Ahhh…the whole world loves weddings—especially a royal wedding with all its colorful pomp and circumstance and adoring throngs. Yesterday, after months of rumors, Buckingham Palace finally gave the word that, yes, it’s official—Prince William is engaged to long-time girlfriend, Kate Middleton (check out the cute couple below!). Of course, their every move will now be closely watched until the big day itself as reporters scramble to find out whose dress she’ll wear, who will be in the wedding party, who’s on the coveted guest list, etc., etc.

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Quick: What do Jenna Bush Hager, Katherine Heigl and model Maggie Rizer have in common? Hint: Blonde isn’t the right answer.
Each one of these gals wed in a drop-dead gorgeous gown by the king of bridal fashion—Oscar de la Renta. And now you can too—for free—and that’s not a typo. Exclusively book the luxurious Punta Cana Resort and Club on the north coast of the Dominican Republic for your destination wedding. And you’ll not only get the gown, you’ll also receive a personal consultation with the designer himself. (Plus, Jenna's gown was one of my top picks!)

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The fabulous resort offers all the wonderful things that make it an A-lister playground including a Six Senses Spa, two gorgeous golf courses, eight unbeatable restaurants and endless acres of white sand beaches. Also—and this is the best part—since the local, international airport is owned by the resort, flying, customs are security are hassle-free!
Room rates start at $635 a night; wedding packages start at about $40,000, getting the guy who made the gown to actually select it for you? Priceless.
For more info on the DR (as the locals call the tropical island), be sure to check out the March/April 2011 issue on stands soon!

To see more of these styles, visit marchesa.com, moniquehuillier.com and priscillaofboston.com

Posted by Naima

Needless to say, wedding-weary brides and grooms are prime candidates for luxe spa treatments so you’ll be glad to know that the Hilton Hotels and Resorts have introduced a fantastic new spa brand, eforea: spa at Hilton, that’s guaranteed to soothe your bodies and souls. Many of the Hilton’s current 123 spas around the world will be using this concept with more in development.

I recently attended the eforea Grand Opening at the Hilton Short Hills in New Jersey, and viewed their sleek, modern treatment rooms. Just stepping foot into the eforea spa was transforming and the beautifully designed Transition Lounge set the stage for the bliss that awaits.

The soft lighting, fragrance-infused rooms and gentle music soothed my senses and imbued an immediate sense of peace and calm. The eforea spa features thermal lounges, sauna and steam pods and a Vichy shower room as well as private treatment rooms with showers. Each room feels like your own cozy little haven of privacy and escape.

Now here’s a treat: a new service called H. Bloom has begun a Bridal Registry that offers flower deliveries right to your door for just $35 a bunch (hbloom.com): very reasonable when you consider the high price of buds! What a treat for a busy bride-to-be to stop and smell the roses to get her day started right (studies show that fresh blooms can actually heal the soul and raise the spirits). To tell the truth: If I were a bride, I’d just love it if someone gave this subscription to me as a wedding gift. Might someone you know take the hint? Check out our favorite arrangement below!

To see these styles, go to verawang.com, rivini.com and angelsanchezusa.com.

Posted by Naima

For more information on these dresses, visit michelleroth.com, oscardelarenta.com,
moniquelhuillier.com.

Posted by Naima

Posted by Maureen

The BG team just got a great book in the office: 52 Things Brides On a Budget Should Know , by Aimee Manis. Aimee has some great suggestions (things I certainly would be clueless about if I were in your beribboned satin shoes):
Thing #15: A modern, minimalist wedding is the cheapest to create, without looking cheap.
Thing #34: Cut centerpiece costs by providing your own containers.
Thing #24: You really only need one real cake tier for your cake cutting. (Hint: "Ask the baker to make dummy layers out of frosting-enrobed Styrofoam for everything but the tier you'll cut into...guests are served slices from a less expensive sheet cake hidden away in the kitchen."
See this cute little book for more "Things" you can definitely use.