Random Wedding Facts

1. Who pays for what?

Money, money, money. These days, wedding budgets are rapidly approaching an average of $30,000. So how does one figure out who pays for what? According to an estimate in Emily Post's "Wedding Etiquette," 70% of brides and grooms are now footing the bill for their own weddings, sometimes with a little help from Mom and Dad.

The appropriate thing to do is to expect to make some compromises if you elicit the help of parents to help pay for the wedding. Once upon a time, it was the bride's family who covered the majority of the wedding costs. This tradition sprang from the idea that the bride's family needed to provide a dowry for the bride so she could marry an eligible groom. Clearly, the old tradition no longer applies in most cases.
If you still want some guidelines based on traditional expectations, the bride's family customarily pays for the flowers, photographer, videographer, music, and the bridal party transportation. The groom's family typically pays for the groomsmen's boutonnieres, honeymoon, and rehearsal dinner.

2. How do you go to the bathroom in a ball gown?

One thing that many brides have to deal with, but don't always plan for, is the inevitable bathroom trip in the wedding gown. You might just be able to picture this scenario:

You're getting ready to walk down the aisle in half an hour. Your gown looks stunning, your hair is perfect, and your make-up is fresh. But you have to pee. Do you hold it or attempt to peel off five pounds of silk taffeta and hand beaded embroidery? No! You'll just have to go to the bathroom in a slightly different fashion than usual. Simply approach the toilet and know that you're going to have to go facing it rather than sitting. You'll have to hold the front of your gown up and do a slight squat over the bowl. If your gown is especially difficult to handle, you'll need to enlist the help of a trusted, close friend or family member who can hold the back of your gown slightly above the bathroom floor to ensure its cleanliness.

3. What should you wear under your wedding gown?

For some brides, getting dressed up in a chic silk organza gown with pearl beading is familiar territory. But for many women, figuring out what to wear under the gown is a mystery.
If you'll be changing into a few gowns —one with a low neckline and another with pencil-thin straps, you'll likely do fine with a wire-bra that converts into a number of styles from halter to strapless. For brides with a backless gown, look for a strapless corseted style that hooks down at the waist. Another option for the backless gown includes adhesive cups that adhere to your skin. A strapless gown can also be paired with a tube-style bandeau bra for a more comfortable all day fit.

For panties, opt for comfort over sexiness (you can always change later). Truth be told, it's much too difficult to adjust a pair of see-through lace panties that are starting to wedge. You might even opt for the hose with built-in underwear for comfort and convenience. Garters with thigh-high hose might seem appealing at first, but avoid the need to do some unsightly tugging during your reception by electing to go with the waist-high variety instead.

4. Can I make my guests pay for the alcohol to save money?

If you don't want to pay for the alcohol because the wedding is already running you a hefty tab, we understand. But it's not okay to make your guests pay for their own drinks. Luckily for you, there are ways to lower the cost of your alcohol tab without offending the well-wishers. Here are three ways to save:

• Buy the wine yourself at a discount. Go to a membership retailer like Costco or Sam's Club. Just beware of the corkage fees, which could run you nearly 20 bucks a bottle at some places.
• Run the bar for a limited time. Have your bar open at the beginning of the reception and then close it once the sit-down dinner is about to begin.
• Set rules with the catering staff. Let your caterer know ahead of time that alcohol is only to be opened on an as-needed basis. The staff shouldn't endeavor to take away a glass before it's empty nor pour a drink without checking if the guest wants more alcohol.

5. Who do you have to tip on the wedding day?

Tipping is one consideration that you might not even think about until the actual wedding day. However, we'd like you to be more prepared so that you don't end up either unnecessarily feeling obligated or end up making someone else feel short-changed.
In many cases, you don't need to tip a vendor unless you feel he/she has gone above and beyond expectations in service. This includes everyone from your wedding planner to your florist. In a number of instances, the tip may actually be included as a surcharge on your bill, so it's a good idea to double-check. Often, services like the caterer and limousine rentals have an inclusive tip. For valet attendants, coat checkers, powder room attendants, and bartenders, however, a tip is appropriate.