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I'm invited to a friends marriage ceremony. Not sure if the western culture has something like this, but basically it's the couples family and friends gathering at either a religious place or the woman's family's home to watch the signing of papers, reading of vows, etc. It's not a wedding or a party, but the official marriage. Should gifts be brought to such an occasion? Arab culture. No after party on the same day that I'm aware of. The party comes a couple days later.

I don't know if this is weird to do. My boyfriend and I been together for a year now and we are ready to get married. We agreed to get married at a court house then have a party next year for friends and family. My boyfriend has relatives out of the country and we want them to be here. I worry what my friends and family might think when I explain to them because they are old school. Is this strange? What should I say or do?

A friend of mine just got married and as soon as the bride and groom kissed all of the bridesmaids started having tears run down their eyes and smiling at the same time. Meanwhile the groom was just smiling and clapping. Come on ladies it's a wedding you should be celebrating and smiling not crying.

My fiancée and I are planning a wedding in the town we both live in now. His family lives down here, most of mine lives about 5 hours away. My mom has suggested we have 2 receptions, one where we live and another the next week near the rest of the family. I know it sounds shallow but the thing is that s a little inconvenient and stressful to plan two receptions and very expensive (about an extra $6-7k). Is it inappropriate or unkind to ask my family members to travel 5-6 hours? I understand that some people won t be able or willing, and that won t hurt my feelings. I was thinking instead of another reception to have a get-together or big wedding shower in my hometown, which would be less expensive and could be done before the wedding instead of the weekend after (and still invite the family to the wedding just make it clear they do not have to feel obligated to come). My mom said a low key shower or party is not the same and people would find it offensive if I expected them to travel for the actual reception. Please be honest but kind, if you got an invitation to a wedding 5 hours away would it seem inappropriate to you? Any advice on other solutions? I guess I ve travelled farther then that before for weddings so it doesn t seem out of line to me, but I m single and don t have kids or a family. If people travel should I pay for part of their hotel room, would that make it a little less rude?

My boyfriend and I are both Catholics We have all our sacraments, are aware of the steps as far as talking to the priest and taking the classes. My fear is talking in front of everyone. I have horrible anxiety with so many people around me. I ve googled many vows I saw some where the priest asks questions and the bride/groom just say "I do" is that possible? Also with the 13 coins do we have to talk as well? Thank you.

My father and his family have always been strangers to me. I am no doubt inviting them to the wedding but do I incorporate them by giving them flowers, having them escorted in, taking photos with them and reserving them seats. I have seen them maybe twice in the past ten years and there has been tension because of their racism towards my brothers gf. I don't want to start drama by inviting them and then treating them like strangers but they really are.

My good friend's sister is getting married. I've met her sister a few times and we get along well, but aren't really good friends, as we don't see each other that much. I wasn't invited to the wedding, and I didn't expect to be, as we don't know each other that well and they are having a small wedding. Anyway my friend said they're looking for someone to watch their dogs in their home for the day of the wedding. She asked me if I could do it and I agreed. I told them there's no need to pay me, since it's their wedding day and it's no problem at all for me to take care of the dogs on that day. Do you think I should give a gift to them on top of this, or is free dog sitting enough of a gift? No, I'm not attending the wedding at all. I wasn't invited because I don't know her that well. I am just watching the dogs at their home.

He lives in Fresno I live in Modesto. He works all week. He barely gets any days off. Only Saturdays and sundays, but sometimes only sundays. I don't have a car to go see him other wise I would so he's the one that comes see me. We are supposedly getting married in nov. But we haven't really started making plans because of him not having time to come, and distance. He also tells me he doesn't want to ask a day off because he feels it might offend his dad. His dad is his boss. Like really? Im taking it as if he doesn't really want to marry me, he tells me he wants to get married but doesnt make time?am I over thinking it? We are doing the wedding here in Modesto by the way. And I only need him for the hall and the church I can do the rest. Would you be upset?