{"data":[{"type":"questions","id":"1","title":"My fianc\u00e9 wants to take our formal pictures before our ceremony. I always thought that we shouldn't see each other until I walk down the aisle. I want to have more time at the reception, so taking the photos before is a good idea. But, I also was looking forward to the excitement of seeing each other for the first time as I walk down the aisle. Help! What should I do?","summary":"Yes, there is the tradition of not seeing each other (the day of the wedding) before the ceremony. And I share your excitement of seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle. Here's what happened with a friend of mine who just got married and had the same dilemma. She decided to take her formal portraits before the ceremony. Her reasoning was that everyone was just made up, the","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/1"},{"type":"questions","id":"2","title":"Hi my fiance and i are trying to put together an outdoor wedding. Yet, We can not find any outdoor venues that will allow us to have music and serve mixed drinks. We would love to just pitch up tents and hire a band in a park somewhere but it seems impossible to find a place. Do you have any suggestions? We live in farmingdale and would like to find an area that is close.","summary":"When most of us think of an outdoor wedding we think of a seaside beach bash or a gala garden party, but few of us think about exchange vows in the park. Yet, some earth girls and guys are beginning to consider parks and arboretums as viable venues for their wedding. According to experts, the best place to start is by selecting a location of your choice and immediately contacting your local parks ","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/2"},{"type":"questions","id":"3","title":"With out of town guest, who is responsible to pay for the accomendations? Hotel or Motel","summary":"Customarily, it has generally been the guests responsibility to pay for overnight accommodations arranged by the couple. Most couples seek out a reasonably priced hotel\/motel local to the ceremony and reception location and also look to secure blocks of rooms at 'wedding package' rates (which tend to vary seasonally and based on the number of guests). Information regarding hotel (phone number, add","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/3"},{"type":"questions","id":"4","title":"My nephew is having an engagement party tonight, do I need to take a gift. I'm not sure?????","summary":"While there is no written rule stipulating that you MUST bring a gift, it is commonly understood and often expected that an engagement gift is offered or presented, especially if the couple and their families are hosting a special party to commemmorate the occasion. Some couples have an engagement registry which is usually annoted on the invite. Others look forward to common essentials such as fla","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/4"},{"type":"questions","id":"5","title":"My fiance has a daughter that by the wedding she will be 9 yrs. old. How old is too old for a flower girl? And how can we include her in the wedding cermony?","summary":"While \u201chardcore\u201d rules for who can and can\u2019t be in your bridal party are becoming more a matter of personal preference rather than steadfast \u201cprinciples\u201d. But, when it comes to flower girls, there do seem to be some \u201crules to live\u201d by, mostly dealing with age. Ideally flower girls should be old enough to handle the responsibility without being old enough to be part of the main bridal party. Accord","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/5"},{"type":"questions","id":"6","title":"I have two family members in the clergy (of the Catholic Church). I definitely would like to be married in the Catholic faith; however, I would love the ceremony that is attended by all of my guests to be on a beach. Additionally, my ideal wedding venues are too far from my home Parish. I don't want to offend my family as I am sure they will be upset by this decision. Is there a way to make this work? Can the rehearsal be held in the Church and be an actual wedding?","summary":"Coming from a very similar background, and having a very similar issue, I can see where your worry stems from. Ultimately, though, you need to remember that your wedding is exactly that, yours. If you are worried about guests not attending your wedding if it is in a Catholic church and they aren't catholic; don't worry. Non-denominational guests are always welcome in the church to partake in your ","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/6"},{"type":"questions","id":"7","title":"I have 7 bridesmaids and 7 groomsmen, total of 4 parents and were getting married at a church and having a reception at a hall with 20 tables, which means 20 centerpieces. What would be a good floral budget??","summary":"The price of a centerpiece is always going to depend on multiple factors; the materials used, the intricacy of the pieces, etc. Bouquets have to be taken into account the same way, and can be in the same, if not more, price range as your centerpieces. Most florists and floral designers can help you work within a budget that you set for yourself, and help you plan out the best centerpieces, bouquet","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/7"},{"type":"questions","id":"8","title":"Where my reception is being held I am the only bride that day and am using the entire facility. I have a guest list