Thursday, January 5, 2012

Miss Manners’ Guide to a Surprisingly Dignified Wedding


Written by: Judith Marth and Jacobina Martin

First line: Weddings are now the biggest and only formal festive event (mercifully overlooking the high school prom) in most people’s lives.

Why you should read this book: Beginning with the assumption that betrothed couples and their guests wish to enjoy proper and drama-free weddings based on meaningful tradition and devoid of empty trappings, Miss Manners and her recently married daughter have compiled this guide to help the love struck pull off the happy occasion without offending anyone or looking like greedy narcissists. While Miss Manners’ guidelines are, in some cases, far out of step with the way American weddings are usually conducted, they are offered in the spirit of dignity and tradition, and always with detailed explanations as to why they are proper. Avoiding vulgarity, unnecessary expense, and gauche outrage are the tradeoffs for those willing to let go of what has become the self-indulgent showmanship of this special day.

Why you shouldn’t read this book: You’ve already decided that your wedding will be a money-making venture.

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