Pocket Square How-To

Start with a handkerchief that is 15 inches square. For best results, iron it just before folding.  The thicker the fabric, the more billowy your finished pocket square will be. For silk squares, aim for a puffy look. Linen and cotton fabrics will result in a crisper fold.

1. Lay the square flat with the right side down. Fold the square in half by bringing the top point down to meet the bottom point, so it forms a triangle.
2. Fold the left point of the triangle down so it meets the bottom point.
3. Fold the right side down in the same manner.
4. Fold the left point of the diamond shape over so that the point touches the middle of the folded fabric.
5. Fold the right point over to the middle in the same way.
6. Fold the bottom point up to cover the other points by about an inch, hold in place so it doesn’t unfold, and carefully tuck the folded handkerchief into the left-side jacket pocket, exposing about 3 inches of your lovely pocket square!

Viola!

Brides.com takes a look at some bouquet shapes that are “equally lovely, but far less predictable.” And I can’t get enough of them! (Which is why, five-and-a-half years ago, I carried one of these down the isle myself!)

Feature image: Your Special Flowers.com

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That’s right, who said a bride’s bouquet has to be any sort of shape at all?  This free-falling bouquet allows for a fluid, just-threw-this-together arrangement in which the flowers and greenery are longer and more abundant on one side than the other.

Bouquet of garden snow roses, mini hosta leaves, hellebores, Eucharist lilies, calla lilies, and wire vine by Bridget Vizoso of The Designers’ Co-Op, via Brides.com

It’s short on text, but a picture is worth a thousand words, and each post features a photo that’s sure to intrigue and inspire.

Here are some of my favorites!

photo via erin hearts court

vintage stockings from here

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NYC wedding in the rain! Let the umbrellas be accessories! Cup of Jo’s blog

wedding accessories from j.crew bridal boutique

Deep purple, velvet Ralph Lauren bridesmaids dresses. I kind of like it!

Halloween wedding inspiration from little dailys

How about escaping the cold, and having a greenhouse wedding? Photo source

Can’t get enough? Head over to little winter bride for more!

Here are some of our favorites!

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Glamorous Up-do’s

Maggie Gyllenhaal at the 2010 Academy Awards

Jennifer Morrison at the 2010 Golden Globes

Courtney Cox Arquette at the 2010 Golden Globes

Lea Michele at the 2010 Golden Globes

Jessica Gilsig at the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards

Anna Kendrick at the 2010 Golden Globes

Gorgeous Down-do’s

Sandra Bullock at the 2010 Academy Awards

Kate Winslet at the 2010 Academy Awards

Anna Paquin at the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards

Penelope Cruz at the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards

Dianna Agron at the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards

See more beautiful stars and their hair at Brides.com’s photo gallery of Red Carpet Wedding Hairstyles.

In the weeks and months leading up to the wedding…

Plan your procedures ahead- it’s easy to get caught up in the craziness of tastings, fittings and appointments and forget to schedule facial treatments until the last minute. Don’t be tempted to get cosmetic lasering or chemical peels within 10 days to a month of the event, depending on the exact type of laser or peel. Even something as simple as a facial should be given a solid week for skin to normalize, especially if any extractions will be performed. Call well ahead of time and discuss this with the technician.

Practice good skin health- stay hydrated and eat healthfully leading up to the event. Don’t try new skincare products, or anything that may irritate your skin. Anticipate your skin’s history, and treat it accordingly depending on changes your skin may experience in the climate or weather that’s expected at the venue.

For the big day…

Start with a good base- be sure that your foundation is the right color and formulation for your skin. You may feel like you should use a heavy cream or stick foundation since you’re being photographed, but heavier formulas will look caked on and are more likely leave a line of demarcation around the neck and hairline that’s tougher to blend away. Just stick with the liquid or powder that works for you, and be sure it’s properly matched to your color. No one wants to look washed out, but it can also age you a bit if your base is too dark for you. Color correcting concealers, like green or yellow for redness, and peach or yellow for undereye circles are a much better choice than simply layering on more makeup. Remember that redness will be easily picked up in photographs so take care to balance that out, and stay away from more pink based foundations.

Avoid the shiny look- glitter will reflect too much on camera, and shouldn’t be worn to a nice event like a wedding anyway. Radiance-enhancing or shimmery foundations make faces look too slick and shiny for photos, so if you must, only keep the sheen on cheekbones and the cupid’s bow for highlighting purposes. Always finish the t-zone with powder, which is especially important to balance any highlighting applied. If you know you’re more oily, pop pressed powder in your bag so that you stay shine free.

The eyes have it- keep in mind that darker eyeshadows and heavy liner make eyes look smaller. A matte or pearl shadow formula will be universally flattering and especially in warm, earthy tones. To keep eyes looking big and bright, highlight the inner corners and brow bone with an off-white, light pink or pale gold shadow or crayon. The older you are, the more important it is to stay fast to the no shimmer rule, as it tends to bring attention to fine lines. Black eyeliner can also look too harsh for older women (same goes for liquid liner) and fair blondes are more suited for eyeliner and mascara in the brown tones. Don’t forget to make sure brows are properly framing the face- everyone looks better and younger with defined brows. Fill the arches with powder or if using a pencil, blend with a brush. Brow color and size are important considerations here, so don’t forget to use a light hand and blend.

Consider your venue and lighting- do take the time to stop and think about if the event/ photos will be taking place indoors or out, and at what time of day. Indoor photos will be taken with flash, so it’s important to use powder to combat shine and to also be sure foundation is matched well. If outdoors, soften makeup a bit as it can easily look too heavy or harsh. Also adjust your makeup look for more formal locations, and later times in the evening. When considering these factors, you will want to use more color and definition over simply adding more makeup.

Keeping these ideas in mind, remember its always most important to look like yourself and feel comfortable on your wedding day. These techniques will help ensure you look flawless both in person and in photographs for years to come.

Content provided by Sarah Logan on behalf of ASI, which is an aesthetics school offering classes in waxing, facial treatments, cosmetic laser training, and medical aesthetics

feature image from Bridal Wave: Beauty, Hair, Makeup

Leave it to the “Knotties” to test-drive and rate waterproof mascaras for you. They’re sharing the wisdom on the Knot, and here are the top 5 road-tested waterproof mascaras:

1. Definicils Waterproof High Definition Mascara by Lancome ($24)

2. Lash Injection Mascara by Too Faced ($20)

3. Ooh-La-Lash! Mascara by VMV Hypoallergenics ($23)

4. One Coat Nourishing Mascara by Almay ($6)

5. Tarte — Lights, Camera, Splashes! by Tarte Cosmetics ($18)

Longer, thicker lashes… here we come!  Three cheers for mascara that stays on all day, won’t clump or smear or flake, and won’t run when you cry or perspire!

For more bridal beauty secrets, visit The Knot!

Shoes

Colored shoes peeping out from below are one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to add color to your ensemble!  For inspiration, think about your wedding colors… consider shoes that match your groom’s tie, your bridesmaids’ dresses, or your bouquet.

photos: Joie of Life

Jewels

Pearls are lovely and diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but there are so many other beautiful jewels out there, no bride should feel limited to monochromatic jewelry. Whether you want to wear your grandmother’s vintage bracelet or some glittery costume jewelry, let those bangles and broaches speak for themselves!

Photos: Garnet broach, Citrine Pendant Turquoise bracelet

Headbands

If you are looking for something flashier than a tired tiara and veil, take inspiration from these gorgeous, multi-colored headbands!

Photos: Peacock headband,  Peony headband, Geometric headband

Cardigans & Cover-ups

Taking photos outside in the snow? Getting married in a church or synagogue where you need to cover up? Just looking for something different to add a pop of color? Try a shawl, bolero, or cardigan, which can change the look of your dress in an instant!

Photos: Yellow cardigan, Boleros, blue cardigan

Franklin + Gower is based in my hometown of L.A. (the label takes its name from the notable intersection with a prime view of the Hollywood sign) but you can call for an appointment, or visit them on the web, where ordering is easy.  You can go with something ready-made, or customize to suite your superior style.  Furthermore, as StyleMePretty reports, “Franklin + Gower can create all the pieces you need to perfectly complement your entire bridal party. You name it, blazers, pants, shorts, ties and accessories… trust us your guy is going to enjoy the attention.”

’50s Flair

Bridal designers are loving belted gowns, high necklines, tulle skirts, and tea-length dresses. Dress by Anne Barge via the Knot.

Tulle

Tulle can be tricky to get right– you want to look ethereal without feeling like a little girl in a party dress.  Artful draping combined with stunning bead-work make tulle the perfect combination in this Vera Wang dress, via AllWomensTalk

Black is Back

Bits of black make wedding dress details pop, from bows and sashes to bolder embellishments and patterns.  Dress by Jenny Packham via the Knot.
See more black-accented wedding dresses

Asymmetrical Necklines

The one-shoulder style is gaining popularity. But this season, over-the-top details are what really makes them stand out. Dress by Anne Bowen via the Knot.  See more one-shoulder wedding dresses.

Bows

These knots are hot, from droopy satin bows to more structured ones! Bows give your dress a feminine look that’s not too girly. Dress by Amsale via the Knot. See more wedding dresses with bows

Flower Power

We love the burst of springtime blooms, whether it’s cherry-blossom details or embroidered, eye-catching rosettes. Dress by Claire Pettibone via the Knot.  See more dresses with flowers.

Illusion Necklines

Sheer straps are the perfect coverage if you want something subtle and sexy. Whether it’s bateau, V-neck, or even one-shoulder, this look is dreamy! Dress by Melissa Sweet via the Knot.

Metallic Prints

If black details are not your thing, consider this hot, new style glittering in gold and silver details.  Dress by Christos via the Knot.