of two hundred. How many bars should be open and how many bartenders should be used when there are three bars?","summary":"Usually venues will require at least 1 bartender per 75 to 100 guests. Once you include mixed drinks at an open bar into the mix (no pun intended!) you will want to have at least 1 bartender extra! With the resources that are available at your venue, to be on the safe side, 2 bars with 2 bartenders each would ensure that none of your guests are left waiting in long lines at your wedding!","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/8"},{"type":"questions","id":"9","title":"I am exploring the idea of having my wedding 12\/31\/2012, any thoughts? Will this be a hard date to find an available venue? More or less expensive than the traditional weekend wedding? Thanks!","summary":"When finding a wedding venue on a holiday, or special calendar day, you have the odds stacked both against you and for you. Believe it or not, some holidays are going to be very lite on weddings, due to guest\/family conflicts. This may help you find a location on those days more readily available. On the flip side, however, many reception locations will hold their own holiday galas on those same n","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/9"},{"type":"questions","id":"10","title":"Our wedding is a little less than 6 months away and I can't help but be nervous! Any suggestions on how to calm the 'cold feet' syndrome?","summary":"Absolutely! There are a lot of ways to help you deal with that pre-wedding stress that we call 'Cold Feet.' First, and possibly most importantly, is to make sure that we acknowledge how completely normal the feeling is, and that it likely has NOTHING to do with second thoughts, but only stress in general. Next is to make sure to make a list of all the fears that may be running around in your mind,","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/10"},{"type":"questions","id":"11","title":"My future husband and I are having a disagreement. I'm considering enlisting the help of a couple bridesmaids to help us write out our thank you card. I'm so overwhelmed and can't imaged being able to get them completed on my own. His mom and him say no way - they think we should take care of them ourselves, or it\u2019s not genuine. What should we do? I can\u2019t imagine tackling this daunting task. Is it impolite to have others write cards for us?? Help!","summary":"It's more than understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed at the thought of filling out all of your thank you cards, especially before your big day has even happened! You're still in the middle of planning and prepping to make sure that your special day goes off without a hitch! I do agree, however, that it is very important to fill out your thank you cards yourselves (both you and your husban","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/11"},{"type":"questions","id":"12","title":"My fianc\u00e9 and I are planning our wedding and he fully supports\/is okay with the rehearsal dinner and reception to being vegan (which is my belief system). But his mother is going nonstop about how guests aren't going to be happy about it. She is trying to take control out of my hands when it comes to the food. How can I keep our relations okay while still standing up for my beliefs?","summary":"It's hard to plan a wedding with multiple belief systems in place. It's wonderful that your fiance is allowing you complete control over both family meals, but your best bet is probably to give up planning the rehearsal dinner, as a compromise. Being that rehearsal dinners are traditionally planned by the groom's family, anyway, you handing over the reigns to your future mother-in-law for that wou","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/12"},{"type":"questions","id":"13","title":"I have to ask, do you need to have an engagement party? I feel like they only became popular again recently, and I'm freaking out about another event to plan and pay for! Who usually plans and pays for an engagement party, if you NEED to have one?","summary":"In general, engagement parties are a great opportunity for freshly engaged couples. It gives both of your families that chance to come together (possibly for the first time) and celebrate the joining of the two clans, as well as to welcome the fiance to the family. As for planning and paying, in general it has always been tradition for the parents of the bride to plan and pay for the engagement pa","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/13"},{"type":"questions","id":"14","title":"So I am stressing out about my bridal party. I have a lot of friends and close acquaintances, but I was really looking to keep my bridal party small...like tiny, I mean a maid of honor and maybe 1 or 2 bridesmaids, if that. How can I keep my party that small without any hurt feelings?","summary":"The most important thing to keep in mind in these circumstances is that this is your wedding. Sure, you want everyone to enjoy and celebrate with you, but it is ultimately your day. If you want a tiny bridal party, that's your right. Heck, if you don't want any bridal party, that's your choice to make. To keep peace with all of your friends\/family members\/acquaintances, your best bet is to be 100%","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/14"},{"type":"questions","id":"15","title":"What are the rules of etiquette about co-ed bachelor and bachelorette parties? I want to be able to keep an