Tiffany continues her series on Destination Wedding Dresses.

Destination weddings are an excellent time to display your culture and heritage. Following cultural traditions can help make your destination wedding unique and special to you and your groom. If you have a culture or heritage that you want to incorporate into your wedding, what better way to do it than with your wedding dress?

There are a lot of ways that you can find inspiration for your cultural wedding dress. You may have seen an old family photo that gives you inspiration on what you want to look like on your wedding. Having a destination wedding should not stop you from celebrating your culture and heritage and being the bride that you have envisioned for so many years.

There are many different types of cultural destination wedding dresses that a bride can choose from. There are African inspired wedding dresses, saris that celebrate the Indian culture, kimonos that represent the Japanese culture, and Celtic inspired wedding dresses. Even if you are not from that particular heritage, if your destination wedding is taking place in that location, you can incorporate the culture of your destination into your wedding.

If you are interested in learning more about cultural destination wedding dresses, then do some research online to find what your certain ethnicity or heritage may have the tradition of. Even if you decide to have a traditional white wedding dress, you can still add some unique touches to your dress to incorporate your culture. Try adding a sash on the dress or wearing a veil that is unique to your culture.

Tiffany continues her series on Destination Wedding dresses 

When planning a destination wedding, a bride not only has to decide on her wedding dress, but she must also decide on the destination wedding dresses for her bridesmaids. There are endless possibilities for destination wedding dresses for bridesmaids.

If you are having a casual destination wedding, you may want to go with a short or tea-length bridesmaid dress. These keep the tone more casual so that your bridesmaids are not over dressed for the wedding. Be sure that the dresses that you pick for your bridesmaids fit into the overall style and theme of your wedding.

Consider where your wedding is when choosing destination wedding dresses for the bridesmaids. If you are having a beach wedding then you may want to choose a shorter dress so that it doesn't catch in the sand. Also a colorful dress like turquoise, yellow, or pink would be a great complimentary color for your bridesmaid dresses for a beach wedding.

Not all of your bridesmaids have to wear the same exact dresses for the wedding. Many brides are giving their bridal party the option of choosing different colors or different styles of dresses. One option is to choose one color and allow your bridesmaids to pick any style of dress that they like in that color. The other option is picking out one style of a dress and allowing your bridesmaids to choose the color or shade of color that they want to wear. This makes your wedding party look unique so that they all have different destination wedding dresses.

There are numerous styles to pick from for destination wedding dresses for your bridal party. There are strapless, short sleeve, spaghetti straps, halters, tea-length, long, short and just about anything else you can imagine.

Tiffany tells us about trends in Destination Wedding dresses 

There are plenty of plus size destination wedding dresses available, but what exactly should you look for? Shopping for a wedding dress should be a happy experience and not a stressful one. Knowing what will look best on your body can make shopping for your plus size wedding dress an enjoyable occasion.

First, most wedding dresses run small. So, if you regularly wear a size 18 in womens, don't be surprised if you need to order a size 20 for your dress. Don't allow the size of your dress to discourage you. Most destination wedding dresses are made up to a size 24 or even sometimes a size 32.

When shopping for your plus size wedding dress, choose a style that flatters your figure the most. An A-line cut flatters almost every body type. If you have larger hips that you want to hide, think about getting a princess cut style that will hide your hips or get a dress that has wider straps to help offset your wider hips. You may have to try on a variety of destination wedding dresses before you find one that flatters your specific figure the most. Even though you may be having a destination wedding, you may want to choose a wedding dress that has a thicker fabric, as they are less likely to cling to your body, which can be unflattering.

Lastly, just because you are buying a plus size wedding dress, doesn't meant that you still can't be sexy and beautiful on your wedding day.  Don't just pick a dress that you think others will like or approve of. Be sure to pick a wedding dress that you feel good in.

Tiffany talks to us about her favorite topic...Destination Wedding Dresses.

Nowadays, brides aren't just choosing to wear white wedding dresses. Destination wedding dresses are being made in a variety of different colors and there are many brides who are choosing to go the non-traditional route and not wear white on their wedding day.

What better way to stay out on your wedding day, then to choose a colorful wedding dress instead of the simple white. Destination wedding dresses are being made in all types of colors from neutral tones like ivory and gold to bolder colors like pink and red. Some wedding dresses are even multi-colored and have prints on them.

One thing to remember when picking out your colorful wedding dress for your destination wedding is to have it be appropriate for the wedding. Try to compliment the type of wedding you are having to your dress. If you are having a beach wedding, then a flowy dress in a light pink or light blue would look nice.

If you don't want to go full color on your wedding dress, then try a colored sash or trim on your wedding dress. This is a good way to get the fashion of a colorful wedding dress, but still have your white dress.

When picking out colorful destination wedding dresses don't worry about what others may say. This is your wedding and you should be able to wear what you want. Yes, you may have a couple of people at your wedding that may not approve of your dress, but a destination wedding is unique to begin with, so why choose an ordinary white wedding dress? Allow your personality to shine with your colorful wedding dress!

Our favorite Destination Wedding photographer Nicholaus Haskins tells us why he likes the RIU Ocho Rios, Jamaica for Destination Weddings.

RIU Ocho Rios - A Photographers Perspective

I recently had the pleasure of spending 3 days at ROR (RIU Ocho Rios), while shooting a destination wedding for a fabulous couple from Sweden.  I was really excited to see what RIU had to offer, being that they are considered a 5-Star All Inclusive Resort.  I am going to give an outsiders review of the resort, as I was there by myself and had the opportunity to just be the observer.

Location - ROR is located just outside of Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  Its location is ideal for those who want to get a way from the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay.  Ocho Rios is a little more laid back than Montego Bay, so if you're looking to do more relaxing than partying, ROR is definitely the place to be. ROR is also minutes from the beautiful Dunns River Falls, a waterfall that dumps right onto the beach!  This place makes for a fantastic "Day After" Session, but you'll have to arrive early, as all of the tourists show up when they open at 8:30 AM.  The start of the falls is actually a 10 minute walk, but if you run the entire distance, you'll have at least 15 minutes of the falls to yourselves!

 

Service - My opinion of ROR's Customer Service skills may not be the best because of the fact that I was there by myself.  ROR suffers from what I like to call "forced smile syndrome." Everyone seems a bit grumpy, until they are aware of a guest's presence.  In this area, Sandals Montego Bay trumps RIU Ocho Rios.  I shot at Sandals a year ago, and when I was there the service was incredible. If you got caught carrying your own luggage, it almost seemed like the staff was upset, and immediately came to take your bags to your room for you.

During my stay at RIU however, I waited over 2 hours for my luggage, only to have to walk down to find it sitting by itself in the lobby.  I took it up myself from there, and nobody offered to help.­

Food - All-inclusive means all you can eat. The food was actually really good.  There are 2 buffet-style restaurants, and a restaurant that requires reservations.  All are absolutely delicious, and the gourmet restaurant doesn't hold back on those servings either.  I'm not sure what it is with Gourmet restaurants in the US, but the servings are always so small. Not the case with RIU. They score perfect in this area.  Ironically, the service in this area is outstanding.  I did have only one complaint; there's nothing to eat after midnight anywhere.  I think this is a big mistake, especially from those couple's flying in super late, or whose flights have been delayed.

Drinks - Personally, I'm a Pina Colada type of guy.  Call me fruity, but it's just the way I roll. It's probably due to the fact that, while honeymooning with my wife, I lived on Pina Coladas.  The Pina Colada, along with every other mixed drink you can imagine will keep you going at RIU. 5 bars and an "after hours" disco club that's open for those nocturnal folks.  Each room is also stocked with Gin, Vodka, Rum, and Brandy, so there's no reason not to have a drink in one, if not both hands the entire time you're there!

