Wedded Bits

Invitations & Stationary

Lovely favor tags

Courtesy of Cuddlecreature

Often, it's the small details that make a wedding really come together. Looking for a way to make your celebration stand out from the crowd? These "Love Heart" favor tags from etsy seller Cuddlecreature would definitely do the trick. The tags are made by a husband and wife team who can customize cut favor tags and place cards for your wedding. —Kathryn Papanek

BRIDES Magazine

Is your groom wearing a boutonniere for the wedding?

Lisa Lefkowitz/BRIDES

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.

Colorado

Shop locally

Courtesy of Two be Wed Jewelry

In the same way that using fresh, locally sourced ingredients makes a restaurant meal feel more exclusive and special, wearing a design from small, Colorado-based jewelry designer is an ideal way to create a one-of-a-kind wedding-day look.

Which is why I'd suggest checking out the lovely necklaces and earrings made by Arvada-based Noelle Kostraba, which are fashioned from Swarovski crystals, pearls, and sterling silver or gold filled clasps. The designs on her website can all be customized, or Noelle can create a completely original design. (Her pieces can also be rented if you're not looking to make a big commitment, jewelry-wise.) For more information, visit twobewedjewelry.com. —Lauren Matthews, editor, Brides Colorado

California

It's in the bag

Courtesy of The Gift Bag Factory

When putting together welcome bags for your out of town guests, you want a tote that's stylish and reasonably priced. Well, problem solved. The bags from The Gift Bag Factory are super sturdy (they have a unique paper construction that helps prevent rips and tears, and have reinforced, stitched handles), affordable, and feature crazy cute designs by an array of artists and designers, like this one from San Francisco-based Pancake & Franks (perfect for a Tahoe wedding).

Check out all the designs and find ordering information at thegiftbagfactory.com. —Lauren Matthews, editor, Brides Northern California

Chicago

A guest book alternative

Courtesy of BINTH

I'm loving this colorful print of downtown Chicago by local design firm BINTH. It would make a unique alternative to a traditional guest book—provide a cup full of archival-quality pens and have your guests sign along the margins. That way, you'll have a wedding keepsake that also doubles as a personalized piece of art to display in your home. The print, which comes ready to hang with a blue frame, is $38. —Heather Lee, Editor, Brides Chicago

Boston

Something new, something old

Courtesy of Custom House Maritime Museum

It's always exciting to hear about new event spaces, so I was thrilled to learn that the Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport can host weddings. The unique space sits directly on the water, and is full of maritime art and model clipper ships (how neat if you're a big sailing buff!). Plus, there's a lovely backyard that's ideal for an intimate wedding ceremony. Visit the Custom House's website or Tangorra Wedding Planning for more information. —Kim Forrest, Editor, Brides Boston

Accessories & Jewelry

Endless shoes in one

Courtesy of Maggiez

We're usually against giving your attendants a bridesmaid gift that they can wear on your wedding day because most likely it is something that matches your colors and taste and not necessarily theirs. But these shoes from Maggiez give you and your bridesmaid the ability to completely change the look of shoes with interchangeable straps and charms. Maggiez offers a variety of shoes from casual flip flops to heeled sandals as well as a variety of strap patterns, colors and charms so you can take your shoes from day to night and beyond. Shoes can be purchased at maggiez.net starting at $24.

Weddings to Watch

A sneak peek of Khloe Kardashian's wedding

Brides are Talking

Do you have to serve alcohol at your wedding?

This week in our Brides.com Forums one bride wants to know if she and her recovering alcoholic groom should serve alcohol at their wedding. See what our brides have to say here:

Some brides think not including any alcohol might make guests feel uncomfortable. "Personally, I enjoy a glass of champagne at a wedding or a glass of wine with dinner and have no problems controlling myself. I might feel like you're judging me for liking a glass of wine," says ArtBride.

Others believe having a cash bar might be a good idea. "My suggestion would be to have a bar available but maybe keep it to a cash bar," says BrighterThanSunshine. "You can also have a bar that only offers wine or beer so that no hard liquor is available if that would make you feel more comfortable."

And some brides feel it's fine not to serve alcohol at all. "Personally, if my future husband was struggling and working hard to be sober, I would not want to do anything to tempt him," says FrancieElaine. "I truly believe that if your family and friends are aware of his determination, they would not want to do anything to make the day stressful for either of you."

BRIDES Magazine

A DIY backyard wedding

Tara Donne/BRIDES

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. Get out that glue gun! —Jackie, BRIDES Magazine