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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019
AMERICA’S MOST-READ BRIDAL MAGAZINE
DETAILS WE LOVE FOR THE BEST DAY EVER! INSPO ALERT
COLOR THEMES THAT MAKE A STATEMENT
BEAUTY SECRETS HOW TO PREP FOR THE BIG DAY
&
DREAM GETAWAYS
Vol. 35, No.6
FROM TROPICAL ISLANDS TO CITY & COUNTRY PAGE 113
THE
MONEY ISSUE!
DAZZLING DRESSES UNDER $1,000 CHIC LOOKS HOT OFF THE RUNWAY
35
CREATIVE WAYS TO CUT COSTS
TIPS FROM THE PROS
CONTENTS
130
Los Angeles
Bridal Guide November/December 2019
YOUR HONEYMOON 114 RESORT ROUNDUP
Check into these awesome hotels for guaranteed feel-good stays.
116 EDITOR’S TIPS
Streamline the need for a steamer trunk with these pro packing pointers.
118 WEDDINGS AWAY
Get the royal treatment when you swap vows at a bona fide European castle. by Carrie Bell
120 TRAVEL INSIDER
Bruce James of Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico shares his favorite spots. by Becca Hensley
124 TRAVEL SNAPSHOTS
Dive into the spectacular beauty of the Maldives. by Jimmy Im
126 ALOHA, ART
Soak up the singular culture of Hawaii. by Donna Heiderstadt
130 TWO OF A KIND
These city/country couplings showcase what makes America great. by Karen Gardiner
152 STAR RESORT
Get more online at bridalguide.com
Lea Michele wed fashion executive Zandy Reich in Napa Valley.
DIY ’DO Find the ultimate easy DIY bridal hairstyle at bridalguide.com/coiffed LOVES YOU LONG-TIME Discover makeup that won’t budge at bridalguide.com/longwearbeauty FUN AND GAMES Explore bridal shower activities that are sure to bring on the fun at bridalguide.com/gameplan
124
Maldives
120
Mexico
118
Ireland
126
Hawaii
cover style
GET THE LOOK
STATE
OF LACE Stunning lace, a flowing train and floral appliqués lend a romantic touch to this glamorous gown.
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BEAUTY NOT
For a glowing marry-me look, go for rosy hues with a touch of sparkle. Start by blending (1) Benefit Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation onto skin to brighten your complexion. Sweep the tops of your cheekbones with ( 2 ) BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter for a hint of glitter and a sun-kissed sheen.
For the perfect bridal flush, brush (3) Tarte Double Duty Beauty Busy Gal Blush onto your cheeks. Apply directly below cheekbones to achieve a natural-looking flush. To finish, get kiss-ready by swiping (4 ) Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Fia onto your lips. The long-lasting formula ensures the rosy color won’t smudge for the big moment.
PHOTOGRAPHY: TERRY DOYLE. HAIR: PAUL WARREN USING ORIBE HAIR CARE AT JUDY CASEY. MAKEUP: KEIKO HIRAMOTO USING CHANEL AT BRYAN BANTRY
W
alk down the aisle in this gorgeous fit-and-flare Chantilly lace dress. Allover hand beading provides subtle hints of sparkle while threedimensional floral appliqués grace the shoulder straps and gown to an all-eyes-onyou effect. Gown, price upon request, by Amalia Carrara; eveofmiladybridals.com. Earrings by Ines Di Santo x Ciner; inesdisanto.com. Necklace by Lafonn; lafonn. com. Rings by Berricle (on cover); berricle.com. Engagement ring by Fire & ice; fireandicediamonds.com. Bouquet by Designs by Ahn; designsbyahn.com.
G R O U P G I F T I N G . WO R L D ’ S L A RG E S T S E L EC TI O N . B O N U S G I F T S S TA R T YO U R R EG I S TRY AT A M A ZO N .CO M / W E D D I N G
ask david
Q&A
DEAR DAVID The star of Lifetime’s “My Great Big Live Wedding with David Tutera” answers your pressing reception questions.
What’s the best way to incorporate children from a previous marriage into a wedding?
Some ideas: Have your children escort you down the aisle (as long as they’re not too little) or, of course, be your best man or maid of honor. Another great tradition that I have begun to see in my clients’ weddings is a vow exchange between husband and wife followed by exchange of vows with the children, to bring everyone together into a single family unit. Another idea is to create a family first dance: After the couple has their first dance together, the children join them, forming a circle for the next dance.
Q
I’m planning my daughter’s wedding and want to know what you’d say are the numberone reception dos and don’ts.
A
The number one do is making sure your guests are dancing and having fun! And the number one don’t is making sure that no one is sitting down for too long eating, with lulls of time in between dancing and dinner—that’s very, very important.
Q A
Can you really have a beautiful wedding on a small budget?
Absolutely! An abundance of flickering candles is an easy and inexpensive way to replace more costly flowers. And a fun, fabulous cocktail party instead of a sit-down dinner party is another great way to have a festive celebration without straining the catering budget. Finally, lowering your guest count
will always help you achieve more dream wedding-like results on a limited budget.
