I knew I couldn't tackle the task of making my house a home without my groom. Armed with Jason's male perspective and Mom's real-world experience (she tagged along for support), we filtered hundreds of products down to the chosen few. Here's what we learned, as told from our POVs.
I was beyond giddy to register. When else in your life can you create the ultimate wish list without paying a dime? My scanning goals: Invest in items I'd be using the most frequently, like cookware; don't include items that guests might be reluctant to bring to a bridal shower, such as garbage cans or toilet plungers; and maintain a uniform sense of "style," which was challenging since we don't know which colors will match our new apartment.
We tried to register for gifts in a variety of price points, from affordable to only-my-aunts-would-love-me-this-much. We created registries at Macy's, Bed Bath and Beyond, and East Side China, a fantastic housewares specialty shop in our neighborhood. We felt that selecting a wide range of gifts would benefit not just us, but also our guests, who would have more choices than if we'd stuck to just one. We were very grateful for our consultants' wonderful registry advice; especially Michelle from Macy's and Holly from East Side China.
Editor-in-chief Diane Forden answers one reader's biggest etiquette question.
Photo Credit: Dez and Tam
Q. My sister is planning my bridal shower six months before the wedding date, and my future mother-in-law is annoyed. She claims it’s improper etiquette, and that the shower should be held four to six weeks before the wedding. Who’s right?
A: There’s really no right or wrong in this case. Even though tradition dictates that a bridal shower should be held two months to two weeks before the wedding, I don’t see any reason why it can’t be planned before the two-month mark.
While having a shower six months before the wedding may not be improper, it does seem a bit early for practical reasons. For one thing, you and your fiancé need to have the guest list determined and your wedding invitations sent out before people receive their bridal shower invitations. And all those invited to the bridal shower should be on your wedding guest list as well.
If you do have an early shower, make sure you and your groom complete your gift registries first. Most bridal-shower invitees want to know where you’re registered, and this list is usually included with the shower invitations. If by some chance you’ve already mailed your wedding invitations and completed your registries, then it’s feasible to have the shower six months before your wedding. If not, perhaps your sister can schedule it closer to the big day.
—Diane Forden
Hair and Makeup by Steph; photo by Julie Parker Photography
Tip of the Day: Fab faux lashes aren’t just for formal evening weddings! With the right daytime makeup, false lashes can really play up your eyes. Choose from ultra-thick, criss-crossed, single lashes and other designs. We love Shu Uemura's ($27; at shuemura-usa.com)—a perennial favorite.
If you’re the kind of newlyweds who prefer the click of ski boots gripping their bindings to the clink of two margarita glasses on the beach, the mountains may just be your ideal post-nuptial escap
Cake created by Amy Beck Cake Design, photo shot by Clary Pfeiffer Photography
Tip of the Day: This all-white cake is anything but ordinary! Get the look with fabric-inspired embellishments. A simpler second tier and oversized bloom make this design shine.
Getting married in 2013? Wedding planner Melissa Phillips, of Simply Perfect Events, shares five non-traditional ideas she's loving this year.
Emerald is Pantone's color of the year for 2013, but Phillips predicts that this softer shade of green will be just as prominent. A mint hue fits with every season, and it allows for a "soft but vibrant tone."
Intricate cut-outs make your invitation stand out. "By incorporating this unique format into your invitation, it will allow your wedding to make a huge statement and get guests excited about your big day," said Phillips.
In stark contrast to the elaborately frosted confections we usually see, naked cakes will gain prominence this year. "These cakes will show more color combinations and test bakers to make the inside look and taste the best," said Phillips.
Photo Credit: Natalie Damask on Etsy
Tip of the Day: Ready to mail out your wedding invitations or save-the-dates? Make the process easier by purchasing a decorative stamp embossed with your return address. It creates a similar look as calligraphy for much less than it would cost to have envelopes hand-addressed. You can purchase this type of stamp at stationery stores like Paper Source or online on Etsy.com. After the wedding, you can reuse it on all correspondence.
From blush hues to lace mermaids to gold accents, the hottest gowns from the 70th annual Golden Globes can easily be worn down the aisle as well. Here are some of our favorite looks that will take you from the red carpet to the white.
The "Best Supporting Actress" nominees both chose ultra-feminine blush mermaid gowns. This romantic hue, dubbed "ballet pink" by Adams, complemented the stars' fair complexions. This Allure gown (pictured below) captures the essence of this up-and-coming bridal trend.
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