Blogs

Finally, a show that hits all the marks — real brides, real drama and a real budget!

TLC’s 'I Found The Gown' comes complete with all of the oohs, ahhs and tears we now expect from America’s brides-to-be. But what sets it apart from predecessor 'Say Yes to The Dress' is how it caters to brides whose wallets aren't quite Kleinfeld-ready.

Photo courtesy of TLC

The action takes place at VOWS, a Boston bridal outlet owned by Rick and Leslie DeAngelo. The duo keeps the store's racks stocked with about 800 designer wedding gowns — including Reem Acras and Vera Wangs — at seriously discounted prices between ($199 to $4,500). Top-notch consultants help the brides sift through the treasure pile to find the perfect dress at a perfect pricepoint. No ordering necessary: if their size is in, it's their's to take home that very day.

The catch? Sizes are limited, and the good ones can get snatched up faster than you can say “I do.”

Leslie and Rick; Photos courtesy of TLC

Done right, a candy buffet becomes more than just a delicious favor for your guests; it becomes an eye-catching part of your wedding reception décor. 

But creating one isn't as simple as just buying a few bags of candy. To find out how to create the perfect color-coordinated buffet with the right amount of candy for your guests, we checked in with Nicole Carter from acandystore.com, an online bulk candy store organized by color, theme, brand, and flavor. Check out her advice below!

BG: How much candy do I need to buy?
Nicole Carter: Determining how much to buy is the biggest challenge. We've found people tend to overestimate the weight of candy. If I asked you what five pounds of M&M's looks like, what would be your guess? We have some helpful videos on our product pages to help show you what volumes of different candies equate to.

Photo Credit: Ace Photography

Not a fan of the classic French manicure? Here, nail expert and Custom Nail Solutions president Katie Saxton shares the hottest trends for the fall season. Which would you try for your wedding?

Double Reverse French Manicure
A modern twist on the French manicure, this elegant look features a dark color on the tips with the rest of the nail covered with a soft shimmer or a clear polish.   

Burgundy
This elegant shade is the go-to color for fall. Jazz it up with a thin line of sparkly polish.

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color
Give your nails a 3-D look with this fun polish! After applying two coats, hold a magnet (included) over each nail for 10 seconds before the polish dries, which creates a raised effect. Then apply a top coat to lock in the shiny, multidimensional look.  

With its awe-inspiring views and intimate, serene vibe, the South Peak of Seneca Rocks in West Virginia is a stunning place to tie the knot—if you're daring enough to climb up to the 900-foot summit. Avid rock climbers Bob and Antonie Ewing did just that earlier this month. 

"Seneca Rocks is our absolute favorite place in the whole world," said Bob. "It's the perfect place to spend the weekend: breathtaking views, good-hearted people, fantastic climbing, and no cell phone reception." 

Photo Credit: John Ewing

Back in March, Bob proposed to Antonie at the top of their favorite route on Seneca Rocks, called Ecstacy. After Antonie happily said yes, they continued up to the South Peak summit just before sunset. Antonie remarked that she wanted to get married on that summit in her mom's wedding gown. "I thought that sounded perfect.," said Bob. "Her mom even joined us for the mountaintop ceremony."

Their fun save-the-date video also featured Seneca Rocks:

Being a repeat bridesmaid is a great honor, but it can leave you with a closet filled with unwearable gowns (we've all watched 27 Dresses). Bridesmaid dresses can be very costly, so do your 'maids a favor and select a style that is not only comfortable, but versatile enough to wear again. Sounds like an impossible feat? Follow these tips to ensure that your bridesmaid dresses won't get dusty in the back of your friends' closets!

1.  Select a flattering silhouette with straps. The draping of this Mori Lee dress is what makes it so versatile. Unlike long bridesmaid gowns, this short style can be worn again to a cocktail party, office function, or special dinner.

