Wedded Bits: Brides Magazine

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Brides Magazine

Is your groom wearing a boutonniere for the wedding?

We want to know if you're passionate about having your man walk down the aisle with a boutonniere or if you're eliminating that from your wedding.... read more

November 9, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
A DIY backyard wedding

Think a reception at home won't be...special enough? The easygoing, enchanting touches in our "Homecoming" feature, including flatware wrapped in bandanas, carafes of champagne and cherries, and floral coasters, are guaranteed to turn any backyard into a charming wedding venue. Bonus for all you DIYers: we've got hands-on details aplenty, from "chandeliers" to tablecloths. ... read more

November 6, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Tipping 101

Everyone knows how much to tip a waiter, but what about your altar boy or the d.j.? Our November/December issue's tipping guide eliminates all the guesswork, so there's one less thing to keep you up at night.... read more

November 5, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Runway-inspired hair and makeup for your wedding day

When our editors are checking out the latest look on the bridal runways, they're noticing a lot more than the gowns—the models' hair and makeup make a big impression, too. Clips, bows, and diamond tiaras incorporated into a classic up-do? Tresses flowing in loose curls down the open back? Bright red lips and smoky eyes or a natural look with rosy cheeks? ... read more

November 4, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
BRIDES & WPJA photo contest

Whether it's a photo of the flower girl with her head stuck in a pouffy white dress or a pretty-in-pink bride showing off her personal flair, we've got the 10 most romantic/heart-warming/humorous photos of the year. BRIDES magazine voted for the best candid photos from photographers from New York City to Switzerland in categories such as dancing, cultures/customs, toasting, and kids.... read more

November 3, 2009 12:30 PM

category: Brides Magazine
What are you doing about hair/makeup for your wedding?

BRIDES magazine wants to know what you'll be doing for your hair and makeup on the big day. Vote now!... read more

November 2, 2009 10:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Operation Dream Dress update

Our November/December cover is revolutionary: For the first time in our 75-year history, we let our readers choose our cover gown! Created by newbie designer Amy Wong Micucci, it was the winning gown in our 2009 Operation Dream Dress contest—and is now available at David's Bridal. ... read more

October 30, 2009 11:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Save the date: in a frame

Here's a fun new idea for an artsy save the date. Go to alphabetphotography.com and spell out your names using photographs of letters "found" in nature or architecture (starting at $5 a letter plus the cost of the frame). Or use numbers at framethedate.com to immortalize your wedding date (frames starting at $75). ... read more

October 29, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Book Review: Budget Weddings For Dummies

Those yellow and black covers call from the bookshelves whenever we're feeling clueless—about wine tasting, astrology, gardening—any topic we know very little (or nothing) about. Same goes for Budget Weddings For Dummies, which covers wedding planning from a dollar-sensitive point of view, with tips on avoiding hidden fees, getting the most our of your reception site, and scoring a deal with your vendors. ... read more

October 28, 2009 10:45 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Stuffed cupcakes are a big, fat hit

There's been a lot of buzz about cupcakes at weddings lately, and we're not over it yet! One complaint about these mini-morsels: We love the icing, and we wish there were more of it! This one's for you, icing lover. The Petite Cafe's stuffed cupcakes, filled with the gooey goods, ensure that you won't have to worry about eating all of the good stuff in one bite.... read more

October 27, 2009 12:30 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Ivanka Trump's wedding

What kind of a wedding would you expect when two billionaire heirs marry? Only the best. Ivanka Trump, The Donald's daughter, wed her media mogul fiancee Jared Kushner, this Sunday at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, NJ. For a wedding that was pulled together in three months, Ivanka aimed high: Vera Wang made her dress, the bridesmaids' frocks were by Carolina Herrera, Preston Bailey planned the wedding's look, and Sylvia Weinstock created the cake. ... read more

October 26, 2009 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Outdoor weddings: A DO or DON'T?

