Wedding Gift Ideas and Advice

Bridal Favor Traditions Through the Ages - Wedding favors enjoy a centuries-old heritage of generosity and ceremony. Read more about their storied past and about modern gift-giving traditions.

Fun Wedding Gifts - Weddings can be fun, too! Take a walk on the whimsical side with these kooky, charming, and unique gift ideas that are sure to crack a smile.

Choosing the Best Wedding Gift - Giving an appropriate gift is tricky. Giving a gift to last a lifetime is maddeningly so. We’ve compiled the best ideas to help you make that important choice.

Wedding Favors Cheat Sheet - Need immediate gift-giving help? Here’s a quick guide to popular gifts, delivered in the always-popular Top 10 format.

Wedding Candles - Learn about the many uses and traditions of wedding candles. How they began, what they can represent, and how they’re a growing tradition in modern weddings.

Monograms Then and Now - They’ve been around forever – now they’re becoming popular once again. Find out about both the storied history and the latest trends in monogramming with this helpful guide. 

Don't stress the details, get everyone involved before heading to the chapel- If you're throwing a large-scale wedding celebration and have lots of favors to gift-wrap and tag, you might be in for quite a task. But with a little planning, getting all those favors ready to go can be a pleasant experience.

Wedding Favor Tips & Advice - The latest fashions for wedding favors are all about giving the gift that’s used again and again. Check out the one of the hottest items right here.

Wedding Logos - Creating a symbol that represents you and your family can make for an elegant centerpiece for your wedding.  And designing such a logo can be as simple as a few clicks of the mouse!

Your Wedding Registry - Think your registry is complete?  Don't overlook the obvious!

Wedding Favors for Children - Including a favor for all the children at your wedding adds the extra touch and shows you've thought of everything.

Prenuptial Agreement - The "prenup" might be the most controversial aspect of modern marriage. Learn their pros and cons here.

Giving A Holiday Wedding Gift-Going to a holiday wedding but you’re not sure what gift to give? We’ve got you covered with this light and simple guide.

Five Wedding Reception Secrets From The Pros-Your wedding reception preparations aren’t complete until you’ve read these secret tips to make it even better.

The Gift of A DVD Is A Gift Forever- The gift of a movie is the collectible treasure of a lifetime. But can you really find better deals online? Why are there so many different editions of films? Which edition is really the best for your money? This article explains.

Protecting Yourself From Online Fraud, Phishing, and Disappointment-  How can you be sure your online transaction is safe? Heed the safety credentials and do the research before making your purchase. Includes tips for smart shopping from auction sites.  

It’s Not Over Yet! Wrapping Up the Post-Wedding Details- Some often-overlooked chores and tasks to get out of the way as you come back from your honeymoon.

Seven Wedding Planning Stress-Busters- Planning a wedding is mind-blowing work. Beat the stress with these seven easy steps.

Monograms Turn Ordinary Into Extraordinary- Monograms aren't just for towels anymore!  There are many ways to transform ordinary items into treasured keepsakes with monograms.

Is It Tacky To Ask For Money as a Wedding Gift? -Considering a wishing-well wedding?  Explore the views of brides, guests, etiquette professionals and international wedding planners to help answer the question of whether it is appropriate to ask for money as a wedding gift.

Love Beyond The Grave:  Remembering Deceased Loved Ones At Your Wedding-  Keeping your deceased loved ones close on your wedding day can bring mixed emotions.  Here are some ways to honor them with candles, jewelry and flowers without dampening the celebration.

The Best Man’s Guide to Being the Best:  The Bachelor Party is Just the Beginning!-Being “best man” in a wedding is much more than just throwing the bachelor party, standing beside the groom during the ceremony and giving a toast at the reception. This handy guide takes you through all the steps to being the best best man you can be.

Wedding Party Favors & Gifts

A Guide to Groomsmen Gifts - Groomsmen aren’t just friends – they’re the best and closest friends, the one’s that deserve more than just a gift. Give the keepsake that speaks of everything that goes unsaid.

