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Making Music: Top Bridal Songs for Your Wedding

If you haven’t already booked your musicians then pick up a copy of The Bride’s Guide to Musicians…Live Wedding Music Made Easy and Affordable by Anne Roos (Hal Leonard Books, $25; available on amazon.com). Ms. Roos, an accomplished musician who has performed at weddings for over 25 years, provides one of the most comprehensive guides I’ve ever come across. It details everything you need to know about wedding music, and if you think your budget will allow only a DJ, then think again. Ms. Roos offers plenty of sound advice and great tips on how to incorporate live music into your ceremony and reception. You’ll learn how to audition your musicians, how to spot overpriced ones and how to recognize a bargain. You’ll also discover how to work with musicians on selecting songs that reflect your personality and theme. There are checklists, sample contracts, and hundreds of song ideas for both the ceremony and reception. Here are just a few favorite popular and country love songs to consider (an ever-changing list for sure!):

Have Fun with Tacori's New Mating Game


Remember those super-cheesy but totally addictive dating shows that ruled the airways? We sure do—and we miss 'em, in fact. Enter Tacori, one of the most amazing diamond jewelers around (you can check out our favorite ring here). They've decided to make engagement ring shopping a bit more fun—not that buying diamonds isn't fun—with the recent debut of The Tacori Mating Game. Play along with slick host Guy Goodall by asking your potential suitors typical questions, such as "If you could have any super power what would it be and why?" When all's said and done, you find out who your mate should be, how he/she could propose, and the most important piece: The ring! And although I do consider myself one with discriminating taste, the game was spot on, picking a gorgeous cushion-cut center stone ring set in a pavé diamond band. You can share your results on Facebook (follow BridalGuide, too!) for your friends or significant other to see, and hopefully purchase, of course.

—Rachel Jacoby

Global Goss: Glamping

Bonjour mon cheries, honeymooners if you love the great outdoors, but don’t love sleeping in a sack, have I got a concept for you—glamping! I know, I know, convincing your guy to take part in something that sounds like it came out of the mind of the writers of Sex and the City may take some convincing, but not when you tell him about The Resort at Paws Up in Montana. Located on a riverside working cattle ranch, the 24-tent resort offers all the rugged outdoorsy adventures for woodsmen and a healthy helping of luxurious amenities for the pampered types. There are jetted tubs, butler service and sumptuous linens, as well as delectable cuisine and activities a go-go. You, darling honeymooners, will love the new Tango Point tent, which is set on a bluff overlooking Blackfoot River and Ele Creek. The tent also has a gorgeous claw-foot tub—did someone say champagne bubble bath?—and a fantastic perch for star gazing. The new Moonlight Camp is adults-only area where six-tents sit under the shade of towering pine trees. Stay here and you’ll be closer to the glampiest canvas-sided spot around—the Spa Tent.
For more information, including the deets on all manner of activities (which include kayaking, fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding and hot-air ballooning), check out the resort’s website pawsup.com.

—Jenna Mahoney

Big Island Breather

Big Island Breather at Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii
Guest Blogger: Amy Rauch, Senior Marketing Manager, Digital

Recently whisked away to the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island – against my will, of course ;-) – I find myself more sure than ever that I want a dreamy destination wedding in Hawaii. The Aloha Spirit is entrancing, the scenery and weather are absolutely magical, the recreation options are endless, and I am always impressed by the attention to detail when it comes to food, drink, entertainment – and well everything!


The Hilton Waikoloa Village is a 62-acre resort set on Waiulua Bay, on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, Hawaii. Among the highlights are 1,240 rooms and suites, 14 restaurants and bars, 3 swimming pools, enclosed lagoon with private beach and water activities, on-site golf and tennis, world-class shopping, the magnificent Kohala Spa, and Dolphin Quest, a reputable dolphin encounter program. The resort is so big that guests are transported around on air-conditioned trams and canal boats. The grounds are embellished by tropical foliage, waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and Polynesian and Asian artwork and antiques.

