The Journal
Wedding and Events Etiquette Tips and Advice
This is where I answer the wedding and events etiquette questions people actually ask, about guests, gifts, RSVPs, seating, and family. Honest, modern wedding and events etiquette tips and advice, told plainly and with heart.
Modern wedding and events etiquette, minus the stuffiness
Etiquette got a bad name. People hear the word and picture fussy rules and someone judging their fork. That is not this. Modern wedding and events etiquette is just knowing how to treat people well on a big, emotional day.
Below is my honest wedding advice, sorted so you can find exactly what is keeping you up at night.
Browse by What’s on Your Mind
Three honest conversations
No. 01
Wedding Advice
Wedding and events planning tips, checklists, and timelines.
Planning · budgets · timelines
No. 02
Wedding Stories
Real wedding stories, funny, true, and full of lessons.
True stories · guests · drama
No. 03
Women & Real Life
Confidence after 50 and honest talk for women.
Confidence · midlife · reinvention
Asked and Answered
Top wedding events etiquette questions
Who pays for the wedding these days?
There is no single rule anymore. Many couples now pay themselves or split costs with both families. The kind approach is an honest, early conversation about what each side can and wants to give.
What is proper wedding guest etiquette?
Good wedding guest etiquette means replying to the RSVP on time, respecting the dress code, arriving on time, giving a thoughtful gift, and letting the day be about the couple, not you.
Is it rude not to give a wedding gift?
A gift is customary but not mandatory. If money is tight, a heartfelt card or your time is welcome. Attending, celebrating, and being gracious matters more than the price of a present.
Start Here
Start with the planning advice
My most useful wedding and event planning tips and advice, all in one place.