I wanted to elope; he wanted a 200+ wedding. We settled on a fancy dinner party, where we would surprise our guests by getting married at the end. (That way, no more wedding stress!) I'm so nervous, though, because I've never done a big dinner party before. Everything is set up, but I need to know--should I visit other people's tables? Stay at my own table? Are people going to think this is super weird? If you have any advice for me, I'd appreciate it. Just to be clear, it's 40 guests at 6 different tables in a private room.

I am 15 and live in the state of Washington (not D.C.) and I want to ordain a wedding, for my sister weddings it won't be anything huge just a small wedding with some family members. I think it will be a one time thing and I just don't know where to start or if I could even do it any pointers? (In the area of Tacoma)

My partner and I are wanting to have a ceremony just us and honeymoon after. We where thinking of doing a pre-reception and bridal shower kinda together with all the family coed. Any idea how how to do this or what to call it other than a party? No games like a bridal shower, food, music, informal type affair.

Anyone else think most people's wedding registries are more governed by tradition then practicality? Most of my friends are fairly informal people who aren't serious cooks, are apartment dwellers who live and work in the city, and if they entertain it is more likely to involve pizza or a potluck then fine china. Generally the people they engaged or married to are similar. Yet when they get married, the wedding registry always lists all sorts of high end cooking equipment and a complete set of china. Totally useful stuff if you like to cook and entertain in the sense my Mom did. Not anything I can picture my friends using. I also doubt they have space for it. I suspect most of it becomes clutter or goes into storage. Anyone else think that wedding registries are shaped by what 19th or 20th century upper middle class housewives need then what modern couples actually need? Or are my friends weird? Did you use all the stuff listed on your registry you got as wedding gifts? To be clear, I'm not questioning the *IDEA* of a wedding registry. } I'm not saying these things are useless in general. They are totally useful if you live a certain kind of life. My point is *EVERYONE* feels the need to buy these sorts of gifts even if they don't live that sort of life. China sets and cooking equipment take up a lot of space. The friends I'm thinking of don't live that sort of life and don't have space.

Can you give me some ideas