Grooms Checklist

The wedding day is a special day for a couple; this is a day that they will remember for the rest of their lives. It is therefore important for the bridesmaids and groomsmen to look sharp and alert. The bridal party is chosen because they are trusted by the bride and groom therefore, they occupy a place of honor; they should do their best to make sure the big day is as flawless as possible.

For groomsmen, duties they have to undertake include organizing the bachelor party, ushering guests on the wedding day and taking care of any small details that may arise. Because they are responsible for most of their expenses that are incurred during the wedding, it is important for each groomsman to plan and budget well in advance so that they are not caught off guard.

The first step is to gather as much detail about the wedding as possible; the date, the location, the time so that you know if you will need to arrange accommodation, tuxedo specifications and any other special instructions. When you have all these details down then try to find the best deals around by for example browsing tux magazines and shops and then find a tux that fits the groom’s specifications and that is within your price range. If you intend to get in shape in time for the wedding, then you enroll into a program as soon as possible.

Between four and five months to the wedding, you should be making last deposits and measurements on your tux, finding reservations for hotels if the ceremony will be held out of town, getting together airfare and putting in a request for time off at your job.

Three months before the wedding should find you arranging for a caretaker for your apartment and pets while you’re gone, making final hotel reservations and air tickets. You should also find out the rates of car rentals in the city that you are traveling to.

You should actively be looking for a gift wedding a couple of months to the wedding. If you find an ideal wedding then buy it then because it might not be available a few days to the wedding. Better safe than sorry. The wedding gift should be adequate enough to show your gratitude for being appointed a groomsman as well as to send good wishes to the couple throughout their marriage. If you are using the airport to travel, the gift should not spark off metal detectors. This is the time to really give a lot of thought on the gift that you are going to give the couple.

All travel arrangements should be final when the wedding is a month away. Check in with the groom to find out if there are any last minute changes. When the wedding is a week away everything should be in place; all your clothes as well as a suit to wear to the rehearsal dinner and your tux.

On the day of arrival, perform all your duties as delegated. After the wedding, return the tux and write thank you notes to the bride and groom.

By Jason Hennessey
Wedding Source

Seven Pointless and Painful Wedding Traditions

African-American couples jump over the broom, Jewish couples dance the Hora, and my own parents’ wedding involved my mother wearing a special hat while old ladies sang a Polish folk song around her. Not to mention the traditional Polish vodka-drinking competition.

Wedding ceremonies are ruled by traditions, most stemming from the couple’s ethnic heritage, their religious affiliation, or where they live. Many wedding traditions reflect deep ties to our culture and community, but like anything else, weddings evolve as the times change. Some old-fashioned traditions have become meaningless actions that don’t have much relevance to our modern lives. As summer approaches, many of us will be sweating through a wedding or two, and we definitely wouldn’t complain if some of these outdated rituals fell by the wayside.

1. Throwing the Garter
This tradition supposedly originated in a belief that it was lucky to grab a swatch of the bride’s clothes. Somehow, it metamorphosed into the groom removing the bride’s lingerie and throwing it at all the single men, bestowing nuptial luck on the catcher of the garter. It’s archaic at best, just plain uncomfortable at worst. Who wants to watch a woman hoist her skirts above her head on what is supposedly the happiest and most dignified day of her life? And what single man actually wants to catch the thing, anyway?

2. Smashing Cake in Each Other’s Face
It’s your wedding day, you’re all dressed up, and you’re being watched by all of your nearest and dearest … now is not the time for a food fight. The lore surrounding cake-smashing describes it as stemming from an ancient Roman ritual where cake was thrown at the bride to ensure fertility. While it’s nice that the tradition has become a little less violent, covering each other in pastry is pretty silly and juvenile. Married couples have the rest of their lives to throw things at each other, and if you’re paying top dollar for photography, you don’t want all your pictures to show a face full of frosting.


3. Catching the Bouquet
What is it with weddings and projectile accessories? The tossing of the bridal bouquet, another remnant of distributing the bride’s “lucky” clothes to the anxious single ladies of the audience stopped being compulsory when women stopped rushing to the altar. I have been to several weddings as a single woman and not once has the dance floor been full of women anxious to catch the darned thing. And for those who are looking to get hitched, nobody wants to pop the question to a girl who’s writhing and scrapping for flowers on the floor.

4. Ginormous Wedding Parties
Having a best friend or two stand with you at your wedding is powerful and meaningful, but does anyone really need an entire army of attendants? It’s doubtful that any marauding hordes are going to try to bust up the wedding. Most friends are delighted to help with the shower or bachelorette party if they can, but are perfectly happy enjoying the ceremony from the sidelines. Plus it saves them from spending $250 on a dress or renting a tuxedo.

5. The Bride’s Parents Footing the Bill
This relic of a time when girls were used as bartering chips just doesn’t fit in with modern families. The bride’s family doesn’t have to show their appreciation to the groom for taking their daughter off their hands. Few modern weddings are paid for solely by the bride’s parents; most are financed by the couple themselves, in conjunction with their parents. If everyone is able to contribute to the affair, they should.

6. The “Dollar Dance”
It’s nice to want to drum up a little cash for the bride and groom as they start their new life together, but charging guests $1 to dance with them for sixty seconds just feels chintzy. At the end of the night, what difference does $47 really make? Wedding guests already bring gifts and well-wishes and don’t want to feel like they have to make extra donations.

7. Diamond Engagement Rings
Diamonds may be “forever,” but they haven’t been that way for very long. The De Beers company created the engagement ring rush in the early twentieth century as a way to boost sales. Their PR machine placed diamonds in Hollywood films and advertised diamonds as the ultimate expression of love and fidelity. Americans bought it hook, line, and sinker, becoming the world’s largest market for diamonds. Actually, diamonds aren’t even all that rare, but diamond miners control the supply to artificially inflate prices. Especially since people have become more aware of diamonds’ origins in conflict-ravaged Africa, some people are opting to avoid diamonds in their engagement jewelry.


What was once fashionable and expected doesn’t have to rule how couples celebrate their marriage nowadays. Many couples now write their own vows or choose exciting locations for their ceremony, rather than follow the usual traditions. Having cupcakes instead of cake or wearing dresses in colors other than white are other ways that people create the wedding they want.

Ultimately, it’s up to the couple to decide which traditions they want to include in their celebrations and which traditions to leave out. It’s no more necessary to put a sixpence in the bride’s shoe than it is to save a piece of wedding cake until the first anniversary. And any tradition that’s special and meaningful to the bride and groom will seem special and meaningful to their guests, no matter how many bridesmaids there are, how cheesy the first dance is, or how many undergarments get tossed into the crowd.

By: Allison Ford
Via http://www.divinecaroline.com/22360/76067-seven-pointless-painful-wedding-traditions

- Honeymoon Giveaway - Top Destination Weddings: Italy

Destination Weddings - Comprehensive Honeymoons - Vacation Planning

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Italy has so much to offer – the food, the wine, the historic cities and rustic country, and the friendly people. Be prepared for lots of hugs from strangers when you announce you’re getting married while in Italy. One way to host a destination wedding here is to rent out a large private home for you and your guests – there are many to choose from throughout the country. Or, book a Bed&Breakfast to enjoy local home-cooking and local expertise on what to see and where to eat. You really can’t go wrong.

A happy medium may be Aranjaya, a luxury villa on a family-run three-hundred acre citrus estate in Sicily. Your guests can sip chianti by the large infinity pool under swaying palm and blood-orange trees, play tennis on the grounds, or drive five miles to the nearest village. It’s perfect for a destination wedding party to take over the entire place. Sicily is also home to La Plage resort, a waterfront luxury hotel that opened only a few years ago, with sixty guestrooms and five private villa suites, ideal for destination wedding groups.

For brides who dream of having a wedding in Tuscany, the spa town of Monsummano is gorgeous. If you can’t master the basics of Italian in time for your trip, book your wedding party at the Villa Lucia Bed and Breakfast – the owner is a former restaurant owner from California. Weddings at the Villa Lucia take place in an olive grove with a view of the Tuscan countryside. Wherever you want to travel, Elite agents will pair you with professionals who will be able to help you – in English – to put on your perfect wedding.

Let Elite Travel help you plan your perfect destination wedding. It will be the most relaxing wedding you’ve ever been to!

Top Destination Weddings Guide

View the other destination wedding locations on our list.


Mexico

Jamaica

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Grand Bahama

Dominican Republic

St. Lucia

Yucatan Peninsula & Cancun, Mexico

Tahiti

South Africa

Fowl Cay


Sponsored by Elite Travel
www.honeymoongiveaway.com
www.elitetravelgroup.net

We are EXPERTS IN customized HONEYMOONS AND "FREE" DESTINATION WEDDING packages. We bring together an exciting range of products and special offers to suit your honeymoon needs with your budget in mind.

HONEYMOON GIVEAWAY- Top Destination Weddings: Mexico

Destination Weddings, Comprehensive Honeymoons, Vacation Planning

1-866-726-9090

Mexico is our top destination for weddings, honeymoons, and vacations because Mexican properties offer great value for your dollar. To the East, you have Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula sporting everything from world class resorts, to wild nightclubs, to ancient Mayan ruins. There really is something for every type of traveler, which makes Mexico one of my first recommendations for destination wedding parties. The other reason we love Mexico is that you'll spend less time traveling - it's close - and more time enjoying your destination.

While a Mexican honeymoon is hotter than the queso on your nachos, getting married in Mexico presents some challenges. The easiest way to have a beautiful destination wedding south of the border is to wed legally in the U.S. and have a symbolic or religious ceremony at the location. Otherwise you have to worry about translating documents, blood tests, chest x-rays - and every Mexican state has slightly different requirements. You don't need to add that to your already lengthy wedding to-do list.

Mexico has some of the most beautiful, and least expensive, all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, and many offer great deals that your travel agent will be able to access for you. Azul Sensatori on the Riviera Maya is a stunning property with an authentic feel and wonderful service - you'll be greeted with champagne on arrival. We regularly receive enthusiastic feedback from brides and honeymooners we send to the Dreams Resorts in Cancun, Tulum, and Puerto Aventuras. Dreams Resorts schedule only two weddings per day and make extra effort to personalize each one. Whether you're looking for spectacular beaches, a range of activities to please family, friends, or yourself, want to experience Mexico's history and culture, or just want to sip fruity cocktails by the sea to recover from your wedding - Mexico has it all.

Top Destination Weddings Guide

View the other top destination wedding locations on our list.


Jamaica

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Grand Bahama

Dominican Republic

St. Lucia

Yucatan Peninsula & Cancun, Mexico

Tahiti

Italy

South Africa

Fowl Cay


Sponsored by Elite Travel
www.honeymoongiveaway.com
www.elitetravelgroup.net

We are EXPERTS IN customized HONEYMOONS AND "FREE" DESTINATION WEDDING packages. We bring together an exciting range of products and special offers to suit your honeymoon needs with your budget in mind.

It’s Your Wedding, Too: What are You Riding Off In?

One of the main things that most people overlook is the wedding car. For the bride, generating a fantastic entrance is important; from the moment that she arrives in the church towards the moment that she faces the groom in the end of the aisle, all eyes are on her. However, right after the vows have already been swapped and the company have cheered, the happy couple’s exit really should be just as impressive as the entrance, and what better means to accomplish that than in a limo, classic car, or antique car?

Renting a car for your wedding is very popular and common these days. There are many companies that offer a lot packages either by the hour or four hour mininum.

Not all limousines or rental services are the exact same. There is a wide range in the quality of the vehicles along with the level of professionalism and reliability offered from business to firm. You ought to call a number of various businesses just before you decide which to pick, and have an notion of what you’re trying to find in a limo. These factors will allow you to make your choice:

Spending budget This can be a really essential factor to think about, as your spending budget is a limiting factor for both the size of the limo as well as the time period of the rental. Most limousine businesses rent out their cars for a minimum of three hours and cost more for their products and services during the night than they do in the day.

Size The size of your limousine depends upon how you intend to make use of it. If you want to transport the entire bridal party from the ceremony to the wedding reception, you’ll want a huge, spacious vehicle, proportionate towards the size of the party. However, if the automobile will only be used to carry off the wedding couple at the end of the night, an inferior vehicle will suffice if the couple is on a budget.

Style There’s much more to think about than just seating capacity when picking a limo for your wedding. As an example, even though black limousines are one of the most common, you might prefer white for your wedding. Not all limo companies carry white vehicles, so you could need to call around. If a limo isn’t your style, ask the company what other luxury vehicles they provide.

Finally, make you sure you call two days before your wedding to confirm that you car will be there the day of the wedding. This way you will avoid in any complications. However, professional these companies are always make sure that everything is good as you expected. In addition, before choosing a wedding car make sure to get in contact with previous clients who used the services before or check their Web sites and go through customer feedback.

Confessions of a Bitter Bridesmaid : What Not to Do to Your Friends

Sitting at the kitchen table with my flip-flopped feet stuck to the floor (due to the previous evening’s margarita party), I joined my roommate for our usual Sunday morning hangover breakfast. As the conversation swayed between a discussion of men’s general deficiencies and the deliciousness of the bacon, we suddenly realized that the following weekend would not be filled with our familiar cycle of binge drinking and shame. Why? Because my roommate had to attend the most insidious of late summer rituals: a wedding.

I don’t really hate weddings as a rule. Sure, I may be a cynical, spinster-in-training who often scoffs at the idea of romantic love, but I’m always up for a good party. The problem is that weddings frequently become nightmares. The potential for fun exists, but it depends on so many variables and things often go terribly wrong. First and foremost, the only way to have fun at a wedding is to have the least amount of responsibility possible. That means that you are not in the wedding party.

My friends are all getting to be of a “certain age” and seem to be making a panicky rush for the altar. Last summer I was invited to three weddings, one of which required me to be a bridesmaid. This was to be my third stint as a bridesmaid and I have to admit that the idea of wearing a matching dress with two other women did not thrill me. But I agreed to be an adoring bridesmaid yet again, because the fact is, one can simply not refuse the bridesmaid invitation. Those are the rules.

My role as bridesmaid ended up being incredibly stressful. For starters, the bridesmaid’s dress, which was sent to me in the mail, was lost by Canada Post. This led to a frantic last-minute scrambling to find a sea-foam green, strapless dress smack in the middle of wedding season. This is my idea of hell. After a thorough investigation into the most obscure bridal shops of southern Ontario, I ended up buying a showroom dress that happened to be the exact dress I needed for the wedding. The only problem was that it had the words “SAMPLE DRESS” stamped in big black letters on the back. My solution? To paint over the letters with fabric paint, in an attempt to camouflage this potentially embarrassing detail. Luckily it worked and the wedding guests didn’t notice anything unusual as I walked down the aisle on the big day. But after the amount of stress and anxiety that resulted from the lost dress, I developed a real distaste for the bridesmaid ritual. I dared to ask the question (although not to the bride): “Who the hell really cares about all of this?”



