Blogs

About a week ago, we showed you the first trailer for the upcoming movie, The Five-Year Engagement. And now, you can check out the couple's official wedding website! We can't help but love this promo idea. These days, it seems like every betrothed couple has a wedding website — and now, even fictional ones do. On the website, there's even a blog where the groom, Tom (Jason Segel), shares what he's learned about wedding rings since getting engaged, his ideas for combining their last names, and how he almost proposed. Check it out!

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Britney Spears couldn't contain her engagement euphoria last week—get the scoop on her proposal here!—it's easy to see why she got a case of Twitter TMI after receiving this incredible round-cut engagement ring designed by Neil Lane.

Photo Credit: Neil Lane

Neil Lane revealed to People Magazine that Jason Trawick refers to the pop singer as his "everyday princess," so he was inspired to create a regal setting with a tiara motif, which includes 90 small diamonds. 

The ring created a splash this weekend because unlike other celeb sparklers, Britney's weighs in at a modest 3 carats—"Jason didn't want an over-the-top ring with a giant stone." 

In honor of her new bling, we tracked down five sparkly lookalikes (and one fantasy pick so similar, it's scary) for our lovely BG brides:

1. Overstock.com 14K White Gold 1 ct. TDK Diamond Engagement Ring ($1,929.99)

From the walk down the aisle to the father-daughter dance, the wedding day is filled with special moments with dad. And now, more and more brides are opting for another special moment: a first look with dad!

We've always loved those photos where you can see Dad's misty-eyed first glance at his little girl all grown up in a wedding gown, so it makes sense for brides (and their photographers) to take it a step further and arrange a special first look with dad. Check out these two sweet shoots!

A Happy Family Reunion

While planning the wedding, Rhianna's family was hit with a huge blow. Her dad, who has been in the Army for 26 years, planned to retire. However, his retirement papers were rejected and, instead, he was deployed to Iraq.

"Once we realized he was not going to be in the country for our original wedding date, the prospect of planning a wedding kind of became pointless to me," said Rhianna. Rather than pulling together a wedding before the deployment or waiting another two years for his return, Rhianna and her husband, Patrick, went to a Justice of the Peace in November 2009. His parents acted as witnesses while hers listened over the phone. "It seemed like the perfect answer," said Rhianna. "However, I didn't realize how wrong it was going to feel. I cried through our vows, but not out of happiness. I cried because my family was missing. To make matters worse, my mom told me much later that my dad became teary-eyed and had to leave the room on the other end of the phone." 

Finger Foods

I love this photo of mini tacos and little salt-rimmed margaritas. How cute are the tiny tortilla chips used as taco shells? Miniature-sized appetizers allow you to incorporate a variety of different flavors and foods into your menu without breaking the bank. If you’ve got plates of mini tacos, mini sliders and mini pigs in a blanket going around, chances are there will be something to please everyone at your reception.

Check out more of our favorite mini food photos!

Photo Credit: peppermintbliss.com

Cake Pops

First it was the cake, then the cupcake, and now the cake pop! I’ll admit this is a tiny trend I’m not crazy about—my heart dies a little each time the cake gets smaller. I am very much looking forward to having cake (not just a bite, but a whole slice!) on my wedding day. Although cake pops are cute, without a doubt, I don't think one or two bites of dessert is ever enough, but I digress...

We've got an early holiday gift for our Cali brides: ban.do is hosting their annual studio sale this Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7958 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles. (Keep a lookout for their pink balloons and you'll know you've found the right spot!). Shop between noon and 4 pm to snatch up accessories discounted up to 75% off and the chance to win door prizes and other special giveaways.

Don't hail from the Golden State? Sign up for their mailing list and you'll automatically get 15% off your next online order.

Here's what's on our fantasy stocking stuffer list this year:

We keep hitting refresh and repeat, hoping this Crystal Swirl Bobbi Pin will come back in stock.

If you're secretly a sparkle bride like us, then this Dazzle Crystal Headwrap is just the ticket. It illuminates the face and would look great with a LWD at pre-wedding festivities.

Apologizes for the crazy headline, I was trying to get all owl-y and I’m not sure it really worked. Anyhow, I just got word on this fabulous engagement package at one of my favorite castles in the world. Yes, you read that correctly—a Castle!

Set in the verdant countryside of the gorgeous emerald isle of my ancestors, the Ashford Castle is everything you’d expect from a stately manor house. There are fireplace-lit common rooms, and overstuffed furniture, expansive grounds and delectable treats at teatime.  The castle, which dates back to 1228, also has an awesome falconry program that’s renowned throughout the world.

Now comes the part of the post with the even more fun and excitement! The intimate hotel just announced a new proposal package, which features a falconry lesson and the appearance of property’s owl, Dingle. Now, isn’t that a hoot! (Again, I just can’t resist.) Couples who are wise enough to book the package will also receive three night, champagne, a couple’s massage, a romantic candlelit dinner, a champagne breakfast in bed and a cool boat ride on the property’s river. Rates start at about $1,940. Go to ashford.ie for more information. 

—Jenna Mahoney

Following the success of her hugely popular White by Vera Wang line with David's Bridal, the revered wedding gown designer will launch a collection of tuxedos with Men's Wearhouse in spring 2012 called Black by Vera Wang.

The first collection will offer two styles: a black tuxedo with a two-button notch, grosgrain lapel with side vents, and flat-front pants with a grosgrain stripe detail, and a gray tuxedo with a two-button, satin edge notch lapel with side vents and classic flat-front pants.

The rental collection will start at $219.99 for the complete outfit, available in standard fit, slim fit, and big & tall sizing. 

"For more than twenty years, I have shared my design vision with women around the world, so it is exciting to now have the opportunity to share that with men as well," said Vera Wang in a release. "With an exceptional reputation as one the largest men's specialty retailers, Men's Wearhouse was a natural retail partner for the Black by Vera Wang collection."

We can't wait to check out the collection!

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

For formal events, I typically play it safe when it comes to my hair. I often opt for a simple half-up, half-down style complete with loose curls (see above).

I've been contemplating which hairstyle to choose for our wedding day, and my gut instinct is to continue the tradition by pinning a few pieces back and calling it a day. There's only one small problem: My dress would look best with an updo. 

For this reason, I've spent the past year (maybe a little more) searching for the perfect wedding updo. I am totally out of my comfort zone when all of my hair is pinned up, so I'm thankful that I will at least have a trial prior to the big day. 

I’m so excited to share my findings with my fellow BG brides! Here are some of my favorite hairstyles that I’m considering…

Photo Credit: Richard Israel

The first time I went to the Eternal City, I walked all around it from the moment I landed in the morning until the sun set. Rome (like any great city, really,: New York, Paris, Buenos Aires...) is best explored on foot. The big-deal sites are often located closer to each other then they look on the maps, and you just get a better feel for what life is like when you are strolling among the Romans, New Yorkers, Parisians or Porteños.

And now, it looks like walking around Rome is about to get even easier for my fashionable friends. According to the English ITALY Magazine, Mayor Gianni Alemanno has announced a rehab of some of the city’s old cobblestone streets, so stiletto wearers can stroll without getting a heel caught.

While I love the idea of being able to tour a favorite city in my highest Prada heels, I can’t imagine stripping away some of the character and history. Perhaps they’ll renovate the streets to have a look of cobblestone with the smooth feel of flat ground. You know, something like an IKEA floor covering for the city streets...

—Jenna Mahoney