Blogs

Hi BG brides! I'm officially a married woman now (doesn't Mrs. Brian Deitz have a nice ring to it?). Stay tuned for my total wedding recap; in the meantime, I've decided to share my diary leading up to the big day in the hopes that it will help prepare readers for theirs. Here is my honest look at what runs through your mind in those last days of singledom. Enjoy!

14 DAYS BEFORE: Making final decisions on the bachelorette party. I hope Neesha doesn’t make this too wild! I’m looking forward to it, though. To do: Print out programs for my traditional Nigerian ceremony and make fan programs for my modern white wedding.

Whether you're looking to get in shape for the big day or simply need a way to wind down in the midst of chaotic wedding planning, yoga can be a great exercise to try at home or in a studio. Wellness expert and yoga instructor,  bride-to-be, and cast member of the new series Yoga Girls, Elise Joan shares her favorite poses for BG brides. 

Ripped hems, accidental red wine stains and stiletto-induced blisters; what's a bridesmaid to do?  Luckily, armed with this thoughtful Bridal Party Survival Kit, your bridal party will be prepared for any minor bumps that come their way on your big day. It only takes three steps to make these kits, so even the most DIY-challenged brides in the bunch can come off looking like a pro without having to devote three weekends in a row to crafting.

(Full disclosure: The BG editors stockpile bridesmaids' kits like these in our desks, so that we're ready in case of any beauty or migraine emergencies before we hit up bridal events!)

We found this ingenious idea from 100 Layer Cake, an excellent resource and the very same blog where we swooned over this bubble chandelier.


Materials Needed:

Bridesmaids, the hilarious movie from Knocked Up producer Judd Apatow starring SNL breakouts Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph, is now available on DVD/Blu-ray! Here, our top five reasons why you should watch this movie with your bridal party.

Also: Enter for your chance to win a copy of the movie!

      Courtesy of Universal Pictures

You'll Get Ideas for the Bachelorette Party
Rita: What are we doing for the bachelorette party?
Becca: What about like, a princess theme?
Helen: Versace meets The Gold Rush.
Rita: I'm thinking tanned gentlemen that swallow fire and wear sarongs.
Megan: Female fight club. We grease up - surprise! Beat the crap out of her.
Rita: I don't hate it—
Helen: Vegas it is. 

Since my recently-engaged sister is planning a New Jersey wedding from Virginia, my mom and I decided to attend a bridal show yesterday at The Imperia in Somerset, NJ, a venue she's interested in visiting. My mom and I are old pros at bridal shows now after attending several during my planning process. Here, our top tips for getting the most out of a show:

Choose Your Show Wisely
There are basically two types of shows: large expos held in convention centers, and smaller, localized shows held in wedding venues. Both have their pros and cons. At a larger convention-type show, you'll encounter many more vendors. I think expos are best if you're just starting out with the planning process, since there's such a plethora of information. 

This season designers looked  to classic Hollywood for inspiration. Adding a fresh spin to the high shine glamour of yester-year, designers added modern architectural lines and clean finishes giving the impeccable style of the 40's screen siren a modern update.

Beauty Tip: The perfect counterpoint to the impeccable look of these clean designs would be a loose natural updo with great texture.

—Naima DiFranco

I’m currently partaking in a great debate (with myself) over whether I should step out in a vibrant stiletto or stick with a sensible shoe on my wedding day. I am absolutely torn!

My inner fashionista is screaming, “Go bold or go home!” I’ve been drooling over the Manolo Blahnik ‘Hangis’ Jeweled Pump, now available in FUCHSIA, since seeing them in the first Sex and the City movie.

However, as my wedding day approaches, I find myself gravitating towards a more neutral shoe with a lower heel. I will be on my feet for over eight hours…What’s a girl to do?

BG readers, help me decide: Leave a comment below saying which shoe I should choose!

Option #1:
Kate Spade Bloom:

(Note: Sorry, I could only find a photo in the violet color. Make pretend that these are ivory, instead.)

I’m so excited to tell you about our new issue. We cover it all—from dazzling dresses to awesome, sigh-inducing honeymoons (trust me, we all sigh in the office when we see those glorious resort photos!).

If you’re still in dress-search mode, then turn to our fashion section where you’ll find lots of fabulous styles, from this kick-up-your heels beauty...

…to this gorgeous, dreamy gown.

We’ll also give you the latest trends in our “Runway Report” as well as perfect accessories, bridesmaid dresses and the season’s chicest bridal shoes.

When it comes to planning details, we’ve got you covered. Our ceremony guide will ensure that this part of the day is uniquely special.

For the reception, you’ll find amazing ideas in our “All About Color” story.

Check out the new extended trailer for Breaking Dawn — with tons of snippets from the wedding! We can't wait to see the full wedding on November 18.

Get more Twilight wedding info here!

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

It strikes when I least expect it: After a romantic, four-course meal; while I'm checking my news feed on Facebook; when I spot that Michael Kors bag I can't afford; during the meditation portion of yoga, when my eyes close and I finally give myself permission to relax and let go.

As I've gotten deeper and deeper into my wedding planning and it's time to select vendors, I notice that a budget-induced panic seizes me from behind and puts me in a chokehold during the strangest moments, when I'm not even consciously thinking about it. As a result, I find myself constantly bringing up the "B" word with a very perplexed Jason, my fiancé, who is much better at compartmentalizing subjects and doesn't understand why I'm thinking about which photographer we should choose while watching Planet of the Apes. Even though I try to rationalize that I know we can afford our budget, sometimes it just feels plain exhausting to be engaged.

I'm not alone: Every engaged or recently-married girlfriend I talk to seems to have had blowouts every time they communicate with their soon-to-be-spouse about money they spend on the wedding. I decided it was time to call in reinforcement: Farnoosh Torabi, a personal finance expert and fellow bride-to-be getting married next June in Philly!