Blog Posts by Bridal Guide

The number-one trend for 2012? Top event designers across the country say that this is the year when formal black tie is making a comeback, a phenomenon they attribute to the enormous influence of the royal wedding. "The glamorous look is here to stay," says Tara Guérard, a celebrity planner based in Charleston, SC.

Whether the celebration is full-on formal or takes a more homespun, rustic route (still going strong, say the pros), color schemes have gone back to the classics. "Pink will be making a comeback," says Tara. "You'll see pale pinks in combination with neutrals such as champagnes and creams." Chicago's Debi Lilly, the go-to event designer for Oprah herself, agrees. "The color schemes for weddings always follow fashion. Right now it's the nudes-oyster gray, pale gold. Just what we've been seeing on the runways and in all the fashion magazines."

Tall arrangements add a grand, formal flourish (Photo Credit: John Seakwood)

Think pink! It's the wedding

We searched through real photos of bachelorette parties (most of which were NSFW!) to find trendy yet affordable ways to celebrate the last fling before the ring.

1. Creative Themes

It's tough to be the voice of reason when all you hear are "Vegas! Vegas! Vegas!" chants. If a far-flung locale just isn't feasible or the bride's style is more demure than debauchery, consider affordable themed parties. This winter ski weekend retreat we found on Green Wedding Shoes is a grown-up version of a girl's-only sleepover, including fun touches like a caramel apple bar, spiked apple cider, printed itinerary and crazy-comfy outfits.
Bundled Up winter bachelorette party featured on Green Wedding Shoes.

Check out 8 more bachelorette party themes, including wine tastings and spa pampering.

2. Hilarious Photo Ops

When it comes to bachelorette get-togethers, photos fall into two camps: pretty yet predictable group shots and candids that practically come with their own "no-Facebook sharing" policy. Strike a happy medium with this creative

By: Sharon Naylor

The big moment finally came and you're in a newly-engaged bliss bubble, admiring the look and feel of a brand-new sparkler on your hand and bouncing off the walls with excitement. It's time to celebrate, but not too fast-avoid these common (and costly) mistakes from acting in the moment.

1. DON'T start inviting everyone to your wedding

Once you do, you can't un-invite them, and you have no idea what your wedding plans are yet, and how much they will cost. You also don't know how many people will be on your groom's side of the guest list. Hold off until your wedding picture and budget start to take shape and it's time for your save-the-dates. You'll thank us then!

2. DON'T tell your bridal party you'll pay for all of their expenses

This is a huge mistake made by brides and grooms who have the best intentions but no real way to know how their wedding expenses are going to add up. If, say, a bridesmaid agrees to be in your bridal party

Our favorite vampire couple is now being immortalized in a new way: Mattel is releasing Bella and Edward Breaking Dawn Barbie dolls!

Bella and Edward

The dolls, available on barbiecollector.com for $29.95 each starting next month, feature the same wedding-day attire we grew to love in the theaters.

We hope the back of Barbie Bella's gown is as gorgeous as the movie version (psst-win a replica here!). Edward's looking a little pale-even for a vampire-but the tux fits the vintage vibe of his movie attire.

What do you think of the dolls?

More Twilight Wedding Ideas

• Twilight-Inspired Weddings You Have to See to Believe
  The Breaking Dawn Wedding, Reimagined
• Get a Replica of Bella's Gorgeous Gown!
• Copy Bella & Edward's Wedding Invitation
• Twilight-Inspired Hair Ideas
  
  

• 10 Insanely Creative Save-the-Dates
• 20 Winter Wedding Dresses We Love
• 11 Most-Loved Wedding Photos of 2011
• The

Cue the squeals - this viral YouTube video may provoke tween-like behavior, including, but not limited to: subjecting coworkers to your shower-singing voice and sighing with indignation (we can barely get our fiancés to slow dance with us!).

Before you roll your eyes, we admit that Justin isn't exactly the first musical artist that comes to mind when we think of romantic wedding songs (sorry, Biebs). But any groom who doesn't take himself too seriously and has such dedicated back-up dancers groomsmen deserves a slap on the back. Now please excuse us while we go buy Party Rock sunglasses and practice with our bridesmaids.

- Stefania Sainato

• 10 Insanely Creative Save-the-Dates
• 20 Winter Wedding Dresses We Love
• 11 Most-Loved Wedding Photos of 2011
• The Seven Deadly Bridal Sins
• 11 True Wedding-Night Confessions

In a marriage, wandering eyes are forbidden—but when it comes to the dress, is it acceptable to peek?
Six different stores, 120+ miles, and countless online searches later, I've found my wedding dress. I love it! There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to be in love with it for years to come, but that doesn't change the fact that there are hundreds of wedding gowns that I find to be beautiful. I realized while constantly stalking other brides' Facebook photos and browsing my favorite wedding-related sites, like BridalGuide.com, that I'm still in awe of a lot of dresses.

In a marriage, wandering eyes are forbidden-but when it comes to the dress, is it acceptable to peek? I've heard of some brides who suffer from dress regret and I'm happy to report that I'm not one of them. I don't intentionally seek out gowns online, but I do occasionally stumble upon one that wasn't available or that I somehow overlooked when shopping. When this happens, sometimes I can't help but feel a sharp pang of worry: Did I get the right dress? Is this gown better than the one I chose? Will

Halle Berry is a bride-to-be!

A source confirmed to Us Weekly that actor Olivier Martinez popped the question with an emerald-and-diamond ring from Gurhan.

The pair met in 2010 while working on the film Dark Tide. (Who could forget his steamy role in Unfaithful?).

The happy news was revealed at the tail end of a flurry of Hollywood holiday engagements, including: Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Drew Barrymore.

This will be Berry's third trip down the aisle. She wed former baseball player David Justice in 1993 and R&B singer Eric Benet in 2001.

Never say never: In April 2007, the Oscar winner told InStyle that "I will never, never get married again."

Check back daily for the latest celebrity wedding news!

-Stefania Sainato

• Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman
• Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel
• Britney Spears and Jason Trawick

• 10 Insanely Creative

Cutting back on spending? That doesn't mean you have to sacrifice date-night. Try one of these fun date ideas that won't break the bank!

Cook His Favorite Childhood Recipe

A sweet idea and a bonding opportunity with your mother-in-law: Call her up and find out his absolute favorite meal growing up. See if she'll share her personal recipe. Your husband will get that nostalgic feeling, and he'll be touched that you went to the effort .

Photo Credit: Punchstock

Tour a Winery

Whether you're oenophiles or wine newbies, a wine tour is a fun date idea that typically won't cost you more than $20. On top of the cheap booze, you'll also pick up some fun facts about wine to impress friends at your next dinner party.

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

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