One of our favorite engaged celebs, Reese Witherspoon, was recently spotted ducking into Monique Lhuillier's Los Angeles boutique, fueling speculation that she's turning to the designer for her wedding dress. While we didn't include a Monique Lhuillier look in our wedding dress picks for Reese, we do think there are several styles that would suit the star.
What do you think Reese will wear? Which is your favorite? Vote here.
Read More »from Reese Witherspoon's Monique Lhuillier Wedding Dress?By BRIDES
Planning a quickie escape this Valentine's Day? Nothing says steamy quite like a souped-up hotel bathroom with all the sexy trimmings: Think tubs for two, outdoor showers, and blissful bath amenities. Here, seven sweet retreats where you two can get busy beyond the bedroom.
By Barrie Gillies, BRIDES magazine
What vendors are you supposed to tip? How much? And how, exactly, do you hand off the cash without feeling like a mobster? BRIDES magazine brings you a guide on whom to tip, how much, and when.
OFFICIANT: $75 to $100 for a clergy member. (It's a donation to the house of worship.) A civil employee, such as a judge or clerk, often can't accept a tip. The best man offers the tip after the ceremony.
CEREMONY MUSICIANS: $20 to $25 each, unless tips are included in a house of worship's rental fee. The best man offers the tips after the ceremony.
Related: 10 Shocking Secrets of the First Year of Marriage
ALTAR BOYS AND GIRLS: $5 to $10 each. The best man offers the tips to the kids after the ceremony.
DELIVERY PEOPLE (flowers, rentals, cake): $5 to $25 each, depending on the time and toil. Whoever (Mom, planner) is supervising wedding-day deliveries offers the tips on the spot.
COAT-CHECK AND RESTROOM ATTENDANTS: $0.50 to $1 per guest. Post a sign that
Image Courtesy of Fairchild ArchiveBy BRIDES magazine
The Parisian footwear designer talks haute heels and pop songs.
Q: What should a bride consider when shopping for shoes?
A: Comfort and dancing-the style she buys has to connect both. The ideal shoe will have ankle support and a heel she can manage, and look fashionable.
Q: Can women really dance in your shoes?
A: I've designed shoes for many professional dancers, so I always have comfort in mind. I want a bride to be able to dance all night at her wedding!
Q: Will the trend of nonwhite wedding shoes continue?
A: Perhaps. It comes from a Cinderella syndrome and the idea that the shoe should pop. Personally, I love a light palette-ivory, pale pink-for bridal shoes.
Q: Is Jennifer Lopez's "Louboutins" on your iPod?
A: Of course. I like that the song is about a woman taking back her liberty and my shoes are attached to her freedom. It's very flattering.
More from BRIDES Magazine:
• The 10 Hottest Engagement Ring Styles
• 15 Things A Great Bridesmaid Will Do
• 7
Marina Khidekel, BRIDES magazine
You've found the perfect gown-now get the body to rock it. Our wedding-dress workout, designed by New York trainer Shaun Zetlin, will help you target the parts your frock will be flaunting. Bring it on.
Illustration by Edwin Fotheringham/BRIDESBy Lexi Dwyer, BRIDES magazine
Picking your bridal party can stir up more emotion than picking a groom. But don't worry-BRIDES magazine has got your back. Here are six common guilt-inducing scenarios and what to do about them:
DO YOU HAVE TO ASK... a friend whose wedding you were in two years ago, even though you don't hang out anymore? You can't shake feeling like you "owe her."
WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO? No need to sweat it-there's no quid-pro-quo contract you have to fulfill. Relationships change, and chances are she'd feel uncomfortable anyway.
Related: 10 Shocking Secrets of the First Year of Marriage
DO YOU HAVE TO ASK... your superclose bud who's due to give birth two weeks before your wedding?
WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO? You should ask her, but also reassure her that you'll understand if she can't come to all or part of the wedding. You don't want to make her feel guilty if she's got to leave early or bow out of walking down the aisle.
DO YOU HAVE TO ASK... your fiance's sister, whom
By Jacqui Gifford, BRIDES magazine
Tara Donne/BRIDESBy BRIDES Magazine
BRIDES is here to help you get more bang for your hard-earned buck. Take a look at our list of seven essential do's and don'ts for considering flowers and decorations for your wedding day.
DO reuse the bridesmaid's bouquets at the reception-they can be slipped into vases to decorate the escort-card table and the entrance.
DON'T limit yourself to classic floral arrangements for the centerpieces. A glass bowl filled with water, rose petals, and floating candles is a luminous, low-cost alternative.
DO take advantage of seasonal sales to buy items like candles.
DON'T order out-of-season flowers that need to be flown in, since that will most likely incur big shipping costs.
DO weave herbs and branches into arrangements-you'll need fewer flowers that way.
DON'T spend money decorating reception areas that won't be heavily trafficked, such as staircases and hallways. Put your money where guests will see it: the entrance, the dining tables, and the bar.
DO use masses of
By BRIDES Magazine
BRIDES has rounded up some of our favorite wedding pros and asked them to give our readers their best pointers for the party of a lifetime.
1. To diffuse any makeup stains, blot your dress with white talcum.
-Francesca Pitera, Jim Hjelm
2. Bring two pairs of shoes: one for the ceremony, the other to put in the reception site's freezer. When your feet start hurting, slip on the second pair to feel instantly refreshed--trust me!
-Nancy Williams, Carolina Herrera
3. On the day of the wedding, apply a skin primer to make sure your makeup stays on all day long.
-Trish McEvoy
Related: 10 Shocking Secrets of the First Year of Marriage
4. To look instantly refreshed, use an eye cream with caffeine to minimize dark circles.
-Dr. Fredric Brandt, Dr. Brandt Skincare
5. To make the most of your cake budget, order a small, custom tiered cake and supplement it with decorated sheet cakes that can be plated behind closed doors.
-Ellen Baumwoll, Bijoux Doux Specialty
Here's everything you and your guy need to know about carats, cuts, and costs.