A Guide to Bridesmaids Gifts - Bridesmaids aren’t just wedding guests, so they deserve more than just a favor. Learn more about proper bridesmaid gift etiquette, and how to choose the gift that says exactly what you mean.

Wedding Cookie-Grams Really Deliver- Couples looking to add a personal touch to the bridal party invitations for theirwedding find that personalized cookie favors are a sweet delivery.

Three Reasons Why Place Card Holders Make For A Better Reception-  More than just a table favor, place card holders have remained popular items at wedding receptions because of their versatility, practicality and creativity in design.  Here are three ways to strategically use them to enhance your wedding reception.

Warm Your Holiday Décor with Cool Winter Wedding Favors- Bring the warmth of the holidays to your winter wedding décor with the creative use of winter wedding favors and gifts at the wedding reception.

Wedding Favors and the Economy-The U.S. Economy has investors and everyone else, for that matter, scared, saving and wondering when it will all turn around. So how are brides-to-be pulling off their dream wedding in these days of financial uncertainty?

Goodie Guide:  Getting The Most Out Of (Or Into) Your Wedding Favor Boxes-Calculating how many candies will fit in that little wedding favor box can be a challenge.  A slight miscalculation can cause you to overbuy or overstretch the candies.  Do-it-yourself brides can avoid this wedding favor dilemma with this handy guide.

Tee Up Your Event with Golf Favors that Score Big-Drive your next golf-themed wedding, tournament or event down the fairway by incorporating golf-themed favors.

Wedding Planning Tips & Advice

Throwing Your Wedding Reception - Anyone can throw a party. Few manage to throw the perfect reception. We can help. Check out this handy guide on hosting your guests in comfort and style, including some ideas that might not have occurred to you.

Warm Weather Guide-Summer's just around the corner, but the temperature's heating up already! Keep your wedding cool and made in the shade with all the tips and advice presented here.

Wedding Fashion, Fall 2007 - Part I - What’s new for 2007? Classic elegance, orange palettes and romantic Italian getaways are only the beginning!

Wedding Fashion, Fall 2007 - Part II - Wedding style doesn't have to end at the reception!  Many fashionable couples are choosing exotic getaways for their honeymoon adventures. 

A Guide to the Latest Wedding Innovations for 2008 - Five ideas for spicing up your wedding celebration from the cutting edge of bridal fashion.

The Care and Feeding of Reception Guests - You’ve planned your big day, and the wedding is all set. Now, how to plan the reception? Take some helpful and often wry advice from a wedding industry veteran in this helpful report.

Budget Wedding Favors - Are you shopping for wedding favors but don’t want to spend a ton of money? We’ve got the tips to help you save.

Wedding Insurance - As the average costs of weddings rise, more couples are making room in their budgets for this small but worthwhile investment.

Winter Flower Arrangements & Bouquets - Getting married in winter doesn't mean you have to miss out on flowers. In fact, the wintertime presents a garden of unique floral opportunities. We'll tell you how to get the ultimate flower arrangements with this guide.

Marriage Licenses - What does a marriage license mean? Can you get married without one? Should you get one? We've got the answers.

So You Think You Can Dance... - Do you get nervous at the thought of hitting the dance floor?  A few dance lessons can help you overcome your fears and get ready to get your groove on for your big day.

Writing Your Wedding Vows - Nervous about writing your wedding vows? Here's a crash course in writing and public speaking from our Senior Writer.

Sponsored Weddings - On a budget?  Provide a little tasteful advertising, and you may be able to score flowers, photography and even catering at a significantly reduced price.

Wedding Video Tips - Not just anyone with a camera can make a high-quality wedding video - here are some tips on choosing the right videographer for your big day.

Wedding Superstitions - An overview of some of the most popular wedding superstitions and how to acknowledge them at your own wedding.

Wedding Anniversary Symbols - On which wedding anniversary are you supposed to give fruit? Do wedding anniversary symbols change over time? This article fills you in.

Bridal Indulgences - As The Big Day nears, don't forget to take some time for yourself. Here's five ways to rest and recover before you take that long, lovely walk down the aisle.

