Blogs

Spring can’t get here soon enough! Today, most of us on the east coast plodded through messy snow and ice (my boots are getting a workout) and warm, sunny days seem light years away. But here’s something to brighten your day—our March/April issue is on the newsstands!

This super fashion issue is filled with pages and pages of gorgeous bridal gowns…

As well as chic options for your favorite gal pals…

You’ll also get great ideas on how to plan the a beautiful outdoor celebration…

…plus tips on how to plan an amazing springtime affair from wedding guru David Tutera.

And if deciding on your wedding colors has you stymied, check out our story that features three gorgeous, colorful receptions:

Now, I know that saving money is always a priority and no one wants to go into serious debt, right? That’s why you’ll love these smart, savvy cost-cutting tips…

…as well as more advice from Colin Cowie on how to save on the floral budget.

We're big fans of Birnbaum & Bullock here at Bridal Guide—they offer three different collections all with sizes ranging from 2 to 16—so we were stoked to hear that they were having a sample sale of mostly unworn gowns, right in our hometown of NYC. The label is known for not only their intricate designs, but also for their on-trend detailing—the Kristen (far left) has an illusion neckline; the Rebecca (near right, shown with coordinating shrug) features whimsical-yet-elegant feather embellishment. (For those who don't live in the area, visit birnbaumandbullock.com for more information.) Their gowns have also been featured on TLC's reality show "The Perfect Dress" and WeTV’s “Girl Meets Gown.” Hurry though, because the most common sizes will sell first—as will the on-trend gowns seen here.

To make an appointment, call 212-242-2914.
The Sale: Birnbaum & Bullock
When: Saturday, Jan 22, 12:00-4:00pm and Sunday, Jan 23, 12:00-4:00pm
Where: 151 West 25th Street, #2A

—Rachel Jacoby

Credits from left: Alterna Caviar Travel Experience Kit, $30; Malin+Goetz Essentials Kit, $30; Anthony for Men Grab-and-Go Kit, $35.

Yoga is getting more and more popular...okay, what does that have to do with your wedding budget? Well, it's a bit of stretch (get it?), but in fact, I love the idea of giving your bridesmaids something a little different--to wit, yoga mats in complementary earth tone colors--instead of preseting your favorite girls with the usual earrings or purses. They cost $50 (travel mat) to $65 at jadeyoga.com,  they're made of eco-friendly natural rubber and they grip the floor like crazy (I own one). They also come in different thicknesses. It's the perfect gift, especially if you're going for an eco-wedding. For every mat purchased, the company plants a tree through its partnership with Trees for the Future.  Ommmm....

--Susan Schneider

What do celebrities like Jon Hamm, Nicole Richie and Jennifer Lopez have in common (besides good looks, that is)? An affinity for the W Hollywood, one of our favorite hotels right now. Perfect for your destination affair, the W Hollywood provides a chic, glamorous backdrop for a modern wedding. Check out the lobby alone:

Incredible, right? There are also other scenic locations to wed at the hotel, including an "Everything White" dreamscape and a "Hollywood Wedding" akin more to the crowd at a hip club then seniors dancing at the golden oldies. And that's not it: When you wed at a W Hotel, you'll get to utilize their "Whatever/Whenever" concierge services--and create your own Vow Wows website to share with guests. From there, your nearest and dearest will be able to book their hotel rooms directly. Now that's what I call service.

--Rachel Jacoby

Bonjour, my fantastic honeymooners! After a year and four months of marriage, Husband and I finally took our trip of a lifetime. And what a one-and-only experience it was. We jumped around southern Africa on the lookout for lions, leopards and wild dogs all while staying in some of the most exclusive and gorge resorts on the planet. Since I’m always thinking of you, I had the Huz whip out our nifty Flip camera and shoot the bodacious digs in which we stayed. Since we told the hotels ahead of time that we were honeymooning they all gifted us champagne, yummy goodies and room upgrades where available. This shot is from the best hotel in the entire continent of Africa—The Cape Grace. Located on the beautiful waterfront area of Cape Town, this hotel has it all—an uber relaxing spa oasis, a ridiculously amazing high-end restaurant, a total hip, seen-and-be-seen bar and, as you can see here, super comfortable rooms. Ours had two bathrooms, multiple balconies and views of Table Mountain, a local natural attraction, and the pretty waterfront. Enjoy!

--Jenna Mahoney

Elena Donovan Mauer, a bridal expert who works with Bridal Guide on an ongoing basis, has co-authored a new book called "Planning Your Wedding Sucks" (how's that for blunt?). Never one to pull any punches, Elena offers some real-life advice about saving for ye olde wedding...
1. First, decide how much you need to save each month to reach your wedding-budget goal.
2. Start a savings account devoted entirely to wedding savings.
3. To be sure you don't slip and "forget," either make an electronic transfer every month or have part of your paycheck directly deposited into that account every payday.
4. Find little ways to save that add up. Paint your own nails. Pack your lunch and eat dinner at home. Clip coupons.
5. Take a hard look at your monthly expenses. Where can you cut back? Isn't giving up cable for a few months worth having a few wedding luxuries that you crave?  You'll barely have time to watch TV anyhow.

Most brides find that once saving gets to be a habit, it doesn't hurt nearly as much as you might think. So take a deep breath, let it out slowly...and start.

--Susan Schneider