Blogs

Our fashion editor is reporting live from the bridal runway shows in Chicago this weekend! You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

Here, get a quick look at the most buzzed-about gowns from days two and three.

Mori Lee

We love the delicate lace detailing on this ballgown:

Show some curves in this ravishing mermaid:

We love this sparkling princess ballgown:

See more new gowns by Mori Lee ►

Cristiano Lucci

How much do you love these bejeweled sleeves?

Determining just what your wedding style is can be daunting, to say the least. How do you decide on the colors, the décor (vintage or modern? Traditional or rustic?) and all the details involved? With so many options available, your head will be spinning in no time.

Which is why I fell in love with this brilliant new website, lovedetailed. The genius creators of the site, Brooke Polson and Dana Constantino, have made creating your dream wedding a reality without all the hassle. They know that not every bride has the time or budget to pull it all together, so they teamed up with renowned L.A.-based wedding planner, Linda Howard, to help you get the wedding you want. The premise is fun and easy — simply take their style profile quiz so they can match your answers to one of their design packages (I took the quiz several times and loved the results!). Here, a sampling of some of the gorgeous packages available:

Perhaps you consider your style a bit more modern and you love color, drama and glamour. This black, white and fuchsia wedding may be just the ticket:

This week, I am dedicating my post to my trainer (and aunt), Bonne Marcus. For almost one year now, she has been training with me almost every week and has given me 100% of her time and energy when I need it, and I am forever grateful. I am more than halfway to my goal weight, and it wouldn’t have been possible without her endless support and perseverance.

1. She motivates me
I know I am lucky to not only have Bonne as my aunt but also as my trainer and fitness coach. Throughout this process, she has motivated me and inspired me to lose weight, get healthy, and feel better. She continues to motivate me each time we meet — and each and every day. Throughout the week, she sends me notes, asks how I’m doing, gives me advice, and so much more to keep me going.

Bonne is away on vacation this week, but her presence is still with me. I hear her voice in my head telling me “you got this” and “you can do it” every time I need a little reminder.

Photo Credit: Hugh Forte on The Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

Q: Who should give the toasts at the rehearsal dinner and wedding, and how do they differ for each event?

A: Good question, since toasts do vary for each occasion. At the rehearsal dinner, for example, the atmosphere is often laid-back and informal. The toasts begin with the host of the evening (usually the groom’s father, but both of his parents can do the honors), then the best man, followed by the groom to his bride and her family and then the bride to the groom and his family. Other guests who wish to say a few words may also join in. And, since it’s usually a more intimate gathering, the toasts can be a little longer and more lighthearted than those given at the wedding reception.

When you and your fiancé take your turns to speak (if you choose to do so), it’s a nice gesture to say some kind words about your future spouse as well as to thank both sets of parents for their love and support. Your fiancé can finish up the speaking portion of the evening with a few last words to the group.

Like many brides, Xiang Junfeng describes her wedding day as the happiest day of her life. "I never wanted it to end," she told the Daily Mail. And so it didn't — at least when it comes to her wardrobe. "I decided I wanted to not only keep wearing my dress, but actually bought four other wedding dresses as well." 

Junfeng's wedding day was especially meaningful because it wasn't just a celebration of love — it was a celebration of her freedom. Originally from Jimo, China, she was kidnapped at the age of 18, sold as a slave, and forced to marry an elderly man in Linyi. It took 15 years until she could escape to Liujiazhuang village, where she was helped by a local woman. When she later met the woman's brother, the two immediately hit it off. "I had only ever known a violent and abusive man, and I avoided men until I met my new partner, who brought me truly out of my shell and treated me so differently…I couldn’t believe it when he asked me to marry him," she said. "We felt comfortable with each other, so we have been together since then. I am very happy now, as my husband is very good to me."

The locals call her "Sister Wedding Gowns," and she rotates between her multiple dresses — even while working in the fields. “I don’t care what people say about me. My wedding dresses are part of my life and I will continue to wear them regardless.”

