I just went across the street to the corner drugstore (there seems to be one on almost every corner here in NYC) and there it was! Our November/December 2010 issue of Bridal Guide!

I’m so excited because it’s filled with fantastic planning ideas for you, along with the most gorgeous gowns, beauty tips and amazing honeymoon ideas. We also have some of the best money-saving tips ever in “The Ultimate Budget Guide” on page 134.

You’ll discover how to cut costs on everything from stationery and flowers to catering and entertainment, even the venue! Now, isn’t that what every couple wants?

Of course, it goes without saying that romance rules on the wedding day, but if you want to up the love quotient a bit then take a look at “How Sweet It is!” on page 148 for fun ways to celebrate your amour.

And, speaking of sweet, check out our delectable, delicious wedding cakes. Here’s a sneak peek at one:

“Wait a minute,” you might be thinking, “I haven’t even bought my dress yet. I can’t think about a cake!” Well, before you start your dress shopping read David Tutera’s fab piece on how to choose the right style for your shape. With David’s savvy advice in mind, you’re sure to find your dream dress in no time.

I’ve had money on the mind a lot lately. In part it’s due to my latest obsession: The Secret Currency of Love, a book of essays by famous women writers and their relationships with the greenback. I’m also really excited about Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.

But I think my dreaming of moolah is really thanks to a presentation on planning your honeymoon I recently did for the virtual travel show hosted by your favorite bridal mag and Zip to David’s Bridal. I talked a lot about setting up your budget and sticking to it. I also told folks to remember those incidentals—taxis, travel tariffs, tips and other things that begin with a letter other than T—can really add up. And let me say it again: Double it for incidentals. Take it from me, your friendly experienced expert, who just happens to be (finally) planning her own honeymoon.

Posted by Maureen

The Budget Guru takes a bit of a detour today to rave about a gorgeous new book by the fashion designer Rebecca Moses called A Life of Style. Why do I like it? Not only is it utterly charming, illustrated by the author herself, but it contains wisdom that any bride who’s trying to plan a stylish wedding can use.

For example, Rebecca says that style isn’t about money. "Great style makers mix the disposable with the luxurious… You can get the desired effect at every price… The art is in choosing well." Your personal style, which is all about the inner true you, can carry off a $500 wedding dress just as well as one that goes for $5000! What’s not to like about that? So as you plan your wedding, stress less about fancy-shmancy appearances and more about who you really are, the people you love and the things you love to do, your favorite colors, your favorite music, your favorite item of clothing. Is your favorite color from childhood lavender? Well, there’s the basis of your color scheme—and color doesn’t cost a thing!

Oh, and don’t try to be perfect—“Embrace imperfection: It’s the imperfections that make the charm. Develop your uniqueness as a powerful signature.” Thank you, Rebecca.

For information about the dresses, visit priscillaofboston.com, douglashannant.com and farahangsana.com.

Posted by Naima

Can it really be Labor Day Weekend? Where did my favorite season go? I’m always a bit dismayed when the end of summer rolls around (must be a residual feeling from those back-to-school days!). It seems that there’s never enough time for languishing on the beach, relaxing poolside with a good book or just hanging out with family and friends.

So, this weekend I’ve decided to leave that to-do list at home, pack a bag and head up to visit my friends, Bibiana and Nick, in beautiful Vermont. I can’t wait to lean back in an Adirondack chair, put my feet up and gaze at those gorgeous green mountains. And, I highly recommend you do the same: Put away your wedding to-do list for a few days and RELAX! After all, too much fretting over the wedding isn’t productive at all, plus, your fiancé and friends will thank you for the respite. Start next week feeling refreshed and ready-to-go. And, when you do go back to wedding planning, here are a few tips: