How to throw a shower on any budget

When you hear the words "bridal shower," do you immediately hide under the bed? Feel a sudden cold coming on? Cling to your shrinking wallet?

I do, take two

We've all seen the "Brady Bunch" second wedding -- you know, the one where Mike Brady marries Carol, and the new siblings are all fighting and Tiger the dog knocks down the wedding cake. And, in the end, they all end up hugging and laughing and pledging to love one another forever.

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Did you find a sparkling engagement ring under your tree this year? Or did he pop the big question on New Year's Eve?

Not your mother's wedding songs

Many couples today are looking for more personal and inspiring wedding music than the umpteen-millionth rendition of the Carpenters' "We've Only Just Begun."

Create your floral fantasy

It's easy to get caught up in pre-wedding daydreams: hundreds of flowers draped over chairs and pews, sprouting from napkin rings, cascading off buffet tables, and filling the arms of the bride and bridesmaids.

When religion is a hot hutton

What's that old saw about avoiding discussion of politics and religion in polite conversation? Well, of course, you want your wedding planning to be polite. But avoiding talk of all things religious could be detrimental to your relationship, not to mention your wedding.

And after the party... there's the affter-party

When the clock strikes midnight, forget turning in -- it's time to turn it up. The hottest trend in weddings today is the after-hours, after-party.

The new rules of engagement

Somewhere between the shrimp cocktail and his first bites of paella, it hit Craig Michaels: After popping the question, he'd pretty much played no role in organizing his outdoor Las Vegas wedding. And, for the first time in the 10-and-a-half-month run-up to the event, he felt guilty.

Beyond the same old, same old

Between your lively culinary drive and your uncle's heartburn it can be a challenge to formulate a wedding menu that suits everyone's tastes.

Worried about wedding crashers?

Vince Vaughn isn't going to crash your wedding (you should be so lucky!). If you're concerned that strangers inspired by the movie "Wedding Crashers" are going to help themselves to your hors d'oeuvres, don't worry. Most people aren't as brazen in real life as the characters from a movie plot.

Countdown to your perfect wedding

9 months before -- Choose your wedding date. If you plan to be married in a church or temple, clear the date and time with your clergy.

Eat, Drink and Be Married

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task with a lengthy "To Do" list. Some of the most important decisions involve the food and beverage portion of your big day. This is a large part of the experience for your guests and, more importantly, a large part of your budget.

The Basics Behind a Post-Wedding Brunch

You are finally husband and wife! If you aren't jetting off to your honeymoon immediately, some couples opt to continue the celebration with a morning-after brunch. It gives them the opportunity to thank their guests for trekking into town and a chance to say goodbye. Plus, they'll get to hear about everything they might have missed at the wedding while they were playing hosts – like how Aunt Sue boogied on the dance floor, or that their little cousin ate two dozen shrimp at the cocktail hour.

In Love with the in-laws

"When you say the words 'mother-in-law,' most people cringe and wait for the horror stories to start. I have one of the most unique relationships with my in-laws. They are more like my parents. My husband and I live only about 1 1/4 miles from them. I talk to my mother-in-law a least once, if not twice, a day.

Helpful books give advice

You, my friend, have a wedding to plan, details on which to decide, vendors to vet. Sure, it may seem overwhelming, but as with any large task, if you break it down into smaller steps, you'll be walking down the aisle of your dream wedding in no time. A wedding planning book can help you keep your bearings and your sanity as you travel down the road to "I do," and you'll find many planners on your bookstore's shelves.

Avoid Honeymoon Pitfalls

A honeymoon should be the trip of a lifetime for both partners, full of romance and relaxation after months of planning a wedding. But so many expectations are built into a honeymoon that it can become somewhat of a disappointment.

Wedding Splurges That Were Worth It

We asked our Erie Times-News readers to tell us about their wedding day splurges and why they felt they were worth it. We received the following note from Michael and Erin McKinney who were married on July 24 of this year.

Gifts for the Wedding Party

They threw you a shower, organized your bachelor/bachelorette party and played therapist when you had pre-wedding jitters. They are your wedding party. Thank your bridesmaids and groomsmen with a special gift. If you opt to personalize the gifts with an engraved message or monogrammed initials, be sure to order them far enough in advance so they will be ready in time for your wedding.

Select a Quality Wedding Photographer

Wedding photos are a precious keepsake of an event that can't be repeated – your wedding day – so you want to make sure you hire a photographer that best represents your personal style to capture those special moments on film.

Travel Agents Talk Honeymoons

The honeymoon is the final chapter in your wedding and is a much-deserved reprieve for you and your new spouse. You definitely don't want to miss out on this opportunity to get away and start your new lives together with a memorable vacation. 

Travelin' in Style

Everything is all set for the big day – you have the shoes, the dress, the catering hall. Now all you need is everyone to show up. But how are you going to get you and everyone in your wedding party to the big event?

Programs Add Fun and Flair to Your Nuptials

Similar to a ball game, weddings can have programs to help guests learn about the game, players, uniforms and music. Though you don't always get a program at a baseball game, not all weddings have a program.

10 Ways to Relieve Pre-Wedding Headaches

From choosing a photographer to fretting over the dresses, the favors, and the food, planning a wedding is arguably a stressful event. With so many options and opinions surrounding a wedding – the bride's, the groom's, both sets of parents, relatives and friends – it's no wonder headache sufferers are feeling the pain.

Sweet Talk

The first time you meet with a cake designer, you may feel overwhelmed. Don't fret – below are several cake decorating terms to help your initial intro run as smooth as fondant

Let Them Eat Cake

The bride and the groom may be the stars of the big day, but the wedding cake deserves a nod for its time-honored supporting role.

Here's to You

The bride and groom are center stage on the big day. But there is also a time for the maid or matron of honor and best man to be center stage – it's called the toast.

It's All in the Details

Decisions, decisions. If you thought invitations were a chore, organizing your most special day also means picking not only bouquets, bridal chairs and table settings but details such as wedding cake tables, place cards and more.

Not Your Mother's Bridal Shower

Another Sunday and another bridal shower that's just like the one last week. It's always the same routine – eat lunch or brunch with the girls, play some party games and then shower the bride with gifts. You almost groan when a shower invitation comes in the mail, dreading the humdrum familiarity of the event.

Flower Power

When you get married, you are introduced to an array of new "worlds." Hiring a band teaches you about the worlds of good music and not-so-good music.

Bridesmaids 101

The joy of an impending wedding day can be short-lived when you sit down and list everything you have to do. Fortunately, there are some helpers – your bridesmaids.