If you're looking for an amazing wedding gown, have a limited budget, or want to support a great cause with the purchase of your gown, check out Brides Against Breast Cancer! BABC is going on a nationwide tour for Making Memories. The proceeds from the BABC events "help bring a moment of joy into world of someone for whom a cure is too late."

Though some of the dresses are pre-owned, more than half of the gowns at each event are brand new designer gowns donated form designers, manufacturers, and retail bridal shops. Check the calendar to see when they're coming to your city!

For General Information Click Here

For the Calendar of Events and Cities Click Here

O: Officiant – More and more couples are choosing an officiant that they know and who has some relation to them personally. Choosing an officiant that you feel comfortable with is very important, especially since many couples will be going through marriage classes with their officiant.

P: Photography – If you splurge on nothing else wedding-related, splurge on photography. The pictures you take will be invaluable not only to you, but to your children, grandchildren, parents and friends. Each photographer is different so take the time to visit with several photographers and find the one whose style and quality you like. You may regret overspending on your cake or centerpieces, but you'll never regret overspending on your pictures.

Q: Quality – There is a theory that any time the word "wedding" is mentioned prices skyrocket without any effect on the quality of services. In truth, most of the time this theory is not true. When vendors hear "wedding" they do charge more, but it's because they realize that they're dealing with the most important day of someone's life, and therefore the product requires much more attention to detail than a product for another occasion.

R: RSVPs – Ah, the eternal struggle between the wedding couple and guest's RSVPs. Inevitably, one or two guests always forgets to send theirs, or it gets lost in the mail. Enter the age of Online RSVPs. Now, you can include your wedding website URL right on your invitation and send guests right to your website to RSVP.

S: Stationery – If you think all you need to worry about is wedding invitations, think again. You'll need engagement announcements, save the date cards, and invites; RSVPs, and thank you cards for all of your wedding-related events - including your engagement party, bridal shower, bridesmaid's luncheon, bachelor and bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinner, ceremony & reception, and day-after wedding brunch. And don't forget about menus and place cards!

T: Thank-You Notes – If you follow no other wedding etiquette, please send thank-you notes, and in a timely fashion. It's common courtesy, and it makes people feel appreciated. Most guests spend a lot of money to prepare for and go to a wedding, and it's very nice to be acknowledged.

U: Union – Ultimately, this wedding is about you and your spouse coming together to form a family. But this union also signifies the union of both of your families. Everyone's situation is different, and there's no set protocol for how to handle every situation that may arise. But you can choose to handle whatever may come with class.

V: Vendors – Dealing with vendors is stressful, and 90% of the battle is usually just finding someone that you trust and feel comfortable with. Don't be afraid to shop around, and when you do, consider more than just price. There is usually a reason that one vendor is more expensive than another. Take the time to compare packages, services, references, and most importantly your instincts about each one.

W: Wedding Party – Ironically, your wedding party (especially bridesmaids) can become a major source of stress for some brides. That's why it's so important to really put thought into who you select as your attendants. It's normal to want your best friends standing up with you, but you also need to think about who's actually going to fulfill the responsibilities (and there are a lot) of being in your wedding party.

X: Xanax – Yes, Xanax -just kidding. But seriously, weddings can be stressful, so it's important to take care of yourself. Take a day or two a week off from wedding planning. This is a marathon, not a sprint; you've got to pace yourself. Speaking of running, exercise is a major stress reliever, and it'll get you into shape for the big day!

Y: Your Registry – Wedding Registries are changing. Couples have more options than ever, and because most couples live together before marriage registry items are getting less and less traditional. However, it is still a major faux pas to put your registry information on your wedding invitation. Instead, list your registry information on your personal wedding website, and include the link to your website on your invitation.

Z: Zany – Weddings today are getting a more personal touch. Couples are putting their own unique stamp on their festivities, and we love it! Don't be afraid to break out of tradition and get a little zany! You'll know what's right for you, whether that be holding a non-traditional bash, or keeping is simple with a personalized theme.

A: Attire – The search for the perfect dress is a universal dilemma among brides, but there are other forms of attire to think about as well. You'll need to discuss the groom's and groomsmen's outfits, the bridesmaid's dresses, (and remember that the maid of honor and best man's outfits are usually slightly different from the rest of the bridal party) the Mother of the bride's dress, and the dress for the flower girl.

B: Budgeting – Budgeting is both the most important and the most overlooked facet of wedding planning. Most weddings go over budget, but this can easily be avoided with careful organization. Most brides get themselves into trouble because they don't realize all the costs associated with a wedding, and therefore don't factor them into their budget.

C: Catering – You're going to need a good caterer for at least one of your wedding-related events, so it's important to find someone you like. Try them out for a smaller event like your engagement party. Then, if you had a good experience, hire them for the wedding. Great food is important to a great party, so be sure to hire someone you like and feel comfortable with.

D: Décor – Dreaming about colors, aisle runners, balloons, centerpieces and the rest of your wedding decorations can be a ton of fun, but only if you have an efficient way to organize them. The last thing you want is a notebook full of tons great ideas that don't go together. Make sure you have an Ideas and Inspiration Board, and try to visualize all your ideas before you bring them to life.

E: Etiquette – There's nothing like a wedding to cause confrontation. And even with more and more couples moving away from tradition, most wedding etiquette is still applicable. Therefore we definitely recommend brushing up on your wedding etiquette. There are plenty of great etiquette books out there, but be careful about the advice you get off of the Internet; not everyone is an expert.

F: Flowers – Flowers are a huge part of most weddings – and an expensive one. You can cut down on expenses (and up your wedding's eco-friendly factor) by setting your wedding date during a time when the flowers you want will be in season. There are plenty of florists who offer in-season local options for floral décor.

G: Guest List – The guest list will be one of the first things you'll tackle in your wedding planning. It's important to have a solid guest list for many reasons, but the first and most important is its effect on your budget. More guests equal more money. More guests will require a bigger venue, more table rentals, more centerpieces, more expensive catering, and so on and so fourth.

H: Honeymoon – Think relaxing. After months of wedding planning, you and your new spouse are going to need some serious relaxation. Don't plan every second of every day. Give yourselves a little time to just enjoy each other's company.

I: Internet – There are so many wedding resources on the web these days that even the most non-crafty bride can find ways to DIY. But the abundance of wedding sites can get a little overwhelming. We say set up some Google alerts for the wedding terms that your interested in, and let the information come to you!

J: Jewelry – Once you've found your dress, the next step is to style it up with jewelry, shoes, and accessories. Remember that the jewelry you wore on your wedding day is more likely to be handed down and worn by your daughter than your dress is, so chose something that's reflective of your personality and will be a true keepsake for your children.

K: Knight in Shining Armor – Remember him? Yes, it's easy to loose sight of what's really important when the wedding planning starts to consume your every thought. Every once and a while, take a moment to pause and reflect on the wonderful man you're about to marry. It will bring you back to center and help you maintain perspective throughout the planning process.

L: Location – Picking the right location for your wedding can be quite a process. You may already have a location in mind, but there are numerous questions to consider when deciding. Does the venue have enough parking? Restrooms? Handicap accessibility? Is it too far away from the guest's hotel to expect them to drive back and fourth?

M: Music – From choosing a DJ to picking out the song for your father-daughter dance, music will be an integral part of your wedding. You'll need music for both the ceremony and reception. Luckily, today we have tons of options: CD's, a live band, iPod play lists and so on.

N: Name Change – Not every bride takes her spouse's last name, but 88.9% of brides still plan to make the shift. Check this out for the skinny on changing your name.

We know that finding the perfect dress is important, as it should be. Luckily, there is no need to sacrifice your ethics in order to wear a Vera Wang! There are tons of ways to make your dress an eco-friendly part of your wedding.

The recycled dress:
Getting a recycled dress is a great way to (1) save money and (2) go green. If you think about it, a recycled dress has really only been worn for about 8 hours, and they're usually still like new! There are some awesome sites to find gently used gowns. My personal favorite is Preownedweddingdresses.com. They have a huge selection of beautiful dresses usually around half of their original price! They also have awesome tips for gown shopping, and you can see where the dress is located geographically to avoid excessive shipping. There are other great resources out there as well. Recycled Bride is another great resource for the eco-savvy bride. They've got resources for everything: grooms, bridesmaids, mother of the bride, shoes, rings, even the reception! An awesome resource for the vintage inspired bride is The Frock. They have 18 pages of amazing unique vintage dresses.

The eco-friendly material dress:
Mr. Larkin clothes. These eco-conscious designs are phenomenal! One dress in particular, titled Elsa, struck my fancy. It's made of 100% milk and has gorgeous sequins – perfect for 2010. The milk fiber is antibacterial and enriches your skin when you wear it – talk about a great wedding present to yourself! Elsa is also the dress that Livia Firth wore to the 16th annual SAG Awards. Check out Elsa for yourself at shopflick.com, and find out more about milk yarn here. Also check out Conscious Clothing. They have more than just dresses; Conscious Clothing has men's wedding attire, bridesmaid's dresses, lingerie and flower girl dresses. Their beautiful collections are all hemp blends, and they have options for the vegan bride as well! Poetic Justice has a smaller (but just as gorgeous) collection of organic gowns to peek at.

What to do with the dress after the wedding:
Although you may have the urge to save your dress for your hypothetical daughter, resist! More than likely, (a) the styles of today will not be the styles of your children's generation, and (b) your daughter will probably give you grief about whatever style you wear. So, what do you do with your dress? Donate it. The I Do Foundation and Brides Against Breast Cancer are both great organizations for donating your dress. When you donate your dress you're supporting a good cause and recycling!

My favorite option for recycling your dress is to style it into something new. I love the idea of creating a new classic dress that you can wear out on your anniversaries. How special! And instead of saving the dress for your kids, use excess fabric to create a baby blanket or christening gown. Using your dress to make a keepsake for your children is much more sensible than expecting them to wear it. Another option is to take a piece of the dress, embroider your wedding date and names and have it framed. You can also sell your dress recycling sites like the ones mentioned above, and let another bride get as much happiness out of it as you did! Also look at sites like The Bride To Bride Botique and Wedding Dress Market.

Whether you choose to implement one or all of these ideas, the slightest effort makes a big difference. Good luck shopping!

Even if you're a technology fiend you're going to use a lot of stationery over the course of your engagement. You'll need announcements, save the date cards, engagement party and bridal shower invitations and thank you notes, wedding invitations and RSVP cards, ceremony programs, place cards, menu cards, and wedding thank you notes. As easy as it would be to just send everything via email, having actual wedding invitations is always nice. Going green with your wedding stationery isn't as difficult or expensive as you may think. So, here are some awesome tidbits on how to "green up" your wedding stationery.

