Wedded Bits: Brides Magazine

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Brides Magazine

March Issue of BRIDES On Sale Now!

Inside our "Dress Issue," you'll find everything from gowns with elaborate pleats and an abundance of ruffles to short dresses with flirty feathers and tea-length beauties with colorful sashes. For the guys, we've provided a clothing checklist for the wedding (especially important the day of) so nothing (including socks!) is left back at the hotel. Also in this issue, we offer the lowdown on castle weddings in the U.S. (yes, they do exist); how to get a perfect, natural-looking tan that won't leave you looking orange; and the best beach resorts in Mexico,... read more

February 9, 2010 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Oscar de la Renta's dresses for Bergdorf Goodman

Run, don't walk to see the latest in swoon-worthy wedding gowns by one of our favorite designers: the gracious and always dashing Oscar de la Renta. Available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, the four styles featured in the limited-edition collection are a tulle gown with a colored waistband and a strapless top; an ethereal jeweled-bodice column dress; a mermaid skirt with a sweetheart neckline and lace overlay on the bodice and the bottom of the skirt; and (my personal favorite) a strapless, fitted powder blue gown with lace overlay. ... read more

February 8, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Get the Look: February "Color Issue" of BRIDES

We made a beautiful shantung A-line dress from Mikaella ($1,375) stunning by adding a huge gold-and-crystal brooch from Miriam Haskell right at the Empire waist. Other accessories included a veil from Jennifer Leigh Veils, acrylic earrings from Sequin, and a gold-and-diamond bracelet from David Yurman. Mix and match, or use all the pieces together to create your wedding-day look!... read more

February 5, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Reminder to ALL Tri-State Brides: 70% to 95% Off Wedding Gowns

Tomorrow at 8 a.m., the much-anticipated "Running of the Brides" at Filene's Basement in New York City's Union Square kicks off. Once a year, local brides-to-be line up for hours to snag designer wedding gowns at 70 to 95 percent off the bridal-salon sticker prices. If you don't mind being occasionally elbowed in the gut, clear your schedule, alert your bridesmaids, lace up your sneakers, and get on the shin guards for what will surely be a memorable shopping experience.... read more

February 4, 2010 2:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
BRIDES Needs Your Help!

It's time for our annual BRIDES Beauty Awards, and right now our editors are poring over tons of beauty products to find the best of the best. We know that like us, you can get kind of obsessed with a new conditioner or new shade of lip gloss, so we want to hear from you, too! Take a look at the list and vote on your beauty faves. And don't forget to check out our June issue—on sale May 11—for the results!... read more

February 4, 2010 1:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Locavore on the Jersey Shore

Forget what you might assume about Atlantic City - boxing matches, gambling, bachelor parties, Donald Trump. With the opening of event space One Atlantic, the over-the-top town may become the destination for eco-minded brides looking not only for a romantic oceanfront reception space but also for an impressive roster of seasonal dishes. The cuisine of the "100-mile menu" is inspired by other countries, but most of the ingredients (including organic meats, wines, and fresh fruits and vegetables) are grown and harvested within a 100-mile radius of One Atlantic.... read more

February 3, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Hope for Haiti

The tragedy in Haiti has made us all wonder how we can do our part—albeit small—to help with relief efforts. Brides-to-be in the throes of wedding planning need to do just one easy thing: shop. The following pieces of jewelry and beauty products, a portion of the profits from which go toward organizations working in Haiti, would make extra-thoughtful bridesmaids' gifts and pre-wedding treats: ... read more

February 2, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Editor's Pick: Jeweled Headband

I'm taking my cue from the Gossip Girl crew and sporting a jeweled headband for my next dress-up event. Since I have short hair, my choice of styling is limited, especially for special occasions. Companies like D. Caruso are designing sumptuous bands in luxe fabrics, sparkly stones, and rich colors to suit any hair length. They sit nicely on the head without pinching or clamping behind the ears—I hate that! ... read more

February 1, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Hot New Heels

Brides who want to walk down the aisle with an edge should look no further than Pour la Victoire's new bridal collection. The young New York City-based shoe brand, known for creating fashion-forward footwear, has infused its signature urban chic into the line. The result, which hits Zappos.com in March, includes dramatic, showstopping heels with an avant-garde ruffle running down them; open-toe wedges with a thick ankle strap and an oversize bow; and sleek, studded pointy-toe pumps.... read more

January 29, 2010 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Win a Caribbean honeymoon!

