Wedding Weight-Loss: Exercise Machines to Avoid

bonne marcusGuest blogger: Bonne Marcus
A fitness industry expert for 27 years, Marcus holds numerous certifications from the Aerobic Fitness Association of America (AFAA), including Step, Spin, Bosu™, Pre/Post Natal, Youth Fitness, Aqua, and Personal Training. She has taught for New York City’s top health clubs, including Crunch, New York Health and Racquet, and Reebok Sports Club. A recognized name on Long Island, Bonne has taught at Dany Holdstein’s Two Worlds, North Shore Health Club, LA Fitness, Sport time, Equinox and currently teaches at the Sid Jacobsen JCC in Roslyn. Learn more at getfitwithbonne.com.

Fitness is all about muscle. Strength training builds muscle tissue, which in turn boosts metabolism, burns fat, and gives the body tone and definition. One of the most convenient strength training methods is using your own body weight as resistance — take your body anywhere and you’re ready for a workout. But is it better to use free weights or machines?

Free weights are portable and a lot more versatile than machines. With just one pair of dumbbells you can do hundreds of exercises. Weights require you to use several different muscle groups to move, balance and steady the body as you lift and lower. 

Shocking: Bride Straps Newborn to Gown, Drags Her Down the Aisle

There are so many thoughtful, sweet ways to include your children in the wedding — this is not one of them. A Tennessee bride sparked outrage after she shared a photo of herself walking down the aisle on May 12 with her one-month-old daughter, Aubrey...attached to the train of her gown.

bride drags baby down the aisle
Photo Credit: Shona Carter-Brooks on Facebook via The Daily Mail

Related: Download Bridal Guide's Latest Issue on Your iPad!

Mom Shona Carter-Brooks took to Facebook to defend her and her husband Johnathan Brooks' controversial decision, stating that "The answer is we do what we want, when we want, as long as Jesus on our side everything worked out fine and gona [sic] continue to be fine" and the infant was "awake and well secured on my train." 

X

130+ Spectacular Wedding Decoration Ideas

From enchanting ceremony backdrops to chic centerpieces to lighting tricks and more, here's how to bring your wedding-day vision to life.

Enter Slideshow
140 / 139
ALL PHOTOS

130+ Spectacular Wedding Decoration Ideas

X

3 Wedding Gifts to Give Yourself

wedding giftsHad your fill of coffee makers, coordinating dinnerware, and towel sets? Now that your registry is complete, it's time for the fun stuff. Treat yourself to some wedding (and honeymoon) essentials too personal to request from your guests. From teeny bikinis to personalized stationery, shower yourself with these three bridal must-haves.

Wedding-Night Lingerie

Sure, you may already have a pretty selection of lace bras and panties, but your wedding night is a chance to spice things up. Venture outside your comfort zone with pieces you've always wanted but didn't think you'd have an opportunity to wear. Sites like Yumdrop offer a variety of sultry selections you can order and try on from the comforts of home. Or, simply upgrade from the everyday bra to a steamy lace bustier, and complete the look with a matching thong and garter.

Honeymoon-Ready Swimsuits

The honeymoon is your opportunity for the vacation of a lifetime. An oceanfront escape is no place to reveal a tired old bikini. If you've taken the time to book a tropical destination with first-class accommodations, treat yourself to a few nice swimsuits.

Beach: Time to bask in the sun with a fruity cocktail in hand! Beach vacations are all about finding a sunny spot on the sand and listening to the waves crash on the shore. As you work on your honeymoon glow, don't let bad bikini choices ruin that perfectly sun-kissed skin. To avoid tan lines, go for ultimate exposure — of the cheeky kind. Think Brazilian-cut bottoms that accentuate your backside and strapless tops that cover only the goods.

Etiquette Q&A: "How Do Wedding Dress Codes Differ?"

wedding tuxedo

Q: I’m confused. What’s the difference between tuxedo, black tie, and formal?

A: Good question. Let’s start with the word "formal," which dictates a more dressed-up look for both men and women: in other words, men in tuxedos and women in long dresses.

The "tuxedo" is a single- or double-breasted jacket with satin lapels and satin-trimmed pockets that’s paired with formal trousers (the kind that have a satin stripe on the pant legs). The tuxedo is available in a range of colors from white and ivory to navy and black.

"Black tie" means that the tuxedo jacket, trousers, tie and vest or cummerbund are black or dark grey and paired with a white formal shirt.

—Diane Forden

Photo Credit: Tec Petaja on Well Groomed via Lover.ly

 

Groomsmen Perform an Amazing Justin Timberlake Dance Tribute

Perhaps taking a cue from the wedding speech that turned into a Britney Spears dance, these groomsmen stormed the dance floor for a surprise dance medley to Justin Timberlake's biggest hits! We're seriously impressed by their dance skills — we think Justin would be proud. Watch:

Hannah + Daniel Groom's Dance from James Evan Ward on Vimeo.

—Kristen Klein

How to Plan a Bachelorette Party Without Losing Your Mind

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 >>

Let's face it: planning a bachelorette party can be a major headache for bridesmaids. As much as everyone loves the almost-Mrs., high expectations, the fact that the bridesmaids likely don't all know each other well (if at all), and the reality that they are often planning long-distance leaves way too many 'maids feeling stressed out, resentful, and basically broke. But it doesn't have to be that way! Read on for our sanity-saving bachelorette party planning tips.

Pages

Subscribe to BridalGuide RSS