Roaring 20′s Style: Take a wedding style cue from the dapper fashion of the 1920s. Think dusty nude and lace dresses for your bridesmaids and wing-tip shoes for the guys. Dancing the night away to the cool strains of jazz. And of course the Prohibition era vibe wouldn’t be complete without alcohol, such as “moonshine” and Prohibition “bathtub gin” in your very own speakeasy bar.

Redefined Princess: Put away the ball-gown skirts, because the new princess silhouette will be body-skimming with a bold train. Tiaras are back as the new statement-making headpiece, and so are cathedral-length veils. Sophisticated sequins and beading add royal elegance to everything from the wedding dress, to the floral arrangements, and the wedding cake.

Sultry Ballerina Vibe: Think pale pinks paired with black, feathered headpieces, shredded fabrics, airy plumes, candlelight. This look is all about ambient romance (think Black Swan), where everything happens after 8 p.m.

Preppy Chic: On the other hand, you could go the Ivy League route. From Fair Isle sweaters to Vineyard Vines ties and Tommy Hilfiger blazers, wedding fashions aren’t to be left out! Incorporate Ivy League-chic details like plaids and stripes for the perfect remix of retro, preppy sensibility.

Exotic Indian Inspiration: India is definitely the “it” country for wedding inspiration. It embraces a vibrant color palette like purples, reds and golds, with lavish embellishments such as rich drapery and beading. Exotic, spicy dishes make it an authentic Indian experience.

Man Caves: For the men who can’t leave their PlayStation for even one evening, we have the Man Cave. The man cave has officially moved from the home to the wedding, so create your own enticing retreat complete with Blackjack tables, brandy bars, PlayStations and stogies. Just don’t be surprised if all the male wedding guests disappear into the new “groom’s corner” at the reception.

Food Truck Fun: Embrace your hunger for gourmet food trucks by requesting makeshift sidewalk carts during the cocktail hour or food trucks for the wedding after-party. Waffles, tacos and dumplings — you can have it all!

Video Guest Books: We all love the wedding photo booths, so now we take it up a notch and create a confessional-style video booth for your guests to say a few words in front of the camera. You could even dress up your iPad as a guest book for guests to “write” you well wishes. And of course, for those who feel nothing ever really happened until it’s shared online for all to see, you can easily upload your guest book online via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or Vimeo.

Surprise Honeymoon: Take a cue from Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and leave it up to your groom to plan a surprise honeymoon. You get to have all the fun, but none of the hassle and headache you get planning it!

Visit The Knot for more wedding planning ideas and tips!

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!

How to choose a venue:

1.  Do you plan to marry in a church or synagogue, and then move somewhere else for the reception?  Or do you prefer the convenience of having the wedding ceremony and reception all under one roof?  Factors such as ease of transport from service to reception will be important when planning your church wedding.

2. Make a list of all possibilities, and then call them to check the availability on the day you and your beloved have decided to wed. This will narrow down your search, as venues tend to book up quickly and some may not even be available on your desired date.  It’s a good idea to reserve your venue from six months to a year before your actual wedding. If you have your heart set on a particular venue, you may have to be flexible about the date.

3. Put together a tentative guest list of family and friends you think will be at the wedding.  Then, look only for venues that can accommodate that number of guest. If you plan on inviting the whole town, you’ll need a large hall that fits all those hundreds of people. If you plan on having a smaller affair, you can choose something more cozy.  Find out when the venue of choice needs to have a head count.

4. Discuss your wedding budget with your spouse-to-be, and decide how much money you can devote to the wedding venue. Some venues charges a flat fee, while others charge per hour. Some provide special packages that you may be able to work into your budget. You should als0 find out whether they offer discounts on certain days, like a Thursday or Sunday. Once you decide on a venue, make sure to find out when deposits and payments are due.

5. Ask the wedding venue director what items are included in the price. Some venues offer tables, linens, chairs, and even decorations, while other venues offer only the space that you will need to fill. Be sure to find out if a set-up or clean-up fee is included in the price, and how much time before and after the wedding will be needed to do so.

6. Find out whether the venue offers only in-house catering or if they allow outside caterers.  If you and your fiance have dietary needs, or have your hearts set on a particular menu, this will play a part in your decision.  If the catering is in-house, inquire whether it is also included in the price.

