Weddings are complicated. From plus-one invitations to picking the bridal party to discussing the budget, wedding etiquette can be tricky for the couple and their guests. And it doesn’t help that expectations are constantly evolving with technology and changing social norms.
After working together—and becoming close friends—at Sluggers and Putters for three summers, Skyler and Caitlin finally started dating in 2014. Something just clicked all of a sudden when Skyler went away for a trip to the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Tennessee with a group of his friends from college. Skyler texted and called Caitlin while he was away to tell her how exciting the festival was and how she should join in the fun next year.
Out of all the wedding traditions, deciding how much to spend on the gift appears to be the biggest source of confusion for guests.
For many modern couples, it’s out with tried-and-true wedding traditions and in with trends. One wedding ritual, however, has stood the test of time: the first dance.
Susan Kurtz inherited gobs of costume jewelry from her two great-aunts when they died. The pieces were gaudy and flashy—and she adored them. Yet, she didn’t exactly know what do with them.
Mandi Sponseller started her event design and rental business by renting decorations from her own wedding. And while her business still has a focus on rentals, it also has morphed into event design. Whiskey and Lace Events offers rentals, styling and day-of design, though not just for weddings.
Doreen Leaf Designs gives brides a choice between something old and something new. The Hartville bridal salon has 300 dresses in its inventory and also offers restoration of vintage wedding dresses.
Unbox the Dress was born after Grace Rojek’s family found her aunt’s wedding dress and didn’t know what to do with it. It was too sentimental to part with. But they knew it likely wouldn’t be worn again and would be forgotten again in a closet.
Zoe Oswalt delivered mail for 14 years before she launched her own bakery selling custom wedding cakes. She had been making wedding cakes for her friends and family while living in Fort Benning, Georgia, where her husband, Ed, a major in the U.S. Army, was stationed.
At most weddings, I notice that the guests are often divided: extroverts vs. introverts. The extroverts are on the dance floor or mingling over drinks while everyone else is huddling in the corner or sitting quietly and staring at their phones.