eye on my fiance so I can enjoy myself. My FH and his best man don't want to\/agree. Am I wrong?","summary":"Here is where tradition and modern weddings can start to clash with one another. Traditionally, the bachelor and bachelorette party are meant to be separate to give you a last 'hurrah' as singles before you get married. Some modern couples do decide to have one, large joint party, especially if they're going for a getaway party (say to Vegas or Ocean City). The important part, though, is that both","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/15"},{"type":"questions","id":"16","title":"What is the etiquette for inviting out of town guests with children to a wedding? I strongly oppose having children at our wedding, except for nieces and nephews, which are all in the wedding party. My fianc\u00e9 feels that we have to invite out of town guests with children because they will have no one to watch their children. If I make that exception for one, I will have to do it for all.","summary":"You absolutely should stick to your guns with 'all or none' when it comes to children at your wedding. Invite those important out of town guests, and just be sure to give them a means of childcare (if they don't already have one). You may find that you will even want to send your nieces and nephews back to the hotel for the reception (once they've completed their part in your ceremony). If this is","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/16"},{"type":"questions","id":"17","title":"I am trying to decide between real and faux flowers for my bouquets and boutonnieres. I really don't want to use faux flowers, but I'm worried about the flowers not lasting through my summer wedding. What do you think I should do?","summary":"It's true, our hot and unpredictable weather can do a number on even the toughest blossoms. You don't need to settle for faux, though, if your heart isn't into it. Faux flowers can be absolutely stunning, but aren't the real thing. Your best bet is to meet with your favorite florist and discuss your best local, seasonal options. When you pick flowers that are native to our climate they're much mor","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/17"},{"type":"questions","id":"18","title":"Me and my fianc\u00e9 are getting married in june on fire island. Are we allowed to have a beach wedding with a wedding officiate of our own or do we need permission to use the beach?","summary":"You should absolutely check with the city or town hall before moving any further into your wedding plans. Many towns require you to have a special event permit to utilize the beach for a private party. If you need one, and don't get one, you may find yourself kicked off the beach or with a hefty fine on your special day!","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/18"},{"type":"questions","id":"19","title":"We have a couple close friends that still tend to be party animals. My fiance is including one in his groomsmen, even. How do we make sure that they don't get too rowdy?","summary":"Well, first know that ultimately you can only do your best but you can't make absolutely certain of anything...once you can do that you'll let a lot of pressure off of your shoulders. You can, however, have a plan of action incase chaos does occur. For your groomsman, your fianc\u00e9\u2019s best bet it to 'lay down the law' so to speak to ALL of his groomsmen. This will hopefully get through to the partier","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/19"},{"type":"questions","id":"20","title":"I really want to have a unique wedding, but am driving myself crazy trying to DIY. I feel like I'm spending more time and money don't it myself than I would having a professional do it. What do you suggest?","summary":"I am a big fan of adding DIY touches to your special day...but as exactly that, touches. As you're figuring out, it's a lot, a lot of work trying to do absolutely everything yourself. I would suggest adding the projects that you love and having local professionals create the rest: that way you have the DIY effect that shows how much love you put into your planning AND you support local small busin","url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/ask-liweddings","api_url":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/content\/questions\/20"}],"meta":{"page_size":20,"returned":20,"order":"content_type_then_id_ascending","search_limited":false,"scan_limited":false,"next_cursor":"eyJpdiI6InI4R0FyTEFKcEFpK1VWaDJxU1hIdHc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiY1pRLy9LNU4xdGtJNkdhU1RiaExDa2xoZGVVQUI2c2RrQktwOW51dnZtNlJ5ZnFLZW93Mkd3ZW01cHFRR0lYOUd1SW9WNUxjWXQ0RjZZUFh2eTNpb3NGbVNxQUhRSFBjbWVxRFpHNVlmNlVXaXcycGJCaThibit5THY1Z1RNeXBXNytOdkRQZzFnNUZvaFEvODczUkZRPT0iLCJtYWMiOiIwNzQ2MzBiNDAyYWYxMWYyM2JmZWE5ZDExOTg1NDhkZDM2ZTEwMjIwNjNlNTk5MGY5OWVkNDk5ZTRlZTEwZTAxIiwidGFnIjoiIn0=","has_more":true,"note":"Public data is checked on every request. No total count or relevance ranking is implied."},"links":{"next":"https:\/\/www.liweddings.com\/api\/public\/v1\/search?types=questions&q=&limit=20&cursor=eyJpdiI6InI4R0FyTEFKcEFpK1VWaDJxU1hIdHc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiY1pRLy9LNU4xdGtJNkdhU1RiaExDa2xoZGVVQUI2c2RrQktwOW51dnZtNlJ5ZnFLZW93Mkd3ZW01cHFRR0lYOUd1SW9WNUxjWXQ0RjZZUFh2eTNpb3NGbVNxQUhRSFBjbWVxRFpHNVlmNlVXaXcycGJCaThibit5THY1Z1RNeXBXNytOdkRQZzFnNUZvaFEvODczUkZRPT0iLCJtYWMiOiIwNzQ2MzBiNDAyYWYxMWYyM2JmZWE5ZDExOTg1NDhkZDM2ZTEwMjIwNjNlNTk5MGY5OWVkNDk5ZTRlZTEwZTAxIiwidGFnIjoiIn0%3D"}}