The 4 Most Annoying Things Bridesmaids Do, According to Real Brides

annoying bridesmaids

Photo: Getty Images

We like to think our besties will make the perfect bridesmaids. But as these brides reveal, they can seriously get on your nerves. Here, they share their biggest pet peeves from their bridesmaids on or around the big day.

“I asked all of my nine bridesmaids to wear silver shoes and one of them showed up in black. I know, I know, not earth-shattering, but I was still kind of annoyed since they wore short dresses and her shoes stuck out in photos. I’ve always wondered if she forgot or just decided the heck with it. I’m like most women and am super passive-aggressive, so I’m sure I’ll never have the guts to ask.” — Jeannie

“Taking on the posture that it is your wedding and not of mine. It is one thing to be supportive, share tips, and opinions. But it is a whole different ball game to attempt to take over. I am all on board for hearing and taking advice, but don’t be so overbearing to the point where you make the person feel like it’s not just a suggestion but a mandate or command. It’s only one big day and it’s mine, so stand by my side, not in front of me. And when it’s your time, I’ll do the same.” — Chantay

“I’m recently married, and I would say my biggest pet peeve is bridesmaids who don’t realize their role in helping you plan the big day. We’re so excited you will be standing next to us on our big day, but we’re not just asking you to put on a dress and show up at the wedding. Planning the big day takes an army, and part of being a bridesmaid is being a part of the planning committee. There are so many elements that go into the big day, and trust me, your bride would really appreciate if you offer to help and roll your sleeves up. Planning a wedding is a lot of work and super stressful. That’s why she needs your support in the days leading up to the wedding.” — Diana

“My biggest pet peeve was with my sister-in-law complaining about paying for her bridesmaid’s dress. Part of the problem was that the dress was multi-colored, which was symbolic for both the groom and me but which also meant she was unlikely to ever wear the dress again. Another part of the problem was we had only met once, and she was a newlywed and recent college graduate, so money was tight for her. I think we paid for her dress or offered to. We finally have a functioning relationship, but it has taken a very long time.” — Ruth

See More: 12 Things the Maid of Honor Can’t Forget to Do the Morning of the Wedding

Your Weekly Love Horoscope: What Your Zodiac Sign Says About Your Relationship This Week

If you’ve felt a little off or in a rut for the past few months, things finally start to come together and make more sense this week (thank goodness, right!?). In fact, changes could be right around the corner. What will that mean for you and your significant other? Check out astrologer Suzie Kerr Wright’s horoscopes below to find out.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
You’ll discover that others are much more willing to play by your rules this week. Just let your significant other know what you want, and you’re likely to get it. Saturn moving direct at the end of the week gives you the perseverance to reach an important personal or relationship milestone.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
With Saturn moving direct in your 8th house and Venus in Virgo training your Sun, it’s time to make big travel plans with your sweetie. All your recent hard work pays off when you find the right trip at the right price. It’s a nice week full of financial surprises.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
You’re feeling a bit boxed in by your significant other but don’t fear! This is not the end of the relationship. Keep the lines of communication open, and you’ll be able to maintain your personal space without your partner feeling insecure. In another week you’ll be back on the same page.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
There’s lots of fiery energy around you and, as a water sign, you might feel like retreating into comfort eating or find yourself a bit stressed out. Use this time to start a great new healthy eating lifestyle and get fired up about it. Ask your partner to join you, and they probably will. No matter what, Saturn direct can help you stick to a solid plan now.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Happy birthday to you! The Sun is in your sign so shine big Leo babes. Now, I know the last thing you want to think about is a budget, however, it would be a great gift to yourself if you just slow down the spending a bit. Let your loved ones shower you with gifts and dinners instead of grabbing the check as you typically do.

See More: The 9 Biggest Black Tie Wedding Mistakes Brides Make

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
You’re experiencing a “clearing out” in your life and what is going on now will eventually free you in ways you can’t yet understand. The “rut” you’re in, either personally or in business, will be over soon. Be patient and keep a gratitude journal handy so you never forget just how much you really have to be thankful for. Put your awesome partner on the top of that list!

Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Like Gemini, you may need just a bit of personal space this week so make sure you’re letting your lover know that it’s not something they did. You’ll be reassessing your skills and pondering whether you’re truly valued at work. It just may be time to take that next career step! Try not to overanalyze things. Once you’ve come up with some ideas, run them by your partner. They know you very well and will have some great input to give.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
After several months of soul searching, the energy of this week has you finally feeling connected again and ready to move forward with long held dreams and plans. Friends are far more supportive than you thought they would be; just ask for help. It may take another week or two to catch up financially to get things in motion, but you’ll get there.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Venus in your 10th house and Saturn on your Sun makes for an intense but incredibly productive time. You’ll find yourself being more assertive, which will get you quite far at work. And toward the end of the week, as Saturn moves forward, you’ll see a lot of things coming together. It may not be the most fun week, so make sure you schedule some playtime with your significant other.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Travel and education are your themes this week. You may decide it’s time to return to school or a business trip may bring an extremely eye-opening adventure. Either way, this is the time to consider expanding your horizons. Engaged Capricorns could be considering a destination wedding or making honeymoon plans. You’ll find some super creative ideas this week. Go for it!

See More: 10 Things You Learn About Yourself Through Wedding Planning

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
This could be the week you and your partner come up with a great plan for a business together. Explore all the options and remain detached emotionally. Reach out to financial backers before the 31st. You’ve been thinking about this for a while; it’s time to make it work!

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Typically you’re the one who craves more time with your special someone, but this week you may find your partner to be a bit more “needy” than usual. Work may have you a bit challenged, so try to remember not to take it out on him/her. If things between you and another person have been a little strained, take the time to talk through it now.

Psst! Want even more astrological insight into your love life and relationship? Remember to not only read your Sun Sign but check out your Ascendant (Rising Sign) too! Not sure how to find that? Give Suzie a shout here, and she’ll gladly help.

Olympic Games Rio 2016: See Michael Phelps' Fiancé and Baby Son Cheer Him on to Victory

Michael Phelps 2016 Olympics

Photo: Getty Images

Michael Phelps won his 19th Olympic gold medal on Sunday, after competing in the 4×100 men’s relay competition in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Was it because of the months spent training or his past (and mighty successful we might add!) Olympics history? Nope! (Although that probably did have something to do with it…) In our opinion, Phelps’ gold medal victory was thanks to his two number one fans: His fiancé Nicole Johnson and baby son Boomer — a.k.a the cutest cheering section in all of Rio de Janeiro.

“One of the coolest things about being a father going into Rio is that our firstborn has the chance to see my last race ever,” Phelps previously told Us Weekly ahead of the 2016 Olympic games. “I think that’s something that’ll be really special, that we’ll be able to share stories with him… and I’m excited to have a lot of photos and just to share the moments and memories with him growing up as a kid.” And his sweetheart and three-month-old baby boy really did win the gold in making Phelps’ final few swims (this is the champion swimmer’s final Olympics before retiring) special — just as a super cute fan club ought to do! Before the games even started, Johnson and Boomer were proudly representing Team USA all over the ‘gram.

Michael Phelps in Rio de Janeiro

Photo: Getty Images

Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson

Photo: Getty Images

The new mom Instagrammed a few insanely adorable photos (see below) of her little one rocking an Olympics onesie and snuggled up in a Team USA blanket. The proud parents even had teeny tiny red, white, and blue sneakers made, emblazoned with Boomer’s name. Johnson showed off the patriotic kicks and her on-theme mani while she was it, but it was the bling on her ring finger that caught our eye. That certainly isn’t the huge engagement ring she was previously rocking. It looks awfully like a gold wedding band, does it not? Johnson did tag the photo with the hashtags “#nodiamondsinrio” and “#replacementring” so this could be a totally innocent ring switch-a-roo while she travels abroad. But we’ve still gotta ask… Anyone else think a secret wedding is underfoot?

But whether she’s still a bride-to-be or currently toting wifey status, Johnson let the world know just how much she loves her beau as she and baby Boomer lead Phelps’ cheering section as he won his 19th gold medal. Swaddled in a red and white carrier covered in stars and his daddy’s initials and wearing a pair of patriotic noise-blocking headphones (gotta protect those cute little ears), Boomer cozied up to mom as dad conquered the race. After Phelps snagged the gold, he presented Johnson a bouquet of flowers and a stuffed animal for their little one. “The moment when I got to see my amazing family in the stands,” Phelps captioned a social media photo of when he first emerged from the pool.

See? That gold medal really did have something to do with that super cute cheering section!

@coach_bowman I'm ready to go after my daddy re retires???? #teamusa #dreams

A photo posted by boomer phelps (@boomerrphelps) on Aug 6, 2016 at 5:00pm PDT

See More: Why the U.S. Gymnastics Team’s Leotards Cost as Much as Your Wedding Dress

21 Incredibly Effective Abs Exercises You Can Do Instead Of Crunches

woman doing planks

Photo: Getty Images

Skip the crunches and two-minute plank holds and try these 21 effective abs exercises instead. These moves will strengthen your entire core as well as add a little variety to your regular abs routine.

1. Plank Taps

PLANK TAPS

Whitney Thielman

Start in high plank with your feet hip-distance apart.

Then tap each hand to the opposite shoulder while engaging your core and glutes to keep the hips as still as possible.

2. Down Dog Taps

DOWN DOG TAPS

Whitney Thielman

Start in down dog.

Lift your right hand off the floor and reach toward your left ankle (gently tapping the front of your foot or ankle if possible).

Return right hand to the floor and repeat with the opposite arm. Stay in Down Dog throughout the entire exercise.

3. Plank Ups

Plank Ups

Whitney Thielman

Start in high plank. Bend one arm to bring the elbow and forearm to the floor.

Bring the other arm down so you are in a forearm plank.

Push back up to the start position, placing each hand where your elbows were.

Repeat this movement, alternating which side you lower first with each rep.

4. Warrior Balance

WARRIOR

Whitney Thielman

Stand on your left foot and lift your right knee to hip height in front of your body.

Reach your torso forward as you extend your right leg behind you. Keep your standing leg slightly bent as your torso becomes parallel with the floor. Extend your arms overhead to help with balance.

Pause for a second, then reverse the movement. Don’t forget to do both sides!

5. Plank With T Rotation

PLANK T ROTATION

Whitney Thielman

Start in high plank with your feet hip-distance apart.

Now rotate your entire body to the right into a side plank with your shoulder above your wrists.

Extend your right arm to the ceiling and continue to drive your hips up.

Return to center position, then repeat on the opposite side.

6. Reverse Lunge With Front Twist

REVERSE LUNGE FRONT TWIST

Whitney Thielman

Start standing with feet hip-width apart.

Take a big step back with left foot and bend knees to lower into lunge while twisting torso over right (front) leg.

Return to standing, then repeat with the opposite leg.

While this GIF shows the exercise using a dumbbell, you can ditch the weight, too!

7. Plank + Dolphin

PLANK DOLPHIN

Whitney Thielman

Start in forearm plank with arms parallel to each other and palms flat on the floor.

Lift hips up and back creating an inverted “V” with your body.

Pause then slowly lower back to your forearm plank.

8. Down Dog Abs

Down Dog

Whitney Thielman

Start in down dog and lift your right leg into the air, this is your down dog split position (also known as three-legged down dog).

Bring your right knee under your torso. Pause then extend right leg back to down dog split.

Now bring your right knee to meet your right elbow. Pause then extend right leg back to down dog split.

Finally bring your right knee to meet your left elbow. Pause then extend right leg back to down dog split. Make sure you do both sides.

See More: Train Like Gisele Bündchen With This Total-Body Workout

9. V-Up

V UP

Whitney Thielman

Lie face up with arms and legs extended and resting on the floor.

Keep abs tight and lift hands and feet to meet over torso.

Lower your arms and legs back to the floor.

10. Plank Jacks

Plank jacks

Whitney Thielman

Start in high plank.

Keeping your core engaged, jump your feet out and in (like jumping jacks).

If your wrists bother you, try this move on your forearms, like this.

11. Mountain Climber

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER

Whitney Thielman

Start in high plank and draw your right knee under your torso, keeping the toes off the ground.

Return your right foot to starting position.

Switch legs and bring your left knee under your chest. Keep switching legs as if you’re running in place.

12. Mountain Climber Twist

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER TWISTS

Whitney Thielman

Start in high plank with your wrists directly under shoulders.

Bring right knee under torso and toward left elbow.

Now bring your right foot back to starting position while you repeat with the opposite foot.

13. Plank Hops

BUNNY HOP

Whitney Thielman

Begin in high plank with the feet together.

Tighten abs, and jump your feet to the right, bringing your knees toward your right elbow.

Jump your feet back to plank and repeat on the opposite side.

14. Bird Dog Crunch

BIRD DOG CRUNCH

Whitney Thielman

Start on your hands and knees in tabletop position with your wrists above your shoulders and your knees below your hips.

