Well, it's that time of year again. Hopefully, if you were expecting a proposal, you got one and I hope it surpassed your dreams.

If you're planning a spring or summer wedding, you still have time to plan (and if you're getting married in the fall, you have more time still!). If you're celebrating tonight, stay safe and give your fiance a great, big kiss when the ball drops.


Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 8028455


Whether or not you make resolutions for the new year, remember to not let the stress of wedding planning get to you or drive a wedge between you and your future husband. Yes, it's stressful; there will be times when you want to call the whole thing off, just to get some peace.

Take some time for yourself this year. Say "no" when you want to. Get some fresh air if you desperately need a break.

Congratulations and enjoy the big adventure that's sure to come!

With so much talk of "going paperless," you may have noticed less paper going around when it comes to wedding invitations. As darling as most invitations are, if you're especially eco-conscious, you might either look into invites printed on recycled paper or you might look into no paper invitations at all.

Today, you have the option to set up your entire wedding planning online. This can include directing guests and loved ones to a website where you set up a gift registry and even forego paper invitations by having guests RSVP right online.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 3595361

Naturally, with some people not being Internet savvy, you'll probably have a few who need a more traditional invite, but with technology taking over more and more every day, I'm afraid that in time, paper invitations will be a thing of the past. While this is good for the planet, it's not so good for the stationary suppliers. Or for those of us who still appreciate the occasional hand-written note.

Looking for spring styles? Take a peek at this Pronovias bridal gown...

This is Habana and it is gorgeous. It has a slightly vintage/retro feel to it and is a perfect pick for an elegant look all around. This particular line tends to be fairly expensive, but with so many places to shop for wedding dresses, you may find a similar style for much less.

I'd look into consignment shops or vintage stores for a dress that's close, if you don't want or have thousands of dollars to spend.

More Pronovias bridal styles for your viewing pleasure!

Some brides want all the trimmings and who can blame them? After all, most of us only plan to get married once and want our wedding days to be nothing short of perfect. We want to look perfect, too, or as close to it as possible. As a bride, you get to wear a gown/dress and accessories that you don't get to wear every day, so why not make the most of it?

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 3921804

If you've been thinking of adding gloves to your bridal ensemble, now is a great time to bring this style back. Gloves work well with a number of dress fashions; just remember to:

* Make sure some skin shows: If your gloves are long, pair them with a long gown - strapless dresses work wonderfully with this style.
* Make sure they match your style of dress: Long, opera gloves are more for dramatic gowns, while wrist-length gloves complement shorter or more casual dresses.
* Take them off before the ring exchange: You want that wedding band slipped directly onto your ring finger, so make sure you fit glove removal into your rehearsal.

We're right in the middle of the holiday season, which can only mean one thing. No, not eating 'til you're stuffed. Not even shopping 'til your feet are screaming for mercy.

It means it's a prime season for marriage proposals. Christmas, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Valentine's Day and your birthday...all big "Will you marry me?" days.


Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 5805148


Hopefully, if you're waiting on a proposal, you get it this holiday season. However, with the recent economic woes affecting so many people, industries and businesses, if you don't get that giant rock you've always envisioned, don't fret. This is really a case where it's the thought that counts.

With many couples having to downsize their wedding plans, brides buying secondhand gowns, going for smaller, intimate ceremonies with fewer guests - the wedding industry is feeling the pinch, too. But when it comes to becoming a bride-to-be, it's more about planning to spend the rest of your life with your special guy instead of worrying about how many carats the ring is. Besides, when the financial picture improves, you can always upgrade!

Some of my favorite types of wedding favors are the kind that aren't simply cute, but also useful. When choosing favors, be sure to select those that fit in with your season and/or theme. Here are some favors that go beyond just reminding everyone of your wedding - they also have uses that are unique:

Flip flop favors are great for a summer wedding, especially if you get married at the beach, but these are more than favor footwear - they're keychains, too.

If many of your guests are wine aficionados, these favors double as coasters.

And these last favors promise to add some beauty to the world. Gardening a favorite hobby of yours or your fiance? These wildflower seed shakers are full of seeds that your guests can plant. Mini gardening tools are just some icing.

All favors and images: True Blue Bridal

Not all celebrity wedding cakes are huge, expensive productions. So you can copy some famous cakes without breaking your budget. A lot of recent celebrity weddings have been pretty quiet affairs, but you always have a few who end up on the front pages of every magazine and newspaper you get your hands on.

Still, see this simple but elegant cake?

It's from Jaime King and Kyle Newman's L.A. nuptials. What a fantastic use of flowers! It's not over-the-top or too much...it's just enough, perfect for the locale and pretty.

See even more celebrity wedding cakes.