September is one of the biggest months for runway shows. Although Spring Bridal Week 2014 was back in April, bridal fashion was BIG at New York Fashion Week with designers like Naeem Khan showing their bridal creations on the runway. Because designers focused on classic trends with a modern twist, gowns are sure to be attractive to all brides.

What couture trends will be popular for the upcoming Spring wedding season? We’ll take you through them below!

Mermaid Gowns: 

Glamour:

Sources: Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, Harper's Baazar

Every culture has their own unique wedding traditions that go beyond the white dress and veil. So, if you’re marrying into a family with a new culture, or want to embrace your own family’s culture, be sure to incorporate those traditions into your own wedding.

Here are a few of our favorite wedding traditions from around the globe.

China:
Couples consult a fortune-teller to pick the date of the wedding. It is important for the fortune-teller to pick an auspicious day through Chinese almanacs, as it will lead to a happy and healthy marriage.

Norway:
Brides wear spoon shaped bangles dangling from a silver or gold crown. Legend says the music created from the bangles will ward off evil spirits and bad luck.

India:
During the Var Mala Ceremony on the wedding day, the bride and groom exchange flower garland necklaces to symbolize the bride’s acceptance of the groom as her husband.

Jamaica:
Everyone in the village helps put the wedding together for the bride and groom. On the day of the event, the community gathers in the street to see the new bride. If the bride’s appearance isn’t up to par, the entire village publically scrutinizes her.

Which cultural tradition are you including in your wedding?

Sources: Business Insider, CNN

Whether you’ve been dreaming of an ethereal garden wedding, or a grandiose decked-out indoor wedding, both options have a few important pros and cons to consider. If you’re like many other brides out there who are struggling with the decision to hold their wedding indoors or outdoors, these next few tips may help you come to a final decision! 

Outdoor Wedding

Pro: Nature and the great outdoors provide so much natural beauty.  Whether you’re deep in the mountains, in the valleys of a vineyard, or on a soft sandy beach, the outdoors creates a very relaxed and serene environment.  Who can say no to lush greenery, the smell of colorful flowers blooming, and a picturesque landscape?

Con: The weather can be unpredictable.  Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to predict whether or not you’ll be hit with a surprise thunderstorm, high winds, or unbearable humidity.  Try to keep your bases covered by renting a tent, space heaters, or fans to protect your guests if the weather happens to take a turn for the worst!

Pro: Sometimes you can save money because you don’t have to worry about décor since an outdoor ceremony is scenic enough.  This saves you some stress in the decision making process – just let the natural rolling hills and elegant flowers wow everybody!

Con: Lighting can be difficult.  With a lack of outlets and power sources, you’ll have to get creative in finding ways to light up your evening.  Thankfully, Martha Stewart has come up with 25 ways to light up your outdoor wedding – take a look here!

Pro: Looking to have a more casual wedding? The outdoors creates a serene and tranquil ambiance that’s perfect for those of you who are opting for a more laid-back and folksy wedding day. 

Con: Bugs, bugs, bugs. Away with the nasty little critters! Avoid having your guests swat away flies all night by incorporating a few bug lanterns around your reception. 

Indoor Wedding:

Pro: You don’t have to worry about the weather ruining your special day. Your hair is protected from the wind, your dress is protected from the rain, and your guests are protected from overwhelming humidity.

Con: Sometimes you can be confined when it comes to planning your décor because of the rules and regulations of certain venues and establishments.  Before you sign a contract, make sure there’s enough room for all of your guests.  Also, be sure to get all of your décor ideas “okayed” by the establishment.  If the venue doesn’t allow something, keep looking for the perfect venue! This is your special day and everything should be the way you’ve dreamed it would be for all these years!

Pro: Indoor weddings can be more private and intimate than outdoor weddings.  You don’t have to worry about car horns interrupting the exchange of your vows, or noise from construction work distracting guests from watching you walk down the aisle. 

Con: Sometimes it’s difficult to book a venue during the winter months since they are in such high demand.  Avoid this issue by planning ahead!