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CONTENTS

Bridal Guide May/June 2022

FASHION & BEAUTY 18 COVER STYLE

How to get that beautiful look.

22 STYLE FILE: BRIDES

Butterfly motifs; graphic shapes.

24 ALL THAT GLITTERS 52

Eye-poppingly unique rings.

26 BEAUTY FILE

Nail the perfect manicure with these pro strategies.

28 BRIDAL INSIDER

Consider a chic color palette of next-level neutrals.

45 ALL IN THE DETAILS

Positively ethereal dresses with a chic, sexy edge.

52 RUNWAY REPORT

Lavish floral details, empire silhouettes, oh-so-elegant gloves and more.

ON THE COVER • “Our biggest splurge.” Real couples reveal the pros & cons, p. 38 • Marrying away? Our no-stress planning guide, p. 42 • You’ve got this! Top tips from big-day experts, p. 34 • Your wedding party to-do list, p. 41

• Love. It. From invitations to after parties, here’s how to create a celebration that’s totally you, pp. 28, 54, 68

Destination“I Do” HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PLAN A WEDDING AWAY FROM HOME.

Why Have a Destination Wedding?

PHOTOGRAPHY: (OPPOSITE PAGE) TERRY DOYLE; (THIS PAGE) PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAULINA/PHOTOGRAPHYBYPAULINA.COM

ell, we’re tempted to say, “why not?” Planning a wedding away from home is attractive to different couples for different reasons. Here are just a few: ❤ You’ve always imagined your nuptials in a certain vacation spot. Maybe you spent an idyllic

vacation earlier in your relationship at a gorgeous Caribbean resort or a laid-back Key West hotel. Or maybe one of you spent summer holidays at a quaint New England inn or a rustic Montana ranch. If it’s easy to graft a picture of yourselves in wedding duds onto those wonderful holiday memories, a destination wedding may be just the ticket for you. ❤ Your families and friends are from here, there and everywhere. Many a couple with far-flung families have thrown up their hands in despair at trying to find a spot that suits everyone. Soon it occurs to them: If everyone’s going to have to travel anyway... Voilà, destination wedding. ❤ You’re not into traditional hotel/reception hall weddings. You’ve been there, done that (you know who you are—you’ve attended a wedding approximately 40 out of the last 52 weekends). All of these kinds of options are leaving you cold. But someplace warm? Ah, now that’s a different story. ❤ You want to make the planning easier (yes, easier). It’s true that

any wedding—whether at home or away—can morph into a logistical nightmare. But because many resorts and hotels have on-site wedding coordinators who do all the legwork for you, a destination wedding can be less stressful to plan. ❤ You want to streamline costs (or even, in some cases, save money). No one can definitively say that a destination wedding costs less than an at-home reception. But no one can say it costs more, either. However, it often turns out to be easier to keep costs in check in a faraway locale. Two reasons: One, you’re likely to have a smaller guest list (the biggest way to save $$ on your wedding is to keep the list lean); and two, your choices are less copious than they might be at home. When you’re planning from afar, it all seems exotic and wonderful, so you’re more likely to be happy with the simple clutch of local flowers the hotel provides, whereas at home you’d be visiting a half-dozen florists and being tempted by a more lavish (and pricey) bouquet.

LET’S GET PRACTICAL Ah, it all sounds soooo delightfully dreamy. But a destination wedding still needs to be planned the same as any wedding. Here, three points you simply must consider:

1. START EARLY You may think you have plenty of time, but when you start investigating your first-choice locale, you may learn it’s a lot pricier than you thought, or that getting there is too complicated for you and your guests. And speaking of guests, they need lots of time, too. A good rule of thumb is to give four months’ notice—minimum—to guests invited to a wedding away.

2. STICK TO YOUR BUDGET

Schedule your time so that you arrive at least two to three days before your guests. You’ll be able to review any final details with your wedding coordinator and have a welcome chance to rest up and recover from any lingering jet lag.

While it’s true that it’s easier to keep costs in check with destination weddings (it’s that all-inclusive thing), it’s still wise to keep an upper limit firmly in mind. That way, if you happen to start tooling around online and see the ever so slightly ritzier resort just a few steps down the beach from the first place you loved, you’ll be far less inclined to spend more.