Inhale and extend your right arm forward and left leg back, maintaining a flat back and square hips.

Squeeze your abs and exhale as you draw your right elbow to your left knee.

Extend back out to start. Don’t forget to do both sides.

15. Lateral Plank Walk

lateral plank walk

Whitney Thielman

Start in high plank with shoulders above your wrists and abs tight.

Step right foot and right hand to right side immediately following with left foot and left hand.

Take a few “steps” in one direction, then walk in the opposite direction.

See More: 9 Ridiculously Effective Exercises That Work Your Abs


16. Forearm Side Plank With Twist

FOREARM SIDE PLANK ELBOW TWIST

Whitney Thielman

Come into a forearm side plank on your left side with your left elbow resting on the floor below your shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head.

Rotate your torso toward the floor, bringing your right elbow to meet your left hand.

Don’t let your hips drop. And remember to do both sides!

17. Core Roll Up

PILATES ROLL UP

Whitney Thielman

Lie face up on mat with arms resting on floor above head.

Float arms up so wrists are directly over shoulders, and begin to curl your spine up and off the floor.

Fold over legs, forming a “U” shape with body. Reverse movement to lower back to mat.

18. Boat Pose

BOAT POSE

Whitney Thielman

Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Grasp your legs under your thighs, slightly above your knees.

Lean back slightly. Lift your feet off the floor so that your shins are parallel to the floor.

Extend your arms straight out in front of your at shoulder height, with palms facing up.

Straighten and raise your legs toward the ceiling until your body forms a V shape (as shown). Hold this position for 10-20 seconds.

19. The Hundred

PILATES 100

Whitney Thielman

Lie faceup with your legs raised, knees bent 90 degrees.

Inhale, then exhale, lifting head and shoulders off mat. Extend your legs and lift your arms off the mat at shoulder height with your palms facing down.

Inhale as you pump arms up and down five times, then exhale and pump five more times. Do 10 times, for 100 pumps.

20. Scissor Switch

PILATES SCISSOR SWITCH

Whitney Thielman

Start on your back with your legs straight and arms reaching over head.

Extend the right leg as you curl up off the shoulder blades and reach for the calf or thigh. Staying in a curled position, switch legs.

21. Forearm Side Plank

FOREARM SIDE PLANK

Whitney Thielman

Start on your left side with your left elbow below your left shoulder and your feet stacked.

Lift your hips into the air. Keep your right knee on the floor for balance if needed.

Continue to press hips up while keeping your core tight. Don’t forget to do both sides.

See More: The Butt-Lifting Workout You Can Do In Just 2 Minutes

This article originally appeared on SELF.

BRIDES Chicago: 7 Places to Find Getting-Ready Robes for Your Bridesmaids

Sometime in the past few years, the photo of the bridal party wearing matching robes became as coveted as the shot of the just-wed couple in front of the city skyline. Paired with mimosas, matching robes set the festivities off on a high note and make the bridal party look oh-so-chic from the very beginning. Not to mention, giving your best ladies a robe serves as a token of your appreciation for them standing by your side on your big day. Check out our favorite spots to find getting-ready robes in Chicago.

BHLDN
Those dreamy, floral-print robes every bride from Lauren Conrad to your fiancé’s college friend has embraced? They’re from a brand called Plum Pretty Sugar, and you’ll find exclusive prints you can’t find everywhere else at BHLDN in the Gold Coast. Some of the robes are available in flower girl sizes — perfect for helping make the little ones feel part of the glamming-up activities. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Underthings
Step right into the Lincoln Park boutique and tell one of the salespeople you’re looking for robes to gift your bridesmaids. They’ll track down several options for your choosing in no time, including some from big-name designers like Cosabella and Natori. The friendly salespeople and intimate boutique vibe make this one worth a look.

Una Mae’s
The Wicker Park shop is known for its eclectic range of men’s and women’s vintage-inspired styles. While they don’t carry traditional lingerie options, you’re sure to find kimonos. The flowy sleeves and open front give off a robe vibe without being overly pajama-y.

Journelle
The New York-based designer lingerie shop opened its Bucktown doors in November, and it’s quickly risen to the top of the city’s list of destinations for beautiful underthings. But honeymoon essentials and lacy wedding-day thongs aren’t the only items to stop in for. The shop also stocks robes from designers like Eberjay and Fleur’t that every bridesmaid will wear for years — and remember your big day all the more frequently.