That's right—a honeymoon! Three lucky winners will each win an all-inclusive trip, courtesy of BRIDES. All you need to do is tell us about how you imagine your ideal day on a Caribbean island in 100 words or less, and you're one step closer to a chance at a getaway to Almond Beach Club & Spa in Barbados, Couples Tower Isle in Jamaica, or Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro in the Dominican Republic.... read more

January 28, 2010 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Editor's Pick: L'Oreal Clean Deep Cream Cleanser

Having been cursed with sensitive, combination, breakout-prone skin, I'm extremely protective when it comes to my face—maybe even borderline obsessive-compulsive. Needless to say, every product I use must be oil-free, soap-free, and gentle, yet also effective in getting rid of unwanted blemishes and unsightly pores. ... read more

January 27, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Derek Jeter proposes to girlfriend Minka Kelly

One of New York's most eligible bachelors is a free agent no longer. Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year proposed to his girlfriend, actress Minka Kelly of NBC's Friday Night Lights. There is speculation over where the November 2010 wedding will take place, but we've heard a rumor that Derek may follow in Kevin Jonas's footsteps and take the plunge at Oheka Castle in Long Island.
... read more

January 26, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Make a modern necklace out of a classic strand of pearls

The understated elegance of a luminescent strand of pearls favors all blushing brides. But classic doesn't have to mean old-fashioned. Take a tip from Carolee.com, which has easy-to-execute ideas for styling pearl necklaces in unexpected, updated ways. For example, make a statement by affixing Grandma's brooch or flashy costume on one side of a double strand, or intertwining two strands of pearls in different shades into one for a twirled look.
... read more

January 25, 2010 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Message in a cookie cutter

Williams-Sonoma's new Message-in-a-Cookie Cutters give DIY-challenged brides an easy way to add a personal touch to baked wedding favors that looks more professional than homespun and doesn't cost a professional fortune. The kit, which costs $19.95, includes three cookie cutters, seven premade phrases (including "Thank You" and "I Love You"), and three sets of alphabet letters that can be rearranged to create your own message, imprint a monogram, or create individual name cards for each guest.
... read more

January 22, 2010 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
5 makeup tips from Paul Innis

If there's one time a girl should be pampered to red-carpet status, it's for her wedding. But don't panic if an A-list makeup artist isn't on your speed dial. Just go DIY with this fail-safe checklist from makeup artist Paul Innis at Warren-Tricomi Artist Management for Avon Cosmetics:... read more

January 21, 2010 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Catering on wheels

Wedding celebrations, rehearsal dinners, and engagement parties all need to feed a crowd. The latest fun trend for catering is roadside food trucks that serve gourmet quality meals served by passionate cooks. Striking just the right note for informal wedding receptions (or just the right quirky couple), these customized vans, trucks, and school buses are designed to appeal to the eye as well as the stomach and don't require an on-site kitchen. Some trucks elevate the concept of street food, while others bring the authenticity of the "street" to ravenous foodies.... read more

January 20, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
MySkins.com lingere

A beautifully flattering wedding dress is more than tulle-deep. The right nude, seamless lingerie will show off the dress—and how smashing you look in it—and not the stomach crunches you didn't do. MySkins.com is a lingerie line that comes in 20 different shades and three styles of seamless bras and underwear—so whether you're "peaches," "latte," or "espresso," you're bound to find a shade that matches your true skin color. There are even color cards that can be printed out from the website or mailed to your home (free of charge) to ensure you're selecting the right color.... read more

January 19, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Bacon is back

Bacon jam. Chocolate bars with bacon bits. Bacon gum. Yep, you've heard it before: Bacon is back. On a recent visit to the farmer's market in San Diego, I ate my most recent bacon-studded treat: pancakes-and-bacon cookies. The smoky profile of bacon against the sweetness of maple is delicious, and not in an off-putting, ironic sort of way. ... read more

January 15, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Are You a VIB (Very Important Bride)?

