Modern Bride, Winter 2006/2007, Special Issue: Beauty & Fitness

Modern Bride released its first issue in 1949, setting itself up as competition for another popular bridal magazine, Brides. Modern Bride shifted its focus in the 70s, catering to mature brides. In 2002, Condé Nast bought Modern Bride from Primedia for $52 million. Due to the economic recession of the late 2000s, Modern Bride ceased publication, along with its sister publication Elegant Bride, in October 2009. Condé Nast consolidated all its bridal content into one magazine, Brides, which is still published today. This marked the end of an era for bridal magazines as the industry moved towards digital content.

Originally published bi-monthly, Modern Bride gave advice to the future brides, focusing on new and contemporary trends. Not only did the magazine concentrate on bridal fashion and reception ideas but also honeymoon recommendations and newlywed advice. The 2006/2007 Winter issue was a “Beauty & Fitness” special edition, giving advice on how to get in shape before the big day. Along with training and weight loss tips, they tout how to “Get glowing skin now!” and what makeup the pros suggest.

The fitness issue marks a difference in diet culture in the 2000s compared to the 2020s. Diet fads in the 2000s focused on losing weight quickly and not necessarily in the safest ways. With a coverline, “Lose 10lbs by your wedding,” many beauty and fashion magazines touted similar sentiments. Compared to more body positive trends of the early 2020s, Brides’ fitness articles focus on healthy nutrition and size inclusivity. One article says, “Do not do the last-minute super training, starvation, and goal setting of getting into a dress that is possibly too small.” Diet trends are ever-present in the beauty and fashion world, and this issue of Modern Bride is a snapshot of 2000’s diet culture.

UPTOWN Magazine, Spring 2011, Special Issue: Weddings & Travel

UPTOWN Magazine is part of the Arena Group media organization. Uptown is based in Harlem, New York City. It is a magazine that is dedicated to the African-American Diaspora in the United States, it is “a national magazine with city-specific editions in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, DC, and Charlotte” (Uptown Magazine. n.d.). The magazine focuses on a variety of topics like travel & leisure, sports, fashion & jewelry, and profiles professionals and tastemakers that represent their audience. The item featured in this collection is their special issue focusing on Weddings & Travel in the Summer of 2011, the last year Keija Minor was the Editor-in-Chief (Wikimedia, 2024).

Victorian Bride, Vol. 1, No 1, 1995

Victorian Bride magazine’s premier issue was published in 1995, Mary Arrigo was the editor of this edition. As evidenced by this issue's table of contents, the magazine covers a number of topics and themes, all centered on wedding planning. The targeted audience is the bride, any mention of the groom is phrased “your groom”. This magazine’s title also implies a focus on Victorian and what society has labelled as traditional wedding etiquette and style (in the style of Queen Victoria of England, who is credited with popularizing the white dress) (Wikimedia, 2025). 

Signature Bride, Winter/Spring 1996

Signature Bride launched by KLCS Communication Inc. in 1996 as a bridal magazine created for affluent African American brides and grooms (Signature Bride, n.d.). It was published three times a year, with each issue highlighting wedding trends and traditions for Black couples. The inaugural issue featured a “Groom’s Corner,” a dedicated space showcasing menswear for weddings. Other features include articles on African American fashion designers, guidance on buying a home, and bridal shower ideas. The 100+ page magazine is split into various categories, including bridal planning, bride-focused articles, and advice for engaged couples.