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The wedding shower has gotten a bad rap in recent years, with many young women thinking of it as an outdated obligation instead of the fun pre-wedding party it is. Many brides are opting out of the tradition altogether, but we think it just needs to be reimagined! Read on for our favorite new ways to do wedding showers.

1. Give it a fun theme.
A great theme can take an average party to the next level, and incorporating a fun, modern theme is the easiest way to make a wedding shower more fun. One theme we love for summer: a patio party! Think: a backyard bash complete with lawn games and BBQ; guests are encouraged to bring patio-related gifts for the couple.

Congratulations, brides-to-be! Perhaps some of you are newly engaged, while others are well into the throes of wedding planning. But no matter how far along you are in the process, you’ll find an abundance of fabulous fashions, smart planning tips and to-die-for honeymoon destinations in our May/June 2014 issue.

Have an iPad? Be sure to check out our digital edition! Get one issue for $5.99 or a one-year subscription (six issues) for just $9.99. Click here to download the Bridal Guide Magazine app from the App Store. 

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect dress, we’ve got your style — from floral-accented beauties:

to breezy, romantic dresses...

and luxurious lace gowns.

Great news for the fashionable grooms out there: Vera Wang's tuxedo line BLACK by Vera Wang is now available for purchase exclusively at Men's Wearhouse. Purchasing a well designed tuxedo is a great investment, a staple piece to your future husband's wardrobe (unlike the bride, he can wear it again!). 

The BLACK by Vera Wang tuxedo collection has two tuxedos; following is an exclusive look at their Spring 2014 campaign.

The BLACK by Vera Wang Slim Fit Black Tuxedo features a grosgrain-faced notch lapel and flat-front trousers with a fine grosgrain stripe on the leg for a touch of classic formalwear. This tuxedo is perfect for the evening formal wedding.

The BLACK by Vera Wang Slim Fit Gray Tuxedo features satin edges on a notch lapel and flat-front trousers with a satin stripe down the leg for a chic alternative to the classic black tuxedo.

Both tuxedos retail at $799.99 and come in slim, regular, and big and tall sizes. All tuxedos are available for rental or purchase at Men's Wearhouse across the US and at menswearhouse.com.

—Naima DiFranco

The Broke-Ass Bride's Wedding Guide empowers couples with the simple philosophy that it's not about how much you spend but how you spend it. As author Dana LaRue says, "You're only planning a party, so have fun with it." You don't need to give up your savings, the possibility of a downpayment on a house, or your sanity to plan a celebration that is meaningful and inspired. Here, Dana shares her advice on how to broach the dreaded "money talk" with your parents.

Whether you’re relying on strangers (or family), here's how to tactfully handle any potential wedding contributions. Ditch what "the rules" dictate: Ye olde traditions of the bride's side paying for "this" and the groom's side paying for "that" have become a bit antiquated in recent years, so those rules don't have to apply.

1. Have a frank conversation.
Make sure to speak openly with your families about your hopes and expectations for the wedding, and leave room in the conversation for them to offer assistance if it’s within their means.

It may still be a bit brisk in your neck of the woods, but spring is officially here, and wedding season will soon be in full bloom. (More couples marry from May through early autumn than at any other time of year.) With that in mind, we asked Sarah Lowy and Jodi Cohen of L.A.-based JOWY Productions to share some of their favorite trends. This dynamic duo has created gorgeous weddings and events for innumerable brides and grooms, as well as for many celebrity clients. Here, their take on some of the top trends we’ll be seeing this spring.

Theme

Vintage and romantic remains the prominent theme for 2014. Blush and champagne wedding gowns, black and white photographs, champagne cocktails, lace table cloths and a touch of sparkle continue to enchant.

Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid Photography

Photo Credit: Peter Bohler

As a wedding planner, I'm always brainstorming new ways to entertain wedding guests without breaking the bank. You'd be surprised by how far a few personalized touches can go! Of course everyone will remember how beautiful you looked and how amazing the food tasted, but what they will truly never forget is how you personally included each of them into the most important day of your life.

Here are some fun ideas that work for any wedding style — I can't wait to add a few of these to my own special day as well!

During the ceremony:

1. Include a line on your wedding RSVP where guests can jot down their wedded wisdom or a blessing for you. Compile some of the best responses and ask your officiant to read them as a dedication to both you and your guests.