See More: Let Them Eat Cake… From These Top Chicago Wedding Bakeries!

Soma Intimates
Soma Intimates is filled with experts who can nail down your correct bra size, but the shop is also home to a wide selection of robes. We love the short embroidered numbers and sheer floral options that look like they were made for pre-wedding photos in the hotel suite. And with two boutiques in the city and 10 more in the suburbs, it’s easy to find one near you and cross it off your to-do list.

Aritzia
Playful kimonos (hello, fringe!) meet solid, more casual options at the women’s boutique, which has three locations in the city and suburbs. The oversized Talula Fawkner Blouse gives off a breezy, hippie style that’ll be welcome on a warm summer wedding day. Plus, it comes in two shades, so you can wear the cream one and have your maids in black.

Nordstrom
Certainly not the most Chicago-specific shop on our list, but the sheer volume of options at Nordstrom deems it a must-stop. Looking for a short, rayon robe that ties in your bright wedding colors? What about a preppy striped option or a floral satin robe with each girl’s initial embroidered onto it? Whatever you’re looking for, Nordstrom is bound to have it. Plus, with locations around the country and a lenient return policy, it’s easy for out-of-town bridesmaids to exchange it should anything go wrong. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Click here to discover even more Chicago boutiques for all of your big day accessories!

BRIDES' 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up Challenge: Day 8, Shoulders and Back Workouts

30 Day Wedding Workout Day 8

Photo: Getty Images

This is it… The final countdown to your big day. And along with settling those last few details — figuring out where to seat your eccentric Uncle Carl, firming up the flowers, deciding on your first dance song — you’re likely also making one last push to make sure the body that will be wearing that gorgeous white gown looks as good as it possibly can. You and nearly every other woman with an engagement ring on her finger. In fact, research shows that an overwhelming 91 percent of brides-to-be are anxious about their weight. But from here on out, you won’t have to be!

Whether you want to drop those last few pounds or look more toned — or both — we’ve got a month’s worth of daily tips (none of which require starving yourself or working out nonstop!) that will help you feel stunning and confident when you walk down that aisle. You know where to send the thank-you card. Let’s get started!

Day 8: Focus On Your Shoulders and Back

“I do so much back and shoulder work with my brides because if you look at most wedding gowns, they expose those areas more than anything else,” says Beverly Hills celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson. “And if you look at your arms from the side, more than half of what you see there is shoulder muscle.”

Here are two of his favorite moves for adding sexy definition to these key areas. Slip them into your regular strength routine two or three times a week:

Push-Up with Hold
Get into a regular raised push-up position. (You can do this on your knees, too, if you need to.) Bend your elbows and lower your chest to the floor; hold for one count, then push back up. Lower down again and hold for two counts. Continue, adding one count per rep until you can’t hold the lowered push-up anymore. Do two sets.

Broomstick Pull-Ups
Lay a broomstick across two chairs that are placed about two feet apart. Scooch your body under the stick so it’s above your chest. Bend your knees and place feet flat on the floor (or extend legs and rest heels on the floor for more of a challenge). Grasp the stick with your hands a little more than shoulder-width apart and pull your body up until chest almost touches the bar. Lower and repeat. Do two sets of 10 to 15 reps. Note: The assisted pull-up machine at the gym is also a great alternative to this do-at-home version.

See More: Pump It Up! The Best Wedding Workout Songs

In addition to these moves, Peterson also recommends lat pull-downs, bent over rows, and rear delt flyes for sculpting your back and shoulders. You can find how-tos and more at ACE Fitness.

Olympics 2016: Why the U.S. Gymnastics Team's Leotards Cost as Much as Your Wedding Dress

Simone Biles

Photo: Getty Images

Weddings are just like the gymnastics portion of the Olympics, right? After months — no, years — of training, planning, sweat, and tears, you get to slip on a sparkly, epically-embellished ensemble for the moment when all eyes are on you. Okay, so we’re totally kidding. We know wedding planning is nowhere near as hard as what these Olympic gymnasts do. (Although we’d like to see them deal with your future mother-in-law when she asks for another 10 invites to dole out to her friends…) But there is one thing brides-to-be and the U.S. Olympics gymnastics team has in common: The price of their big day outfit.

