Wedding Reception Timeline - What Happens When?

You may have been to dozens of weddings, but it’s hard to know what is supposed to happen when at your own reception. Elegala.com has mapped it out for you so you don't have to with this handy timeline. You can read detailed descriptions of each time segment at the original wedding reception timeline article.

00:00 - Cocktail Hour – (bridal party takes pictures).


01:00 - Grand Entrance/First Dances


01:20 - Welcomes and Toasts


01:30 - Eat, Drink and be Married…


02:30 - Get your Groove On


04:00 - Cake Cutting


04:15 - Back to the Party


04:30 - Bouquet Toss/Garter Removal


04:45 - Last Dance/Last Call


05:00 - Send-off!

Is a Casual Wedding Dress Appropriate for an Evening Wedding?

Q: I'm planning an evening outdoor wedding, and I would like to maintain a relaxed and festive atmosphere (no stuffy arrangments and soft mood music!). I would prefer to wear a casual wedding dress (I think a simple white cotton dress from a store like J Crew would be perfect), however I have read that etiquette dictates formal attire for evening weddings. Can I wear a casual wedding dress or should I adhere to traditional wedding attire etiquette?

A: When it comes to wedding attire guidelines, the "rules" are just that - guidelines. The only "rule" you should follow is to wear something in which you feel comfortable and that complements the overall style and tone of your event. In fact, for a relaxed outdoor wedding - even one that takes place after dark - donning an elaborate ball gown just doesn't make sense. So by all means - wear a casual wedding dress, and feel comfortable on your wedding day!

-Cori Russell - style and etiquette editor

You can find even more advice on planning an outdoor wedding and wearing a casual wedding dress at Elegala.com -Elegant Galas Made Simple

Buying an Engagement Ring - Top Ways to Save

When it comes buying an engagement ring, the two-months salary convention is a common starting point. But in reality, the ring's cost should be what the couple can afford without going into major debt.

Cost varies for a lot of reasons – especially when diamonds are involved. Carat size is just one factor. In fact, a one carat center stone can cost anywhere from $1000 to $20000. Choice of metal also affects the bottom line; there’s a significant cost difference between a setting of sterling silver and one of platinum – anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand.

If you're on a tight budget, these general numbers can be frightening. Thankfully, these useful tips can help you get costs down - so you can score a stylish ring on a budget:

1) Lose the Embellishments
Plain and simple always costs less. Any embellishments increase the price.

2) Forego Platinum
If you’re on a budget and want a silver hue, skip platinum and opt for white gold – it costs about 45% less.

3) Just Short of a Carat
For diamonds, always buy just short of the next carat level. So if you’ve got your eye on a two carat stone, swap it out with a 1.8 carat. You’ll save almost 20%, and the size difference is negligible.

4) Get a Set
Buy a matching or coordinating set (engagement and wedding ring) – and you can save as much as 50%. You’ll save even more if you buy a three piece set (engagement ring plus his and hers wedding rings)

You can find even more ways to save on an engagement ring by reading the original article on Elegala.com - Elegant Galas Made Simple.

Wedding Budget - Who Pays for What?

Tradition states that the bride’s parents are responsible for fronting the bill for the wedding reception; these days, the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, and the couple themselves all contribute to the wedding pool.

That said, it helps to come to the budgeting table prepped with the traditional list of which side pays for what. These conventional “rules” can then be adjusted according to your financial situations:

Wedding Costs Paid by the Bride and/or Bride’s Parents:
Ceremony rental fee
Bride’s dress and accessories
Ceremony flowers and décor
Bouquets for bridesmaids and flower girl
Photography and videography
Engagement party
Bridesmaids’ luncheon
All vendor services for reception, including food, beverages, décor, and entertainment
Groom’s ring
Invitations and stationery
Transportation for bridal party to and from ceremony and reception

Wedding Costs Paid by the Groom and/or Groom’s Parents:
Marriage license and officiant’s fee
Groom’s attire
Bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres for ushers, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers
Honeymoon
Rehearsal dinner
Bachelors’ dinner
Both of the bride’s rings

Costs Incurred by the Wedding Attendants:
Their own attire, including shoes and accessories
Bridal party hosts shower/bachelorette party
Groom’s party hosts bachelor party

Get even more advice on setting and sticking to your wedding budget

Top Budgeting Mistakes Brides Make

You’ve said yes, you’ve conjured up ideas for the wedding of your childhood dreams…let the planning begin! But not before you establish a budget, that is. The thought of spending upwards of $28,000 – the 2007 national average – on one day can seem like a nauseating number. But once the planning begins, it can all add up. An extra hour here and a few enhancements there, and you’ve got yourself in the middle of a budget nightmare. We’ve compiled a list of the top budget mistakes brides and grooms make - and how to avoid them.

