Last year in April, Kate Middleton emerged on her wedding day wearing an elegant, romantic wedding gown with beautiful long, lace sleeves, and with it emerged a new trend in wedding gowns. The runways of New York Bridal Fashion Week in October were covered with gowns that had long sleeves, a pretty long way from the sleeveless gowns we’re all so used to seeing! In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find many brides wearing sleeves on their wedding days a few years back, but as these new gowns hit the stores for spring and fall, I think it’s a safe bet we’ll be seeing brides more covered up than every before!

There are several reasons why you might want to stray from the more common strapless gowns for your wedding day. If you’re getting married in a cooler environment (say, outside in a crisp white winter wonderland!) sleeves are probably a good idea. Even though it’s cold, many brides still want that picturesque ceremony out in nature, and sleeves will keep your teeth from chattering as you say your “I Do’s” and will ward off blue lips for that first kiss as man and wife! Another reason you might want to be covered up is if you’re getting married in a church or synagogue, where a more modest wedding gown is often required. Lucky for all you brides, there are now so many gorgeous options for your wedding day! Fashion forward designer Monique Lhuillier showed gowns with elegant lacey sleeves, and Anne Barge is creating gowns with elbow and three-quarter length sleeves that give off a classic 70’s vibe – think a more modern version of the gown your mother wore!

Of course, you’re already making one pretty big commitment on your wedding day, so with all the wedding gown options out there, you don’t have to commit to long sleeves if that’s not quite right for you. One option is to still stay covered up with short sleeves or cap sleeves. Angel Sanchez showed a whimsical take on the short sleeve with flirty, fluttering sleeves on some of his wedding dresses (love!). Or, find that strapless or halter gown you adore, and throw on a lacey bolero or (faux) fur shrug for the ceremony, and then shrug it off to reveal a sexier, fun gown underneath for the reception!

The same goes for your bridesmaid gowns. If you’re getting married in a location that requires a sleeve (or if you don’t want your bridesmaids freezing for a winter wedding), you can also find plenty of super cute bridesmaid dresses with a short or long sleeve too. Or, gussy them up in strapless gowns and then give them a colorful pashmina to wear as a wedding favor to thank them for being in your wedding! Now that’s a gift you know they can wear again (because let’s be honest, the bridesmaid dress probably won’t make an encore appearance after the wedding day!).

So far all you brides who fell in love at first sight with Kate Middleton’s long-sleeved wedding gown, or if you just want to be a little more covered up on your wedding day, I am happy to say that there tons of options now out there perfect for you! Happy shopping!

Ring Bearers add such a charming appeal to the wedding party. While flower girls often take the spot-light with their adorable, fluffy dresses and perfect ringlet curls, ring bearers can be just as handsome! Tweak the tiny details of your Ring Bearer’s attire to have him looking like a true gentleman. Neck ties are a great way to add a little bit of character to the Ring Bearer’s ensemble, without going overly crazy with childish prints and textures.

One option is to make the ring bearer appear as a tiny version of the groom. Dress the ring bearer to match the groom- from his tie, all the way down to his shoes! The little details make all of the difference.

Another option is to dress the ring bearer like the groomsmen. A ‘mini’ groomsman will look charming and adorable standing next to all the full-sized men!

Lastly, you could dress the ring bearer having a style of his own. A well fitting suit, brightly color or printed necktie and shiny shoes can totally transform the look of your little helper.

Traditional Necktie: For an authentic, classy look, dress your little man in a traditional necktie. Find a tie of moderate length, made specifically for the age range/ size of your child.

Skinny Tie: For a more retro look, try a skinny tie on your the ring bearer. Make the tie stand out even more by choosing a popping color that contrasts well with the suit/ mini tuxedo that he will be wearing!

Bow tie: Dignified flair, and totally modern. Bow ties turn any little boy into a dashing prince! Wow all of your guests and turn all eyes on him with a nicely defined bow tie.

Before the wedding ceremony, have your little guy practice wearing a tie if he doesn’t typically wear them. He may find the slight sensation around his neck to be very comfortable and unbearable! As with anything, practice makes perfect. Entice him with garden wedding favors, a miniature wooden birdhouse that he can check daily for new visitors!

Maintaining a healthy glow for the wedding day can be difficult among the chaos of planning and organizing your wedding. Fortunately, there are many different options that are available for brides to acquire a perfect, glowing complexion for the wedding day!

Preparation: Before experimenting with any tanning option, it’s vital to clean your skin and start with a fresh canvas. Purchase a body scrub ( or make your own) and lather your skin with it, being sure to work the solution down into your skin. Rinse thoroughly and use a gentle cleanser if desired. Follow up by sealing moisture in with a body cream. Repeat this process about three times a week, for one week before starting to tan.

Time: Determine how much time you have to accomplish your tan. If you have three weeks, then you will have plenty of time to play around with different options. If you want your tan to be visible within one week, your options will be more limited.

Tan Towels: For instant results and literally no wait time, Tan Towels are a great option. The process: exfoliate skin, thoroughly apply the wipe, rinse hands, redress, stay dry (refrain from liquids and lotions for 4-6 hours). Tan Towels have no cancer risk, making them a foolproof, totally safe option for tanning. Products start at $10.00

Fake Bake: For a lotion textured tanner, Fake Bake is notorious for producing real results with tanning lotion. Process: Exfoliate/ use Body Polish to remove dead skin, Coat skin with Instant Self Tanning Lotion, Follow up with Skin Smoothie Oil (leaves skin soft and silky!). Fake Bake is guaranteed not to streak, stain your clothes, or leave an orange tint on the skin. Products start at $10.00

Spray Tan: For a quick, even tan that requires no effort on your part try a spray tan. Simply visit a spray tanning salon (often hair salons will have a spray tanning booth in the salon), and get a quick spray down of self tanner! The formula dries almost instantly, and the results are extremely effective. Like most tans, spray tans will usually require 2-3 visits before the color truly starts to show.

Just like planning for the wedding programs, wedding favors, and first dance, planning for your bridal tan is important to! Map out how long you have, then explore one or more of these safe, effective methods.

It’s hard to believe it right now while you’re in the midst of all your wedding planning, knee-deep in Pinterest inspiration boards, cake tastings and comparing color schemes, but one day the wedding will be over and you will be the “Mrs.” to your fiancé’s “Mr.”! You’ll have incredible photos for memories of your amazing day and your guests will have wedding favors to remember it long after the last piece of the delicious cake you so carefully chose has been eaten. But what about that perfect wedding dress of yours? What comes of the hours upon hours you spent pouring over websites and running in and out of dressing rooms to find your dream gown? There are a few choices available as to what will become of your wedding dress – it’s just up to you decide!

• Sell It    If you maybe spent just a little too much dough on your wedding, selling your wedding gown is a great way to put some cash back in your pocket. Plus, it gives other brides who might be looking for some less expensive options an amazing opportunity to find gorgeous gowns they can afford. Of course, there is always the go-to online resource for selling everything under the sun (aka, ebay), but there are actually websites out there dedicated specifically to selling wedding gowns to give your dress a whole new life! PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and RecycledBride.com are just two of the several options available to you – so log on, look up some sites, and share the love your wedding gown brought to you!

• Donate It    Pay the happiness forward! Another wonderful option you have is to donate your wedding gown to an organization that will sell it for you and donate the proceeds to a worthy cause. Brides Against Breast Cancer is just one such option, where they donate the proceeds of your gown sale to grant last wishes to women with terminal breast cancer. The sale of your dress can allow a mother to take her kids on one last family vacay, and all you had to do was donate your wedding gown!

• Trash The Dress    Trash the Dress photo sessions are an incredible photo op for you and your groom. After the wedding day, when it no longer matters if your gown gets a few grass stains or ends up soaking wet, schedule a session with your photog to take those artsy photos you’d never dream of taking before your walk down the aisle. Having a wedding on the beach or by a lake? Throw your wedding gown back on after the wedding day (and have your groom put on his dapper suit) and dive in to the water! If there’s a dock, you can take that memorable photo of the two of you jumping off hand in hand, or grab a photo of you kissing out in the sea. If you’re landlocked, head to a park where you can get down and dirty with beautiful photos lying in the grass. The possibilities are endless, and the photos are unforgettable.

