On Newstands Now: Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2011

by aisledash staff, Posted Feb 28th 2011 10:00AM

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

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 Spring 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings (marthastewartweddings.com) hits stands today, February 28th, and according to the cover it's filled with "432 ideas for your day!". I didn't actually count them to see if they were stretching the truth, but I can tell you there are a lot of creative ideas -- some DIY ideas -- that you're sure to love. Cost: $5.95. Here are some highlights:

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

Your wedding ceremony program will explain to your wedding guests the different elements of your wedding service and, if you want, who the members of your bridal party are. A booklet is the most common form of wedding program, but in "Good Things" (page 76) there are four creative ideas that you may want to consider for yours. I think the best type of wedding favor is an edible wedding favor, and almost everyone will enjoy a sweet treat, right? "DIY Style" (page 122) shares four edible favor ideas for couples and their guests who are known to have a sweet tooth.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

The issue's stationery story, "Written by Hand" (page 262) highlights calligraphy and shows a variety of ways to include it in your wedding details, such as wedding invitation envelopes, escort cards, on desserts and as a keepsake. I especially like the keepsake idea -- having your vows calligraphed so you can read them at your wedding ceremony and then frame them in your home. Much better than having them scribbled on a scrap of paper. And speaking of stationery, one of the "Good Things" pages shares the editors' "secret source" Champion Stamp (page 80), which has stamps in a range of themes so you're sure to find stamps for your wedding invitation that complement your wedding's theme and color palette.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

"Fringe Benefits" (page 314) "brings sophistication" to wedding details with fringe, from your wedding invitations to your paper bridal bouquet to the wedding cake. Fringe can be found in stores or can be easily made with paper and scissors. (There's a "Learn How to Fringe" story on the magazine's Web site.) But I think my favorite fringe idea is the white dress the model is wearing on page 323 by BCBG Max Azria.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

Other highlights include two beautiful real weddings: One feels very handmade and the other is more traditional. I really like the registry story which shows home items by time of day -- morning, noon and night -- which is also a great bridal shower theme, "Around the Clock." There's a bridal bouquet story and the wedding cake story, "Quilted Cake," features wedding cakes decorated with quilting techniques. This month's "Perfect Palette" story (page 243) is powder blue and nude and includes ideas for your wedding invitations, seating cards, bridal bouquet, reception decor, flower girl and ring bearer outfits, your wedding menu and edible wedding favor ideas.

Martha Stewart Weddings is hosting an "Online Luxury Expo" on March 12 - 13, 2011, where brides can chat live with the magazines editors, get advice form some of the industry's top experts and watch videos on wedding style ideas. You can register for the free expo at marthastewartluxuryexpo.com.

If getting married at a vineyard is what you desire, you may want to enter the Chateau St. Jean Dream Wedding Giveaway. One lucky couple will win a wedding in Sonoma Valley, including a wedding photography package. Visit sonomadreamwedding.com to enter.

Tags: bridal magazines, Martha Stewart Weddings, On Newsstands Now, wedding magazines