For our Brides.com community only! We're looking for testers to try new wedding-related products, eager guests to attend our exclusive events and parties, and smart brides-to-be looking to save money on the big day. Join our mailing list at bridesfirstlook.com. Our promotions department wants to hear from YOU about your ideas and opinions as one of our Very Important Brides.... read more

January 14, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
A new way to show off mom's dress

We're spotting a trend at outdoor weddings: Instead of wearing Mom's dress, or even reworking bits of it for accessories, brides are putting it on an ivory satin hanger and weaving it into their decor. We've seen gowns hung from gazebos, fluttering from arbors, even pinned to clotheslines. To give guests some context, one bride also set up a table with family photos that showed Mom on her big day.... read more

January 13, 2010 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
February issue on sale

Inside our newest issue, we've got 72 insider tips for perfecting your big day, from industry experts like veteran wedding designers Badgley Mischka, makeup guru Trish McEvoy, and wedding planner Marcy Blum. In this aptly named "Color Issue," you'll also find tons of rainbow-colored bridesmaids' dresses, must-have accessories in every hue, and fun-colored drinks. For those caught in an etiquette pinch, our "Etiquette Police" is sure to get you out of the stickiest of situations. Need a solution to your etiquette dilemma?... read more

January 12, 2010 5:30 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Behind the Scenes of Our January 2010 Cover

In a cue taken from the last bridal market, wedding hair accessories are all the rage, especially vintage-inspired hairpieces. For our January 2010 cover, we featured a net comb with an organza flower by Haute Bride instead of the traditional veil. But let's face it—it's really all about the dress, right, ladies? This month we featured an ivory organza wedding gown with a sweetheart neckline, tulle-draped bodice, double-knotted waist tie, and swirling ruffle skirt by Vera Wang. For more of the latest bridal fashion, be on the lookout for our February issue, hitting newsstands this week.... read more

January 11, 2010 5:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Pantone's color of the year: turquoise

In the world of color, Pantone reigns supreme—so when the company announces its color of the year, cosmetics companies, fashion houses, you name it, all follow accordingly in their planning and manufacturing. According to Pantone, 2010 is all about turquoise. The gemstone is a treasured talisman, thought to possess protective powers by many of the world's cultures (think that "something blue"). Its namesake color is evocative of the sea and sky (think tropical honeymoon locale).... read more

January 11, 2010 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Hallmark's 100th Anniversary

We couldn't be happier with the trend toward more pen-and-paper correspondence (as opposed to the electronic kind). For the past century, Hallmark has provided the pictures and words to help us express the humor, gravity, and love of all life's milestones, including engagements, showers, weddings, and anniversaries. To celebrate its 100th year, Hallmark has taken advantage of the Interweb to put together slideshows of some of its favorite greeting cards.... read more

January 8, 2010 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Bride reading BRIDES

The most important element in making your big day (and months of planning) last forever? Stellar wedding photos. Check out the best of the best from the New School of Wedding Photography's sixth annual contest winners. We love the mix of sweet, intimate shots and joyous, celebratory ones. One particular shot by Becka Knight, pictured here, features our magazine hard at work, right where it should be—in your hands!... read more

January 7, 2010 3:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
A Look Back at the Iconic Dresses of Our 75th Anniversary

With our 75th-anniversary year just over, we at BRIDES magazine are excited to see what's just around the bend in bridal fashion for 2010. We've already noticed lots of elegant looks that harken back to some of the dresses we featured in our anniversary issue (theatrical gold lame from the '30s, princess gowns from the '50s, and tea-length beauties from the '60s.... read more

January 6, 2010 2:30 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Nesting doll favors

I love planning the details for my wedding day, because these little things truly represent us as a couple. Just the other night, my fiance and I pondered unique ways to set up escort cards. Initially, we thought about a natural theme to go with our park setting, but we ended up steering away from the idea, worried about bombarding our guests with one too many leaf and flower pieces. We started thinking about alternatives and decided to incorporate my Russian background into the details—and eureka! Nesting dolls! ... read more

January 5, 2010 4:00 PM

category: Brides Magazine
Carol Brodie's jewelry line, Rarities

During her 20-year stint at Harry Winston, Carol Brodie accessorized stars such as Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Hudson, and Reese Witherspoon for the red carpet. But now, with her recently launched fine jewelry line, Rarities, we mere mortals can glam it up for our own special occasions (without paying red-carpet prices).
... read more

January 4, 2010 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
BRIDES goes wild...in Africa

A destination wedding is a great excuse to add original, unexpected flourishes to your bridal ensemble. Take a tip from our January "Go Wild" story and mine your locale for wardrobe inspiration. The story was shot in South Africa, so BRIDES editors incorporated details inspired by the natural beauty of the continent:
... read more

December 30, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Melissa Rycroft weds Tye Strickland

Former Bachelor contestant Melissa Rycroft is a bachelorette no longer: She and new hubby Tye Strickland tied the knot last Saturday in Mexico. A floaty, tiered strapless gown in satin organza, designed by Alfred Angelo, was a perfect silhouette for their beach wedding. As Rycroft walked barefoot down the aisle, Usmagazine.com reports, her bridesmaids were dressed in salmon-hued frocks and carried bouquets of white roses, while the groomsmen wore light green shirts and khaki pants... read more

December 29, 2009 10:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Are you incorporating a family tradition into your wedding?

BRIDES magazine wants to know if you're incorporating a family tradition into your wedding, whether it's a family heirloom, family dance, or family tequila shots. Vote now!
... read more

December 28, 2009 11:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Global beauty

There's no singular way to have a "traditional" wedding—it all depends on what culture's traditions you're honoring. In "Faces of Love," in our January issue, we show how brides in parts of the world like Korea, India, and Mexico, Nigeria, and Sweden traditionally dress for their special day, and we hope their looks will inspire you for yours. ... read more

December 24, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
A recipe for luminous skin

I'm obsessed with attaining naturally luminous skin. Throughout my years of research, I've found some ideas that were completely insane (like the time I made an entire face mask made of toothpaste to get rid of blemishes). What's my latest remedy that's actually effective? A juice made of apple, carrot, and ginger. (It's also a great energy pick-me-up.)... read more

December 23, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Holiday Pear-ings

I'll never forget (and not in a good way) the peppermint martini signature cocktail my friends served last year at their holiday-season wedding. While they had the best of festive intentions, the sweet mint taste was the worst choice to go with the bite-size latkes and pickled shrimp. If you're looking for a season-friendly cocktail, I suggest pear:... read more

December 22, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Cocktails, Menus & Catering
Kendra Scott's "I Do" jewelry line

After an unsuccessful search to find modern, colorful jewelry for her wedding, designer Kendra Scott decided to create a bridal line with an edge. Officially launched just this month, "I Do" by Kendra Scott offers statement chandelier earrings, brooches, hairpins, pendants, and bangles in leaf motifs. ... read more

December 21, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Pronovias' virtual wedding dress tool

We get you. You're not picky. You just want what you want, when and how you want it. Pronovias also gets that being persnickety is not a bad thing—just check out its genius online tool that lets you design your ideal wedding dress.... read more

December 18, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Dresses
Dearly Be-Gloved

For those of you who dream of channeling a silver-screen starlet on your wedding day—and I know you're out there, ladies—there are few accessories more pivotal to this ladylike look than the perfect gloves. We spotted a terrific online resource for finding the right pair, whether you want the drama of luxurious opera-length gloves or the sweetness of a dainty wristlet. ... read more

December 17, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Book Review: Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change

Getting the luminous complexion you crave doesn't require a trip to the derm's office. (With all the wedding preparation, who has time anyway, right?) Just pick up Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change, an informative, easy-to-read skin-care book penned by dermatologists Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields (the creators of Proactiv, the mother of all acne regimens). ... read more

December 16, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Get smart with Smartbox