British Wedding Traditions - Want to get married with a little English culture? Get the inside tips you can use to plant a beautiful British wedding.

Changing Your Name - Changing your name after marriage can be complicated - and a real hassle, if you don't plan ahead and organize.

Carriages for the Wedding - A horse drawn carriage could be the perfect finishing touch to your reception arrangements.

Flowered Leis At the Wedding Reception - A lei is the traditional garment of celebration all through the islands of the Pacific Ocean. They're also the ultimate wedding reception accessory.

The Wedding Cake - Would you want your wedding cake dropped on your head? Be grateful you live in the here and now, as this history of the wedding cake explains.

Planning a Family Wedding Reception - If your guests are bringing the kids, you'll probably want to make some kind of special arrangements to keep the children happy. The good news: it's easier than you think.

Tipping at Your Wedding - Don't forget to tip at your wedding rehearsal dinner and reception. It's good form, and it means a lot to your hard-working servers.

Reception Music - Should you book a DJ or a live band for you reception? This essay has the answers.

Wedding Planning for Mom - A summary of all the obligations and roles the mothers of the bride and groom can fulfill in the months leading up to the wedding.

Wedding Ring Materials - Why are wedding bands made of gold? What's the difference between gold and white gold? The answers and more are right here.

Planning A Cover Up? Weddings & Tattoos -Should you cover up your tattoos for the wedding ceremony? And what's the easiest, most hygienic way to go about doing that, anyway?

Canadian Wedding -Like the nation and its culture, the classic Canadian wedding takes the best of French and English customs alike and creates a something charmingly original.

Wedding Transportation - Your guests have to get around somehow! Between the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony and the reception, there’s a lot of back and forth movement. You need to start planning early.

Paying for the Wedding, Rehearsal Dinner and Reception- So, who pays for what during the wedding celebration?

Groomsman's Checklist- A helpful checklist for groomsmen to use as the Big Day draws near.

Five Ways to Save On Your Wedding Gown- The best ways to save the most on wedding gowns.

International Bride: Roman Catholic Weddings- This installment in our series of articles about wedding ceremonies in different religions looks at the sacrament of marriage in the Roman Catholic Church.

Five Most Romantic Holiday Getaways-The five best places to go on your holiday honeymoon – or just for a romantic getaway!

The Top Five Holiday Wedding Favors- The holiday wedding season is a time for gifts, presents and special treats. Discover the best holiday wedding favors to give your guests here.

Five Ways to Make Your Wedding Celebration Unique- New ways to make your wedding ceremony or reception original.

You Are Cordially Obligated? Sussing Out Wedding Invitation Etiquette- Should you invite your coworkers to your wedding? How about your boss? What relatives should be given the invite? Look here for the answers to these and more.

Wedding Favor Distribution FAQ-Considering the ways to give party favors at the reception.

How To Choose A Honeymoon Destination – Without Losing Your Mind- Setting the time and date for your honeymoon can become a daunting task if left undecided for very long. But making your decision soon lets you plan for the trip with peace of mind.

In Good Spirits: Getting the Beer, Wine, and More for your Wedding Reception-How much beer, wine, and spirits do you need at the reception? It depends on who’s coming, and if they’re bringing friends. The wedding is a party after all.

The Wedding Partiers: Taking Everyone Out Together-Take the whole wedding party out for a night on the town together.

Five Wedding Reception Mistakes – And How To Avoid Them-Do you know the five tackiest mistakes brides make at their wedding reception? Find out how to avoid them and fix them here.

Children and Weddings: What Everyone Needs to Know-Should parents take their children to the wedding? Should wedding planners prepare for the children’s presence during the reception? The answer to these questions and more presented here.

Crescent City Getaway: Honeymooning In New Orleans-Plan your New Orleans getaway with tips and ideas from a native.

Seven Creative Locales for Your Civil Wedding Ceremony- Looking for an exciting locale for your wedding ceremony? Get creative with the ideas presented here.

Ten Steps to The Wedding Vows You’ve Always Wanted- Planning to write your own vows? Check here for helpful strategies and writing food for thought first.