The thing is, many people care about it. There are entire TV programs dedicated to the subject of weddings and wedding planning. Bridezilla has become a commonly used term in pop culture. Why? Because women often turn into monsters when it’s time for their “special day.” It is clear that men and women experience weddings differently. Most men are pretty relaxed about the whole ordeal, whereas women often plan things down to psychotic detail. My most common perspective of weddings is from the bridesmaid’s position. And I would like to clarify something once and for all: Being a bridesmaid is not an honour. It is mostly a pain in the ass. Even women who do not fall under the category of bridezilla will usually expect too much from their bridesmaids. Here’s a starter list of things that are required of you:

· Buy the expensive dress that you will most likely never wear again.

· Buy shoes of a specific colour to match the dress that will undoubtedly be impossible to find.

· Organize a stagette party that involves all sorts of penis paraphernalia and inevitably includes annoying drunk chicks in feather boas and tiaras who haven’t been out at a bar since their first year in university.

· Go for pedicures/manicures/facials with all the girls prior to the wedding. If you don’t, you are somehow a disgrace and disappointment to bridesmaids everywhere.

· On the day of the wedding, get an up-do that will include over fifty bobby pins being plunged into your scalp.

· Get your make-up done by some recent beauty school grad who is set on making you look like a drag queen.

· Prepare and deliver a speech about the purity and integrity of the couple’s relationship in front of hundreds of people, even if you don’t think the marriage will last more than five years.

Then there is the inevitable point when you are asked to catch the bouquet. This is possibly the most nauseating part of the whole experience. “Will all the single ladies come to the front of the room?” Read: “Will all the lonely women who can’t maintain a relationship for more than three weeks please come to the front of the room?” Besides all of this, you have to dance with sweaty Uncle Dave to Old Time Rock and Roll, which actually ends up being the highlight of the evening. Doesn’t this all sound completely ridiculous? Doesn’t it seem like too much to ask of a person? Then why do so many women insist on the tiresome and antiquated bridesmaid ritual?

I don’t have the answer to that question. It continues to baffle me. Their future husbands certainly aren’t forcing them to do it. It is my understanding than men could really care less about these kinds of things. Do brides secretly want to get revenge on friends for past wrongs? Or maybe it’s a reaction to the masculinization of women and gives the bride-to-be a chance to surround herself with hyper-feminine things and act like princess for a day. Regardless of the reasons, I would like to formally beg women to stop putting their friends through this traumatizing ritual. Every time I open my closet, I am reminded of my past experiences, as my old bridesmaids dresses hang there like abandoned chiffon carcasses that will never see the light of day again. But I am personally taking a stand. I will never do it again, no matter who asks me. I have done my time.


By: Zoe VanGogh
Divine Caroline
Via http://www.divinecaroline.com/22052/36223-confessions-bitter-bridesmaid-do/

Ronnie Polaneczky: Store dresses down bride for being a lesbian

THIS IS ONE of those stories that make me want to say "I'm sorry" to gay people for the nonsense they endure from some heterosexuals who give the rest of us straight people a bad name.

So please, Alix Genter, accept my heartfelt apology that you were denied the chance to purchase the wedding gown of your dreams from Here Comes the Bride. The manager of the salon, in Somers Point, N.J., said she didn't want to be associated with your pending "illegal action."

Yep, that's actually how she referred to your wedding, next July, to your longtime partner (whose name you asked me to withhold in this column, as she's publicity-shy). You plan to apply for a civil union in New Jersey, where you live, and to be formally wed in New York, which just legalized gay marriage. But you're also arranging a big, blowout ceremony and reception for 200 at Normandy Farm in Blue Bell, where your family and friends will toast your commitment.

"We are very fortunate in that our families love and support us," you told me yesterday, from your apartment in Highland Park, N.J., near Rutgers University, where you're completing your Ph.D. in history. "They're so excited about our wedding."

And so it came to be that last Saturday, you were at Here Comes the Bride with a cheering section of six well-wishers helping you try on dresses: your mom and dad, your aunt, a cousin and two friends of the family. Yours is the kind of big, engaged clan in which everyone's involved in everyone else's lives, in a good way.

"The fact that even my dad would come to a bridal shop - that should tell you something about how close we all are," you said of your family members, who hail from Huntingdon Valley but spend weekends in Ventnor (hence your bridal shopping at the beach). "I spend almost every weekend with them at the Shore."

Last Saturday's trip to Here Comes the Bride was a typically fun outing. Your mom packed little "gift bags" of muffins and other munchies, and a neighbor contributed a bottle of champagne. Donna, the store manager, asked you not to eat in the salon - "The dresses are white; we don't want stains," she told you - so you saved the party for afterward.

By then, you had reason to pop the cork: You'd found the dress you wanted, but wondered if the manufacturer could use a more-lightweight fabric in the version you'd wear next summer. Donna promised to investigate, and you left the store, delighted.

So how weird it must have been to get a call on Tuesday from Donna (she wouldn't tell you her last name, and she wouldn't tell me, either, when I spoke with her yesterday), and to have a conversation so different from the one you had with her on Saturday.

Apparently, Donna was stunned to learn, after reviewing your customer-information sheet, that you're a lesbian. On the paperwork, you'd crossed out the word "groom" and written "partner" instead, and then inserted your fiancée's name.

By Ronnie Polaneczky, Daily News Columnist
Pilly.com

Simple Ideas for Wedding Table Decorations

Your reception tables will form the main feature of your reception room and as such will dominate your scheme. Choosing wedding table decorations can give you many different options from the simple and inexpensive, to the elaborate and luxurious.


Decorations come in many different forms and the only limit really is your imagination. Choosing unique and personal table decorations can be one of the fun parts of your wedding planning and certainly one of the elements that you will take the most pride from on the day itself.


I always think that when it comes to decorations it is a good idea to think outside of the box and look beyond the norm for inspiration. Interior magazines are a great source for finding decorative ideas and resources, whilst wedding magazines will help you with the look and style of your wedding tables.


Keep your color scheme in mind and your wedding theme if you are having one. The most important consideration (apart from your budget) is the style of your wedding and adding in some personal touches. With this in mind it is a good idea to avoid shopping at bridal boutiques and wedding websites and instead hit the high street for some unique and quirky items.


Gone are the days when every wedding reception was decorated with a plethora of white paper bells and balloons. Today’s bride wants something far more chic, elegant and unique and which her guests will be talking about for years to come. The high street presents many different opportunities to find special items which youcould use for decorating not only your tables but also your room.


If you are using many flowers then look for some unique vessels to put them in. From glass vases to ceramic dishes, metal bird cages to old, hollowed out books, let your creativity flow and come up with something uniquely different for your floral arrangements.


Check out dollar stores for budget candles and tea lights, as well as pretty glass holders which could also be used for your wedding favors. Vintage china and glassware is also a nice idea for a wedding day with an informal feel and looks very pretty when you coordinate other details such as flowers, ribbons and linens. You could also make your own table linens such as over cloths and napkins from inexpensive fabrics sourced from the high street.


Other table decoration ideas include battery powered fairy lights in glass vases, scattered flower petals or table crystals and elaborate arrangements of feathers, painted twigs and even confectionary!

By Georgina Clatworthy,
Wedding Source

Celebrity Wedding News

Sherri Shepherd has been giving us all the details on her wedding to Lamar Sally via her gig on The View, but now that the wedding has happened (August 13) - what's next? You can watch her wedding when it airs on the Style network.

