Blog Posts by BRIDES

Conde Nast Digital StudioBrides magazine

Get a beautiful dress and stay on a budget with these six essential tip.


1. Know your price range

Before you set foot in a store, determine your budget, and only try on dresses that you can afford. There's no sense in falling in love with a gown that's beyond your means.

2. Seek out trunk shows

During these special events held at bridal salons, a designer shows off her new collection. As an incentive, the store may offer a discount if you buy a dress that day, says Cristina DeMarco, general manager of Bridal Reflections, in New York City. within reason before letting its low price win you over.

3. Snag a sample

Several times a year, salons make room for new dresses by selling their showroom samples at 50 percent off or more. (Factor in the cost of having the gown professionally cleaned.)

4. Think before you buy

A dress purchased at a steep discount at a one-day super-sale or from an online auction may seem like a steal, but

Conde Nast Digital StudioBy Barrie Gillies, Brides magazine

Want gorgeous invites that won't push the budget envelope? These smart strategies will help you get the most bang for your stationery buck.

1. Forgo upgrades

Envelope liners, custom ink colors, and hand painted details add up.

2. Take advantage of technology

Offset and digital printing run less than half the cost of labor-intensive techniques like letterpress and engraving.

3. Pick the right paper

Imported, handmade, and cotton-rag options tend to be more expensive. "Cut your costs by asking your stationer to use partially recycled domestic paper for your invitations," says Ellen Weldon (weldondesign.com). There are tons of color options, so you won't sacrifice style.

4. Order extras

Spend now, save later: If you end up needing to print additional invites at the last minute, your stationer may charge you big bucks in rush fees.

5. Use your URL

Enclosing a map can be

Luigi MenduniBrides magazine

We asked 5 guys in New York City's Times Square: Who's scarier-the mother or father of the bride?

"The FOB. He wants his baby girl to be treated right. He can make or break you."

-Garret M., 24

Luigi Menduni"The MOB. In my case, her mom has a very specific idea of the guy she wants for her daughter."

-Joe N., 24

Luigi Menduni"The MOB. [Fiancé gives him a death stare.] Hello, have you met her?"

-Iain S., 26

Luigi Menduni"The father. He's the head of the household."

-Francisco R., 41

Luigi Menduni"The mom. A woman's more dominating. She can make you do things you don't want to do."

-Lars M., 20

More from Brides magazine:

America's Most Beautiful Wedding Cakes

Hot New Bridal Hairstyles

10 Shocking Secrets of the First Year of Marriage

The Ultimate Wedding Dress Guide

Conde Nast Digital StudioStephanie Davila, BRIDES

It's the moment many of you have been dreaming of. You're getting married! Now, what about that dress? We asked Mark Ingram, owner of Mark Ingram Atelier, one of New York's most exclusive bridal salons, to share seven things you need to know before stepping foot in a dressing room.

1. Have the venue and date set. "This is very important because these two things really play into the type of dress you will want to shop for and ultimately buy," says Ingram.

Related: America's Most Beautiful Wedding Cakes

2. Know your budget. Be realistic about how much money you want to spend before trying on dresses and only try on gowns in your budget. "If you start trying dresses on that are out of your price range, it's going to be very difficult to match that fit and quality at a lower price."

3. Do your homework. Browse magazines and websites (like our galleries!) to get a feel for which designers you like. "Make sure the salon carries the designers and dresses you want

CN Digital StudioBy Phillip B. Crook, Brides magazine

If it turns out that Justin Timberlake is indeed engaged to girlfriend Jessica Biel, then my, my won't that be interestingly timed on the heels of Britney Spears' recent engagement? Rumors of a Monday night proposal are sweeping the blogosphere-with Wyoming ski resort the Amangani claiming to be the scene of the engagement-although no tabloids have yet confirmed the reports.

The couple has been together for four years, but they were allegedly on the rocks earlier in 2011.

More from BRIDES:

• 10 Shocking Secrets of the First Year of Marriage
• The Ultimate Wedding Dress Guide
• Celebrity-Inspired Wedding Hairstyles
• The Most Affordable Engagement Rings

Conde Nast Digital StudioPhillip B. Crook, BRIDES

Dare we think it true-did Britney Spears get engaged last night? TMZ reports that Spears' boyfriend, talent agent Jason Trawick, is planning to propose in Las Vegas tonight, but the star tweeted a not-so-cryptic message this morning: "OMG. Last night Jason surprised me with the one gift I've been waiting for. Can't wait to show you! SO SO SO excited!!!! Xxo"

Trawick was spotted with jeweler Pascal Mouawad back in September, supposedly shopping for engagement rings from the private collection. If and when the news becomes official, this will be the 29-year-old singer's third marriage.

More from BRIDES:

• 10 Shocking Secrets of the First Year of Marriage
• The Ultimate Wedding Dress Guide
• Celebrity-Inspired Wedding Hairstyles
• The Most Affordable Engagement Rings

Fairchild ArchivePhillip B. Crook, BRIDES

The last time Anne Hathaway's relationship status made headlines, the actress had broken it off with her boyfriend of four years, Raffaello Follieri-and just in time, too, because mere months later Follieri pled guilty to defrauding investors of millions of dollars in a real estate scheme. So it's happier news three years later that Hathaway is engaged to marry fellow actor Adam Shulman.

"I was really actually looking forward to a little alone time, and then I fell in love like a fool!" she previously told People of the relationship. Shulman proposed with a ring designed by Kwiat Heritage, which set the tip-off in motion after Hathaway was spotted wearing the band around Brooklyn on Sunday.

More from BRIDES:

• 10 Shocking Secrets of the First Year of Marriage
• The Ultimate Wedding Dress Guide
• Celebrity-Inspired Wedding Hairstyles
• The Most Affordable Engagement Rings

Fairchild ArchivePhillip B. Crook, BRIDES magazine

"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have decided to end my six-year marriage to Ashton," Demi Moore said in a statement today. "As a woman, a mother, and a wife there are certain values and vows that I hold sacred, and it is in this spirit that I have chosen to move forward with my life." The actress' decision follows a mediastorm of controversy over Ashton Kutcher's alleged one-night-stand with 22-year-old Sara Leal. Worse still, the tryst reportedly occurred the very night of Ashton and Demi's sixth wedding anniversary in September.

"This is a trying time for me and my family, and so I would ask for the same compassion and privacy that you would give to anyone going through a similar situation," Demi said. Ashton, for his part, tweeted "I will forever cherish the time I spent with Demi. Marriage is one of the most difficult things in the world and unfortunately sometimes they fail."

More from BRIDES:

• 10 Shocking Secrets of the