Guest blogger: Joanne Barken
Joanne Barken is the CEO of The Bach, the first online platform for planning bachelorette parties. Joanne, who lives in New York City — one of the country's top choices for a special night out with the girls — has helped plan over a dozen bachelorette parties before launching The Bach.

The Kentucky Derby, taking place on May 3 this year, is known for more than just the exciting two-minute thoroughbred horse race. With its own fashion style and signature cocktail, it always makes for a great party. Whether your group actually attends the races, like Miranda Lambert’s bachelorette crew did, or just wants to throw a themed event at home, here’s how to Get Down & Derby at your next bachelorette party.

Set the Tone with the Right Invitations

Give your guests a heads up on the Kentucky Derby theme with these adorable invites.

Photo Credit: Etsy

This may be the most romantic Ferris wheel ride we've ever seen!

After dating for six and a half years, Aaron Talmage decided to propose to his high school sweetheart, Ashley Clark, over spring break in Myrtle Beach, SC, using the 187-foot tall SkyWheel to make it especially memorable. As Clark rode the wheel with her friends, about 20 loved ones were hard at work on the beach, lighting candles to spell out "Ashley, will you marry me," which she'd see as the wheel made its final loop around.

Upon seeing the message, Clark burst into tears — then laughed, "That's why he was being weird!" 

Talmage came up with the idea while working at the KOA in Myrtle Beach over the summer. As he rode the SkyWheel himself, he noticed how you can see the entire beach from the top and began hatching his plan to light up the sand.

After Clark exited the ride, she collected a flower from each helper as she wandered along the path to Talmage. Watch the sweet video:

Plus, the bride-to-be's parents were in attendance and shared some helpful advice for their daughter's fiancé: "Wake up every day and think, before he gets out of the bed, how to make her day every single day," said her mom. "That's all I can ask." His dad laughingly added:  "Treat her as well as he treats his mother — or else."

—Kristen Klein

When Jim Zetz, 62, was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, he was heartbroken for his 11-year-old daughter, Josie. Not only would he likely pass away before her next birthday, but his dream of walking her down the aisle at her wedding some day was all but shattered — that is, until wedding photographer Lindsey Villatoro of Love Song Events & Photography helped the family celebrate that special moment now, while they still can.

The photographer was originally hired to capture one last family photo session. During the session, Josie expressed how upset she was about all of the "memories down the line" her father would miss. Villatoro was so touched by their story that she secretly reached out to her local vendors and organized a special ceremony, where Jim would get to walk his little girl down the aisle. In just 72 hours, she'd secured a wedding dress, tuxedo, cake, catering, flowers, and even hair and makeup for Josie.

'"One day [you] wake up and realize you’re given the opportunity to change someone’s life for the better. 'You get an idea, don’t think twice and run with it," Villatoro wrote.

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly >>

At-home weddings are romantic, intimate, and always memorable, but they come with their fair share of challenges. Opening up your home (or the home of a generous friend or family member) means dealing with logistical considerations you wouldn't encounter at a traditional wedding venue (bathrooms, anyone?). Here are some things to keep in mind:

How do you make your bestie of 19 years feel special on their wedding day? If you're Bradley Bredeweg, then you give guests a glimpse into your friendship with a heartfelt toast...that erupts into a choreographed Britney Spears performance!

The best man's speech for pal Stephanie Huntington at her wedding reception on February 23rd began innocently enough when he explained to the crowd that Brit-Brit has been the "soundtrack of their lives." He then went on to say that "We also know that marriage takes work," but he didn't even have to finish his sentence, because based on the bride's shocked expression, she had an inkling what was coming next.

As soon as "Work B**tch" began to play, the "wait staff" (who were actually hired professional dancers in disguise) put down their trays of champagne and sauntered onto the dance floor. Watch the performance below and tell us what you think!

The hilarious video has already been viewed over 266,000 times and it even got the Princess of Pop's seal of approval:

Plus, check out what the Internet has crowned "The Best Father-Daughter Dance of All Time."

—Stefania Sainato