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All photos and ideas from Martha Stewart Weddings.

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Escort-Card Posies: All you need are fabric flowers, map pins, and glue to bring your seating assignments into bloom. Would look great with little multicolored fall leaves, too!  Click here for the  How-To!

Blossoming Backdrop: A string of white lights, vellum and card stock, hole punches, and glue!  Click here for the How-To!

Paper Links:Vellum and double sided tape make paper chains chic! Mix-n-match colors to get the perfect look. Click here for the How-To (as if you really need it!)

Wooden Seating Cards: Paper-thin wood veneer, craft punches, and calligraphy pens make these distintive place cards! Get the How-To Here!

Flower Girl Cardigan: Sequins and fabric glue make it fun!  Works wonders for all sorts of other things too, including shoes, sashes, bouquets, headbands, and favors.

Poster Guest Book: Instead of having your loved ones write messages in a book, put out a poster on which they can sign their names. You can download the editable (and free!) clip art here, send the file to a printer, and it’s done! Or put together your own poster using stencils, paint, ribbon, and anything else you fancy! Get the How-To here!

Seasonal Fruit Favor: You’ll need fruit, tissue paper, and rubber stamps for this one! For personalized stamps, have an office-supply store make a rubber stamp with your names, wedding date, and  illustration. Get the How-To here!

Harvest Wedding Centerpieces: The beauty of these is that they can be made weeks in advance!  Wheat, grains, and other dried grasses (available at crafts stores), tied with a luxurious satin bow. Get the how-to here!

Mini Candied Apples: For these dainty nibbles, embellish candied apples with a paper leaf. You’ll need a leaf-shaped craft punch, glue, and short skewers. You can hand-write, stamp, or print “Enjoy” on each leaf. Get the Candy Apple recipe here!

Flower Girl Basket: For this charming look, get yourself a pretty basket, some cotton fabric, silk ribbon, and leaves. You can order pressed leaves if you don’t have any real ones in your area! Get the how-to here!

Fall Wedding Boutonnieres: Incorporate the shades and symbols of autumn into festive boutonnieres. Get the How-to here!

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Below: This gown mixes soft tulle with a vibrant skirt of ostrich feathers, silk flowers, and crystals. (Ines di Santo via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Below: The skirt of this ball gown is made up of a mixture of frayed organza and feather embroidery. (Legend, Monique Lhuillier via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Below: Italian tulle and silk organza gown with feathered tulle skirt. (Style 4888)  Strapless gown with hand-beaded drop torso with full skirt in tulle and silk organza. (Style 4879) Liancarlo.com via Weddingish

Below: Dimensional flower petals and fanciful feathers bloom from the waistline of this romantic tulle gown. (Going to the Chapel, Matthew Christopher via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Below: V-neck dress with full feathery skirt by Reem Acra

Below: (L) Douglas Hannant gown. (R) Feathered one-shoulder gown by Ines Di Santo (via firstVIEW via weddingish).

I do understand that not everyone agrees with me. Obviously not everyone agrees with me, because there are quite a lot of short dresses making it onto the runways today! And some, I admit, are pretty darling.  So if you’re got a beach wedding planned or just want to slip into something easier to dance in (after you’ve had your fun in the ball gown!), here are some delightful little dresses to consider!

All photos from Martha Stewart Wedding.

Matthew Christopher

Modern Trousseau

Matthew Christopher

Monique Lhuillier

Simone Carvalli

Ines di Santo

Aria

Matthew Christopher

Simone Carvalli

See more short dresses at Martha Stewart Wedding!

Here’s the recap, from Kate’s glittering tiara down to her hand-embroidered lacey pumps!

Get the Dress

There was much excited speculation over what The Dress would look like, with many big designers getting in on the fun and creating their perfect princess gown. Ramona Keveza almost got it perfect when she created this romantic A-line gown with a lace illusion neckline and sleeves decorated with delicate Chantilly lace.