Gift cards aren't just for not-so-creative givers or not-so-close recipients. Relatively new to the U.S., Smartbox is a series of gift cards with a bit of a twist: They let the receiver choose his or her own adventure. Available online at smartbox.com or at easy-to-find retailers like Duane Reade, Sam's Club or Borders, each card comes with a booklet of experiences to choose from, ranging from facials and massages to skydiving and winery tours. ... read more

December 15, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Hanky Panky lacy bridal underwear

Hanky Panky, best known for its adorable (and comfortable) lacy underwear, launched an e-commerce shop last month that includes its saucy bridal line. For your attendants, there are thongs with bridesmaid emblazoned in silver-studded cursive and personalized ones with styles, colors, and monograms picked by you.... read more

December 14, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Cooper Square Hotel: for brides with mile-high reception ambition

I went to the Cooper Square Hotel for an event last week and thought the penthouse was one of the best event spaces I've seen in NYC. It's indoor-outdoor, it's minimalist enough to take on anyone's style of decoration, and it has incredible views of Manhattan, up- and downtown. ... read more

December 11, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Class with the Countess

A champion of all things done right, my good friend (and spokesperson for Waterford Crystal) Jorge Perez recently interviewed Countess LuAnn de Lesseps for an event at Bloomingdale's celebrating her new book, Class with the Countess (Gotham Books). Best known for her role on The Real Housewives of New York City, LuAnn has a take on etiquette that's more about do's than don'ts. ... read more

December 10, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Waterford iPhone application

Don your party hat, raise your iPhone, and ring in the new year. Yep, you read correctly--raise your iPhone. With the new Waterford iPhone application, you can click digital "glasses" with other iPhone users and make interactive toasts with your friends. The "Clink-Clink" application launches today and is available on iTunes for free.... read more

December 9, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
BRIDES goes monthly!

Six issues of gorgeous dresses, stunning floral arrangements, and romantic honeymoon getaways were great, but 12 are twice as nice. Starting with our January 2010 issue (on newsstands now), in BRIDES magazine you'll get a monthly dose of wedding essentials and inspiration. ... read more

December 8, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Georgina Chapman launches Hollywood-worthy bridal dress collection

Designs by Georgina Chapman of Marchesa have graced the famous bods of the likes of Blake Lively and Kate Beckinsale for red-carpet appearances. This season, Chapman launches her first full-on bridal collection. From full tulle ballerina skirts to slim, sexy, figure-conscious gowns, all the dresses are elegant but youthful. ... read more

December 7, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine Wedding Dresses
Top 10 Places to Score Honeymoon Stays (for free!)

In our November/December issue, we told you how to earn free honeymoon nights at a hotel by holding your wedding at a sister property (pg. 362). Turns out, there are tons of companies running similar specials! Here, 10 more of the best offers out there:... read more

December 4, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Vera Wang sample sale

Calling all brides in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut area: The grand dame of wedding fashion is having a sample sale! On Saturday, December 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., that Vera Wang dress you dreamed of wearing down the aisle may just be within your price range. Brides' and bridesmaids' dresses will be 25 to 75 percent off, so get thee to the New Yorker Hotel, located at 481 Eighth Avenue, bright and early. ... read more

December 3, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
'Tis the season...

'Tis the season to give rather than receive, so we've put together a list of charitable organizations to keep in mind as you plan your wedding. Whether it's donating your wedding dress to a woman fighting cancer, registering for gifts at stores that give up to 10 percent to a charity of your choice, or contributing to a humanitarian cause in lieu of favors, this is the ultimate way to give back.... read more

December 2, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Color School: Ice blue and white

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Holiday-time weddings don't have to be limited to a red-and-green scheme. Our "Color School" combination pick of ice blue and white takes its cues from cold winter climes. Incorporate the light blue into your or your bridesmaids' wedding bouquets (blue tweedia collared with white sweet peas) and accessories (blue-gray pearl necklace and bracelet).... read more

December 1, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
BRIDES editor takes her cue from our J/A 09 cover

About a month ago, I lost my job. The same day I got the bad news, I was supposed to have a conference call with the would-be caterer of my not-yet-planned wedding. When the time came, I called and told her that I had just been laid off and that all wedding plans were off.... read more

November 30, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Turkey-feather bridesmaid dresses?

