ETIQUETTE BASICS.

We believe that most brides have a pretty good sense of Etiquette. After all, most of it is common sense. But in keeping with the 'real world' philosophy of the content and what we promote on YBP.com, we advise the following.

WHO PAYS FOR WHAT?

Oh sure, we know that the Brides family is supposed to pick up the tab for many of the big ticket items such as the reception. But in to days day and age this just isn't happening that much anymore. As a matter of fact, many of the couples we speak to are planning for AND paying for the wedding themselves. This is why we came up with the real world guide to budgeting. Click here to read that!

The bottom line is, get help where you can! Don't be afraid to ask and certainly do not turn down any offers to pay for any items on your wedding list!

THE GROOMS CAKE.

Have you ever seen a grooms cake? Did you even know about this? For many brides, the answer is no. But this is ok. And we recommend the grooms cake because it is a great way to bring attention to the groom and his hobbies! If you groom likes Star Wars movies, then make him a Star Wars Grooms cake!

TIPPING

Tipping has been somewhat consistent for many years in that it is much overlooked and many brides end up tipping the wrong people! Bottom line here, tip the people you feel deserve it. If your limo driver gave you a headache, do not tip them. On the other hand, if your florist, coordinator or videographer did a great job, then tip them!

ASKING FOR MONEY AS A GIFT.

In today's real world, many couples are already living together. They do not need china, plates or household goods. Thus, if money is what you need, then money is what you should ask for. One way to do it is NOT ASK. But have your Bridal Party get the word out for you. The other way is to go against traditional Etiquette and just ask for it in the save the date or even the Invitations. If asking on the invitations, the most polite way would be as follows: "The bride and groom are not registered" and/or "in lieu of a boxed gift, a money tree has been established". We know that we will get hate mail from traditional planners and hard core, traditional etiquette believers for publishing this! But hey, if we don't say it, no one will. AND this is the real world!