We'd like to know how can we snag a Macedonian wedding invite.

Three tips to calm your nerves before the all-important wedding portraits. [via Weddingbee]

Seal and Heidi Klum aren't the only ones who can afford a wedding in Mexico. Here are some tips to make your celeb-like wedding a reality.

The best man started out as a henchman? Save a slice of cake for the christening? Discover the strange origins of some wedding traditions.

Your Money and Your Man: a must-read for couples a life together in a less-than-perfect economy. [via DC Nearlyweds]

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

Our readers had music questions—and DJ Chris Laich came through in a big way. In Thursday morning’s live chat, Chris stayed an extra half hour to make sure he answered every last question. For 18 years, Chris has been specializing in elegant, romantic, fun—but never cheesy—weddings. Your guests won’t be dancing the letters Y-M-C-A, unless of course you want them to! What the bride wants always comes first. That’s Chris’s rule.

But for brides looking for some guidance, Chris came through with great advice. What are some good cake-cutting songs? What songs really get people out on the dance floor? Can the DJ get the party going without accosting guests with the microphone? Chris answered all those questions and more. If you missed yesterday’s chat, catch up here.

Next week, we’ll be asking minister and wedding officiant Chris Castle—who also just happens to be a senior waiter at the Inn at Little Washington—the do’s and don’ts of the ceremony. More details to come, but start submitting questions now and 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.

Last Friday, I promised to write about my bridesmaids’ getups, but the dresses haven’t arrived, so instead I’m going to blog about flowers.

I love daisies. In the chick flick You’ve Got Mail, Meg Ryan’s character says daisies are the “friendliest” flower, and I agree. There’s something pretty and understated about their yellow upturned faces and white, uneven petals. Also, they’re cheap—and when you’re buying flowers in bulk, cheap is good.

“Don’t spend money on flowers” is a sentiment shared by a number of previous DIY brides. Especially if you’re planning a wedding on a budget, spending a ton of money on resplendent bouquets and centerpieces doesn’t make a ton of sense because what happens when your ceremony and reception are over? All those beautiful blooms and elegant arrangements are trashed. If you do have an unlimited budget and absolutely adore flowers, I’d suggest making sure family and friends take them home. That way, they provide further delight.

One way to get your wedding noticed: Pretend you invited aliens to the reception?

Say "Om" before you say "I do."

A good tune for the happy couple's first dance. [via DC Nearlyweds]

Dear Miss Manners: Do guests owe in gifts what they cost the couple in food and drink?

No wedding bells for Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo. Yet.

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

Thursday, June 26: One for the Moms
Any day today through Sunday, stop by Hannelore’s of Olde Town (106 N. Lee St., Alexandria; 703-549-0387) for its Mother of the Bride and Groom event. Preview handpicked couture gowns, suits, and separates from designers Tadashi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Daymor, and more. Appointments are recommended.

Friday, June 27: Sample Sale
Like a bargain? Then you’ll love getting 50 to 80 percent off gowns at Priscilla of Boston (8065 Leesburg Pike, McLean; 703-821-0167) this Friday. Instead of waiting the normal 17 weeks for your dream dress to arrive at the store, pick one of its on-sale floor samples and take it home with you Friday. Choose from Priscilla of Boston, Platinum, Vineyard, and Melissa Sweet. If you purchase a gown, pay $150 for preservation and cleaning—$50 off what it would normally cost. Free; 8 to 8.

Sunday, June 29: Open-House Tasting
Still deciding on a caterer? Test out R&R Catering at its open-house tasting this weekend. Pop over to Woodlawn Plantation (9000 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria; 703-780-4000) and see (and did we mention taste?) what R&R has in store for brides and grooms at a simulation of an actual event. Take a bite, meet the staff, and you might just have your catering decision made. RSVP here. Free; 1 to 4.

Know of an upcoming bridal event? E-mail lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

To read the latest Bridal Party blog posts, click here.

Add another to the ever-growing list of wedding expenses: National Park Service permit for taking photos on the Mall. [via The Pink Book]

Tips for shopping the bridal salon circuit. (Hint: you don't have to nix them just because you're on a budget.) [via DC Nearlyweds]

If only changing your last name was as easy as "Please call me Mrs. Jones." [via Brooklyn Bride]

Jill Scott gets engaged to her drummer, Jon Roberts.

A sweet way to say show your gratitude to your guests. [via iVillage]

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

I think I may have mentioned that the reason I’m writing this blog is because our wedding planner passed my name along to the folks at The Washingtonian. Well, here is my problem . . .

The best comedy comes from pain and suffering. Before you disagree, think of how many of our great comedians come from a tragic background. Many more live their own lives in a tragic way and often meet tragic ends (think Belushi, Farley, Jeni, and Hedberg). In fact, comedy is often the way we can deal with the unpleasant things in our lives, because placing it in a comedic “wrapper” allows us to laugh while we process things we know are bad. Reality TV shows use this to great effect. The best ratings are when the “characters” are undergoing huge drama, not when everyone is happy and smiling!