Look Great In Your Gown: 5 Tips To Get In Shape-Get in shape the smart way with the tips presented here.

Crossing Lines While Going Down the Aisle: Interfaith Marriages - Interfaith marriages sometimes face a tougher challenge than marriages within the same religion. But that challenge can be overcome.

Seven Ways To Jumpstart Your Wedding Reception-Our latest and loveliest reception ideas.

Keep Clear of These Five BIG Pre-Wedding Mistakes-Avoid these terribly common wedding pitfalls with the help provided here.

Five New Ways To Wedding Cake Style 2008-Your guide to what’s hot right now for wedding cakes.

How To Make the Right Choice For Your Interfaith Officiant-Picking the interfaith officiant that’s best for both your families and for your wedding ceremony, too!

Here's To You Making The Perfect Wedding Toast- Get help on making the right wedding toast from advice from our Senior Staff writer.

Helping Your Family Understand Your Interfaith Wedding-How to help your family embrace your upcoming interfaith or mixed-faith marriage.

Weditation: The Art of Wedding-Planning Stress Relief-If the stress of wedding planning is taking over your life and having an adverse effect on your personality, weditation can give you-and all the family and friends you've alienated-sweet relief!

Wedding Sand Ceremony:  A Beautiful Alternative to the Unity Candle- Sand ceremonies are an excellent choice for beach, outdoor or destination weddings to reflect the unity and sanctity of marriage that are as timeless as sand.

Double Weddings:  Twice as Nice or Double Trouble?-  Two couples.  Two wedding cakes.  Two celebrations in one.  Planning a joint wedding can be a little tricky.  But following these tips can make sure your double wedding is not double trouble. 

Warm Your Holiday Décor with Cool Winter Wedding Favors-  Bring the warmth of the holidays to your winter wedding décor with the creative use of winter wedding favors and gifts at the wedding reception.

Leasing Luxury for A Day 5 Tips on Renting Bridal Jewelry -  Why buy fine jewelry for your wedding when you can rent it!  Following these tips can make sure that borrowing your jewelry doesn’t make you blue.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Planning an Engagement Party-Congratulations, you’re engaged!  Don’t let this joyful occasion pass by unrecognized without so much as a party favor.  Celebrate it with an engagement party.  Here’s how.

The Five “Nevers” When Negotiating With Wedding Vendors-The power to negotiate a great deal on your wedding flowers, favors and food is in your hands.  Use these five negotiating no-nos to be sure you stay in control.

Bright Ideas for Lighting Your Wedding Reception-Whether you’re stuck with bare walls at your reception site or just want to spotlight your beautiful centerpieces, you can use these tips and ideas to enhance your wedding reception with luxurious lighting.

Spectacular Send-Offs: Alternatives to Throwing Rice At Your Wedding-For various environmental reasons or just to do something different, brides are seeking alternatives to throwing rice, discovering the beauty that sparklers, rose petals, wedding bubbles and confetti can add to the wedding.

Looking for Wedding Inspiration? Get on Board!-Wedding inspiration boards are the latest trend to help keep wedding planners and brides on track.  Find out how to create your own, using clips of wedding favors, bouquets and even wedding shoes that come together to create just the perfect mood.

Kissing Up to Your Caterer:  Six Tips to Fine Food and Fantastic Service at Your Wedding-If you're planning your wedding, and you've never worked with a caterer before, this article is for you. Here are six important tips to help make your relationship with your caterer a fruitful one.

Nine Nifty Fixes for Wedding-Dress Emergencies-While we shouldn't expect something disastrous to happen to our wedding gown on the day of our wedding, it doesn't hurt to be prepared. Expect nothing. Be ready for anything. Here's how!

What To Do With The Cake Topper After The Wedding-Contemporary sculpture or traditional bride and groom?  Monograms or flowers?  Even whether to have a cake topper or not can be a tough decision.  Considering how you will use it after the wedding might make that choice a little easier.  Take a look at these ideas and get inspired.

