Blog Posts by BRIDES

By Taryn Berkowitz, BRIDES magazine

Don't go crazy with that registry gun and end up with way too many versions of a chip-and-dip set. BRIDES' editors pare it down to the basics. (Whatever else you register for is just gravy--hello, flat-screen TV!)

1. Dinnerware A casual set of plates and bowls will definitely get more use than fancy china, so pick a style you love and wouldn't mind seeing every day, whether for informal dinners with friends or just the two of you.
Tip: Choose a neutral color or pattern that won't clash with changing tastes and can be accented with fun colors.

2. Glassware A set of standard glasses is a staple of day-to-day dining, so register for ones that are sturdy but also won't break your heart should they meet their demise.
Tip: Break a glass? It's okay to mix and match.

3. Flatware No table setting is complete without the eating utensils. (Duh.)
Tip: Make it easy on yourself-register for something dishwasher-safe. Silver will tarnish if not used on a regular

By Lexi Dwyer, BRIDES magazine

By Taryn Berkowitz, BRIDES magazine

Some naysayers think it's too convenient to be simply coincidence: A week after Nick Lachey popped the question to longtime girlfriend Vanessa Minnillo, Jessica Simpson's boyfriend of six months, former NFL player Eric Johnson, proposed to her. Whether it's serendipity or jealousy, both ladies are sporting some seriously stunning bling!

Jessica's: A five-carat ruby stone accompanied by two three-carat diamonds, $150,000.

Vanessa's: A four-carat Asscher-cut diamond surrounded by two diamonds and a diamond-encrusted band on a platinum setting, $100,000.




So whose ring would you rather wear-Jessica's uniquely colored Neil Lane statement piece, or Vanessa's sparkling Bader & Garrin classic?

Photos Courtesy of Neil Lane and Baden & Garrin

More from BRIDES magazine:

• The 10 Hottest Engagement Ring Styles
• 5 Rules Not to Break at Your Wedding
• 7 Things Not to Do at a Bachelorette Party
• The Best Wedding Cakes of the Year
• 15 Things A

By Marina Khidekel, BRIDES magazine

You can talk to a dozen wedding "experts," but there are some things you can learn only from brides who've been there. BRIDES magazine asked recently married women to share their wedding mistakes, and then came up with smart solutions to the most common regrets.

DON'T: Be the event planner at your wedding.
DO: Focus on having a great time, not keeping the seating chart straight. Spring for a day-of wedding coordinator, or appoint someone responsible (Mom?) to be the go-to person should any problems pop up.

Related: The Ultimate Engagement Ring Guide

DON'T: Neglect to do a seating chart.
DO: Avoid a musical chairs-style free-for-all: Take the time to plan table assignments. No need to have place cards-which assign a specific seat to a person-but letting guests know which table to sit at will eliminate chaos and confusion as the party is getting under way.

DON'T: Spend practically 24 hours a day for a year to plan an eight-hour event.
DO: Put things

By Millie Martini Bratten, Editor-in-Chief, BRIDES magazine

What if your "something new" was a nose job? Or a boob job? That's the premise of Bridalplasty, E!'s new reality show (premiering November 28), in which 12 engaged women compete for cosmetic procedures. Each contestant creates a registry-like surgery wish list. If she wins the week's wedding-themed challenge, she gets to pick something from her list. (Who needs a toaster when you can have a tuck? ) The last bride standing-or the one with the most bandages-will unveil her new face and body for the first time on her wedding day. Hope her groom likes surprises!

Initially, I was more than a little taken aback by the show's theme. But I'm not entirely shocked, given that more and more brides-to-be are visiting doctors' offices as often as they visit their bridal consultants in search of wedding-day perfection. An article we're working currently for the February issue of BRIDES magazine will reveal some shocking statistics about

By Beth Swanson, BRIDES magazine

Kate Middleton is another style icon in the making! She has some rather large footprints to follow (specifically, Princess Diana's size 9A's), but thus far Kate seems to be taking being a style icon in stride. As she and Prince William publicly announced their engagement, all eyes were on the future princess of England in a stunning Issa cobalt blue wrap dress...which then quickly sold out. But finding a similar look will not be a royal pain-here's how:

DRESS

The simplicity of this blue V-neck dress means it can be easily taken from high tea to a night out on the town. (Or, if you're Ms. Middleton, it's absolutely perfect for a press conference.)

BCBGeneration, $88, macys.com

SHOES
Kate's classic black pumps will be a lifesaver during, say, her various royal events everywhere from Buckingham to Balmoral. While seeking audience with the queen probably isn't on your social calendar, this patent-leather style is

By Barrie Gillies, BRIDES magazine

On Sex and the City, Miranda did it for love; in The Proposal, Sandra Bullock did it for a visa-asked their guys to get married, that is. For all you take-charge ladies out there, BRIDES magazine has three tips to keep in mind when mustering up the courage to propose to your guy.

1. Be sure that he'll say yes. You've both declared unending love? You're on the same page about households and babies? Good. Also make sure your guy is the type who'll be flattered, not threatened, and who won't feel as though you've stolen his big moment.

2. Ask him in a way that suits his personality. Flashy (Jumbotron!), private, romantic, sporty...you know what he likes. Unsure? You need to spend more time with him.

3. Pop the bubbly! Now if you can only get him to plan the wedding...

Illustration by Maurice Vellekoop/BRIDES

More from BRIDES magazine:

• The 10 Hottest Engagement Ring Styles
• 5 Rules Not to Break at Your Wedding
• 7 Things Not to Do at a Bachelorette

By BRIDES magazine

From girly minis to vintage Jackie O-inspired frocks, BRIDES editors saw tons of gorgeous dresses go down the runway during the spring 2011 bridal collections. Here, our favorite styles at prices for every bride: