Blog Posts by BRIDES

by Brides

We asked a few of our favorite wedding bloggers-members of a chic group of tastemakers called the Brides Network-which Fall 2013 wedding dresses they most adored. The result? A gorgeous collection of illusion necklines, daring backs, romantic lace, and glamorous details from the likes of Jenny Packham, Badgley Mischka Bride, Claire Pettibone and more!

More from Brides:
Modern Lace Wedding Dresses
Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings
25 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities
The Most Beautiful Cakes in America

Read More »from The Most Gorgeous Wedding Gowns from the Fall 2013 Runways

by Heather Lee, Brides

14 steps to slashing your wedding budget in half. Starting Budget: 50,000. For the approximate cost of a 125-guest wedding in peak season with 12 attendants, letterpress stationery, abundant floral decor and cocktail-hour provisions, an ornate cake, and an eight-piece band. Watch as the budget magically shrinks with these easy tips!

More from Brides:

Modern Lace Wedding Dresses

Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings

25 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities

The Most Beautiful Cakes in America

Read More »from How to Slash Your Wedding Budget in Half

by Justin Gelband for Brides

If you've ever caught a glimpse of the winged "angels" at the Victoria's Secret fashion show or peeked at the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated, you've seen the work of personal trainer Justin Gelband. Candice Swanepoel, Kate Upton, and Irina Shayk are just a few of the models he slims and trims with his signature mashup of mixed martial arts, boxing, yoga, and Pilates.

"I've trained with Justin for so many years that he can get my body in shape in three to four days," says Swanepoel, a Victoria's Secret regular who also walked in the Michael Kors and Jason Wu fall 2012 shows. "He's really motivating."

Brides are some of Gelband's favorite-and most motivated-clients. "I had one who lost like eight dress sizes for her wedding," he says. "I actually love doing that. It's fun." Fun? Well, yes-mixed with plenty of hard work. If you adopt Gelband's rules, which he has woven into the ModelFit classes he teaches in New York and L.A., you'll

Read More »from Top 5 Rules for a Super Model Body

Bèla Adler & Salvador Fresneda

Andrea Pomerantz Lustig for Brides

When it comes to your wedding hair, should you stick with your tried and true stylist or find someone new?

-Glamour contributing beauty editor Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, author of How to Look Expensive, shares her tips for your tresses.

Related: 11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding


Often brides want to find new experts to do their hair for their wedding-and ditch their longtime stylist in the process. Is this a good idea? What are the pros and cons of going with some one new?

I think there are more pros for going with your regular stylist. They know your style, your hair, and most importantly, you. You'll feel more comfortable telling them exactly what you want for the big day and more comfortable having them around when you're dealing with inevitable wedding day stress. The downside is that your longtime stylist will also have an image of what you always look like in his or her mind, and might have a hard time

Read More »from Should I Ditch My Regular Hairstylist for My Wedding Day?

by Elizabeth Swanson, Brides

While we can't all snag a coveted spot on Say Yes to the Dress-even without cameras rolling, the dress shopping experience can be fraught with drama, joy, and plenty of tears (both the good and the bad kind). We asked real brides to share their stories and give us the dress-by-dress recount of one of the most exciting aspects of the wedding planning process. Some nailed it on the first try (don't worry, most didn't!) but all ended up with a gorgeous gown they can't wait to be married in.

More from Brides:
Modern Lace Wedding Dresses
Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings
25 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities
The Most Beautiful Cakes in America
Read More »from How Real Brides Found Their Dream Dresses

Courtesy of TwoBirds

by Jacqueline Weppner, Brides

We asked bridal stylist Jacqueline Weppner of Merci New York to lend her expertise to your biggest fashion dilemmas.

I have always dreamed of having my bridesmaids wear chocolate brown dresses, however I am not a fan of chocolate brown suits or tuxedos, or really anything except for black. How can I incorporate the brown dresses without clashing with the men's black suits?-Jillian Leigh, Facebook


Related: 11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding

Dear Jillian,

There are definitely ways to pair chocolate brown bridesmaid dresses with classic black suits or tuxedos. The trick is to incorporate a hint of brown in the men's accessories or boutonnieres. For summer weddings, a chocolate crinkle chiffon bridesmaid dress pairs wonderfully with a black suit as long as the men's furnishings have a hint of a taupe to them. Brides with winter weddings can opt for satin bridesmaid dresses in the chocolate hue and rely on brown or warm,

Read More »from How Do I Coordinate My Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Shira Weinberger Photography

By Lisa Birnbach, Brides

We asked The Official Preppy Handbook's Lisa Birnbach to field your bridal dilemmas. Listen up, ladies. Her tips will help you keep your sanity-and your friendships-intact.

Related: 11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding

Is it okay for my nine-year-old daughter to be my maid of honor? -Courtney W. of Kansas City, Kannsas, via email



Related: The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US

Dear Courtney,

Absolutely! It's your day-do it your way. But keep in mind that even the most perfectly behaved nine-year-old may have trouble standing still throughout the service. Keep her engaged by mentioning her, or having the officiant mention her, during the ceremony; consider giving her a special trinket or bauble during the ring exchange-and make sure to find someone else to hire a stripper for your bachelorette party!


More from Brides:
Modern Lace Wedding Dresses
Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings
25 Wedding Hairstyles

Read More »from How Young is Too Young to Be Maid of Honor

by Mario Batali for Brides

Celebrity chef, restaurateur, and kitchenware designer Mario Batali selects registry items to spice up your cooking space.

More from Brides:
Modern Lace Wedding Dresses
Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings
25 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities
The Most Beautiful Cakes in America
Read More »from Mario Batali's Kitchen Picks