Blogs

Hot off the presses! Our January/February 2012 issue, on the stands now, is filled with a whole new world of wedding news.

We asked some of the country’s top wedding pros to reveal the biggest trends for the upcoming year—from invitations to flowers to menus, cakes, music and more.

You’ll find out what’s in, what’s out, and get inspired by some of their totally cool ideas.

We also have plenty of gorgeous gowns to choose from as well as savvy dress-shopping tips from TLCs “Say Yes to The Dress” star, Randy Fenoli. I’ve known Randy for many years and not only is he a true fashion guru but he’s also just written a terrific book, It’s All About the Dress (Grand Central Publishing). Randy’s a delight and a very talented designer himself: Trust me, he really knows how to make a bride look her very best.

Randy also has a new show, "Randy To The Rescue," scheduled to premiere next summer! 

Almost engaged or haven't picked out a ring yet? Then consider us officially green with envy: The latest baubles from Vera Wang Love at Zales are just as gorgeous as their price tags (most are $5,000 or less).

The capsule collection includes over 40 different engagement rings that feature round, cushion, and princess-cut stones, as well as wedding bands. Plus, each ring contains a trademark sapphire in the setting, which is visible no matter which way you turn your hand (you can spot it in some of the photos below).

Vera designed the line with different personalities in mind—whether your style is classic, vintage, or unabashedly glam, you'll find a ring suited to your style. "I believe in simple, elegant designs that enhance the beauty of any bride," she said in an official statement.

Here are 15 of our favorites, from simple to major shine factor:

1. 1/4 CT. T.W. Diamond Anniversary Band in 14K White Gold

$649.99

2. 1/2 CT. T.W. Diamond Three Row Anniversary Band in 14K White Gold

$1,299.99

"Regardless of its size or complexity, the perfect floral arrangement is the one that makes you stop for an instant and smile with surprise and delight," writes Preston Bailey in his new book Preston Bailey: Flowers.

If that's the case, then his beautiful tribute to blooms is bound to inspire awe. Every bride I've shown Flowers to has grabbed the book from my hands and wanted to frame (not rip!) the out-of-this-world photos inside. His anecdotal stories from A-list events—he's planned parties for Oprah Winfrey, Joan Rivers, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Hudson and Ivanka Trump—are equally fascinating.

Although some of the designs are decidedly over-the-top (poodles! merry-go-rounds!), Preston reveals gems of advice that all brides can follow, regardless of their budget:

Brit and Drew are both huge hockey fans. So what better way to celebrate their wedding than on the ice? The couple came up with the idea while watching a typical "Hockey Night" in Canada and wondering aloud if it'd be cool to get married on a rink.

Brit is an event planner, so she jumped at the idea and put the plans into motion. Guests were given rally towels (and were warned to dress warm!), and the bride, groom, and bridal party all donned skates. The bride and Dad skated down the aisle, and after the rings, the happy couple showed off their skating skills.

"After we did our rings, we did the ceremonial puck drop, we did our first kiss and then skated out to the Oilers goal horn and goal song," Brit told Yahoo! Sports. 

Watch the video!

Brit + Drew || Sept 3. 2011 || from Clear Horizon Productions on Vimeo.

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Jon Blak, whose client list includes Beyonce, Jay Z, Jermaine Dupri and Ryan Leslie. He describes his style as "retro/future”, a seamless blend of old and new that translates well to wedding guests of all ages. "I love the challenge of crossing genres and generations and playing a diverse mix that's totally seamless. At the end a wedding, I'd like the bride and the groom to be exhausted from dancing!" Jon is known infusing any event with energy and cool, while always keeping the client's musical preferences front and center in his music selection.

Photo Credit: Leah McCormick

The work starts before the wedding; I try to get an idea the bride and groom’s musical tastes while also getting a sense of what family and friends will enjoy.

Let’s face it: Boys need help. I think I’m surprising no one here when I say that, although we love them, oftentimes the men in our lives don’t have it all going on sartorially. Ditto for the wedding vibe. I mean, you may be super into choosing the flowers, signature cocktails and first dance song, but if your guy is anything like mine, chances are, all he wants to know is if there will be beef and lobster, a nicely malted whiskey, and if he can wear flip flips to the rehearsal dinner (in our case the answer was “yes!” on all points).

While I’m sure you’ll answer every one of your lovely husband-to-be’s wedding related Qs, there may be a few times that you just don’t have time—hello! This bash won’t plan itself. And that, my dear brides, is where the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London comes in.

Every year, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings hosts more than 1,000 weddings. But the 11 weddings taking place on November 11 will be the first time that the number of weddings coincides with the wedding month, date, and year. 

“Our couples have always loved sequential number wedding dates and we are already beginning to hold space for 12/12/12,” said Korri McFann, Worldwide Marketing & Business Development Director, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons. “Couples have even moved venues to make sure their wedding stays on one of these very special dates.”

Some of my favorite dresses of the season featured sparkling bodices. These shimmering styles evoked a vintage deco feel while still captivating a modern bling appeal. When accessorizing one of these twinkling stunners, choose vintage inspired jewelry to complete your look and give you that Hollywood starlet feel.

—Naima DiFranco

In my years covering Hollywood, now with Entertainment Tonight, I’ve seen some spectacular weddings. My own tastes, however, run a little simpler. When Keith and I were married in June 2005, we kept it to just family and a few very close friends. That was part of a conscious effort I made to keep focused on what’s important to Keith and me.

Courtesy of Nancy O'Dell