Okay, so last night I was forced to watch the show for the first time. My instinct? Producer propaganda! Or on the flip, there are women out there with seriously, serious issues that should be addressed before marriage. But that's just my opinion and here's a confession...(I have issues too.) It's just that a bulk of the scenes in one of the episodes (I lasted through three) seemed so orchestrated it was unbelievable. Plus the incentive for these bridezillas is a trip to Jamaica...better put your act on I say.

Well so much for the show!

Most of us don't think this can happen to us...but never say never. You spend months and months planning your wedding and then woah!!! As your wedding day approaches, nerves become undone, temper flares, bouquets are tossed, etcetera, etcetera...you are changing before your very eyes.

Seriously speaking....

Here are some sane tips for you courtesy of Utterly Fabulous

1. Plan ahead. If you know that the caterer is contractually obligated to bring you food or else risk losing thousands of dollars, guess what? Odds are, they're going to show up. Don't waste your time on the big day. Plan the wedding details ahead of time, confirm a week ahead, and relax during your nuptials!

2. Learn to meditate. We swear to goodness--this one works! You've gotta start practicing ahead of time, but it's well worth it. When you're not sure where the ring bearer is and your manicure is a disaster, take deep breaths, focus on the in-and-out feel your breathing, and allow all the negative energy and stress to leave your body through each exhale. As you breathe, visualize your walk down the aisle going perfectly.

3. Have a backup plan. If you know that 10 wedding guests are going to have professional quality digital cameras, you won't turn into Bridezilla when the photographer's camera breaks. (And yes, this has happened to someone we know, and we still wish him bad wedding photography karma.)

4. Have a snack. A lot of brides (and we mean a lot!) go on drastic diets before the wedding. With the expensive wedding dress, wedding accessories, the honeymoon, and the sheer craziness of the wedding plans, it's not surprise. But when your wedding day arrives, for God's sake, eat! Not eating may cause a rapid drop in your blood sugar, and before you realize it, you're Bridezilla, screaming at the pastor. Don't take it out on Father Smith; have a granola bar or even some hard candy for a quick sugar burst.

REMEMBER: Bridezilla's are made not born!!

For Summer that is....

It's all right to be bright when it comes to planning your summer nuptials. It's the most popular season for weddings and no wonder...the bright, vibrant colors convey a feeling of love and happiness. The days are longer, flowers are in bloom and the weather is warm. It's impossible not to feel love at this time. Summer wedding colors are a presentation of all the season has to offer, and your bridesmaids dresses, wedding decor, and accessories can show off the vibrancy.

When thinking about the colors for your wedding, consider bright hues. Take advantage of the colors blooming during this season: yellows, purples, bright pinks and deep, bright blues. For bridesmaid dresses choose airy styles that flutter and float, they are pretty and they are oh so flattering for evening or day. Wear with flats if by the beach or dress up for evening with some heels. Bring the focus to your waist with flirty dresses that rouche in the middle or, be a little daring with a low neckline complete with some dazzling beaded jewelry...your bridesmaids' bodies should be awfully glad that it's summer...let them show it!!

Knowing How to Choose a Wedding Gown that's Uniquely You

So how do you know what's right and what's not right when it comes to your wedding gown? Especially when there are gazillions of dresses to choose from and well...too many wedding boutiques to count! I say first things first:

Your Body Type...Your Body Type and well...you know..Your Body Type
It can't be stressed enough how important it is to know what is flattering to your specific body type. And because shopping for your wedding gown is such an emotional experience, it's easy to get carried away with every pretty dress you see...especially when you have your well-intentioned friends cheering you on. I think support with this important decision is great, but imagine how much more empowered you'll feel knowing exactly what style works best for you. Pick a dress that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful; accentuating your best features while downplaying areas you'd like to hide (the right fabric, style and measurement will make a big difference.)

So What Is Your Style?
Princess or A-Line: These dresses are very flattering on petites or thin women; they're narrow at the shoulders and gradually flare out. Also good for the hourglass figure, short-waisted, pear-shaped and full-figured women. Women who have large hips and buttocks benefit greatly from a wedding dress that emphasizes their upper body -- the A-Line works best for this figure.

Ball Gown: Ideal for full-figured, pear-shaped, and thin women, this dress is fitted from the waist up and comes with a full skirt. Scoop necks and deep V-necks are also flattering. Don't be afraid to show off your skin, you can appear slimmer by exposing your neck and arms.

Sheath and Empire: While the sheath follows the line of the body, with the empire dress, the waistline is directly under the bust. Thin and petite women will look good in the sheath dress. The empire waist is flattering to petites and pregnant women.

Now with the fuss of the dress out of the way you can move on to fun things like shopping for your flowers, the cake, wedding favors, your shoes, bridesmaids dresses...and we know how the list goes on.

Happy planning, and remember to let your gown and of course your wedding, be a reflection of your own personal style.

So I was lucky enough to have been invited to yet another wedding by a good friend of mine, Lori and his now husband Bill. They got married on 7-7-07, dubbed the biggest wedding day of the year. All I can say is-- WOW!

Bill and Lori invited a large number of guests and knowing that most would be flying they arranged for transportation-- carpools and shuttles! Great far less CO2 and fuel than each couple driving. The ceremony and reception were held on the same property, no need to spend energy moving from one location to the next. Never mind how easier this made the logistics for the event too! The day time ceremony held outdoors utilized the beautiful gardens of the guest house, as well as the natural sunlight...another energy saving move!

And guess what?! Since Lori is vegetarian and so is a large number of her friends, the selections for the cocktail reception were...what else of course but vegetarian! Did you know that vegetarians save over 3,000 pounds of CO2 each year over meat eaters? The club also recycled all glass, aluminum and plastic from the entire weekend wherever possible.

As if they had not made enough amazing choices for their wedding, Lori and Bill bought some adorable and very unique wedding favors. These are not only good for the environment but they are... oh so cute! Check them out:

"Love is Blooming" Wildflower Seed Favor Kits

"Love Grows On" Plantable Magic Bean in Handpainted Mini-Pots

"Love Grows" Plantable Wildflower Favor Hearts

What an elegant and special event the wedding was; and as a wedding consultant they taught me a thing or two!