On your wedding day, it's practically inevitable that something messy will get on your beautiful, pristine wedding dress, from a smudge of lipstick to a splash of red wine. At my wedding, it was chocolate — a young cousin really loved the chocolate fountain and decided to show her appreciation by giving me a hug, with her hands and face still covered in chocolate (find yourself in a similar situation? Scrape off any excess with a butter knife, then blot/rub with baby wipes until the stain has disappeared. Still visible? Cover it with white toothpaste!).

Luckily, the experts at the Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science have you covered. Pack these items for your big day, and print out this handy guide to removing any kind of stain! 

Must-have items for your emergency kit:

• Dry shampoo
• Paper towels
• Club soda
• White toothpaste
• Baby powder
• Baby wipes
• Vodka
• Spray bottle
• Lemon

Share your best stain-removing tricks and tips!

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein
 

Recently, the bridalguide.com team was invited to a special preview of Kathy Ireland for Mon Cheri’s Spring 2013 bridal collection. The dresses were stunning — inspired by the simplistic and elegant styles of a 1950s Grace Kelly era with a modern twist — and we were thrilled to be getting a sneak peek from Kathy and her team!

Within the first few minutes of meeting the supermodel-turned-business-mogul, I could hear the passion in her voice as she spoke about her latest designs and her excitement about the upcoming collection became contagious. What struck me most about Kathy’s gowns was that she really understands what a bride needs from her dress on her wedding day. Kathy focuses on tailoring each gown in a way that allows all brides to feel beautiful and confident.

As the first gown was presented, there was a collective round of “oohhs and ahhs,” thanks to a romantic strapless mermaid dress with elegant lace detailing. To add some sparkle, Kathy decided to place an eye-catching crystal embellishment onto the ultra-feminine gown, which made it one of my personal favorites.

Letter from the Editor: Our blogger Crista is enjoying those last few days before The Big One, so today, we'd like to share some iPhone photos and well wishes on her behalf. For those of you who are new to this blog, we've been following all of her wedding-planning ups and downs since last July. This Sunday, she's finally marrying Michael, the love of her life! After being there through it all, we have no doubt that her nuptials will be incredible. It's been such a pleasure to share her story with you all—thanks for the encouragement and advice you gave her along the way. Stay tuned for her complete wedding and honeymoon recap. Readers, show her some love and leave a comment with your congratulation wishes below!

Crista's wedding countdown clock, a gift she received after getting engaged. P.S. How gorgeous is her ring?!

Her final dress fitting at Amsale and a behind-the-scenes look at her beauty prep.

Let's take a look back at her journey down the aisle...

We love the elegant look of the blusher veil. You are sure to feel utterly dreamy walking down the aisle with this delicate, sheer veil that conceals your face and emotions—adding mystery to your big day. Designers certainly thought so, presenting blusher veils all over the bridal runways—notably at Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Romona Keveza.

This veil works best with a clean updo and seems most fitting in a more formal wedding ceremony. If you are opting for a less formal wedding,but still love a veil, consider a cage veil or possibly a shoulder-length veil.

This is your one chance to wear this illusive magical accessory; are you considering a veil for your wedding day?

—Naima DiFranco

It may not be your tropic island paradise, but Iceland’s picturesque terrain has so much to offer for a honeymoon getaway. Not only is the mid-Atlantic isle not as chilly as its name suggests, but Iceland also offers honeymooners the ultimate combination of adventure and relaxation.

You can experience the beauty of this geographically-fascinating island with a glacier exploration excursion. Or, take to the country’s various lakes and bodies of water with a water rafting, kayaking and wave-jetting (battery-powered surfboard) adventure. And don’t miss a visit to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal sensation. Splash, swim or simply float in the bubbling lagoon that teems with mineral-rich, therapeutic waters, thanks to its location in the middle of a lava field.

More Iceland plusses: The island is the closest European country (it’s only a five-hour flight from New York), and the island is English-Speaking.