7. Do you want to be married outdoors? Look for a place that will host an outdoors wedding ceremony and/or reception, but make sure they have a provisional space in case of bad weather, too. Also, find out if the venue offers changing rooms for the bridal party and groomsmen.

8. If you and your spouse-to-be plan on serving alcohol, discuss any rules or restrictions they may have. Some venues allow you to bring in your own liquor, while others make you use their own in-house bar and bartender.

9. Bands and other forms entertainment can take up a large amount of space, as can a dance floor, so decide when and where you want the entertainment to take place, and check that there will be enough space available.

10. Parking may be a consideration for your guests. Some venues offer valet parking (which you can choose to cover) while others offer adequate-sized parking lots for all of your guests.

Types of Venues:

Your perfect wedding can take place just about anywhere you want it to, but here are some of the most popular choices, brought to you by WeddingPath.

Historic wedding reception venue. Castles, country houses and stately homes are among the locations many dream of for their big day. If your budget can stretch to it, this offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the use of a stunning building.

Hotel wedding reception. There are so many different types of hotel that there’s likely to be something for everyone, from traditional to ultra-modern. Having accommodation on the spot is, of course, a big plus.

Marquee wedding reception. If you have access to spacious gardens or other outdoor space, a marquee, or tent, could be worth considering. Many people are surprised at how pricey it can be to hire a marquee for their wedding, but the plus side is that you can take control of wedding catering and could save a considerable amount by providing your own alcohol.

Sports or social club wedding reception. Different types of club premises can be perfect for a wedding reception. Do plenty of research and you could find one that’s in a stunning location, too. For example, some sailing or rowing clubs have picturesque waterside views, and can often be hired at a reasonable price, certainly compared to other popular wedding venues.
Restaurant or pub wedding reception. Food and drink are among the main ingredients for a successful wedding reception, so where better to head than to a lovely restaurant or pub? Bear in mind that you’re more likely to find a good match if your wedding party is smaller, and if you’re lucky you might even be able to escape the heavy costs that are often quoted as soon as you mention the ‘w’ word!

Things to watch out for!

Wedding prices. Don’t fall for over-inflated prices. Whether it’s sky-high drinks or hidden costs in the small print, you don’t want to feel exploited, so vote with your feet if you feel it’s not worth it.

Wedding venue staff. Do they seem experienced and professional? Are they flexible and willing to adapt to your needs? This will be a major factor in how smoothly your day runs.

Wedding venue facilities. Is the venue accessible for guests with a disability? Is there appropriate seating for the elderly and/or young children?

Wedding guest accommodation. Is there a reasonable range of accommodation (hotels, guest houses, etc) within easy access of the venue?

Wedding transport. Is there enough parking for guests who drive, and decent transport links for those who don’t?

Wedding venue restrictions. Does the venue impose limitations that could put a damper on your celebration? Some stipulate no loud music after a certain time, others don’t like confetti or candles, and certain (usually historical) venues forbid high-heeled shoes for fear of their flooring being damaged.

Wedding photography. Plenty of natural light in your venue will mean better pictures. You might also want to check that there are plenty of appealing outdoor spots close at hand.

Wedding decoration. Are table linen, flowers, place cards and other decorations included in the quoted price, or will you have to provide your own?

Wedding extras. Check the availability of extras such as a cake stand and cake knife. Many wedding venues will lend you these, but having to hire them separately adds to your hassle and your wedding expenses.

Photo from countymarquees.com

I was reading All About RegistriesQ&A at the Washington Post, moderated by Summer Krecke, deputy editor at WeddingChannel.com. Although there are some things that she claims to be standard registry etiquette, quite a few brides and guests feel differently. Here are some common questions and answers, adapted from the All About Registries Q&A.

Q. Why do I need to create a gift registry?

A. Registries help guide guests. Gift giving shouldn’t be stressful for guests who don’t know exactly what a couple wants. Gift giving is supposed to be a point of pleasure and joy. The guest wants to give something they know the couple will love!

Q. We’re just not a thing-oriented couple. For our own wedding, we’d really like to avoid the whole gift thing altogether How can we get that word out without being tacky or rude?

A. Alternative registries like Amazon.com or Cloud 9 Living (where you register for activities) are totally acceptable. Other ideas are honeymoon or activity registry, which includes things you’d love to experience like a hot air balloon ride, horseback riding, or spa treatment. Another popular trend is creating a charity registry ( you can do this at WeddingChannel.com). But not having a registry is really not a good idea, because it leaves people without a clue as to what you want.

