Examines wedding customs from different cultures and eras, and using ideas from figures as diverse as John Milton and Lyle Lovett, describes how and why couples wed today.

When Melanie D'Angelo arrived at Rose Cottage, she was only looking to mend her shattered heart and restore the beautiful house her grandmother once called home. The last thing she wanted was to become involved with her landscape designer! Mike Mikelewski couldn't deny his instant connection with the gorgeous Melanie, but the single dad already had a woman in his life--his adorable, but troubled, young daughter, Jessie. Even though Melanie made his heart pound--and Jessie smile--he wouldn't allow himself to take a chance on a love that was blossoming like the Rose Cottage garden. Or could the trio become the family that Jessie had always dreamed about?

Think your twenties are just a waiting period--waiting to get married, waiting for real life to begin? Wrong! As Shannon Fox and Celeste Liversidge show with humor, intelligence, and reassurance, getting a ring on your finger is the last thing you should be thinking about when you're in your twenties. In fact, statistics show that if you wait and marry at thirty, your chances of having a healthy, long-lasting relationship more than double. So before rushing off to become someone else's better half, take the time to become the best, strongest whole person you can be! Last One Down the Aisle Wins will show you how to:develop and improve your emotional health, body image, and confidence take risks and tap into your adventurous side create a dependable network of friends and mentor relationships identify and avoid the top ten reasons women marry too young Last One Down the Aisle Wins is like having your very own life coach, therapist, financial planner, spiritual adviser, career counselor, and cheerleader all rolled into one.

This guide will shape even the most baffled groom into a well-mannered gentleman, from engagement party to reception and every blessed event in between. He may not have been dreaming of this magical day since childhood, but a groom's role in his wedding is as important as his bride's. This guide will shape even the most baffled groom into a well-mannered gentleman, from engagement party to reception and every blessed event in between. Authors John Bridges and Bryan Curtis even offer advice for every male member of the wedding party. Fathers, groomsmen, ring bearers, and guests, take note! Bridges and Curtis have included everything a gentleman should know to skillfully assume his role at a wedding. He will learn: How not to propose The truth about bachelor parties Who pays for what Tips for a pitch-perfect toast How to calm an indignant mother-in-law When to stay quiet and when to speak up Dozens of phrases a gentleman should never utter What to wear and when to wear it The secret to a perfect thank-you note Don't let the blur of tux fittings, place settings, family gatherings, and monogramming overwhelm the simple objective of a wedding. A Gentleman Walks Down the Aisle will help him understand the delicate art of being a man on one of life's most important days. The groom and his fellow gentlemen may find themselves left to their own devices as the wedding day approaches, but their role is every bit as important as arranging the flowers or selecting the font for the wedding invitations. For the groom, the fathers of the bride and groom, the best man, the groom's attendants, and even the gentleman who participates in the celebration merely as a guest, this book explains what to do, where to stand, what to wear, and what to say.

Quiz: Are You “A Little Bit Married”? We’ve been dating for more than a year. I talk on the phone with his parents. We go on vacations with each other’s families. We’re planning to live together (or already do). I often wonder, “Where is this going?” Do I just wait around? How can I be sure this person is really “The One”? If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. It’s the dawning of an age when we’re not in any hurry to reach the milestones—house, spouse, and kids—that once marked adulthood, although we’d like to get there . . . soon. In this practical, no-holds-barred guide, Hannah Seligson delivers an eye-opening look at why serial long-term relationships have become the new romantic rite of passage. From making life-changing sacrifices for your partner to dealing with doubts, Seligson explains how to make the most of this ambiguous state, including: • What are the signs s/he’s ready for long-term commitment? • How do you make decisions about careers, cohabitation, and religion when there isn’t a ring? • What’s the best way to mention the “M” word to a commitment-phobe? • How long should you stay A Little Bit Married before tying the knot . . . or moving on? Combining expert advice with compelling anecdotes, A Little Bit Married will provide you with the roadmap you need to survive the life stage post–“Let’s Do It!” and pre–“I Do.”

Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette is the classic indispensable, comprehensive guide to creating the wedding of your dream, now in its sixth edition. Today's weddings are more complicated than ever, with new traditions replacing old, and new relationships to consider as family life grows more complex. Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette has everything a bride will ever need to know to have the perfect wedding. Anna Post guides brides and their friends and family through weddings to maximize fun and reduce stress, including: How to handle awkward family situations How to address envelopes and word invitations How to choose an officiant How to blend family traditions The timeline of events throughout the engagement and during the wedding Who to include on your guest list How to use technology to your advantage