When it comes to planning your wedding, you aren't obligated in any way to put your bridesmaids in matching dresses (or to even have a bridal party, honestly). Mix-and-match dresses, whether in different hues or silhouettes, are pretty darn normal these days, but the old standard is still a line of loving pals, waiting to assist you on your special day and wearing identical frocks. As with everything, there's gotta be a reason for the uniform, right? Back in the olden days, bridesmaids went beyond just matching each other, dressing the same as the bride too in order to create an army of decoys should bad spirits be attracted to the outpouring of love and goodwill (evidently that's a thing?). The Romans—credited with creating the original bridal party—were also savvy about the issues of the flesh. Just in case the blushing bride had scorned would-be suitors on the way to finding Mr. Right, the 'maids were on hand to confuse any that came to seek revenge. Kind of dramatic, but also just a little bit sweet, right? It's nice to think your friends would do something so major for you. Should you be struggling to decide who you're asking![]()
Why Are Bridesmaid Dresses Matching? Come Find Out the Historical Explanation
↧
↧
The Crazy Ways Mothers-in-Law Ruined These 3 Weddings
Unfortunately, we all know someone with a monster-in-law—and even more dismaying, sometimes that person is us. But these horror stories are so shocking they are sure to make you feel better about your own mother-in-law, whose antics surely can't compete with this craziness. "My mother-in-law pushed all my buttons—then bawled at my wedding." When it comes to recalling the shenanigans her mother-in-law whipped out before and during her wedding, Kristen begins, "where do I start?" Her soon-to-be family member had a way of pushing each and every one of her buttons, she reports, including calling when her then-fianc� wasn't home to toss out insults—only to deny the bitter diatribes when he returned. Then the wedding day came. "My mother-in-law spent the majority of our wedding crying in a separate room about her ex-husband, who was also at the wedding," Kristen describes. "She was crying that she still loved him!" Talk about awkward. Luckily, Kristen says, her mother-in-law couldn't truly spoil the day, despite her best efforts. "She in no way ruined my wedding—I wouldn't give her that credit—but she made the two years up to the wedding hell for me and my husband," she says. See More: Real Brides Reveal![]()
↧
Here Come the Boys: Gwen Stefani's Sons Help Her Bride Friend Down the Aisle
Gwen Stefani's sons lent some rocker cred to her friend Zelva's wedding over the weekend. All three boys—nine-year-old Kingston, seven-year-old Zuma, and two-year-old Apollo—joined their mama for the nuptials, which Gwen documented on Snapchat. All three boys—whose dad is Gwen's ex, Gavin Rossdale—looked handsome in black suits: Apollo played wedding date (no word on Blake Shelton's whereabouts), while Kingston acted as ring bearer and Zuma helped carry Zelva's train down the aisle to Adele's "Make You Feel My Love." Have a look: A video posted by Gwen Stefani Snapchats (@gwensnapchats) on Mar 19, 2016 at 6:16pm PDT A video posted by Gwen Stefani Snapchats (@gwensnapchats) on Mar 19, 2016 at 6:24pm PDT A video posted by Gwen Stefani Snapchats (@gwensnapchats) on Mar 19, 2016 at 6:30pm PDT Want more weddings? Watch the history of wedding dresses and engagement rings here:![]()
↧
A Dozen Engagement Rings for People Who Don't Give a Damn About the 4 C's
If you're just not interested in a sparkler that's worth two months' salary and would rather do, um, anything than contemplate a diamond's cut or clarity, consider one of these engagement rings from Etsy's La More Designs, which have all the gorgeous with less of the gemology, since they feature non-diamond center stones. All have actual diamonds—either as a halo or on the band—if you want the "forever" that a diamond (or a diamond ad campaign) implies. Some feature diamond look-alikes at the center (like white topaz or Moissanite) while others have gemstones with a visual interest all their own—take those two pastel sapphires at the bottom. **Swoon ** And because the centers aren't diamonds, the prices take a big hit in your favor; more than half the rings below cost less than $1,500\. Check 'em out. White Topaz Engagement Ring in Rose Gold With a Diamond Halo, $748\. Pear Aquamarine Engagement Ring in Rose Gold With a Diamond Halo, $748\. White Topaz Engagement Ring in White Gold With a Diamond Halo, $748\. Morganite Engagement Ring in Rose Gold With a Pebble Diamond Band, $798\. Morganite Engagement Ring in Rose Gold With a Pebble Diamond Band, $843\. White Topaz Engagement![]()
↧
Honeyfund Review: "We Used Our Wedding Registry to Help Fund a Yearlong Honeymoon"