3. BE COMMUNICATIVE Send out save-the-date cards as soon as you know when and where you’ll be wed. It’s always a good idea to set up a wedding website to keep your guests apprised of details as they unfold. Let them know if you’ve set aside blocks of hotel rooms and how to book them, what to pack, what the itinerary of the event will be and so on. (Caveat: Keeping guests up to date is not the same thing as boring everyone to tears with details about the search for the perfect strappy sandal. Only give them the info they need.) ➺

>>BRIDALGUIDE.COM Find the perfect location for your wedding away at bridalguide.com/dw

WHERE TO GO... AND HOW TO BOOK If you already know the resort where you want to wed, then you’re ahead of the game. Simply call them or visit their website and find out if they have a wedding coordinator and what you need to do next. If you’re less sure (or know the overall location—Mexico, Jamaica, Hawaii, the Caribbean—but not the specific spot), work with a travel specialist, or check out these one-stop-shopping destination wedding sites.

• THE WEDDING EXPERIENCE: (theweddingexperience.com). This site specializes in cruises and onboard ceremonies (though you can book trips that visit a wide variety of ports of call and have your wedding on land).

Caring for Your Guests

ou are set to have the time of your life. But your guests? Let’s face it: If you hadn’t invited them to your wedding, they may not have chosen to visit this particular spot. So be sure to include warm and welcoming touches (and plenty of fun aside from the wedding) to keep guests happy.

• DESTINATION WEDDINGS: (destinationweddings.com). The site lists a large number of destinations around the world and offers the practical advice you’ll need. • CARIBBEAN WEDDINGS: (caribbeanwedding.com). This site focuses exclusively on Caribbean destination weddings.

❤

Put together welcome bags or baskets. This is simple to do and well received by travel-weary guests. Offer things like a map and a list of local attractions, an itinerary for wedding-related activities, bottles of water and snacks for the room. And toss in fun stuff—flip-flops for your beach wedding, sunglasses, a fan, a spa gift certificate—if you can swing the cost.

❤

Figure out if anyone will need special help, and take care of it. Does

your grandmother need a wheelchair or your sister a crib for her baby? Arrange these things with the hotel in advance. If there will be children, check with the resort about babysitting services.

❤ Make reserving a no-brainer, and pay for whatever your budget allows (such as breakfasts or a group activity). Generally accepted etiquette says that guests, including the bridal party, pay for lodgings, but do find out if your hotel offers a discount for groups (many do). Arrange a welcome cocktail party or light supper, as well as breakfast or brunch the day after the wedding.

A SECOND RECEPTION? nevitably, there will be a group of people at home—work friends, parents’ friends, relatives who couldn’t manage the trip— who missed out on the fun. If you can,

plan a follow-up reception for when you arrive home—and make it as formal or casual as you like. You might hold a sit-down dinner at a favorite local restaurant or serve cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in your backyard. Be sure to

Make sure to hand-carry your gown, accessories and any other important valuables onto the plane. And be sure to ship items for your welcome basket to the hotel’s wedding coordinator a month ahead to ensure everything arrives on time.

have your wedding video and photos on hand; some couples create digital slideshows of their wedding pictures so guests can truly savor the place and the event. They’ll feel as if they were right there with you, and you’ll get to experience your wonderful day all over again. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: (FROM TOP LEFT) HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY; KATELYN JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

Investigate activity options to please a wide range of ages and proclivities. If your locale is great for hiking, kayaking or windsurfing, schedule a group activity for the day before or after the wedding. For those who may not want to take part, arrange a sightseeing tour.

FASHION & STYLE GUIDE

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE. HAIR & MAKEUP: CHEYENNE TIMPERIO USING CHARLOTTE TILBURY AND AMIKA FOR CITY ARTISTS MANAGEMENT. .

Tulle A-line gown with off-the-shoulder sleeve shrugs, floral appliqués over exposed boning, and horsehair-trim skirt, about $2,000, by Chic Nostalgia; chicnostalgiabridal.com. Black and silver-plated copper earrings by Lesetta; lesetta.com.

Sweet Reverie Thrill your inner earth goddess with feminine florals, barely there illusion paneling, and sweet statement-making sleeves. And, check out this season’s best bridal runway trends.

