The BG editors are already devout Groupon fans—we score local bargains on both small luxuries (everything from blowouts and takeout) to major indulgences like weekend getaways using this deal-a-day site. So we knew it was only a matter of time before budget-savvy brides would find a way to channel its power into wedding planning. We were right: When bridesmaid Rachel reached out to us with her amazing story, we wished we had thought of it first and couldn't wait to share it with you!

“From the moment Kristen [the bride-to-be] asked myself and her team of bridesmaids to throw her beach-themed bridal shower, we all started to keep an eye on Groupon to see what kind of deals we’d be able to make use of for the event,” Rachel said. Since the BMs don’t all live in Chicago (where the shower took place), they were able to track both national and online offers in other markets. They purchased the Groupons one at a time and tried to cover every aspect of the shower, including deals for pre-party salon pampering, food served at the actual event, decorations and more. Rachel took charge of the planning and “Tried to email back-and-forth to make sure we were staying on-budget and on-plan with what to purchase.”

We hear that Bravo is searching for couples to participate in a new 8-part docu-series, tentatively called Newlyweds: The First Year. The show aims to capture the "significant milestones, difficult adjustments and everyday lives of the newlyweds" leading up to the one-year anniversary.

Requirements: Must currently be engaged and planning a wedding between September and November of this year. If interested, send an email to [email protected] with your names, phone number, wedding date, 3-5 pictures of you and your significant other, and a brief description of who you are. 

I'm hoping this show stays on the positive side, rather than being a Bridezillas-type show, but I can't help but feel a little skeptical. We all know that drama seems to equal ratings when it comes to reality TV. 

What do you think—would you participate in a reality show? 

Full details below:

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Sherri Shepherd and Joy Behar both got married a few weeks ago; and on the seasion premiere of The View, the ladies of course dished on their nuptials.

Here, Joy explains why, after 29 years with her partner Steve Janowitz, they decided to tie the knot. In a Letterman-style Top 10 list, Joy gives reasons like being embarassed about asking for senior discounts for her boyfriend, the couple needed a good excuse to go off their diets for a night, Steve promised not to play iPad Scrabble in bed on the wedding night, and she was sick of Barbara Walters bugging her to get married. She also joked on Twitter, "Why did I get married? When it comes right down to it, I just wanted to be more like Kim Kardashian." But eventually, she revealed the real reason: She was inspired by gay marriage. Check out the video to see how:

Sherri, decked out in her reception gown and wedding shoes, declared "I'm gonna make this marriage work if it kills me!" And I have to say, we believe her. Just days after the wedding, Sherri tweeted: "What better place to be on our 3rd day of marriage than at the marriage counsellor's! Working out our honeymoon issues b4 it's too late!" (she later clarified "Sal & I had pre-marital counselling, which we still feel is good to keep up. Honeymoon issues??? Does any1 remember Sherri is a comic!").

With the jewel tone shades of fall and the icy hues of winter, bold strawberry shades are sure to be a winning look. The color looks great paired with tuxedo's and when complemented with neutral makeup (maybe a pop on the lip) it is very fresh and flattering. Here are a few of my favorites from Amsale (amsale.com), Jenny Yoo (jennyyoo.com) and Bill Levkoff (billlevkoff.com).

—Naima DiFranco

I’ll readily admit it: I’m a vamp tramp. But I’m not one of these new-school Team Edward kids. No, I’ve been into vamps since before Lestat changed Louis and “to every generation a slayer is born.” My love of vamps runs deep, and since I know I’m not alone—ahem, I’m talking to you Sookie, Star and even Bella—I thought I’d share the ghoul news I recently received about a Vampire Cruise hosted on Holland America. Called Vamps at Sea, the Alaskan itinerary promises to be a fangtastic week of all things vamp.

There will be vampire balls and talent competitions, scavenger hunts and movie presentations, as well as the opportunity to meet some experts in all things undead. The entire event sounds like an awesome way to celebrate a bachelorette getaway—with limited sunlight, of course. For more information, go to vampsatsea.com.

—Jenna Mahoney

Here's a video so bizarre and creepy, we had to share... created in 1956, this video features champion dog breeder Alexandra Williams dressing up two of her pups as bride and groom and another pair as bridesmaids. 

Watch the video:

Related:

Amazing Harry Potter Theme Weddings
Twilight Wedding Ideas
Zombie Invades Engagement Photos
Barbie & Ken Tie the Knot!

Hello from sunny Singapore!  I have always been what I call a sentimental fruit basket—I love the idea of incorporating small details that represent the powerful emotions of your wedding day. Today, I am going to share the little things that will make our wedding "ours," in the hopes that they will inspire other brides!