How Long Does It Take to Change Your Name ?
If you took your spouse’s name when you married, you can usually finish the whole switch in about two to three months. A court-ordered name change for any other reason is a different animal, and in most states it runs closer to six to twelve months. I’ve walked a lot of brides through the post-honeymoon […]
What Does a Maid of Honor Do ?
A maid of honor is the bride’s right hand: the head bridesmaid who leads the rest of the wedding party, plans the bridal shower and bachelorette party, runs point on day-of logistics, holds the bouquet and ring during the ceremony, and gives a toast at the reception. I’ve planned more than 200 weddings, and after […]
What Does Semi-Formal Mean ?
You opened the invitation, saw semi-formal printed under the date, and now you are standing in front of your closet with no real idea what that asks of you. I get this question more than almost any other, from guests trying to dress right and from the couples writing the invitations in the first place. […]
What to Wear to a Wedding as a Male Guest ?
You opened the invitation, saw a phrase like “cocktail attire” or “black-tie optional,” and now you’re standing in front of your closet with no real idea what those words translate to. This is one of the most common questions I get from the guest side of the aisle, and it almost never comes from a […]
“Will You Marry Me ?” Signs
Affiliate disclosure. Some links in this article are affiliate links — if you buy through them, OSW may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never influences which signs I recommend. As a wedding pro, I only point you toward pieces I’d happily set up for a real proposal. Read our […]
What Happens If Someone Objects at a Wedding ?
In nine years and more than 200 weddings, I have never once had a stranger leap up and try to stop a ceremony — and you almost certainly won’t either. If someone does object at a wedding today, the officiant pauses, the couple decides how to handle it, and unless there’s a real legal reason […]
What Is Formal Attire ?
Formal attire is a wedding and event dress code that sits one notch below black tie and one notch above cocktail — it calls for a floor-length or elegant ankle-length gown for women and a dark, well-tailored suit (a tuxedo is welcome but not required) for men. From planning over 200 weddings on the East […]
What Does Formal Mean ?
Formal means following an established custom, rule, or proper form, especially in a public or official setting. On its own, the word describes anything done by the book, from a formal apology to a formal contract. But if you typed it into a search bar, the odds are good you saw it on a wedding […]
What Is a Maid of Honor ?
A maid of honor is the bride’s right hand and the lead member of the bridesmaids, usually a sister or her closest friend. I’ve planned more than 200 weddings out of Charleston, and the maid of honor is the one bridal-party role couples ask me to define most often. Here’s exactly what the job involves, […]
What Is a Wedding Reception ?
A wedding reception is the party that follows the ceremony, where the newly married couple and their guests eat, drink, toast, and dance to celebrate the marriage. The ceremony is where you become married; the reception is where everyone celebrates it. I’ve planned more than 200 weddings on the East Coast, and the reception is […]