Inside the New Issue

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. 

bridal guide may june 2014 cover

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

bridal guide may june 2014 issue

to breezy, romantic dresses...

bridal guide may june 2014 issue

and luxurious lace gowns.

bridal guide may june 2014 issue

Exclusive News: BLACK by Vera Wang Tuxedos Now Available for Purchase!

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.

black by vera wang black tuxedo

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.

black by vera wang gray 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

How to Talk to Your Parents About Your Wedding Budget

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.

wedding credit cardWhether 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.

The Hottest Wedding Trends for Spring

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.

champagne tray
Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid Photography

champagne tower
Photo Credit: Peter Bohler

20 Ways to Wow Guests (Without Blowing Your Budget)

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.

wedding advice cards
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.

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50 Amazing Superhero-Themed Wedding Ideas

From Captain America to Spider-Man to X-Men, here are some of our favorite ways for you to include your most beloved comic book character in your wedding.

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Bride

    Bride's Attire

    For the true comic book enthusiast, have a pair of shoes customized with pages from your favorite issue. 

    Photo Credit: Moonlight Decorator/Etsy

  • Bouquets

    Bouquets

    A natural fit for a patriotic Fourth of July wedding, this bride turned her bouquet into a floral version of Captain America's shield. 

    Uploaded by user via Pinterest (know the original source? Email us!)

  • Food & Drinks

    Food & Drinks

    Perfect for a morning wedding or a day-after brunch, give your guests the breakfast of champions by creating a superhero-themed cereal buffet.

    Photo Credit: Jagger Photo on Landlocked Bride via Lover.ly

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    Their wedding cake displayed scenes from Astonishing X-Men #51, which features Northstar's wedding to his partner.

    Photo Credit: Ron Gejon Photography

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Inspired by Northstar, the first openly-gay superhero in the Marvel universe, this couple tied the knot in a comic book store when Astonishing X-Men #51 was released, which tells the story of Northstar's wedding to his partner.

    Photo Credit: Ron Gejon Photography

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    Add a fun touch to a traditional wedding cake with a superhero peeking out from under it!

    Photo Credit: Jennifer Skog

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    Channel your superhero alter ego for a unique photo, like this Spider-Man-inspired idea.

    Photo Credit: JR Pena Photography

  • Bride

    Bride's Attire

    Wear these adorable knee-high socks under your gown.

    Photo Credit: Superherostuff.com

  • After the Wedding

    After the Wedding

    The perfect after party: Going to see the latest superhero movie in theaters!

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Bouquets

    Bouquets

    A bouquet made from comic book pages will last forever.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Display action bubbles throughout the room.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    The wedding cake was designed to reflect Gotham City— topped with a pair of action figures and the Bat-Signal, of course.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Bride

    Bride's Attire

    A superhero-themed garter makes for a fun surprise at the reception. 

    Photo Credit: Something Blue Wedding Photography

  • "Bridesdudes" Attire

    "Bridesdudes" Attire

    Underneath their formalwear, they donned Batman t-shirts.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    This groom's superhero of choice is Nightwing (the first Robin's eventual superhero identity). He and his groomsmen channeled the character's blue and black costume for their attire. 

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Bride

    Bride's Attire

    This bride is so obsessed with Batman that in high school, she wore a Bat-Signal belt buckle nearly every day, and her fellow students took to calling her Batgirl — so it was only natural for her to gear up for her wedding day as well. 

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    At the reception, guests took turns standing in as their own versions of Batgirl and Nightwing.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    The bridal party struck a classic superhero pose.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    The cake set and toasting glasses were personalized with Batman comic book covers.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • "Bridesdudes" Attire

    "Bridesdudes" Attire

    These “bridesdudes” worked in the Bat-Signal on their boutonnières, which perfectly accentuated their black and yellow attire. 

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Reception Entrance

    Reception Entrance

    This Batman-loving couple made a grand entrance by breaking through Gotham City.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    This groom chose to include Batman in a more subtle way — on the face of his watch. 

