CelebNews@Usmagazine.com! - Celebrity Wedding Dos and Don'ts

How far in advance should you start shopping for a wedding dress like Fergie? When's the perfect time to sent out invites like Ashlee Simpson? WeddingChannel.com deputy editor Summer Krecke fills Usmagazine.com in.

Q: In the May 2008 issue of Glamour, Fergie said she had just started looking for a wedding dress even though she's been engaged since December. How much time do you actually need to find the perfect gown?

A: While beginning your dress hunt 6-12 months before your wedding is recommended, don't give yourself anything less than 3-4 months before your wedding date, advises WeddingChannel.com deputy editor Summer Krecke. "Usually a bridal shop will need to start fitting you for your dress 8-12 weeks before your wedding day to ensure that there are no sizing fluctuations.”

Looking for a “glamorous” look like Fergie's? Check out WeddingChannel.com's celebrity-inspired wedding dress selections here.

Q: Ashlee Simpson sent out “Save the Date” e-mail for her wedding to Pete Wentz a week before their nuptials. How far in advance are you expected to send one to your guests?

A: “A week’s notice isn’t really realistic – especially if you're expecting many out-of-town guests to attend your wedding,” notes WeddingChannel.com deputy editor Summer Krecke. While correct wedding etiquette dictates that a notice be sent to out-of-town guests 6-9 months prior to your wedding day, you have the option of doing so by post or by e-mail.

Create your own “Save the Date” ecards here.

Q: Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon didn’t tell their friends and family they were getting married – they surprised them instead with their island ‘I do’s’. What’s the best way to let everyone know you’re getting married?

A: “Preferably before you sell your wedding pictures to a national publication,” jokes WeddingChannel.com deputy editor Summer Krecke. “In all seriousness, there are several steps that need to be taken immediately after you become engaged,” she notes. “These steps should be taken 10-12 months before your wedding day.” Those steps include a formal engagement announcement in your local newspaper, a less-formal announcement made personally to close friends and family and a private confirmation to your employer so they have time to plan accordingly for your honeymoon.

Get more engagement advice from WeddingChannel.com experts here.

Q: First daughter Jenna Bush waited until two months before her wedding to announce her wedding party — what’s the norm?

A: Give your wedding party the same time and consideration you would give yourself, advises WeddingChannel.com deputy editor Summer Krecke. “It’s important that you make your wedding party selections at least 9-12 months before your wedding day to ensure that your close friends or family have time to save and put aside time to help you celebrate your day.”

See more presidential brides here.

Q: Rumor has it Beyonce and Jay-Z didn’t book a florist until a month before their April 4th wedding day. How much time do you actually need?

A: Usually you should give yourself 6-9 months before your actual wedding day so you have time to research local florists and conduct interviews, recommends Summer Krecke, deputy editor of WeddingChannel.com. "You need to first identify what kind of wedding you want to have, then decide what flowers you'd like to incorporate into that and how much you'd like to spend." A florist can then typically give you a cost estimate, show you examples of their past work and even tell you what flowers will be in season during your nuptials.

What's your floral style? Find out with the help of a local florist.

Q: A very-pregnant Jessica Alba and her fiancé Cash Warren recently eloped. How do you celebrate a wedding no one was invited to?

A: If you're the bride or groom, a close friend or even a family member, you can throw a belated reception to celebrate the newly-married couple, suggests WeddingChannel.com deputy editor Summer Krecke. “There's no set rules,” notes Krecke. “If there was no reception to begin with, it's perfectly acceptable for the bride to wear her dress again and to even have a traditional wedding cake." Though gifts may be optional, they should still be heartfelt, notes Krecke. "If the couple neglected to register, a bottle of wine or donation to their favorite charity in their name is an extremely thoughtful gesture."

See baby-bump inspired bridal fashions here.

Week in Review: Heidi Montag's Going to Wed, Angie's Bogus Birth

Related Mariah Carey Posts

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
Stars' Hot Engagement Rings!
Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon Bring PDA to Operation Smile

Related Jessica Alba Posts

"I'm Whipped!"
Jessica Alba Weds Beau Cash Warren
Guess the Baby Bump!

Related Fergie Posts

Fergie and Quentin Tarantino Throw Joint Vegas Birthday Party
Rep: Fergie "Not Preggers"
Black Eyed Peas' Fergie Flashes Her Engagement Ring in New Photo

Related Beyonce Posts

Beyonce's Father on Pregnancy Report: No Comment
Jermaine Dupri: Jay-Z "Doing Great" After Wedding Beyonce
Beyoncé & Jay-Z: Marriage Is Official

Related Ashlee Simpson Posts

Week in Review: Heidi Montag's Going to Wed, Angie's Bogus Birth
Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz Confirm Pregnancy
Week in Review: Cook Wins Idol, Christina Reveals Bra Size