Forget about fine china or a sterling-silver ice bucket. When bride Jess and groom Nate thought about what they'd ask for on a wedding registry, nothing came to mind. As in, they wanted nothing. "Don't get me wrong," wrote Jess on their shared site, Round the World Couple. "I would have loved to run through a big department store with that tagger gun beeping all the things that looked good." But the two were in the process of selling, donating, or giving away all their stuff to embark on a yearlong—as you may have guessed—'round the world adventure, so registering for new sheets and hand towels didn't quite fit with that vision. So instead they set up a Honeyfund registry, and asked their guests to gift them experiences that they could enjoy throughout the year. Some options from their registry: Spanish lessons a trek in Macchu Pichu a sunrise hike in Darjeeling, India a train journey across southern Africa When it comes down to it, of course, they were basically registering for cash: If grandma spent $200 to buy them dinner somewhere exotic, they wouldn't get a restaurant credit, they'd get money in their Honeyfund account, and it would be![]()
↧
↧
Wedding Planner, Wedding Ideas: How to Learn to Love Wedding Planning
Despite what you may have been told, "not every girl grew up dreaming of her wedding or dressing up as a bride for Halloween," says Kelly Heyn, owner of SociaLife Event Planning in New Jersey. Some women just don't dig wedding planning—whether they're not innately organized, don't have the time to dedicate to the task, or simply can't stand planning a fete for which they'll be the center of attention—and they can dread every step toward their big day. But even the most reluctant brides can learn to love wedding planning with a few tweaks to their tasks. "The first step to enjoying it is to admit it is hard and work on a realistic game plan based on you and your partners strengths," says Viva Max Kaley, a New York wedding planner and the creator of Viva Max Weddings. Here's how you can do just that. 1\. Know yourself and plan accordingly. The strengths and weaknesses you exhibit at work are the same you'll show in wedding planning, says Kaley—and the key is to know how to use them to your advantage. "Approach your planning being honest about what you are good at and where you need to ask![]()
↧
Proposal Ideas, Proposal Stories: Kenna and Conner's Unbelievable Proposal Video
Hi, ladies. Kim here. We're thrilled to welcome back Stacy Tasman to share another one of the amazing proposal stories from her site, How He Asked. If you missed the first one, check it out: There's a dog, and you will get chills. And don't miss the second—which started with the prettiest tulle skirt—here. The How He Asked story below is told by Kenna, who's now a bride-to-be. How we met Conner and I met in high school, my junior year and his senior year, in chemistry class. I knew who he was because he was the basketball star, but I didn't think he knew who I was because I was just another girl on the soccer team. But he did know who I was! I was too scared to talk to him, and my chemistry teacher must've known that because she sat us next to each other three times in a row. I was very grateful. I remember tweeting something about Conner a couple of days later and he favorited it (so yes, I made the first move;). I think that's what got us talking! A couple days later we had a take-home test in chemistry, and Conner direct-messaged![]()
↧
9 Bachelorette Party Destinations That Suit Every Style and Budget
An increasing number of brides are booking vacays for their bachelorette parties, but that doesn't mean you need to break the bank to book one of your own. We found the best destination deals for every budget and celebration-style. Grab your passport—and leave the penis straws at home. Beast Your Budget: Trips Under $500 Party: You'll probs spend most of your New Orleans bachelorette party in the French Quarter (\#nojudgment). This package from Vacations Made Easy includes a walking cocktail tour along with your hotel, so you can learn a thing or two about FQ history while you're there. Four nights run about $300 depending on the time and hotel you choose. Relax: If you're less interested in a weekend schwasty sesh and more interested in white-sand beaches and leisurely shopping, this limited-time-only deal from the Pelican Bay Hotel on Grand Bahama Island is for you. Four nights—plus flights from 10 major cities—will only set you back $400 Explore: Nothing's more budget-friendly than camping, but you can take it up a notch with this two-day Grand Canyon camping tour. Incredible Adventures will set you up with the gear and the guide for just $295\. Oh, and you'll be picked up![]()
↧
4 Rules for Having Makeup Sex