Sherri Shepherd married TV writer Lamar Sally in a Chicago-based ceremony on Saturday, August 13.

Sherri Shepherd was walked down the aisle by her six-year-old son Jeffrey in Chicago on Saturday, straight to her love Lamar Sally. The couple's wedding has been a hot topic on The View, with Shepherd sharing details of the big day with curious fans.

Ever the funny gal, Sherri Shepherd hit up her Twitter during the day. "Sitting in the room in my gown waiting for Sal & groomsmen to take their pics ... can't let him see me b4 the wedding ... but I'm bored as heck," she tweeted at one point.

Later on she tweeted, "What happens when you are in your wedding dress and you have to tinkle? Uh-oh!"

You can watch all the details leading up to the wedding and the big day on the Style network September 13. The wedding will be featured in Life and Style on Wednesday.



Eric Benet gets married to Manuela Testolini

On July 31, Eric Benet tied the knot with long time girlfriend of the past 4 years Manuela Testolini at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, Southern California. The R&B singer divorced from actress Halle Berry in 2005 after 4 years of marriage while Manuela Testolini was previously married to music legend Prince from 2001 to 2006.

The two stars announced their engagement back in November 2010. Eric then proposed to Manuela during a romantic dinner with the love song Never Want to Live Without You that he wrote especially for her on his latest album.

The couple exchanged their vows during a very intimate gathering in front of 150 family members and close friends including David Foster, Samuel L. Jackson and his wife LaTanya Richardson, Matt Boner, newlywed Niecy Nash and Access Hollywood host Shaun Robinson. The reception incorporated elements of Manuela’s Italian and Egyptian heritage but also of Eric’s Southern roots.

The bride, the Founder and President of In A Perfect World (a charity that empowers children to become responsible leaders) and Gamillah, Inc. (a company that makes designer candles and oils), looked gorgeous in an unique mermaid style wedding gown designed by Monique Lhuillier with a two-piece corset and skirt with some crystal embellishment and a veil. The 40 year old groom wore a classic Lanvin tuxedo.

At the end of the evening, the newlyweds surprised their guests when they announced that they are expecting their first child together.



Zara Phills & Mike Tindall

Zara Phillips, eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, wed Mike Tindall, captain of England’s rugby team, on Saturday in a private ceremony in Edinburgh’s Canongate Kirk, Scotland.

Philips, a 30 year old world-class equestrian, met Tindall, 32, in 2003 during England’s Rugby World Cup campaign where Prince Harry introduced them. Philips, who is 13th in line for the throne, does not have a royal title.

The Bridesmaid’s Bill of Rights

On behalf of brides everywhere, I would like to officially apologize to the bridesmaids. I apologize for the taffeta, the butt bows, and the uncomfortable shoes you’ll never wear again. I apologize for choosing to express just how much your friendship means to me by making you wear an ugly dress and dance with my weird, unsociable cousin. I’m really, really sorry.

Well, although I’ll apologize on behalf of other brides, I haven’t technically done any of these things to my own bridesmaids. (Not yet, anyway.) But wedding season is starting, and you can bet that for every sane, reasonable bride out there, there’s a crazy person stomping around on a power trip, having royal freakouts about the wrong color shoes, or forcing her bridesmaids to paint the grass at the ceremony site a prettier shade of green, like on an episode of Bridezillas. Bridesmaids may be obligated to put on a smile and a strapless gown for a day, but nowhere is it written that they have to put up with abuse. Before you perform one more thankless wedding errand (or before you even agree to be a bridesmaid at all), be sure to know a bridesmaid’s unalienable rights.

You have the right to know what you’re getting into.
Being a bridesmaid in a wedding is an honor, but it’s also a commitment, and before you agree, it’s fair to ask the bride about what she expects. Some brides expect their bridesmaids to throw multiple showers and help them with each and every planning decision. Some brides just want their bridesmaids to show up and get the dancing started. No matter what the bride wants, it’s better to find out sooner rather than later. You can’t possibly know whether you’re up for the task of being a bridesmaid until you know exactly what that task is going to entail.

You have the right to have a life—and to have it come first.
Don’t tell the bride, but the only person who considers her wedding to be a big deal … is her. While she’s dreaming about floral schemes or linen rentals, you may be dealing with schoolwork, work stress, or family obligations. Don’t feel bad if you can’t drop everything for each and every vendor meeting, dress fitting, or menu consultation. Your life—whether it’s your kid’s school play, your family vacation, or just your night to relax—can come first.





You have the right to adhere to your budget.
Yes, being a bridesmaid means that you’ll be incurring some expenses, but you’re under no obligation to take out a second mortgage to make sure your friend has her dream wedding. Whether emergency car repairs have left you unable to afford a five-star bachelorette weekend or you just don’t want to spend more than $150 on a dress, you don’t need to explain or justify your decision. If she’s a good friend, the bride should already have some idea of your financial situation and what you can or can’t afford.

You have the right to not wear an ugly dress.
Since you’re buying your own dress, you should have at least some say in what it looks like, whether you want to be able to wear a regular bra or you think tea-length skirts make you look dumpy. Some brides like to make the dress decisions themselves, and in the case of large bridal parties, that’s often the easiest solution, but any bride worth her salt will acknowledge her bridesmaids’ likes and dislikes, as well as their budgets. While it’s impossible to please everyone all the time, you should expect the bride to at least make an effort to take your opinions under advisement and choose something flattering.

You have the right not to be a servant.
Bridesmaids traditionally help with some of the wedding chores, but if the bride expects someone to go running all over town on her behalf, performing a laundry list of errands, then what she really needs is a wedding coordinator. Bridesmaids are not just a free source of unpaid labor.

You have the right to an opinion.
If the bride wants her bridesmaids involved in decisions, then she’d better expect real opinions. No one likes showing up to dress fittings, florist appointments, or other wedding to-dos just to have her each and every idea shot down. Even if the bride doesn’t ultimately take your suggestions, you should feel like your opinion is valid and valued


You have the right not to play therapist.
Sometimes it falls to the bridesmaids to help run interference on a pushy relative or keep an eye on the underage cousin with the fake ID, but asking them to mediate long-standing drama between parents or siblings is too much to ask. When it comes to grudges, feuds, misbehaving, or untrustworthy relations, the couple should handle these problems themselves.

You have the right to have fun.
At the wedding, it’s not the bridesmaids’ job to be at the bride’s beck and call the whole time, so let loose and enjoy yourself! Sure, you’ll hold the bride’s dress if she has to use the restroom, and you’d be happy to help with a few small tasks, but remember this: unless you’re getting paid to be there, you’re there to have a good time.

You have the right to a non-lame gift.
After a year of planning, celebrating, reassuring, and obsessing over someone else’s wedding, it’s okay to be disappointed if you get a lame, impersonal gift that seems hastily picked out of a catalog. Who wouldn’t expect more from a close friend than just a polka-dot beach bag with your initials embroidered on it? Even if the bride blew her budget on imported Peruvian orchids, she should still take the time to find a thoughtful and personalized gift.

You have the right to say no.
No one has the obligation to be a bridesmaid. If you suspect that the impending wedding will stretch beyond the limits of what you can tolerate or afford, don’t be afraid to say no. It’s better to decline gracefully from the start than to risk ruining the friendship by harboring resentments along the way.

A bride’s bad behavior usually stirs up only one thing in the minds of her bridesmaids: thoughts of sweet, sweet revenge. So, for ladies who treat their bridesmaids like handmaids, be prepared for your comeuppance. For those ladies about to squeeze themselves into unflattering dresses, we salute you.

By: Allison Ford
Via http://www.divinecaroline.com/22052/99463-bridesmaid-s-bill-rights


I'm a staff writer here at Divine Caroline. I lived in New York City for 10 years, where I tended bar, worked as a film and theater critic, did freelance writing, had lots of brunch, and fell in love with NY1's dreamy morning anchor, Pat Kiernan. Although I miss Manhattan, I love San Francisco, along with all of its amazing Mexican food. (Seriously--if I thought I could survive by eating tacos and quesadillas every day, I would definitely try) I also have a serious sweet tooth, and anyone who brings me real English Cadbury chocolate can be my new best friend.

I love cooking and baking, playing my piano, watching House reruns, watching my cats hunt bugs, and scuba diving, and my favorite places in the world are Hawaii and Newport, Rhode Island. But nothing beats the the experience of reading a good book in a quiet room.

If I wasn't a writer, I would apply to be a quality assurance expert at Ben & Jerry's. If you'd like to be privy to my innermost thoughts (or if you'd just like to receive updates of weird news stories and cute animal videos), come follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/allibird.

press release

Aug. 11, 2011, 7:30 a.m. EDT

Zale Partners with Vera Wang to Offer Exclusive Bridal Jewelry
Renowned designer to launch "Vera Wang LOVE" collection of diamond engagement rings, wedding bands and solitaire jewelry available only at Zale.

DALLAS, Aug 11, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Zale Corporation /quotes/zigman/131594/quotes/nls/zlc ZLC +5.77% and Vera Wang today announced a partnership to launch a new, exclusive collection of diamond bridal jewelry.

The new collection will be called "Vera Wang LOVE" and will offer a variety of diamond engagement rings, matching wedding bands and solitaire bridal jewelry to be available exclusively in Zale stores throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico beginning this fall.

The partnership builds on the strengths of both brands, as Vera Wang is one of the most recognized and acclaimed designers in the world, especially known for her exquisite designs of bridal gowns, and Zales, The Diamond Store, is one of the most recognized North American jewelry brands.

Each piece in the Vera Wang LOVE collection will come with a certificate of authenticity, verifying it as an original design by Vera Wang. Each ring will include the Vera Wang LOVE logo engraved on the inside and every engagement ring will include a unique blue sapphire.

"Creating a line of beautiful diamond engagement rings and bridal jewelry is a natural extension of my passion for designing bridal fashion," Ms. Wang said. "I searched for a jewelry retail partner who met my quality and design philosophy and found Zale to be a perfect match."

"There are two iconic names associated with bridal engagements and weddings, Vera Wang and Zale," said Theo Killion, Zale Corporation Chief Executive Officer. "There simply isn't another designer in the world who matches the Vera Wang name for bridal design. The exclusive Vera Wang LOVE collection will allow us to provide our customers with Vera Wang's unmatched sense of design and the high quality our customers have grown to expect from Zale."

The new Vera Wang LOVE bridal collection is scheduled to arrive exclusively in Zales retail stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in October 2011, just in time for holiday engagements, and in Peoples retail stores in Canada in early 2012.

About Vera Wang Group

Vera Wang Group designs, markets and distributes collections of women's ready-to-wear, cocktail attire and bridal. Vera Wang Licensing LLC, the licensing division of the company, has selectively granted licenses for the manufacture and distribution of fragrance and beauty-related products (Coty Prestige, Inc.), eyewear (Kenmark Group), china, crystal, silver and gifts (WWRD), fine papers (William Arthur), mattresses (Serta), bedding (Revman), Lavender footwear (Brown Shoe), luggage (Hartmann), flowers (FTD), and Barbie (Mattel). In addition, Vera Wang on Weddings was published by Harper Collins in 2001. In 2007, the company partnered with Kohl's to introduce Simply Vera Vera Wang. In Spring 2011, Vera Wang launched her highly anticipated inaugural collection for David's Bridal, White by Vera Wang, which brings the acclaimed Vera Wang aesthetic to a new set of brides. For more information on Vera Wang, please visit the company's website at www.verawang.com .

About Zale Corporation

Zale Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of diamonds and other jewelry products in North America, operating approximately 1,845 retail locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as online. Zale Corporation's brands include Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Gordon's Jewelers, Peoples Jewellers, Mappins Jewellers and Piercing Pagoda. Zale also operates online at www.zales.com , www.zalesoutlet.com , www.gordonsjewelers.com , www.peoplesjewellers.com and www.pagoda.com . Additional information on Zale Corporation and its brands is available at www.zalecorp.com .

SOURCE: Zale Corporation




Zale Corporation
Roxane Barry, 972-580-4391
Director of Investor Relations
rbarry@zalecorp.com
or
Vera Wang Group
Priya Shukla, 212-575-6400 x4661
Public Relations Director
pshukla@verawang.com

Source: St. Kitts Tourism Authority- Leticia Young & Raymond Mohan

New York (June 8, 2011) – St. Kitts was the center of attention as The St Kitts Tourism Authority hosted a congratulatory cake-cutting ceremony for the lucky couple officially married as part of the Caribbean Fair held at Grand Central Station in New York City.

Bride and groom Leticia Young and Raymond Mohan were officially married in a public wedding on Wednesday afternoon as part of CTO’s Caribbean week celebrations in Manhattan. The Caribbean-American couple received congratulatory remarks in person from Senator Ricky Skerritt, Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and St. Kitts tourism stakeholders, including Tourism Authority CEO Mrs. Rosecita Jeffers, welcomed the newlywed couple to the St Kitts booth under an elegant lattice canopy draped in gauzy white fabric.

Underneath the canopy, two chairs were set for the couple in front of their two-tier white wedding cake, which was donated by Kantours and Nancy Lowell presented the couple with their honeymoon, a 5-day stay at the historic Ottley’s plantation Inn. Just behind the couple, St. Kitts’ backdrop featuring the new branding and logo was featured prominently as they cut their cake. Also on hand to present complimentary airfares to the couple from American Airlines were Andrew Rowe, Business Development Manager for Associations, Conventions, and Groups, and Johna Johnson, Director of Sales-New York.

“Our feature participation in today’s wedding ceremony reinforces our marketing strategy to highlight St. Kitts as a premier romance, wedding and honeymoon destination”, said CEO Jeffers. “We hope the newlyweds enjoy a wonderful honeymoon experience in St. Kitts, exploring all of the charms of Ottley’s Plantation and our unique island destination.”

Throughout the day, dozens of consumers visited the St. Kitts booth and registered to win a two-night stay at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino plus round trip tickets on American Airlines and a bottle of Brinley Gold Rum. Representatives Patrice Henry and Chantelle Byron from the St. Kitts Tourism Authority’s New York office greeted consumers and potential travelers who stopped by the booth to inquire about the destination, providing them with information and a first-hand experience of warm Kittitian hospitality.

The wedding and subsequent cake-cutting ceremony were part of the Caribbean Wedding Celebration held during the CTO sponsored Caribbean Fair, which is a full-day promotional event for the Caribbean as part of Caribbean Week in New York, held this year from June 6-11, 2011

Bridal couples can plan the big day all in one spot

Brides-to-be can do all their planning in one place this weekend at the annual Southern Bridal Show and Expo in the Jim Graham Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. More than 150 wedding service pros - from florists to DJs - will be on hand to meet with brides. Hourly fashion shows will showcase the latest looks in wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and tuxes, and cake and catering tastings will be held throughout the day.

Show hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 in advance at www.foreverbridal.net or $10 at the door.

A girl's best friend

For those still looking for that engagement ring (or perhaps some earrings, a necklace or other bauble), Bailey's Fine Jewelry will have plenty of choices at its annual diamond event, today through Aug. 27. During the sale, much of the jeweler's diamond inventory will be discounted up to 30 percent, including some pieces not normally available. Bailey's has two Triangle locations: Cameron Village, 415 Daniels St., 829-7337; and Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave., 788-7500.


You, but better

We've all had those mornings where no matter what you pull from the closet, nothing looks right. Local stylist and fashion blogger Michele Little wants to help women avoid this frustrating problem with her "Secrets of Style: Effortless Dressing Everyday" workshop, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Aug. 27. During the session, Little will help women take stock of what's in their closet and create a wardrobe plan to help them sidestep the daily struggle of choosing an outfit.

The workshop will be held at Brio Tuscan Grille in Crabtree Valley Mall. Tickets are $147, and include breakfast and a copy of Little's book, "Secrets of Style." Participants who sign up by Monday will receive a $50 discount. For more information, visit www.onechicmama.com.


What a kid wants

Kids rule this weekend at Belk Crabtree's KidFest. From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, kids can find adventure during a safari in the children's section, or enjoy a carnival experience with face painting, games, refreshments and more. At 1 p.m., a back-to-school fashion show lets parents and kids get a look at the coolest threads for school. The event is free. For more information, call 782-7010, ext. 307 or ext. 258.

A new place to shop

Raleigh gained yet another boutique with the recent opening of Fifi's of Cameron Village. The new shop is the Raleigh location of the popular Durham boutique, Fifi's Fine Resale Apparel. Both shops sell designer consignment pieces for women by brands ranging from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and J. Crew to Marc Jacobs, Gucci and Chanel. The new store also carries handbags, jewelry and other accessories, plus a selection of premium denim by designers such as Citizens of Humanity, Seven for All Mankind and Rock and Republic.

Fifi's is at 2028 Cameron St., Raleigh. Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information call 806-3434.

BY JENNIFER BRINGLE - CORRESPONDENT

Send Stylin' news and tips to Jennifer Bringle at jenniferbringle@gmail.com

Georgia Bridal Show - Gwinnett Center

When

Sep 11 2011 , 12:00-5:00pm

Where

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy
Duluth, Georgia

Cost $10 cash at door or discounted tickets through website
Website www.eliteevents.com
Contact info@eliteevents.com

Join us for the South's Elite Bridal Event since 1990! Brides are able to meet face to face with wedding professionals and find everything you need to create the wedding of your dreams! You can see a photographer's pictures, taste samples of cakes and foods from the caterers, see your future gown and the tuxedo of your groom on the fashion show runway, listen to the music of your DJ, visualize the flowers that you will be carrying down the aisle, get ideas for your bridal registry, plan your honeymoon and so much more! In addition to getting lots of great ideas and seeing the latest trends, you will be able to save time and money while also having fun! Registered brides will also be eligible to win an all-inclusive honeymoon trip!

The Fashion Industry Rings in Plus-Size Wedding Dresses

Hobbled by the economy, more and more wedding designers and retailers are finding it profitable to cater to large women, a market they once ignored

Curvaceous Couture sees 15 to 20 plus-size brides a day. It has a 92 percent closing rate on first-time visitors Martha Camarillo for Bloomberg Businessweek

By Amy Odell

Crystal Parsons doesn’t try on clothes when she shops. She hasn’t worn a dress in 20 years. But one day this spring, she found herself in the unavoidable position of having to try on dresses because she needs a wedding gown. “I’ve had nightmares that I’m going to get stuck in a very expensive dress,” Parsons says in the fitting room at Kleinfeld bridal salon in New York. She’s filming an episode of TLC’s Say Yes
to the Dress: Big Bliss, which documents plus-size women in the once-demoralizing hunt for the perfect wedding gown. “I tend to think negatively about myself,” she says. “My weight has always been my problem.”

While the average clothing size of women in the U.S. is 14, most high-end bridal designers have long refused to cater to clients beyond size 16. Yet with the economy pressuring the industry to find new revenue streams, a growing number of designers are now trying to fill a gaping hole in the country’s $2.1 billion wedding dress market. “These are underserved consumers who have money to spend,” says Catherine Moellering, executive vice-president of retail trend consultant Tobe. “There’s an immense opportunity here to develop brand loyalty because these are marginalized consumers.”



Kleinfeld, the wedding dress mecca, has already quadrupled its plus-size selection since first appearing on Big Bliss two seasons ago. Now, more than 10 percent of gowns sold at the boutique—where the average wedding dress runs about $4,500—are size 12 or larger. J. Crew (JCG), whose wedding dresses cost as much as $3,000, will unveil plus-size bridal gowns (up to size 20) in its fall 2011 collection. The phenomenon has even reached the rarefied realm of high fashion. Over the past year designer Reem Acra has doubled her made-to-order wedding dress business by going where few couturiers had before—size 16 and beyond. “Today I got an order of 18 [custom] wedding dresses,” Acra says. “They were all size 16.” Her made-to-order dresses begin at $30,000.

A key part of the big bride pioneers’ success is that they remain outliers. Randy Fenoli, the fashion director at Kleinfeld and a self-proclaimed champion of plus-size brides, routinely has difficulty trying to get designers to go full figure—in many instances for reasons pertaining to vanity. “Some designers are like, ‘I don’t think my dresses are going to look good on a size 30 girl.’ ” That refrain sounds familiar to Vogue’s European Editor-at-Large Hamish Bowles. “I certainly think there are designers who might not see that as their ideal,” he says.


Then there are practical concerns. Because larger women carry varying amounts of weight in different areas—the bust, the waist, the hips—it’s hard to standardize sizes above 14. Acra concedes that upping her dress sizes to 32 required “a lot of effort to figure out the styles and the fit.” But Acra, who hired a consultant to help with the process, maintains that designing a plus-size gown isn’t much different from creating an ordinary one. It’s a realization others have had, too. “I think a lot of designers pragmatically understand that this is a very significant market,” says Bowles. “And I think you’d be surprised at the level of high-end designers who cater to plus-size women, as they should.”

Elise Rosenblum, a bridal industry veteran whose résumé includes Saks (SKS), Kleinfeld, and Acra, agrees. “This isn’t about designers saying, ‘I don’t want to make a dress in a size 20,’ ” she says. “They’ll do anything. You just have to be willing to pay for it.” The retailer, however, “really has to make a commitment. Then [designers] have to literally do an entire collection”—which some view as a financial risk. When Rosenblum began managing New York’s Pronovias bridal boutique in 2009, she was greeted with resistance from her bosses. When she finally persuaded them to begin stocking plus-size samples, the store began “to see that we were starting to sell as many 18s as we were 12s.”

Rosenblum is thrilled Acra has begun doing the same. “Finally, finally, finally—that was my biggest cry when I was there. It was a horrible shopping experience, especially for a girl who was a size 16 or 18.” Yukia Walker—age 33, size 20—went through that horror when she was shopping for her dress four years ago. With a $3,000 budget, Walker couldn’t find an upscale gown in her size anywhere. “I was ready to fly to several locations,” she says. “I ended up with this gown that I couldn’t stand.”


The frustration eventually inspired Walker to open her own bridal salon dedicated to the healthy buxom set. Curvaceous Couture, which she opened in the basement of her Columbia (Md.) home in 2009, specializes in gowns ranging from size 12 to 32 and priced from $1,000 to $25,000. As word spread, Walker began seeing clients from New York, Virginia, South Carolina, and the Caribbean. “If people are so fed up that they’re willing to come to someone’s basement, it’s a testament to how difficult this industry is and how embarrassing this situation is,” Walker says. Curvaceous Couture has since upgraded to a 5,000-square-foot showroom that serves 15 to 20 brides-to-be on a typical day, with a 92 percent sale rate on first-time visits. Walker is scouting for a second location.


The skinny establishment is trying to adjust. Madison Avenue bridal salon Amsale, subject of the WE reality series Amsale Girls, a rival to Say Yes to the Dress, says it makes gowns for women of any size. But of the 100-plus samples in the store, none are plus size. Instead, “if the girl doesn’t fit the sample, we have different devices to hold together a dress that doesn’t zip all the way up,” says Amsale Chief Executive Neil Harris. He and the label’s designer, Amsale Aberra, maintain that these “devices” do not threaten sales to plus-size clients. “I’m not aware of plus-size brides finding it particularly difficult here,” Aberra says.

Amsale, however, isn’t the only outfit that gets a bit touchy when it’s newest customers are mentioned. Upscale wedding boutique Priscilla of Boston, which carries dresses up to size 20, “respectfully declined” to comment. Repeated calls to fashion house Badgley Mischka went unanswered. J. Crew would not speak on the record, and Vera Wang, the wedding empress who makes plus-size gowns for David’s Bridal but not her main line, was mum. Still, the main selling point for brides, no matter their size, hasn’t changed. Rosenblum, who sees brides from all over the world, says each has the same demand every time: “Make me look thin!”

New York Presents "The Wedding Affair" April 21-22, 2012

Produced by:
AtUrBest Special Events & iPower Global Solutions
The Bridal Event of the Year!
April 21-22, 2012
Gastonia Conference Center
145 South Marietta Street
Gastonia, NC 28052


For The Bride and Groom

Meet face-to-face with the hottest vendors.

Find spectacular table décor, gowns, honeymoon destinations, invitations, venues, jewelry, cakes, musicians, photographers, florists & more!

" The Wedding Affair" features an amazing Elite Fashion Show,
Cake tastings, Beauty Services, Cocktails, Hors d'Oeuvres,
Suprise give-aways & Fabulous Gift Bags!
Enjoy both "The Wedding Affair" Journal with vendor information &
Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Venues listed in the special E-magazine.



Exhibitor Information


Join an elite group of wedding professionals that have figured out how to capitalize on the $120 billion weddings market.

Take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to reach out personally to the many brides and grooms in the Gastonia area as well as the surrounding counties. Bridal shows are a fantastic way to come face-to-face with brides who are ready to book your services. You can choose to be a part of our Premier VIP Red Carpet or pick from the standard Vendor booths. Whatever your choice, register today, as space is limited and assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Get promoted in "The Wedding Affair" program guide distributed to all guests.




WHY BRIDAL SHOWS WORK


1. Bridal shows provide a lot of prospects in a short period of time.
2. Bridal shows allow you to outshine thecompetition on the spot!
3. Bridal shows allow more opportunities to demonstrate your products.
4. Bridal shows are great relationship builders with customers.
5. Bridal shows allow you to feel the pulse of the industry.
6. Bridal shows help build staff morale.
7. Bridal shows increase your bottom line!

For details call 866.767.7935 or email getinfo@nytheweddingaffair.com

Kim and Kris' black-tie wedding bash

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's closely followed nuptials were only the beginning. The excitement is far from over as 2011 celebrity wedding fever continues.

Read on and check back to find out all the details – who's marrying who, what they'll wear, and who'll be there.


Kim and Kris' black-tie bash - August 20th

Kim Kardashian's wedding details have been revealed, as invitations to the big day begin to circulate.

The Lehr & Black-designed invitation is emblazoned with a double-K insignia, and asks guests to keep the details confidential.

The engagement:

Kim and Kris' whirlwind romance began seven months before their engagement, but it was love at first sight for the 6ft 9in athlete.

"I think probably within a month of meeting her I knew she was 'The One'," he has said.

The couple got engaged in May before jet-setting to Monaco to spend time with his parents in Monte Carlo.

The basketball star revealed: "I wanted to propose before the trip so we could really spend some quality time together with my family as a couple."

The reality TV star has previously revealed that she will be taking the surname Humphries, and using Kardashian as a middle name.

The ring:

Kris, 26, popped the question with a ring that he designed with jeweller Lorraine Schwartz.

The 16.5-carat emerald cut centre stone is flanked by a pair of 2-carat trapezoids, for a total weight of 20.5 carats .


The location:

Kim and Kris will be tying the knot in the seaside resort of Montecito in California.

The exact venue has not been revealed yet, but guests have been told that the dress code is black tie, with a black and white theme, and have been offered suggestions of where to stay.

The dress:

Kim and her sister Kourtney were seen meeting with top bridal designer Vera Wang in New York earlier this summer.

Khloe, another Kardashian sister, chose the same couturier for her wedding to Lamar Odom in 2009.

Although no details have been released, it seems the socialite will be wearing one of Vera's beautifully classic gowns in August.

Six Do’s and Don’ts for Throwing the Best Bachelor Party

From the moment he pops the question, there’s one thing groom-to-be thinks about more than anything else – the bachelor party. This isn’t a new phenomenon either, as bachelor parties are rooted in ancient history. Many believe that the Spartans were the first to hold bachelor parties as a celebration of the groom’s last night as a single man. This celebration included dinner and drinks with many a toast given in the grooms honor. The term bachelor itself, used as we do today, first appeared courtesy of Geoffrey Chaucer and his Canterbury Tales in the 14th century.

Bachelor parties have come a long way since then, and more importantly, they’ve become much more creative. Unfortunately, they’ve also tended to get more out of hand as well. In more recent times, bachelor party debauchery has even contributed to numerous celebrity break-ups. Paris Hilton, Mario Lopez and Ali Landry have all had relationships affected by the grooms last night out.

From fancy five-star dinners to a weekend in Vegas, there are many different ways to throw a bachelor party. But regardless of your party preference, there are some basic tips and advice worth following. These bachelor party dos and don’ts can make or break the celebration – and even the groom if you’re not careful.

1. Don’t let the groom pay
No matter how generous he is, the groom shouldn’t have to pay for anything during his bachelor party. It’s his last night out as one of the guys, so take care of him. Certain exceptions can be made, especially if the celebration spans a weekend or longer. But make sure to cover him when it counts – after all, it’s his celebration, right?

2. Do something different.
If your group always hangs out at the same bar or goes to the same restaurant or club, don’t go back to that place for the bachelor party. Take the groom somewhere different – hopefully somewhere nicer too. Whether he’ll admit it or not, this is a big deal for him, so do something special. Go all out, that way there are no regrets when he looks back on the night 10 years from now.

3. Don’t let yourself get tired
This is particularly important for weekend excursions or trips to Vegas. No, we’re not talking about doing anything illegal here, but some real simple things can help make sure everyone’s energetic and enjoying the party. Sleep can be hard to come by on a bachelor party weekend, so know where to find a good cup of coffee if you’re on an overnight trip. Better yet, bring one of your own coffee makers along with you. This can save you some serious money too – Starbucks gets expensive!

