Michigan

Michigan mini-moon

Courtesy of the Grand Hotel

With the current economy, many brides are finding it difficult to jet off to their dream honeymoon location immediately after their wedding. Instead of a week-long excursion in some far-flung destination, consider a "mini-moon" to a nearby hotel so you and your newly minted husband can revel newlywed bliss. Mitten state brides should look no further than Mackinac Island. A favorite summer spot since the late 19th century, Mackinac Island has kept the style of the Victorian era with its preserved buildings and strict "no cars" rule. You'll get around town by foot, bike, or horse drawn carriage. For a memorable visit, stay at the historic Grand Hotel, which offers majestic views of the island and a renowned dinner menu. —Allison Bean, Editorial Assistant, Brides.com Magazines

Wed-site Roundup

Photo by James Christian*

A Practical Wedding: How to make a wedding dress

Once Wed: "Simple" bridesmaid dresses for 2009 weddings

Green Wedding Shoes: A green (as in color and in nature) wedding

DIY Bride: The art of negotiating with wedding vendors

Tidbits on Weddings by Socialites: Don't forget this wedding must-do

Image Courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes

Celebrity Insider

Reel Review: Bride Wars

Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

Warning! Do not take your boyfriend/fiancé/husband to see this movie! BUT, if you are looking for a fun and totally silly chick flick to see with your girlfriends, this is the movie for you. So you know the story, Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) are best friends, their weddings get double booked (same place, same time) so they end up competing with each other to see who will have the better wedding by sabotaging each other's big days.

The story is cute, the clothes are great (see our interview with the movie's costume designer Karen Patch) and the laughs are few and far between, but there are some wedding tips to take away (and leave) in the movie. So we have put together this little true and false cheat sheet for you:

You do not alter Vera, you alter yourself to fit Vera. Oh so false! And really, it makes no sense... ..read more

Celebrity Insider

Bride Wars floral hairpin

Twentieth Century Fox

It's the perfect something blue. Anne Hathaway's character wore this hairpiece in Bride Wars, and the little blue hairpin had a special meaning for the bride-to-be. Now the piece, which Tacori created exclusively for the movie, is available by special order for about $93 at any Tacori Bridal Evening retailer. The floral hairpin features five faceted blue jade petals surrounding a natural white topaz crystal set on a hand-crafted sterling silver pin. Visit tacori.com for stores.

Watch the movie, which opens in theaters on this Friday, to learn more about the hairpin's significance and read more about the stars and fashions in the film. —Kathryn Papanek

Philadelphia

In the bag

Courtesy of Something's Hiding in Here

Looking for a stylish way to package your wedding favors? Philadelphia-based company Something's Hiding in Here makes these super-cute miniature muslin bags that are perfectly-sized for a sweet treat. Each is silk-screened with a cross-stitched key; personalize them by tucking a note inside. $3 each. —Heather Lee, Assistant Editor, Brides.com Magazines

Chicago

Saucy shopping

Courtesy of Agent Provocateur

You've spent hours combing magazines, websites, and blogs looking for your dream wedding day ensemble. With your to-do list growing by the hour, chances are you don't have that kind of time to research what you'll be wearing on your wedding night. Enter Agent Provocateur, now open on Oak Street, in Chicago. This London-based luxury lingerie shop offers a wide range of underthings, from their classic ivory lace Bridal collection to their edgy Witches line, in addition to accessories, perfumes, and sexy footwear. View the goods at AgentProvocateur.com or visit the store at 47 East Oak Street. —Allison Bean, Editorial Assistant, Brides.com Magazines

I Will/I Won't

What's your bridal style?

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

In the upcoming movie Bride Wars, the two warring brides battle over the details of their wedding, but their wedding styles—except for the location—are very different. Like every bride, you have your own distinct style—traditional, romantic, modern, dramatic—and it's important to know what your own personal wedding style is before buying a dress and ordering details for your big day.

Not sure what your wedding style is? Take our Style Quiz to find out!

Want to learn more about the bridal style of Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) in Bride Wars? Check out our exclusive interview with the film's costume designer.

Celebrity Insider

Red Tiffany Blue Carpet Style

Monday night at the Bride Wars premiere we got up close and personal with the stars of the film, Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway (see our live interviews with them from the Tiffany Blue Carpet). But aside from wedding tips and advice we also came to see what they were wearing. Anne Hathaway chose a menswear-inspired look with a black jacket and pants, but what really caught our eye were her mirrored Christian Louboutin shoes! Kate Hudson played the bride perfectly in this white Oscar de la Renta gown with navy details. —Cari Wolfert

Want more? Karen Patch, Bride Wars' costume designer, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the wedding dresses and standout outfits from the movie and tell us how she chose styles well-suited for each bride-to-be's personality.

Wedding Planning

How would you handle these wedding etiquette and budget situations?

Whether you just got engaged or have been planning your wedding for a few a months, you've probably come across some sticky situations. Between the wedding budget and traditional etiquette issues, every bride and groom will face at least one dilemma while planning their wedding.

We'd love to know what your thoughts are on wedding etiquette and budget issues. Tell us if you think it's okay to have a cash bar at your wedding or where you are planning on cutting costs. Click here to take our Wedding Etiquette and Budget Survey!

NY, NJ & CT

Bridal Reflections sample sale

Courtesy of Bridal Reflections

The popular New York bridal salon Bridal Reflections is hosting a sample sale now through January 12 with up to 70% off bridal gowns from designers like Ines Di Santo, Ramona Keveza, Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, and more. The sale will be taking place at the company's Manhattan location (866-259-3678) at 286 Fifth Avenue, and their Long Island location (516-742-7788) at 80 Westbury Avenue in Carle Place. Appointments required, so call now. —Lauren Matthews, associate editor, Brides.com Magazines