NEWSWhat Would the Countess Do? Bridesmaids on a Budget
April 19 2010, Published 8:22 a.m. ET
When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week, we got the Countess’ take on banning books and the proper etiquette behind being a good bridesmaid on a budget!
The famed Twilight series is No. 5 on the list of challenged books, organized by the American Library Association. As a parent, do you have concerns about themes in the Twilight series?
It’s always a challenge to get to kids read, mine included. The best way to get a kid to read a book is to ban it! Why are parents and educators challenging the Twilight series when these books have inspired so many teens to read? Young people read books that stimulate their imaginations and that contain themes relevant to their lives. The sexual undertones in the Twilight novels are tame. I am against censorship and believe that the “Twilight” books should be included in every library.
Tip: Keep up with what your children are reading. If you feel that a book is not appropriate for your child, ban it at home but not from your local library!
WHAT WOULD THE COUNTESS DO?: FIGHTS AT WORK, AIRING DIRTY LAUNDRY
May, June, July is prime time wedding season, but not everyone has a celebrity budget! Help!
How to be a great bridesmaid without a celebrity’s budget:
1. Remember that your job first and foremost is to help the bride. Emotional support is within every bridesmaid’s budget.
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2. The Maid of Honor traditionally organizes the bridal shower with the bridesmaids pitching in financially. If you are on a tight budget, you can suggest that the shower be held in your or a friend’s home rather than a restaurant. Why not host a luncheon or cocktail party rather than going to an expensive restaurant?
3. Be prepared to buy and wear whatever bridesmaid dress the bride chooses. It is the bride’s prerogative; so put on the taffeta and smile.
4. You will be expected to pitch in for the bachelorette party. Instead of a destination party (like in The Hangover), you could suggest an evening closer to home at the bride-to-be’s favorite restaurants and nightspots.
5. The wedding gift you choose should fit your budget. If you can’t afford to buy a gift off the registry, you can make the wedding gift yourself or buy something not on the registry that you think the bride will enjoy.
6. Remember, your job doesn’t end when the honeymoon begins. As one of the bride’s closest friends, she’ll need your friendship and support throughout her life.
For everything Countess LuAnn, check out , follow her on Twitter and check out her Facebook page!
Tune in to Bravo on Thursdays at 10 ET for the third season of The Real Housewives of New York.