Q. How does the charity registry work? It sounds like a fabulous idea!

A. You can go to WeddingChannel.comand set up a charity registry. You will find an entire list of popular charities to choose from. You can either request a direct donation or create a regular registry and every time a guest purchases a gift through WeddingChannel.com, a percentage is sent to the charity in your honor.

Q. I think that asking for money — in any way — be it honeymoon fund, house fund, etc. — is just tacky with a capital T.

A. Correct: asking for money is a big NO-NO. If you would prefer money, it’s OK to share that information privately with people like your bridesmaids so they can pass the message along. You should still create a registry for those guests that aren’t comfortable giving money and prefer to give you an actual present.

Q. Two of my very close friends are getting hitched, and their registry is full of blah things like glassware and dust busters. I want to get them something more personal, but is it uncouth to ignore the registry if they’ve taken the time to put it together?

A. If you are absolutely certain your personal gift with thrill the new couple, go right ahead! But if you are uncertain,stick to something on the registry and add a personal touch. If they’re registered for a beautiful frame, buy it and add a great photo. A wine glass set? Get them a case of their favorite wine to go along with it!

Q. Do I really need to make purchases for the engagement, the bridal shower and the wedding? I’ve been invited to a series of parties for a number of friends, and every invite I receive to these events contain their registry information! I wish I could buy you that $400 vacuum, but I can’t even buy one for myself.

A. Gifts are not necessary for an engagement party. A card or bottle of wine would be great! If you are invited to a wedding you should give a gift, but give what you can. The most important thing when creating a gift registry (and I do think couples should have them as an assist to their guests) is to have gifts ranging from $5 to whatever you think is appropriate. Make sure you have inexpensive options.

Q. I’m traveling to be the best man in my friend’s wedding. I am spending lots of time and money to travel to the party. What is an appropriate gift for my friend… or is my presence presents enough?

A. Being in a wedding can involve lots of extra expenses. Perhaps you could pool with a bigger group to purchase something really nice for the bride and groom. You might want to discuss it with other members of the bridal party and see what you can come up with.

Q. Is it acceptable to include registry info in a wedding invitation?

A. Registry info should not be included in your invitation and instead should be supplied on your wedding website or through someone in your bridal party. It is completely unacceptable to include registry information with an invitation to any event other than a shower!

Q. As a future bride, I feel that  gifts are completely OPTIONAL, whether or not you attend the wedding. Don’t you think most friends just want to celebrate with you? I would rather have my friend’s presence than their presents!

A. This is not a black and white issue — a guest should measure her involvement and expenses against her relationship with the couple.

As people who sell wedding insurance like to point out, the average wedding in the USA costs $27,000, and in such a case wedding insurance would become a necessity (and a mere drop in the bucket, too).  If you are having a less expensive affair, you may decide to forgo the insurance. You can also get a less expensive policy that covers a specific risk (such as your luggage getting lost en route to your destination wedding; in such a case wedding insurance would cover the cost of quickly replacing your gowns and tux’s.)

About.com lists the following things that Wedding Insurance typically covers (Be sure to read the fine print of your policy to make sure they cover these things!) :

• Weather If your celebration has to be postponed because of rain or other bad weather, your policy should cover the cost of rescheduling.
• Illness or Injury If essential people get sick or injured, causing the wedding to be postponed, the expenses involved are covered.
• A Missing Officiant If your minister, justice of the peace, rabbi or other celebrant doesn’t show up, you’ll recoup some of your costs.
• Missing vendors Similarly, if your caterer, florist, photographer, or other key vendor is missing in action, you’ll recover some costs and possibly the costs of rescheduling the whole thing. (Er, can’t imagine rescheduling my whole wedding because the florist didn’t show up, but to each his own…)
• Your Location If your ceremony and reception sites don’t already carry their own insurance, your wedding insurance policy can cover damage to the site, fire, electrical or mechanical problems, or going out of business that causes you to lose money or have to reschedule.

You can also purchase additional riders, such as:

• Military Service Should the bride or groom be in the military or active reserves, you’ll want to be insured in case they are called to duty suddenly and everything has to be postponed.
• Your Gowns and Tuxedos including stores going out of business or damage.
• Gifts If your homeowners or renters insurance doesn’t cover them, you may want to protect against theft or damage of gifts.
• Liability Most sites carry liability insurance, but if you’re having your wedding at home, you’ll want to be protected in case a guest gets hurt or hurts someone else.
• Honeymoon Protect yourself against having to cancel your trip due to illness, bad weather or other unfortunate circumstances.

