October 21st

Photo by: Meaghan Elliott Photography via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: Pies are in for fall and winter weddings, especially if you arrange for your caterer to serve them warm at a station. According to bakers, a big buffet of pies will cost less than a grand, traditional wedding cake. Plus, guests will love picking their favorite flavor, whether it's apple, caramel, pecan, chocolate or more. Servers can cut slices to order so that your loved ones can sample two or three different kinds of pie.

Plus, check out 101 Amazing Wedding Cakes. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more tips and advice.

How to Look Your Best in Your Wedding Photos

I truly want everyone to look their best on their wedding day and get the most out of their wedding photos. While I am unable to be at every wedding (the laws of physics being what they are), I am happy to share some of my knowledge and experience with you. Todaym I am going to focus on what you can do to actually look your best. I am not telling you to do anything that makes you feel unnatural or uncomfortable. These are just pointers. And this is not just for the bride or groom; everyone who might have their picture taken on the day of the wedding should take note — so listen up bridesmaids and groomsmen!

casey fatchett looking your best in wedding photos bridal guide

1. Stand Up Straight

Yes, I probably sound like your mother, but people underestimate the power of good posture. Many of us spend so much time hunched over at our desks all day that we have developed a sloped shoulder look that is far from elegant. You do not have to be a ballerina to take some tips from them and imagine a string pulling at the top of your head — your body elongates, your shoulders naturally start to fall back, and you look ten times better in a matter of a few seconds.

2. Chin Up

Double chins can plague even the slimmest among us if their chin is nearly touching their chest. So keep your chin up! It elongates your neck. But remember, everything in moderation — you don’t want to look like a giraffe. If it feels awkward, you have gone too far.

3. Lay Off the Booze!

What's Hot in Weddings This Week: 10/18

In our new "Friday Favorites" column, we'll share our top five inspirations of the week culled from real wedding submissions, industry events, what's trending in the weddings world and more!

1. Bridal Fashion Week is over, and the BG editors are still reeling from the parade of beautiful new dresses we saw in every imaginable style and price point. This season's trends include pink-hued gowns, gold embellishments and cap sleeves. 

One great tip I got was from designer Pnina Tornai, who told me that she finds inspiration in the fine line between fantasy and reality. Search for a wedding dress that makes you feel like you're living in a dream every time that you put it on — this is your moment to try something really spectacular. Stay tuned for a recap on the most buzzed-about 2014 styles from each major designer.

pnina tornai gown

2. Ramani and David's engagement photos make me want to bite the bullet and schedule a wedding anniversary shoot! They feature a wide variety of backdrops, including a rustic cabin, a ferris wheel, the changing fall leaves, and — my personal favorite — a boat filled with biodegradable confetti.

October 18th

Photo by: Harwell Photo on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: The inner envelope is back as a formal wedding invitation insert. Brides and grooms of the past few years may have opted to skip the inner envelope of their invitation suite in order to save money or as an eco-friendly decision. However, it's an etiquette necessity because it indicates exactly who's invited from each family. That way, guests won't have to call you to inquire whether or not their kids can come. Use stamp art to add a little extra décor flair to the inner envelope surface.

Plus, check out The Top 10 Wedding Etiquette Questions of All Time. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more tips and advice.

BG's Fashion Issue Hits Digital Newsstands

We're excited to announce the launch of our first EVER Fashion Issue, available for iPad. This exclusive digital magazine is filled with BG editors' favorite wedding gowns, bridal party fashion, jewelry, accessories and more. A definite necessity for fashionable brides-to-be! The style guide also features gorgeous new dresses and tuxedos from our special edition sponsor, Allure Bridals. You can easily download the issue by searching for Bridal Guide Magazine in the iTunes App Store. Once you have downloaded our free App, search our store for The Fashion Issue and tap to buy! The best part? It's only 99¢!

Here are 5 reasons to download The Fashion Issue:

If I Could Register Again...

...this sturdy, stainless-steel workhorse of a pan by would be in the upper reaches of my wish list. The generous 4-quart capacity, wide, flat base and high, rounded sides make this “ideal for preparing one-pan meals during a busy week,” the manufacturers (that would be All-Clad) tell us. Now that’s a pan with my name on it!

stainless steel all clad pan wedding registry must haves bridal guide

As a busy person who lives for the one-dish meal, I was delighted to take the Weeknight Pan ($179, crateandbarrel.com) for a test drive. On the menu: fresh tomato soup topped with homemade croutons, adapted from a recent recipe in The New York Times.

croutons all clad stainless steel pan recipe wedding registry must haves bridal guide

Step one: The croutons — ciabatta cut into cubes and browned in olive oil. (Remove from pan, place in a bowl and sprinkle with sea salt.) Tip: If you’re new to cooking with stainless steel, note that you’ll get the best results using low to medium heat.

October 17th

Photo by: Samantha Macabulos Photography on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: Wide headbands are a top trend in hair accessories for your big day. One of the new looks to try on is a partial headband that wraps just over the crown of your head (think Swan Lake!) and add a bit of dazzle with a sparkling brooch at the end. This could be a beautiful way to incorporate a treasured heirloom brooch from a mom, grandmother, or from a lovely lady on your groom’s side of the family. The matriarch will love that you paid them a little fashion tribute on your wedding day!

Plus, check out Our Favorite New Accessories from Bridal Fashion Week. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more tips and advice.

Watch Pnina Tornai's Fall 2014 Runway Show

Known for her corset designs embellished with crystals, Pnina Tornai's gowns — sold exclusively at Kleinfeld Bridal and frequently featured on Say Yes to the Dress — never fail to impress. She's dressed countless celebrities over the years, most recently Kim Zolciak and NeNe Leakes from Bravo's Real Housewives franchise.

On her inspiration this season: "I fell into the 'between' of reality and fantasy," said Tornai. "I guess I found the inspiration right there — how these two worlds really have a very, very fine line in between them, and that's where illusion exists."

Tell us: Which dress is your favorite? Tornai describes herself as a Cinderella bride; if she were to get married again, she'd wear the second to last dress in the runway show. (For her last wedding — her third — she wore a taffeta A-line gown with 52 roses on the train).

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

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