So many of us worry worry worry and then worry some more about what is considered propper etiquette when it comes to making decisions about our weddings and what our guests will view as appropriate and inappropriate. One of the best pieces of advice I received during the planning of my wedding was: "Do what will make YOURSELF--and your groom-- happy". The wedding day and the reception is for the happy couple. It should not be a day of worrying whether or not aunt Pippy (no such person exists--I hope) liked the favor choice or the wedding cake. I have always been a perfectionist and wanted my wedding to be perfect, I wanted everyone to be happy, I wanted everything to go smoothly, but most importantly I wanted to enjoy all of our hard work. I just couldn't enjoy myself if I was thinking about everyone else. I decided that day to throw the rules out the window. Should I have gone to every table and greeted everyone by name, etiquette says yes---did I? no, there were a few people I missed (which a "friend" pointed out to me the next week by saying: You never came to our table to say hi." The truth is though that I circulated throughout the cocktail hour so that I would get the "bride's duties" out of the way. Not to mention that SOOOOOOOO many people approached me at the church, on the dancefloor, on the way to the bathroom, IN the bathroom...you name it. I also made sure to circulate myself and approach my guests on the dance floor, and during the viennese hour. I just didn't see the importance of going to each table as a couple. We also made sure that we thanked people via the microphone. Did I have a great time? ABSOLUTELY. Did I worry about people getting their feelings hurt by not going to the table? Not at all, because people who sit there and grumble that the bride and groom didn't have the time to stand at their table for the acceptable amount of time just aren't the type of people I would want to call friends... and my family would not even think of making an issue of that. As for the posed question--would I care if I didn't get a favor of five wrapped chocolates, the answer is not at all. I would rather see the happy couple spend that money on their future home or an extra night on their honeymoon. I don't need coasters, candy dishes, chocolates, or anything wrapped--just be happy and enjoy your day. I am all for moving out of the old custom of giving favors; weddings are so expensive to begin with. Start a revolution--Enjoy your wedding, don't fret about it. God Bless you as you plan your fairytale.