Bridal Buzz

We’re giving away two tickets (valued at $100/each) to Soiree of Social Graces, a mother-daughter luncheon at The Adolphus on October 20 from 11 am to 1 pm. Peggy Post, Emily Post’s great-granddaughter-in-law, will speak about how traditional customs have evolved into modern manners. Email ryan.conner@dmagazine.com by October 1 with “Peggy Post” in the subject line and your contact information in the body of the email. One lucky person will win two tickets to the event. You can also make reservations here.

In anticipation of her arrival, we’re studying up on wedding etiquette. We thought it would be fun to look back at some original tips in Emily Post’s first edition of Etiquette. She began publishing her eponymous guides in 1922. Ninety years have passed since the first edition was published, which has been updated eighteen times, allowing it to remain both relevant and pertinent to modern society. Jump for the advice!

Post’s advice on engagement rings:
In her original edition, Post writes that it is tradition for the groom-to-be to select the engagement ring, which should be valued at two times his monthly salary. While this tradition is still listed in later editions, it is added that it is now common for fiancés to select the ring together, and for the bride to help pay for the ring.

Post’s advice on engagement parties:
While Post states that traditionally the bride-to-be’s family hosts an engagement party, later editions take into account that modern families can be divided by divorces, remarriages, distance, and other complications. Because of this, it is not uncommon for there to be multiple engagement parties, which can be hosted by both families in different locations or by different sides of the same family.

Post’s advice on wedding formality:
Traditionally, weddings could be divided into three categories (formal, semi-formal, and informal). These categories now overlap due to the specifics of a wedding (things like time of day, budget, and wedding party preference all affect these categories).

Post’s advice on wedding attire:
Probably the most surprising update to the original Etiquette is the answer to the question “Is it appropriate to wear white to a wedding?” While my first reaction is to scream a defiant “no!” according to Post, it is appropriate. If you aren’t sure, she states, just call the bride and ask since it is not uncommon for the modern bride to wear a dress in a color other than white.

Margaux Anbouba is a D Weddings intern.