December 27th

Photo Credit: Kingdom Wedding Photography

Tip of the Day: Is someone in your groom's family giving you a hard time with the wedding preparations? When you marry someone, you marry their family, too, so you have a diplomatic challenge on your hands. If your groom says that his Mom, Dad, sister, or brother has "always been that way," then he's probably numb to their drama and would rather that you just ignore their tirades. Don't let their uncooperativeness come between the two of you. Treat them like a difficult coworker—be cordial, work around them, and let them be sour on their own time. Instead of trying to change them, focus on the friends and family members who are thrilled for you and happy to hear about your wedding plans.

Plus, check out Etiquette Q&A.

December 25th

Photo Credit: Debra Gulbas Photography

Tip of the Day: Incorporate your favorite family foods or recipes in your wedding-day menu. For example, if you made butter cookies during the holidays, you can include them in your dessert buffet as a nod to that tradition. If your favorite treat was a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly winter day, a hot chocolate station with flavored syrups and whipped cream at your wedding would be a fun touch. Your menu can also include family favorites from sit-down dinners, such as glazed ham or crown roast.

Plus, check out more fun Christmas wedding ideas.

Help a BG Bride Choose Her Wedding Gown!

"During my time at Bridal Guide, I've had the opportunity to browse thousands of gowns in our online gallery, editorial fashion spreads and designer ad pages. But nothing could prepare me for the surreal experience of actually trying on a wedding gown for the first time. One of the key things I learned was that trying on a variety of styles—even ones I never thought I'd wear—helped me a great deal. It also helped to have my go-to BG fashionistas, Rachel Dichter (fashion sales associate), and Noelle Gharbi (multimedia marketing coordinator), provide real, uncensored feedback. Here's an account of my dress shopping adventure through their eyes."

Congrats to Amy Rauch, Bridal Guide’s digital marketing director, on getting engaged!

You’d think that when one of our own “says yes,” she’d know exactly what kind of wedding gown she wants, right? Wrong! When you work at a bridal magazine, you become overexposed to thousands of gorgeous white options. That’s why we went straight to one of our favorite NYC bridal salons, Designer Loft, for help.

December 24th

Photo Credit: Rachel Pearlman Photography

Tip of the Day: Throwing a Christmas wedding? There are so many fun ways to incorporate festive décor. Include colorful ornaments in your bouquet. For your reception, string garlands along staircases or mantelpieces. The low-lying centerpiece pictured above is budget-friendly and wow-worthy: Check out those crystal accents!

Another centerpiece idea we love is to pile small, wrapped gift boxes on the center of your guest tables. Use glittery wrapping paper in silvers, blues, or festive reds to make a statement. Add visual flair by having two or three coordinating wrapping paper designs, and alternate the color schemes table by table.

Plus, check out photos from a gorgeous Christmas wedding at a historic mansion.

Avoid Holiday Weight Gain: Killer Abs Workout

All I want for Christmas is... washboard abs! You, too? That’s why I’m here; it's no exclusive secret, and it doesn’t take "perfect genes" — anyone can get them. It just takes the right training and the drive to do it. Here’s one of my newest intense ab workouts – go for it, and share your results and feedback! Plus, check out last week's video here, and subscribe to my channel for new, free workouts every week.

The Workout:

► 15 Full Sit-Ups
► 15 V-Ups
► 15 Bicycles (15 each side)
► 15 Reverse Crunches
► 15 Rower Crunches
► 1 Min Anti-Gravity Plank Hold

Do as many rounds as you can in seven minutes — or go for as many rounds as you can! Either way, you'll really feel this tomorrow in your abs. Leave a comment and share how many rounds you did. 

But don’t forget, the key to perfect abs is in the perfect recipe; it’s not just about the exercises, it’s about the right combination of the right diet, paired with the right workouts on the right days! 

Etiquette Q&A: “Who Covers Travel Costs for an Out-of-Town Bridesmaid?"

Join us every Friday for our Q&A column, where editor-in-chief Diane Forden answers one reader's biggest etiquette question.

bride and bridesmaids
Photo Credit: Misty Miotto Photography

Q. One of my bridesmaids lives in another state. Am I responsible for paying for her transportation to and from my wedding?

A. You’re not required to pick up your attendants’ travel expenses, nor are you expected to pay for any of their accommodations. You should, however, be mindful of how easily expenses can add up. After all, they are expected to contribute to the cost of the bridal shower, give both shower and wedding gifts and purchase a dress and accessories. They may even chip in on a bachelorette party for you! With that in mind, you should make arrangements for your out-of-state attendants to stay with you, with another member of the wedding party or with friends and relatives who graciously offer a room in their homes. And be sure to discuss travel costs with your bridesmaids now, so there is no misunderstanding about fi nances later on. If the costs will be too much of a burden for her, you may want to contribute to her expenses as a gift

—Diane Forden

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