September 2011 Brides Table of Contents : Brides

Fashion: Lace sheath gown with a flare skirt and appliquéd lace sleeves, $8,800, Marchesa. Diamond earrings, Kwiat. Diamond bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels. Platinum and diamond ring, Tiffany & Co.
Flowers: Gardenia (in hair) and bouquet of peonies, candytufts, lily-of-the-valley leaves, and "Lace-Cap" hydrangeas, LMD, Lewis Miller Design.
Makeup: All makeup by Maybelline New York. Fit Me! foundation in #130, Fit Me! blush in Light Pink, Eye Studio Lasting Drama gel eyeliner in Blackest Black, One by One mascara by Volum' Express, and Color Sensational lipstick in Make Me Pink.
Hairstylist: Noah Hatton at Kramer + Kramer for Cutler/Redken
makeup artist Elaine Madelon for Nars Cosmetics
Photographed by Naomi Kaltman

This feminine fabric calls for classically simple accents

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Three sensational bridal gowns for $1,000 and less

126

From crisp apple to sweet pear, ideas for outfitting the party in green

132

We dress a city spinner for vows in a Mississippi mansion

152

What's the look when marrying in Monaco? Ravishing.

270

Fantasy is the focus in a gallery of gowns that are true flights of fancy. Over the top? And how!

282

If you've got a womanly shape, we've got the styles for you. Here's how to rock that bombshell bod.

143

Whether it's a sleek twist or a tousled chignon, the right updo will define your style and showcase your face. Follow our guide to lofty locks.

See how this issue's gowns look on your body!

1. Go to brides.com/dressingroom.
2. Upload a photo of yourself.
3. Choose any gown from this issue's stories to virtually try on!

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September brings a taste of fall with cranberry cocktails, acorn favors, and rich colors. Plus, details for a music-themed wedding, bargain bangles and boots, and the tale of Train's soon-to-be wedding classic, "Marry Me."

Is rice really a peril to pigeons? Finally, the truth.

178

Turn paper sacks into darling take-homes for only 75 cents each!

194

Clever ways to add a seasonal touch to your fall bash

298

Those cards tented on tables and hovering atop plates help organize your reception—and add splashes of personality

306

We winnowed our editors' collective wisdom into 26 essential tips that are guaranteed to bring alphabetic order to your day.

190

Find out if it's time to talk colonials and Tudors.

215

Central and South America's boffo beaches, amazing cultures, and once-in-a-lifetime activities (zip-lining, anyone?) make for one potent cocktail of cool. And we've got all the beauty booty you'll need to look cool in the steamy tropics.

We spent nearly a year scouring the country's best bakeries in search of top pastry artists. Come get an eyeful of 24 cakes truly worth putting on a pedestal.