In case you had the same question lingering in the back of you mind… canceling because one person gets cold feet, or ditches the other at the alter doesn’t qualify!

1. Decide what is most important to you… then pick the right moment and tell your daughter how you feel about it. My most important wish was I wanted to go alone with my daughter when we first went shopping for “the”dress. I wanted to savor that special moment when my daughter tried on the very first dress…and saw herself as a bride! I think of this a the “Ohhhhh”moment.

2. Allow yourself and your daughter a Bridezilla meltdown moment and be able to laugh about it afterwards! There’s a lot of emotion and unending details in a wedding. No one is perfect…

3. Ask yourself what she needs from you most of all. Is it a sounding board, an idea person, an errand person, a phone contact person.Then have a conversation about how you can really help her most. Keep remembering it is HER wedding!

4. Write her a letter and then read it to her at a quiet moment. Sometimes we don’t take the time to stop and think about the experience. It is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone and it’s easy to get caught up in it all. One of my most poignant moments was the morning of the wedding… Between getting hair and makeup done we sat outside on the patio and I read my letter to my daughter. It will always be our special moment. I cried, she cried.
I think it helped me feel so much more calm and in control of my emotions the rest of the day.

5. Take time for yourself. Think through all the logistics of getting ready, getting to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Getting to the church on time! It adds so much stress. Hopefully you won’t have to call and plead for someone to bring your things across town so you can get ready. Take time for yourself so you can be calm and cool!

6. It is my belief that the best wedding gift you can ever give your child is to really “love” their partner. How you treat your new son-in-law goes along way in helping the marriage succeed. Try to talk about something else besides the wedding!

7. Take pictures all along the way. The wedding is not just one day. We loved “Meet the Parents” night and really laughed watching Steve Martin and Martin Sheen in”Father of the Bride” We have wonderful photos which bring back all the memories.

8. Encourage everyone to wear their wedding shoes ahead of time. Bring moleskin and scissors on the day of the wedding. Give everyone a chance to line their shoes with moleskin. We had no blisters and we danced the night away! of course, the brides shoes did break!

9. Accept the fact that everything is going to take MORE time than you think it will. Friday night commute traffic… what a nightmare before a 6 pm rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Not a good time to pick up wedding dog from the groomers!

10. Help everyone deal with the inevitable disappointments. Something definitely will go wrong… My motto is: The best weddings are ones where something really goes wrong… because they have the best stories!

“It almost never works out that way, and then you’ll be left with massive credit card debts and monthly minimum charges that can stretch you thin, starting off your marriage with money fights,” says Sharon Naylor, author of 1,000 Best Wedding Bargains.

If you want to plan your wedding on a budget, but not sacrifice your dream wedding, Naylor and Christina Friedrichsen, (author of Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style) have some important tips for planning your wedding.

Here are ways to plan your dream wedding on a budget, compliments of Koko.com:

• Create a budget: Decide how much you want to spend total, and stick to it! Figure out what is most important to you, what you want to splurge on, what you can cut back on, and what you can do without.

• Shop online: There are many online resources that can help brides find ways to cut costs. You can research wedding vendors and wholesalers online to compare prices. Then, try to beat those prices by being creative and doing things yourself, such as bouquets and centerpieces.

• Cut back on frills: New wedding trends include brunch or lunch weddings, which can cost far less than a formal dinner. Skip an elaborate dessert course and just serve cake. Instead of an open bar offering mixed drinks, offer guests wine, beer, and wine coolers. For a rehearsal dinner, keep it casual, such as a backyard BBQ.

• Save on Beauty: Do your hair and makeup yourself, or ask a friend to help you. Check bridesmaids dresses for gowns- you might find just the style and color you want, at a significant price cut.

• Don’t overdo it! If you serve only soup and pasta, don’t serve dessert, and have a cash bar, chances are your guests will be a little offended. You don’t want your guests leaving hungry and disgruntled. Naylor suggests that there are some things you shouldn’t skimp on, such as food, entertainment, photographs and dress alterations. Remember that while there’s no need to go all-out in order to impress your guests, a wedding is a time for celebration, and you want those dear to have a good time and share your happiness.

For more good ideas, check out Koko.com.

Photo compliments of yurikofloral.com