• Preserve It    Let’s face it, your wedding gown is pretty sentimental, and if thoughts of parting ways with it spurs an emotional crisis, preserve it! You can pull out your wedding gown anytime for an instant smile, and you can give your daughter the option of wearing it one day, too. Country-singing cutie Miranda Lambert wore her mother’s gown on her wedding day, adding her own personal style to boot – with some cowboy boots! Check out the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists to learn how to care for your gown and to find a specialist near you to help you preserve it. If you do it the right way, you and your gown will live a long and happy life together.

Pale pink and black make for a sweet, structured combination. Merge your dainty innocence with his structure and sturdiness of black for a lovely, perfectly balanced color scheme.

Hair Accessories: Contrast a smooth up-do with a flouncy flower or hair pin. Peachy feathers and shiny jewels make for a classic yet modern hair style. Jeweled headbands and ribbons are a other nice options as well.

Strappy Sandals: Black shoes were made to pop against fragile pink. Let a pair of shiny black sandals peek out beneath a pale dress for added dimension.

Maid Dresses: Deck out your maids in subtle, fluttery dresses. Because the pink is very bold and confidant, consider settling on a shorter dress instead of  a longer one. Also, use a contrasting color for your maids shoes, rather than a pair that just blends in with the dress, even if that means a pair of nude sling backs!

Flowers: Soft peonies, tulips or cherry blossoms would be precious arranged in glass vases throughout the ceremony venue. For added sweetness, give your flower girl loose peony petals to drop down the aisle!

Favors: Elegant Asian wedding favors would be flawless when paired with homemade macaroons or chocolate covered cherries! Your wedding favors may also help with the decor. Position them in key places, where they will sit on display until the night ends, and they are dispersed .

Bold Lashes: Contrast a pale pink lip with luscious black eyelashes. Their flirtyness will add just enough drama, without being too overly theatrical.

Pale Pink Lip: Soften up your makeup with a pale pink lipstick that offers moisture and color. (just make sure it’s smooch-proof!)

Contrast Blooms: Add some texture to your light pink florals with a few stems of dark hued flowers. The colors will complement each other nicely and look insanely gorgeous in your wedding pictures!

Black Satin: Don a satin black garter under your dress for nice contribution to your theme colors.

Lots (and lots) of thought goes into the look for your wedding ceremony and reception. But brides, it’s time to sit down with that handsome groom of yours and discuss a design aspect other than your flowers and centerpieces – you need to decide on your chairs! Sure, it may not seem like that big of a deal, but there’s more to consider than just having enough chairs for everyone to sit comfortably. Chairs can add a whole new dimension to your wedding décor and overall look!

If you’re renting your wedding chairs, you have an abundance of choices. One of the most common chairs brides use in weddings is Chiavari chairs, and it’s not hard to see why. Classic and pretty, these chairs can be done in different colors to match your wedding theme. Plus, because they are simple yet elegant, you can save some moolah by using the same chairs for the ceremony and the reception without having to do anything to change their look in the process (sounds good to me!).  White folding chairs are also a great option if you’re having an outdoor wedding, particularly in a garden setting. They’re clean and simple, and the bright white just says “wedding!” You can also gussy them up with sheer ribbons and bows in your wedding colors to add some more color to you décor, particularly in the ceremony.

However, if your chairs are provided by your venue, chair covers may come into play. Nothing against ballroom weddings of course (they’re stunning!), but the chairs hotels provide aren’t always as fabulous. Chair covers are the perfect solution! You can do chair covers in wedding white or ivory, add colorful embellishments like bows to them, or even do the chair covers in a bright color to make a splash with your décor! Chair sleeves (or caps) are another chic option – these cover just the tops of your chairs, adding a hint of color or style without adding too much. And one of the best parts of chair covers – short or long – is that you can customize them in anyway you want. If you’re a bride with a more funky or eclectic style, show it off with your chair covers! You can have ruffles, feathers, sparkles and even have a pattern that matches your wedding gown (no joke!). Check out L.A. based Wildflower Linen for some inspiration – I bet you never knew all the fab things you could do with your chairs!

But, if you already have a lot of décor going on and want other aspects of your wedding to get more attention, you can make your chairs simply disappear by renting crystal flex chairs. These chairs are clear, so that when you walk into your reception or see the wedding pics, you won’t even notice them!

