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I’m always on the alert for wedding-related topics in the news so last week, when the local CBS station did a promo on “The Bridal Prenup” and CNN featured a “Love, Marriage and Money” segment, my TiVo went into overdrive. After all, it is my job to keep abreast of the latest bridal buzz 24/7 for you!

 “The Bridal Prenup” piece was interesting. Apparently, according to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, it’s not just the Britney Spears and Nicole Kidmans of the world asking their future hubbys to sign on the dotted line. Now it seems that the “average woman of all ages and means” are initiating prenups. The report said that many brides-to-be are marrying for the second or third time and may have considerable assets after having worked for a number of years. They want to safeguard what they have and perhaps protect the future inheritance of their children or grandchildren from a previous marriage. Which, of course, raises the question: Is this practical or do prenuptial agreements indicate a basic mistrust of the fiancé or perhaps of marriage itself? I’m sure most of you haven’t even entertained the idea and I believe that there are many factors that enter into such a decision. For most first-time couples it is simply not an issue but I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic.

You can get fit and look great in your wedding gown while saving serious cash. How? Just walk!

Getting fit to look great in your white gown is a natural priority—think about all those photos that are being taken! But now you can get fit while saving that extra cash for, perhaps, a little something blue? The solution: GET WALKING! All you need is a decent pair of walking shoes and a pedometer (for as low as $10) to record the steps you take in the course of your ordinary activities. Then, up that number until you're burning significant calories. For example, if you find that you take under 5000 steps a day, your lifestyle is probably too sedentary to help with weight loss. Your goal should be to add a half hour of walking, the equivalent of 2000-3000 more steps a day. Here are the Budget Guru's top tips for getting extra exercise:

• During work days, walk to lunch destinations whenever possible.
• Whenever you can, take the stairs, not the elevator.
• Seek parking spots as far from destinations as you can.
• Get your fiance/friends/bridesmaids to join you for walk-a-thons in a park near you. Make it fun!

—Susan Schneider
 

Every week, we'll feature a top expert answering a not-so-easy question. Today we check in with Sharon Naylor, our bridesmaid guru, Tip of the Day expert, and author with over 35 titles published to date.

This week's question actually comes from me, your Online Editor! A few of my close girlfriends recently became engaged (congrats you two!), and I'm ever so curious to find out if I've been chosen to serve as a dutiful bridesmaid.

Q: What would you say is the average lay time between a bride-to-be getting engaged and her asking her favorite ladies to be her bridesmaids?

THE ANSWER >>

Spring can’t get here soon enough! Today, most of us on the east coast plodded through messy snow and ice (my boots are getting a workout) and warm, sunny days seem light years away. But here’s something to brighten your day—our March/April issue is on the newsstands!

This super fashion issue is filled with pages and pages of gorgeous bridal gowns…

As well as chic options for your favorite gal pals…

You’ll also get great ideas on how to plan the a beautiful outdoor celebration…

…plus tips on how to plan an amazing springtime affair from wedding guru David Tutera.

And if deciding on your wedding colors has you stymied, check out our story that features three gorgeous, colorful receptions:

Now, I know that saving money is always a priority and no one wants to go into serious debt, right? That’s why you’ll love these smart, savvy cost-cutting tips…

…as well as more advice from Colin Cowie on how to save on the floral budget.

We're big fans of Birnbaum & Bullock here at Bridal Guide—they offer three different collections all with sizes ranging from 2 to 16—so we were stoked to hear that they were having a sample sale of mostly unworn gowns, right in our hometown of NYC. The label is known for not only their intricate designs, but also for their on-trend detailing—the Kristen (far left) has an illusion neckline; the Rebecca (near right, shown with coordinating shrug) features whimsical-yet-elegant feather embellishment. (For those who don't live in the area, visit birnbaumandbullock.com for more information.) Their gowns have also been featured on TLC's reality show "The Perfect Dress" and WeTV’s “Girl Meets Gown.” Hurry though, because the most common sizes will sell first—as will the on-trend gowns seen here.

To make an appointment, call 212-242-2914.
The Sale: Birnbaum & Bullock
When: Saturday, Jan 22, 12:00-4:00pm and Sunday, Jan 23, 12:00-4:00pm
Where: 151 West 25th Street, #2A

—Rachel Jacoby

Credits from left: Alterna Caviar Travel Experience Kit, $30; Malin+Goetz Essentials Kit, $30; Anthony for Men Grab-and-Go Kit, $35.