I’m just getting so excited. Next week right now we’ll be in a fabulous reception.
I’ll share the venues after it’s over.
Loved photos of Pippa’s wedding. Loved her dress - I am sick of strapless “sexy” whatever dresses, so that dress was a breath of fresh air. Little Charlotte is soooo cute. 
I am soooo glad strapless appears to be on its way out!
@Bestfriendsgirl why? Strapless looks terrific on some folks!
There was a time a while back when practically all wedding dresses were strapless, and I’m glad that’s over. Brides should have more choices. But it would be a shame to see strapless disappear completely – some people like that look.
Because strapless doesn’t look terrific on lots and lots who want it because it’s a hot style.
On so many (on Say Yes,) the top simply doesn’t fit, too big, or worse, too small. I know they tailor, but ya gotta accept your shape. I hate to see them hiking up their tops, on an expensive dress.
Strapless can also highlight tan lines for some brides and bridesmaids. I think there are some beautiful strapless gowns out there, but I’m glad that the options have expanded. D wore a lace dress that had a cap sleeve and round neck, but that had a strapless underlayer (pardon terminology). When we looked at dresses two years back, it seemed like the majority were strapless.
@thumper1 - but it seemed like every. single. dress. was lopped off above the bustline. I’m a big fan of Say YesTo The Dress and on an episode a while back one of the consultants stated that 90 percent of the dresses in stock were strapless.
And 90% of brides don’t have the arms and shoulders for it. 
I’m not a mom but I did get engaged this weekend!!! And I’m telling everyone!!! I hope I can utilize this thread instead of continuing to lurk, because the advice seems invaluable!!!
Huge congrats, @rebeccar!
Congratulations Rebeccar
@VaBluebird -I’m looking forward to hearing about it.
Younger D is basically engaged. They are sorting out the ring. They just bought a house and he doesn’t have a lot of money for a ring. His Mom has given him a family ring but my D doesn’t love it. She is also realizing that she won’t be able to wear a traditional engagement ring when she rides her horse or while working around the barn. She isn’t the most careful person and would be the sort to lose or forget where she put the ring if she took it off to ride. She is wondering if getting a pretty band as an engagement ring is odd. I told her it’s up to the two and of them. I think she will seriously consider a small family wedding and take the cash.
Meanwhile my S and his fiancé still don’t have a wedding date set. I’m keeping my opinions to myself.
@mom60 – an engagement ring is not mandatory. Nor is there any requirement that an engagement ring be worn all the time-- certainly it would make sense to leave a ring at home when doing something outdoorsy.
@calmom she knows she doesn’t need a ring to be engaged nor does she feel it needs to be worn all the time. She is at the barn daily so a ring is actually a nuisance or something that will sit at home. Some riders won’t ride in any ring even a band.
I think that given her lifestyle, perhaps there is some alternative to an engagement ring that would be far more meaningful to her — if an object is even necessary. Since they have bought a house, perhaps they could get something nice to commemorate their engagement that could be displayed in the house – maybe a photo? My son an almost DIL arranged for an engagement photo shoot with the photographer they hired for their wedding, and the photos are awesome.
Of course I understand that it is their problem to figure out… it’s just that its silly to spend money on a ring that they can’t afford and that she isn’t going to wear.
Over 30 years of marriage here and no engagement rings - and no regrets.
No engagement ring here, either.
No engagement ring here, too.
Well add me, though my grandmother later had a stone of hers reset.
Someone I know got the engagement tattoo
We’ve managed to make it through over 31 years of marriage without an engagement ring. DH couldn’t afford one, and I didn’t care enough to get one even when we could afford it.