Of course, once you’ve decided on your wedding chairs, you need a way to show your guests to their seats – adorable chair place card holders are just the thing. You can find place card holders that look like your lovely Chiavari chairs, or go beachy for a wedding in the sand with Adirondack chair place card holders. Super cute, and so apropos!

Now that you’ve uncovered all the amazing options out there for your wedding chairs and covers, you can make the best choice to enhance your wedding style and look. Happy planning!

Whether you are holding your wedding in the city itself, or just borrowing some inspiration, Hollywood has plenty of glamour to spare. Regal details make all of the difference in taking a wedding from mediocre to insanely beautiful.

Invitations: Simple, modern invitations can often be some of the most intriguing. Play around with primary colors, accent with more playful colors. Feel free to throw in a couple of prints to make the invites more modern and updated.

Venue: Hollywood is all about being flashy. Decked out hotels, extravagant ball rooms, and shadowy garden spaces can make for an ideal reception space. Of course, you can easily choose a simple, understated venue and dress it up with lots of decorations and flowers.

Hair + Makeup: Take your look to a whole new level with vintage inspired hair and makeup. Follow Lauren Conrad’s lovely tutorials for step-by-step instructions on creating the perfect hollywood glamour look. It isn’t difficult to add hollywood worthy details into your already planned wedding look: just add a swipe of colored lipstick, a hint of black eyeliner, and you’re all set!

Favors: Send your guests home with a fancy  gift that will remind them of your lovely wedding day. Calla Lily Wedding Favors to spare their polished furniture, and bring a cheerful smile to their faces .

Cake: Classy shapes and dramatic details combine for a magnificent wedding staple. Choose an accent piece: a peacock feather, ornate gold flower, or whimsical pinwheel, and place it in the center of the cake.

Dress: Hollywood Weddings allow for the boldest, most outrageous wedding dresses imaginable (if you so desire). So let your dreams run free, and explore all of the available options. Over the top glitter or  super poufy gowns, go with what your heart tells you!

Veil: Wow your guests with a retro, totally stylish bird cage veil. Wear your hair up or down, and accent with a pretty flower or feather!

Ballet flats often get a bad rap. Sky – high stilettos are an immediate confidence booster for most women, and even Christian Louboutin once referred to his shoes as “artwork for the feet”. Five -inch heels weren’t made for walking seven blocks or standing in one spot for an hour’s worth of pictures. Heels are beautiful for the wedding day, but they can be painful! Avoid miserable blisters, achy feet and a sore, wobbly walk by switching to ballet flats. Maybe not as breathtaking, but still classy and beautiful, ballet flats offer your feet total comfort, while looking sweet underneath your wedding dress. Here are a few gorgeous ballet flat options:

Bold: Add a little pop of color to your wedding ensemble! Bright blue, Daring red, or a Cheery yellow would look playful! J. Crew offers a wide selection of pretty, colorful flats that offer comfort and utmost style.

Sequins: Sequined shoes are typically much fancier than others, but that’s not the case with these Tom’s bridal shoes! If your style is casual and laid back, take a peek at Tom’s trendy flats. Made for all day wear, these shoes would keep your feet super comfortable and happy, meanwhile providing great traction – no worries about slipping during the first dance!

Portable: For the bride who isn’t ready to give up her stilettos just yet, having a spare pair of ballet flats is essential! Always have a backup pair of shoes at the wedding venue, just incase your feet do blister and you end up hobbling around. These portable shoes-in-a-bag are just the right size to throw in your Maid of Honor’s purse!

Designer: For the name brand conscious bride, top label ballet flats are the way to go! Several designers offer a small selection of flats and a large selection of heels and stilettos. Tory Burch is recognized around the globe, and offers a colorful selection pretty flats! The “Reva” flat is a wildly popular style, and is fancy enough to go with any wedding dress. Classy white, a peppy pink, and a demure gray are among the pretty colors to choose from.

From choosing the perfect wedding favors, to selecting the ideal pair of wedding shoes, each part of your wedding planning journey should be an exciting step!

Soft white sands, a cool breeze and a stunning ocean as your backdrop? Yes, yes and yes (please!). The beach is one of the most beautiful places to have a wedding – and no need to spend a lot of dough on décor – the gorgeous location provides plenty for free! But, to ensure your beach wedding goes off without a hitch, there are some important things to consider that are unique to a wedding in the sand.

