Im not getting hitched but...

Has anyone been to lately?
I have to say, I really enjoy this site, whether or not I'm seeing anyone. I love to look at all the sweet stuff that couples can get. Not to mention, if you just sign up, you get loads of coupons and discounts on things.

Did you know, for example, there is absolutely no reason to go buy large bridal guides at the store? They have a great section just for bridal gowns, where you can search by designer, style, and price. They also have sections where you can see the latest trends in cakes, listings of local cakeries, and you can search for rings all in one easy to use site. Not to mention all the nifty extras that make planning weddings so fun: the flowers, the invitations, planning the shower and bachelorette party.

There are also testimonials and ideas from "Real Weddings." Folks who have used the site and all it has to offer to create their dream wedding. There's another section for "Maids and Moms" all just for planning the perfect showers, with fun games, themes, and even etiquette tips.

I personally enjoyed the 6 gift-giving tips. As a person who has several family members and friends getting married in succession, I needed to know how much to spend, and whether I had to give a shower AND a wedding gift. Apparently, I do. Oh, and PS: no vibrators at showers when there are mixed ages or co-eds involved. Guess I better keep those to myself. ;)

I also learned that there are some weird superstitions. Like, the third gift opened, is the next girl pregnant. How funny...Mine was first, so it will be first to be used. The third one opened was already pregnant! I could not help but chuckle when I read that. I'll have to remember never to have my gift opened third.

They even had a section entitled, "How to Deal with a Difficult Bride." One of my friends is getting married next year. She has already begun making demands on her Maid of Honor, from hair, to makeup, to how she will have her dress carried down the aisle. With a year to go, I'm not sure my girl is gonna make it to the wedding without killing the bride. So, I'll be pointing her to this article, as well as those on "Bride Etiquette."

One of the greatest aspects of the site is it gives you a helpful section specifically for Wedding Planning. You can create a budget, make a checklist, create a guestlist, and keep a notebook, all online. Whereas something like this once would have required a large binder, full of images and notes all falling out, it's now all together in one place.

There is even an engagement ring builder so, if he hasn't popped the question, and you'd like to show your girls what you want...well, now's the time to let them know! One of my friend's I expect to be engaged in the next few months. So, I have sent her the website and the ring builder. I want to know what she wants! I have a feeling her man (wonderful though he is), will definitely need a bit of help.

All in all, TheKnot.com is a great website. It provides loads of great information, and has great advice. But don't forget to use your own common sense in the long run. For example, if your best friend is a baker, have her create 2 large sheet cakes, and get a small wedding cake for show. If you are going to have a bachelorette party and you have money, but most of your friends don't, do not go out to some super-expensive club or go bar-hopping. Stick to what they (and you) can afford. To be honest, it's all about a little give and take - weddings are really for those involved. TheKnot has tried to make it fun, and stress-free for all.