Blog Posts by Bridal Guide

Most brides only have two options for their last name after they're married (a third if you count the hyphen). My decision comes with a twist: I'm torn between two last names, but neither of them are mine, and only one belongs to my fiancé Corey. Let me explain...

Corey's last name is "Allan," but unlike most last names-which date back decades and encompass a rich sense of family history-"Allan" isn't old, it's new. Corey's dad, a news anchor, was born a "Trojanowski," but decided to make the switch after he graduated from college and began his career in broadcasting. His original name was too difficult to pronounce by TV standards, so he came up with "Allan" after adding an extra "L" to his middle name ("Alan").
The Allans (Corey is pictured last on the right side).

What complicates our decision even further is that the Trojanowski family line will officially end if we decide not to take that last name. Corey's grandparents immigrated from Poland, and his dad has a brother and a sister, but neither ever had children. This is

Celebrity florist and author Michael Gaffney shares insider cost-cutting tips.
One of Gaffney's gorgeous bouquets.

Bridal Guide: Your book, "Design Star, Lessons from the New York School of Flower Design" (Half Full Press), includes a list of classic wedding flowers. Of these, which are the least and most expensive?
MG: Most expensive: stephanotis, gardenias, Casablanca lilies, hydrangeas, lily of the valley, and peonies. Most affordable: stock roses and freesias. For example, a rose bouquet can run between $100 and $150, compared to a mixed peony bouquet that can run up to $250.

BG: Are there any flowers you would avoid using? Why?
MG: I don't like to use stephanotis because it doesn't photograph well and seems to brown easily. I would suggest using a dendrobium orchid, which is one-third the price. Gardenias also tend to brown easily, and peonies can be unpredictable. Larger flowers tend to always be more expensive, so use two or three smaller flowers that cost less to create a similar look.

BG: What are some of

We caught up with renowned wedding planner Mindy Weiss (a favorite of stars including Hilary Duff, Katy Perry and Backstreet Boy AJ McLean) at David's Bridal, where she gave us the scoop on her new book, The Wedding Planner & Organizer, and shared the best advice that she gives to all of her A-list brides.

Mindy Weiss

1. Enjoy your engagement-do not plan your wedding the week you get engaged! Take a deep breath, try to figure out your budget and then sit down with your partner and talk about which aspects of the wedding are most important.

2. Cut costs without sacrificing style: Mindy told us that she loves the new dresses in the White by Vera collection at David's Bridal, which emulate the aesthetic of Vera Wang's original high-end line. "Spend money on your shoes (even the belt and accessories) because those you can wear again," said Mindy. Also slash prices on smaller wedding elements that guests won't even notice, like swapping the champagne toast for wine and ordering 25 less

Given the recent events from Italy, brides are concerned about their upcoming cruise honeymoons.
Given the recent events from Italy, brides have been asking a lot of questions about sailing the high seas. Is it safe? Should I be concerned? We got the scoop from cruise expert Clark Norton the author of How to Save Money on Cruises. Here's what he advises:

"Should you be concerned about cruise ship safety in the wake of the Costa Concordia disaster? Of course, just like you should be concerned every time you get in a car or on an airplane, train, horse or pair of skis. No form of transportation or vacationing is risk free-and cruising accidents always receive perhaps more than their fair share of publicity-but ships fare pretty well in the overall safety category. In the year 2010, the top seven cruise lines operating out of the United States reported a total of four "suspicious" deaths (no proven homicides) and 31 serious assaults out of about 10 million total passengers. That's a tiny percentage! What's more, surveys have shown that frequent cruisers generally feel

Although I'm sure that my wedding will be the most romantic day of my life, I've heard from several different married friends that romance is scarce on the actual wedding night. By that point, you've been up for countless hours smiling and posing for photos, entertaining a hundred or so of your nearest and dearest, and dancing the night away. It's completely understandable if throwing on a sexy négligée and seducing your new husband isn't the first thing on your mind. Make up for it on your honeymoon by creating a late-night wardrobe that will make him blush! Here, some of my favorite editors' picks.

Simply Sweet Babydolls
Betsey Johnson Babydoll

1. Betsey Johnson Chiffon and Lace Babydoll with Thong ($59, bloomingdales.com)
Cosabella Set

2. Cosabella Maxine Babydoll Set (originally $170; on sale for $59 at The Aisle New York)

Risqué Romper
Godetia Romper

3. Godetia Romper ($68, anthropologie.com)

Lovely Lace
Cosabella Set

4. Cosabella Thea Wireless Bra (originally $63.75; on sale for $21 at The Aisle New York)

Diane Forden, the Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Guide Magazine, reflects on her memories of working with Whitney Houston as a young model.

I had the pleasure of working with Whitney during her high school years when she was a teen model. I was a fashion editor at Seventeen magazine and then Fashion Director at YM. She was a delightful, sweet, wonderful person, and all of us who worked with her loved her. She was truly beautiful inside and out. Anytime we were booking models for a photo shoot, we would always say, "Let's book Whitney" "See if Whitney is available" "Whitney would be great for this story." She was never a diva and she was always professional. She showed up on time and made our jobs easier by doing her best in front of the camera. She never complained if days ran long and cheerfully did whatever was expected.

I remember a photo shoot in the Hamptons on one of those dog days of summer in August. It was 95 degrees and we were photographing back-to-school clothing.

With almost seven months until the big day, Michael and I are so happy to see our massive to-do list slowly shrinking. The save-the-dates have been sent and now we are on the hunt for our own version of Cinderella's horse-drawn carriage.

I personally love when brides stray from the ordinary. A 1950s Rolls Royce is beautiful, but a very safe choice. Opt for a great vintage convertible or try a charming pickup truck for your "something blue" instead.

Feeling daring? Why not make your getaway on a colorful Vespa or matching "his" and "her" bicycles?

And don't forget your most cost-effective option-your own two legs! If your ceremony site and venue are in close proximity, start a parade leading your guests from point A to point B. Use props and festive music to amp up your friends and family while in transit!

Crista asks: What are you and your hubby-to-be driving off in after you say "I Do?"

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Photo Credit: Longs Photography

Truck

Photo Credit: Shannon Kelley

When you're busy planning your dream wedding, the last thing you want to deal with are family feuds. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for familial ties to fray a bit during this emotionally charged time. If you want to preserve those precious relationships, you're going to have to face the problems head on. Our top solutions for messy situations.

"My sister pouts and whines when I talk about my wedding plans, and it's driving me crazy!"

Believe it or not, your sister may be acting out because she feels sad. This is a tough emotion for some people to express, so jealousy, hurt and anger often serve as a mask. Put yourself in her shoes: What she sees is that "all of a sudden, you're putting your husband-to-be first and your entire family second," explains Allison Moir-Smith, founder of Emotionally Engaged. And if your sister isn't married yet, she could also be feeling a lack of self-confidence and concern about her own life.

Take a gentle approach with her. Say