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Today’s earlier post (which asked you all to be inspired about your wedding food) naturally reminded me of all the weddings I’ve been to where the food was anything *but* inspired. The worst was probably a wedding at a hotel a few years ago, where the only thing I found remotely edible was strangely the calamari. Everything else was horribly overcooked, bland, and displayed in huge portions which remained uncomfortably clammy. A note to that hotel staff: Spaghetti should not be mushy. A strand should not break into four pieces when you try to pick it up. Need I say more? But perhaps the worst tale I’ve heard of wedding food is from a friend, who reported that a recent wedding, which took place at a strip-mall catering hall, tried so hard to look fancy and yet was so obviously cheap. Tiny portions of chicken were dust-dry, while the beef was so tough it was literally impossible to cut it with the knife. But surely that can’t be the worst wedding food you’ve ever experienced. I’d love to hear your tales of strange concoctions and terrible caterers! What’s the worst wedding food you’ve ever endured? Tell us by clicking the blue “comments” button below.

For a lot of people, choosing what to serve at their wedding starts with finding a caterer they like and can afford. Then they choose between the half-dozen entree choices and the assorted appetizers that caterer typically provides. But the catering bill will most like be the largest portion of your budget, it makes sense to think outside the box slightly and make sure the menu reflects your wedding and who you are as a couple. That’s why I love this new interactive feature on the New York Times website, a gallery of reader-submitted foods from their weddings. Looking at the different dishes and menus, you can really sense who each of the couples is, and what their wedding was like. You might also want to read the accompanying article , which details how couples are opting for more “down home” menus in light of the recession. Unfortunately, the writer primarily profiled wealthy Los Angeles couples for whom the menu change is not really about spending less money, but rather the perception that they have. Here are some actual ways to save money on your wedding food .

At least one cake is Toasted Triple Coconut Cake .

Have you bought a wedding gown, bridesmaid dress or any other item or service with Victoria’s Bridal Couture ? Have you just come in to visit and loved the service? Did you get terrible service or we did not meet up to your expectations? …

I recently had the small child of a friend ask me “What’s a wedding?” and in explaining it to her, I realized that the simple definition was really interesting. Is a wedding the pomp and circumstance, the expensive dress, and elaborate reception? Or is it the simplicity of two people exchanging wedding vows? Here’s how I define What is a Wedding . Coincidentally on the same day, another friend seemed to be confusing a wedding with legal marriage when talking about the battles for gay marriage around the country. When I got married, my husband and I decided not to get legally married because the state’s recognition didn’t mean anywhere near as much as the recognition of our family and friends. While we might get legally married one day, especially if there is more equality in rights for all people, our wedding day will always be the day we actually got married. Here’s what I think is The Difference Between a Wedding, a Marriage, and a Legal Marriage .

If you’ve ever visited Awkward Family Photos , you know the joy of looking at terrible fashion, strange poses, and hilarious moments caught on film. They’ve even got a few wedding photos on there, like this recent gem of a couple strangely posed sitting in a basket! Esquire magazine is biting off the website with their recent story of terrible wedding fashion. It’s definitely worth a click through, although I’m not sure I agree with all of their snarky comments. For one, they criticize the ascot worn with a traditional morning suit (formal wear for a daytime event) which is classic and appropriate. Certainly, it’s not the “bib” that they call it. But definitely there are some funny fashion faux-pas that are worth checking out. What do you think? Did Esquire get their snark right?

A third option for dressing your flower girl in couture is to get her a dress that is completely different from all of the other dresses in your wedding party, including the bridesmaid dresses as well as your own gown. …

I got an email yesterday from a reader who’s planning a wedding. As his friends are scattered all over the world, he wanted to know if I had a sample email wedding invitation. I don’t. I’ve always held that if you are asking your wedding guests to come to the most important event of your life, especially if they have to travel, you should take the time to send printed invitations. In recent years, as brides and grooms have become increasingly aware of ecological impacts and green weddings, environmental advocates have suggested that you use email wedding invitations. And sure, printing and mailing 150 invitations has an environmental impact, but you canuse recycled paper and non-toxic inks. And it would make a bigger difference to eliminate the junk mail that comes to your house or reuse your printer paper than to sacrifice your wedding invitations. On the otherhand, if you already live completely green in your daily life, then your wedding will only be your own if you also make your wedding completely green. What do you readers think? Would you take an emailed wedding invitation seriously? Is it too hard on the environment to send printed invitations?

By Dr. Taffy Wagner, CEPF, WedNet Specialist Blogger on Wedding Money, http://www.DebtAtTheAltar.com That title got your attention didn’t it! Hold on to your seat because I am going to change it up for you. I am well aware that you are the shopper in the relationship and your fianc