Q
A
What are four quick ways to make your event special?
One: Tell the story of who you are as a bride and groom throughout your party—via music, cuisine, color and other details—to make your wedding more special and personalized. Two: Create an environment. You don’t have to have a theme to have a great wedding. You have to have a style, which means color and essence. So think sense of style—Tuscan, French—rather than full-on theme. Three: Make sure something different is happening every 30 minutes. It may mean the food might change, the music might change or the entertainment might change. Which brings me to Four, making sure that people feel as if they are moving, i.e., going from ceremony to cocktails to dinner and to an after-party vs. sitting down in one location for too much time. This will help keep the energy level high and the event going strong—as well as make your wedding feel bigger and even more fun.
Q
When having a wedding what are some ways to remember loved ones who are no longer with us?
A
A celebratory dance or a memorial note on your wedding program are nice ways to remember those who are no longer with us. (For example, on the
TUTERA TIP: Keep it moving. That’s my number one rule for success. Once your first dance is done, get your guests out on the floor! program, you could say “We lovingly remember family members who are with us today in spirit.”) A few things I wouldn’t suggest are a moment of silence—and certainly not an area where there is an open seat. You want to convey positive feelings and not bring any of your guests’ or your own emotions or energy down.
Q
Any tips for jazzing up a smaller wedding to achieve a higher-end illusion and maybe save some money?
A
The three key things for any successful event are, first, making sure you provide comfort for your guests: that means ample food and drink. Second, making sure that you have great entertainment. This need not mean an orchestra or band. Hire a fabulous DJ or go more DIY and put together a great music playlist on Spotify for your guests to enjoy. Third is the visual aspect: This doesn’t have to mean masses of pricey floral arrangements; it could be a colorful, stylish overall look to your tabletops and buffets. These simple tips are universal, whether you’re on a small, medium or large budget.
PHOTOGRAPHY: THE VONDYS
Q A
M A D I S O N - J A M E S . C O M
planning notebook
SHOPPING
Mara Urshel at Kleinfeld Bridal.
READY, SET, SHOP! Take advantage of this insider intel from gown guru and Kleinfeld co-owner Mara Urshel.
should set aside 10 to 15 percent of her overall budget for her dress. However, that should be adjusted based upon the importance of the dress to the bride. One bride’s attitude may be, “I’m only going to wear it for five hours, so I don’t want to spend a lot,” while another will say, “I want everyone to remember how fabulous I looked, so it’s of utmost importance.” You have to know how you feel in order to set your price point.
BG: What is the worst dress-shopping mistake a bride can make? MU: Not having a budget when you start is a huge mistake—and the most common one. Another big problem is not realizing that the dress isn’t the only thing you have to pay for. Headpieces and veils and jewelry are part of the equation. And don’t forget the extra fee for alterations. Your dress size will also affect the price of your gown; some designers offer up to size
16 without extra cost, but otherwise it can cost 10 to 20 percent more.
BG: If a bride comes to Kleinfeld with a photo of a dress that she can’t afford, what will the sales consultant do? MU: Our consultants try never to go over a bride’s budget, and 90 percent of brides respect that. But there are always one or two who insist on trying on that $20,000 gown. Then it becomes very difficult for her to consider anything else! It’s as if you tour a two-million-dollar house and then you look at one for one-third that much—trying on a dress you can’t afford is unrealistic and disrespectful of whoever may be planning to pay for it.
BG: What’s your advice on customizing a gown? MU: Almost every bride wants something done—more beads, a longer train, a sweetheart neckline, straps, a bolero jacket—because she wants to “make it her own.” It’s natural to want to be unique, but do be sure to figure customized work into your budget.
BG: Beading and other details will
up the cost, so it makes sense to go for a simpler dress. But what if a bride dreams of bling? MU: Compromise. Consider a belt— that’s the simplest way—or get a headpiece with bling or some dazzling jewelry. A dress doesn’t have to be the most expensive one to be beautiful.
BG: How can friends and family help—or hinder—your attempts to stay on the financial track? MU: I’ve seen a bride’s friends or family members pull dresses that are not right for her style or her budget. Only bring people with you who truly understand your budget and lifestyle.
BG: What is your best piece of advice for brides? MU: There is nothing worse than when wedding guests look at the bride and ask each other, “Who is that?” When this happens, it usually means the bride is wearing too much makeup or the wrong hairstyle or she’s chosen the wrong dress. My advice is to be yourself—the best, most beautiful version that you can possibly be for your big day. ¢
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF KLEINFELD BRIDAL
Bridal Guide: What are your guidelines for the bride-to-be who is about to start shopping for her wedding dress? Mara Urshel: It’s said that the bride
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COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU
DALLAS
JERSEY CITY, NJ
PHOENIX
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Sunday, March 1, 2020
LOS ANGELES
Sunday, February 23, 2020
BALTIMORE
DENVER
Sunday, November 10, 2019
SAN JOSE
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Sunday, January 5, 2020
FT. LAUDERDALE
MIAMI
Sunday, March 8, 2020
BOSTON
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Sunday, October 20, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Sunday, January 26, 2020
HOUSTON
NEW YORK CITY
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Thursday, September 26, 2019
ATLANTA
*DATES AND LOCATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
See page 97 for locations and times.
www.GreatBridalExpo.com | 800.422.3976 Exhibitor & sponsorship opportunities available. Call to learn more!