As it turns out, the leotards worn by the U.S. gymnasts at the Olympics cost just as much as your wedding dress, with the competition suits toting a hefty $1,200 price tag. But who could blame the team — or brides-to-be! — for stretching their budgets. Whether one is stepping onto the balance beam in Rio de Janeiro with the world watching or down the aisle with their loved ones gazing, looking your best is obviously a must. But just how could the itty bitty bits of fabric gymnasts like Simone Biles and Nastia Liukin don for their Olympic performances cost the same as your big voluminous ball gown with its endless yards of tulle? Well, the same big day dress detail that drives up the price of a wedding dress also adds to the cost of the gymnasts’ leotards — bling!

After their first trip to the bridal salon, most brides learn that the sparklier the wedding dress, the bigger the price tag. And the same goes for the gymnastics leotards of the Olympics. According to the New York Times, this year’s competition costumes are covered in almost 5,000 Swarovski crystals — that’s four times glitzier than those worn by the 2012 U.S. Olympics team, which explains the $1,200 price tag. “It’s difficult for me to imagine how we could get more crystals on,” said Kelly McKeown, an executive at GK Elite, the design company behind Team USA’s looks. “We may have hit peak crystal.”

But all that glitz and glam definitely serves a purpose. “You definitely want to feel confident in the way you look,” 2008 gold medalist Nastia Liukin told People magazine. “Because when you’re on the balance beam, confidence is the most important thing.”

And the same goes for that walk down the aisle! See? Wedding are just like the Olympics, after all!

See More: Memorable Vows from the Best TV and Movie Weddings

Not Into a Champagne Toast for Your Wedding? Do One of These Instead

Having a toast at your wedding is one of the most special and memorable moments of your reception. It’s a time when all of your guests can take a pause from eating dinner or from breaking it down on the dance floor, to cheers to you and the love of your life, wishing you a strong future of health and happiness. It’s one of the most engaging and special moments of the evening. That’s why it’s usually christened with some bubbly. But if champagne isn’t your thing or you’re looking to make your wedding as personalized as possible, it’s okay to skip the champagne toast. Looking for a champagne alternative? Here, four ideas you and your guests love.

1. Your Favorite Shot
If there’s a specific liquor that you adore, you can have that poured into mini shot glasses for your guests to toast with. Just know that not everyone may be up for taking a shot.

2. A Signature Cocktail
If you’ve invested time into thinking about a signature cocktail that you’d like to have at your wedding, you can tell guests that’s what they should fill their glasses with for the toast. This will be more personal for your reception and for the toast.

3. A Non-Alcoholic Beverage
If you’re not a big drinker or you have a lot of younger guests at your wedding and you want to get them involved, you can skip the alcohol and have your caterer make a beverage that’s fun for everyone to drink. Maybe it’s your favorite kind of soda or something old school like a Shirley Temple.

4. A Non Traditional Toast
Skip the toast all together and have all your guests meet you on the dance floor for a moment of everyone getting down to your favorite song. Sometimes this is an even more fun way to have your guests celebrate you with well wishes.

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

See More: 4 Alternatives to a Champagne Toast at Your Wedding

Our Wedding Has Passed and a Guest Never Got Us a Gift. What Should We Do?

Wedding Party Gifts

Photo: Readyluck

No one wants to seem like they’re begging for gifts when they get married, but that doesn’t mean having an opportunity to stock (or upgrade!) your home isn’t welcome. And etiquette does state that accepting an invitation to a wedding is a nearly-contractual agreement to send a gift in return. So what happens if your wedding date has come and gone, and there are guests you haven’t received gifts from? Here’s how our experts recommend handling it.

Tradition states that guests have up to a year to send a wedding gift, but etiquette experts agree that wedding gifts should really be sent within a few months of the wedding date, after which they cease to really be gifts for the wedding. So, first things first, wait a month or two before taking any action, because technically the guests in question have some time!

Before you start calling people and asking where your gift is (which would definitely make you look greedy instead of grateful), ask your parents or a mutual friend to subtly do a little digging. Whether it’s having your mom excitedly let them know about your new address or a friend bringing it up in the context of the next wedding you’re all attending together, this could either be good encouragement for the guest to arrange to have something sent to you, or for the guest to comment on the fact that they haven’t received a thank you note — which hopefully will inspire them to ask you if you got their gift so the two of you can figure out what happened to it.

