Many people have written to say how much they appreciate the ideas in the Acnowledging the Death of a Parent at Your Wedding article, as well as to share ideas of their own. When a parent or another loved one has died, there are many ways to honor them without making your wedding a depressing, maudlin event.

But some people may be looking for ways that are more personal and less public. That's why I loved this idea that Darcy Miller posted recently. By making a photo of a loved one into a charm, such as the ones available from Romero Designs, you can keep your loved ones close. Pin it to the inside of your wedding gown, or the inside of your tuxedo. You could also make cufflinks for your groom with his dad's photo in it, for example, which is both personal and a special touch he can share easily with those closest to him.

People who love to cook and bake often dream of cooking their own wedding meal. It seems wrong to pay a caterer so much money when you know how to make delicious and satisfying food. And yet, the last thing you want is to be stressing over an undercooked roast, or hurrying to finish baking the chicken, all while wearing a wedding dress. It's truly best to leave the catering to the pros. And yet, there is one thing you can do yourself. You can bake your own wedding cake. Read more...