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HONEYMOON & DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE

Storybook Settings One bride realized her fairytale dream wedding when she and her husband

swapped vows at a bonafide castle in Ireland. Another couple rejoiced in the vintage charm of an old-school lakeside camp with their elopement celebration. Plan your ultimate big day at one of these gorgeous properties in the peach state of Georgia and sneak a peek at the newest resort in tony Montauk. Plus, feel good and do good when you

PHOTOGRAPHY: KILKEA CASTLE

stay at these luxury hotels with generous give-back initiatives.

Kilkea Castle is an hour and a half from Dublin, the capital of Ireland. 000

Sweepstakes

YourLITTLE WHITE BOOK

WIN a Getaway to Palm Springs! Request information from our preferred vendors here and you’ll be automatically entered to WIN a seven-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa! Hyatt Indian Wells, nestled in Greater Palm Springs, recently underwent a multi-milliondollar transformation, including 26 remodeled penthouse suites, a waterpark with two 30-foot waterslides and lazy river, private villas, event spaces, and more. The resort offers 530 guest rooms, a 30,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, and championship tennis and golf. The prize includes accommodations, two 50-minute spa treatments, and a $300 food and beverage credit for resort dining. Sweepstakes sponsored by Bridal Guide, New York, NY. Dates of entry: March 15, 2022 through May 16, 2022. Open to any legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who is 18 years or older, except where prohibited by law. For complete Official Rules see opposite page.

Go to bridalguide.com/getinfo to get FREE information from these Bridal Guide preferred vendors for your wedding, your home and your honeymoon. YOUR WEDDING 990. Send all information for gowns/formalwear/accessories.

GOWNS/FORMALWEAR/ACCESSORIES 100. Adrianna Papell Platinum combines the elegance, sophistication and exclusivity of Adrianna Papell with the reputation of House of Wu. houseofwu.com/adriannapapellplatinum/ 101. Christina Wu Brides dresses brides with dreamy wedding gowns that are crafted to perfection, with decadent beading and luxurious fabrics. houseofwu.com/christinawu 102. Christina Wu Celebration features an eclectic variety of designs that are fashion-forward, adorned with feminine details, and effortlessly wearable from day to night. houseofwu.com /storelocator/ 103. House of Wu carries 19 designer labels, each catering to a specific niche, including bridal, bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride, prom, pageant, and quinceanera. houseofwu.com 104. Justin Alexander Signature redefines luxury. A collection designed for the modern bride seeking a wedding gown that expresses her lavish and on-trend sense of style. jasignature.com

YOUR HOME

991. Send all information for china/crystal/ giftware.

CHINA/CRYSTAL/GIFTWARE

ARUBA

105. Denby USA Limited Designed for living, built to last. Denby prides itself on the strength and quality of their stoneware that has been produced in England for 200 years. 1-800-DENBY-4U. denbyusa.com

109. Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino Perched on 15 tropical acres on the pristine white sands of Palm Beach, say “I do” to your dream wedding and create unforgettable memories at Hilton Aruba. hiltonaruba.com/weddings

106. The Homer Laughlin China Company Fiesta Dinnerware, an American icon, proudly sustainable and made in the USA. Available in over 85 items and 15 vivid colors. Lead free, microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. fiestafactorydirect.com

BAHAMAS

107. Noritake For over 100 years Noritake has been a leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality tableware. Choose from an extensive array of designs and styles. noritakechina.com

YOUR HONEYMOON/ DESTINATION WEDDING 992. Send all information for planning my honeymoon to the Caribbean or Mexico. 993. Send all information for planning my honeymoon to the United States.

ANTIGUA 108. Sandals Grande Antigua Sophisticated travelers are lured to Dickinson Bay where the famous beach at Sandals Grande Antigua is renowned for its calm, crystal-clear water. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

110. Sandals Royal Bahamian in colonial Nassau, and Sandals Emerald Bay in the Exumas, are close to home, yet far from the ordinary. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

BARBADOS 111. Sandals Barbados where exclusive is always inclusive, is now joined by Sandals Royal Barbados. Stay at one, play at both! 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 112. British Virgin Islands Tourist Board Find yourself in the British Virgin Islands and celebrate in the style you deserve. Your spectacular wedding or honeymoon awaits, all with BVI love. bvitourism.com

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 113. Excellence El Carmen has everything onhand for a dazzling destination wedding in the Dominican Republic. Comprehensive wedding packages guarantee your day will be a dream come true. excellenceresorts.com

