One of my favorite aunts is very serious about thank-you notes. Serious to the point where you’re not getting a gift next year unless you send a note. So under my aunt’s example, I’ve grown up pretty cognizant of manners.

In fact, I think I was overconfident about my knowledge until I started preparing for Wedding Bonanza 2009. Since planning began, I’ve found myself asking what I should write on the shower invitation, whether to send separate invitations to people at the same address, and whether or not phallic-shaped cupcakes are really acceptable. To my mom’s great relief, I have found a couple of sources to turn to and help reduce the number of phone calls she’s getting from me.

I recently checked out two etiquette books that my mom swears by: the classic Amy Vanderbilt and an updated version of Letitia Baldrige. I have to say, there’s a world between those pages that I haven’t exactly conquered. So I picked out a few odd and interesting highlights in regards to bridal parties and manners.

This week has been nothing short of amazing. The stars aligned in my favor: Two wedding issues that have been plaguing me have finally come to resolution!

After months of disappointing samples and dozens of overpriced Web sites, I’ve finally found the perfect invitation. A stranger tipped me off to Invitationpie.com via e-mail, and while I was skeptical at searching yet another Web site, I figured it wouldn’t hurt me to browse. When I saw the photo of the site’s blossom invitation, it just clicked inside me that this was the one for us. Enthusiastic as ever, I e-mailed the designer and asked for a sample. But even from the photo, I was confident that the search for the perfect invitation was finally over.

Looking to keep your bridesmaids in line? Download this bridesmaid contract from You & Your Wedding magazine.

When we read about this trend in a recent Newsweek article, we were a bit floored. Prenups aren’t a new thing when it comes to marriages, but how about contracts for the bridesmaids? For some brides, the nightmare that their wedding might not attain complete perfection due to a bridesmaid’s newly gained five pounds and her resulting tighter dress is enough to warrant a contract.

While we haven’t crossed paths with any Washington brides who’ve drafted one of these contracts or with any bridesmaids who have signed one, the UK’s You & Your Wedding magazine surveyed more than 1,000 women and found that one in five would like her bridesmaids to sign on the dotted line. On its Web site, the magazine offers a contract for brides to download and print.

The idea behind the contract is to give bridesmaids stipulations they have to stick to—or risk being fired from the bridal party. Gaining weight, changing hair color, and bringing an “inappropriate” date to the wedding are among the no-no’s that could warrant a bridesmaid’s pink slip.

The choice between a dream wedding and a down payment on a house doesn't always have to be either or. Check out Friday night, rent-a-cake and other ways to save.

It's B.Y.O. costume at the wedding of Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin.

Ten reasons to love summer weddings. [via Ritzy Bee]

You sent out the recycled paper invitations, you served organic food at the reception, now it's time to pack your bags for your green honeymoon.

Beware of the carnation cake-turned sign in bulletin board. [via Wedding Dish]

Have bridal news to share? E-mail lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

Thursday morning, wedding planner Jen Stiebel of SoCo Events in Rockville swung by The Washingtonian to answer your questions. And answer she did! She was so intent on giving thoughtful replies to brides- and grooms-to-be that she stayed an extra 30 minutes, busily typing away, showing her vast knowledge of all things wedding in Washington. We tried to keep her all day but thought her bridal clients might not like that.

What are the top bridal-gown styles of the season? What are the "and guest" rules? Where can you cut corners without sacrificing quality? If you missed the chat, check out yesterday's transcript and read Jen's best tips for wedding planning.

Next week, we'll be rocking out with DJ Chris Laich. More details to come, but start submitting questions now! Chris will answer them Thursday at 11.
 

Want more Washingtonian.com online chats? Check out past Q&As with everyone from bartenders to other wedding pros, and submit questions to upcoming chats.

Happy summer! It’s the hottest season’s official start, though it’s been sweltering in DC for several weeks now.

June 20 also places the countdown at 71 days (until we’re hitched). To ensure that our big day goes off without a hitch, we have a bunch to tick off the to-do list, but it’s fun stuff: finalizing the reception’s playlist, choosing the ceremony’s Scripture verses, bachelor and bachelorette parties, dress fittings! Thankfully, God has totally blessed this time with anticipation and joy—and very few freak-outs—so we’re just excited, hence all the exclamation marks popping up everywhere!

In these next ten blog posts leading up to our big day, I’ll give you the rundown of what’s left on the list.

Our do-it-yourself invitations are out, and RSVPs have started rolling in, which got me thinking about the other print project we plan on doing ourselves: the program. In order to make the program, we have to know the ceremony’s order of events. And without a wedding coordinator, we have to also plan that from scratch: processional, vows, exchange of rings, songs, etc.

Being left at the altar didn't stop these women. One used her new-found infamy as a jilted bride to launch a career as an entertainment show host.

If you agree with our Reluctant Groomzilla that the best invitation is one delivered via e-mail, here are a few new reasons to love Evite even more. [via perfect memories wedding blog]

Honeymoon how-to's: book your plane tickets in your maiden name, take a second look at Switzerland, and stick to your budget.

If you throw a theme party, you really can wear that dress again.

"Kind of" engaged. That must be like "kind of" pregnant?

Have bridal news to share? E-mail lshallcross@washingtonian.com.