I come from a family that isn’t what you would call close. We all keep to ourselves and only meet up about once a year for the holidays. I'm also an only child. So, when I found out that my boyfriend had a tight-knit family and multiple siblings, I was beyond excited and couldn't wait to join a family who invested in each other.

Soon after meeting the man I knew I was going to marry, I flew to his parents' house for Thanksgiving. I never thought anything could go wrong but I still had this weird, nervous feeling in my gut. I rationalized that I was getting frazzled because of the fact that these people would be my future in-laws — forever. My boyfriend at the time was also a bit nervous because I was the first woman he had ever dated and brought home to meet his parents.

Photo by: Serendipity Corner Photography on Polka-Dot Bride via Lover.ly

Photo Credit: Kristilee Parish Photography on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

You’ve been putting work into your fitness plan since that engagement ring slid onto your finger. Now comes the big night before the big day that threatens to set back all that progress: the bachelorette party. Of course, you want one that’s memorable, but for all the right reasons. Drop some hints to your bridal party about how to have a fit and fun gathering with some of the theme ideas below — or just hand over this article!

Au Naturale
Go as a group to a yoga class, then get massages or have a masseuse come to the host’s house. Too much stress can have negative effects on your body, behavior, and mood. You can also set up one or two stations where guests can make massage oils and scented soaps or candles from scratch. And have all the attendees bring a raw food dish made from a vegetable or fruit that has “aphrodisiac” benefits, along with the recipe, so you can have them for future reference. As a game, have attendees write down what they think the ‘sexy’ benefit is and read them aloud.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner — and the holiday marks the unofficial end to the unofficial "engagement season" (the most popular time to pop the question is between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day).

Hoping for a ring on Valentine's Day? There's a good chance it may resemble one of these stunners — Josh Holland from Blue Nile tells us that these rings have been flying off their shelves in January. 

1. Petite Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum 
A classic solitaire gets some extra bling from a half circle of pavé diamonds.

2. Monique Lhuillier Twist Halo Engagement Ring in Platinum 
We're loving this unique twisted band!

In The Emily Post Institute's latest book, Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette: 6th Edition, Emily's great-great-granddaughters Anna and Lizzie Post tackle modern-day wedding questions that the original etiquette expert never could've dreamed about, from how to use (wisely) use technology, the rules for same-sex weddings, and much more. Here, the fourth generation of Posts discuss the most common bridal shower games and traditions.

Photo Credit: Day 7 Photography on DIY Bride via Lover.ly

Party games for bridal showers are greeted with groans or giggles. It’s all in good fun, and even if party games aren’t your thing, as the guest of honor, be a good sport and go along with what your hosts have planned. Here are some of the more popular, time-tested traditions and entertainment.

The Ribbon Bouquet
The bridesmaids collect all the ribbons from the bride’s shower presents and gather them into a bouquet for the bride to carry at the wedding rehearsal. (My grandmother remembers doing this at her bridal showers!).