So, when should an engaged couple's parents meet? Would it be too late to make the introduction at the wedding? Is it rare for parents to not meet before the wedding?

These questions came up during a recent conversation over a slab of ribs at a Memorial Day cookout I attended at my FMIL's (future mother-in-law) house. The ribs were amazing. The barrage of questions from the FMIL inquiring why she hasn't met my mother yet -- not so much. I was slightly stressed out by it all!

Needless to say, the FMIL is anxious to meet my mother. The introduction hasn't happened yet. It's not because I don't want it to. It just hasn't happened. Yet.

My mother works all the time. His mother is retired. The last get together we attempted to arrange was at our catering tasting a few months ago. My mother picked up an extra shift at work so the meeting never happened. And with four months to go, the Mister and I realize that we have to try harder to set up this parental meet and greet to avoid any uncomfortable feelings on our wedding day.

For the record, we've met each other's families. They've just never been in the same room together. Family is important to both of us. It's one of the main reasons why we are having this wedding. We want our families to celebrate this special time with us. If not for our families, we would have eloped a long time ago! I personally don't think it would be the worst thing in the world if our mothers met on the wedding day.

Boston.com, help me out with this one. When did you introduce your parents to the future in-laws? Any other married couples out there wait until the wedding day?

Just when I thought I had my 'Tarjay' addiction under control...

On Tuesday, Target launched TEVOLIO, a new collection of bridal wear sold exclusively on Target.com. TEVOLIO features a line of four affordable wedding dresses ranging in price from $69.99 to $129.99 -- budget-conscious brides-to-be everywhere rejoice! In addition to the bridal gown styles, TEVOLIO also features customizable dresses for the entire bridal party.

I enjoy the simple and modern design aesthetic coming out of this collection. These dresses would be ideal for a summer elopement or a carefree and casual outdoor wedding. Target is also becoming a more preferred place where fashionista-in-training types go to shop on a dime.

Noteworthy point: TEVOLIO offers each gown in a range of sizes spanning from 2 to 18!

This news comes just in time as I prepare to go wedding dress shopping tomorrow (I know, I'm cutting it way too close to the wedding date!). I hope to find the perfect dress for me, but it's good to know Target is providing a cost-effective back-up plan!

Check out the collection here.

After receiving a few semi-aggressive inbox messages from a friend of a family member inquiring about whether or not she is invited to our wedding, we recently had to let her know that she will not be receiving an invitation. At first, I felt terrible for not being able to invite her. Then I read up on the latest statistics on how much wedding guests spend on each wedding they attend and I felt alot better about our decision.

She should thank us. We saved her wallet!

Earlier this month, American Express released a survey stating that wedding guests can expect to spend an average of $539 for each wedding they attend in 2013. That's a hefty increase of $200 from last year. A huge portion of this amount goes towards travel expenses, a new outfit and accessories for those aiming to be the most fashionable guest in the building, and the purchase of a wedding gift.

Spending that type of cash per wedding adds up, but it's a consequence of having friends at the average marrying age who are, well, getting married all in the same year!

These figures surprised me. I've been so consumed with making sure that the Mister and I stay within a healthy budget that it never occurred to me that our invited guests share similar challenges.

My curiosity led me to poll my Facebook friends to find out how many weddings they were attending this year. The highest count came in at four. I thought that was an excessive amount until I read about this guy. If Jeremy Wallace were an actual real person, he would get a "Friend of the Year" award. The fictitious story alleges that he has spent every weekend for the past three years attending weddings! Whoa. What about this guy? Poor Christopher Sledzik. CNN reported that he spent over $10K during a whirlwind wedding season in 2012. Yikes!

Chime in, readers. Are you on course to beat Jeremy Wallace's record? Or are you racking up debt like Christopher Sledzik trying to keep up with the wedding goer Joneses? How many weddings do you have lined up this season?

Every engaged couple deserves a sacred place where wedding chitchat is both embraced and celebrated. That place is the Boston Bridal Lounge.

Located on posh Newbury Street, Boston Bridal Lounge is the ultimate one-stop shop for all things wedding. During a recent visit, I met co-founder Eleni Granas and wedding adviser, Liz Romano, who graciously invited me to drop by and dish on the progress of my wedding plans. Within minutes, I received referrals for a florist, baker, and places to host a rehearsal dinner. Eleni and Liz made me feel incredibly comfortable, and trust me when I tell you, they know their stuff!

Decorated with lush tablescapes, inspiring vision boards, and binders full of valuable vendor referrals, the boutique is designed to provide engaged couples with inspiration and resources to help plan a smooth and seamless wedding day. Couples can also tap into the talents of the Boston Bridal Lounge team who offer in-house wedding planning services. I was impressed, and I left feeling rejuvenated with new ideas and a pocketful of vendor contacts to help the Mister and I as we enter the home stretch of our own planning. Five months to go...and counting!

Boston Bridal Lounge is located at 125 Newbury Street. Schedule a complimentary appointment today by visiting www.bostonbridallounge.com.

Beyonce said it best when she sang, "if you liked it than you should have put a ring on it."

However, a recent survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate reveals that the game has changed. In fact, 1 in 4 married millennials (ages 18-34) purchased their homes before purchasing an engagement ring. For some young couples, buying a home together has become "the new engagement ring," says Robi Ludwig, Coldwell Banker's "lifestyle correspondent" and psychotherapist who assisted with the study.

The tune has changed. Now it sounds more like, "if you like it then you better put a back yard, porch, granite countertops, and finished basement on it."

As with getting married, purchasing a home is a major life event. The happily ever after that we all strive for comes with alot of hard work. Prepare to have honest conversations about finances with your partner before deciding to purchase a home together. For some, that may include admitting to the secret bank account you use for the occasional Nordstrom Rack shopping spree or sharing the details of your debt with the person you're about to spend the rest of your life with.

Another good practice is to set realistic priorities. If it's an uber-chic wedding that you both desire, have it. If it's an ultra-modern, yummy new home, go for it. Keep your eyes on the end result together and it will strengthen your bond.

The Mister and I are getting married first. Our goal is to own a home together before our second wedding anniversary. I've been a lifelong renter. He owns a condo that we both live in now. Life is good and it's about to get a whole lot better!

Boston.com readers, what do you think? Did you purchase your home before getting married or did you wait until after the wedding?

Photo Credit: iStock Photo