Blogs

Looking for the ideal dress to show off your voluptuous hourglass figure? Consider the mermaid gown — the ideal dress for curves! When selecting a mermaid, take note where the skirt fans out; for a flattering fit, it should fan out at least four inches below the largest part of your hips. Also, look for internal corsets or corset boning in your dress to ensure the look of a small dainty waist (so important to the hourglass shape). 

I also like to consider the fabric when choosing a mermaid. Watch how it clings or bunches when you walk; you want a flexible fabric that will move with you and your curves. Lastly, when getting a mermaid altered, wear the undergarments you will be wearing the big day. If you plan to wear Spanx, wear them to the fitting. You don't want your dress loose around your hips or waist on your big day. Here a few of my favorite mermaids from Enzoani, Vera Wang, and Saison Blanche.

Plus: Check out 25 more of our favorite mermaid gowns!

—Naima DiFranco

Guest Blogger: Nathaniel Neubauer, owner of Contemporary Catering
Nathaniel’s mom says it best: “When Nathaniel was turning three, I asked him what he wanted for his third birthday. He said, ‘Quiche.’” Ever since, Nathaniel’s love for food has never been far from reach. With his presence, Contemporary Catering quickly became a major contender in the Los Angeles catering industry. From overseeing production to designing a nine-course tasting menu with five-star service, Nathaniel’s dedication to his clients and his company is unparalleled.

As the night winds down, your guests are bound to have worked up an appetite (again) after dancing all night long. Ring in the night with midnight snack hour! Here are some tasty comfort foods we love to pass on trays that our guests gobble up after a good dance session: 

1. Kobe Sliders
Try mini Kobe beef burgers topped with a slice of pepper jack cheese, fried onion strings, and a dollop of 50/50 sauce! And for your more health-conscious guests, add a turkey burger option. 

When it comes to fabulous fashion, expert planning advice and magnificent honeymoon destinations, our May/June 2013 issue has it all.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at our cover shoot! And enter for your chance to win the cover gown.

You’ll find some of the dreamiest, most romantic dresses in our “Sweet Reverie” story:And if you’re wondering what dress style to choose for your BFFs, check out “Perfectly Paired” to discover chic bridesmaid looks that easily complement a variety of wedding gown styles:

We also have the hottest new trends…

…and hairstyles straight from the runway…

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly >>

Deciding what you'll wear on the big day comes with many decisions — should you pick a ballgown, sheath, fit-and-flare, or A-line dress? — and finding your personal style is key. But, what about your groom? The “suit, tie, done” mentality isn’t right for everyone, especially if your groom wants to incorporate his fun personality into his attire. Also, his comfort should be equally important! We're in love with some of the new trends for modern grooms, including sneakers (in lieu of formal shoes), funky socks, and suspenders without a jacket. Our favorite trend of all: bold, patterned bow ties in fun colors for spring. Check out 10 different options for discerning grooms below!

Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from drummer-turned-DJ Jim Pierson, who puts the rhythm behind his masterful DJ sets. A Philly native, DJ Jim Pierson has spun major events for the NFL and is a favorite at exclusive clubs like One at Revel and Recess. When it comes to weddings, Jim takes time to find out what songs will light up the room on his clients' big day. "Every wedding is unique, and it's my job to build a musical rapport with not just the couple, but all of the wedding guests. I can mix in many different genres along with current hits to ensure all the guests are up on their feet and having a good time.”

Photo Credit: IQ Photo on Maharani Weddings via Loverly

Q. My fiancé and I are planning a small wedding with only immediate family and a few close friends in attendance. If someone asks me if they’re invited to the wedding — and they’re not — what should I say?

A. Just be gracious — this is a very common dilemma for engaged couples. Let them know how flattered you are that they would like to attend your wedding, and then explain that as much as you would love to invite a huge crowd, you’ve decided that a smaller gathering is more suitable. You can elaborate further — limited space, budget constraints, large families — or simply leave it at that. And if it’s someone you really would have liked to invite, promise to have him or her to your new home after the honeymoon to look at your wedding photos.

—Diane Forden

Photo Credit: Inspire Photography

When I first met Jenny Davids and Katherine Poole, the lovely ladies of Hen House Linens, I knew they were on to something. As we sat down to a lunch at the West Village dining spot Home Restaurant, I immediately homed in on their luxe cotton linens gracing the tables in mix-and-match style. It was eye-catching, to say the least! ­

Raising the bar on everyday dining and decorating, Hen House linens are made of sumptuous and sturdy cotton fabric that will make you think twice about using paper goods. Bold latticework, chevron and fleur-de-lis prints in on-trend colors work in endless combinations. You can start with a favorite color and pattern then add new pieces every year. Or alter your color schemes seasonally. They stand up to repeated washing and rarely need ironing. Going eco-friendly was never so much fun!­

Creative Director Katherine Poole says she “lives it and gives it” with signs of Hen House in every corner of her house. You’ll find not only tabletop pieces, such as runners, napkins and placemats, but pillows, guest towels and aprons, which make a great house gift with a recipe tucked in the pocket.­

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly >>

When I bring home a new bouquet of flowers, the very first thing I do is cut off the stems before adding water and placing them in my favorite vase. Naturally, this way of thinking crosses over into my love for bouquets — short stems with gorgeous blooms tied together with a bouquet wrap (my favorite!). However, I’m having a complete change of heart after seeing more and more long-stemmed bouquets. This new trend affords the arrangements a just-picked-from-the-garden feel, while still being completely modern. At Loverly, we’re always in favor of a twist on a classic trend, so today, we've pulled together our favorite long stem bouquets.

This long bouquet of calla lilies is perfect for a modern-themed fête:

Add a look of retro-refinement to your big day look with gowns embellished with pearl beads. This jewel is not only for sorority parties and your grandmother's closet. This daintiness and beauty of pearls are the perfect accent for bridal — not only are they white, but they symbolize purity, spiritual transformation, and honesty. These lovely jewels add grace to a sexy mermaid and elevate the elegance of a lace. What do you think of these three pearly dresses from the bridal runways by Alvina Valenta, Monique Lhuillier and Jasmine Couture?

—Naima DiFranco