How Much Should You Spend On A Wedding Gift?

"Mother." Tia’s voice, sharper than either of them expected, had Alma bunking. "This

vase isn’t an appropriate gift for the daughter of an acquaintance."

"Ellen is a dear friend..."

"Whom you see perhaps six times a year at social functions," Tia finished briskly.

"Your taste, as always, is impeccable, but this isn’t the right gift." 

Three Fates

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csss [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]

Things To Consider

Ignore any "rules" telling you how much to spend on a present, 

wedding etiquette experts say.

HuffPost

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Carefully, she angled it, tipped it so she could check the tiny price tag. And breathed

a quiet sigh of relief. "What a wonderful gift this would be," she went on quickly as

she saw the sulk folding into her mother’s face. "You know, if you gave the other as a

gift, they wouldn’t know what they had, so they wouldn’t appreciate the gesture for

what it was worth. But something as gorgeous as this, at just the right price, will get

full marks."

"Well..."

"Why don’t I take care of having it boxed and wrapped for you? Then we’ll see if

Father has time to have some tea. It’s been a long time since we’ve been in Wyley’s

together."

"I suppose." Alma studied the vase more carefully. "It is very elegant."

"Gorgeous." And at less than four hundred, right in the ballpark.

Three Fates

Eugenia Martínez de Irujo and Narcís Rebollo, surprise wedding in Las Vegas

He flipped it open, took out a snapshot. 

"I can't give it to you," he said. "It's the only one I've got. 

But I thought you might like to see it. Wedding photo. Sort of. 

We drove out to Vegas and got it done in one of those 

get-hitched-quick places. In fact, we looked for the tackiest 

one we could find. We had some guy take this for us outside, right after."

Birthright

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The image shared by Eugenia Martínez de Irujo in her Instagram profile has set off alarms. Has the Duchess of Montoro married Narcis Rebollo in Las Vegas? The daughter of the Duchess of Alba and her current partner, the President of Universal Music in Spain and Portugal, appear dressed as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.

ELMUNDO

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"You look terribly in love," Suzanne managed. 
"Stupid with it." 

Birthright

Valentine’s Day Wedding?

"Valentine's Day." 

"What?" 

There was something wonderful about watching her big blue eyes go blank.

"February fourteenth." Inspired now, he grabbed her hand, kissed it. "Marry me, Malory. Be my valentine."

"Valentine's Day." 

Everything inside Malory melted. 

"Oh, that's so perfect. That's so beautiful. Yes!" 

She scooted around in her chair to throw her arms around his neck. 

"And you'll never have any excuse to forget our anniversary." 

"Always a catch."

Key of Valor

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By Gary Bridgman - Own work, CC BY 2.5, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2096996

Should You Have a Valentine’s Day Wedding? 

Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year. It only makes sense to make it your official wedding date!

However, just like with any holiday wedding there are some serious caveats to a Valentine’s Day wedding. Before you make the official decision, weigh the pros and cons.

MY WEDDING FAVORS

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“I need to know if you’ll marry me.”

The conversations around them stopped. For several long seconds there was no sound as he stared at her. “Okay. Now?”

“Fox.”

“Because I was thinking more like February. You know what a crappy month February is? Why

shouldn’t there be something really great to look forward to in the mostly crappy month of February?” 

He took a slug of his Coke, then set it down as she stared back at him. 

“Plus, it was February when I saw you for the first time. But not Valentine’s Day because, you know, complete cliché and way too traditional.”

The Pagan Stone

Stunning Photos

Maybe happy ever after was bull, but she knew she wanted 
to take more pictures of moments that were happy. 
Because then they were ever after.


Vision in White

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Unforgettable Wedding Moments From Around the World

Many weddings are steeped in long-standing traditions, but yet each nuptial remains unique to the couple getting married. The best wedding photographers capture  these idiosyncrasies and new memories through a combination of documentation and artistry.

When this happens, the images transcend the genre and become

works of fine art photography.

MY MODERN MET

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The bride looked up. 
Surprise turned to amused delight, and to Mac’s pleasure, 
Alison threw up both arms, tossed back her head, and laughed. 
And there, Mac thought as she caught the moment, 
was the beginning of the journey.


Vision in White 

New wedding gown trend

With her hand still on her heart, Parker stepped in. And her hand simply slid down to her side. 

The bride-white silk flowed from the strapless, sweetheart bodice, down the narrow torso to a full skirt.The classic ballgown style shimmered with intricate beadwork and embroidery, sparkling on the bodice, trailing down the side, circling the sweeping hem and train. 

Its lines, its style, would, unquestionably, suit her. But that wasn't what blurred her vision. 

“It's my mother's wedding gown. It's Mom's.”

Happy Ever After 

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By 4028mdk09 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18186060

Women wearing their mother's wedding dresses will give you so many feels

There’s a new wedding gown trend, ladies, and it’s AWESOME. Brides to be are snapping pics of themselves in their #momsweddingdress, and the results are hilarious, and so, so sweet.

HELLO GIGGLES

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“It's beautiful,” she managed. 

“Absolutely beautiful. I've only seen it in pictures, only seen how wonderful she looked in it, how happy she and Dad looked. She married my father in that dress, and now I'll have both of them with me when I marry Malcolm. It's the best gift you could give me.The best.”

Happy Ever After

Brides around the World

She took his breath away. There was no other way for him to describe it. One moment he was breathing, thinking like any man, and the next, the moment he saw her, everything stopped. Even his fingers went numb. The nerves he thought he didn't have reached up and grabbed him by the throat.

Sweet Revenge

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By Faisal Akram from Dhaka, Bangladesh - Maheer & Progga, CC BY-SA 2.0,

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31632036

From India to Indonesia: 

Beautiful pictures of brides show how traditional wedding dresses look around the world

• Many people associate weddings with white dresses and veils
• However, wedding traditions are in fact very different in how they look
• FEMAIL documents some of the most beautiful ceremonies and traditions
• Some brides don colourful garments; others paint their faces and skin

DAILYMAIL 

Wedding Dresses For The Minimalist Bride

A dress, Branna thought, suited to the shower of sunlight and the
glimmer of the moon. Suited for a day of love and promises, and a
night of rejoicing.


Shadow Spell

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By White House photo by Shealah Craighead - The White House, Public Domain, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4033354

Wedding season has just started and we are ready for it. If you are looking for some gown inspiration that doesn’t involve lots of volume and tulle, just keep scrolling.

BLOGLOVIN' 

How to Get Your Groom Excited About Wedding Planning

“But speaking of Emma and me, you'll do the best man thing, right?”

“Sure. Wouldn't have it any other way.”

“Good. That's about the only thing I have to do. Mostly, I just have to smile and say that's great when she tells me what they've come up with for the wedding. Parker told me my deal's the honeymoon, then gave me the contact for a travel agent she says is the best—and an entire packet on Bora Bora because she says it's somewhere Emma's always wanted to go, plus it's exotic and romantic. So I guess that's where we're going.”

Intrigued, Del studied Jack over his sparkling water. “Do you want to go to Bora Bora?”

“You know, I do. As soon as I looked at the packet, I thought, hey, this is it. Your sister's a little scary, Del.”

“She can be.”

“Carter got a packet on Tuscany, which included those "Learn Italian" discs for both of them.”

He had to laugh. “I guess that's taken care of.”

Savor the Moment

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By Mreasystart - http://www.bestmantoastsspeeches.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13883950

I have yet to walk down the aisle myself but when that time comes I want my Groom to be as excited about the wedding planning process as I am. Admittedly,  I hope he has a “Yes, dear” attitude towards certain details (peonies are a non-negotiable), but I plan on getting him involved and on board using these 14 brilliant tricks from SMP’s just-married editors.

SMP

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“Yes, you do, but I'm—” 

“Trust me. It's going to be perfect and beautiful and the happiest day of your life.” 

“I'm being a pain in the ass.” 

“No, honey, you're being a bride. Now go take a nice, warm bath. You've got an hour.” 

“Carter isn't nervous.” Mac narrowed her eyes in a scowl. “I could hate him for that.” 

“Mackensie.” Parker turned from the computer. “I was in the kitchen this morning when Mrs. G made him sit down and eat some breakfast. He put maple syrup in his coffee.” 

“He did?” She threw up her arms in a cheer.“He is nervous. I feel better. I want him to be nervous, too, and I want his ears to blush the way they do, and I want . . . Since I'm the bride it can be all about what I want, right?” 

“Absolutely.” 

Happy Ever After

Make the Mood Magical At Your Wedding

Miranda was right, she thought as she keyed in all the details. She was going to have the most amazing wedding. 

An abundance of flowers, a contemporary look with romantic touches.

Candles and the sheen and shimmer of ribbons and gauze. Pinks and whites with pops of bold blues and greens for contrast and interest. Sleek silver and clear glass for accents. Long lines, and the whimsy of fairy lights.

Bed of Roses

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By domdomegg (Own work) [CC BY 4.0 

(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to designing your wedding, it’s just as important to discuss how your event designer or florist will light the ceremony and reception as it is to talk about what flowers will adorn each dinner table. 

Celebrity planner Colin Cowie tells Yahoo Style that lighting can totally transform the space. 

“This year, brides are paying extra attention to this décor element, and the results are illuminating,” he says.

So what are your options? 

YAHOO!

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“Fairy lights. Acres and miles and rivers of tiny white fairy lights, all through the gardens, in the willows, on the arbors, the pergola.” 

Laurel blinked, yawned. “Huh?” 

“Your wedding. Romantic, elegant, abundance without fuss.”

Happy Ever After

Dream Dress: Secrets From Real Brides

Ten minutes later, Parker helped hook the back of the gown. “Nobody say a word.” 

She smiled as she said it, but the order was firm.“No comments until Emily turns around and sees for herself. Le's get her thoughts and impressions first this time.” 

“It feels good. I love the skirt.” She smiled nervously at Parker. “The lace and the tulle and the silk and the pattern of the flowers and beads. But I thought bigger, if you know what I mean.” 

“Let's see what you think when you see the full effect.There. The back's gorgeous, by the way. Now deep breath, and turn around to the mirrors.” 

“Okay, here we go.” 

Emily turned, and Parker thought: bull's-eye. 

She recognized the stunned, misty-eyed delight, the awareness, and the change of body language as Emily straightened, lifted her head.

Happy Ever After

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By Memento Production - Memento Production, GFDL, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4568251

You’ve got the man of your dreams, a show-stopping sparkler, and now it’s time to hit the streets to find the gown you’ve always imagined. It’s a process that we want you to be prepared for, which is why we’ve asked our very own newlywed Editors to share their insider tips on how to find THE DRESS! 

STYLE ME PRETTY

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In the mirror Parker saw on her face what she'd seen on so many other brides. The thrill, the wonder, the glow. 

“This was my mother's wedding gown,” she murmured. “And now it's mine.” 

“Parks.” Mac repositioned, pressed the shutter again.

“You look spectacular.” 

“Happy's what you look.” 

Mrs. Grady beamed at her. “Happy and in love. Nothing fits a bride more truly.” 

“I'm a bride. I'm happy and in love, and I look spectacular.”

Happy Ever After

When Life imitates Art

"Look at them, Daddy. Aren't they wonderful?"

She walked to them, feeling the music. And when her father put her hand in Brady's, it was steady and sure.

"Kate." As her father had, Brody lifted her hand to his lips. "I'll make her happy," he said to Spence, then looked into Kate's eyes. "You make me happy."

"You look pretty." Forgetting himself Jack bounced in his new shoes. 

His voice carried through the church. "You look really pretty. Mom."

Her heart, already full, overflowed. 

She bent to him, kissed his cheek. "I love you, Jack. You're mine now," she told him, then straightened, met Brady's eyes. "And so are you."

She passed her bouquet to her sister, took Jack's hand in her free one.

And married them both.

Considering Kate

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Groom’s touching vows to bride’s daughter go viral

"Boutonniere-whitesuit" by David Ball - Own work. 

Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

A wedding video is going viral, and not because of a cleverly choreographed bridal party dance or a flower girl throwing a tantrum. The part of the video that stole the show is the groom Brian Scott’s vows to his bride Whitney Kay’s young daughter, Brielle. 

He said, “I promise to always hold your hand and skip with you down the street and bring comfort to your life. I vow to make you say your prayers before you eat. I promise to read you stories at night, to always tuck you in real tight. I vow to show you how a man should treat a woman in my relationship with your mother. And above all else, I vow to protect you, care for you, and love you forever.”

Not surprisingly, there was not a dry eye in the house. 

YAHOO!

Grooms' Amazing Reactions to Seeing Their Brides

My grandson took him a wife last week. And I can tell you the scents in the air of the church, the colors of the light that streamed through the windows, the full rich sound of the music that swelled when little Naomi stood at the back in her glittering white gown, with a bit of MacGregor tartan showing and the MacGregor veil covering her shining black hair.

Brides glow. They say that as well. And so she did. It's love that brings that shining beauty to a woman's face. And one more in love I've yet to see.

And Ian, handsome as a prince as he waited for her. They don't say a man glows, but perhaps they should. I can't think of another word for the look on his face as he watched her walk to him. And not being such a pinhead after all, what did he do? He took her hand, and the other as well, and as the music died off, and before the priest could open his mouth to start the business of it, Ian said, "I love you, Naomi," his voice as clear and strong as the bells that rang after the deed was done.

And if there was a dry eye in the whole of the church at that moment, well, it wasn't Daniel MacGregor's.

MacGregor Grooms - Ian

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---


Burke stood with his hands at his side and his face carefully blank and wondered what in the hell he was doing.
Then he saw her.
Her hair was glowing, warm and vibrant under layers of white tulle. She seemed pale, but her eyes met his without hesitation. How was it he'd never noticed how small she was, how delicate, until now, when she was about to become a permanent part of his life? Permanent. He felt the quick sliver of panic. Then she smiled, slowly, almost questioningly. He held out a hand.
Her fingers were icy. It was a relief to find his equally cold. She held tight and turned to face the priest.

Irish Heart

Happy Ever After, Vogue and Nora's way

“Everything about the day has been designed to make you happy, to celebrate that love. Correct?”

Happy Ever After

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Vogue offers its stylish wedding guide

 

Vogue.com put together a wedding guide just in time for all those summer nuptials. The Associated Press asked editor Jessica Sailer Van Lith to put together a list of signs that the affair will be one to remember:

AP


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“People planning a wedding, or a big event like an important anniversary, it becomes their world for a while. Every idea or problem or decision can take on enormous magnitude.”

Happy Ever After