"During my time at Bridal Guide, I've had the opportunity to browse thousands of gowns in our online gallery, editorial fashion spreads and designer ad pages. But nothing could prepare me for the surreal experience of actually trying on a wedding gown for the first time. One of the key things I learned was that trying on a variety of styles—even ones I never thought I'd wear—helped me a great deal. It also helped to have my go-to BG fashionistas, Rachel Dichter (fashion sales associate), and Noelle Gharbi (multimedia marketing coordinator), provide real, uncensored feedback. Here's an account of my dress shopping adventure through their eyes."

Congrats to Amy Rauch, Bridal Guide’s digital marketing director, on getting engaged!

You’d think that when one of our own “says yes,” she’d know exactly what kind of wedding gown she wants, right? Wrong! When you work at a bridal magazine, you become overexposed to thousands of gorgeous white options. That’s why we went straight to one of our favorite NYC bridal salons, Designer Loft, for help.

All I want for Christmas is... washboard abs! You, too? That’s why I’m here; it's no exclusive secret, and it doesn’t take "perfect genes" — anyone can get them. It just takes the right training and the drive to do it. Here’s one of my newest intense ab workouts – go for it, and share your results and feedback! Plus, check out last week's video here, and subscribe to my channel for new, free workouts every week.

The Workout:

► 15 Full Sit-Ups
► 15 V-Ups
► 15 Bicycles (15 each side)
► 15 Reverse Crunches
► 15 Rower Crunches
► 1 Min Anti-Gravity Plank Hold

Do as many rounds as you can in seven minutes — or go for as many rounds as you can! Either way, you'll really feel this tomorrow in your abs. Leave a comment and share how many rounds you did. 

But don’t forget, the key to perfect abs is in the perfect recipe; it’s not just about the exercises, it’s about the right combination of the right diet, paired with the right workouts on the right days! 

Join us every Friday for our Q&A column, where editor-in-chief Diane Forden answers one reader's biggest etiquette question.

Photo Credit: Misty Miotto Photography

Q. One of my bridesmaids lives in another state. Am I responsible for paying for her transportation to and from my wedding?

A. You’re not required to pick up your attendants’ travel expenses, nor are you expected to pay for any of their accommodations. You should, however, be mindful of how easily expenses can add up. After all, they are expected to contribute to the cost of the bridal shower, give both shower and wedding gifts and purchase a dress and accessories. They may even chip in on a bachelorette party for you! With that in mind, you should make arrangements for your out-of-state attendants to stay with you, with another member of the wedding party or with friends and relatives who graciously offer a room in their homes. And be sure to discuss travel costs with your bridesmaids now, so there is no misunderstanding about fi nances later on. If the costs will be too much of a burden for her, you may want to contribute to her expenses as a gift

—Diane Forden

Meeting your future in-laws for the first time is always a stressful occasion — but the pressure increases tenfold if you're meeting them for the first time at a holiday gathering with the whole gang. You want to make a good first impression — without looking like you’re trying too hard. Start with the perfect host and hostess gift! 

Send-Ahead Flowers
The problem with bringing flowers to a holiday party is that your hostess then has to scramble to find a vase and a place to display them. If you send the flowers ahead of time, though, she can find the perfect spot for them when she’s not also busy worrying about refilling drinks and dishing out appetizers. We love this cheerful arrangement from 1-800-Flowers:

Joyful Lights, from $44.99, 1800Flowers.com

Breakfast
After all of the cooking, baking, prepping, and cleaning required for a holiday party, your hostess is going to be pretty exhausted the following day. Make her life a little easier by with a breakfast basket: