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Ahhh, summer! My favorite time of year: The days are long, the sun is hot and wedding season is in full swing. Which is why you’re going to love our hot-off-the presses July/August 2014 issue. It’s packed with fabulous fashions, creative reception ideas and a ton of amazing honeymoon getaways.

Have an iPad? Be sure to check out our digital edition! Get one issue for $5.99 or a one-year subscription (six issues) for just $9.99. Click here to download the Bridal Guide Magazine app from the App Store. 

For those of you still on the hunt for the perfect dress we have gowns and accessories that are sure to suit your own special style.

You’ll also find the prettiest hair and makeup looks that celebrate — and complement — your natural beauty.

Yep, things are heating up, and we have gorgeous dresses for you to choose — from sexy, lacy styles to breezy, sensuous tulle and chiffon.

We've seen plenty of celebrity wedding crashers — but Sky News reporter Joe Michalczuk just took it to the next level by creating a surprise video filled with A-listers offering their wedding wishes for his bride-to-be, Jenny. As a reporter, Michalczuk interviews big-time celebrities on a regular basis, so he asked each of them — including Zac Efron, Cameron Diaz, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Hugh Jackman, and many more— to record a quick message. Watch the video:

—Kristen Klein

When you're dealing with guest list drama, having trouble sticking to your budget, or trying to diffuse bridesmaid blowups, it can be hard to keep the big picture in mind. You're certainly not alone if you've fleetingly considered just throwing in the towel and eloping instead during those challenging times. But planning a wedding isn't always a major pain in the neck — some parts are just downright fun. Here, our five favorite parts of the planning process.

Telling everyone you're engaged
Sure, some people ask annoying questions. But there's nothing quite like hearing the excited shrieks, seeing the happy tears, popping champagne with your loved ones, and getting 100+ "likes" on your Facebook status update.

Photo Credit: Sweet Little Photographs

Don't be afraid to be unique and let your personality burst through on your wedding day! Some of the best weddings are the ones that bring something new to the table for the guests to enjoy. When choosing the wedding venue, it's becoming more popular for couples to seek out locations that really reflect who they are as a couple. Here, 5 of the most unexpected places to tie the knot.

Museum
Getting married in a venue that holds everything you’re interested in will really give your guests a feel for what you and your partner are all about. Call up your favorite museum and see which galleries and exhibition rooms can be rented for events. You could find yourself saying your vows among the dinosaurs, in front of your favorite painting, or inside a planetarium!

Photo Credit: Lizzy C Photography on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly

Guest blogger: Bonne Marcus
A fitness industry expert for 27 years, Marcus holds numerous certifications from the Aerobic Fitness Association of America (AFAA), including Step, Spin, Bosu™, Pre/Post Natal, Youth Fitness, Aqua, and Personal Training. She has taught for New York City’s top health clubs, including Crunch, New York Health and Racquet, and Reebok Sports Club. A recognized name on Long Island, Bonne has taught at Dany Holdstein’s Two Worlds, North Shore Health Club, LA Fitness, Sport time, Equinox and currently teaches at the Sid Jacobsen JCC in Roslyn. Learn more at getfitwithbonne.com.

If you are one of the many brides-to-be preparing to walk down the aisle in an open back or a halter top gown, here are a few of my favorite upper back and shoulder exercises that will enhance your posture and bring sexy back.

Resistance Band Rowing


Searching for a little “something blue” to add to your festivities? Consider the new La Marca Prosecco mini-bottle, affordably priced at about $5. With its chic blue label and silver accents, it’s not only a perfect fit for bridal showers, bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners but also as a fun wedding guest favor. You can also dress up your tables with the larger, traditional-size bottles (visit the Store Locator at lamarcaprosecco.com for product availability).

Another popular sparkling wine, Mumm Napa Cuvée M ($22), has an elegant blue and gold label. With its touch of sweetness, it pairs perfectly with the wedding cake, cupcakes or any other desserts at your reception.

If you’d rather match your bottles to a pinkish-rose décor, you’ll love the rich coral color of the Mumm Napa Brut Rosé. Its red fruit favors make it the ideal choice to serve with foods ranging from grilled salmon to country ham to spicy Italian and Asian dishes.

Throughout the wedding process there will be elements that entice you to spend a little more than you were planning on — and we all know how tempting those can be! Some splurges are worth every penny while others may leave you with a case of serious budget regret. Here are a few guidelines to help you decide where to cut corners.

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 >>

The ombré trend has been popular at weddings for the last couple of years, but one of the loveliest ways we've seen the fading-color look used is down the aisle. It's perfect for summer! Browse below for some of the most visually stunning ombré aisles we’ve seen at real weddings.

1. If you’re tying the knot on a hot summer day, fuchsia is a stunning choice for your accent color.

Photo Credit: Liz and Ryan on Munaluchi Bridal via Lover.ly

This mother-son dance will certainly put a smile on your face!

The pair started off dancing to a classic tune before surprising guests with a musical tour through the generations, covering classic moves from "The Twist" and "Thriller" and "Bye Bye Bye," to name a few. Even more impressive: the mother-son duo never practiced the dance together before the big day; they learned their parts separately and performed it for the first time at the wedding!

—Kristen Klein

Planning an outdoor wedding? Here are a few essentials to keep your guests comfortable.

Hydration Station
With the sun bearing down on your guests and the alcohol flowing, everyone needs to be on guard against dehydration. Provide tasty infused waters, which will encourage guests to sample them more so than plain water. And consider personalized bottles of water, which are easier to tote around than glasses.