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    “Super bride” and “super groom” displayed messages to each other on their chairs.

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Bridesmaids

    Bridesmaids' Attire

    The bride and bridesmaids wore capes and masks for the celebration.

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Bridesmaids

    Bridesmaids' Attire

    Let your maid of honor stand out with a different-colored cape.

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    A jumping picture is a must!

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Reception Entrance

    Reception Entrance

    The superhero bridesmaids and groomsmen soared into the reception.

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Wedding Stationery

    Wedding Stationery

    For your guest book, have friends and family members channel their inner Lois Lane or Clark Kent by penning letters. 

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Reception Entrance

    Reception Entrance

    The bride and groom followed suit!

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    This bride and groom had comic versions of themselves designed for their wedding-day stationery.

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Food & Drinks

    Food & Drinks

    For dessert, this couple had an ice cream truck stashed with superhero-themed treats pull up. The bride's choice? A Bubbles popsicle from The Powerpuff Girls series. 

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    This group took flight after the ceremony.

    Photo Credit: Farrah's Photography

  • Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Superhero Pez dispensers make for fun escort cards.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Name your tables after common comic book action phrases.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Include cartoon versions of yourselves in your décor.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    Top your cake with a descriptive bubble.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    Place action bursts on cupcakes for a sweet surprise.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    The groom and groomsmen revealed their secret identities.

    Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    A Captain America shield stands out even more on a naked chocolate cake. Add action figures around the delicious dessert for good measure.

    Photo Credit: Soli Photography on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

  • Food & Drinks

    Food & Drinks

    Place baskets full of Batman-wrapped chocolates throughout your venue for a sweet treat. 

    Photo Credit: Ashley Gerrity Photography on DIY Bride via Lover.ly

  • Flower Girls & Ring Bearers

    Flower Girls & Ring Bearers

    Including your pet in the wedding? Dress him up in a cute themed costume.

    Photo Credit: Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

  • Wedding Stationery

    Wedding Stationery

    Batman vs. Superman: The Wedding! This save-the-date certainly sets the tone for the big day.

    Photo Credit: Rachel W. Miller on Lover.ly via Lover.ly

  • Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Have each guest solve a puzzle in order to find his or her seat (just be sure to put the answer on the back in case anyone gets stuck!).

    Photo Credit: Jagger Photo on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

  • Food & Drinks

    Food & Drinks

    Create signature drinks named after your favorite superheroes.

    Photo Credit: Jagger Photo on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

  • Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Wear superhero cufflinks as a subtle nod to your favorite character. 

    Photo Credit: Photography by Brea via Lover.ly

     

  • Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Get your guests in on the fun by giving each a superhero identity for the day.

    Photo Credit: Jagger Photo on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

  • Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Wear a T-shirt of your favorite superhero underneath your wedding-day attire; reveal your true identity whenever you see fit.

    Photo Credit: Photography by Brea via Lover.ly

     

  • Boutonnières

    Boutonnières

    Attach mini action figures to your boutonnières.

    Photo Credit: Sweet Little Photographs

  • Flower Girls & Ring Bearers

    Flower Girls & Ring Bearers

    Your smallest bridal party members will love these personalized capes.

    Photo Credit: Etsy Shops via Lover.ly

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50 Amazing Superhero-Themed Wedding Ideas

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March 20th

Photo by: Blueberry Creative on Equally Wed via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: There are so many unique instrumentals that you can feature at your cocktail hour! For a bluesy feel, a harmonica player would be perfect. A mandolin is also quite different and a cello is a fresh alternative to a harpist. You could also have them step in for a performance during the reception by playing a crowd-pleasing dual rendition of a classic or unexpected song with your DJ.

If you're having a band, ask if any of the members play multiple instruments. Your extra performance might wind up being part of your already-booked plan.

Plus, check out Songs to Play During Cocktail Hour and our Complete Guide to Wedding Music. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great wedding tips and advice.

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