It’s not even the end of 2008 yet, but the beginning of 2009 is already looking very busy for Ron and me! Wedding planning has been kind of slow recently but things are definitely going to start picking up after the New Year.

First things first: wedding rings. We’ve been looking around for a few months now—any excuse to go into a jewelry store, right? At first I thought I was dragging Ron into every jewelry store I saw against his will. Then last week he actually suggested that we visit a jewelry store in Center City that was going out of business. Of course, I happily obliged. We stopped by and even though everything was discounted, the selection was pretty slim so we didn’t find exactly what we wanted.

We’ve decided to make an appointment and go back to the jewelry store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Ron bought my engagement ring. The staff is very helpful and will give us 15 percent off our bands. This also works out nicely because one of Ron’s groomsmen lives in Lancaster, so he can pick up our rings and hold on to them for us until the wedding. There’s no way I can have my ring at the apartment because I have no self-restraint and would definitely want to prance around with it all the time.

A few rules from the father of the bride.

For those gentlemen searching for the perfect way to propose, here's a good start.

Pet weddings? Apparently.

Hard times for Hawaii and the wedding industry.

To submit a bridal event, email lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

Want to be part of the weekly engagement announcement feature, Save the Date? Here's your chance!

If you’re engaged, we’re looking for you. Don’t worry, our engagement announcements aren't stuffy or formal—that’s not our style. Each week, we highlight fun couples on their way to getting married. We find out everything from the details about the big day to their favorite date spot to their first impressions of each other. Who doesn’t love a good love story?

Here’s where we need your help, Bridal Party readers. If you’re engaged and would like us to tell your story, e-mail lshallcross@washingtonian.com. Or if you know someone who’s getting married, please send this post their way. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Smaller dress: Inspiration or insanity? [via Bridalwave]

Who needs an aisle when you have a fire pole?

Avoiding the gap. [via Always a Blogsmaid]

Getting spring fever. [via Bridalwave]

To submit a bridal event, email lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

I'm incredibly excited to tell you that Washingtonian Bride & Groom, The Washingtonian's new magazine, arrives on area newsstands today! For more than 20 years, The Washingtonian has been writing about and reviewing the local wedding scene, and now, the the first time, we've created a stunning 240-page luxury magazine filled with the best stories, photos and advice for discerning brides and grooms. Over the past few months, I've gotten to know many of the talented florists, event planners, jeweler, caterers, and photographers (to name a few) who've contributed to the new magazine, and I'm thrilled to present them and their work to you.

Move over white—green weddings have arrived. More and more couples today are taking the environment into account when planning their nuptials. But what’s ecofriendly and what’s not? And where should you even begin?

Enter environmentally friendly wedding planner Katie Martin, owner of Elegance & Simplicity Wedding & Event Designers. She knows a thing or two about planning green weddings—in fact, she’s writing a book about it. Martin, a native Washingtonian, has planned about 3,500 weddings since starting Elegance & Simplicity ten years ago. In 2001, she added floral design to the company’s list of services, and now offers everything from planning to lighting to stationery.

Planning a wedding in Washington? You’re not going to want to miss this event. Let “Washingtonian Bride & Groom: Unveiled” send you down the aisle in style.

Once you’ve read the new Washingtonian Bride & Groom (on sale today!) from cover to cover, grab your calendar and put a big red circle around January 25. Join The Washingtonian, the area’s top wedding experts, and other brides- and grooms-to-be at this ultimate wedding showcase, “Washingtonian Bride & Groom: Unveiled.”

The showcase will be held at the Park Hyatt (24th and M sts., NW; 202-789-1234) from 11:30 to 3. Need a few reasons to come?