Paper Options:
Paper has only been made from trees for about 150 years now, so in addition to using recycled paper, you can look for tree-free paper. Invite Site is a great source for tree free wedding stationery. They also have great DIY kits for the crafty bride. Also, look for paper that is processed chlorine free (PCF). PCF paper is partially or totally recycled and is either unbleached or bleached with non-chlorine compounds. Though PCF paper is the most eco-friendly, also keep an eye out for these other common acronyms. ECF or elemental chlorine-free indicates that the paper fibers (virgin or recycled) are bleached with chlorine dioxide or other chlorine compounds. TCF or totally chlorine-free indicates that the fiber is 100% virgin and is either unbleached or bleached with non-chlorine compounds. Recycled paper cannot be TFC because the original processing of the paper is unknown.

Plant it!:
One of the greatest trends right now is plantable stationery. Foreverfiancies.com has an entire plantable collection! Their 100 percent recycled papers are embedded with wildflower seeds so your guests can plant your invitation! They also have save the date and announcement cards to match your theme.

Green ink:
Though many companies advertise themselves as using sustainable printing methods, there are a couple of options when it comes to ink. Soy based ink is popular and definitely more eco-friendly than petroleum based inks, but the best choice is actually vegetable based ink. Most soy ink is only about 20 percent soy, and it produces more volatile organic compounds (VOC's) than vegetable based inks. Vegetable ink is also considered more sustainable because it utilizes more than one crop, and it doesn't compete with the market for biodiesel fuel. Soybean oil, on the other hand, is used to make biodiesel.

Email RSVP's:
I highly recommend setting up an email address strictly for your wedding. Everything is online these days, and you'll want all of your online wedding information coming to you in one spot. Once you've set up your wedding email, save some paper (and some money on postage!) and have your guests email their RSVP's. Or, if you have a wedding website with an online RSVP feature, you can simply have guests reply there. Include your email address, or your website URL on your stationery invitation and give short directions for, including entrée choices, reply by date, and whether or not they will attend. If you have wedding planning software with bulk email capabilities, this step will be a snap.

With all of the stationery you're sure to be using over the course of your engagement, this is a great, easy area to go green. Happy planning, and more sustainable wedding tips coming soon!

Don't be scared! You don't have to wear a hemp dress or serve only mixed greens at you reception. Green is the new black, and with everyone jumping on the veggie-oil powered bandwagon, we think that the best way to begin your new life as a couple is sustainably. There is absolutely no need to give up your dream wedding in order to make it sustainable. There are plenty of resources to make having a green wedding easier for you, so keep checking back for more green wedding tips.

Green weddings should start from the beginning: your engagement.

The Ring:
The fact is that there are plenty of diamonds and precious metals out there just waiting to be recycled, and there tons of resources to help you do it! Hop on the Internet and research sustainable jewelers in your area. Visit pawn shops. Even if you don't find the exact ring you're looking for, remember that a reputable goldsmith can redesign both engagement and wedding rings to your exact specifications. Wouldn't it be great to know that your ring is one-of-a-kind and made of recycled materials? Green Karat is a great resource to get some ideas about sustainable rings, and Precious Earth Jewelry has an entire collection of environmentally conscious engagement rings (as well as other awesome jewelry). My personal favorite is Brilliant Earth. Check out their conflict free diamond buying guide and their handy retailer checklist for finding real conflict free diamonds.

Planning:
Go digital! Although you've probably been planning your day in your head for a while now, the real planning commences immediately after the engagement. But the days of brides lugging around giant wedding books filled with magazine cut outs to vendor after vendor are over. Enter the online wedding planner. wedding planner software is available all over the Internet these days; you just have to know what you're looking for.
A good comprehensive planner will allow you to plan all of the aspects of your wedding in one spot. There's more to a wedding than just the wedding day. You'll need comprehensive tools for your budget, calendar, guest list, wedding related events like the engagement party, and a checklist. Also, make sure you can export your data, and can print pages if need be. Phone Applications are another handy feature to look for. Being able to access your wedding details wherever you are on your phone saves you from having to haul around messy (and wasteful) papers.
Rather than buying tons of bridal magazines, access them online, and save inspirational pieces in your online workbook's inspiration board instead of printing them out. Glamour Magazine, has a fun new wedding section, and Get Married Magazine has a great section on planning a green wedding.

Whether you're having an informal beach wedding, or tuxes and ball gowns you can have the green wedding of your dreams! More green tips to come!

Color = color

Diamonds actually occur naturally in all colors. But since most buyers are interested in colorless, there is a scale to rate the colorlessness of "white" diamonds. So, when a jeweler talks about the color of the diamond, they're referring to the presence or absence of color in a white diamond. The color of a diamond never changes, and occurs based on the stone's composition.

Colorless diamonds are more popular because they allow more light to travel throughout the diamond, giving it more sparkle or brilliance. Truly colorless diamonds are very rare, and thus more expensive and higher in value. When light exits a completely colorless diamond, the light will show the colors of the rainbow

*Note: This rule does not apply to diamonds of other colors. Some colored diamonds are also very rare and are considered of higher values due to their color.

Color is graded from totally colorless (rated "D") to light yellow or "Z." Variations between grades are very subtle and hard to pinpoint.

• D, E, F - These diamonds are considered colorless
  
• G, H, I, J - Near Colorless
  
• K, L, M - Faint Yellow
  
• N, O, P, Q, R - Very Light Yellow
  
• S, T, U, V, W, X - Light Yellow

Diamonds graded "G" - "I" generally cannot be distinguished from colorless diamonds by the untrained eye. And, if your setting is yellow gold rather than white gold or platinum, you can often get away with a lower color grade.

When you hear about fluorescence:
A diamond's fluorescence is its reaction when exposed to long-wave ultraviolet light. Under most normal lighting conditions, the stone's fluorescence isn't visible. However, a diamond that shows blue under a UV light may appear cloudy in sunlight. Generally people avoid diamonds with more than faint fluorescence, but some people like this effect. Fluorescence is really a matter of aesthetics, and the GIA states that fluorescence makes very little difference as to the stone's appearance.

Oddly, diamonds graded D, E, F, G, H, I, and J are less expensive when they show fluorescence. But diamonds K, L, and M are more expensive when they show fluorescence. According to one theory, fluorescence makes colorless diamonds appear cloudy, reducing their value; but increases the value of yellower diamonds because the blue offsets their yellow color, making them appear whiter. Currently, there is no verification of this theory. Overall, fluorescence should not influence your purchasing decisions.

Clarity = flaws

Blemishes – flaws on the stone like scratches and chips
Inclusions – flaws in the stone like bubbles and cracks
Plot of inclusions – the unique blemishes and inclusions on your diamond

*Note: for the purpose of diamond grading, all flaws are referred to as inclusions.

A Diamond's clarity is usually determined using 10X loupe magnification. Inclusions interfere with the light dispersion through the diamond, thus affecting it's brilliance. The fewer inclusions, the more beautiful a diamond is considered. Grades range from "F" (flawless) to "I3" (inclusions are very visible). Most diamonds have flaws, but stones with few or no inclusions or blemishes are worth more because they are rare.

Here's how diamond clarity grading works:

• F – Flawless. These diamonds have no internal or external flaws and are extremely rare.
  
• IF – Internally Flawless. These stones have no inclusions, but some blemishes. They're also very rare.
  
• VVS1, VVS2 – Very Very Slightly Included. Small inclusions visible only with detailed examination under magnification.
  
• SI1, SI2 – Slightly Included. Small inclusions more easily see under magnification.
  
• I1, I2, I3 – Inclusions visible under magnification as well as the naked eye.

Remember a diamond doesn't have to be flawless to be brilliant. For grades F-SI a diamond's clarity only affects the diamond's value, not the stones appearance to the naked eye.

Though inclusions are thought to be undesirable, they can also serve as identifying characteristics. No two stones are exactly the same, so with a diamond's plot you'll have unique identifying characteristics about your particular diamond.

Inspiration and Misc.

Gotta Etsy (.99)
Gotta Etsy is the perfect on the go tool for Etsy lovers. You can browse listings by categories and search keywords, materials and tags. You can also map sellers, and bookmark listings!

myPantone ($9.99)
If you haven't picked a color palette, myPantone may be for you. You can build and share color libraries, capture and extract colors from photos, and upload to the myPantone.com website.

Wedding Vows (.99)
Wedding Vows is a collection of sample wedding vows. You can search using keywords, and save you favorites. You can also create and edit you own vows with the app.

Waltz (free)
If you're planning a waltz for your wedding dance, this may be a great app for you. Waltz offers men's and women's footwork for you and your partner, and you can get more dance steps on the website.

Wedding Blogs (.99)
Wedding blogs gives you access to wedding blogs all in one spot. You can add blogs when you find them, or search by keyword. And best of all you can email posts to friends when you find something that really inspires you!

Wedding Envi ($1.99)
Wedding Envi organizes all kinds of wedding images to help you find inspiration for your wedding. See everything from dresses, tuxedos, rings, shoes and more. From an image, you can go directly to the website to read more.

The Ring
Ring Builder ($1.99)
With Ring Builder you can design your ideal ring by selecting a diamond and a setting. You can save designs, and email them to friends. The images are great to have when you go to meet with jewelers.

Diamond Terms – A Buyer's Glossary ($1.99)
Learn all about diamond shopping with Diamond Terms. It covers types, cuts, flaws, properties, grades, industry and general diamond terms. Best of all, you don't have to have an internet connection to access it!

The Timer
Wedding Day (.99)
Wedding Day is a real time countdown to your wedding day. It also continues the countdown after you're married and has 10 different background colors to match your style.

Wedding Date (.99)
Wedding Date counts down to your wedding day and counts up after you're married, but it also displays messages for each anniversary, and it's totally customizable! You can use your own picture as a background, and set music!

Getting in Shape
Shape Bride ($3.99)
Shape Bride has exercises, recipes, eat-right tips, tips on finding the right gown for your body type, and a 6-month beauty countdown. Record your reps, sets and equipment used for each exercise to track you progress.

Women's Health Workouts ($1.99)
This app has 16 pre-loaded workouts to boost metabolism, tone total body, strengthen core, and more! Each move has pictures to help guide you, as well as step-by-step instructions. You can keep a training log and analyze your progress. AND... there is a rest timer to help you monitor cool down periods between exercises for better performance.

Over the next few posts, we'll be bringing you all kinds of wedding-related iPhone applications to make your life a little easier. So, keep checking back, and let us know about your favorite apps!

The Dress and Accessories

Wedding Dress Look Book (Free)
Wedding Dress Look Book is a free app to help you shop for a gown. With a 3½ star rating, most users liked it. It offers listings of salons that carry specific dresses, and you can search by style, shape and price. Best of all, you can bookmark your favorites for later.