Photo Credit: Danielle Capito

2. Involve your guests by conducting a ring blessing. Wrap the rings in a beautiful bag and pass them down from guest to guest before you recite the vows.

3. Come up with a meaningful passage, quote or song that you would like to have everyone say or sing with you during the ceremony.

4. Honor anyone who has made a special impact on your life (parents, grandparents, etc.) by having a dedicated passage or reading for them.

5. Include a thank-you note in the wedding programs. This adds such a sweet touch and will help guests get into the spirit of the day.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my weight-loss journey and progress so far, and I realized a few things I haven’t really thought about along the way. I’ve been so focused on “getting skinny” for the wedding that I forgot all of the other benefits this journey has given me.

1. I’m happier. Being thinner and healthier has also made me a happier person. Not that I was ever miserable, but working out and eating right has helped me smile more, feel more confident, and look at life differently.

2. I love working out. I can’t believe I went so many years without exercising. Now, if I miss one day, I miss it and can’t wait for the next day. If you aren’t working out, I highly recommend it — for so many reasons. It makes me feel good and keeps me healthy and fit; it also gives me more energy, something to focus on, and an outlet for any anger or negative feelings. 

3. I’m confident. Even at my heaviest, I always thought of myself as a confident person. Turns out, I was wrong. Now that I’ve lost some weight, I finally don’t have trouble getting ready in the morning. I don’t worry about the way my body looks to other people, I don’t wear baggy clothes to try and hide my fat, and I feel comfortable in clothes like I never did before. I even enjoy wearing lingerie now so much more!

4. I’m healthier. I got a physical about two months ago, and my doctor was happily surprised by my results. Aside from losing weight, my cholesterol is down, and all of my blood work came back good and normal. I’m not tired all of the time because of eating crappy food, and I have enough energy to get through my crazy days. I drink more water, which has also had a great effect on my skin! There is really nothing better than feeling 100% healthy.

Bride-to-be Maja Nogic certainly had a bachelorette party to remember! While celebrating with her bridesmaids in Sydney, Australia, the group planned to spend the day boating around the Sydney Harbour. When they arrived, the manager of the boat hire company told them he had a little surprise for them on board.

"We thought it was a stripper, because it was a hen’s party. But then we saw [Gerard] standing on the boat. We all just started screaming," the bride's close friend, Dragana Ogorelica, told the Daily Mail.

Photo courtesy of Dragana Ogorelica via Twitter

The star is currently filming his latest movie, Gods of Egypt, in Sydney. When the group approached, he called down to the girls, "Is this a hen's party? Can I join? We're going to dance a little bit, drink a little bit."

The group was enamored with the Scottish star, remarking that he was "so nice and relaxed. We all love him... His accent, oh my goodness, it was so beautiful. You couldn’t understand him half the time, but you didn’t care because it was just gorgeous."

He reportedly told his management that he wanted to stay and party for a bit, and he snapped some fun photos with the group.

This past weekend, singer/actress Mandy Moore and indie rocker Ryan Adams celebrated five years of marital bliss with a formal '50s theme party with their closest friends, including actress Minka Kelly and Cupcakes & Cashmere blogger Emily Schuman. 

"Everyone was told to wear their best '50s prom outfits," a source told Us Weekly. " People were toasting Ryan and Mandy. They were lovely together. Slim Jim Phantom performed all night and was playing hillbilly rock tunes." 

Photo courtesy Emily and Merritt via Instagram

Photo courtesy of Mandy Moore via Instagram

Photo courtesy Emily and Merritt via Instagram

Photo Credit: D. Park Photography

Q: My parents are paying for the wedding and do not want liquor served at the reception. My fiancé and I disagree, and we have enough money saved to pay for it ourselves. How should I tell my parents, or should we offer a cash bar?

A: First of all, no cash bar! Guests should never be expected to pay for any of the food or drinks at a wedding. If you and your fiancé can afford to provide alcoholic beverages, then by all means do so. Let your parents know that it’s important to you that alcohol is served and you’re more than happy to pick up the tab. They may not approve, but ultimately, it’s your choice, and as long as you’re footing the bill, they shouldn’t object. 

In order to save on the cost, consider serving only beer and wine, and compare the price of the house liquor as opposed to name brands. You may to able to save more than you think. Stocking your own bar? Here's how much booze you'll need ► 

—Diane Forden