Outdoor weddings look so peaceful, so charming, so...fun! A small-scale BBQ in your backyard, a full-blown tent (complete with chandeliers!) on a ranch, a seaside wedding in the Bahamas—they all sound great. But lately, we've heard from guests who've had to cope with high-heels sinking into the grass, obnoxious mosquitoes, and the most dreaded wedding menace of all: rain.... read more

October 26, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Stationery to match your global affairs

There are some weddings for which a classic white invite just won't do. Say, if you're having a spectacular Indian celebration with a mendi ceremony, sitar music, and, say, an elephant. Or a Persian affair with esfand incense and a spread of symbolic foods. Or a Japanese wedding complete with a sake ceremony.... read more

October 23, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Invitations & Stationery
NY Bridal Market: Jewels at Priscilla of Boston

This week's Priscilla of Boston show, appropriately named "Jewel," was all about embellishment—a mix of classic and contemporary gowns encrusted with beading, rhinestones, and pearls. It's easy to play it cool with this much ice on your dress. Talk about red carpet potential! ... read more

October 22, 2009 4:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
NY Bridal Market: Here's to Hue, Jim Hjelm

In a world of white dresses, it's always refreshing (and surprising) to see some color. So the softly shaded styles at The Jim Hjelm show were a particular delight. First up, a parade of blush-toned ball gowns—many decorated with crystal beading and appliques. ... read more

October 21, 2009 5:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
NY Bridal Market: Sweetheart deals by Tara Keely

I'll be the first to admit it: Sweetheart necklines has never floated my fashion boat. However, I must give major props to the Tara Keely show for turning out some of the prettiest this season. There were several incarnations of this classic curved bodice—some asymmetrically draped, other embellished with beading and pleated trim.... read more

October 21, 2009 3:30 PM

category: Brides Magazine
NY Bridal Market: Alvina Valenta's glamour girls

With mellow tunes in the air, the look at Alvina Valenta was progressive princess, as the skirts (some big, some not so much) showcased fab details. My faves: A tulle strapless style scattered with barely-there jeweled flowers and a duchess satin frock with a fantastic side swept pick-up train.... read more

October 21, 2009 12:30 PM

category: Brides Magazine
NY Bridal Market: Badgley Mischka

The two-man team behind the Badgley Mischka label—Mark Badgley and James Mischka—put on a runway show this week that was all about asymmetrical bridal dresses (specifically the one-shouldered look) and feminine, ruffled accents for bridesmaids. ... read more

October 20, 2009 5:30 PM

category: Brides Magazine
NY Bridal Market: Bridesmaid dresses in every color by Jenny Yoo

Jenny Yoo has always had a simply superb way with bridesmaids dresses; this season, she's tapped into the entire rainbow. Persimmon, tangerine, teal, lime—whether you picture your maids in flowing maxi dresses or a fitted, flared frock, this collection is the most colorful we've seen yet. ... read more

October 20, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
NY Bridal Market: Anne Bowen, bringing sexy back

The setting couldn't have been more timeless: a forest of white hydrangeas, orchids, and birch branches at New York's Plaza Hotel, with a couple of violinists providing the soundtrack. And Anne Bowen's choice of fabrics was equally classic: silk, chiffon, and organza in varying shades of white.... read more

October 19, 2009 3:30 PM

category: Brides Magazine
NY Bridal Market: Jenny Lee's flower power

New York Bridal market kicked off this weekend and we've got front-row pictures previewing some of the best trends we're seeing. One statement we fell hard for: Floral embellishments. They were everywhere: draped from a halter top neckline, cinched at the waist, cascading down the train, and perched on headbands and hair clips.... read more

October 19, 2009 10:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
A food lover's dream wedding

This summer I was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Sarah Kagan, a close friend who's also the food editor of Epicurious. Sarah and her now-husband Jason are master entertainers. I get hungry thinking about parties they've hosted, which I tend to remember based on the menu. (Ever since the warm summer night when I tasted her grilled scallops with just the right amount of lemon and butter, shellfish has never been the same.)... read more

October 16, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
BRIDES November/December Cover Shoot

Want to know what goes into producing the cover of BRIDES magazine? Our November/December cover video is a behind-the-scenes look at how we prep the set, style our model, and let those cameras shoot away.... read more

October 15, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Send us an anonymous story, we'll send you a prize

We've all been there: A best friend turns into Bridezilla and you pick up the pieces, without complaint. Now's your chance to tell all. Give us the scoop in 100 words or less and your story may be published in our March issue. We don't need names (obvi) but we do want the juicy details! Email all entries to editor_brides@condenast.com by November 16th and please put "Bridezilla stories" in the subject line.
... read more

October 14, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
A look inside our November/December issue

Here's what you'll find inside our November/December issue on sale today: Fun (and affordable) ideas for the new girls' night out; tips on how to goof-proof your wedding invites; strategies for get the most from your budget, and more!... read more

October 13, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
BRIDES Dressing Room iphone application