The Dress: When you’re running around to all the bridal shops trying to narrow down all those fabulous gowns down to the ONE, consider the fact that you will be getting married outside, in the heat! Satin wedding gowns look gorge, but can also be heavy. Think light and flowy – like lace or organza – when choosing a dress for a beach wedding to avoid glistening your way down the aisle. (J. Crew has a lovely collection perfect for the beach – they’re easy on the eyes and on the wallet!)

The Hair: Weddings on the beach may be the ultimate in casual chic, but you still may want to consider pulling your hair back for the occasion. The closer you get to the water, the windier it’ll be, and you don’t want your hair whipping around in your face when you’re trying to kiss your groom! There are plenty of ways to top off your look with an updo that doesn’t look like it belongs in a formal ballroom setting. Try a low bun or curled ponytail – and make sure your hairdresser uses the super mega strong “this hair wouldn’t dare move an inch” hairspray.

The Makeup: Glowing on your wedding day is one thing, but glistening uncontrollably is another! A beach wedding is not the time to cake on lots of heavy foundation. Consider using airbrush makeup for your wedding day – it gives you that picture-ready complexion while being much lighter and more forgiving under the hot sun.

The Décor: There is plenty of beach-themed wedding décor, and really, what could be more perfect? Consider beach themed place cards, like little flip-flop place card holders or mini Adirondack chairs – they’re super cute and the guests will love the attention to detail!  Or send the guests home with a beach-themed wedding favor like starfish shaped cookie cutters – your guests will remember your day everytime they bite into their scrumptious goodies.

The Ceremony: One factor that often gets overlooked is the time of day when the wedding will take place, or more accurately, where exactly the sun will be during your ceremony. Make sure you won’t be directly facing the sun when you say your vows – squinty is just not a good look for wedding pictures!

The Flowers – Think local! If you’re getting married in an exotic tropical location, consider using the flowers local to the region in your bouquets and centerpieces. Not only will they fit right into the setting, but shipping flowers in from another location can end up being a budget-buster, and no one wants that!

The beach is one of the most romantic places to get married, and really, the wedding photos simply can’t be beat. So just remember all the special considerations for a beach wedding to make sure you don’t encounter any unwelcome surprises, and your most special day will be just as perfect as you always dreamed it to be!

The wedding hair styles for long hair are literally countless. There are so many beautiful options and styles to try! Obviously, up-do’s are super elegant and classy, but if you’re looking to switch things up a bit and wear your hair down, you might consider waves! For beach and casual weddings, wavy hair is an effortless, gorgeous style! There are tons of tutorials that give easy steps to creating perfect wavy hair. Here are a few of the top tutorials:

Katie , being a total trendsetter and makeup/hair authority, offers an easy, brief tutorial on creating gorgeous, luscious waves! Her tutorial step-by-stop instruction, a foolproof way to create perfect looking waves. Watch her tutorial on youtube, then check out her site and view all her impressive photos of her beautiful hair!

Emily:  Well known for her fashion advice and home decor tips, Emily Schuman is also notorious for her awesome hair secrets. On her blog, she offers a great tutorial on creating sweet, beachy waves. Her guide consists of easy to follow directions and coordinating pictures to keep you on track!

Kendi: Queen of styling everyday clothes into gorgeous ensembles, Kendi gives a behind the scenes peek at how she  styles her hair so flawlessly. Soft, loveable waves that are full of body, without being too voluminous. Find her nifty tutorial on her lovely site.

Lauren : Avidly popular for her reality television career, fashion lines: Paper Crown, and LC for Kohl’s, and consistently impeccable beauty tips, Lauren gives a fun video tutorial on every day waves. To simplify the process, Lauren tells you how to complete the waves, while she shows you on the screen, and the words flash across!

Whether you are looking for sweet wedding favors, choosing the right song for the first dance, or deciding on a hair style, your choices should reflect your personality and style . Wavy styles are extra lovely because they can easily be switched into an up-do, or thrown back into a cute pony tail! Think effortless chic. (Plus, on your wedding night, your new hubby will be thankful that he isn’t stuck trying to find those bobby pins hidden in your hair from that complicated hairstyle!).