By CARLEY RONEY, Scripps Howard News Service
When his family members overseas can't attend the wedding
Q: My fiance emigrated from another country in his youth. We're having our wedding in my hometown, but some of his family from his native country are upset that we aren't having the wedding there. How can we appease everyone?
Offer to pay half of the wedding expenses has too many strings
Q: My future in-laws generously offered to pay for half of our wedding, so we happily accepted. Big mistake. Now they're trying to make every decision for us. When we approach them about it, they say they'll just take their money back if we don't respect their opinion. Help!
Create a flower-free centerpiece
Q: I'm interested in flower-free centerpieces. What are some ways I can avoid using expensive flowers and still create a dramatic effect?
Protecting the cake from the heat at an outdoor reception
Q: We're having an outdoor reception in the springtime; however, it can get quite warm here. How do we ensure that our wedding cake will hold up?
Adding candlelight to centerpieces
Q: I want to illuminate my centerpieces with tea-light candles, but I'm looking for ones that burn for more than four hours. Most seem to die down after an hour or so. Any suggestions to keep my guests out of the dark?
A champagne toast should include everyone
Q: Our catering expenses exceeded our budget. We still want to do a champagne toast, but my mom wants to only provide the wedding party and parents with champagne. She says all the others can toast with the drink they have. Is this tacky?
Once-used wedding gown can go to a good cause
Q: My wedding dress is gorgeous, but I'm never going to wear it again. What should I do with it after the wedding?A: If you're not planning on saving it for your future daughter, consider donating it to a worthy cause. Sheaths and A-line gowns are great for donating to organizations that provide prom dresses for underprivileged high school students.
Do children need their own wedding invitation?
Q: Our guest list is filled with family friends who have children living at home. Is it proper to send a single invitation to each household, or do the children need their own?
Wants to do without bridesmaids. What to tell gal pals?
Q: My girlfriends have been so excited about my wedding since the engagement. Several of them have asked about being bridesmaids. We've decided to have a small affair without a bridal party. How do I break it to them gently?
Who sits where at the reception
Q: Our parents really want us to sit with them at the wedding reception, but we'd rather sit with our friends. Is it horribly rude to tell our parents that?A: If it's important to you to sit with your wedding party, tactfully but firmly inform your parents of that. Soften the blow by telling them that you'll place their table right next to yours.