Brides Dressing Room (Free)
Brides Dressing Room also has 3½ stars. You can browse both wedding and bridesmaids' dresses by silhouette, brand, price and other specifics. Save all of your favorites, find the dress at a store near you, and make an appointment in one fell swoop.

iBridalGown ($3.99)
iBridalGown is helpful for tracking data at the actual salon. At each salon, you can enter information about the gown your considering and compare it to others later. You can also take pictures of the gown at the salon and save it with the rest of the dress info for a quick reference.

iShoes (Free)
Ahh, what to say about iShoes? With a selection of 50,000 shoes, you're bound to find one you like. You can browse or search favorite brands and styles. You can save your favorites, find out who carries it, and * sigh * it even alerts you when a shoe is on sale!

Feather Report ($1.99)
Fashion + Weather = Feather Report. So, you've picked a dress, but what about outfits for all those other special days throughout your engagement? Feather Report's got it taken care of. You can save favorites, search for your specific needs and shop online for outfits.

Net-A-Porter (Free)
Net-A-Porter is perfect for the fashonista bride looking to stay on top of current trends. With a 3 star rating, it shows you what's new in clothing, bags, shoes and accessories. You can create a wish list, buy on the spot, read fashion news and share with friends!

Shopping for "the dress" can be just as excruciating as it is exciting, but there are a couple of ways to avoid having a wedding dress-related meltdown. First, keep in mind that wedding dresses are notorious for being sized very small, so don't panic when you don't fit into your typical size. Second, knowing what looks good on your body saves you time and frustration when it comes to trying on dresses. So, break out your tape measure, and we'll help you figure out your shape and the style that will look best on you.

Before you measure:
1. Remember not to wear baggy clothes or push-up bras. These can add extra inches and ruin the accuracy of the measurement
2. Watch the following videos on how to correctly measure yourself. You won't need all of these tips to figure out your shape, but they will be helpful nonetheless.

a. Measuring for a bridal gown
b. Vintage 101
c. Measuring for a bridesmaid's dress

Hourglass -
You are an hourglass shape if your bust and hips are about the same measurement – there may be an inch or two's difference – and your waist is at least four inches smaller than either of these two. Any style dress usually works for hourglass-shaped women, but a mermaid style dress will accentuate curves in all the right places.

Pear -
You're pear shaped if your hips are larger than your bust. The pear shape is very common. An A-line dress is typically the most flattering, giving a balanced appearance.

Apple-
You have a round/square body type if your waist, bust, and hip measurements are all about the same. You can accentuate your waist with dresses that gather on the hips and bust or have other detailing in those areas.

Petite-
5'4" and under is usually considered petite. Before you visit a salon, make sure they carry petite sizes. An easy way to create length is to look for dresses with vertical seams or detailing. Avoid belts and sashes, and opt for details that draw the eye upward.

Tall-
Women 5'9" and up will want to look for dresses with wide bodices or sashes and large collars or other details. Flared skirts and low necklines are great on this frame.

Thick Waist-
If you have a thicker waist, an empire waist may be the best cut for you. A-line skirts are also very flattering.

Slender Waist-
If your waist is very slender, you may want to look at dresses with defined midriffs. Sashes, and gathered skirts will be great to accentuate your waist.

Narrow Shoulders-
If your shoulders are narrow, accessorizing with a collar or cape is a flattering option. Dresses with a portrait neckline are also great if you have narrow shoulders.

Broad Shoulders-
If you have broad shoulders, consider dresses with low-v necklines, and smooth sleeves. Avoid puffed sleeves, bare necklines, broad collars, halter tops and shoulder pads.

Big-Busted-
If you have a large bust, avoid waist detailing. Instead, try dresses with full, billowy skirts. Lots of detailing on the skirt will create a curvier lower body. Simple sleeves and bodices are best, and keyhole, v or u-shaped necklines will typically be the most flattering.

March 3, 2010 - The recession has had an impact on just about every sector of the U.S. economy, and weddings have been no different. A recent study conducted by My Wedding Workbook among brides getting married in 2010 shows that the recession has had an impact on two-thirds of all brides when it comes to their wedding spending. But has it actually caused the size of weddings to shrink?

According to research conducted by The Knot, the average wedding size for 2008 and 2009 has hovered around 149 people, with the average wedding spend over $28,000 and the average number of bridesmaids at 5 and groomsmen at 5.

But what a difference a year makes. 70.7% of 2010 brides are having fewer than 150 guests to their wedding, with almost half (44.5%) having fewer than 100 guests. And two-thirds of brides (64.9%) are having 4 or fewer bridesmaids, while two-thirds of grooms (65.6%) are having 4 or fewer groomsmen.

In fact, of the brides surveyed, almost half (45.5%) stated that they have scaled back on the number of guests that will be attending their wedding. So the size of weddings has actually declined. But what this tells us is that couples are focused on maintaining the quality of their wedding and devoting the resources they have into creating the day of their dreams.

And what about that average wedding budget of $28,000 in 2009? Of this year's brides, only 7.4% have said they will spend more than $30,000, with a shocking 71.4% intending on spending less than $20,000. To save money, many brides are making their own decorations, invitations and other wedding items, while others are taking a more low-key route with BBQs and potlucks instead of surf-and-turf and white linens. But, despite cutting back, couples are still getting married, and brides are still dreaming big, and that's as it should be.

February 22, 2010 - Ever wonder if you can have a mismatched number of bridal party members? Results of a survey done by My Wedding Workbook shows that brides can and do!