Your LITTLE WHITE BOOK

114. Excellence Punta Cana This adults-only resort in Punta Cana features idyllic locations for you to tie the knot, from a stunning beach paradise to a charming gazebo. excellenceresorts.com 115. Sanctuary Cap Cana On the magnificent shores of the Dominican Republic, adultsonly Sanctuary Cap Cana all-inclusive resort can bring your wedding fantasies to life. sanctuary capcana.com

GRENADA 116. Sandals Grenada located on the island’s best beach, defies every convention of traditional design to bring you the Sandals of tomorrow, today. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

JAMAICA 117. Beaches Resorts are the world’s #1 allinclusive family resorts where everything’s included for all guests. Generation Everyone. Also #1 for destination weddings and honeymoons. 1-800-BEACHES. beaches.com 118. Excellence Oyster Bay Redefining weddings in Jamaica, Excellence Oyster Bay has everything on hand to ensure your big day is as stunning as it is seamless and stress-free. excellenceresorts.com 119. Sandals Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Negril, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Ochi Beach and Sandals Royal Plantation, Jamaica’s only five-star Luxury Included® Resorts. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

MEXICO 120. Cancun Bay Resort Beautiful beach locations and expert wedding planners assures you magical once-in-a-lifetime moments when you're ready to say “I do.” cancunbayresort.com 121. Excellence Finest Mujeres Wedding planning professionals will ensure the flawless execution of your wedding with a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by friends and family, at a unique Cancun destination. finestresorts.com 122. Excellence Playa Mujeres Stunning scenery, personalized touches, and world-class cuisine. Unwind in the beauty of the Caribbean knowing that our professionals are taking care of every detail. excellenceresorts.com 123. Excellence Riviera Cancun Imagine your big day with the Riviera Maya as a backdrop and your toes on the sand. Your perfect venue awaits at Excellence Riviera Cancun. excellence resorts.com 124. Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Incredible wedding venues in Cancun, Los Cabos, Montego Bay and Puerto Vallarta. Choose from wedding packages or customize nearly every detail for your dream wedding. allinclusive.hyatt.com 125.Wyndham Alltra All-Inclusive Resorts The new Wyndham Alltra All-Inclusive Resorts in the heart of Cancun and famous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen are Mexico’s two hottest wedding destinations. alltrabyplaya.com

PUERTO RICO 126. Rincon Beach Resort Get married here on a secluded Caribbean beach under a canopy of swaying palm trees with tropical breezes and a breathtaking sunset. rinconbeach.com

SAINT LUCIA 127. Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa The Caribbean’s top honeymoon and wedding destination. This four-star beachfront property is perfect for your fairytale Saint Lucia wedding.

baygardensresorts.com 128. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa Begin your love journey on Saint Lucia. Discover this all-inclusive resort where stress-free wedding packages and picturesque settings combine for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. cbayresort.com 129. Ladera Resort On a lush volcano ridgeline above the sea, each suite features an open wall, heated plunge pool, and breathtaking panoramas of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. ladera.com 130. Saint Lucia Lauded by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, boasting some of the finest romance settings, and providing a lifetime of cherished memories. stlucia.org 131. Sandals Resorts Stay at one of the Sandals in Saint Lucia and play at all three—Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Regency La Toc. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com

TURKS & CAICOS 132. The Sands at Grace Bay Sapphire sea, white powder beach, and gracious suites. The Sands at Grace Bay is the perfect prelude to the rest of your life. thesandstc.com

USVI 133. The Buccaneer Historic and family owned and operated, this renowned 340-acre estate offers St. Croix’s finest accommodations, three beaches, golf, tennis, spa, pools, superb cuisine, and water sports. thebuccaneer.com

UNITED STATES FLORIDA 134.The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel The words “I do” come naturally on The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Live the day of your dreams on warm white sands. fortmyers-sanibel .com/weddings 135. Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts Discover an unparalleled array of wedding venues, dining options and amenities, along with the gracious southern hospitality that has been our hallmark for generations. pontevedra.com 136. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort More than 65,000 square feet of versatile space to bring your dream wedding to life, indoors or out. sandestin.com/gather/weddings 137. Visit South Walton Say “I do” on South Walton’s sugar-white sand beaches, just steps from turquoise water. It’s so effortless; your honeymoon starts before your wedding ends. visitsouthwalton.com/weddings

GEORGIA 138. Golden Isles is a magical setting for any coastal wedding. Breathtaking beaches, historic churches and picturesque landmarks create the atmosphere of a bygone era filled with romance. www.goldenisles.com

NORTH CAROLINA 139. North Carolina’s Crystal Coast To find out everything the Crystal Coast has to offer couples seeking a destination wedding and unforgettable honeymoon, visit crystalcoastnc.org.

