About Michelle: Native Tucsonan Michelle St. Rose has been dedicating her professional skills to Tucson brides as a wedding consultant for over 12 years.
As well as her full wedding planning services, Michelle is an award winning floral designer, and has designed flowers for well over 1,000 local weddings.
She also runs a small wedding venue in Tucson called the “Serendipity House” where she offers all-inclusive wedding packages for couples who are looking
for a more personal alternative to a courthouse wedding.
To learn more, please visit
TheSerendipityHouse.com
1. From Anne: Michelle, when my fiance recently asked me to marry him it was a casual proposal and he let me pick out my engagement ring. Being a
person that does not like diamonds or large pieces of jewelry very much the ring I chose is a small ring with a Sapphire as the middle stone and 2 very
small diamonds as the accent stones. To me it is perfect but I am getting a lot of criticism about my choice, (including from my fiance who thinks the
jewelers will laugh him out of the store when he tells them what the ring is for). Is it that uncommon for people to not have diamonds on their
engagement ring?, and what response should i give people when they give me that quote of "That's your engagement ring?"
Dear Anne, The history behind diamond engagement rings, is similar to the history behind Cards and Candy on Valentines day. Selling the diamond as
"the quintessential engagement ring" was a marketing plan, similar to that of Hallmark cards and Valentine's Day. In the early 50's, The DeBeers Diamond
Company started the Campaign "Diamonds are forever" At the turn of the 20th Century, the jewels of choice for the very wealthy were sapphires, ruby's
and Emeralds.
-Michelle
2. From Heather in Tucson: My mom and I are arguing about something. I want to put a card in our wedding invitations, telling our
guests where we are registered. My mom is horrified with the idea and said she will not invite any of her friends if we do this! A couple of
my friends who recently married did it, so I don't know what my moms issue is. Why is she so against it?
Dear Heather, Sorry, but I am going to have to take your mom's side here. Many brides today are encouraged(by the gift registered stores) to mail
out printed inserts with the invitations. This is a big NO NO! It is never assumed that a gift is expected in return for an invitation to a wedding.
By putting in a registry card, it makes it appear as if you are only inviting them for the gifts.
Proper etiquette is for the guest to call you, a family member or maid of honor, to find out where you are registered.
Having said this, a new tradition, which is totally acceptable. is to start a wedding web page such as on
TheKnot.com
and at the bottom of your invitation add your web address. This web page is very helpful for guests to respond on line, get information about hotel
accommodations, and EVEN where you are registered. Perhaps this will bring peace again between you and your mom!
--Michelle
3. From Shelly in Sahaurita: My cousin is having an afternoon ceremony and an early evening formal dinner reception for her wedding. My boyfriend and
I have no idea how we are supposed to dress. Please help!
Dear Shelly, unless the invitation reads "black tie reception" then you will be fine wearing a street length dress or suit (not a business suit) or even a
cocktail dress for the wedding and reception. Your boyfriend should wear a jacket and tie for both the wedding and reception. Have fun!
--Michelle
4. From Courtney in Tucson: I am helping the bride plan her bachelorette party, and we are really getting carried away – it’s going to be big!
Is it okay to ask the other bridesmaids to pitch in money-wise since I am doing all the planning?
Dear Courtney, Sounds like it is going to be a fun bash! Don't worry about asking for help. It is completely acceptable for you to ask for
assistance from the bridesmaids and close friends. In fact, if the evening involves going out for dinner and drinks, it is common for everyone attending
to pay their own way. Remember to be sensitive to those who may not be financial able to chip in. You don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. Put the
request out there to everyone and you will find that most everyone will be happy to help out. Be safe and have a fun time!
--Michelle
5. From Becky in Marana: I asked my best friend and roommate to be my maid of honor, now it’s two weeks until the wedding, and due to an unfortunate
series of events, we aren't roommates or even speaking anymore. What should I do
Dear Becky, first let me say, I am sorry to hear about your fall out with your friend. For the record, this ismuch more common that people realize and
bridesmaids issues can typically be big stress factors for brides. Unfortunately, you have already asked her to be in your wedding and although
you didn't mention it, I assume she has already incurred some financial expenses such as down payment on the dress and shoes.
Here is what you should do: Try talking to her. If there is anyway to patch up the problem, it is worth the effort. If the relationship is irreparable,
then you should politely approach her by giving her the option of opting out of the wedding. You might just say, "I know the wedding would be very
uncomfortable for you, given the circumstances, and I will certainly understand if you want to bow out."
Having said that, it is not appropriate to ask another friend to step in and take her place. Having an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is not an
issue, as the bridesmaids walk into the ceremony alone, and one of the groomsman can escort two bridesmaids out at the end of the ceremony. Weddings can
bring up raw emotions for friends and family, and sometimes bridesmaids become jealous or fearful that they are losing a friend. Perhaps just a heart-to-heart
talk with her will solve the problem. Best of luck to you.
--MIchelle
6. From Mary in Tucson: It’s my second wedding and I want to go all-out. Is it disrespectful to our ex’s to throw a big bash this time around?
Dear Mary, It is heart warming to know that you are compassionate about the ex-spouses’ feelings. This speaks volumes towards your character.
It can be a difficult when a former spouse is moving on and your exes will undoubtedly have feelings about it. However, it is a happy time for you and
a time to celebrate a new beginning. You should feel free to have whatever kind of wedding your heart desires. I can tell you most of the weddings
I am involved with are second weddings for either the bride, the groom, or both. In the past, throwing a big bash the second time around was taboo.
But in today’s world, no one will give it a second thought. It is appropriate, however, to inform your ex-spouses about your plans to remarry and have a
ceremony before you make the announcement to anyone else. Best Wishes to you!
--MIchelle