BRIDES magazine just launched a great new iPhone and iPod Touch application: BRIDES Dressing Room. Planning a wedding on the go just got a whole lot easier. Browse through hundreds of wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses, search for a retailer near you, even schedule an appointment!... read more

October 12, 2009 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Take note: deceased relatives cannot be members of the wedding

Another filing from the world of weddings: An editor who prefers to remain anonymous reports that she recently opened a wedding program, started reading down the list of wedding party members, and was more than a little surprised to see the bride's deceased father listed next to his (very much alive) wife. It's fine to acknowledge close relatives who have recently passed away... read more

October 12, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Our staffer's origami wedding, inspired by BRIDES

A peek at the clever origami-style accents in the "Homecoming" reception in our November/December issue inspired associate photo editor Kristen to origami-cize her own wedding. Kristen, Jen, and their bridesmaids made over 200 origami stars—by hand.... read more

October 9, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Spring 2010 Bridal Shows - Chicago

I'm just back from the Spring 2010 bridal collections in Chicago, and they are gorgeous!! Volume looks fresh again with ball gowns in soft fabrics and romantic silhouettes adorned with ruffles and flowers. Sexy glamour is back with jeweled looks fit for a red carpet moment down the aisle. ... read more

October 8, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Hottest hair Accessory: FEATHERS

Ooh la la! The hottest hair accessory seen at the Spring 2010 Chicago bridal shows: feathers! Virtually every headpiece designer is featuring plumes in their designs, with feather hair accessories ranging from demure to flamboyant.... read more

October 7, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Rockin' the socks: What the guys are wearing

This morning during the bi-monthly meeting in which we review photos from real weddings, we noticed a surprisingly broad trend: attention-grabbing groomsmen's socks. Time and again we'd see a group of ushers pulling up their pant cuffs to display some pretty hot hose. Green and blue stripes. Brilliant lemon-yellow. Nursery pink. Or vivid argyles like these babies from J. Crew... read more

October 6, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Traditional gifts or cash—what's up in your world?

A bunch of us were just in a meeting in which we were discussing wedding gifts—specifically, whether people in their home towns traditionally gave couples a physical gift or a check. It seems to divide along very regional lines&mdash:one editor who grew up in Brooklyn said that everyone gave money; a woman from New Jersey said guests went right to the gift registry.... read more

October 5, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Registry
The new iPod tie

Think giving your hubby a tie as a present is a yawn? Think again. Meet Thomas Pink's newest innovation: the commuter tie. With a James Bond like secret iPod holder in the necktie's lining, he can listen to his tunes in style without the cord tripping him up. ... read more

October 2, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Emergency! The case of the missing bustle

I was just at a wedding where the bride took her wedding dress to a friend's mother for tailoring. Since the mother wasn't used to sewing bridal gowns, she neglected to put in the loops and buttons you need to bustle the train—which the bride didn't discover until she was getting ready for the reception! ... read more

October 1, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Dresses
Nice save!

According to the "Express Weddings" feature in our September/October issue, one of the smartest strategies for a time-crunched couple is to book a space that's fully equipped (a catering hall, restaurant, or hotel ballroom), instead of finding a raw space that will require you to rent every last piece of equipment, from tables to coat racks to wine glasses.... read more

September 30, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Aruna Seth's new Josie bridal shoe

Every bride wants to sparkle on her wedding day, from her head right down to her toes. Now you can treat your feet to Aruna Seth's new bridal shoe, Josie. This ivory satin court shoe with a Swarovski crystal encrusted bow in the front costs a cool $550—worth it for brides who are as obsessed with their shoes as they are with the groom. ... read more

September 29, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
What not to worry about

The "Idea List" in our September/October issue (on newsstands now) takes a radical approach to wedding planning: Instead of listing things you should be doing, it identifies 30 wedding worries you can toss out the window. A sampling of things NOT to stress about:... read more

September 28, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Plan a wedding in a month?

Most women usually take their time when planning a wedding, but lately we've seen couples speed up the process considerably. "Express Weddings," in our September/October issue, is a guide to a wedding on the quick—we've got blueprints for those with six months, three months, and (gulp!), just one month to put it all together.... read more

September 25, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Paper wedding cake favors

There are lots of cakes out there-designer cakes, molten cakes, frosting-free cakes, special diet cakes-but this cake might be the cutest. Crafty Kauzi, a Seattle-based company, sells favor boxes shaped like cake slices; you can assemble them as a full cake (guests take a piece on the way out), or place at individual table settings. ... read more

September 24, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Favors & Gifts Wedding Cakes & Desserts
Pretty in pink

Imitation is the sincerely form of flattery, so we were tickled—er, pink—by some wedding photos we received from Jennifer. Turns out the bride took inspiration for her entire wedding from the cover of our July/August 2008 issue, which featured a pair of hot-pink satin slingbacks by Christian Louboutin, as well as a bouquet of brillian pink peonies.... read more

September 23, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Real or rip-off?