If you never hear anything and more than a few months have passed, you’ll unfortunately have to write this off as a loss, as you don’t have much recourse here. After all, they did take the time and spend the money to come to your wedding, even if they did come empty-handed. Do your best to forgive and forget, send them a thank you note thanking them for their presence on your big day, and remember that their friendship is more valuable than a picture frame or some new dishes.

See more: Can We Open and Use the Gifts We Receive Before Our Wedding?

The 19 Best Wedding Planning Websites and Apps for Every Kind of Bride

texting bride

Photo: Getty Images

Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning adventure or checking off the very last things on your wedding checklist, here are our favorite digital tools (besides BRIDES.com, obvs) for planning the wedding you want while still having a life.

1. WeddingWire
Best for the bride who doesn’t know where to start
This venue and vendor database is a one-stop shop, with more than 200,000 local listings and 2.5 million reviews by real brides. So if you’re clueless about where to wed and who to hire, do a quick search and narrow results by type, location, price, or rating. When you’re done with the big-ticket items, you’ll find checklists, budget templates, and etiquette tips.

2. Carats & Cake
Best for inspo you can use
Ever see a wedding photo and think, “Who made that centerpiece?” Or “I have to have those shoes!” Carats & Cake eliminates the guess-work, providing a rundown of all the vendors used in its real weddings (caterers, florists, photographers, et cetera). Check out full portfolios and reviews, then book them on the site.

3. The Venue Report
Best for finding a Versailles-worthy chateau in the south of France
With “reporters” who research the latest event spaces, this directory has the hottest hotels and party pads, plus off-the-beaten-path locales like, say, a glamping venue in Montana that can accommodate 250 guests. The experience is seamless: Filter results by region, price, and capacity, review essentials like site fees and curfews, and contact the venue directly.

4. WeddingHappy
Best for planning without the planner
Think of this free app as your personal assistant. It’s preloaded with tasks to guide you through your to-dos, and it even alerts you as you approach deadlines for things like “mail invites” or “pay deposit for the band” — same as a planner would do in real life. Share your “event” with your fiancé, mother, or hands-on MOH so everyone has access to the same info.

5. myPantone
Best for color coordination
Did a certain teal nail polish strike your fancy? Fire up myPantone (from $7.99), snap a photo, and the app will identify the exact color and point you toward others that anyone struggling to pick a palette or who’s letting her bridesmaids choose their own dresses “as long as they’re seafoam green,” this is a must.

6. Minted
Best for fab invitations that won’t break the bank
Minted works with indie artists and graphic designers to offer chic ready-made invites, save-the-dates, ceremony programs, escort cards, and more. Templates can be customized, down to the card size and paper stock. On a tight budget? Print your suite at home or take the file to a local copy shop. Minted also offers bespoke invitation design (from $234 per 100 invitations) in case you don’t have an illustrator on speed dial but still want a hand-drawn map of Nantucket or a watercolor rendering of you and your fiancé.

7. Riley & Grey
Best for a wedding web site that looks totally different
Riley & Grey is where design-minded brides go to create their wedding hubs ($35 per month). Modern templates are added every few months, so you won’t accidentally use the same one as your BFF who’s getting married six weeks after you. Your site will be not only gorgeous but also user-friendly, with zero clicks required; simply scroll down to toggle between tabs like People, for bridal-party bios, and Place, for tips on where to stay, eat, and drink near your wedding venue. You can even embed links to Kayak for flight bookings and Google Maps for directions.

8. Mint
Best for tracking your spending in life — and on the wedding
While not made specifically with weddings in mind, Mint is a popular free money-management site for a reason: It’s easy to use, syncing with your bank account and credit cards so you can monitor your spending and move funds around as needed.
(And it probably will be needed.) Create a wedding budget and stay on track, thanks to weekly email summaries and text reminders when payments are due.

9. Skipper
Best for organizing hotel-room blocks
Your Maui destination wedding will be epic. Finding hotel rooms for 150 guests? Less so. Let Skipper (hiskipper.com) do the work: Plug in your wedding location, dates, and the number of rooms needed, and the site will populate nearby hotels at a variety of price points. Smaller parties can lock in discounted rates at one hotel directly through the site (in most cases, 15 percent off); brides who need more than nine rooms can pick up to four hotels, and a Skipper booking agent will negotiate deals at each on their behalf and email contracts to secure the group rates.

