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Photo Credit: Rebakah Westover Photography

In most parts of the country, throwing a winter wedding is a gamble. A lot of people thought I was crazy for choosing a February date in New Jersey. Luckily, we were blessed with gorgeous weather on our wedding day — it snowed the following day! Here, the most important things I learned while planning my winter wedding:

You’ll Save Money — on Most Vendors
Since the winter isn’t a peak time to get married in most parts of the country, you can score some major discounts. We saved big on our venue, and we also got discounts on our photographer, videographer, DJ, and transportation. One area where we did not experience any savings: Flowers. Because there are fewer flowers in season, you may have to pay a premium or forego your first (or second or third) choice bloom. 

You’ll Need to Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario
As a winter bride, you have to know the answer to the biggest question: what will you do if there’s a blizzard on your wedding day and no one can get there?

Warning: Major spoiler ahead if you haven’t read the book!Photo Credit: Lionsgate

During one of Catching Fire’s pivotal moments, Peeta proposes to Katniss during a televised interview with Caesar Flickerman. But the scene didn’t go very smoothly during filming:

"I have proposed to Katniss," Josh Hutcherson, who plays Peeta, told MTV News. "Funny story: When we shot it, the actual proposal itself is done where you don't hear what we're saying, so I was just saying gibberish while I was proposing to her on one knee. Actually, the very first time I went to get down on one knee, my pants ripped right down the crotch. The worst thing that could happen when you're proposing to somebody is that your pants rip right down the crotch, and that's what happened to Peeta. So... he's doomed. He's doomed. Poor guy, he just can't catch a break."

Aww, poor Peeta! Tell us: What do you think is the worst possible thing that could happen during a proposal?

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Whether you're holding your wedding near a winter holiday, like Christmas or Hanukkah, or on the actual day (New Year's Eve!), there are plenty of ways to incorporate the best of the season in your wedding day. We checked in with Sari Mintz, founder of ForYourParty.com, for some fun ways to personalize your winter wedding and bring in the festive feeling of the season. 

"Grinchmas" Kids' Party
During your cocktail hour or reception, set  up a special Grinch-themed area just for the kids! 

Serve "Green Grinch Punch," dressed up with customized stirrers.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup Imperial Sugar® / Dixie Crystals® Granulated Sugar
6 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons water
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
12 drops neon green food coloring
1 bottle (2 liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled
2 pints vanilla ice cream

Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved; remove from the heat. Stir in milk and extract.

Transfer to a bowl; cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Just before serving, transfer milk mixture to a punch bowl. Stir in the food coloring and soda. Top with scoops of ice cream. Yield: 4 quarts.

If you're a bride who loves TLC's wedding shows, you have one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving: on Thursday, the channel is serving up a double dose of bridal fun with a special episode of  Four Weddings,  followed by the premiere of their latest series, Along for the Bride.

In the holiday episode of "Four Weddings," the competition is getting a mother's touch: Attending and judging the weddings is being handed over to the mothers of the four brides. These moms will show how they truly know best by critiquing each wedding for its food, venue, dress, and overall experience.

Here's a preview of all the fun to expect in this epidode:

The mom who scores the most points will win a luxury honeymoon for her daughter and new son-in-law. I personally can't wait to see this sentimental moment when the winning daughter rejoyces with her mother! Watch with your mom on Thanksgiving at 9 p.m.

I can hardly believe that the holiday season is upon us! And what better time is there to break out a little bubbly or sparking wine to toast the season?

One of my favorites is an Italian sparkling wine, the Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosè from Terlato Wines International. It’s light, fresh and fruity (but not cloyingly sweet) and pairs beautifully with everything from French toast to grilled salmon, chicken, Asian and vegetable dishes. And it’s ideal with desserts, making it a perfect choice for all your upcoming celebrations.

Here’s a wedding-perfect signature cocktail you’ll love, created by Michael MacDonnel, Director of Beverage Monte Carlo Resort & Casino:

Raspberry Kiss Cocktail

1½ oz Raspberry-flavored vodka
¾ oz Crème de Cassis
1½ oz. fresh lemon sour
3-5 fresh raspberries
1½ to 3 oz Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosè
Sugar for rim of glass

Steps:

1. Sugar the rim of the cocktail glass; use a flute or martini glass for best presentation
2. Pour vodka, Crème de Cassis, lemon sour and fresh raspberries into cocktail shaker; top with ice
3. Shake vigorously
4. Strain into glass
5. Top with Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosè
6. Optional garnish: add fresh raspberries

Enjoy this special cocktail with family and friends and here’s to many more celebratory moments!

—Diane Forden

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a 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 shares her picks for what to wear to a winter wedding.

They say it's the most wonderful time of the year; ornaments and lights, eggnog and candy canes, holiday parties and, of course, those beautiful winter weddings. Now, just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't (and shouldn't) look fabulous. Besides, what better time to break out the sequins and lace and color than the holidays?

Just remember to stay warm with stockings and closed-toe shoes, and accessorize with a fun pair of gloves, a hat and perhaps a gorgeous feather coverup!

Ballroom

Photo Credit: Royal Household/John Swannell

Today, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. The couple tied the knot on November 20, 1947 in Westminster Abbey before 2,000 guests, followed by an intimate wedding lunch at Buckingham Palace. Here, check out 20 facts you may not know about the longest-married British monarch:

1. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are third cousins — both are great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Philip’s mother was born in Windsor Castle and he, in fact, has more royal blood than Elizabeth—his parents were Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece, while Elizabeth’s mother was of British nobility.

It’s time to celebrate! Our January/February 2013 issue is on the newsstands, and it marks the start of Bridal Guide’s 25th anniversary year. Yep…25 years of giving brides like you the very best advice and latest news in fashion, wedding planning and honeymoons. And, to note our special anniversary, we’re giving you a chance to win this stunning cover gown by Melissa Sweet for David’s Bridal:

But wait, there’s more! You also have an opportunity to win a dream-come-true safari honeymoon in Africa worth $14,000.

Plus, if you’re thinking of having a wedding away, you’ll get “Your Complete Destination Wedding Guide” free with this issue.

With Wreck-It Ralph making us feel a little nostalgic for video games — and a little sympathetic toward the most hated villains — we've compiled some of our favorite gaming-themed weddings, from Super Mario Bros. to Rock Band to Halo. 

Nintendo

There are so many fun ways to incorporate Nintendo elements in your wedding, starting with the proposal: Hide the engagement ring inside of this classic question mark box! 

Photo Credit: Emmadreamstar/Etsy

Nintendo superfans Esther and Ryan enlisted friend Larry Quach to custom-design invitations, favor boxes, and more for their Super Mario Bros. theme wedding:

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

Photo Credit: William Innes Photography

Q. Our wedding party consists of four bridesmaids and seven groomsmen. What’s the best way to pair them up for the ceremony? Do all of the groomsmen have to walk down the aisle during the processional?

A. Wedding parties like yours, with an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, are quite common. The good news is you have several options to consider for both the processional and recessional. For the processional, your groomsmen could enter the ceremony first and walk down the aisle in single file, followed by your bridesmaids. Or, the groomsmen could already be in the room, either at their seats or standing in front of the guests with the groom, before your bridesmaids start their processional. For the recessional, pair the first bridesmaid with one groomsman and the next three bridesmaids with two groomsmen each, one on either side.

—Diane Forden