it OK to ask to <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1664329" >bring a date</a> to someone's wedding?</li> <li>Some couples are brave enough to <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1689286" >bust out all the crazy moves</a> at their wedding, but what song did you and your husband dance to?</li> <li>Are you superstitious? Do you think it's actually <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1662958" >bad luck for the bride and groom</a> to see each other before the ceremony?</li> <li>Wedding day jitters are perfectly normal, but that doesn't make them any easier to deal with, so check out some <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1684422" >tips for combating cold feet</a>.</li> <li>Her fiance's father is a terrible speaker, but does <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1682310" >No Speech Please Paula</a> have the right to ask him not to speak at the wedding?</li> <li>Where do you stand: Should the bride and groom <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1686645" >make a grand exit</a>?</li> <li>Don't forget to take a glance at part four in our <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/wedding+timeline" >wedding timeline</a> series to see all you should be doing <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1675573" >two to four months before</a> the wedding.</li> </ul> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1691707#comment 2008 wedding the big day This Week With DearSugar Wedding Sun, 08 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1691707 http://dearsugar.com/1689311 <p>You plan your wedding for months on end to make sure every detail is perfect. Of course it's inevitable to have a few hiccups along the way, but at the end of the day, the good far outweighs the bad. So whether it's the walk down the aisle, the vows, the first dance, or cutting the cake, tell me ladies, what do you remember most about your wedding night? </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/23_2008/wedding.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline image preview" width="483" height="353"></span></p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1689311#comment 2008 wedding Memories the big event Wedding Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1689311 http://dearsugar.com/1689356 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1689356"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1689356',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1689356');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/23_2008/stk16823cli.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="383" width="300"></span>It used to be that having sex on your wedding night was the official culmination of becoming man and wife. For many people this remains true, but for others, wedding-night sex, while important, just doesn’t hold the same meaning. Some couples are so beat from the big day that all they really want to do is crawl into bed, <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1640176" rel="nofollow">cuddle</a>, and fall right to sleep. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with taking that night off, but many disagree. So tell me, do you think sex is mandatory on your wedding night? </p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" rel="nofollow">IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1689356" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Dear Poll: Is Sex Mandatory on Your Wedding Night?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Without a doubt! You have to start off your married life on the right foot. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I don't think it's mandatory for everyone, but it is for me!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No way. There's no rule that says you must. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Undecided — I'll explain.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1689356" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://dearsugar.com/1689356#comment 2008 wedding Dear Poll Sex the big day Wedding Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1689356 http://dearsugar.com/1689286 <p>Songs like "At Last," "Unforgettable," and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" are popular first-dance songs at weddings, and while I'm all for using a traditional love song as the first dance, I think stepping it up a notch is also a fun way to kick off the celebration. Though I don't think I'd have the nerve to do something like the couple below, I would be the first one on my feet rooting them on! So in the spirit of wedding season, do tell: What song did you dance to at your wedding?</p> <p><center><object width="425" height="344"><br /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vqiw-Kqtlr0&amp;hl=en"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vqiw-Kqtlr0&amp;hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center></p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> http://dearsugar.com/1689286#comment 2008 wedding dance Do Tell first dance Relationships the big day Wedding Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1689286 http://dearsugar.com/1686225 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/23_2008/skd187388sdc.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right outline image preview" height="300" width="300"></span>The garter-belt toss is a particular wedding tradition that though still in use, hasn’t stood the test of time quite like the bouquet toss and the white dress. I’ve never seen a garter-belt toss that didn’t somehow feel awkward or forced, but I imagine if it's done tastefully, it can be cute. I'm a traditional girl, but still, there’s something weird about watching the bride lift her skirt in front of her closest family and friends! But what do you think? Are garter belts classic or just plain crass? </p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1686225#comment 2008 wedding a do or a don't the big day traditions Wedding Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1686225 http://dearsugar.com/1686645 <p>The spotlight has been on the bride and groom all day, so at the end of the night when everyone has finally let loose and gotten into the groove, do you think they should go out with a bang and make a grand exit or sneak away, letting guests celebrate without interruption? Although making a big deal out of the departure seems a little outdated, some couples prefer to keep every part of their wedding day as traditional as possible. Of course no one way is better than the other, so weigh in and tell me where you stand on the bride and groom making a big deal out of their good-bye. Is that what a wedding is really all about or does it just seem a little too contrived? </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/23_2008/grand exit.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline center image preview" width="512" height="333"></span></p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1686645#comment 2008 wedding Marriage the big event Wedding Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1686645 http://dearsugar.com/1686648 <p>While even the most contemporary weddings can be fairly standard, it’s the personal touches that make a wedding really special. One new trend that I've noticed in many of the weddings I've been to recently is using a friend as the officiator of the ceremony. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/23_2008/200703-171859_0595.preview.JPG" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="230" width="350"></span>At first it seemed strange, but now I happen to love the idea of having someone especially close to the bride and groom standing with them while they make their vows official. While this certainly doesn’t work for all couples, it can be a great way to make a ceremony totally unique if you're willing to try something different. So ladies, do tell, would you let a friend officiate <i>your</i> wedding? </p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.bellapictures.com" target="_blank">Bella Pictures</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1686648#comment 2008 wedding Do Tell Friends Friendship the big day Wedding Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1686648 http://dearsugar.com/1682310 <p>Dear Sugar, </p> <p>My fianc&eacute; and I are getting married in August, but we're having some issues in regards to toasts and speeches at the reception. Currently, my fianc&eacute;'s father is planning on speaking. Neither my fianc&eacute; or I ever asked him to do so, he's just decided it's what he wants since he's paying for a majority of the wedding. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/23_2008/medfr17614.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="413" width="275"></span>To make matters worse, we never would have asked him because he's terribly awkward and is known to tell inappropriate family stories. He's long winded, too! I'm terrified that he's going to go on for an hour and completely humiliate us. My fianc&eacute; would prefer we just take our chances, rather than tell his dad "no," but I just can't bear the idea of him talking. How can we compromise on this?</p> <p>— No Speech Please Paula</p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1682310">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1682310#comment 2008 wedding Advice in-laws the big day Wedding You Asked Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1682310 http://dearsugar.com/1673462 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/22_2008/rings.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="319" height="308"></span>Wearing a wedding ring represents something different to every married couple. Most consider it a symbol of their union, but some look at it as just a really nice piece of jewelry! Of course wearing a ring won't guarantee fidelity or life-long happiness, but it sure does act as a constant reminder of the vow you took to love and honor your partner. </p> <p>I think it's more common for men to opt out of wearing a wedding ring than it is for women, so how would you feel if your husband didn't want to wear one? Would it be a source of contention or would you understand his desire to be ring free?</p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http:// http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1673462#comment engagement ring Relationship Protocol Wedding Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1673462 http://dearsugar.com/1684422 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/23_2008/skd181204sdc.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" height="300" width="300"></span>With all the commitment that goes into a marriage, not to mention the time, energy, and money it takes to plan a wedding, it’s easy to find yourself stressed out and coping with some cold feet come the big day. If you’re feeling more than a little worried about your impending nuptials, just </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1684422">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1684422#comment 2008 wedding Advice Anxiety Fear the big day The How-To Lounge Wedding Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1684422 http://dearsugar.com/1662958 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/22_2008/bride_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="357" height="478"></span>Since I'm so traditional, you probably won't be surprised to hear that I consider it <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1640427" >bad luck</a> for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding ceremony. Of course some couples don't believe in that old-wives tale, and I'm sure those that do get a peek or even share a moment together before their walk down the aisle still live happily ever after. I'm just too superstitious to chance it. Are you like me? Do you think it's bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before saying "I do"?</p> <p>To see all of our wedding coverage, check out <a href="http://www.idosugar.com" >IDoSugar.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1662958#comment 2008 wedding bride Groom luck the big day Wedding Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1662958 http://dearsugar.com/1675249 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/22_2008/200330932-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="230" width="350"></span>While many of the maid of honor’s duties revolve around wedding planning, when it comes to the big day, she still has many final responsibilities awaiting her. Although the most important job is to keep the bride as stress-free as possible, there are many other details that shouldn’t be overlooked. To see some of the most significant maid of honor duties on the wedding day, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1675249">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1675249#comment 2008 wedding Advice maid of honor the big day The How-To Lounge Wedding Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1675249 http://dearsugar.com/1664393 <p>Dear Sugar, </p> <p>I have a close friend who is a guy. Over the years I have become friendly with his wife: We do things together as a group, but I never call her or do anything with her separately. To be honest, I don't care for her very much; she can be rude and very hard to have around. I have recently tried to distance myself from them, but I just learned that they are having a wedding "renewal" ceremony next year. It's going to be a big to-do — the wedding she never had — and she's planning on asking me to be a bridesmaid. I don't feel close enough to her to say yes, and truth be told, I don't want to spend the money or time on such a commitment. But how can I say "no?" I don't think I can use money as an excuse since the wedding is so far away. My husband and I are planning on starting a family; could I use that as an excuse? — Want to Decline Deborah</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/22_2008/bride.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline center image preview" width="507" height="337"></span></p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1664393">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1664393#comment Advice bridesmaid the big day Wedding You Asked Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1664393 http://dearsugar.com/1656999 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/22_2008/dv2209015.