My Wedding Workbook found that 21.1% of brides said they plan to have four bridesmaids, and 20.4% said they'll have four groomsmen. Correspondingly, 16.2% said they'll have five groomsmen, and 15.3% five bridesmaids.

Difference in number was slight, which indicates that most mismatching brides are usually only one or two people off from having correlating numbers of aisle mates. The mismatched bridesmaid to groomsmen ratio that proved most popular was 5:4. Symmetrical bridal parties are still the most popular, but brides are definitely stepping out of the box.

February 15, 2010 - The new year has arrived, and this year's brides have offered up what they are looking for when it comes to planning their wedding. My Wedding Workbook compiled research from across the Internet, and what we found were some interesting preferences among brides in putting together their big day. Here are just a few of the trends that we uncovered.

• Colored shoes
Forget plain white pumps, wear something with a little more zing! Make your shoes your something blue, or match your bridesmaids' dresses. If you're wearing a long gown your shoes probably won't be seen more than a few times anyway, so you might as well have fun with them! It's also a great way to reuse if you invest in shoes that you'll wear again after the wedding!

• Time capsules
I am such a fan of this trend. You can create a time capsule yourself, or you can ask guests to bring a little something to add to it as an addition/alternative to your guest book! How amazing would it be to have that to look back at on your 20th anniversary!

• Neutral bridesmaids dresses
Neutral colors like beige are very pretty options for bridesmaids' dresses. In the past, it's been a major faux pas to have the bridesmaids in anything related to white, but that restriction is slowly going away. A soft champagne color never goes out of style, so as long as there is enough contrast between your dress and theirs, we say go for it!

• Day-after photo shoots
I'm actually a huge fan of this trend. Doing a day after photo shoot for your and your new hubby is a great idea to get great pictures of you two as a couple. Lots of couples are using these photo shoots to get more relaxed, fun photos rather than the super-posed pictures from the wedding day.

• Long Tables
Long tables are not only elegant, they can save you money as well. With a long table you can use fewer centerpieces, and it creates a more inclusive atmosphere for your guests. Depending on your venue, they can also be great space savers.

• Birdcage vales
These super-elegant accessories are more of an exceptional hairpiece than an actual veil. The term birdcage actually refers to the shape of the veil rather than the material. A birdcage veil usually falls about chin length, but modern styles have gotten shorter falling beneath the eyes or asymmetrically across the face. The birdcage veil is very fashion forward with a vintage feel.

• Tea length wedding gowns
Once again, this is a vintage inspired trend straight out of the 1950's. These fun gowns are great for more casual weddings, or even as a reception dress. And, if you have an awesome pair of shoes you want to show off, these tea-length gowns are for you!

• Candy/Desert Buffets
The desert buffet table has been popular throughout certain regions of the country for a while, but its now spreading everywhere. Do a little research on the Internet about how to set up a stellar candy buffet; there are some really neat ideas out there. There are so many different colors and types of candy that a buffet will definitely add an interesting visual to your reception.

• Black and White Photography
Classic. Color pictures are great too, but black and white is so classy! Vintage themes work great with black and white photography. The most important thing is to find the right photographer. Look at several portfolios before making your decision.

• Smaller weddings
Intimate wedding are on the rise. Certainly the economy has something to do with brides scaling back, but the movement towards a more sustainable culture has influenced wedding sizes as well. Reuse, reduce, and recycle is many a brides motto these days, and we hope that this trend will last long after 2010.

• Everything vintage
Vintage is really just a euphemism for old, so there's no real guideline for a "vintage wedding." Usually vintage clothing is considered to incorporate styles from the 1920's to the 1980's. The vintage trend is perhaps inspired by a move toward environmental sustainability, but most "vintage" clothes are simply vintage inspired rather than actually second hand. If you have the time to shop around some thrift stores, using vintage pieces in your wedding is a great way to save money on your big day.

• Eco-friendly weddings
On the vintage note, there is a growing "green movement" happening in the wedding industry. "Reduce, reuse and recycle" is quickly becoming the wedding motto for environmentally conscious brides in 2010.

• Tungsten Rings
Tungsten rings have been increasing in popularity lately. Tungsten is extremely hard, and it's virtually scratch proof. It's most popular for men's wedding bands because of its weightiness, but women's rings are available as well. While shopping for Tungsten rings, make sure that it's tungsten carbide, otherwise you'll be getting a very hard, but not scratch-proof ring. Also make sure that there is no Cobalt in your ring. Cobalt has a negative reaction to your skin and can damage your ring.

19. Railway/train theme-
Investigate local railroads. Are there any historic railroad stations in your area? In some cases, you can rent out an entire car for your event! Railway museums are an alternative venue as well. Wood whistles are a fun favor, and you can have your wedding date or names carved into them. Set up toy trains around your reception, or use miniature toy trains as centerpieces. There are cute train place card holders. If you want to go more western with your train theme visit here for ideas. Watch old western movies for inspiration, and let your imagination wander!

20. Historic theme-
Wherever you are, there are probably some historic sites around you! Check out which ones are available as venues and build your theme around your chosen location. A historic theme is a great idea for a destination wedding as well. Some fun time periods include: Victorian, Edwardian, American Colonial, the roaring '20's, Ancient Greece or Rome, The Tudor (Elizabethan) age, or the Middle Ages.

Hopefully you've at least gotten some ideas! I'd love to hear any other interesting wedding themes that you've come across!

