Round up your bridesmaids and your mom for a trip to the yoga studio! What a great way to calm down, cool off and get centered--and thank them for seeing you through your engagement. Give everyone an eco-friendly T-shirt from Tees for Change with wedding-appropriate slogans like "Laugh Often" and "Practice Gratitude." Moderately priced and made from organic materials, part of the proceeds from sales go toward planting trees. Ommmmm......

Tees for Change, teesforchange.com

Posted by Naima

My favorite idea for affordable bridal showers? Ladies' teas! See p. 186 in our January/February issue, now on newsstands, where I interview event planner Andrea Correale for budget-friendly advice on the kind of feminine, elegant gatherings that you and I have loved since we were little girls pouring make-believe tea into our dolls' teacups. Andrea's favorite cost-effective food? Deviled eggs. And serve chamomile or lavender teas...branch out into different flavors.

Caption: our tea party party settubg--a nice way to start the day!

The other day, I stopped at Alice's Tea Cup, a very sweet, chic little shop on Manhattan's Upper East Side, owned and operated by sisters Haley Fox and Lauren Fox. The sisters were celebrating the launch of their first book called, fittingly enough, "Alice's Tea Cup" from HarperCollins, which is, honestly, one of the nicest cookbooks I've seen in a long time. (Psst—a great Christmas gift for the cooks and bakers in your life.) At our breakfast, we sipped tea and sampled the goodies--a scone with ginger in it was a particularly piquant surprise.

Caption: an array of incredible wedding cakes

‘Tis the season for more than just holiday shopping, gift wrapping and going to parties. It’s also one of the busiest times of the year for…you guessed it…engagements! Yes, there are lots of brides-to-be out there hoping to find a little box under the tree and no doubt checking out websites like this one. So, for all of you soon-to-be-brides as well as those already engaged, be sure to pick up the January/February 2011 issue for ideas, inspiration and a look at some gorgeous new gowns.

You’ll love the styles our fashion editors selected for this issue, all photographed on location in picturesque Los Cabos, Mexico. Can’t you just picture yourself wearing one of these beauties at a warm, sunny resort? (Or anywhere for that matter…they’re knockouts!)

You’ll also find some bridesmaid dresses and chic accessories to up the glam factor. And if you’re fretting over wedding expenses, read our budget tips on how to cut costs at any reception venue.

This smart, savvy advice is certainly good to know before you start planning your bash. I promise, you will save.

It looks like 2011 will be a big year for weddings, especially The Royal Wedding on April 29th that the media is abuzz about now. Well, we don’t know what Wills and Kate are planning yet, but we can tell you what the hot new trends will be for next year’s weddings.

For more on these dresses, visit rivini.com, verawang.com and enzoani.com.

Posted by Naima

Crystals, beading and embellished waistbands were all over the runways at last month's bridal fashion week. Channel your inner diva by choosing on gown with a hint--or a bevy--of sparkle.

For more information on these gowns, visit priscillaofboston.com, moniquelhuillier.com, jlmcouture.com, reemacra.com, kennethpool.com and jennypackham.com.

Posted by Naima

Ahhh…the whole world loves weddings—especially a royal wedding with all its colorful pomp and circumstance and adoring throngs. Yesterday, after months of rumors, Buckingham Palace finally gave the word that, yes, it’s official—Prince William is engaged to long-time girlfriend, Kate Middleton (check out the cute couple below!). Of course, their every move will now be closely watched until the big day itself as reporters scramble to find out whose dress she’ll wear, who will be in the wedding party, who’s on the coveted guest list, etc., etc.

Courtesy Photo