Activities - Each day brought something new. The staff participation in this area is incredible.  Whether it is dancing or yoga, there's sure to be something for everyone here. What impressed me the most was the nanny services that ROR offers.  The interaction between the staff and kids is unbelievable.  I was walking past the place and one of the male staff members was on the swing laughing and screaming with like 4 kids piled on top of him.  As a parent, I would absolutely feel comfortably leaving our son with them for the day.

Room - The rooms are very nice, and definitely more than just your standard "hotel room." I stayed on the East side of the property, and did have a tiny view of the ocean.  The majority of the view was the other rooms, being that the building is shaped like a "U." The nicer rooms are on the West side of the property, boasting beautiful views of the ocean.  Each room has a stocked bar, with the more expensive suites hosting Jacuzzi bathtubs.  The beds are not the most comfortable in the world, but at the same time I've slept on way worse.  I would have to say they are "average."

Weddings -Overall, ROR completely blew me away with how they work weddings.  Here there are no brides tripping over each other's dresses.  I could tell that the coordinator wasn't treating this as "just another wedding."  She herself was laying down flower petals on the beach down the aisle.  The steel drum's we're going, the wind was blowing, and for the guests of this wedding...this day was perfect.

The couple's ceremony was held on the beach at the edge of the property.  Most tourists we're keen enough on not to walk in the background, however there will be some (but at least nobody nude).  Great photographers can "hide" these people behind the subjects in their photos making it "appear" to be an empty scene.

The reception was held in Mammee Bay beach restaurant.  The corner of the front portion of the restaurant was reserved for the guests (probably 25-30 or so).  Family was allowed to decorate this area, so it actually turned out really beautiful!  The couple and their guests we're definitely having a really great time talking, soaking in the sounds from the crashing waves, with Bob Marley playing ever so softly in the background. The couple didn't have a full reception, but ROR staff did set up Tiki lamps on the beach, where everyone continued to dance the night away.

Overall, if you're looking for a laid back resort with charm then RIU Ocho Rios is absolutely the place to be.  The activities will keep your blood pumping, the food will keep your body running, and before you know it you'll be uttering that phrase that Jamaicans use the most, "na problem."

©2009 Nicholaus Haskins Photographer LLC.  This article may not be used without permission

http://www.haskinsphotography.com

Tiffany talks to us about her favorite Destination Wedding dresses and recent fashions.

Destination wedding dresses should flatter a bride's figure. Just because it may be a more informal wedding dress, that doesn't mean that a bride shouldn't look her best in it.

A style of destination wedding dresses that flatters every body type is the A-line dress. The A-line dress is one of the most popular styles out there. The cut of an A-line dress helps to create the illusion of a slimmer waist on a woman. Since there is a wider hem on the bottom of the dress, it balances out the woman's figure making her appear slimmer from head to toe.

What woman doesn't want to look slimmer on her wedding day? A-line destination wedding dresses help to lengthen the whole body which can also help create the illusion of being slimmer. This style of dress can also help to camouflage problems areas since it is not as form-fitting all over the body.

There are many different styles to choose from when picking out an A-line wedding dress. There are ones that only slightly flare below the waist and there are others that have a larger flare. It is a good idea to try on a few A-line destination wedding dresses before you decide what is the perfect style for you.

A-line dresses can come in a variety of fabrics. A-line dresses don't even have to be long. There are A-line wedding dresses that are shorter and may only come down to below the knee or mid-calf.

For any bride that wants to look her best on her wedding day, think about choosing an A-line wedding dress.

 

Just when we thought Newlywed Melissa was done...she gave us another great tour of her second room at The Royal.  Don't worry Melissa - nobody likes to leave!  And there are always anniversary trips!

 

Tiffany talks to us about her favorite Destination Wedding dress fashions.

