Real Simple Presents: Financial Questions to Ask Your Spouse Before the Wedding

So, the man of our dreams has finally popped the question. Time to pick out the dress!

WAIT! Not so fast!

Before you tie the knot, it is important to have a serious discussion regarding your finances. Although it may seem like a touchy subject, keep in mind that you will be making a lifelong commitment with this person, which will most likely delve into the realm of making sure the bills are paid on time. Asking these questions will help both of you come to terms with your separate spending habits, debts, and assets and will help you plan accordingly in terms of achieving-or maintaining-a comfortable lifestyle relatively free from financial strife.

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Inspiration Board 37: Silver Belle

Credits: Corbin Gurkin, Corbin Gurkin Photography, Rochelle Mort, Blooms by Martha Andrews, Belathee, Belathee Photography, Orchard Cove Photography, Artisan Events, Carla Ten Eyck, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Real Simple Presents: Bouquets on a Budget

Think that supermarket flowers are an unacceptable option for your bouquets?

Think again. If arranged properly, the buds that you find at your local Publix or Piggly Wiggly can be a budget-friendly, but still tasteful, option. The staffers at Real Simple can show you how to make garden variety carnations, daisies, and even babies’ breath into elegant nosegays for you and your ‘maids.

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Re-Introducing Chicista Fashion

I have relaunched my fashion blog!

Click here to take a look!

Inspiration Board 36: Amethyst Amour

Credits: Kendall Brown, Andrea Cunningham, On Paper, C Studios, ON PAPER, Holland Photo Arts (2), Photography by Michael, ABC Dragoo, “Madeline Long” by Coren Moore

Fall 2010 NY Bridal Fashion Week Spotlight: Farah Angsana

The latest from Farah Angsana is suited for the edgy bride in search of new textures and dramatic embellishment. The shameless addition of over-the-top details on classic silhouettes makes for a stand-out presentation on the runway and down the aisle.

Click here to see the full collection.

Elle Presents: Hollywood Makeup Artists Reveal the Hottest Holiday Beauty Trends

Although the bridal mags will always carry sound advice on makeup looks for your big day, I couldn’t help but admire the looks on Elle.com’s beauty special. The makeup choices suit red-carpet royalty of various styles and skin tones, which will definitely suit you for their wedding day and many other occasions thereafter. After all, you are queen for the day.

Click here to read the feature.

RealSimple.Com Presents: Wedding Guest List Help

One of the biggest challenges (and, possibly the biggest arguments) you will encounter while planning your wedding will have to do with the guest list. Ideally, you and your mate would love to share this special day with the whole world. However, with budget constraints and venue capacities, the both of you will have to be very selective. So, who gets the invite: your third cousin or his frat brother? Your best friend from the third grade or his former baby-sitter? As for both sets of parents: who’s on their guest list?

Thankfully, Real Simple has an article dealing with this very topic. The article features tips on how to prioritize and prune the guest list so that you have everyone of the utmost importance present to share in your joy all while avoiding the violation of your state’s fire codes.

Click here to read the full article.

Photo taken by Jason Walz

Inspiration Board 35: Gold Standard

Credits: Rochelle Mort, Kevin Chin, Classic Party Rentals, Nancy Liu Chin, Jose Villa, C Studios, On Paper, “Style 5425″ by Watters and Watters

Fall 2010 NY Bridal Fashion Week Spotlight: Amsale

The current front-runner in the “little white dress” concept also included breathtaking ball gowns, curve-hugging trumpets, and chic bridemaids’ dresses in her collection.

Click here to see all of the latest from Amsale.