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="353" height="483"></span>Even after months and months of planning for a wedding, it's inevitable that something will go wrong. Whether it's a minor hiccup or a full-blown disaster, all brides have been there. So ladies, even if you aren't hitched, do tell, what was the worst wedding day disaster you've ever heard of or experienced? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1656999#comment 2008 wedding Do Tell the big day Wedding Wedding disaster Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1656999 http://dearsugar.com/1675573 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/0/3362/13_2008/dv1268049_0.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" width="231" height="350"></span>As the final months of wedding planning approach it's time to start finalizing all the details. You don't want to let the stress of bridal showers and last minute emergencies get the best of you. So check out part four in our <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/wedding+timeline" >Wedding Timeline</a> series, and find out what you need to do in your last few months before the big day and </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1675573">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1675573#comment 2008 wedding the big day Wedding wedding timeline Mon, 02 Jun 2008 07:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1675573 http://dearsugar.com/1664329 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/22_2008/date.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="313" height="313"></span>Dear Sugar,</p> <p>I need some advice on the correct and most gracious protocol on asking about a plus-one to a wedding. I am a bridesmaid in one of my dear friend's wedding. It's a destination wedding so I would love to bring my boyfriend as my date, however it's a very intimate wedding (family and <i>close</i> friends only), with a large reception to follow afterwards, back here at home. While the engaged couple has met my boyfriend, he travels often and hasn't had a chance to get particularly close to them (though they get along very well).</p> <p>I absolutely understand that this is my friend's day and I will go along with whatever she prefers, even if that means that I go solo, but do you think it's even worth asking her if I'm allowed a plus-one date or should I assume that it's out of the question? I love my friend and I don't want to create any awkwardness or have her feel like she must say yes, but it would mean so much to me to have my boyfriend there with me for the long weekend. — He Wasn't Invited Ingrid</p> <p>To see DearSugar's answer </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1664329">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1664329#comment 2008 wedding Advice date the big day Wedding You Asked Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1664329 http://dearsugar.com/1640804 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/21_2008/shower.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right outline image preview" width="353" height="484"></span>Dear Sugar, </p> <p>I have two daughters, one is <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1618039" >getting married</a> in September and one is <a href="http://dearsugar.com/160738" >having a baby</a> in September. Would it be OK to combine their showers and have one big one as opposed to two smaller ones? — Curious Mom Melinda </p> <p>Dear Curious Mom Melinda,</p> <p>While it makes perfect sense to simply combine the two showers, I can almost guarantee that your daughters would have some hurt feelings if you went that route. Since each has their own exciting news to celebrate, sharing a shower could take away from their individual joy. </p> <p>I know showers can be expensive, but each of your daughters deserves their own moment in the spotlight. If you keep the guest lists down to just close friends and family, and if you have the showers at your home or at a friend's home, it'll be easy to keep the costs down. At the end of the day and after all the hard work is behind you, I bet you'll be glad that you showered your girls separately. Congratulations to them and to you!</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1640804#comment Advice baby shower Family Wedding wedding shower You Asked Mon, 26 May 2008 06:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1640804 http://dearsugar.com/1640427 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/21_2008/engage.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="337" height="507"></span>It's been said that trying someone's engagement ring on your left ring finger is bad luck for single women. Why? I'm not sure, but even though I know it's just an old wives tale, it's one superstition that I don't want to test! Since I love to try on engagement rings, I always slip them on my right hand, just in case. But what about you? Ladies, do tell, when you try on your a friend's engagement ring, do you put it on your right or left hand? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1640427#comment Do Tell engagement ring old wives tale superstition Wedding Thu, 22 May 2008 13:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1640427 http://dearsugar.com/1625529 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/21_2008/wed.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="318" width="300"></span>Whether you're <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/dating" >dating</a>, planning a <a href="http://www.idosugar.com/" >wedding</a>, or already <a href="http://dearsugar.com/394167" >married</a>, I'm sure you've gotten a lot of relationship advice from other married folks. If they've listed off any of the soft rules of marriage, you might want to do some new research. On a recent segment on <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24577788#24577788" target="_blank">The Today Show</a>, Rosemary Ellis, the editor-in-chief of <b>Good Housekeeping</b>, shared some new and improved <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24582786" target="_blank">rules of marriage</a> that you should check out below. </p> <p><center></p> <table border=1 id="space"> <tr bgcolor=#CC99CC> <td >Old Myth</td> <td>New Rule</td> <td>Explanation</td> <tr> <td>Never go to bed angry.</td> <td>Sleep on it, but before you roll over in a huff, give your partner a six-second kiss.</td> <td>If you're blood is boiling and you're frustrated with your honey, duking it out all night won't help. Though kissing before you go to bed won't necessarily solve your problems, it will remind you of your special connection so you can talk about it the next day with a clear and level head. </td> </tr> </table> <p></center></p> <p>Want to see the other myths? Then </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/1625529">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/1625529#comment Advice Marriage marriage rules new rules of marriage Relationship Wedding Thu, 22 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/1625529