Another look-alike is the Andrea gown, by Priscilla of Boston. This silk organza ball gown has embellished lace details on the skirt, much like Kate’s. The fully beaded lace jacket with scalloped edges adds royal charm.

Another Priscilla of Boston gown (this is Style 4615) is equally beautiful, with a twist. This A-line gown with hand-appliqued crystal-encrusted Alencon Lace sleeves also features a a lovely silver sash for added dimension.

Get the Tiara

Of course, a princess has to wear a tiara! If you want a royal headpiece too, but don’t have access to the Queen’s extensive collection of tiaras (Kate chose a  1936 Cartier “halo” tiara), check out these lovely options. Brides.come recommends, from top to bottom: Erica Koesler, David’s Bridal, Bel Aire Bridal, Ann Leslie Designs. For more headpiece ideas, visit Brides.com’s accessories gallery.

Kate’s veil is made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers, which were embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework, where the lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt were hand-made as well.

Get the Jewels

The lovely drop earrings Kate wore were commissioned by her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, as a wedding present.  London Jeweler Robinson Pelham created the diamond oak leaf and acorn earrings for the bride – a motif which echoes the coat of arms of the Middleton family.

Brides.com showcases a similar style from their most recent Brides Local Magazines cover shoot. They’re by the L.A.-based designer Simon G., who always finds beautiful, interesting ways to showcase diamonds. Like Kate’s earrings, these delicate danglers would perfectly complement any regal wedding gown.

Get the Shoes

Tradition is a wonderful thing, but there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun at the same time! Here are some great ideas for keeping wedding customs fresh!

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All photos from Martha Stewart Wedding

Twist on Something Old: Here’s a great idea! An heirloom brooch takes on a new life when you attach it to a wide piece of ribbon and wearing it as a cuff!  (Brooch, General Whimsy)

Twist on Something New: Not everything needs to be tangible. Mark your special day with a fragrance you’ve never worn before. Do try it out though before the wedding to be sure you like it! (pictured: Hermes Poivre Samarcande)

Twist on Something Borrowed: For wedding-day memorabilia, brides traditionally look to their mothers and grandmothers. This time, let Dad or Grandpa have his moment by wrapping a bow tie around the base of your bouquet.

Twist on Something Blue: These shoes have all the classic bridal markings — white satin, decorative bow, peep toe — but the sole is a vivid aqua. (Pour La Victoire “Stella” shoes from Zappos.com)

A Twist on Centerpieces: Rather than an explosion of flowers, consider a sculptural arrangement of veneer figure eights. On this table they are interspersed with stemless wineglasses and tall taper candles.  (Design Your Wall white contact paper. Northern Sheer Veneer birch veneer. Riedel wineglasses.)

Twist on Wedding Favors: Rather than doling out chocolates and picture frames, some couples designate that portion of the budget to charity, and make a donation on behalf of their guests. Many nonprofits have programs in place to accept this kind of contribution, which gets you a tax write-off as well as a good deed. Then, you get printed cards to distribute to guests stating that a gift has been made. Another idea for an environmentally-friendly wedding is to give guests sappling from the Arbor Day Foundation to take home and plant.

Twist on a Guest Book: Rather than an album of well-wishes, how about turning on your computer to watch your guests in action! Reserve a corner of your wedding venue for a video photo booth: Set up a digital camcorder, leave a movie clapper and dry-erase pens for guests to write their names and messages, and let them talk a blue streak. For a seamless background, hang a large white piece of fabric or paper.

Twists on a Wedding Cake: In place of a towering frosted confection, you can serve just about anything that pleases you… cupcakes, candy bars, or something like this irresistible all-white dessert buffet. Lemon-cream sandwich cookies, Ricotta-filled pizzelles, Toasted-marshmallow milkshakes, coconut macaroons, Pavlovas with cream and white currants, Angel food roulade with salted caramel cream, Mini panna cotta tarts, Crossings calissons (800-209-6141), Mini rum Bundt cakes, Arnold’s Candies pillow mints (groovycandies.com) in Plastic Container City

A Twist on Throwing Rice: This ritual has roots in ancient Egypt, and symbolizes a life of prosperity. But who needs the mess? Guests can wave birch-veneer banners which they have personalized with all their good wishes and blessings.