Not having a plan
Winging it may (or may not) work in every other aspect of your life, but this is not one of those times when it is worth a shot. Begin your planning process by establishing a reliable method to keep track of all your expenditures. Even a simple spreadsheet will help to allocate your expenses.

Ignoring the numbers
One of the biggest mistakes an overzealous bride can make is to start planning anything before determining her guest count. That exquisite mansion may make the perfect setting – but not if it can’t hold all of your guests. A nonrefundable venue deposit is surely not a budget-friendly way to commence your wedding plans. Take a step back and first determine an approximate number of invitees for your big day.

Get more wedding budget advice at Elegala.com - elegant galas made simple.

Bridal Fitness - The Fastest Way to Get in Shape for the Wedding

Of course every bride-to-be knows that one of the key ingredients to looking and feeling her best on her wedding day is a killer fitness routine. But sometimes we need a little motivation to transform a bootylicious bod into a bride-a-licious bod. 'Cause let's face it - pounding away on the treadmill day after day gets a tad tedious.

So I'm happy to report that I'm no longer a slave to the old treadmill (or eliptical, or stairmaster...). I've found what I truly believe to be the most effective - and more importantly - most enjoyable workout I've ever tried. It's called boot camp.

I just completed a month-long boot camp here in Atlanta, and hands down, this was the best workout experience of my life. Boot camp takes exercise back to the basics, back to it was actually fun. Remember how much you looked forward to field day back in elementary school? It's a little like that - only you're getting the most effective workout of your life. Every day is different - and exercises consist of tried and true basics - things like push ups, sit ups, relay races, sprinting with cones, scavenger hunts, etc. And instead of struggling through repetitions on your own, the instructors are there to support you and stay on you. You don't want to let them - or yourself -down, so you keep pushing - way beyond what you could accomplish on your own.

Now it's your turn to try it!
Boot camps are catching on, and new ones are popping up all over the country. Many are owned and taught by women and offer specific training sessions geared towards brides.

Here are some local suggestions around the US, as well as some at-home options, to get you started:

1) The American Boot Camp Company - Atlanta, GA - This is the one I did! The 30-Day boot camp program includes 16 group workouts - each about 45 minutes. In addition, instructors monitor your daily food intake, helping you learn how to incorporate nutrition into an overall healthy lifestyle. TheBootCampCompany.com

2) Adventure Boot Camp for Women - Locations throughout the US - Offers four week programs that include one hour sessions Monday through Friday. Cost is $299 for a regular 4-week camp or $199 for a three-day-per-week program. AdventureBootCamp.com

3) FitBoot - Boston, MA - This program has a realistic military approach, but a supportive environment for women of all fitness levels. The course ($375) consists of 45 minute sessions every weekday for six weeks, and recruits must pass a physical fitness test at the end of camp. FitBoot.com

4) Fit to Be Wed Live - West Los Angeles/Beverly Hills, CA - Camp features 60-70 minute workouts 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Geared towards brides, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom, workouts include lots of shaping and toning in those "key wedding gown areas" -- the arms, back, and shoulders. FitToBeWedLive.com

5) The Healthy Bride’s Boot Camp Workout - DVD - This DVD features four 45 minute workouts, including cardio, abs and push ups, stretching, and weight training designed for the style of your dress. Get in shape for your wedding - all in the comfort of your own home. $21.95 - available at Amazon.com or other retailers

6) Bridal Bootcamp – Paperback – by Cynthia M. Conde - This book is a fitness and nutrition guide created especially for women, with a focus on looking fabulous on your wedding day. It includes 6 month, 3 month and 4 week programs you can follow to lose body fat, increase lean muscle and make healthy lifestyle changes. $14.95 - available at Amazon.com or other retailers.

For more tips and advice to help you physically, mentally, and emotionally prepare for your wedding, visit the Elegala.com Emotionally Engaged Guide

Wedding Attire - What are the etiquette rules for dress code?

Q: I'm attending a New England wedding in November as a guest of a guest. What dress code rules should I adhere toto? Are long formal dresses inappropriate for anyone other than bridesmaids? What's the etiquette?
-Shelley

A: Dress codes for modern weddings have relaxed a bit, but there are still traditional standards for fabrics and styles. Style really depends on the formality of the wedding. For formal evening weddings, guests should dress for a nice dinner or event. This includes suits (or black tie) for men and dresses or skirts in sophisticated colors and fabrics for women. Lengths can also vary according to the style of event and location. For instance – an outdoor beach wedding lends itself to shorter hems and more casual fabrics; however, a formal wedding in a ballroom calls for longer ball gowns or cocktail dresses. As for colors – female guests can now wear black (a color that was once frowned upon), but to avoid competing with the bride, guests should never wear white.

Get more Wedding Etiquette Advice at Elegala.com - Elegant Galas Made Simple

-Cori Russell - style and etiquette editor