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GREEN SCENE
Knit column dress with thin floral-detailed straps, about $4,665, and removable 3D floral lace sleeves, price upon request, by SĂŠbastien Luke; sebastienluke.com. Earrings by Of Rare Origin; ofrareorigin.com. Shoes by Badgley Mischka; badgleymishka.com. Basket by A by Amara; amara.com. Florals in basket by A Floral; afloral.com.
WILD FLOWER
Mini dress with long sheer sleeves, high neckline, 3D embroidered corset bodice and silk bubble skirt; about $5,700, by Galia Lahav House of Couture; galialahav.com. Earrings by Lele Sadoughi; lelesadoughi.com. Ring by Jen Hansen; jenhansen. com. Engagement ring by Ritani; ritani.com. Stackheeled boots by Daniella Shevel; daniellashevel.com. FASHION EDITOR: Kate Watson ART DIRECTOR: Mary Cate Godfrey HAIR: Louis Angelo at Judy Casey MAKEUP: Keiko Hiramoto at Bryan Bantry
Photographed at Wave Hill, a public garden and cultural center in New York, New York. With its celebrated grounds and scenic views, the 28-acre estate offers a romantic setting for an unforgettable wedding. Exchange vows under the lushly planted Pergola overlooking the Hudson River, celebrate your first dance in historic Armor Hall at Wave Hill House and photograph the bridal party at the Aquatic Garden. Armor Hall welcomes up to 130 guests with room for a small band and dance floor. For more info, go to wavehill.org.
BRIDALGUIDE.COM Explore more gorgeous gowns with flower power at bridalguide.com /bloominggowns
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Begin the journey at Couples Resorts, Jamaica’s favorite all-inclusive luxury resorts for destination weddings. From Ocho Rios to Negril, our four oceanfront hotels were built on one idea: True love is the trip of a lifetime.
HONEYMOON & DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE
Cool Retreats
PHOTOGRAPHY: ONE&ONLY RESORTS
Dive into some of the most spectacular destinations on the planet. Escape to private island resorts in the Maldives, explore the colonial charm of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and swap vows in Europe’s classical castles. Experience what makes America great with visits to exciting cities paired with postcard-perfect country and seaside escapes. And truly feel good when you stay at one of these posh properties with innovative charity programming.
The Maldives.
Napa, California
N
Carneros Resort and Spa.
PHOTOGRAPHY: S_BUKLEY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; CARNEROS RESORT AND SPA
STAR RESORT
Want to honeymoon where the celebs do? In each issue, we take a peek at a star-studded hideaway.
ot one to shy from the spotlight, triple threat and musical theater geek in both real life and on TV, Scream Queens star Lea Michele glowed with glee while 200-plus guests looked on as she swapped vows with fashion exec Zandy Reich. Officiated by director Ryan Murphy under a photogenic chuppah of white flowers and greenery at the bucolic Carneros Resort and Spa, a Preferred Hotel Member, the ceremony was filled with laughter and smiles. After they were pronounced husband and wife, the couple led the way to an Italianinspired, family-style dinner and loads of dancing, surely accompanied by more happy laughter, on the grounds of the picturesque property. With its sweeping vistas and innate charm, a stay at this resort in California’s Napa Valley feels like a cinematic visit to a wine country hideaway. Here, 100 enchanting cottages, suites and ultra-luxe private homes are scattered over 28 pastoral acres. Accommodations, which are grouped in “neighborhoods” denoted by local flora, celebrate the surroundings with rustic-chic interiors, botanical-inspired fabrics and expansive outdoor Inside the spa. spaces. The spa furthers the homage to local agricultural and winemaking traditions. Treatments incorporate the bounty of the property’s gardens—they’re situated on an impressive half-acre expanse. And this being Napa, the birthplace of the farm-to-table food movement, all cuisine is hyper local. Other notable amenities include a hilltop pool with awesome views of the surrounding scenery (room rates start at $550 a night; carnerosresort.com). —Jenna Mahoney
A guest cottage. Sumptuous accommodations.
The pretty pool.
IN MY KINGDOM, EVEN SCIENTISTS AGREE: THE EARTH REVOLVES. AROUND ME. At the center of every kingdom, stands a palace. One where every bride’s wish is granted and where the world revolves only around you. You and your entire wedding party are eligible to receive up to $1,500 USD in Resort Credit toward the spa treatments, tours, romantic dinners, and so much more. Let us help you plan your perfect day. Live the Palace Life. 1-877-725-4933 Weddings.PalaceResorts.com