September Must-Have: The Backpack

Back(pack) in Style

Functionality and fashion is what makes the backpack your perfect fall accessory. Whether you are looking for a sleek, modern look or something a little bit more bohemian, backpacks have made their comeback! We have the perfect options to match you and your wedding necessities such as when you need a cute carryall for the wedding planning process to hold all your inspiration sheets or a stylish satchel to rock during your honeymoon travels.

Rio Grande Backpack from Nasty Gal

Nylon Knapsack from Marc by Marc Jacobs

Chloe Vegan Backpack from Free People 

BJAXON from Steve Madden

Satin Backpack from Topshop

Red Cars Collection Settlement Backpack from Herschel Supply

Rags2Riches Sikasso Rucksack from Anthropologie

by Eleni Elias

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Planning: Pro-Tips for Creating an Unforgettable Wedding

Wedding planner and NYC-based owner of Curtain Up Events is known for her creativity and splashy style. Here's what she has to say about how to create lasting memories:

NEW RECEPTION TRENDS We see a lot of understated floral arrangements on the table. Lower centerpieces make it so much easier for people to see across the table and engage in conversation. Also, there has been a recent surge in serving family-style cuisine—fun comfort foods like macaroni and cheese—at a formal affair. Serving food in this style is great because it brings a whimsical touch to an event that could otherwise be stuffy. 

HOT PARTY COLORS All shades of blue accented with delicate shades of silver. 

HOW TO KEEP THE PARTY INTERESTING Nothing spells disaster than an event that drags on with nothing to do! Adding personal touches like a wishing tree for the guests to leave short messages and endearing wishes or photos of your family in unexpected places around the room brings guests together and gets the conversation flowing. Of course most guests will love a photo booth, but the video “confessional” booth is unique, plus you both will be entertained for years to come with stories from your guests on film. 

STAY WITHIN A BUDGET It’s very important to prioritize. If the photographer you want is way beyond what you’ve allocated, you will have to “borrow” from some other category. So, rather than roses in your bouquet, opt for seasonal flowers which will cost less. It’s easy to get carried away adding all of the amazing things you want—but it’s important to be realistic. Keep track of your wedding budget—one column with what you’ve allocated and another column with what you’ve actually spent.

TRENDS TO AVOID One of my favorite things to say is, “Don’t fight your venue.” In other words if a color is popular, it doesn't mean you have to include it in your color scheme. Consider the site what it has to offer. For example, if your venue has a green carpet, we don’t recommend using red floral or you will start to think it’s the holidays!

ADVICE TO THE BRIDE & GROOM Don’t lose sight of what this is: a celebration of the two of you. Everyone has an opinion for you, but the fact is there are no rules. Enjoy yourselves, and most of all take things one day at a time.

Image by Bree Michael Warner

Image by Casey Fatchett Photography

Image by Bree Michael Warner

Image by Josh Wong

Image by Agaton Strom

By Danielle Bobish, Guest Editor

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Fashion: The Dessy Group

 High-Design And Imagination Elevate Bridesmaid Fashion.

A family-owned business for more than 70 years, The Dessy Group creates elegant, affordable, and versatile styles that complement and flatter a bridesmaid. Dessy’s design team, headed by Vivian Diamond, is influenced by the latest fashions from around the world and remains at the fashion forefront, creating new color palettes and designs while offering great value and impeccable fit.

Dessy’s vision is to make every bridesmaid feel exquisite in her dress, not simply for the wedding party—but for any party. Dessy’s complete line of versatile and easy-to-wear styles can undeniably be worn again and again.
       
Coordinating colors has become an easy task. When The Dessy Group joined forces with the color gurus at Pantone to introduce Pantone Wedding, brides praised the super-easy way to choose colors. Swatch cards can be used alone or in combination with Dessy’s fabric samples. Once selected, brides can send swatches to family members, bridesmaids and, yes, even vendors.

The latest collections from The Dessy Group incorporate beautiful fabrics, all reminiscent of classic styles, but with a modern twist. They are eager to share their great legacy and passion with you…


The Dessy Collection: The premier dress line offers modern looks designed with excellence in mind.

Dessy Collection Style 2910

Lela Rose Bridesmaid: Layered crinkle chiffon and pleated cotton faille have become this designer’s signature.

Lela Rosa Style LR208

After Six Elegance: Fashionable bridesmaids make this collection admired by all.

After Six Style 6705

Alfred Sung Fresh: Modern-style bridesmaid options have made this line popular for many years.

Alfred Sung Style D678

 
Social Bridesmaids: Contemporary and glamourous best describes this current collection.

Social Bridemaids Style 8134

57 Grand Trendy: An edge best describes this chic line of short dresses.

57 Grand Style 5715

Twist Wrap: Go from classic to sexy in seconds with a twist of the wrap.

Lovelie Beautiful: Plus-size styles that fit and flatter.

Lovelie Style 9011

By: Patricia Canole

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Beauty: Organic Products for Brides

Once upon a time, organic beauty products lined a couple of shelves at the local health food store. No more. The organic trend is widespread and its growth explosive. Beauty companies are reacting to consumer demands and what’s happening in the food industry. With women taking note of what they put inside their bodies, they also started to question what they put on the outside. Clearly, there’s never been a better time to be a naturally radiant bride.

THE GREEN GLOSSARY Knowing these terms will help you read labels right. 
NATURAL The term has not been defined (or regulated) by the FDA but commonly assumed to refer to products containing such ingredients as essential oils, herbs, roots manufactured without the use of synthetics.
ORGANIC Refers to how ingredients are grown and processed. Organic production avoids pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or hormones, genetic engineering or irradiation. Organic products are minimally processed, minus artificial ingredients and preservatives. According to the National Organic Program (NOP) of the US Department of Agriculture, products that contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients can display the USDA “Certified Organic” seal. Products with at least 70 percent organic ingredients can be labeled “made with organic ingredients” but cannot wear the seal.

FRESH PICKS 
The Latest Lotions & Potions.Today it’s easier than ever to find top-quality green skin care and makeup products. Here, some of my favorites to include in your big day beauty regimen. 

Africology USA A luxury line of face and body care products made in South Africa. Products contain indigenous plants, including rooibos, aloe ferox and African potato, along with essential oils. The active ingredients in the skin care products are powerful agents in repairing and restoring damaged skin.
 BEST BET: Anti-Oxidant Serum contains vitamin A palmitate for increased collagen and DNA stimulation. Works wonders for eyes and lips.

Me & The Girls This popular brand creates products using certified organic cupuacu butter that is sustainably harvested from the Amazon rainforest. You’ll find a unique line of alternative, safe moisturizers and exfoliants that polishes and replenishes skin to silky soft perfection.
BEST BET: Bar Beleza, a solid stick made of capuacu butter, tanunu oil and coconut butter with vitamin E. It can be used as a makeup remover, day moisturizer and eye treatment.

Neocell This company specializes in collagen-building supplements designed to promote radiant beauty and overall wellness with ingredients that include skin-plumping collagen, hyaluronic acid and anti-oxidant vitamin C. 
BEST BET: The chewable Beauty Bursts (a 30-day supply) are a delicious way to radiant skin. A truly sweet way to being a beautiful bride! 

Shamanuti Based in Boston this modern skincare line is built on the rich botanical heritage of the Americas. Ingredients like North Atlantic kelp and blue-green algae are carefully formulated to create luxurious products which optimize skin function while calming, nourishing and hydrating.
BEST BET: The popular Crème No. 1 works to balance imperfections and shine while providing stimulation cell repair. The formulation also blocks against environmental pollution and sun damage.

Zao Essence of Nature This certified organic makeup line hails from Italy and uses essential minerals, antioxidants, amino & natural fatty acids to nourish and beautify. Best of all: Products are refillable in bamboo packaging.
BEST BET: The lipstick (shown here in Pearly Pink) goes on smooth—and lasts. Bonus: All lipsticks are refillable in bamboo packaging. 

By Patricia Canole
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Planning: 30 First Dance Songs

Looking for some first dance inspiration?  Find it with our 30 favorite songs to capture your first big moment as husband and wife.

1. Marry You Bruno Mars
2. Love On Top Beyoncé

3. For Once In My Life Stevie Wonder

4. Nothing Else Matters Metallica

5. Everything Michael Bublé

6. Accidently In Love Counting Crows

7. Fly Me To The Moon Frank Sinatra

8. At Last Etta James

9. Dream A Little Dream of Me The Mamas & The Papas

10. Cupid Sam Cooke

11. It Had To Be You Harry Connick Jr.

12. Close To Me The Cure
13. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) James Taylor
14. Baby, Now That I’ve Found You Alison Krauss
15. She Elvis Costello

16. If There Is Something Roxy Music 
17. Stand By Me Ben E King
18. The Way You Look Tonight Frank Sinatra
19. I Only Have Eyes For You Billie Holiday
20. Truly Madly Deeply Savage Garden
21. At My Most Beautiful REM
22. Crazy Little Thing Called Love Queen
23. Yellow Coldplay
24. Gotta Get You Into My Life Beatles
25. You’re Beautiful James Blunt
26. What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong
27. You're The First, The Last, My Everything Barry White  
28. Make You Feel My Love Adele
29. Everlong Foo Fighters 
30. I'm Yours Jason Mraz 

By Patricia Canole For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Planning: Surviving Football Season

Summer is coming to an end and you are ready to get back to planning your day after a long break of fun in the sun. But, just as quickly as the seasons change, you realize that football season is here and instantly your fiancé is unavailable for all Thursday evening, Sunday, and Monday night appointments. We've been there and have some advice for getting your planning done while also spending quality time rooting for your fav team with your guy.

1. Get the Schedule - Most teams have an app that allows you to have the entire schedule on your phone or iPad. With the tap of a finger you can know the days that your husband-to-be will want to be in front of the television. Planning appointments around these days turns telling him when and where you need him into an argument-free conversation. Also, take note of those precious 'bye' weeks to fill up on visiting as many wedding vendors as you possibly can.

2. Fantasy Time - Planning should be a fun time together and planning during football season should be no exception. While he does his fantasy team lineup grab your laptop and do your fantasy wedding lineup. Let him tell you which running backs he picked up for the week and give him updates on what music you added to the playlist. The back and forth banter will allow you both to talk about what's going on without feeling the pressure of planning.

You can still plan your day during football season

3. Utilize Commercials - Some wedding tasks are tedious for brides and grooms no matter what time of the year. Stamping envelopes, writing out place cards, or tying tags to your favors takes time and will require breaks so why not do these things while the commercials play? Do a task a week and before you know it all these jobs will be finalized.

4. Get the Game on the Go - Some cable and satellite providers offer live streaming of football games to your smart phone so he never has to be away from the game. Call your television company to see if this is an option available to you. If it is let him know it's a compromise so that you can see your wedding vendors when they are available and he can watch the game in the car to and from the appointments.

5. Get Away For The Day - If you just want to steer clear of game day and the excitement (or stress) that surrounds it then plan to spend time with your bridesmaids, mom, or future mother-in-law. You'll have at least three hours from kickoff and can accomplish a lot during this time. Shop for accessories, try on your wedding dress, and browse gifts for your groom. Use this time to bond with others in the wedding and tackle tasks that you won't want your husband-to-be present for.

Most importantly, remember that football season is only a few months of the year and you'll get back to full-time wedding planning with your groom soon enough- well, at least until baseball starts.

By Stacy Shiffner
For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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