The best part of arguing, some might say, is what comes after: makeup sex so good it could heal all wounds. "Makeup sex is a way to maintain your intimacy and bond together despite the disagreement," Jane Greer, Ph.D., sex and relationship expert and author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship. But before you jump into bed after a bickering match, our experts say, there are a few rules you must follow. 1\. Never have makeup sex out of spite. You can't carry your anger into the bedroom, our experts warn. "It can backfire," explains Kat Van Kirk, certified sex therapist and author of The Married Sex Solution: A Realistic Guide to Saving Your Sex Life. Instead, she suggests, "learn to channel your anger and frustration into passion. It's all just energy. Makeup sex can be healing—if you allow it to be. Allow your vulnerability to shine through." And while you can't go to bed still bickering, Greer believes makeup sex can be more passionate than your normal between-the-sheets action. "It's okay if this sex is a little more intense or aggressive, or not necessarily your usual style," she says. "Both parties are coming at it![]()
↧
↧
This Bride Was Walked Down the Aisle By the Man Who Received Her Father's Heart
Nearly a decade ago, bride Jeni Stepien's father was tragically murdered when he was walking home from his job as head chef at a restaurant. After being shot in the head at close range, Jeni's father had his organs donated through an organization called Center for Organ Recovery and Education. His heart went to a New Jersey father of four named Arthur Thomas. And when it came time for Jeni to get married this year, she knew she couldn't have her own father walk her down the aisle—but she wondered if she could have his heart.![]()
↧
Once Told She'd Never Walk Again, This Bride Beat the Odds to Walk Down the Aisle on Her Wedding Day
Jackie Goucher shocked her wedding party when she left her wheelchair behind to walk down the aisle.![]()
↧
See How Wedding Cakes Have Changed Over the Past 100 Years
This ridiculous video by TheMode.com shows just how crazy weddings have gotten over the past 100 years through the lens of the wedding cake.![]()
↧
Doughnut Walls Are the Next Big Thing in Wedding Desserts
We'd thought we'd seen it all when it comes out-of-the-(cake)-box wedding desserts: There are the ever-popular candy tables, gooey s'mores bars, sky-high cupcake towers, rustic pie displays, cake pops and other pint-size treats, and all of the above served in a mason jar. But the latest dessert display to take the wedding sweets scene by storm? Doughnut walls. And yes, it is as heavenly as it sounds.![]()
↧
↧
A Vintage Glam New Year's Eve Wedding in Atlanta
New Year's Eve nuptials are always extra dreamy—but this vintage glam Atlanta wedding is next-level amazing. We'd hardly expect anything less, though, since the bride is the brains behind Brooklyn-based florist Lindsay Rae Design and the groom pitched in awesome ideas like a curated Spotify wedding week playlist for their guests. The result is a big day that is equal parts gorgeous, meaningful, and oh-so-much fun. (Seriously, we wish we were guests ourselves.) Relive it all through these swoon-worthy images, captured by the fabulous Meredith Bacon Photography.![]()
↧
A Boho Chic Los Angeles Backyard Wedding With Middle-Eastern Touches
Lauren and Matthew's late summer Los Angeles nuptials, held in her parent's backyard, are full of enviable bohemian details, from the bold, custom-designed Joanna August bridesmaids dresses to the Middle Eastern-inspired decor to the bride's out-of-this-world caftan gown. Behold, a love story for the ages, captured here by Aljosa Videtic.![]()
↧
Single Twin Sisters Stage Wedding Photos With Their Father Who Has Alzheimer's
Twin sisters Becca and Sarah Duncan posed for special wedding photographs with their father—minus the wedding. The 23-year-old sisters, who are not engaged, had the idea for the "wedding" photo shoot to be able to capture the memory with their father, Scott, who suffers from Alzheimer's.![]()
↧
The 25 Best Songs to Walk Down the Aisle To
Gone are the days of "Here Comes the Bride"—the wedding processional is now one of the first opportunities you have to inject personality, meaning, and romance into your wedding ceremony. Here are 25 of the best songs to walk down the aisle to.![]()
↧
↧
A South African Safari Elopement in Kruger National Park
This South African safari wedding features majestic wild animals, the natural beauty of the bush for as far as your eyes can see, and a handful of the couple's loved ones. It may sound like a dream, but for adventurous couple Josie and Kai, it was their gorgeous reality when they decided to forgo the "big, white wedding" and elope in South Africa's Kruger National Park.![]()
↧
Everything You Need To Know About Buying Diamonds Online
I bought an engagement ring online—and here's how you can too.![]()
↧
You Have to See Kate and Pippa Middleton as Bridesmaids in a 1991 Wedding
A never-before-seen video shows the sisters in their uncle's 1991 wedding.![]()
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
