I’m sure many of you can identify with the fact that I feel I have purchased my weight in bridal magazines. There’s something about flicking through the glossy pages with some scissors or a highlighter that just makes me giddy – more so than clicking through the internet. Several times, I’ve come away from the newsstand with an armful of magazines only to be disappointed to find them a. unhelpful and b. more than half advertisements for cheesy bridal crap I would never buy/wear/foist on my worst enemy.

Somehow, Brides Northern California ended up in my possession (it just showed up at my workplace – anyone who’s been to a bridal fair is used to people selling your information to others who hit you up for services) and after a quick page-through, I realized it was actually a good, helpful, and relevant magazine. Hurrah!

Brides Northern California

Helpful and interesting articles! Stuff I can find in my area! Relevant advice! How many times have you seen something in a national bridal magazine and thought to yourself “Wow, that’s the perfect ring pillow/flower style/bridesmaid gift!” only to realize that you can only find it in Dallas or Saskatchewan?

The Spring/Summer 2010 issue has interesting articles on the following:

* a guide to finding all things bridal on Etsy.com (like an Ireland-based designer that exclusively makes wraps and shawls to go over wedding dresses)

* ideas for unusual engagement ring/wedding ring pairings (if you have a classic 3-stone engagement ring, try pairing it with a thicker diamond baguette-studded band)

*an article on the art of respectfully negotiating with vendors in this topsy-turvy economic climate (try flattery about how much you love their work, then hit them with your budget)

* color and style ideas to go with some local venues (a Roaring Twenties theme at the Julia Morgan ballroom downtown)

I highly suggest checking it out! You can order it on the Brides website, along with other location-based versions like DC, Atlanta and Boston.