Short destination wedding dresses are quite popular. This is especially true for beach weddings and other outdoor  destination weddings. Many brides don't want to hassle with a lo ng dress dragging in the sand or getting dirty from walking across grass or other areas.

Also, short destination wedding dresses give more of a casual feel to a wedding. If that is what kind of feeling that you want to create for your wedding, you may want to look for short wedding dresses.

There are some things to remember when looking for a short wedding dress. Be sure that the dress at least goes down to your knees. If it is any shorter, it may be inappropriate for your wedding. A short wedding dress can land anywhere between your knees and your calves. Short destination wedding dresses can be lace, silk, or simply a cotton blend.

Most wedding dress designers are making short wedding dresses. This gives you a pretty good selection of short destination wedding dresses to choose from. You could also go a different route and look for short wedding dresses at department stores and boutiques instead of actual bridal retailers. You  may be able to find a better deal on a short dress at a department store than if you bought one from a bridal retailer.

Choose a short wedding dress that fits your personality. A short dress can still be romantic and feminine or it can be simple and plain. The choice is up to you.

Tiffany tells us about Destination Wedding dresses, and her favorite styles.

Why shouldn't you be able to feel sexy on your wedding day? You don't have to be in a barely there wedding dress to be sexy. Instead you can pick a from many of the destination wedding dresses that show of your figure and give you that sleek and stylish feel.

Many women are ditching the plain old boring and stiff wedding dresses and instead are opting for sexy and glamorous wedding dresses. When you think of  sexy destination wedding dresses some images may come to mind such as : plunging necklines, cut-outs, form-fitting, silk, and low backs. These are just a few of the qualities of sexy wedding dresses.

A destination wedding is an appropriate time to pick a sexy wedding dress. Most destination weddings have exotic locations that are unique and beautiful. So, wouldn't it make sense that the bride's wedding dress matches the theme and location of the wedding. Picking an exotic and sexy wedding dress just adds to the appeal of your destination wedding.

With a destination wedding, you can have more freedom of what you can wear than if you were to get married in a church or synagogue. This is why more and more destination wedding dresses are becoming more glamorous and sexy. This gives a bride the option to feel her best on her wedding day. Knowing that she looks beautiful and has the self-esteem to pull it off.

One thing that you may want to remember with sexy wedding dresses, is that you will have your wedding pictures for the rest of your life. Wear something that you won't be afraid to show your kids in 10 years. You can be sexy and beautiful without looking cheap and trashy.

Tiffany talks to us about her favorite Destination Wedding Dresses. 

Destination weddings have become more popular with pregnant brides. No longer do pregnant brides have to have a quiet wedding in a courtroom. No, many pregnant brides are still having the wedding of their dreams.

A destination wedding works well with pregnant brides because there are many churches and other religious affiliations that will not marry a pregnant woman. So, many choose to jet off somewhere exotic and have the destination wedding of their life. But, what kind of maternity destination wedding dresses do pregnant brides have to choose from?

There are basically two types of maternity destination wedding dresses. The first is the kind that tend to hide the fact that a woman is pregnant. These often have empire waists and flow away from the body. This tends to not exaggerate the pregnancy.

The other type of maternity dress is the one that shows off the pregnancy curves. It hugs the body and does nothing to cover up the fact that the bride being pregnant. Some brides like these types of destination wedding dresses because they want to show off their pregnancy and not hide their body.

Despite what the old tradition says, many pregnant brides are still wearing white wedding dresses. It's no longer thought of that white has to mean virginal for a wedding. So, go ahead and pick out a white maternity wedding dress or whatever color you choose.

Genevieve talks to us about trends and tips for Destination Wedding dresses.

Knee-length destination wedding dresses, also known as tea-length wedding dresses, are becoming popular and are a fantastic idea for those brides who do not feel comfortable in a full-length gown.

In addition to this, knee- length destination wedding dresses are perfect for beach weddings because brides do not have to be concerned about their dresses dragging over sand or surf or constantly having to hold their dresses up to avoid it being dirtied or damaged.

