About Weddings

Cheap Wedding Food: A Reader's Thanksgiving Wedding

2009-07-02T13:06:00Z

It's a refrain I've heard time and time again: "Why is finding affordable wedding food so hard!" I told you last week about the wedding trend of simpler wedding food, but simpler doesn't actually mean less expensive. That's why I loved finding this reader's post about his Thanksgiving wedding reception, which not only celebrated his favorite holiday, but allowed him to have cheap wedding food. In fact, his entire reception food budget was a mere $400!

Related: Cheap Wedding Food Tips

Top 5 Michael Jackson Wedding Songs

2009-06-30T10:52:19Z

Like many around the world, I was so shocked about Michael Jackson's death and terribly sad that the world had lost such a talented man. But it wasn't until I found myself unconsciously dancing along to P.Y.T. at the grocery store this weekend that I remembered how great it is when DJs play Michael Jackson at a wedding. Not only are his dance songs guaranteed to pack the dance floor, but his R&B ballads are romantic and fun. Here are my Top 5 Michael Jackson Wedding Songs

The Worst Wedding Food?

2009-06-23T15:21:11Z

Today's earlier post (which asked you all to be inspired about your wedding food) naturally reminded me of all the weddings I've been to where the food was anything *but* inspired. The worst was probably a wedding at a hotel a few years ago, where the only thing I found remotely edible was strangely the calamari. Everything else was horribly overcooked, bland, and displayed in huge portions which remained uncomfortably clammy. A note to that hotel staff: Spaghetti should not be mushy. A strand should not break into four pieces when you try to pick it up. Need I say more?

But perhaps the worst tale I've heard of wedding food is from a friend, who reported that a recent wedding, which took place at a strip-mall catering hall, tried so hard to look fancy and yet was so obviously cheap. Tiny portions of chicken were dust-dry, while the beef was so tough it was literally impossible to cut it with the knife. But surely that can't be the worst wedding food you've ever experienced. I'd love to hear your tales of strange concoctions and terrible caterers!

What's the worst wedding food you've ever endured? Tell us by clicking the blue "comments" button below.

A Gallery of Wedding Food; Simpler Wedding Food for the Recession

2009-06-23T15:01:17Z

For a lot of people, choosing what to serve at their wedding starts with finding a caterer they like and can afford. Then they choose between the half-dozen entree choices and the assorted appetizers that caterer typically provides. But the catering bill will most like be the largest portion of your budget, it makes sense to think outside the box slightly and make sure the menu reflects your wedding and who you are as a couple.

That's why I love this new interactive feature on the New York Times website, a gallery of reader-submitted foods from their weddings. Looking at the different dishes and menus, you can really sense who each of the couples is, and what their wedding was like.

You might also want to read the accompanying article, which details how couples are opting for more "down home" menus in light of the recession. Unfortunately, the writer primarily profiled wealthy Los Angeles couples for whom the menu change is not really about spending less money, but rather the perception that they have. Here are some actual ways to save money on your wedding food.

What is a Wedding?

2009-06-16T15:10:59Z

I recently had the small child of a friend ask me "What's a wedding?" and in explaining it to her, I realized that the simple definition was really interesting. Is a wedding the pomp and circumstance, the expensive dress, and elaborate reception? Or is it the simplicity of two people exchanging wedding vows? Here's how I define What is a Wedding.

Coincidentally on the same day, another friend seemed to be confusing a wedding with legal marriage when talking about the battles for gay marriage around the country. When I got married, my husband and I decided not to get legally married because the state's recognition didn't mean anywhere near as much as the recognition of our family and friends. While we might get legally married one day, especially if there is more equality in rights for all people, our wedding day will always be the day we actually got married. Here's what I think is The Difference Between a Wedding, a Marriage, and a Legal Marriage.

What NOT to Wear to a Wedding: Worst Wedding Day Outfits on Record

2009-06-16T13:39:26Z

If you've ever visited Awkward Family Photos, you know the joy of looking at terrible fashion, strange poses, and hilarious moments caught on film. They've even got a few wedding photos on there, like this recent gem of a couple strangely posed sitting in a basket! Esquire magazine is biting off the website with their recent story of terrible wedding fashion. It's definitely worth a click through, although I'm not sure I agree with all of their snarky comments. For one, they criticize the ascot worn with a traditional morning suit (formal wear for a daytime event) which is classic and appropriate. Certainly, it's not the "bib" that they call it. But definitely there are some funny fashion faux-pas that are worth checking out. What do you think? Did Esquire get their snark right?

Email Wedding Invitations - Yay or Nay?

2009-06-09T15:32:15Z

I got an email yesterday from a reader who's planning a wedding. As his friends are scattered all over the world, he wanted to know if I had a sample email wedding invitation. I don't.

I've always held that if you are asking your wedding guests to come to the most important event of your life, especially if they have to travel, you should take the time to send printed invitations. In recent years, as brides and grooms have become increasingly aware of ecological impacts and green weddings, environmental advocates have suggested that you use email wedding invitations. And sure, printing and mailing 150 invitations has an environmental impact, but you canuse recycled paper and non-toxic inks. And it would make a bigger difference to eliminate the junk mail that comes to your house or reuse your printer paper than to sacrifice your wedding invitations. On the otherhand, if you already live completely green in your daily life, then your wedding will only be your own if you also make your wedding completely green.

What do you readers think? Would you take an emailed wedding invitation seriously? Is it too hard on the environment to send printed invitations?

Wedding Ceremony Details: Community Vows of Support

2009-06-02T15:17:03Z

I've often told you all that the wedding ceremony is the most important part of your wedding day, and it can be a meaningful step in your relationship to craft the individual elements, and write the ceremony together. But it is also an important ritual in a community, establishing you as a stable unit, encouraging love and friendship, and receiving the support of your family and friends. That's why I suggest you toss out the request to "Speak now, or forever hold your peace" and instead ask for a community vow of support.

Get Married On the Sand: A Beach Wedding Planning Guide

2009-05-26T14:45:42Z

Every time I go to a wedding, I think to myself, "I want to renew my wedding vows and have a party like this one!" I dare anyone to witness the romance of a beach wedding and not have a little envy at the gorgeous setting and easy style. No matter how formal or informal your event is, your guests will be relaxed and happy hearing the lap of the ocean's waves, smelling the salt air, and seeing the beauty around them. If you're thinking of having a beach wedding, you'll want to decide if yours will be a toes-in-the-sand casual event or a formal ceremony with dinner and dancing afterward. Take your cues from the many celebrities who've had a beach wedding, and find your style with this planning guide

Surviving Wedding Planning

2009-05-25T12:10:42Z

Reader Allison writes,

When I first started planning my wedding, I was so excited to frolic in bridal stores and think about favors and vows. But now it feels like wedding planning has taken over my life! All my free time seems to be taken up with the endless tasks, and all anyone asks me about is "How's the wedding planning going?" I only have a few months to go, but I'm really feeling like I need a break! Help!

The rest of you have probably felt like this at some point during your wedding planning? How did you cope?

Here's my advice: Unless you have really pressing deadlines, such as contracts that must be signed today, it's okay to take a few days off! In fact it's not only okay, it's healthy. If you don't, you're going to start to resent your wedding and everything associated with it (like your future spouse!)

If you've gotten behind on your wedding checklist, and you feel like you just can't take a break, maybe it's time to bring in professional help. A wedding planner can take over the most stressful parts of the workload and also help you evaluate how to simplify things. If things are really stressful, maybe it's time to elope or even to postpone your wedding. After all, this is supposed to be a celebration of love, not a second job!