From ABC’s Good Morning America (09/05/10): Tips on how to have the wedding of your dreams on a budget.

Few can argue that Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare has caused some people that may have, otherwise, lived a rather obscure life, to become more than a bit fanatical about making sure that the world knows of their every move. So, it should come as no real shock that these same social networking sites might cause an overly eager friend to “spill the beans” about a couple’s engagement on Facebook or Twitter before they’ve told their families. And, what about the guest that uses these same social networking sites to post status updates with real time, play-by-play, wedding commentary (the good & the not so complimentary) of everything from the Bride and Groom’s choices of attire, food and decor, complete with photographs, before the party has even begun?

Some newlyweds may be giddy knowing that anyone paying attention on the worldwide web can become a “virtual,” albeit uninvited guest at their wedding. It sounds fun, especially since these individuals (some strangers) won’t have to be fed or included in the bar tab!

Others, however, may be more than slightly aggravated that their special day has suddenly become the less than personal and intimate affair they had dreamed about.     

If you’re one of those couples that doesn’t want your family and friends instantaneously posting your wedding details to their Facebook wall and Twitter newsfeeds, the editors at WeddingChannel.com have put together a “Top Five Digital Wedding Guest Don’ts”.  Let your guests in on your wish to not turn your wedding into instant fodder for discussion or, worse yet, criticism by posting this guest guide to your (this part is so hard to write with a straight face) Facebook page, your wedding web site, your blog and/or Twitter newsfeed.   

 “DON’T GIVE A WEDDING DAY PLAY-BY-PLAY.

“Just checked into John and Jane’s wedding.” “Bride walking down the aisle now.” It may be hard to resist, but sharing minute-by-minute details about someone else’s wedding on Facebook, Twitter or foursquare is not okay. Let the bride check-in to her own wedding if she wants. And when it comes to the engagement — make sure you ask the bride whether the happy news is public yet — she might’ve only told a few friends so far and probably won’t appreciate you sharing her engagement news on Facebook instead of her. 

DON’T BE THE PAPARAZZI.

Just because you post what you eat every day on Flickr, doesn’t mean the bride wants her bachelorette party, bridal shower and wedding seen by the world. According to a WeddingChannel.com poll, 40% of brides said posting photos online without permission or even a heads-up was their biggest digital wedding gripe. So ask before posting wedding-related photos and videos, and don’t even think about posting unflattering wedding pictures and risqué bachelorette party videos. 

DON’T RSVP VIA TWEET.

Unless the bride said “RSVP on Twitter,” chances are she wants you to RSVP via mail. Not to mention, posting on your friend’s Facebook wall may trigger drama. Who knows who the bride didn’t invite! 

DON’T COMPLAIN ONLINE.

Bride’s being a bridezilla? Hate your bridesmaid dress? If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t post it online-because chances are it will spread like viral fire, and you don’t want the bride to find out. Or do you? 

DON’T FORGET THE GIFT.

In this digital age, it doesn’t take that much effort to go online and buy a gift—especially when you can easily find a couple’s registry just by entering the bride’s name on WeddingChannel.com. ”

Don’t be a wedding tweet twit. Give your fingers, friends, fans and followers a much deserved rest. The Bride & Groom will appreciate your consideration and undivided attention.

“Groomology” is a book every Groom should not only read, but keep with him as a reference throughout the wedding planning process. It’s an entertaining look at serious ways Grooms-to-be can be active participants in the planning while helping their Brides-to-be avoid so much unneeded stress.  

As a guide to “what every (smart) Groom needs to know before the wedding,” it’s filled with extremely helpful and useful information. Plus, did I mention, it’s entertaining!

Like the Grooms that have borrowed the book from me, most engaged guys will enjoy the rather quick read. One of its unique selling points is that it is written from another guy’s perspective. You won’t be hearing Martha Stewart or any other so-called, female wedding expert in your head as you get into the meat of information that is sure to win you accolades from your Bride for years to come. 

The author, Michael Essany,was the host of  “The Michael Essany Show” on E! Entertainment Television. As a recent groom himself, Essany saw the need for an intelligent guide that would help the couple plan their wedding together.

“Groomology” Contents:

Let “Groomology” show you how becoming a partner in the wedding process can make the whole event more enjoyable, meaningful, and memorable. Time and time again, soon-to-be husbands only tackle what the bride-to-be has told them to do. “Groomology” outlines these traditional Groom’s duties but goes a step further to instruct Grooms in the art of getting involved.

Grooms Will Learn The Best Strategies For A Happy Bride Including: Being Sensitive To the Bride’s Needs and Worries. Taking Over Tasks the Bride Doesn’t Want. Understanding How Much Work Goes Into It All. Reducing Her Stress. Giving an Opinion. Letting Go of an Opinion. Being Creative. The One Thing He Needs to Do…(More “Groomology” contents). 

For more information about “Groomology,” including excerpts from the book, visit the listing on Amazon. Then…buy the book! You AND your Bride will be glad you did!

You’re Invited To:

You're Invited To "The Magic Behind An Extraordinary Wedding Celebration!"

Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment presents an entertaining and informative workshop for EVERY Kansas City Bride & Groom that wants their wedding reception to be unique, personal and fun!

Registration proceeds to benefit Wish Upon a Wedding, enriching lives by granting wedding and civil union ceremony wishes to terminally ill individuals at locations throughout the United States.

No matter your budget, you can enjoy the wedding reception of your dreams. Popular, Kansas City Wedding Entertainment Director™, Ron Ruth, will share the tips, tricks and secrets of how you can use…

…Detailed Planning

…Personal Touches

…Emotional Surprises

to design and create an extraordinarily fun wedding celebration that your family and friends will rave about for years to come.

When: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 / 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Hilton Garden Inn Hotel / 19677 E. Jackson Dr / Independence, MO 64057

Cost : $5.00 (Proceeds benefit Wish Upon A Wedding)
Grooms Admitted FREE With Their Bride!
Advance Registration Only!

Additional Information and Registration Here!

Ron Ruth is a certified, Wedding Entertainment Director™, owner of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment and has authored and presented a number of seminars and workshops designed to assist Brides and Grooms enjoy extraordinarily fun wedding celebrations. Ron has also been a featured speaker at regional DJ conferences and local, professional associations.