Twist on the Decorated Getaway Car: Turn the tables on your guests!  Have valets decorate their cars during the reception. For example, you might surprise them with a memento tied to the rearview mirror, such as a card thanking them for coming, or a sachet of potpourri.

Check out Martha Stewart Weddings for more great ideas!

So when it comes to your wedding gown, taking a look back in time is a good place to start. Are you a fun-loving flapper from the 20′s or an elegant lady of the 50′s? Take a look at these gowns, each one reminiscent of one of America’s iconic fashion eras (thank you, Martha Stewart) and be ready to be blown away!

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Rococo 1700′s: Big hoops. Big drama.

Victorian 1800′s: Aristocratic. Ladylike. Fascinating.

Roaring 20′s: Audacious. Glitzy. Glamorous.

Art Deco 20′s & 30′s: Simple. Elegant. Functional.

1950′s: Crisp. Tailored. Polished.

Swinging 60′s: Relaxed. Revolutionary. Real.

Disco 70′s:  Captivating. Groovy. Dance til you drop.

Punk 80′s: Audacious. Flirty. Sexy.

21st Century: Dramatic. Unique. Contemporary.

More gown inspiration: Martha Stewart: From the Runway

A gown with sleeves is another cold-weather option. Sleeves are in, and a perfect way to protect yourself against the chill. More winter fashion perks include heavier fabrics such as luxurious silk satins and richer hues.

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Gown by Alfred Angelo, via Brides.com

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Here are some more lovely winter cover-up options!

Gown by Ann Frances via Brides.com

Gown by Cosmobella via the knot

Silk taffeta cream ruffle stole via the knot

Gown by Jim Hjelm via Brides.com

Monique Lhuillier by Kleinfeld via the knot

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Here are some new ways of using this old classic.

invitations from Brides.com

decor ideas from the knot

table settings from Brides.com

Bride & Groom style from Brides.com

cakes from the knot

bridesmaids photos from the knot

Programs and favors from the knot

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All photos from Martha Stewart Weddings

J. Crew. Spring 2011, jcrew.com

J. Crew, Spring 2011, jcrew.com

J. Crew, Spring 2011, jcrew.com

A sheath is anything but simple! These amazing gowns come strapless and with sleeves, in silk and lace, embellished, embroidered, beaded and ruched, in styles both modern and classic… it’s all here! Take a look at some of these beauties, and let us know what your favorite is!

All photos from Martha Stewart Wedding

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com.

Valena Valentina, Fall 2011 Collection, valenavalentina.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Monique Lhuillier, Fall 2011 Collection, moniquelhuillier.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Lela Rose, Fall 2011, lelarose.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Modern Trousseau, Fall 2011 Collection; moderntrousseau.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Anne Bowen, Fall 2011, annebowen.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Randi Rahm, Fall 2011 Collection; randirahm.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Kevan Hall, Fall 2011 Collection, kevanhalldesigns.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com

Reem Acra, Fall 2011, reemacra.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com

Monique Lhuillier, Fall 2011 Collection, moniquelhuillier.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com

Reem Acra, Fall 2011, reemacra.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Jenny Lee, Fall 2011, jennyleebridal.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Modern Trousseau,Fall 2011, moderntrousseau.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Kevan Hall, Fall 2011 Collection; kevanhalldesigns.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Johnna Ho, Fall 2011 Collection; johnnaho.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Randi Rahm, Fall 2011 Collection, randirahm.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

For more photos, styles, and designers visit Martha Stewart Wedding Fall 2011: From the Runway