Well, 28 pages in through a majority of ads and a the table of contents, we come to this month's Question to the staff of Brides magazine. This month's question:
Where's the most romantic place you've been?
(And let me just say this now, the staff at Brides magazine must be making a fortune because these are not your average locations for the average bride & groom to travel to for romance) Some of the answers from the staff were:
Como Shambhala Estate in Bali
Linda Vista in Costa Rica
Patricia, Italy
Le Sain Geran in Mauritius
I'm not kidding, their year end bonuses must be incredible to afford these trips.
PAGE 78- My favorite section is Ask Us Anything. I love wedding advice, especially reading the question and figuring out what advice I would give and then finding out what they say.
Most Uncomfortable Question-One of my friends keeps asking me when I'm choosing my bridesmaids. I already have...and she's not one of them, how do I break the news?
Yikes, that's a tough one and I can honestly say I was almost at a loss for advice. Maybe avoid her forever? I have uncomfortable situations, especially around weddings because everyone is so emotional when it comes to the decisions you have to make. They offered some great advice to tell her ASAP and just let her know the bridal party is small and possibly offer her a role of a reader. Still a tough situation.
PAGE 82- Another favorite Brides Poll- This month, my favorite topic, working out/exercise.
They are saying that 4 out of 5 are working out but only 50% are dieting. That process has to go together because all the working out in the world won't fix bad eating habits. Trust me.
PAGE 102- The After "AFTER" Party-
A whole article on having sex on your wedding night. While some of you may want to shy away from this topic, it really is a valuable piece of information. More than half of my brides end up saying they didn't have the time/energy to be intimate on their wedding night. While we all know that the days of saving yourself until marriage are long gone (for some people) this is a really special day and the night should be just as special. You spend that entire day with SO many other people, celebrating and talking, this night is just for the two of you to come together and enjoy each other, for the first time as husband and wife. We won't get too much into the details of everything but you will feel like you missed out if you don't make this something of value. Just have a little talk before about trying to leave a half hour early or start sipping water towards the end of the evening and be sure to have a late night snack before you head to your room so you aren't starving!
PAGE 116- Haute Inspiration-
I have to say I'm more of a classics style girl so the idea of feathers, pleats and 3-D floral for my wedding gown just doesn't appeal to me. Maybe for a styled shoot but not for my actual wedding day.
PAGE 141- Braid Upgrade
There is nothing more that I love for hair than a braid. I was so excited when this style came back and LOVE seeing how much can be done with the basic braid. Up, down and to the side, this look always comes together perfectly for most brides. Of course, my favorite is the picture they use for the main title page of Blake Lively, stunning!
PAGE 161- 25 Ways to Personalize Your Party
I tell ALL of my clients, if you are going to spend this kind of money on your wedding day, make it all about the two of you! Incorporate personal touches when you can without going overboard, but remember people are there to celebrate the both of you, let them know more about how you met, why you fell in love, etc...a few of the more original ones are-
#2- Do a LAST Dance- I've had a few clients do this, and really it is more for the two of you, a way to wrap it all up. This may even help with the "after, after party" plans as well.
#21- Hand Painted Shoes- I had one bride do this for her wedding day along with her dad and they both had these amazing, personalized shoes to wear. It was something special for them and an extra touch for the select few that pay attention to details, to appreciate.
#24- Use Personal Photos- Love having photos of the two of you growing up, dating, travelling and just being a couple. It is so fun to see the two of you in love and again, that's why the guests are there!
Then we pass through a few articles, photos shoots, travel locations, etc...nothing that appeals to me a ton in this months edition.
Page 264- Their section of weddings they feature that are typically not your "typical" bride and groom. This month has a Mexican model and her husband an equity manager. Their wedding is, of course, lovely. They, of course, had a wedding planner, yay!
Page 268- What's your TOP Priority
Wonderful article on prioritizing your marriage. I'll take the highlight from the article to give you an idea on why it is so great-
"I've seen beautiful couples crash and burn because they gave something else priority over their relationship and proved it one small choice at a time"
That's how all relationships fall apart, one small thing at a time. Eventually all those small things add up and start eating away at all the good things you worked so hard to have. Don't let that be you!
Page 276- You're Invited
A Capital Affair- Stunning wedding with the most amazing color palette in DC!
Urban Oasis- A wedding held in my favorite, a clear tent!
Clear Skies in Seattle- A very brave wedding held outside without a tent?!?!
That's it for this edition of Brides magazine. Did you read on your own? Have different feedback? Love different articles? Let me know! Read along with me next month!
Brandi Hamerstone
www.alleventsplanned.com