16. Masquerade theme-
A masquerade theme is fun and elegant. Deep colors and jewel tones like red, emerald and black work well with this theme, and roses are a perfect flower. There are plenty of places to find masks online. I recommend House of Masquerades for masks with an elegant touch. You can find masks with sequins, feathers, lace, and so on. A baroque venue sets an amazing atmosphere for a formal masquerade wedding. Or if you're leaning towards an outdoor wedding, tents with dim lighting set a romantic tone. Great centerpieces could be anything from vases filled with ostrich feathers to crystal candelabras. The richer-looking the better. Place card holders made out of wine corks are a neat idea for this theme, and you can easily find them online. I also love these wine goblet card holders from Beau-coup.com. The food should be rich and elegant: finger sandwiches, marinated olives, stuffed mushrooms, meat and cheese trays etc.

17. Herb theme-
Decorating with various herbs is a great idea for a spring wedding and isn't overly flowery. Talk to your florist for recommendations, and do some research on the meaning of individual herbs. For a short list visit Plants Bulbs. Make sure, once you've picked your herbs that the scents mix well together. For centerpieces, consider using potted fresh herbs, and send them home with guests. Sage greens, pale yellows and lavender are fun colors for an herbal theme. Give pretty packages of herbal teas as favors. Use baby-potted herbs as place holders; just write the name on a popsicle stick, place it in the plant and you've got cute, eco-friendly place holders! Plus, fresh herbs smell fantastic!

18. Aquatic theme-
Whether you're having your wedding at an aquarium or at the beach, there are a ton of things you can do with an aquatic theme. Have centerpieces with beta fish and give them to guests as favors. Shells and starfish are always fun to decorate with, and bubbles (if not overused) can be really beautiful. If you're up for something fun, have everyone RSVP with their shoe size, and get personalized flip-flops as favors! Custom Logo Flip Flops has an awesome selection of styles, and my personal favorite, eco-friendly flip-flops made from 100% recycled rubber! Shell place card holders are fun, and make sure not to forget to incorporate pearls for an elegant touch!

13. Famous couples theme-
There are so many couples! This is another theme that could go many ways. For a more serious tone consider couples like Romeo and Juliet. Or, for something more lighthearted fictitious couples like Tarzan and Jane, Wilma and Fred Flintstone, or Minnie and Mickie Mouse may be appropriate. Another avenue could be famous movie couples. Pictures or posters of old romantic movies will provide a dreamy ambiance.

14. Fleur De Lis theme-
The fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily, so if you've got lilies in your wedding, these classy little symbols will fit in nicely. It's a historically French symbol, but appears in many other countries as well. The fleur-de-lis is also considered religious, symbolizing the holy trinity and in some cases the Virgin Mary. Fleur-de-lis favors are very easy to find, and there's a lot that you can do with them. They make elegant place card holders, and they can be printed on pretty much anything as favors. Check out Fleur De Lis Fashions for ideas.. The fleur-de-lis is a great way to add regality to your wedding.

15. Snow Globe theme-
Who doesn't' love snow globes? It's a great idea if you're having a winter wedding, although it can be used during other times of year as well. Snow globes make great centerpieces, and again can be sent home as favors. Look here here for some snowflake themed gift ideas. You can also find various wedding snow globes at The Find. Buy Wedding Favors Online has cute snow globe place card holders here. Snow is elegant and romantic, just make sure to stay warm!

10. Origami theme-
You don't have to have an oriental themed wedding to use origami. It's beautiful and can lend a delicate tone to the wedding without being too girly. If you're up for it, recruit bridesmaids to help fold, otherwise, you can order pretty much anything at Lisashea.com. Create origami crane mobiles to hang above your reception tables, use origami flower boutonnieres, even your centerpieces and place cards can be origami. And don't forget to check out origami cake toppers; they're beautiful!

11. Video game theme-
You must take a peek at this. I must say, I'm impressed with the creativity of some of these video game theme weddings! Most of the weddings I've seen have gone game-specific, but I think you could do one that incorporates many games as well. It's easy to find video game favors. Interested? Check out AMatchMadeInHalo.com for more inspiration.

12. Paint theme-
Are you and your sweetheart interested in the arts? Have fun with a paint themed wedding. Have a finger painting table for the kids (washable of course), and for the adults hire a portrait artist to set up an easel and paint portraits of your guests during the reception. This is a great way to have fun with color as well. You can choose primary colors, or muted pastels. An art gallery would be a fabulous venue for a wedding with this theme, and you could consider paint swatch invitations. Check out a real paint themed wedding at Craftster.org.

More to come next week, so check back!

7. Renaissance theme-
What's more romantic than the Renaissance? The locations you can find for a Renaissance themed wedding are endless, old Gothic churches, vineyards decked out with tents or castles. Although images of men walking around with turkey legs may be going through your mind right now, there is no need to embrace the tradition of eating with your hands. A good caterer will be able to create a Renaissance-style menu that doesn't involve handi-wipes. Have fun with the details: seal your invitations with hot wax, use a quill pen for your guest book, hire a harpist, or have wrought-iron candlesticks.

8. Board Game theme-
I'm actually very impressed at how cool this is. You can use board games as centerpieces. Have family and friends let you use theirs (it's free!). To spice things up replace the dice in all the games with personalized dice from customwedding.com! You can also get personalized playing cards with your picture and send them home with guests as favors! Check out an actual board game themed wedding here. This couple even re-created the covers of well-known board games with their picture - so cute! If you want something more specific, you can even narrow the board game theme to one game in particular. For instance, you can find personalized chocolate poker chips at Beau-coup.com.