The Hilton Waikoloa hosts approximately 250 weddings per year. Packages run the gamut in price and options, starting from $1,800 for a simple daytime ceremony, up to $5,870 or more, depending on how much customization you want. Special room rates are offered for family, wedding party and attendees.

Monogram Madness

How better to personalize a wedding than by using your monogram as a motif? We visited a cozy little store on the Upper East Side of New York City, called Monograms Off Madison, to see how modern brides can take advantage of an old-fashioned art form. Proprietor Alyssa Tierney Angelbeck will monogram anything you like (on her handy little machine made just for that purpose), from napkins to stationery to bridesmaids' gifts. We especially liked this selection of affordable, personalized gifts for the girls. From left: Pendergrass spa waffle bathrobe, $38; Small waffle travel bag, $18; Pendegrass spa waffle shower slippers, $24.

—Susan Schneider

Rooms on Film: AndBeyondSandibe

Here’s another peek inside my trip of a lifetime. AndBeyond Sandibe is a rustic 8-room safari camp deep in the jungle landscape of Botswana. It’s located on an enormous private land concession that encompasses a variety of topography from wetlands and wooded areas of soft sand to areas thick with foliage. Such a varied landscape makes for endless opportunities to see a vast range of wildlife. While staying here, we spotted elephants, wild dogs, zebras, baboons and giraffes, among others (for more details on the exciting game drives, pick up the May/June issue of your fave bridal mag.). Here, all rooms are villas with wooden decks located above the wetlands. From there you can see hipps below and baboons in the trees. For more info on the lodge, go to andbeyond.com.

—Jenna Mahoney

What Fries With that “I Do”?

Any bride worth her white dress knows that destination weddings are all the rage. One reason, we ladies (and the grooms who marry us) love them is the special sense of place. Another biggie is the affordability factor. So, it would stands to reason that McDonald’s the company that is synonymous with inexpensive eating would offer a fast-food wedding package. Starting at $400 for 100 people, the weddings include the ceremony and reception all under taking place under the golden arches. The “Warm and Sweet Package” includes gifts, invitations and special décor, featuring Ronald and the Hamburglar. A balloon wedding cake, dress rental and other add-ons are also available.
 A few caveats: Right now, these packages are only available when the restaurants are open and no alcohol is allowed—looks like you’ll have to toast with the orange drink. Oh and another thing, you’ll have to go to Hong Kong to tie the knot next to the Fry Guys. Guess this adds a new spin to the tagline—I’m lovin’ it. 

For a list of some of my top destination wedding picks, check out my guest blog at the travel site ZipSetGo.com. Swak!

—Jenna Mahoney

Crystalized Henna? You bet!

For something a little different—and a lot beautiful and entirely unique—take a look at this shimmery, one-of-a-kind body artwork for weddings by Akiyo, a henna artist who visited us in our offices one day. Akiyo can also embellish her artwork with Swarovski crystals. Plus, it'll stay for your honeymoon: Henna designs last for 4-14 days depending on where it is placed. It can also be removed at a preferred time. For more information call 917-607-6897 or email [email protected].

—Susan Schneider
 

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Accessories to Finish Your Bridal Look
 

Trend We Love: 2-in-1 Wedding Gowns

Long, traditional gowns are typically the status quo for the wedding ceremony. But modern brides are looking for short, fun frocks fit for dancing late into the night! Fortunately, we have the ultimate budget-friendly solution: Transformer gowns! These 2-in-1 dresses take the bride from her ceremony to reception with just a quick unzip or unbutton of the skirt. That’s why many contemporary brides are changing into short, fun frocks for the party! Our two faves right now? The “Molly” from David Tutera by Faviana (above left) and Martina Liana Style 260 (above right), that also comes with removable bolero. Amazing, right? Now tell us: Would you wear a transfomer gown?

—Rachel Dichter

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