One of the complaints we get from real brides is that the minute they open their mouth and say "wedding," the cost of whatever they're in the market or—flowers, a cake—seems to double. We decided to get to the root of the matter, and had an investigator interview scores of wedding professionals across the country, asking if they charged brides a premium. ... read more

September 22, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Here comes the bride, R&B edition

Music is one of the things couples use to really personalize their days, and so we created four ceremony playlists in our September/October issue that would appeal to four very different types of couples, from country/western fans to those serious about classic rock. It's one thing to sit in an office and debate lists like these (you wouldn't believe how many songs we discarded!)... read more

September 21, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
A dessert-only reception?

In our September/October issue, the Etiquette Police tackle the topic of all-dessert receptions. The writer wonders if it's tacky not to serve a meal. The police answer in the negative—we say that's it's fine, as long as the invitation indicates that guests aren't sitting down to dinner. ... read more

September 18, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Cakes & Desserts
A wedding made for book lovers

The "Love Letters" fashion portfolio in our current September/October issue gave us the idea for a wedding built around the theme of books. Locations: a private library or independent bookstore. Centerpieces: Piles of leather-bound books. ... read more

September 17, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Monique Lhuillier's BLISSful new dresses

Over the past thirteen years, Monique Lhuillier's fabulous fantasy dresses been spotted at celebrity weddings, including Kevin Costner's wife Christine Baumgartner and Ali Landry. The designing duo behind Monique Lhullier—Monique and her husband Tom Bugbee—have just unveiled a new line of more affordable wedding dresses called Bliss, consisting of 15 styles which will be available worldwide. ... read more

September 16, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Look inside our new issue and win a prize!

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We're giving away thank-you notes from our own BRIDES stationery line (so pretty, if we say so ourselves!) to the first three people who can correctly answer this question: Which 250-year-old company known for its iconic designs is the inspiration for four blue-and-white party style pages in our September/October issue? Post your answer now! ... read more

September 15, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Wedding photos from Milan

When most people dream about getting married in Italy, the dream doesn't normally include the soundtrack (or mess) of pigeons. Standing in front of the Duomo in Milan's central square, I saw not one, but two bridal parties posting for pictures with flocks of pigeons perched on their arms, heads, and yes, even on their clean, white wedding gowns.... read more

September 14, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Snow bunny bride

Thinking ahead to winter and snowy honeymoons, we are loving the new ski goggles by Church and State. There are goggles are embellished with skulls, others with flowers, but our faves (of course!) are pure white goggles with "Just Married" spelled out in Swarovski crystals.... read more

September 11, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Accessories & Jewelry Brides Magazine
The icing's off the cake

Momofuku, a Korean-American noodle bar that opened in Manhattan's East Village in 2004, is way up on the hipster hotlist. But when the Momofuku Milk Bar (their quirky version of a bakery) dove into the wedding cake business a couple weeks ago, we took pause. Not that we'd expect this cool company to do something trad. But imagine our surprise when we realized the cakes they are offering are (drumroll please) frosting-free! No frosting?... read more

September 10, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Getting married on 9/9/09

9.9.09 may be a Wednesday, but that isn't stopping thousands of couples from getting married today, guaranteeing they'll never forget an anniversary. Cashing in on this date, cities such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City-that revolve around lucky numbers-are offering wedding packages for $99 on this special day. The Las Vegas Hilton, for example, will include both a ceremony and photography at this rate, and will even throw in a witness if you need at their La Bella Wedding Chapel.... read more

September 9, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
The great cake shoot disaster

Last week we posted a quiz about an ill-fated cake shoot, and asked you to guess which of three disasters occurred. Those of you who chose answer "A"—the cakes melted—are correct!... read more

September 8, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Samsung's smart camera

How many times have you tried to take photos of yourself, with friends or your man, and included your arm, or worse—only part of your faces? Yeah, us too. It doesn't matter how good your aim is, the self-portrait is a tricky art form.... read more

September 7, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Streets paved with diamonds

On Saturday, September 12, 1,000 couples will race through the streets of New York in the hope of scoring a diamond engagement ring and a Hawaiian honeymoon. Think of it as The Amazing Race, Engagement Edition, with teams of two making their way to wedding-related locations in NYC via clues texted to their mobile devices. ... read more

September 4, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Accessories & Jewelry Brides Magazine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Sales & Events
Color School

In these dog days of summer, one of the color pairings in our September/October issue looks particularly tempting. Jade green and marine blue—they even sound cool and refreshing!... read more

September 3, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Great gowns under $1,000!

Keep an eye out for Claudine, a new line of bridal gowns just launched by Alyce Designs. The pieces themselves are winners—romantic, full-blown wedding dresses in the grand tradtion—but what's really taking our breath away are the prices.... read more

September 2, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Dresses
Disaster on the set!

You'd never know it from the pictures you see in the magazine, but photo shoots rarely go off without a hitch. Tell us which of these three disasters really occurred during a week of shooting last summer. Weigh in with your answer and we'll let you know what happened next week.... read more

September 1, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Small change for some dapper duds

Our photo editor, Kristi Drago Price, recently had to find a ring-bearer outfit for her two-year-old son, Simon. Being the cost-conscious woman that she is, she refused to spend a fortune on a tiny tuxedo that would make him look like a miniature mob boss, and that he'd outgrow in two months.... read more

August 31, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
The seating plan (gulp)

This is one wedding task that keeps just about everyone up at night. Is there anyone who "deserves" to sit next to your Cousin Al? What about that office friend who won't know a soul? Some brides avoid the issue entirely and have open seating, but we encourage you to have a plan—it makes everyone feel as though you'd thought carefully about them,... read more

August 28, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Where in the world?

We posted a question last week, asking you to figure out where we shot the spectacular "American Beauty" story in our September/October issue. You'll find those cinematic green hills, long-horned cattle, and good-looking cowboys at Gabilan Ranch, outside of San Juan Bautista, CA.... read more

August 27, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Fun in the kitchen

Three reasons to start cooking together: 1) You'll save a ton of money that you can put toward a more expensive wedding gown (whoopee!). 2) It gives you time to focus on each other, instead of the wedding drama du jour (do you really need to hash out what your mother said about your choice of flowers?). 3) Williams-Sonoma's "Bride & Groom Cookbook" and "Bride & Groom Entertaining,"... read more

August 26, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Tuna casserole or tuna tartare?

So a bunch of us were talking yesterday about party food that we love, and there are definitely two camps. Camp A—let's call them the Tuna Casseroles—say that wedding food is tastiest when it's simple and homey. They like finding a buffet groaning with fried chicken, mac & cheese—you get the picture.... read more

August 25, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Cocktails, Menus & Catering
Beach casual

When a wedding invitation reads, "beach casual," we are thrown into a momentary tizzy. Primarily, of course, because our plans to wear our favorite LBD have been quashed (little black dresses don't really work that well with sand dunes).... read more

August 24, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
A FREE Hawaiian honeymoon!

Marriott Resorts Hawaii (@MarriottHawaii) and its partners, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, Hawaiian Airlines and Hertz, are giving away 25 all-expense paid trips to the Hawaii! Just visit www.marriotthawaiitweets.com and provide an email address, a Twitter handle, and/or a Facebook connection.... read more

August 21, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Where in the world?

Our September/October just hit the newsstands, and one of the stories we love is called "American Beauty"—a fashion porftolio that was shot by super-talented Erik Almas in a location that looks like Shangri-La.... read more

August 20, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Top it off

For those who want to have their cake topper and eat it too, check out the New York Times article, featuring a pair of brides done in chocolate (the company, Martine's Chocolates, does your standard bride-and-groom, too). Looking for an ironic-in-a-cool-way to finish off your cake?... read more

August 19, 2009 1:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Plus-size pointers

When we were editing the "Figure Flattery" feature in our September/October issue, which showcases beautiful gowns that look great on plus-size women, our fashion director mentioned she's seeing an improvement in the shopping experience for larger brides. ... read more

August 19, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
White flowers in church—is it a rule?

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Here's a wild one we've been hearing: That the only acceptable flowers for a church ceremony are white. Says who? Where did this come from? Hasn't anyone seen red pointsettias at Christmas, for crying out loud? We're here to tell you that no matter what your grandmother (or, in the case of one editor's wedding, the flower girl) tells you, you can go all-out with color in your ceremony space.... read more

August 18, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Flowers & Decorations
Win your wedding jewelry!