4. Do some advance planning
As great as it made the plot of The Hangover, don’t try to hold a bachelor party any closer than three days before the wedding. There’s just too much that can go wrong. Trust me – the bride and her family will thank you. Be sure to start planning early, as well, especially if there are a number of guys traveling for the occasion.

5. Don’t let the groom do anything he’ll regret
He’s still engaged, after all, so don’t let him get too out of control. It’s the best man’s job to make sure the groom behaves, which is actually the second most important thing he has to do – other than plan the bachelor party. Everyone else is on his own, just make sure to keep an eye on the groom. If Mario Lopez can get caught, then there’s no reason to expect that he won’t.

6. Do remember to have fun
Despite all the excitement and planning going into the bachelor party celebration, the most important thing is to just have fun. At the end of the day, it’s all your friends together celebrating an important moment in the groom’s life. Don’t lose sight of that amongst all the other craziness that may or may not be going on. And remember that at the end of the day, it’s not where you are or what you’ll do that matters – it’s who you’re with that really counts.

Mike Tennant is a freelance writer and columnist from Orange County, CA. Mike currently works with Air & Water Inc., where he helps newlyweds pick out their first wine cooler and tries to make other home appliance shopping exciting.

Featured Wedding Gowns

Muslim Wedding Gowns

Muslim weddings are a bit different from the ones of other religions. There are a lot of rules and guidelines that couples must abide. Muslim weddings gowns are also unique and memorable by their simplicity and modesty. The patterns might slightly vary from one place to another but the bride’s attire is meant to praise and honor the Islamic beliefs and traditions.


A Muslim wedding is a religious event rather than a social one. Hence, the Muslim religion forbids the bride to show too much skin. In this case, the wedding dress will definitely cover her entire body. Traditional Muslin wedding gowns have long sleeves, floor length skirts and high necklines. In very conservative families the bride is also required to wear gloves for further protection. Veils are very long in order to cover the bride’s hands as well. The gowns are embellished using delicate lace details. Most of these details are hand sewn by the bride’s family.

Muslim Wedding Gowns (Source: stylecovered.com)

In some countries such as Saudi Arabia or Iraq, brides are obligated to cover their face using an abaya. These garments are usually black, but at weddings they can have a lighter color and several embroidered designs. The most common colors of wedding abaya include white, pink or blue. In India, Muslim wedding gowns are red and look just like a sari. The bride’s wedding dress is complemented by a red veil worn above her head. Also, in this country Muslim brides are allowed to show their hands during the wedding ceremony.

Muslim Wedding Gowns (Source: 29.media.tumblr.com)

One of the most well known and spread types of wedding dresses is called Shalwar-qameez or Kammez. This dress is mostly worn in Southern countries of Asia an is highly appreciated by Muslim brides. Kammez wedding gown is white, long and has embroidered details. The dress has loose trousers bridal corsages, long sleeves and an embellished, high collar.

Muslim Wedding Gowns (Source: bridalpk.com)

Although they are conservative and cover the entire body of women, Muslim wedding gowns are very sophisticated and elegant. Made of fine fabrics and having gorgeous designs, these dresses make the Muslim brides look very beautiful on their wedding day. They are normally accessorized with heavy makeup and beautiful, traditional jewelries. As previously mentioned, customs and wedding gowns pattern differ from one Muslim country to another. Some of them are very rigorous but some of them are less conservative and sometimes combine the traditional and modern aspects.

Christmas Wedding Gowns


Christmas is considered the most magical and meaningful time of the year and everything looks more beautiful and graceful. Getting married on this period might seem a bit strange but this is actually an excellent choice.


The white, fluffy snow, the sparkling lights and amazing colors of this time of the year constitute the perfect setting for an exceptional wedding ceremony. The theme of the wedding is already established, the church is decorated and everyone is ready to share the young couple’s happiness and excitement. The only aspect that needs to be taken care of is the bride’s attire.

Fabrics and colors

December is definitely a cold month and whether the ceremony takes place indoor or outdoor the bride needs to maintain herself warm enough. Hence, Christmas wedding gowns are made of heavier yet high quality and elegant fabrics such as velvet, brocade, velour or matte satin. These will make the bride look charming and will allow her to feel comfortable during the whole ceremony. Although pure white is a traditional color for a wedding dress, brides can also choose a colored dress for their Christmas wedding. The most popular choices include burgundy or emerald. If they do decide for a white gown, they can add a few of the holiday colors by using accessories in shades of red, green, silver or ice blue.

Christmas Wedding Gowns (Source: onlineweddingdresses.net)

Christmas wedding gowns patterns

Floor length wedding gowns are perfect for a Christmas wedding due to their ability to keep the bride warm. Long wedding gowns are also highly refined and very elegant, which is ideal for Christmas. The skirts are wide and luxurious and usually include a crinoline or a petticoat. This gives them a touch of grace and femininity. Long sleeved dresses are also excellent choices for colder days and hence, for Christmas as well. Long, soft sleeves with delicate embroidered details are very romantic and sophisticated. Regarding the neckline, Christmas wedding gowns have higher necklines in order to protect the bride from cold and respect the religious meaning of Christmas. In case the bride decides for a short sleeve dress or a deep cleavage she can use a delicate scarf to wrap her shoulder or even a fine bolero or jacket. Fur trims are also very popular.

Christmas Wedding Gowns (Source: w-weddinggowns.com)

Such a wedding gown will be completed by a long, beautiful train that will fit perfectly to the season’s formality and grace. Veils are also very important. A fine veil, with nice embellishments will complement the bride and make her look like a princess on her Christmas wedding.


Bridal Gowns For A Second Wedding

Weddings are usually unique moments but sometimes, due to unexpected circumstances, some women find themselves in the situation of getting married again. Second weddings are more common nowadays and people are no longer intrigued by these situations.


However, there is a significant aspect that needs to be taken care of, the bride’s attire. Most women have no idea what to wear on their second wedding.

Colors and shapes for second wedding gowns

The traditional wedding etiquette states that the bride is not allowed to wear white at her second wedding. This color symbolizes the purity and virginity and obviously this is no longer the case. A pastel gown is considered to be more appropriate. Still, nowadays people are not so conventional and many modern women decide to wear white again. This time white represents joy and happiness. The rules were also quite rigorous regarding the type of dress the brides wore. For instance, they should not wear sophisticated and highly elegant gowns. Everyone expected the bride to wear simpler dresses.

Bridal Gowns For A Second Wedding (Source: blog.dhgate.com)

The second wedding gives the bride-to-be the possibility to choose from a wide range of colors for her bridal gown. The most common colors are ivory, beige and pale pink but she can pick out any other color that complements her skin and makes her look amazing. Regarding the type of gowns, on the second wedding less formal outfits are still highly indicated. A sleeveless, casual tea length dress with no train would be the wisest choice. Two piece wedding gowns or suits are also recommended and very comfortable for a second wedding.

Train and veil

On the second wedding veils are usually replaced with fine headpieces, beautiful flowers or a nice tiara. They will give you an elegant and refined look. If you do insist on wearing a veil, make sure you choose a shorter and simpler one. Trains, as well, are quite unusual for a second wedding. Still, a short and delicate one will give the dress a touch of sensuality and grace.

When choosing the bride’s gown for a second wedding, it is very important to have in mind her fashion style, personality, body shape and taste. She’d already been married before so the formalities are a bit loose now. She is entitled to choose a dress that will make her look gorgeous and feel comfortable until the end of the ceremony.