Tall Wedding Centerpieces: The Long and Short Of It-Whether you choose contemporary flowers on classic candles, adding height and drama to your table is easy with these tall wedding centerpiece ideas.

Say "I Do" To Wedding Gown Rentals-From wedding favors to beautiful centerpieces, planning a wedding can get expensive.  But one way to save is by renting your wedding gown.  Discover the benefits of leasing and learn how to get down the aisle for a whole lot less.

The Anatomy of A Diamond Ring: Beyond the Four C's-What makes one ring more brilliant than the other?  What are the various shapes to choose from?  How can you be sure you've gotten the best value?  Sometimes, getting the diamond engagement ring you want begins with knowing what to look for.  Use this overview of terminology and tips to select the perfect ring for the woman of your dreams.

Green and Eco-Friendly Weddings

The Eco-Friendly Wedding - Ten strategies and practices to help your wedding "go green"! Environmentally conscious favors.

Celebrate the Planet - Did you see? “Days of Our Lives” sweethearts Sami and Lucas just had their wedding – and it was all about celebrating the planet. Go behind the scenes of their green wedding.

More Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas - Ready to take your eco-friendly wedding all the way? Go deeper into the green with these edgy, ultra-modern ideas and tips for planning your greenest wedding.

Green Save the Dates - Save the Date reminders were a wedding tradition in times gone by. But how do they fit into the eco-conscious 21st Century?
Planning an Eco-Friendly Honeymoon - A green honeymoon doesn't have to mean compromising luxury.  Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and even gourmet organic cuisine all while doing your share to protect the environment.
Ice Sculptures - An ice sculpture makes the ultimate centerpiece at your wedding reception! Thanks to modern innovation, getting one to your event might be easier than you think.

Theme Weddings

Destination Wedding Favors - Destination weddings are themed around a particular place or clime. Use gifts to take exotic trips with this handy guide to giving and planning destination weddings.       
Southern Style Weddings-Planning a wedding reception away down in Dixie? Give your big party some genteel charm with the tips presented here.
07-07-07 -  It’s a day that only comes once every hundred years, and this time the whole world is ready to celebrate.
Irish Weddings - Slainte! This helpful guide includes lots of tips on giving your wedding and reception all the charm and traditions of ole' Erin.
The Claddagh - The Claddagh is the ancient symbol of Irish romance, with its origins in romantic adventure and its meaning found deep in the heart. Read about its fascinating history here.
Hobby Weddings - Do you and your mate share a passion for wine, or an obsession with golf?  Consider expressing your interests through a uniquely themed wedding.

International Bride:  Hindu Wedding Ceremonies- Hindu weddings are incredibly elaborate and elegant, sometimes lasting for days. Find out more in the latest installment of our ongoing series.

The Wedding Days and Nights of Olde: Ye Medieval Wedding Celebration-Huzzah, kind lady! Pray gather your tips for the finest of ye wedding feasts with this most humble compendium of lore and wisdom.

International Bride: The Weddings of Scotland-The nation of Scotland proudly keeps its own wedding traditions alive. Learn more about them in the latest installment of this ongoing series.

Planning Your New York-themed Wedding Reception-Planning your New York themed wedding gives you no end of sophisticated style choices.

It's All Happening At the Zoo: A Wedding Planning Guide-A zoo wedding? Why not? Hear the call of the wild with the tips presented here.

Planning A Modern Catholic Wedding-The Catholic wedding is among the world’s most beautiful marriage celebrations. Now modern couples are taking its elegance and ancient sophistication in new directions to express their wishes and design ideas.  

Making A Wedding World Premiere-It's lights, camera, action on your Hollywood-themed wedding reception. Get everything in place by reading on…

International Bride: The Weddings of Vietnam-Exploring the ancient traditions and customs of the wedding ceremony in Vietnam.

The Ketubah Is The Jewish Wedding Contract-Learn about the fascinating Ketubah, an important part of Jewish weddings.

Over That Broom, Part One: Wedding Favors for the Modern Black Wedding-Ideas and suggestions for wedding favors with an African-American awareness.