Knee-length destination wedding dresses are now also being made by bridal fashion designers and were recently featured in Italian bridal runway shows. Of course, the biggest benefit of wearing knee-length destination wedding dresses is that brides are able to show off their fantastic legs, and this adds an element of seductiveness that a full-length gown cannot.

There are now many styles of knee-length destination wedding dresses on the market, such as off the shoulder sleeves, sweetheart necklines, and delicate flaring skirts through to the georgette halter-neck with a sequined waistline and handkerchief point skirt.

In fact, the best way to find knee-length destination wedding dresses is to type ‘knee length wedding dresses' into a search engine and then select images. You will find that a plethora of wedding dresses photos come up, many of which have links to the designer or store where you can purchase them.

Genevieve talks to us about trends and tips for Destination Wedding dresses.

Lightweight destination wedding dresses are fantastic because they suit the climate and terrain of a destination wedding not to mention your suitcase.

Often, lightweight destination wedding dresses are made from fabrics that are wrinkle resistant, which not only makes it easy to transport your wedding dress, but it also makes packing a breeze.

The best fabrics to select when you look for lightweight destination wedding dresses are the following:

Chiffon - This is a fabric that is manufactured from either silk, woven cotton, or other man-made fibers. Regardless of its manufacturing properties, chiffon is an extremely lightweight and soft fabric that makes the production of lightweight destination wedding dresses a delight.

Silk - As a fabric, silk is versatile and elegant. This makes a fantastic lightweight destination wedding dresses because it has a luxurious, easily cared for quality that many women adore.

Crepe - This is a fabric that is derived from silk that is woven and has a wrinkled texture. It is very versatile and has a soft, flowing quality, making it a luxurious fabric for creating lightweight destination wedding dresses.

Crinkle Cotton - This is a lightweight, cool, soft, and comfortable fabric that allows its wearer's skin to breathe. Cotton has fantastic wash-and-wear properties and comes in a variety of finishes that enhance the fabric's texture. Therefore, this fabric creates the perfect lightweight destination wedding dresses.

Genevieve talks to us about trends and tips for Destination Wedding dresses.

A friend once told me that elegance is about understanding who you are and being comfortable in you your own skin, and it is about finding the perfect balance that complements and personifies who you are as a person. Therefore, simply elegant destination wedding dresses are defined by the bride who purchases them.

Elegant destination wedding dresses are typically more traditional in style with full-length skirts and soft flowing lines, and they exude femininity with soft and subtle highlights and embellishments that make them stand out.

Simply elegant destination wedding dresses can be found in designer boutiques, and they can also be found in discount warehouses because elegance does not have a price tag.

If you are seeking elegant destination wedding dresses, then consider who you are before you begin your search. Grab a pen and paper and write down what defines you, such as your color preferences, the types of tops and skirts you like, and whether or not you enjoy wearing heels.  This list will then help you find elegant destination wedding dresses that suit your style so that you can confidently try them on without feeling as though you are a fish out of water.

Simply elegant destination wedding dresses should compliment your body shape and accentuate your best assets without being over zealous, and they should allow you to move comfortably at all times.

Genevieve talks to us about trends and tips for Destination Wedding dresses.

Barefoot destination wedding dresses are ideal if you are seeking a casual wedding, and I have witnessed some of the most romantic weddings while sifting sand between my toes.

The best barefoot destination wedding dresses are those that are lightweight and allow you to comfortably move without having to continually lift your dress out of the way, and they can be full or knee-length. However, it is suggested that you select a dress that is less formal than a traditional gown and does not have a long train; otherwise, going barefoot may be unpractical.

If you decide that you would like to select from the many barefoot destination wedding dresses that are available, then you can elect to wear barefoot sandals. Barefoot sandals are simply stunning and compliment barefoot destination wedding dresses of any style as they come in a vast range of colors and bead types.

