It’s official! Congratulations to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi who were married on Saturday, August 16th at their home in Los Angeles. The two, both wearing Zac Posen, finally exchanged vows in front of close family and friends. Best wishes to the happy couple!

Many brides have recently chosen to forgo the traditional wedding cake and serve cupcakes at the wedding instead. Some think that is easier than deciding on an entire wedding cake. It’s a great idea, but you still have to find a design you love. Enter, the Cupcakes Take the Cake blog. Their tagline is “All Cupcakes, All the Time…Everything you ever wanted to know about cupcakes from true fans.” Now this is definitely some research I could sink my teeth into! Check out the posts to get ideas for your own cupcakes.

Watch The Martha Stewart Show this week for more cupcake ideas as she begins “Cupcake Week” with today’s recipe for a coconut cupcake!

For most brides, just the thought of searching for the perfect wedding dress causes anxiety. What do I bring? What do I wear? How do I know when I find THE ONE?

The WeddingWire Community recently participated in a discussion about trying on wedding dresses for the first time. Click here to read the great advice our members had to offer. Good luck!

Do you have any advice for brides going dress shopping?

Chocolate covered pretzles could, quite possibly, be my favorite indulgence! I included these sweet and salty treats as favors at my own wedding. I was actually hoping that guests would leave them on the tables and I could bring them all back home for me to eat! Unfortunately, my guests seemed to enjoy them just as much as I did.

I recently stumbled upon the Fretzels by Jill website and immediately thought, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” Besides offering a Fretzel of the Month Club (!), this company also creates custom party favors perfect for any occasion. They will create personalized packaging (inlcuding ribbon and tags) to match your wedding colors and/or theme. Yum!

In the madness that is wedding planning, many important elements may be overlooked. Lighting can make such a difference in the overall appearance and mood of your room, that I would definitely suggest taking the time to experiment. Candles have always been a great, and less expensive, way to add ambience to a special event. Use candles along the aisle for your ceremony, as centerpieces for the reception, or as an accent to showcase your cake or guest book table.

Check with your venue to be sure they actually allow real candles. If not, there are many creative alternatives.

The Games of the 29th Olympiad are here! Go Team USA!

You can get so much done while you watch the Olympic Games……address save the dates/invitations, build your wedding website, manage your RSVPs, make favors, or create welcome bags for your guests. You can be so productive over the next few weeks!

Party Basics for New Nesters

Maria McBride has authored a new party-planning guide that is perfect for all you newlyweds out there. Party Basics for New Nesters offers entertaining ideas for every occasion. As a “new nester” myself, I need this book! Cocktail parties with friends, I can handle (I think). However, I am now expected to host family gatherings and holiday dinners - help!

McBride gives us practical ideas and tips on the basics of entertaining that are easy to understand and execute. This guide is organized by event and will give advice on decor, menu items, and table settings that combine to create a great party.

Do you have any entertaining ideas or advice for newlyweds?

Hitched in Washington, DC is having a Sample Sale! Check their website for sale inventory. Even if you are not in the DC area, they will ship your order to you! Sample sales are a great way to get your dream dress at an amazing price. Some items may be up to 70% off!

Another crazy (and very early) morning at Filene’s Basement! The WeddingWire Team was out in full force today for Running of the Brides at the Mazza Gallerie location. We had a great time meeting the brides and their friends and families. I think the brides enjoyed meeting us too - and I’m sure that had nothing to do with the fact that we were giving away gift cards for FREE wedding dresses! Here are some photos from this morning…

Click here for more photos from this event. We’ll see you in Boston!

If you are in the Washington, DC Metro area tomorrow (Friday) morning, join us for Filene’s Basement’s annual event, Running of the Brides! Thousands of brides are expected at the event and many will begin to line up this evening at the Mazza Gallerie location. Doors open at 8am, but we strongly suggest getting there early!

For a chance to win a free wedding dress at this event, click here.

See you there!