9. Coin theme/coin collecting.
If your colors include silver or gold, you can do a lot with coins. Personally, I was thinking a jewelry chest of coins, but you could also go with Vegas, Celtic, or sunken treasure themes. AmericanBridal.com offers personalized chocolate coins that you can spread around your reception tables. You can also have real coins engraved or made into key chains and send them home as favors.

We'll be back with more soon! Post a comment and let us know what your thinking of these and if you have any more suggestions!

Hello Brides!
We're back with a few more interesting theme ideas for you to check out!

4. Concert/Music theme-
If you and your groom-to-be like music, this is the theme for you. There are so many fun directions to take a music theme. I came across some awesome concert tickets that you can customize to be announcements, save the dates or invitations! Check them out at Bliss Wedding Market. I've also seen some really beautiful music oriented wedding cakes. Music notes are fun to decorate with, and there are plenty of places out there to find them. Personalized guitar picks are a fun idea for favors, or you could go to a thrift store and find old instruments to decorate with!

5. Motorcycle Theme-
Into motorcycles? You'll be surprised what you can do with a motorcycle theme. The cake toppers for this theme are awesome. Shop around, because there are plenty of ideas! Consider black and white photography; I've seen some really beautiful pictures done this way. Bike-shaped cookies for the reception are fun, and key chains and lighters make great favors. Another interesting idea is to decorate with road maps highlighting routes that the two of you have been on or want to go on. Plus, riding off into the sunset on a motorcycle is always more interesting than riding off in anything else!

6. Love letter theme-
This sounds girly, but it doesn't necessarily have to be overly feminine. Try decorating with postage stamps. Check out Wedding Love Letters for an interesting spin on love letter wedding favors. You can personalize postage stamps as well at Zazzle. You can also decorate with words. For example, instead of numbering tables, name them "hope," "forever," "passion," "romance" and so on. Stationary is a fun favor; invite your guests to write their own love letter.

More theme ideas coming soon!

Flowers are great, and there's a lot you can do with them. But if you're looking for a little different theme for your wedding, I've compiled a list of some interesting ones for you. If your sweetheart isn't too keen on a calla lily theme, share these ideas with him and see if any spark his interest.

1. Feathers Theme-
Ahh, where to start? There is so much you can do with this theme! The great thing about feathers is they're as varied as flowers, but not quite as overtly feminine. Peacock feathers (a personal favorite of mine) give you a range of colors to work with. I've also seen beautiful bouquets with pheasant feathers, and deep purple flowers. Let your imagination run wild!

2. Candy Shop Theme-
This is a great idea if you like pastel colors. Use those little Valentines Day hearts to decorate. Candy wedding favors are also a great idea. For example, personalize some M&Ms; you can pick your colors and whatever message you want. Candy centerpieces are also fun, and you can send them home with guests as favors as well. Still want to incorporate those flowers? Get candy roses!

3. Chocolate Theme-
I love this theme. Brown is an often overlooked color in the wedding world, but it can be very elegant! Pair it with accent colors like sage green, teal blue or pretty peach depending on your season. The reception ideas with a chocolate theme are endless. Have a chocolate fondue pot, chocolate fountain, or personalize a bunch of those dove chocolates and spread them around the table. Personalized chocolate bars are fun wedding favors as well. You can find them at beau-coup.com

Keep checking back because there are more fun theme ideas to come!

Rosanna
Intern
My Wedding Workbook

January 13, 2010 - I know most of you have had your venue picked out for quite some time, but if you're anything like me, the task of picking a venue for the wedding and reception seems daunting. So, the following are some interesting tidbits to think about for those of you that are struggling to pick a location.

Of course you can choose from hotels, churches, banquet halls, etc. But if you want something a little different there are a lot of places to check out. Choosing a personalized venue can be very romantic. It could even be the place where you first met your fiancée!

Here are some neat ideas:

• Museums and other historic sites
• Ranches, or beautiful old barns
• Bars/lounges and restaurants
• Live theaters
• Public parks
• Libraries
• Amusement parks
• Campgrounds
• Zoos or botanical gardens
• Golf clubs
• College campuses
• Cruise ship
• Ski slopes
• Sports venues
• Old railway stations
• Vineyard/Brewery
• Top of a sky scraper
• Lighthouses
• Orchards
• Aquariums
• Racetracks

Aside from making your wedding unique, there are other advantages to picking an atypical site as well. (1) You will probably have many more dates to choose from. Any ladies who have seen the popular movie Bride Wars know what I'm talking about. Picking a date, and then finding out that some other bride snagged your venue of choice is so not ideal. (2) You may get a better deal. Be careful; a lot of popular venues have packages that seem expensive, but actually include a lot. It's easy to rack up the costs on the little things when you pick a more unusual venue, so take your time and do your research. If you're having a small wedding, chances are you'll save some money, but for larger weddings, package deals may be your best option.

Think you've found the perfect venue? Go over this quick checklist. Can it reasonably accommodate all the people on your guest list? Does it have enough restrooms? Is it kid-friendly (high chairs, safety etc.)? If needed, does it have handicapped facilities? Is there enough parking? Consider out-of town-guests. Is this a venue where they can reasonably stay? Some locations only let you choose vendors from their list. Can you hire your own vendors? Consider your date. Is this a reasonable location during your time of year? Some venues change their rates according to the season. Most importantly, take time for you and your fiancée to visit venues before committing to one.

Have fun planning, and enjoy working together with your fiancée to create the perfect celebration for you both!