For those of you who are not familiar with barefoot sandals, these are gorgeous ankle to toe jewels that compliment and enhance the beauty of your feet and destination wedding dresses. Barefoot crystals and other jewels are relatively inexpensive at approximately US$30, but they add a stunning touch to any destination wedding.

To find barefoot sandals to match your destination wedding dresses, simply type ‘barefoot sandals' into a search engine and then select what would match your wedding dress and theme.

Genevieve talks to us about trends and tips for Destination Wedding dresses.

Hey ladies, if you are seeking to look absolutely divine on your wedding day, then consider wearing full- length destination wedding dresses because they make you appear tall and slender as well as add on element of intrigue.

Full-length destination wedding dresses add a touch of class and a hint of allure that a shorter, knee or calf-length dress cannot. Plus, full-length destination wedding dresses accentuate a bride's attributes and create the illusion of height even if the bride is not overly tall.

Without a doubt, full-length destination wedding dresses make brides feel glamorous even if they are electing to get married on a beach, barefoot. Full-length destination wedding dresses add a romantic element to any wedding and also give the groom an opportunity to see his bride as he may have never seen her before.

When selecting full-length destination wedding dresses, it is recommended that you browse online to narrow down your selection before heading to dress boutiques. This way, you are able to ascertain what you like prior to visiting dress stores, which will minimize the time you spend in dress shops and save you getting confused over what you like and dislike.

Genevieve talks to us about trends and tips for Destination Wedding dresses.

Beach destination wedding dresses are one of my favorites because, unlike traditional wedding dresses that are made of heavier weight fabric and often have long trains, these dresses offer a different look. Plus, beach destination wedding dresses are designed for the location and take warmer weather into consideration, which is what makes them so perfect.

Typically, beach destination wedding dresses are made from lightweight material, such as silk and chiffon, making them much easier to pack into a suitcase and more comfortable to wear in warmer tropical climates.

Beach destination wedding dresses tend to be plainer in design, but they still have an elegance and class about them that will not only make a bride feel special, but these dresses will also turn heads.

Brides who wish to marry on the beach also have a vast selection of styles since destination wedding dresses come in many varying lengths and bodices so that they suit all body types and flatter any bride's figure.

The most popular beach destination wedding dresses purchased today are those that have an A-line or Princess style skirt, are between the knee and the ankle in length, and have a halter, off the shoulder or strapless bodice.

Genevieve talks to us about trends and tips for Destination Wedding dresses.

I simply adore unique destination wedding dresses as they are usually not found online or in bridal stores but created by a dressmaker or dress designers as a one-of-a-kind creation for a one-of-a-kind person.

Therefore, it comes as no suprise that, to create unique destination wedding dresses, you need to find a reputable bridal dressmaker as soon as possible, and it is recommended that you start collecting picutres of destination wedding dresses designs that you like.

In fact, buy a scrapbook and cut and paste colors, fabric types, and dress pictures into this so that you can take these to your dressmaker when the time is right.

The bonus is unique destination wedding dresses that are made by a good dressmaker fit better than an off-the-rack dress because the dressmaker will listen to your wants and desires, measure you, and then craft you a dress to fit your personal needs and tastes.

To find a suitable destination wedding dressmaker, you will need to visit their workshop and view samples of their work as well get to know them a little better. It is also worth asking the destination wedding dressmaker if they have any past client testimonials and referrals so that you can verify their workmanship before you hire them to make your dress.

Congrats again to Melissa and Peter!  They were kind enough to give us a tour of their honeymoon at The Royal Cancun.

 

Congratulations to Melissa and Peter who were married last month in Mexico!  Melissa shows us around the El Dorado Seaside Suites in the video below.

 

Destination Wedding packages to Mexico are becoming more and more popular, and you can see why with beautiful resorts like this.  Next month DestinationWeddings.com will be sending our specialists down to tour the area and look for the more perfect spots for our couples to tie the knot.  I'll be sure to get some more great photos and video for everyone!