10. Google Drive
Best for keeping your crew informed and on point
Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, photos — anything and everything
can be uploaded, stored, and shared in Drive for seamless viewing and editing by anyone with a Gmail account. (So, anyone.) Want to pull up your guest list, budget, vendor contacts, or décor inspo during a venue walk-through? The mobile app is there in a pinch. Need to share important dates with your fiancé, parents, and planner? The hub links directly to Gcal — so no one gets to complain about being out of the loop.

See More: 6 True Stories of Finding Lasting Love on a Dating App

11. Trello
Best for anyone who loves a to-do list more than life itself
Forget that massive notebook; organize your entire wedding on Trello’s virtual
pin board. Line up each “card” in a column (which you can name for a category like Venue or Photography), and drag and drop as the task is completed or pushed back. You can attach photos (place-setting mock-ups) or documents (final contracts for review) to cards, then give them color-coded labels — to indicate things like “vendor paid” or “follow up later” — and set deadlines, which the auto-generated email reminders will help you hit.

12. Zola
Best for registering for what you really want
We love a blender as much as any kale-juice-obsessed bride-to-be, and Zola has that standard department-store stuff, like Matouk bedding and Waterford-crystal stemware. But you can also request specialty goods, like a Sonos sound system or a BioLite camp stove, or set up a honeymoon or charity cash fund. Bonuses: Guests can easily go in on pricier items together with group gifting, and you also get 10 percent off all items on the site for up to one year after your wedding date.

13. Newlywish
Best for registering for experiences
Kitchen already stocked up? Check out Newlywish, where you’ll find an incredibly diverse list of registry activities. Dance lessons, cooking classes, massages, concert tickets, sporting events — the list goes on and way on. You can even register for interior-
design consultations and OpenTable gift cards.

14. Tendr
Best for getting cash,the classy way
What to do if you’d rather get money toward a down payment than gifts? Register on Tendr, which lets guests electronically send funds (by wire transfer or credit card). You can specify where the cash will be allocated, and it’s delivered via beautiful artist-designed e-cards.

15. Amazon
Best for a registry that’s as easy for guests as it is for you
If you’ve been saving items to an Amazon Wish List, it will be easier than ever to get started on the mega e-tailer’s new registry site. All the staples are there (KitchenAid appliances, Le Creuset cookware), plus spruced-up sections like a list of the top 100 most popular items, curated lifestyle collections (minimalists will flock to the Scandinavian-inspired edit), and “boutiques” for products by Jonathan Adler, Michael C. Fina, and the MoMA Design Store (a.k.a. Narnia for cool kids). It’s also a gift for your guests, since most just have to log in to shop.

16. Vensette
Best for on-demand beauty
Have the experts come to you with this VIP beauty booking app. Reach out at least three months before your wedding to book a custom package (from $200) that includes two trials and day-of hair and makeup by editorial-worthy artists (currently available in cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami, plus wedding hot spots like the Hamptons, Napa Valley, Palm Springs, and Palm Beach). Pick pros who fit your price and style, and they’ll show up at the time and location of your choosing, making it easier than ever to find a crack team for your engagement photos, shower, bachelorette, and big day.

17. Weddington Way
Best for crowd sourcing bridesmaids’ dresses
Need to rally your girls from coast to coast? Skip the stress (and the travel) of a group shopping trip with Weddington Way, which lets you browse styles using a variety of filters (color, length, body type, price) and share and comment on selections in a virtual showroom. Plus the site has more than just bridesmaids’ get-ups: You can find attire for the groomsmen, flower girls, and yourself. (Check out the LWDs.)

18. AllSeated
Best for nailing your venue layout
Having trouble visualizing how to organize tables at your reception? Send AllSeated a photo of your venue and it will deliver a 3-D rendering of the space so you can digitally arrange tables, chairs, bars, and other furniture and assign place settings as RSVPs roll in. Share the graphic with your vendors (caterer, rental company, DJ) to make sure the room is set up right — because there’s always that one cousin who shouldn’t be within arm’s length of the bar.

19. Postable
Best for painless thank-yous
You’re back from the honeymoon, convinced the stresses of planning are behind you. Not so fast. It’s time for thank-you notes. If you just can’t even, try Postable: Choose a design, type a heartfelt message, and add the recipient’s address (manually or imported from a spreadsheet), and the site prints a card, puts it in an envelope, and mails it ($3 each, plus postage). Will guests know you cheated? Likely not; Postable uses “smart fonts,” so repeat letters are slightly different from one another. Handwritten cards are ideal, but our etiquette experts sign off as long as each note is personalized.

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