Table of Contents
Introduction 7
Chapter 1 She's Engaged! 9
Start Spreading the News! 10
Tweet, Text, or Post? 12
Communication Central 13
Whose Wedding Is it? 15
Time to Party 18
Getting Your Act Together 20
Chapter 2 Your New Son-in-Law 23
Your New Son-in-Law 24
Time to Make New Friends 26
Meeting the Other Mother (the Infamous MOG) 27
Planning with Patience 30
Blending Family Traditions 32
Chapter 3 Expenses and Budget 37
Traditional Expenses 38
Oh, How Times Have Changed! 40
Finding the Money (It Doesn't Grow on Trees?) 44
Destination Decisions 47
Plan for Post-Wedding Expenses 50
Tips on Tipping 51
Chapter 4 Mother of the Bride Duties 55
What You Need to Do and When 56
Prepare, and Then Prepare Some More 57
Don't Be a Momzilla 59
Don't Forget Dad 60
The Down and Dirty Tasks 62
Recruiting Help 64
Thinking Outside the Box 68
Chapter 5 How to Plan a Wedding 71
Do Your Homework 72
Feeling Green? 74
Ceremony and Reception Basics 76
Photography and Videography 80
Entertainment 83
Flowers and Décor 85
Transportation 86
Accommodations 87
Don't Forget the Little Things 89
Chapter 6 Managing Social Media 93
Keeping It Social 94
Blogs 96
Pinterest 100
Facebook 102
Instagram 104
Twitter 105
Tumblr 105
Google+ 106
Wedding Apps for the Big Day 107
"Unplugged" Weddings 108
Chapter 7 Parties (and More Parties!) 111
The Perfect Party Planner 112
Be Gracious (Even When You Don't Want to Be) 114
The Bridal Shower 116
The Bridesmaids' Luncheon 121
Bachelorette Party 123
The Welcome Reception and Rehearsal 123
The Post-Wedding Reception 124
Brunch 124
The Host/Hostess Speech 125
Chapter 8 What to Wear 127
Simple Rules for Getting It Right 128
Your Perfect Dress 130
The Bride's Dress 135
Be Aware When Buying 138
Chapter 9 Special Circumstances 141
Family Dynamics 142
The Ex-Family Reunion 145
Stepmother of the Bride 147
Take the High Road 149
VIP Guests 152
Second Weddings 153
Same-Sex Weddings 155
Chapter 10 Whom to Invite 159
Dividing Up the Head Count 160
Invite Basics 160
Second Weddings 163
Should You Make a B List? 165
Finding the Perfect Invitation 166
Chapter 11 Cost-Cutting Strategies 177
Saving Basics 178
A Rose by Any Other Name 180
Saving on the Dresses 184
The Bar Tab 187
Saving on Invitations 190
Save by Going Green 191
Other Budget-Friendly Options 192
Chapter 12 The Big Day 195
Don't Overschedule Yourself 196
Pre-Wedding Prep 197
Make a List and Check It Twice 198
Heading to the Ceremony 201
The In-Between 203
The Reception 205
Hostess with the Mostest 207
MOB Tips for the Big Day 209
I'd Like to Make a Toast 209
Appendix A Planning Timeline 211
Appendix B The Bridal Emergency Kit Checklist 215
Index 219