Dress by Mori Lee, Style #185

2. Give your bridesmaids a color and length requirement, but let them pick the style. Your bridesmaids all have different body types and tend to know what looks best on them, so why not let them select the silhouette? The bride should have the final say to ensure that all of the different dresses will look cohesive as a group, like these two pretty options from Eden Bridals and Liz Fields.

When it comes to deciding on a gift for your bridesmaids, there are any number of ideas to consider, from jewelry and silk scarves to evening clutches and scented candles. And, of course, the more personal your gift is, the better. That's why I love the amazing products from Initials, inc. This company, founded by sisters, Ivy C. Hall and Britney C. Vickery, not only offers a wide variety of fantastic gift ideas for your gal pals (and yourself!), but with their iCare Foundation, it’s also dedicated to “supporting women who are making a difference.” In fact, $5 from each sale of the company’s $18 Zip Around (a clever compact case that unzips into a large tote) is donated to a different cause every six months.

Right now, the proceeds are going to support Registered Nurse Katherine Roberts’ dream of building a new sewing training center in Solwezi located in Zambia, Africa, where she currently lives. With this sewing center, the town’s disabled will be able to support themselves by making products they can sell in their local marketplace. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

You’ll find so many other handbags, wallets, totes and more on initials-inc.com that you’re sure to spot something unique for every member of your bridal party. Plus, almost every item can be personalized with your besties’ initials.

Here are a few handbag options:

The Soho Shopper, $40, holds a multitude of items:

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a new wedding website where brides, grooms, family and friends can purchase a stylish and affordable mix of beautifully curated pieces. Designed to make wedding planning all the more inspiring and enjoyable, Idojour offers accessories and apparel for your wedding weekend, complemented by both inspirational and practical content. Rosanna oversees content, among many other things, and makes sure that everything comes together beautifully on the site.

Here, Rosanna discusses one of her favorite trends right now.

Lavender is one of our favorite things to see in weddings these days, especially with the popularity of outdoor rustic and green weddings. Carrying lavender on your big day was once thought to ensure a long, happy marriage. The bloom also symbolizes love and loyalty, making it a perfect choice for weddings. From bouquets and boutonnières to cakes and cocktails, there are so many gorgeous and creative ways to incorporate this herb into your wedding-day décor.

Bridesmaid Bouquets
Photo Credit: Samm Blake

When I think of bridesmaids, I imagine a row of identical, pretty faces standing duitfully by my side while I recite my vows. However, my husband Michael and I already had a simple wedding ceremony last November, so we're only throwing a reception this second time around. I still wanted to find a way to incorporate my girlfriends into my special day, so instead of asking them to be bridesmaids, they're my "wing girls."

I figured that if guys can have wingmen backing them up in tricky situations, why not have my best gals around to support me? Wing girls help out with planning and provide emotional support, but unlike bridesmaids, their tasks are on a volunteer basis—not mandatory. I don't want them to feel obligated to throw me a lavish bridal shower or wear identical dresses to the wedding.

There’s Kate, my best friend since the eighth grade; Carrie, a fun, sassy coworker from San Diego; Kelsey, my best girlfriend from college who I studied abroad with in Spain; Christina, my lovely sister-in-law; and Minty, my newest friend who I study journalism with here in New York. They’re all really sweet, awesome girls, and although they didn’t know each other beforehand, they get along great.

We succumbed to Jennifer Aniston wedding mania this week, swapping dress predictions and waiting for photos of her incredible rock (she can't keep up that hiding-it-under-a-towel shtick forever).

Another highlight was chatting with an inspiring couple from the U.K. They've had 23 weddings around the world and counting — don't miss their spectacular photos, here. Their most recent nuptials: A tango showdown in Argentina.

We'd also like to give a shout-out to our Web Intern, Paulette, on her last week at BG. She will be sorely missed! Take a look back at her "What Victoria Beckham Taught Me About Having a Hot Husband" and "Marriage Advice to Miley Cyrus" stories, both funny and insightful reads.

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

Soft and romantic, these boho-chic wedding gowns exude a relaxed, ethereal feel. Think: Kate Moss' and Natalie Portman's weddings.