Top it off

To finish the look, designers are adding a hat! Whether it’s something dainty and demure with a birdcage veil, or a large, droopy picture hat, this is one trend we take our hats off to! Carolina Herrera via AllWomensTalk

1. Don’t drink wine or eat dark-colored foods like berries.

You should avoid foods that can tint your pearly whites, or you may end up with a stained smile. For really dazzling teeth, invest in a professional teeth-whitening service, or do-it-yourself with Crest Whitestrips. “Start any whitening regime about one month before the wedding,” says Melissa Roshan of Make-Up by Melissa Roshan in Columbus, Ohio.

2. Don’t tan.

A slightly sun-kissed glow is lovely, but a too-dark tan can look unnatural in wedding photos…. especially if it’s a spray tan gone wrong. “Nothing says Jersey Shore more than an orange bride in a white dress,” says Hingham, Massachusetts, makeup artist Kelly O’Keefe of Blush. “This is one of the worst looks, and it’s not fixable!”

3. Don’t get your first-ever bikini wax just before your wedding.

If you plan to wax your bikini line, begin the process at least three months beforehand — or face the consequences. “Waxing that area becomes less painful each time, and you’ll avoid major pain, swelling, and irritation on your wedding night,” says Houston makeup artist Jen Marine.

4. Don’t change your birth control, skin-care program, washing detergent, etc., less than six weeks before the wedding.

The fabric softener might be on sale, but the rash you get from it will NOT be a sweet deal. “You don’t want to introduce new products because you don’t know how your skin will react,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Elle Leary.

5. Don’t get a facial, get your brows waxed, or cut or color your hair two days or less before your wedding.

“Get these services done a week or so beforehand,” says Atlanta-based makeup artist Raney O’Keefe. “Then you have plenty of time to remedy any ‘oopsie-daisies’ that may happen!”

6. Don’t ingest excess sodium the week before the wedding.

If you’re concerned about fitting into your dress, avoid salty foods, sauces, dressings, and deli meats. Instead, choose low- or no-sodium everything starting at least seven days before the wedding. “Sodium holds 50 times its weight in water, so you can shed two to five pounds the week before the wedding just by doing this!” says Liz DiAlto of Fit, Healthy and Beautiful in New York City.

7. Don’t flat-iron your hair if you want curls on your big day.

“If you’re aiming for soft, romantic curls on your wedding day, you need to have fresh hair,” says Samara Binder of Bridal Beauty Chicago. “That means if you flat-iron your hair the night before, make sure to wash it out!”

8. Don’t wear a bra with straps the morning of your wedding.

This is the best way to avoid those unsightly pink indents on your back and shoulders, which you want to avoid if you’re wearing a strapless dress!  Makeup artist and hair stylist Nicole Francavilla, of Beauty by Nicole in Orange County, New York, has a second tip: If you plan to wear an updo, take an Advil with breakfast to eliminate the possibility of an “updo headache.”

9. For glowing skin, don’t skimp on water!

Double up on your water intake for at least one month prior to the wedding to keep your skin clear and glowing. You should also limit the toasting at your prewedding parties. “During the rehearsal dinner, try to switch back and forth between alcohol and a glass of water,” says makeup artist Adriana Fontes of Adriana Fontes Makeup Design in Chandler, Arizona.

10. Don’t forget your beauty emergency kit.

Trust us — and hair and makeup expert Megan Garmers (MG Hair and Makeup) — when we say this will be a lifesaver. Include different sized safety pins, double-sided sticky tape, a small sewing kit, a small pair of scissors, a bleach pen, bobby pins, hair spray, blotting papers, gum or mints, a razor, deodorant, Band-Aids, a small packs of tissue, nail polish remover, clear nail polish, an emery board, a nail clipper, makeup remover wipes, tampons, and anything else you think you might need. Now you’re prepared for anything!

11. Don’t forget to touch up!

It’s okay to be a little high-maintenance — bring a touch-up bag and actually use the products at the reception. “You may have hired the best makeup and hair professionals you could find, but if you’re cutting a rug on the dance floor and drinking Champagne like France is going dry, chances are you’ll break a little sweat and your lip color will wear off,” says Chicago-based makeup artist Adriana Aude.

12. Don’t cry off all your beautiful makeup!

Tears will happen, so it’s important to know how to weep correctly. “Hold a tissue in each hand. Then press the tissues in the tear duct and let the tears run into the tissue — and keep changing the tissue,” says Catherine Sullivan of Fresh Face Chicago. “This keeps you from rubbing your face and eyes and ruining your beautiful face.” (Takes the fun out of crying, but at least you’ll still look good!)

13. Don’t forget your makeup artist or hair stylist!

Trust us, they want to see how beautiful you looked! “Remember to send at least one picture to your makeup artist,” says Stephanie McKenzie of Stephanie M. Make-Up in the DC metro area. “Doing so enables your makeup artist to build a fantastic portfolio and, more importantly, your beauty will be showcased for all to see.”

For more bridal beauty secrets, visit the bridal beauty section at The Knot!