Even though many of today's weddings are more informal affairs, there is still wedding planning
etiquette that should be followed. You should understand wedding etiquette to avoid offending or
hurting guests' feelings.

One of the most important areas of wedding planning etiquette is the wedding invitation. You should
not put gift registry information on the wedding invitation – it's just plain rude! Rely on family or
friends to spread the word about where you're registered. Wait until people ask where you're registered
before brining it up, and never put a message like “cash only please” on an invitation as it's the cardinal
sin of wedding planning etiquette.

Many couples prefer an adult-only reception, and don't want children attending. This is completely
acceptable, and you can help send the message by addressing the envelope only to the couple, or saying
something like “We would love to see the two of you.” Send your invitations with plenty of time for
people to find childcare if they want to attend. Don't forget to put return postage on the RSVP cards!

For the reception seating plan, you can have assigned seating, or open table seating. For assigned
seating, try to alternate men and women around the table. Avoid putting exes or feuding cousins nearby
one another, and reserve the front few tables for close family and friends. Have a clear seating plan
with table numbers and names so that everyone can find their seat easily during the reception.

Traditionally, the bride's family paid for the majority of the wedding planning costs. These days, many
couples are paying their own way, or parents share the costs equally. Usually, the bride's family would
pay for all of the reception, the church, most of the flowers, the food, invitations and music. The
groom's family paid for wedding transportation, the rehearssal dinner, and the bride's bouquet.
However you decide wedding costs is up to you – the old rules of wedding planning etiquette
concerning costs are now often replaced by modern brides and grooms who share the responsibilities
among their families. If you are getting married for the second time, then it's not customary for them to
pay any of the wedding planning costs.

Unfortunately, some couples must cancel or postpone their wedding for a number of reasons: they are
separating, there is a family illness or emergency, or their financial situation worsens. If you do cancel
the wedding, you must return the gifts to family and friends. If the wedding is simply being postponed
for a short time you may keep the gifts, but you should send out a new set of invitations when you
make new arrangements. If the gift has been personalized, it's not necessary to send it back. For
couples who are calling off the wedding because they are separating, it's proper etiquette for the bride
to return the engagement ring to the groom.

By following wedding planning etiquette, you can ensure that your guests will feel welcome, and that
you don't offend a family member or friend by unknowingly doing something that is considered rude or
in bad taste.