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12 Times Your Single Friends Might Secretly Hate You

We've all been there: Going stag to a big event when everyone else has a plus one; telling your mom that your best friend is engaged and having her oh-so-gently remind you that you're running out of time to give her grandkids; dealing with your friends constantly begging you to let them set you up on blind dates... with the guys they rejected before finding "The One." The list goes on and on. So when we came across the hilarious Tumblr, My Friends are Married, we couldn't help but laugh. Here, the top times when your single friends may secretly want to wring your happily-in-love neck.

When my friend replaces "I" with "we" whenever she talks about anything:

When my friend has quotes about love and marriage hanging all over her house:

When my friend says "hubs" or "hubby":

Best Songs for Your Wedding Morning Playlist

Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Umami. Entrenched in music since childhood, DJ Umami studied voice, piano and guitar before finding her true calling on the turntables. A renowned DJ in the San Francisco circuit, Umami is known for lighting the dance floor on fire at concerts, nightclubs, and exclusive private events. DJ Umami seeks to connect every crowd that she spins for, in order to leave an indelible mark in their musical memory. "I'm obsessed with understanding the crowd I'm playing for, and hitting the right dynamic to get everyone on the dance floor." 

bride and flower girl

 

Photo Credit: David Schwartz Photography

On the morning of your big day, getting primped with the perfect pre-wedding music can be just as important as picking the right DJ for your actual reception. Setting the tone with the proper soundtrack while you’re getting pretty is critical to building excitement for the evening ahead.  And a solid playlist should reflect the love between you and your soon-to-be partner for life but also foster some bonding (and lip-syncing) with your bridesmaids.  Here are my personal choices for striking that happy-romantic balance on the morning of your wedding.

BG Cheat Sheet: What's Hot This Week

This week was filled with bizarre wedding news, including what could be the worst proposal we've ever heard (a groom faked his own death) and bride-napping in Romania.

We launched an official partnership with Lover.ly, the ultimate visual search tool that allows you to easily search and save all of your favorite photos from BridalGuide.com. It's definitely a match made in heaven.

If you've also had a busy week, catch up now on our hottest features!

1. We've Got Autumn Fever

The end of summer is always bittersweet, but we can't wait for fall weddings. Caramel apple favors, adorable bridesmaid cardigans, bright fall leaves—sign us up.

Inside St. Pucchi's New Flagship Store

For all of you West Coast brides ready to shop for your gown, here’s some news you’ll love. One of my favorite designers, Rani Totman, who creates all of the gorgeous gowns for St. Pucchi Couture, has opened a flagship store in Sunset Plaza, West Hollywood, CA. Here’s Rani with two of her beautiful dresses:

st pucchi designer rani totman

I love the look of this fabulous 2,000 square-foot store. It’s modern, spacious and features private entrances and veiled interiors.

st pucchi sunset plaza

 Your gown-shopping experience will feel every bit as special and luxurious as it should!

st pucchi sunset plaza store

st pucchi sunset plaza store

Fabulous Eco-Friendly Favors That Never Go Out of Style

Guest blogger: Kate Harrison, creator of greenbrideguide.com.
After planning her own green wedding in 2007, Kate wrote 
the best-selling green wedding book, The Green Bride Guide: How to Plan an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget (Sourcebooks, 2008). In 2009, she founded greenbrideguide.com to help couples use their weddings to promote social and environmental change while supporting the local green economy. Kate has a JD in Environmental Law and a Master's from Yale in Environmental Policy.

10 Things No One Tells You About Gown Shopping

I finally found Her: The perfect dress for my wedding on September 1! I'd like to give a special shout-out to my consultant Andrea from Bridal Reflections in Carle Place, Long Island, for her unwavering patience, arms of steel, and contagious smile. 25+ dresses later, here's what I learned. (Catch up on part 1 of my dress shopping experience, here.)

gown shopping

1. Undergarments can drastically change the look of a dress.
You already know that wearing a strapless bra or a regular one with clear straps is non-negotiable. Even so, I’d recommend getting your measurements taken before you start this process, especially if you've lost weight recently, like I did. When I tried on the winning dress for the very first time, my bust looked...off. The culprit: Undergarments one cup size too small and three inches too big around the waist. Armed with my correct size, I slipped on the dress again—it's amazing what a difference a few inches can make.

The Most Bizarre Wedding News This Week

Couple Gets Married via Twitter

We've seen couples live-tweet their proposals and weddings. And I'm sure we can all think of a couple who updated their Facebook relationship statuses the second after saying "I do." But this is the first we've heard of a couple actually exchanging their vows through Twitter.

Turkish groom Cengizhan Çelik, a social media editor, and his bride, Candan Canik, gathered in a room with their officiant and witnesses as the officiant carried out the ceremony on Twitter. 

As the officiant tweeted out the prompts, the bride and groom responded on an iPad with "Evet," which is Turkish for "Yes." After being pronounced husband and wife, they signed a good ol' fashioned marriage certificate. 

Man Fakes His Own Death, Then Proposes

Etiquette Q&A: "Can We Invite My Ex-Wife?"

Join us every Friday for our new etiquette Q&A column, where editor-in-chief Diane Forden answers one reader's biggest etiquette question. 

Q. My fiancée and I have a great relationship with my ex-wife. I’d like to invite her—and our daughter, of course—to my wedding. What is the etiquette on this? 

A. As a rule, it’s recommended that ex-spouses not be invited to the wedding, even if you have an amicable relationship. There are several reasons for this: Your child may be confused by her mother’s presence at your nuptials. Guests, too, may feel a bit uncomfortable and not know quite what to say to your ex (not only does this put your former wife in an uncomfortable position but the focus is now on her instead of on you and your new wife). And consider the fact that your ex may find it emotionally difficult to witness your re-marriage, no matter how well she and your fiancée get along. If, despite all of these forewarnings, you still want to extend an invitation, make sure your future wife is absolutely OK with it. If she indicates even the slightest bit of hesitation or doubt, then don’t put the invite in the mail.

—Diane Forden

A Sweet Way to Say "Thanks"

Oooh-la-la! Take a look at what landed on my desk just in time for Fashion Week: a new collection of macarons from Maison Ladurée. The pastel shades echo the divine flavors — think Strawberry Candy, Lemon Lime, Almond, Violette and Blood Orange Ginger. They are almost (almost!) too gorgeous to eat. Just the absolute picture of confectionery chic, n’est-ce pas? They'd make a lovely thank-you gift for your bridesmaids or parents ($21 for a box of six).laduree macaronsladuree macarons

—Mary Clarke 

Photos by Mary Clarke

20 Things I Learned from Blogging My Wedding

As I write this, I am just a few days away from my wedding. I loved sharing my journey with you all for the past year. It feels surreal that it will soon be over and I'll finally be married to the man who makes me happier than anything in the world! Here are 20 lessons and tips I've learned along the way.

1. Think beyond the altar.
The wedding is more than just a party; it’s about your decision to share your life fully with another person. We’re talking forever, brides. Make sure you and your hubby-to-be discuss your future plans (where you'll live, how you'll raise your kids) in addition to seating charts and honeymoon destinations.

wedding
Photo Credit: Joy Marie Photographers

2. Make it personal. 
The last thing I wanted was a ceremony and reception that could have worked for any couple. I’d suggest adding as many small, personal touches as possible so your wedding is uniquely yours. Some ideas I love: asking for song requests, creative table numbers, and serving unexpected treats, like cookies and milk. 

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