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"Ring in the Match Box" Submitted by: F. H. of London, England I was recently best man. The most nerve-racking element was holding onto the rings for the ceremony. A good tip that I have is to put both the rings into a small match box. You then have a reassuring 'rattle' - so you can put it in your waistcoat or pocket without the worry of the rings disappearing into the lining etc. Every now and then you can give the box a quick tap and be sure of getting a rattle to put you at ease!

"Tears of Joy" Submitted by: A. T. of Silver Spring, Maryland Don't forget the tears of joy! Handkerchiefs make great gifts for attendants and parents. Just before my wedding, my sister gave us handkerchiefs to carry with our bouquets. It came in handy when I wiped my father's tears at the altar. Also, decorate a box of tissue using fabric scraps, lace, notions, etc. (in white, ivory or your color scheme) and place at the guest book table for incoming guests.

Overweight Bridesmaid Submitted by: Jennifer W. of San Diego, California, USA Advice for brides who don't know if they should ask their "heavy" friend to be in their wedding: DO IT!! If she is your friend and has contributed to your life, do it! Someone at my wedding told me that I was "brave" for having my friend who is heavier than the rest of my bridal party. I was insulted! It was my wedding and she is one of my dearest friends. Don't be embarrassed — just be sensitive. Choose a dress that will be flattering to all bridesmaids and everyone will be happy!! I know we all were!

People Who Adore You Submitted by: Crystal G. of Newark, New Jersey Bridal parties... girls be sure you choose people in your life that truly adore you — then you won't have any surprises!

Overweight Bridesmaid - Part 2 Submitted by: Lisa P. of Sydney, Australia To those girls who may have qualms about having a heavy bridesmaid: I didn't hesitate about asking my friend of twenty years to be a bridesmaid. She was a size 22 plus. I told her that she could choose a style that would most flatter her figure as long as it was in the same colour as the rest. I also jokingly added that she could buy some weights and work out 5 minutes a day to get rid of the flabby arms that were causing her grief if only it bothered her. Well, she decided that this was a good enough reason to hire a personal trainer once a week and through diet and discipline has lost 20 kilos and is still shrinking. No one asked her to do this but she says that being a bridesmaid has given her added incentive. The way things are going she'll be thinner than me on the big day! Although this has turned out a positive for her, it doesn't really matter what size or shape she is. I still love her dearly.

Feed Your Bridal Party Submitted by: Jennifer of St. Louis Feed your wedding party! Your wedding day is hectic for them, too. Between getting themselves ready, helping you, and having pictures taken, there is hardly time to eat. Have a light snack available for them before the ceremony. I've seen a few bridesmaids faint during the ceremony because they had not had a chance to eat all day.

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The Newsletter Submitted by: Tish of Pekin, Illinois I do not live in the same state as my bridesmaids, so every month, I send them "the Bennett Bridesmaid Times". It is a little newsletter giving them important information about dresses, colors, and lodging. I was only going to do it every other month or so, but the "maids" like it so much, that I do it every month. It is something for them to look forward to and it also helps keep them updated on changes or new information. I am also going to make one for all of the out of state guests so they can find the best place to stay and sightsee. Hope this helps with the out of state wedding problems.

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