We're giving away sensational earrings (chandeliers, studs, you name it), a passel of pearls, sparkling arm bangles—the perfect final details for your walk down the aisle. All you have to do is click and enter—we're looking for over 50 winners!... read more

August 17, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Accessories & Jewelry Brides Magazine
Cool new stuff from our promotion department

Whether you're really into "all weddings, all the time," go to bridesfirstlook.com for a calendar of upcoming magazine events, honeymoon giveaways, videos (take a dance lesson!), even iPhone apps!... read more

August 14, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
What not to wear: Guest dressing

As the bride, you have it easy: You're going to wear a wedding gown. But guests seem to be having a harder time of it. We've seen pictures of formal weddings where guests show up in shorts. We've seen ushers pin their boutonnieres to their shirt pockets. (Really! What happened to the whole jacket thing?) ... read more

August 13, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Cheaping out on the chairs

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Recently, several staff members have complained that they've gone to wedding receptions that didn't have enough tables and chairs. "At first, you figure someone just miscalculated," said one editor. ... read more

August 12, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
BRIDES sexiest resorts 2009

Our editors at BRIDES have combed the planet to bring you the world's 10 steamiest resorts. We've got faves from the US to Thailand. Here are our top three:... read more

August 11, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons
Picked your wedding colors yet?

You'd think it would be as easy as naming your favorite color, then finding a complementary shade to add a little interest. Not so fast. Before you decide on your wedding colors, consider how they'll look in your reception space.... read more

August 10, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
112 new flower ideas!

They're coming to a newsstand near you! One of the highlights of our September/October issue, on sale August 11th, is our annual flower guide, with 32 pages of fantastic floral ideas. We've got charming flower arrangements for brides on a budget, outrageous creations that will really turn heads, and bouquets in every color of the wedding rainbow.... read more

August 7, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Flowers & Decorations
Wedding cost-cutters from Jean Chatzky

Here's our favorite cost-cutting tip from Today Show financial wiz Jean Chatzky: Know your budget. In our July/August issue, Chatzky shares her ideas on how to save money on the wedding. First, figure out how much you have to spend. It sounds obvious, but the fact is that once you have a real, solid figure in your head, you can talk more knowledgeably to everyone with whom you'll be talking money—you can tell a potential caterer if he's out of your league... read more

August 6, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Romantic inns for an affordable honeymoon

Exotic honeymoons are great, of course, but if you can't take that trip-of-a-lifetime right now, here are three wonderful close-to-home options: ... read more

August 5, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons
Are you over cupcakes?

Say it ain't so! We hear that some wedding snobs are trashing the cupcake cake, saying that it's soooo 2007. We protest. We still love the idea.... read more

August 4, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Cakes & Desserts
A green wedding dress?

Most brides, it's obvious, wear white (or cream or ecru or platinum...). But in our July/August issue, we show a Vera Wang wedding dress in soft citrus green, a beautiful gown that would look fantastic in a ballroom or at a lavish garden wedding. ... read more

August 3, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Dresses
Frizz fighter

We know women who've gotten married in February just to avoid the humidity. So now that we're in the thick of summer, we're wondering how you July, August, and September brides are planning to handle your hair.... read more

July 31, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Beauty & Fitness Brides Magazine
Cake Boss in BRIDES!

BRIDES was featured on TLC's fun new series, Cake Boss, this summer, when we asked Buddy Valastro to do a new spin on a formal wedding cake for our July/August issue. Buddy went all Bollywood on us and produced the gorgeous henna-inspired cake you see here.... read more

July 30, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Cakes & Desserts
How did he ask?

One of my favorite proposal stories includes a groom who wrote "Will You Marry Me?" in the sand, and then hired a helicopter to fly his girlfriend over the beach. Love it! Then I heard that some hotels are now offering this as part of a "proposal package"-hotel staffers write the message, and the couple whirs by overhead.... read more

July 29, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Emergency!

A beauty feature in our July/August issue focuses on how to look great in your wedding photos, and features a page of products—Visine to blotting papers—to tote in a wedding-day emergency kit. We're wondering if any of you have a touch-up trick or must-have makeup item you'll be keeping close at hand. ... read more

July 28, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Beauty & Fitness Brides Magazine
Do favors have to last?