SOUTH CAROLINA 140. Explore Charleston Charleston is waiting to welcome you. From iconic portrait spots and unique venues to endless activities—the Low Country is your ideal destination wedding getaway. CharlestonWeddingGuide.com

BRIDAL GUIDE YOUR LITTLE WHITE BOOK SWEEPSTAKES OFFICIAL RULES (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY) Sponsored by Bridal Guide, New Rochelle, NY. Entries must be received by May 16, 2022. 1. The Sweepstakes is open to any legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who is 18 years or older except where prohibited by law. Employees of Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa and any and all of their related companies and corporate suppliers are not eligible. Sweepstakes void where prohibited by law. All federal, state and local laws apply. Winners agree to publication and/ or display of their name, likeness and entry form to be made at the discretion of Bridal Guide without further compensation. Participants are subject to official rules. 2. The Sweepstakes runs from 12:01 PM Eastern Time on March 15, 2022 through 11:59 AM Eastern Time on May 16, 2022. To enter, complete the order form at bridalguide.com/getinfo, or print your name, street address, daytime telephone number, mobile phone number, email, wedding date and the words "HYATT MJ22" on a 3" x 5" plain index card and mail to: Bridal Guide, P.O. Box 413050, Naples, FL 34101-3050. Only one entry per household. Entries must be received by May 16, 2022 and become the property of Bridal Guide, who assumes no responsibility for illegible, late, misdirected or lost entries. 3. One grand prize winner will be selected in a random drawing the week of May 30, 2022, under the supervision of Bridal Guide, whose sole decision will be final. By accepting the prize, winner and travel companion agree to release Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa and their affiliates, agents and employees from any and all liability, claims, injuries, actions or proceedings arising out of and/or sustained in connection with use, acceptance or possession of prize. Potential winner will be notified by email. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, does not respond within 5 days from the date the Sponsor first tries to notify him/her, and/or the prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, such potential winner forfeits all rights to win the Sweepstakes or receive the prize, and an alternate potential winner may be selected. Potential winner and guest will be required to sign Bridal Guide's Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability within 14 days of notification, or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen. Original Affidavits must be notarized and mailed to: Bridal Guide, ATT: MJ22 LWB Sweepstakes, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. A copy of the Bridal Guide Affidavit of Eligibility may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope (VT residents may omit postage) to Bridal Guide, ATT: MJ22 LWB Affidavit, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. The number of eligible entries received will determine odds of winning. Limit one prize per family or household. If through a printing, production or other error more winners are notified than the rules state, the actual number of such winners, per the rules, will be selected in a random drawing from among those notified. Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., and Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa make no warranties with regard to any prize. Prize is nontransferable by winner, has no cash value, and cannot be redeemed for cash. There are no substitutions for prize or changes to available dates. 4. Grand Prize: Seven-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, two 50-minute spa treatments, $300 F&B credit for resort dining. Estimated ARV $3,323. 5. The Grand Prize winner will be responsible for the following: Roundtrip airfare and airport transfers, airport taxes, any and all local, state and/or federal taxes, ground transportation, food and beverages, tours, gratuities, personal expenses and any other expenses not specified as part of the prize. Amendments to confirmed travel arrangements may result in forfeiture of trip or administrative fees. Winner will be issued an IRS 1099 form for prize value. 6. Travel can be taken through December 31, 2023. No extension will be given after the prize has expired. Package inclusions may be subject to change. Accommodations are based on availability at time of booking and are subject to blackout dates which are based on seasonality and demand. 7. Entrants agree that by entering the Promotion, they agree to add their contact information to the Bridal Guide and Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa mailing lists, subject to Entrant’s right to thereafter opt out or unsubscribe to such lists at any time. 8. The name of the winner may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope after May 16, 2022 to Bridal Guide, ATT: MJ22 LWB Winner, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. Requests for winner must be received by August 31, 2022.