On Newsstands Now: Brides December 2010

After getting engaged, you'll probably run to the newsstand and pick up a stack of wedding magazines, and when you get to the checkout counter, you'll find out that they can be expensive. (That's why you should get a subscription -- it'll save you a lot of money!)

Just like deciding what movie to go see or restaurant to eat at, reading a review of a bridal magazine can help you decide which one to buy. Aisledash.com is now your go-to source for reviews of the latest wedding magazines hitting stands, whether they're local or national. Each review will feature the highlights of the new issue and what you'll find inside.

The December 2010 issue of Brides magazine (bridesmag.com) just hit stands and is chock full of wedding ideas, including a feature on winter weddings -- great for brides getting hitched in the next few months! The cover girl is wearing a wedding dress designed by Vanessa Tapia for Brides Operation Dream Dress contest (page 40). The 26-year-old design student's stunning sketch wowed the judges with its multidirectional pleating, dramatic draping and beaded waistband. The wedding dress is available in David's Bridal stores and retails for $650. Cost of issue: $5.99. Here are some highlights:

The Planning section features nine ways to have an eco-wedding (page 152) with a mix of ideas that you've probably read on other sites and in other magazines but I liked the idea to leave on a bicycle built for two instead of a limo and buy wedding rings made from recycled materials. The page also lists three eco-wedding blogs, including Earth Friendly Weddings which also designs eco-invitations. Speaking of blogs, Brides launched a new column "Blog Star" (page 158) highlighting wedding planning tips from some of the blogosphere's rising wedding stars. First up is Dana LaRue aka The Broke-Ass Bride. Dana's 10 budget tips are creative and many are do-it-yourself oriented.

Don't forget your groom! Remember that without him popping the question you wouldn't be planning a wedding. The Buzz section features a creative idea for a groomsmen gift (page 70) -- custom shaving bags -- and highlights Butch Bakery in New York that whips up "manly" cupcakes. If you're looking for some trendy wedding details (page 64) you may want to serve up some hot cocoa to go in custom porcelain cups or Facebook status - inspired cookies.

Whether you consider yourself a modern bride or a traditional bride you are most likely going to wear a veil on your wedding day. This classic bridal accessory is available in a range of lengths and fabrics so you're sure to find the perfect veil to complement your wedding dress. The "Veiled Remarks" article (page 94) in the style section explains six different veil options and features three celebrity brides and their veils. If you're still trying to pick the perfect bridal-party attire, the editors feature a ruby red and gold palette (page 102) that works well if you're getting hitched around the holidays, though it may be too late to order bridesmaid dresses for a wedding around December 25th.

"Your Favorite Things" (page 236) shows brides how to take wedding inspiration they've gathered and translate it into their wedding's color palette, theme and overall style.The eight-page feature includes a variety of wedding details -- the wedding cake, bridal bouquet, wedding invitation and wedding reception decor. In addition to the beautiful photos, the accompanying copy explains "How They Did It" and where to get the items in the story.

You may not know this, but more couples will get engaged between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day than any other time of the year. Because of this stat, you'll start seeing a number of engagement ring stories online and in bridal magazines in the coming weeks. Brides' "Ring Guide" (page 244) includes a photo glossary of different diamond cuts, tips on where to buy an engagement ring, different setting options and how to use a loupe (magnifier) to get a closer look at the stone you are thinking of buying.


Other highlights include 41 bridesmaid thank-you gifts (page 256), which include a number of items they are sure to love. I know I would love the monogrammed Jonathan Adler pillows! Speaking of the bridal party, the issue's "Idea List" (page 288) features 20 "new spins" on the ring pillow. The Honeymoon section (page 175) is a guide to "faraway fantasies" like Tahiti, Fiji and Australia's Great Barrier Reef. You'll also learn how to pack the perfect carryon bag for a long flight. Whatever you decide to pack, double check the bag's measurements to make sure it will fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. You don't want to find out it's too big as you board the plane.