On Newsstands Now: Martha Stewart Weddings Winter 2011

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 Winter 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings is hitting stands on December 26, and features a number of style stories, fashion spreads and a story on engagement rings, too. (Is it just me or do these engagement rings look like they were shot at Superman's Fortress of Solitude?) You're sure to find inspiration for your wedding, whether you're getting married in winter, spring, summer or fall. Cost: $5.95. Here are some highlights:


Good Things (page 83) is always filled with creative wedding details. I thought the "Four Ways to Work Bows" (page 94) feature was fun. Bow details were huge on the Fall 2010 wedding dress runway. But I thought the "Visual Clues" (page 84) idea was brilliant and one of those moments where you're like, "Why didn't I think of that?!" It basically shows brides a great way to be organized on their wedding day by using clear bins -- available at the Container Store -- to show vendors and bridesmaids -- and as a reminder to the bride -- what's inside and how these items should look when arranged at the wedding.

Not sure how to find your wedding theme and color palette? "Find Your Focus" (page 106) gives brides a guide on how to help pick your palette and wedding theme by where to start: color, location, season or family tradition. Like many brides just engaged, you may be planning on sending a save-the-date card to your wedding guests. "Spread the News!" (page 122) features 10 new ideas for save-the-date cards, including the stacked notepads that your guests are sure to use, heart-shaped save-the-dates and even a balloon save-the date "card."

The well story on wedding flowers, "Flowers All Around" (page 300), includes creative floral ideas for every type of floral details: bridal bouquets, ceremony decor, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonierres and more. The editors gave the "Perfect Palette" (page 249) feature a twist this month by featuring three colorful wedding palettes: white with orange, slate or green. Each color combo features a variety of ideas, from centerpieces to wedding menu details to fashion, accessories and stationery as shown above.


I'm a sucker for a wedding cake story, and while "Amazing Cakes 101" (page 282) does feature some beautiful wedding cakes, there's also this spread on choosing your wedding cake's flavors and fillings. I'm always partial to chocolate, but as the story shows, your wedding cake can be made from any flavor and filling combo you and your groom can think of!

Still looking for your wedding dress? "Timeless Designs" (page 306) features wedding dresses inspired by "iconic fashion eras" and available in bridal salons now. The wedding dresses in the spread shown here represent "Deco Draping" and "1950s Refinement."

If you're getting married this winter, it's not too late to include some of the snowy themed details in "On a Winter's Day" (page 274). The real wedding story is of a couple whose wedding was held in Colorado. The wedding can truly be described as a winter wonderland. I personally love the centerpieces shown above made from cotton bolls, pinecones, evergreen sprigs and candles.

Other highlights include a story on "Twists on Tradition" (page 322). The traditions include paper stationery; something old, new, borrowed and blue; and the guest book. There's a beautiful summer wedding that took place at Martha's home in upstate New York. It's the wedding of her nephew and features creative ideas for a relaxed outdoor wedding, including picnic seating and a game of croquet. The issue is filled with great DIY wedding ideas, and remember that if you plan to DIY your wedding, make sure you leave enough time to make each item and don't be afraid to ask your bridesmaids, mom, and even your groom for help!