"Something New" in Etiquette: Book Review

In the past few months, I've been reading a lot of books on wedding etiquette. While they're all filled with fantastic information on how to write invitations, protocol of pre-wedding events, and appropriate attire, most are written like a textbook. This textbook feel is very discouraging to the reader. Even as a wedding planner, I'm turned off by an etiquette book that makes me feel like I'm back in college studying for an exam.

There is hope, though! I have recently finished reading Something New: Wedding Etiquette for Rule Breakers, Traditionalists, and Everyone in Between by Elise Mac Adam. Brides-to-be this is the etiquette book for you. It's short, to the point, and rooted in issues that face the modern bride. Mac Adam divides each etiquette topic into three main parts: traditional etiquette rules, the modern evolution of that rule, and letters from real brides.

The letters from real brides take this book beyond a normal etiquette text. These letters put etiquette into context, giving the reader advice based on actual situations. What's the best way to tell your guests you don't want presents when the host of your wedding thinks otherwise? As it's proper to invite all out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner, how do you ask your fiance's family to pay for extra people? How do you handle financial differences between families? The answers to these questions and more are answered in this book.

Brides, pick up this book for your etiquette questions and forget the textbooks.



To learn more about author Elise Mac Adam, visit her website. Image courtesy of http://elisemacadam.com/.