-Quentin

Genevieve talks to us about trends and tips for Destination Wedding dresses.

Off the shoulder destination wedding dresses remind me of Mae West and other simply gorgeous starlets from a bygone era because they exude a touch of class and seductiveness that no other style can, and they come in a vast selection of colors, fabrics, and even styles.

Today's off the shoulder destination wedding dresses come in the traditional colors, such as ivory and white, and pastels as well as metallic and bold embellished patterns.

The fabrics that off the shoulder destination wedding dresses are made with are many. However, the most popular fabrics are silk, satin, chiffon, and lace. These fabrics are often chosen because of their delicate flowing nature and lightweight properties, making them perfect for destination wedding dresses.

Styles for off the shoulder destination wedding dresses are typically A-line, Princess, Fish Tail, or Mermaid and Sheath. These styles refer to the skirt of the destination wedding dresses and define the look that you are hoping to achieve.

A-line and Princess destination wedding dresses are very flattering for the shorter bride with larger hips since both create the illusion of height and flatter a fuller figure. Sheath and Fish Tail destination wedding dresses designs are fantastic for the smaller, more curvaceous, bride who is seeking to accentuate her figure.

Genevieve talks to us about trends and tips for Destination Wedding dresses.

I believe that silk destination wedding dresses are simply delicious because they are silky and look fantastic as well as so versatile.

For those of you who don't know, silk is a natural product spun by thousands of tiny silk worms and this is then woven into cloth to create gowns. I find this fact amazing! I can just imagine hundreds of little creatures spinning destination wedding dresses, one of which belongs to you. How romantic is that?

There are many different types of silk and all vary in weight. The most suitable for silk destination wedding dresses is the standard form since other forms, such as Mikado and duponi, are much heavier fabrics that may be unsuitable for warmer climates.

The amazing qualities of silk destination wedding dresses are in the fabric itself. Silk reflects light and has what is referred to as a lustrous quality. Plus, silk dyes very well with the color, which then gives it the same lustrous reflection as the natural fiber. In addition to this, silk destination wedding dresses are warm without being heavy, but the fabric also breathes so that is a fantastic in warmer climates.

Erica, a recent visitor to our blog, had asked a question of our resident etiquette expert Jodi Smith.  You can find her question and Jodi's answer below.  As always, if you have a question for Jodi please post a comment to any of the Destination Wedding Etiquette posts and I will forward your question to her.

Erica's Question: 

Hello, I have a confusing destination wedding situation. My cousin is getting married in Vegas, no one is invited to the wedding because she wants it private. My boyfriend and I are attending however we were never officially invited, it just happens that we will be there at the same time. The situation is this, she wants a traditional bridal shower, and is planning a post wedding celebration in the summer, for a wedding no one was given the option to attend. They are going to rent tents and have a band, however the alcohol and food with be provided by all of the family members, not a traditional reception. She has made the statement that she just wants the gifts. My question is this, what if any gift is appropriate for a wedding that you were not invited to at a post wedding party that you are providing the food and beverages for?

Jodi's Answer:

This is a sticky situation.  With a bride who announces she wants a private wedding, I would think twice about attending the ceremony, even if I happen to be in town.  You should let the bride know you just happen to be in Vegas at the same time.  If the bride seems welcoming, then you should consider attending. 

As I am sure you already know, anyone invited to a bridal shower should be invited to the wedding.  But unless the bride asks you about this etiquette point, you should not share this information with her. 

And finally, to your question, if you are attending a family gathering where you are also helping to supply the food, and a recently married relative is in attendance, you should bring a small gift as a token of your well wishes for her future. 

-Jodi

Jodi R. R. Smith is a nationally known etiquette expert and author.  To email your etiquette emergency, click to http://www.mannersmith.com.  Copyright © 1996-2008 Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute this newsletter as long as this copyright and full information about contacting the author is attached.