We have a kitchen drawer full of miniature glass hearts, silver bells, and assorted wedding favors that we'll never use. So when we produced the favor story in our July/August issue, we edited out anything that seemed like a money-wasting trinket. ... read more

July 27, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Favors & Gifts Flowers & Decorations
Something blue

Diamonds may be forever, but in our July/August issue, we're featuring a page of engagement rings with brilliant blue stones—sapphires, tanzanite, aquamarines-totally gorgeous.... read more

July 24, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Accessories & Jewelry Brides Magazine
Topic of the day: Kids at the wedding

PRO: A lot of couples feel their wedding wouldn't be complete without the full complement of adorable nieces and nephews. CON: Other couples say that kids take the sophistication and elegance out of an evening wedding—and the parents never get to have fun.... read more

July 23, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
The best shower game ever is...(Fill in the blank!)

I'm in the final stretch of organizing my friend's shower. I can't divulge any details in case the bride sees this blog, but I wanted to get your opinions on bridal shower games. Do you like them or not?... read more

July 22, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
We bash the cash (bar)

Every part of the country has its own traditions, and we're all for that. But we can't get on board with the cash bar. We keep telling people that this is a major no-no (like inviting people to dinner and asking them to pay), but in response, brides tell us that this is customary in their area, and to lay off. ... read more

July 21, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Cocktails, Menus & Catering
DIY Fever!

The six real weddings in our July/August issue are full of DIY details. A few we love:... read more

July 20, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Ceremonies & Receptions Flowers & Decorations Wedding Planning
Unlimited Spa Treatments at Secrets Resorts, Mexico

We had to rub our eyes when we saw it too: To celebrate the opening of its new spa, Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, the adults-only, all-inclusive, honeymoon haven in Mexico, is offering unlimited treatments for guests now through December 23rd.... read more

July 17, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Beauty & Fitness Brides Magazine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons
Bachelorette party...in Spain

How's this for a fantasy bachelorette party: You and your BFFs jetting to Spain for a week of sangria and sun.... read more

July 16, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Bridesmaids
4 tips from Event Planner Amber Cleary on cutting your wedding costs

Traditional rehearsal dinners can be costly so think outside the box. Picnics and backyard BBQs are a lot more fun and less costly than a sit-down dinner at a restaurant.... read more

July 15, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Planning
Matchy-matchy maids?

Choosing the bridesmaids dresses can upend even the best friendships: Pick something they don't like, and a dark cloud descends on the whole wedding. In our current issue, we show maids dresses in four super-flattering neutrals—black, brown, cream, and grey—all meant to be worn after the wedding. ... read more

July 14, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Bridesmaids The Wedding Party
What if he picked your gown?

I'm addicted to "Don't Tell the Bride," a reality show on BBC America. Each episode, a couple gets $20,000 in order to create their dream wedding--the catch being that the groom has to plan the whole thing himself!... read more

July 13, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Weddings to Watch
A wonderful July 4th wedding

I'm still trying to catch up on sleep after last weekend, when I attended my first Indian wedding. ... read more

July 10, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Fresh Hair

It's safe to say that every bride wants her hair to look great for the wedding. For some women, that means a super-structured updo lacquered in place; for others, it's a softer, unfussy look. ... read more

July 9, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Beauty & Fitness Brides Magazine
Jack Cards

My handwriting is atrocious, so I was fascinated by an offer I came across from Jack Cards.... read more

July 8, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Invitations & Stationery
BRIDES on the Today Show

Tune in tomorrow morning to the Today Show where BRIDES editor in chief Millie Martini Bratten will be presenting a couple with four wedding band selections for a nationwide vote as part of Today Show Throws a Wedding.... read more

July 7, 2009 4:30 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Booksfree

For the last few months I've been testing a book rental company called Booksfree, which is modeled after Netflix.... read more

July 7, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Short story

When I saw the July/August cover (on newsstands now), I was pretty sure that everyone out there would love the colors, love the flowers, and love the shoes (yellow patent-leather Louboutins—but I wasn't so sure about the dress.... read more

July 6, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Dresses
Indian Wedding

I'm so excited about the wedding I'm going to this weekend! It's an Indian wedding that will last two whole days.... read more

July 3, 2009 10:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Fancy Food follow-up

I love covering the Fancy Food show—aisles and aisles of chocolates, cookies, candies, ice creams, all with free samples!... read more

July 2, 2009 10:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine Cocktails, Menus & Catering
Pre-wedding pamper

Last night I did some very tough "research" at the Carlton hotel here in New York— I got a hand massage with Molton Brown products (try the lavendar scent if you're feeling stressed), a back massage and skin consult from Oasis Day Spa (I promise you'll be knot-free after this one), and a makeup touch-up from Benefit Cosmetics (who doesn't need that?). ... read more

July 1, 2009 9:50 AM

category: Beauty & Fitness Brides Magazine Ceremonies & Receptions
BRIDES Operation Dream Dress Winner!

