Blog Posts by Bridal Guide

One of the most fun parts of the planning process is selecting a small token of gratitude to give to each lovely lady in your bridal party, to say "Thanks!" To my bridal party: thanks for sticking by me in spite of the fact that I made you wake up ridiculously early to get your hair and makeup done. Thank you for dealing with my constant mood swings as I debated whether or not to splurge on those blue Manolo Blahniks. But most importantly, thank you for standing by my side as I vow to love and honor my best friend for the rest of my life. Not sure how to express your appreciation? Check out my favorite gift ideas below!

Mani-Pedis on Me: Treat your ladies pre- or post-wedding to some relaxing beauty treatments. It could cost as little as $30 per person (depending on where you live) and the best part is that it gives you more bonding time with some of your favorite women in the world.

Weekend Getaway: Whoever said the bachelorette party is supposed to be your last hurrah with

A true modern-day proposal story: BuzzFeed contributor Len Kendall used Internet memes, Pinterest, and Twitter to propose to his girlfriend Katie.

Len Kendall's initial photo.
After posting his initial photo on BuzzFeed, he encouraged users to submit their own meme-inspired photos. Within an hour, more than 160 users had posted photos in the comments. BuzzFeed created a Pinterest board with some of the best submissions, and the hashtag #sayyeskatie picked up steam on Twitter.

A few hours later, Len announced that Katie had, in fact, said yes.

Below, check out some of our favorites.










And, of course, Len posted another photo to announce the engagement:

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Jionni LaValle and Nicole Snooki Polizzi
According to People, Jersey Shore star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, 24, is engaged to Jionni LaValle! The couple met during the third season of the show.

Polizzi hinted at an upcoming proposal in January: "I know he's the one, so I know the ring's gonna come soon," Polizzi told People on Jan. 12. "Well, not soon-soon. He knows it should be big, cuz if it's small I'm saying no. Like, 'Get another ring!' "

Despite some turbulent times, as Jersey Shore fans know all too well, Polizzi has been ready to settle down with LaValle for months:

"Jionni is a great guy, so I am so down to making guido babies with him...I don't hook up anymore. I'll always be this crazy, fun person, but by the time I get married, I'm going to be this amazing wife," she said on Good Morning America in August.

According to several sources, a "guido baby" is in their future as well -reports claim Polizzi is three months pregnant and, yes, LaValle is the father.

Polizzi and Jenni "JWoww" Farley

When Lillian Hartley, 95, and Allan Marks, 98, tied the knot this week, they unknowingly became the world's oldest newlyweds. Their combined 193 years broke the previous record of 191 years.

"Honest to God? Oh, I can't believe it," Hartley told The Desert Sun about breaking the record. "Oh, I'm impressed with myself."

Lillian Hartley, 95, and Allan Marks, 98.

The happy couple met 18 years ago at temple on Yom Kippur in Palm Springs. He complimented her dress, and their relationship grew from there.

"I believe in fate and destiny a little bit and I think that was meant to be," Hartley told ABC News. "I had been a widow for six years and I really loved my freedom. …I said, 'Oh, I don't want a relationship,'…and then he came along, and somehow hooked me."

The couple moved in together soon after they began dating. Over the years, they had discussed marriage but, because of their busy lifestyle-they love to travel, go to temple, and watch the Los Angeles Lakers-they didn't find the time until Leap Day (guess

Would you pop the question on Leap Day?
It's only natural for a day that comes around just once every four years to attract some fun folklore and superstitions. We did some digging on the tradition of women proposing to men on this day, as seen in the 2010 flick Leap Year.

These days, we all know it's perfectly fine for a woman to propose to a man. But centuries ago, it was unthinkable-except on leap day. As the story goes, St. Bridget struck a deal with St. Patrick after complaining that women did not have the right to propose marriage. St. Patrick suggested that women have the right once every seven years, but St. Bridget negotiated it down to once every four years-and that day would be leap day.

The more likely scenario is that, since February 29 was seen as a "bonus" day, people felt that the traditional rules of conduct did not apply. Regardless, it's become a fun tradition over the centuries for leap day to become a Sadie Hawkins Day.

Although there's a myth that it's illegal for a man to refuse a

One of the first decisions that a newly-engaged couple has to make post-proposal is not only when to get married, but where. Beachy destination weddings are becoming especially popular, but in my opinion, they are simply not a good fit for everyone. I'd love to share my experience attending my sister's wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with you, in the hopes that it will help you decide if it's the right choice for you and your groom. I'll also share what it's like to be a guest in this scenario, so that you can get some insight on what to expect if you'll be jetting off to a loved one's wedding soon. Let me take you through some of the details...
My sister's wedding ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

1. How do you feel about an informal dress code? The dress code for a destination wedding is likely to be more relaxed than a formal wedding, especially if the ceremony is taking place on or near a beach. Embrace it! My dad wore flip-flops as he walked down the aisle and Corey sported khaki shorts. Typically, if you're attending a

Don't go by the book! Add a personal touch to your ceremony by declaring your love in your own words.
No doubt you've worked hard to stage a wedding reception with tons of individual style, so why should your wedding ceremony be any different? Get personal, and consider writing your own wedding vows. It's not as daunting as you might think. Here's how it's done.

1. What's Your Style?

Decide if you want to say separate wedding vows (you write yours, he writes his), or if you'd rather each recite an identical, all-encompassing wedding vow that you compose together. You can also combine these options: Take turns making personalized promises to each other, and then solemnize these statements by exchanging more formal, traditional vows ("I, Jason, take you, Kimberly, to be my lawful wife, to have and to hold…") or a variation that you decide on together ("I, Stephanie, promise you, David, to always be your wife, your friend, your lover…").

2. What Makes a Good Wedding Vow?

Keep in mind that at the heart of every wedding vow is the idea that you're making a pact. The

Being excited about your wedding is normal, but when you let it become an obsession, it totally takes the fun out of the experience! Too many brides allow their big day to become their all-day, everyday reason for living-annoying everyone around them in the process-and often, they don't even realize that they've gotten that bad. Read on for all the warning signs (and ways to reclaim your sanity).

1. You're Too Obsessed If … You promised no wedding talk, but you do it anyway.

This can happen during date night or girls' night out, and it frustrates the people who want to spend time with you.

How to Dial It Down: Tell loved ones, "If I start talking about the wedding, just tell me to stop." This shows that you're aware you have a problem, and you'll all get a laugh each time they "catch" you veering into wedding mania. Have a sense of humor about it and friends and family will lighten up, too. What doesn't work? Giving them a dollar each time you mention the big day-that