Top 10 Questions

Here are the most commonly asked wedding questions.

1. What's the correct way of wearing an Engagement Ring and a Wedding band?
   
   
2. How much should I spend on the engagement ring?
   
   
3. Is black an acceptable color at weddings?
   
   
4. When are thank you notes considered late?
   
   
5. My bridesmaids are all different ages and body types, how should I outfit them?
   
   
6. How do I find a reliable wedding vendor?
   
   
7. Who pays for what at the wedding these days?
   
   
8. How far in advance should I send out the wedding invitations?
   
   
9. My bride wants to honeymoon in Europe seeing the sights and I want to lie on a beach, suggestions?
   
   
10. Everyone has an opinion on how our wedding “should be,” how do we keep everyone happy?
    
    

What's the correct way of wearing an Engagement Ring and a Wedding Band? (For more questions and answers about this topic visit Superstitions & Traditions)

The western tradition of the "ring finger" began with the Greeks, who believed that the fourth finger was connected directly to the heart by a vein called "the vein of love." For this reason, the fourth finger of the left hand has been adopted as the ideal place for the wedding ring.

Generally the bride gets a ring "set" meaning an engagement ring and wedding band that go together and are worn on the ring finger. There seems to be no rule as to which ring is first or second on your finger, it is a matter of taste. Now if the bride and groom choose wedding bands that do not go with the engagement ring it is perfectly acceptable to wear the engagement ring on the right hand. Some women, especially those with active lifestyles, find that the traditional prong-set solitaire can catch on clothes and getting scuffed. To avoid losing or damaging their ring, they opt to wear only the wedding band every day, saving the engagement ring for special occasions. When and how you wear your rings is entirely up to you.

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How much should I spend on the engagement ring? (For more questions and answers about this topic visit our Groom channel.)

The engagement ring should cost the equivalent of 2 months salary (and that’s after taxes-not before). You can always buy a bigger ring as an anniversary present.

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Is black an acceptable color at weddings? (For more questions and answers about this topic visit our Fashion channel.)

A long time ago black was felt to be bad luck at a wedding because it was a color of mourning. But today, black is accepted and expected at weddings (from guests to bridesmaids). And let's face it- black is flattering to most figures-and what’s flattering will always be in style.

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When are thank you notes considered late? (For more questions and answers about this topic visit our Etiquette channel.)

You generally have 2 weeks to one month (some stretch it to 2 months) to get a thank you note in the mail before it's considered rude. And a good rule of thumb is you can't use or display the gift until the thank you note is sent!

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My bridesmaids are all different ages and body types, how should I outfit them? (For more questions and answers about this topic visit our Fashion channel.)

The joke of a bridesmaid dress never being worn again is true. Most bridesmaid dresses don’t compliment the bridesmaid. Women have different body types so any one style of dress won’t suit them all. We recommend a bride choose a color for the dresses and give some guidelines (i.e. all dresses must be sleeveless or floor-length) and then let the bridesmaid find the dress that fits. The bride can also pick a specific designer and color and let the bridesmaid choose the style of dress. After all, the bridesmaids pay for the dresses; it would be nice if they want to wear them more than once.

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How do I find a reliable wedding vendor? (For more questions and answers about this topic visit our Planning channel.)

Don’t be afraid to use wedding professionals that family and friends have enjoyed working with. When you’re a guest at a wedding, never hesitate to ask for a vendor’s business card if you like what you see. If you don’t know where to start, attend bridal shows in your area and check out our vendor list (link). Your reception hall might also have a list of preferred vendors, which will give you another place to start. Visit our Vendor 101 (in the wedding tools section) to learn more.

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Who pays for what at the wedding these days? (For more questions and answers about this topic visit our Etiquette channel.)

Tradition states the bride's family pays for nearly everything. On occasion, the groom's family would help perhaps paying for the rehearsal dinner, a portion of the bar or the bride and groom's rings.

Today, the bride's family is still looked upon as the main host. However, many couples and their families sit down and figure out a budget together. If the parents want to split the wedding then both sets would be considered equal hosts. Other times, the groom’s family will offer to pay for certain things like the band or the bar. And usually they host the rehearsal dinner.

But in these modern times, many brides and grooms pay for a portion of the wedding. With many couples marrying later in life with more established careers, they are in a financial position to take on more responsibility. So, there is no longer one true answer to who is responsible for paying. Please remember that money is a touchy subject. Therefore, it’s in everyone's best interest to get a clear understanding of what his or her financial contributions will be.

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How far in advance should I send out the wedding invitations? (For more questions and answers about this topic visit our Etiquette channel.)

Invitations should be mailed out 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding. Visit our Wedding Timeline (in the wedding tools section) for more ways to stay on track.

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My bride wants to honeymoon in Europe seeing the sights and I want to lie on a beach, suggestions? (For more questions and answers about this topic visit our Groom channel.)

After your wedding, you’re going to be exhausted. You may not think you will, but you will-ask anyone you know who has already taken a walk down the aisle. We recommend a relaxing honeymoon, with a loose schedule that allows you some downtime. Save the heavy sight seeing trips for an anniversary.

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Everyone has an opinion on how our wedding “should be”, how do we keep everyone happy? (For more questions and answers about this topic visit our Wedding Woes channel.)

The most important opinion is yours. Know what the two of you want for your wedding and try to stay as close to your vision as possible. Remember those you love will always tell you what they think you should do (especially if they are paying). That doesn’t mean you have to listen, but that can lead to hurt feelings. And if you ask for their advice, you will get it. So try not to ask for other people’s opinions-ask each other.

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