We unveiled the winner of Operation Dream Dress this morning, live on Good Morning America. It was a tough decision—the five final designs were both unique and inspired.... read more

June 25, 2009 4:31 PM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Dresses
Behind the scenes at Operation Dream Dress

Tonight is our private fashion show, where the final five Operation Dream Dress designs—chosen by America!—will be showcased on the catwalk and critiqued by our panel of experts.... read more

June 24, 2009 3:51 PM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Dresses
Operation Dream Dress voting opens today!

In February, we put out the call for fashion enthusiasts to submit sketches of an original wedding dress that embodied the theme of "visionary romance." We received hundreds of amazing entries from college students, seamstresses, and newbie designers.... read more

May 19, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Operation Dream Dress

When I was looking for my wedding dress way back when, I spent a lot of time playing amateur designer. I would look at gowns and mentally raise the neckline of one, take the sleeves off another, add a bow here, eliminate beading there. ... read more

February 13, 2009 1:22 PM

category: Brides Magazine Enter to Win
Be a part of Brides Beauty Panel

Do you have a favorite beauty product? Brides magazine is putting together a list of the favorite/must-have bridal beauty products and they want to hear from you! Click here to take a quick survey and tell us which items top your list, and you could win a chance to be on the Brides magazine Beauty Panel!... read more

January 10, 2009 2:00 PM

category: Beauty & Fitness Brides Magazine
Cover girls

While the gowns that graced the covers of Brides magazine in the 1970s and '80s may make us say, "What were they thinking?" You'd be surprised at some of the supermodels and Hollywood A-listers who got their start on the cover of Bride's. Can you tell who this supermodel turned movie and television star is?... read more

December 19, 2008 10:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine Celebrity Insider Wedding Dresses
Brides magazine's 75th anniversary

"Well you sure don't look seventy-five!" I've been hearing that a lot lately, and I'll admit that one of the things we focus on everyday at Brides is creating a magazine that's totally up to the minute. ... read more

December 15, 2008 1:11 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Think pink

It's a great feeling when you can combine doing good with creating something beautiful, which is why I'm so excited about the "Something Pink" story in the November/December 2008 issue of BRIDES Magazine. It's a special collection of wedding dresses designed to help raise money for breast cancer research, but it's also just a gorgeous story.... read more

October 15, 2008 8:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Dresses
Flower notes: Part II

The current issue of Brides magazine is filled with over 100 amazing flower ideas for your wedding. We spoke with their Wedding Style Director, Maria McBride, regarding her favorite ideas from the September/October issue.... read more

September 25, 2008 8:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine Flowers & Decorations
Flower notes

The current issue of Brides magazine is filled with over 100 amazing flower ideas for your wedding. We spoke with their Wedding Style Director, Maria McBride, regarding her favorite ideas from the September-October issue. Here's what she had to say:... read more

September 23, 2008 8:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine Flowers & Decorations
Think pink

I'm used to receiving questions about items showcased in Brides magazine, but I was blown away the number of inquiries Brides.com received regarding the gorgeous Christian Louboutin pink satin peep-toe slingbacks pictured on the cover of the July/August Brides.... read more

July 1, 2008 8:00 AM

category: Accessories & Jewelry Brides Magazine
Chow down

I'm always amazed at how delicious the food looks in the pages of Brides magazine, so I was excited to hear that the Food Network is giving a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the marvelous world of food stylists... read more

June 14, 2008 8:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine Cocktails, Menus & Catering
The hottest wedding cake trends revealed!

On the Today show this morning Brides magazine editor in chief Millie Martini Bratten divulged the hottest new trends in wedding cakes. ... read more

May 21, 2008 12:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Cakes & Desserts
Slices of Wisdom

Brides magazine editor in chief Millie Martini Bratten visits the Today show tomorrow at 9 a.m. to speak about the newest wedding cake trends. Here, she highlights the top cake tips every ... read more

May 20, 2008 8:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Cakes & Desserts