African-American Weddings Are A Celebration of Life-The classic African American wedding is a sophisticated event that carries its traditions into new styles.

Beauty That's More Than Skin Deep: Mehndi Bridal Painting-All about Mehndi, the custom of painting a bride's hands and arms on her wedding day.

"African-Theme Weddings with a Heart for Africa"-Seeking alternatives to traditional wedding gifts, many couples explore ways to turn their wedding into an opportunity to help others worldwide.

Sweet Repeats:  Tips On Renewing Your Wedding Vows-From simple ceremonies to elaborate ones with bridesmaids, centerpieces and favors, many couples renew their vows each year.  Choose the ceremony that’s right for you with these wedding themes.

10 Wedding Themes Grooms Will Love-From winter weddings to sailboats at sunset, plan the wedding of HIS dreams with these ten wedding themes that your groom will love!

Unique Wedding Traditions Around The World-Beyond the color scheme, wedding centerpieces and wedding theme, if you're looking for a way to make your wedding truly unique, examine these wedding traditions from around the world for inspiration.

For the Groom

The Best Gifts for the Best Man - He stands beside you before and on your wedding day. How to show your appreciation for all his hard work? Get some good advice and insight with this quick, user-friendly overview.                                                                                                                                           
The Gentleman's Guide to Better "Grooming"-Ready to get married? You've taken the plunge and now you're headin' down the aisle. Get ready for the big day with our tips specially gathered for every groom.

The Groom's Guide to getting in shape for the Wedding-You’ve got a tuxedo to squeeze into and plenty of pictures to take on your wedding day. Better get in shape quick!

The Countdown Checklist for the Groom- A checklist for the groom, to make the countdown and preparations for the Big Day go much easier.

For the Bride

Gifts for the Maid of Honor - The maid of honor is, next to the groom, the most important part of your wedding party. Give her the gift to match her stature with this handy guide.                                             

The Bridal Catwalk-What's new for 2007? Classic elegance, orange palettes and romantic Italian getaways are only the beginning!

Bridal Veils Through History - Brides wear veils as part of a storied tradition. Read the fascinating history here.

Bridal Shower Gifts

Unique Bridal Shower Gifts - A Top 10 list of gifts to give at the bridal shower, for guests and bridesmaids alike.

Bridal Shower Food - Looking for the perfect food for the bridal shower, or snacks that won't slow the party down? Finger Foods and cutting-edge appetizers might be your thing.

Receptions and Destinations

Receptions, Parties, and Destinations - Your guide to party food & drink, plus ideas on glamorous destinations for your special day.

Beach Weddings -  A wedding on the beach can be a peaceful and elegant event.  We offer a few tips on planning your seaside ceremony.

American Palaces -  For the ultimate in wedding locations, you have to see the "American Palaces" presented here.

Getting Your Passport - Going abroad for your honeymoon? Don’t forget your passport. Find out the details with this helpful, easy-to-read guide.

Country Clubs - Country clubs offer a variety of services perfect for a wedding and reception, with more elegance than traditional ballrooms.

Hot Winter Honeymoon Locales - Winter honeymoons are hot! If you’re thinking about your cold weather get away, don’t make any plans until you see these sizzling destinations.

Seven Cool Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Your Hot Summer Reception - Here’s some of the hippest cool, cool non-alcoholic drinks for your outdoor summer reception.

Five Crucial Steps to Choosing A Wedding Caterer-Ready to plan the reception but not sure how to find the best caterer? Get help here.

What Happens In Vegas… Could Last Forever!-Hit the jackpot by getting married in Vegas or planning your Vegas-themed wedding.

Love Boats: Setting Sail On Your Wedding Cruise-Wedding cruises make a great way to spend your honeymoon, but now many cruise lines are offering wedding ceremony specials to their passengers.

African American Wedding Receptions-Planning the best wedding reception for your friends and family.

Making the Most of Your Pre-Reception- Forget the after-party!  Try a pre-party instead.  Turn the time your guests are waiting for the wedding reception to start into an event with these helpful ideas.