When you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, try to set aside your feelings about the long planes-trains-and-automobiles trek, the overbearing in-laws, the uncle who always drinks way too much, and the lumpy gravy and just be thankful. Remember: Things could be worse.... read more

November 25, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Real Wedding submission to BRIDES

Think your wedding is picture-perfect? We at BRIDES don't just want to see it—we want to show it off to our 6 million readers! We go through every single one of the hundreds of submissions we get each year and take note of all the adorable flower girls, the fun party favors, and the kooky groom fashion. Not all of them make it into the magazine (we choose about 30 a year), but the ones that we do feature are an inspiration to other brides and to us.... read more

November 24, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Jessica Rust dinnerware

You've spent hours putting your personal touch on every inch of your wedding. Why stop short of your registry table service? With tabletop from Jessica Rust Designs, a sentimental bride can have her and her groom's names and wedding date pictured on a banner off the back of a VW "Love" bug, or sitting on a wire with finely drawn love birds.... read more

November 23, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
The big move

BRIDES is moving! Don't worry—you'll still be getting the biggest and best bridal information from us in your mailbox, on the newsstand, and online. After Thanksgiving we'll be working out of our new digs in Times Square, the heart and center of New York City.... read more

November 20, 2009 10:00 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Book Review: Cakewrecks

If the abundance of baking shows on television has taught us anything, it's that anything can make a multitiered showstopper of a cake go terribly wrong: hot weather, traffic accidents, angry clients, surly employees, hungry dogs. When this happens on Ace of Cakes or Cake Boss, you can be sure that by the end, the bride and groom will have a brand-new beautiful cake. But real life is not a made-for-TV movie, and happy endings (or refunds) are never guaranteed. Cakewrecks is a hilarious blog... read more

November 19, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Are you using applications on your smartphone to help you plan your wedding?

Are you using applications on your smartphone to help you plan your wedding?... read more

November 18, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Party Style: Winter Theme

Take a cue from the crisp winter weather and bring the outdoors in with ideas from our November/December issue. This time of year, we're loving pinecone bouquets, sparkling Swarovski brooches, snowflake-inspired invitations, and white-hot mini cake sculptures.... read more

November 17, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Megatexture in bridal gowns

The latest wedding looks are not for shrinking violets. Bold beading, big flower details, surprising silhouettes, and flirty transparent layers prove that more is definitely more—more texture, more drama, and more impact. Whether you want to feel like an old-school Hollywood starlet in layers upon layers of soft chiffon or to modernize the classic silhouette with asymmetrical ruffles, our editors have chosen the most sumptuous gowns on the market, sure to make you fall in love at first touch. ... read more

November 16, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Real Wedding: Vintage 60s

When Brooklyn hipsters Erica and Collin married at Webb Barn in Connecticut this fall, they gave a shout out to their love of all things retro and to their familial musical talents (on both sides). The bride's dress was a 60s deadstock item complete with sleeves and lace (found online at vintagewedding.com), her veil was made from her mother's veil to which she added new tulle and lace, her bridesmaids bought vintage dresses from the 50s and 60s they found at thrift stores, and the groomsmen's shirts were bought to match the vintage feel. ... read more

November 13, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Attention DIY New Yorkers

Great news for all you budget-minded brides-to-be in New York City: a brand new Michael's craft store has opened in Manhattan! Located at 808 Columbus Avenue (at 100th Street), this huge new resource has a ton of products for the innovative DIYer. ... read more

November 12, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine NY, NJ and CT
How are you wearing your hair for the wedding?

Will you wear your hair up, down, or half and half on your wedding day?... read more

November 11, 2009 9:30 AM

category: Brides Magazine
Twitter Peek: helping brides twitter on the go

When we found out Ivanka Trump tweeted to her fans minutes before she wed Jared Kushner, we figured in no time brides will literally be tweeting while walking down the aisle. For those tech savvy girls, the Twitter Peek, a brand-new device devoted entirely to tweeting, is a must-have.... read more

November 10, 2009 9:30 AM

category: 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
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