As it turns out, even BG staffers are known to suffer from wedding-planning overload sometimes! We've been so busy adding exciting new features to BridalGuide.com—let us know what you think of our redesign in the comments box below—that we haven't had the chance to update you on all of my latest adventures. Good news: I've officially checked off "book a venue," "host an engagement party," and "select a bridal party," off of my to-do list, which as any bride knows is a huge relief. Check back for behind-the-scenes photos and savvy budget secrets that I've learned while completing each of those tasks, including: what to expect when signing that iron-clad venue contract, how to throw a celebratory shindig with your nearest and dearest for less (without offending those you couldn't afford to invite), and the save-the-date cards we found that you're going to want to steal ASAP. (Hint: The photo above is a sneak peek of what's to come.) Also stay tuned for future posts about the next phase of Jason and Stef's Wedding Extravaganza: booking vendors! As always, thank you for reading and be sure to share your luxe-for-less wedding tips with us on Facebook and Twitter. We'll be listening, and you may just get a personalized reply...

—Stefania Sainato

If you've ever been a bridesmaid, I'm sure you've heard from a well-intentioned bride (or a pushy saleswoman) that "you can totally cut the bottom off that expensive gown post-wedding and wear it as a cocktail dress!" Well, I can't say I've known anyone to actually do this. But Bari Jay's new bridesmaid dresses make it so much easier—these three new styles feature detachable skirts.

It'd be really fun to work the detachables into your wedding day—keep the dresses long for the ceremony, then change it up for the reception. Even better if you're planning on wearing a short reception dress as well! 

Check out the styles below.

Charmeuse Sweetheart Pleated Dress with Tiered Detachable Skirt

Iridescent Chiffon Sweetheart Strapless Dress

Music can really make or break your video—if you don’t like the songs, you’re not going to want to watch the video. So before you send over your music selections to your videographer, read our quick tips:

Think Carefully Before Choosing a Current Hit
What are the chances that you’ll truly still love the song ten years from now? A year ago, nearly every couple was requesting “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas. Now, that song is more likely to end up on the do-not-play list. Think about the songs you grew up loving, the songs that remind you of the beginning of your relationship, and the songs you love jamming to together in the car.

Choose Upbeat Songs
Romantic ballads are great, of course, but they can really drag down the pacing of your video. Most “boring” wedding videos you’ve seen would look dramatically different with more upbeat music. Select a nice mix to help your video flow.

Don’t Be Afraid to Stray from Traditional Wedding Songs
“The Way You Look Tonight” and “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life” are popular choices, but thinking outside the box can help you find a unique sound for your video that you’ll both love. My husband and I both love Queen, so we chose “Don’t Stop Me Now” as the bridal prep song.

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Photo by Hilary Mayberry

We've fallen in love... with the new White by Vera Wang bridesmaid dress collection at David's Bridal. These fun designs don't scream "bridesmaid"—your girls will thank you for that!

Check out our top three favorites here, and be sure to check out davidsbridal.com for the rest of the collection!

One Shoulder Organza Dress with Black Belt ($198)

We're loving that the bias-cut flange skirt—a huge trend with wedding dresses—has hit the bridesmaid market.

Reem Acra is launching an exclusive capsule collection for Shopbop.com, coming in July! The line will feature apparel and accessories, ranging from a $450 beaded head band to a $4960 silver sequin micro-mini cocktail dress. Bonus: Reem Acra's popular Sunset Boulevard dress will be available for $5400.

Take a look at what's coming:

This silk gazard dress with trimmed hem ($2175) would be so fun to wear as a reception dress. We're loving the sleek, classic top paired with a fun bubble hem.

If you're looking for a dramatic dress (to say the least), check out this black crepe gown with an attached silk chiffon cape ($2990).

We've just heard that Tiffany & Co. releasing an updated version of their popular engagement ring finder app soon, so we decided to put together a list of our favorite FREE apps for iPhone, iPod touch or iPad that will make shopping for your perfect engagement ring or wedding band easy and fun.

Although most couples today pay for the majority of the wedding themselves, much of the planning is still the bride’s responsibility. You may both decide on the budget, place and date, but after that, it’s all systems go…for you. You’ll have your wedding checklist at the ready and schedule appointments to dress shop and meet with all your vendors. More than likely, you’ll be the one who decides on the wedding colors, invitations, decor, favors and flowers, and you’ll spend hours online researching all these details. Your guy is probably happy to let you handle this to-do list solo (be sure to include him on registering, taste-testings, wine sampling and the DJ/band selection!) but that doesn’t mean he should take a backseat thinking his only job is to show up at the wedding. Nope, those days are over! To the rescue: A Gentleman Walks Down the Aisle: A Complete Guide to the Perfect Wedding Day (Thomas Nelson) by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis.
  

CardAvenue.com
Concept: Dying for a $2,000 couch from Crate & Barrel—but also aware that your guests will think you're crazy if you add it to your registry? Register for gift cards instead to whichever stores you select. Your guests can then select the amount they'd like to give.
Pros: A nice option for a couple who doesn't need any more housewares. It's also helpful if you're planning a home renovation project (just select Home Depot and Lowe's for your cards), where you don't know what exactly you'll need—and let's face it, a new toilet isn't a great wedding gift anyway.
Cons: Call me old-fashioned, but it feels a little too much like flat out asking for money—a big etiquette no no.  

It's practically a given that celebrity weddings will air on TV these days—and that TLC will be behind it. Tentatively titled "Nick and Vanessa's Dream Wedding," TLC's new special will include everything from their joint wedding shower to shopping for the dress to the actual wedding ceremony.

The airdate is still TBD but will be within weeks of the event. Will you tune in for Nick and Vanessa's wedding special?

Here at BG, we can't help but wonder if it'll have anything in common with Nick's last wedding... and we're more than a little surprised that Nick has agreed to more reality TV.

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Alison Duke

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If, for your big day, you plan to be "in the pink", here are a few rosy picks to complement your theme. Love the pink bridesmaids dresses by Bill Levkoff, Love by Enzoani and Bari Jay—so dreamy!  Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush, at $11.99 is a perfectly pink bridesmaids gift.  The powder features Euphoryl, which has been shown to promote a feeling of happiness (everyone needs this!) Another great gift for the bridal party is Veuve Cliquot Rosé champagne. Get your pink on! And of course, if pink is your plan, you will want these blush-tinted butterfly heels by Aruna Seth.  Don't forget the honeymoon;  rose-tinted shades by Swarovski will have you seeing pink all the way to Aruba!

—Naima DiFranco