Skip to main content

Nix Embarrassing Speeches & Rings All Around

Ring and Wedding Speech Advice

In wedding planning, there are a myriad of questions.  Some are easy to answer, some are intuitive and some...well, it’s best to call upon an expert.  I am here to answer these three unique questions and offer some sage advice.

Deliver a Speech to Remember

There are books with plenty of ideas on perfect speeches and are worth a read.

Anyone who speaks should keep it short and sweet.  Focus on your relationship with the couple and their love story.  This is not a time to play the comedian. 

Best Man and Maid of Honor

  • The speech should be short and sweet.
  • It should reflect on your relationship and the couple. 
  • Don't mention the bachelor, bachelorette, or any other potentially embarrassing events or moments. 

Parents

  • Avoid embarrassing your child.
  • The speech should be short and reflective of your love and theirs. 
  • Try to incorporate your support of the marriage.

Must I accept the other woman’s ring?

Dear Polite One,

Although, I understand it's proper etiquette to return the engagement ring when the wedding/engagement is called off, what happens to the ring afterward? My boyfriend wants to give me a ring he gave to someone else—she called it off.  He feels that the ring carries his love to whomever he gives it.  I, on the other hand, feels that the ring symbolizes the love for her and their relationship. I am extremely interested in what etiquette surrounds it.

Wants Own Ring 

Dear Wants Own Ring, 

It is inappropriate and impolite to give a woman a ring that was intended for another. You are correct that the ring was meant for her and should be sold or given away—not given to you.  If he has any questions when he pops the question, encourage him to come to me. 

Best wishes for a bright future. 

Sincerely, 

The Polite One

May I use my grandmother’s ring?

Dear Polite One,

I am getting married in October of 2006.  My grandmother passed away almost 25 years ago.  I am saddened knowing that she will not be here for this special day.  My grandmother was engaged to be married but did not, so she never wore her rings.  It is my wish to use her wedding bands for our wedding.  My father has given me the rings to do so, but my mother has told me that it is not proper and that I should at least purchase our own set for daily wear.  Please help out with the etiquette in this situation! 

Dear Honoring Grandmother,

This is a nice tribute to your grandmother.  It is appropriate to use them as these would be considered ‘heirloom’ rings. 

Sincerely, 

The Polite One

May I wear the ring after the engagement is canceled?

Dear Polite One,

May I wear my engagement ring on my right hand if I am no longer engaged?

Free

Dear Free, 

Although it is more appropriate to return the ring, you may wear it on your right hand if you cannot return it.  

Sincerely, 

The Polite One

Please Read

4 of the Most Asked Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered

5 Top Wedding Invitations Questions, Plus One

Bridal Shower Q & A: Multiple Parties & What to Give?


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bride Doesn’t Wants Alcohol or Dances at Reception

Dear Polite One, I've always dreamt that my wedding reception would be alcohol and dance-free - except for the first dance of the bride and groom.  When running the idea past a few people they seemed shocked that I've taken out both of these elements and are making me doubt my idea . The wedding will be in the evening, and then dinner. Is there a steadfast rule that there must be alcohol and dance at a wedding?  Isn't a nice dinner enough? And what things could be added to make it fun for the guests? Thank you, Visitor from Yorkton Saskatchewan Dear Yorkton Saskatchewan, People typically expect alcohol with their dinner at evening wedding receptions .  So, it would probably be better if this were held earlier in the day.  Dancing isn’t that important.  However, it is better to skip all dances, rather than just the one dance with you.  That may seem awkward.  The only hard and fast rule is that we, as hosts, offer our guests wha...
Post a Comment
Read more

Do I wear nylons with strappy sandals for a fall evening wedding?

  Dear Polite One, From what I have read on your site, I should wear a cocktail (little black dress or equivalent) to a fall evening wedding at a golf country club.  Do, I need to wear nylons with my strappy sandals? Wedding Newbie in Wisconsin Dear Wedding Newbie in Wisconsin, Bravo on doing your attire homework!  You are absolutely correct about your attire choice.  Nylons aren't nearly as popular or expected due to our love of sandals. Strappy sandals look splendid with nice dresses, even in the winter.  FYI: It is a faux pas to wear nylons with open-toed shoes. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to dress for a wedding as "the second wife"? How to Dress for Formal Wedding in New York ? What to wear to a formal evening wedding in Napa?
Post a Comment
Read more

Anti-Clueless Advice: What to Wear and What Gifts to Give

How to Decode the Dress Code and to Give the Right Gift Many questions I receive as an etiquette consultant are from wedding guests. Guests are especially concerned with what they should wear and what they should give as gifts .   All who contact me are deeply worried about committing any type of faux pas, as many weddings tend to be surrounded by drama these days. For example, one guest shared that the bride called fuming that the gift she shipped to the bride's home was inadequate, so she returned it to the store for cash—true story.     With crazy, hurtful behavior like that, it is no wonder wedding guests are apprehensive about wedding guest protocol. How do we know what to wear to a wedding? Wedding invitations are supposed to help guests understand the formality of a wedding.   Often, this is not the case.   Here is a real-life example: a guest received an invitation of heavy-weight paper indicating a formal wedding, but the location listed was a...
Post a Comment
Read more