Wedding Magazines: With so many, which ones are best?

[gtn]

So I went to Barns and Nobel the other day to look for a bridal magazine and there are tons of them. I started looking through a few and then got totally overwhelmed. At this point, I''m starting my wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses search and I just want to get a feel for what I like. My friend tells me I should start by looking through magazines for ideas and then go dress shopping. So which magazines would you recommend and why? Also what do you think is the best way about going dress shopping? Any ideas?



Also, what are some good websites?

Is it safe to give your information to theknot.com? I don''t want getting spam sent to me.

TIA

 

[ladyciel]

Hmmmm, I think it depends on what you''re looking for.

For dresses, the Knot has a magazine that has a giant catalog of dresses organized by designer. That can be nice when you have no clue yet what you like or what''s out there. It also has a key to approximate cost, so you can get a feel for what designers are in your price range.

For design ideas, I really like Brides and Blooms. It''s more oriented towards actual style elements, themes, etc, which can be great when you''re focusing on the details for your day.

For local vendors, like reception locations, photographers, florists, etc try getting one of the local publications. The Knot does them by state, and Brides has some, too. For Michigan, I preferred the Brides version to the Knot''s, but that''s me. These usually have tables in the back of vendors/locations with info about their features, prices, size, etc.

All that said - most of what''s in the magazines you can find online for free. I haven''t noticed any huge amount of spam from The Knot or Brides.com, so you''re probably safe signing up for those. Just make sure you uncheck all the little optional boxes.

Oh, and a plug for a book that I''ve found more helpful than any magazine - Bridal Bargains. I got it from the local library. They basically walk you through the wedding industry and all the pitfalls, teach you how to protect yourself, and review websites, designers, and companies for their products and customer service. Definitely worth the cost if you have to buy it, but check your library first.

 

[musey]

It really depends on what kind of information you're trying to get: pictures to help you envision your wedding, articles with planning tips, dress ideas...

Really, for all those I prefer to just use the internet. Pretty much anything you'd find in a magazine, you'd find on the internet (and then some). TheKnot.com and Brides.com/ModernBride.com are great for dresses, ProjectWedding.com, WeddingWire.com, and even PS are great resources for those and other things.

Bridal magazines... I don't generally find all that useful. Besides, they're often overpriced--anywhere from $6 to $20 depending upon where they're published and where they're sold... and the internet is free! However, they ARE quite fun to pick up at the airport and look through while you're on a plane

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

I have to say my favirote is martha stewart. Her stuff is on the website as well.

 

[HollyS]

I preferred the Texas version of THE KNOT and their website for ideas. Austin Wedding Day and its website was where we connected with our classical guitarist. Anything that had "real" weddings as opposed to just a designer''s ideas was what interested me.

 

[sap483]

My photographer does work for Brides and Bloom, and recently introduced me to them. That magazine has given me far more ideas in terms of design ideas than any others.

 

[Pandora II]

Martha Stewart is really good. All the UK ones are dire and super-tacky. You guys are so lucky!

 

[gtn]

Thank you all for your reply. Now I don''t have to dig through a whole stack of magazines. I will start with the ones you all suggested.

Thanks again.