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!

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.

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.”

1. Hang amber-lit lanterns

The warm-colored light perfectly coordinates with fall wedding colors.  With so much going on overhead, you can keep things simple on the guest tables.   Use rustic lanterns in place of elaborate floral centerpieces that might compete with the suspended setup. Also, consider using a lantern motif on all of your stationery. (From the Knot)

2. Warms-your-Heart Wedding Favors

• Make it – homemade goodies like fudge, candy apples, or jams presented in festive packaging always go over well
• Bag it – fill mini burlap bags with coffee beans, bulbs, or any treat you desire, and tie a label with your monogram or wedding date to the top
• Pour it – miniature bottles of maple syrup are a sweet treat
• Fill it – miniature wood crates lined with straw and filled with goodies are a rustic touch (From Elegala)

For more autumn-themed favors and inspiration, visit American Bridal!

3. Create a Mini Pie Bar

Pie is the dessert of choice for fall! Apple, cherry, blueberry, persimmon… and and miniature food is a huge trend, too.  You can send guests home with mini pie tins as wedding favors, including recipe cards for your favorite kind of pie.  (From the Knot)

4. Go Glam

You are not confined to rustic and casual in the fall (you can skip the hay bales and pumpkins if that’s not your style!).  To create a posh autumn ambiance, use accents such as lush velvets, antique broaches, crystal stemware, and elegant candelabras.  (Chair covers from Dreams Do Come True)

5. Blooming Bouquets

The colors of the season (red, orange, gold, purple…) can be expressed in so many ways. This beautiful bouquet of flaming calla lilies is perfect for a fall wedding. It also adds a stunning contrast against the bride’s ivory gown. (From Martha Stewart Weddings via Allwomenstalk)

Formal

Shirt: A formal button-front shirt should be white or cream. No ruffles!

Jacket: Single-breasted, single-button jackets are timeless for a good reason—they’ll make his his waist look trim and his shoulders broad.

Pants: Make sure they are properly tailored; then there’s no need for suspenders or a cummerbund.

Bow tie: A bow tie is essential—a real one, not a clip-on.

Traditional

After all, diamonds are forever… and diamonds are a girls best friend… so choose wisely!

Shown: Tacori

Vintage Engagement Rings

Old Stones and antique settings prove that old is new again!

Shown: Doyle & Doyle $2,950; Gray & Davis $1500.00

Solitaire Engagement Rings

This elegant, timeless style is more popular than ever!

Shown: Cartier, Harry Winston

Garden Inspired Engagement Rings

The floral trend: where stones and flowers meld together!

Shown: De Beers $12,000; Christopher Designs $21,100

Green Engagement Rings

These brilliant, eye-catching gems with have you green with envy!

Shown: Tiffany & Co. $7,300;  Blue Nile $13,000

Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Platinum and yellow gold are classic choices, but rose gold is for the bold!

Shown: Neil Lane $120,000; Bulgari $7,900

These trends & photos are via InStyle Weddings. For more engagement ring pictures, visit InStyle Weddings!

There are many mother-of-the-bride styles to choose from, so take a look and see if one of our picks would work for your mom!

Here we go…

Long & Lovely

For the elegant mom with a flair for drama!

Montage Boutique, Jade by Jasmine, Alfred Angelo

Short & Smashing

For the stylish mom who wants to show some leg!

Below: Occasions by Mon Cheri, Occasions by Mon Cheri, David’s Bridal

Modest & Marvelous

For the regal mom who doesn’t want to show too much skin!

Below: Chadwick’s, Montage by Mon Cheri, Beautiful Mothers by Mary’s Bridal

Bold & Beautiful

For the vibrant mom who loves a splash of color!

Montage Boutique, Collection 20, David’s Bridal

Feature image: Demetrios

The simplicity of black and white is best suited to a classy, elegant affair. If you are planning a fun, laid-back, anything-goes type of party, you’ll probably want something brighter. But if you consider yourself a stylish, polished, worldly type of guy or gal, black and white will suit you perfectly! Here are some gorgeous photos from the Wedding Style Guide Issue 8 to inspire you!

Add a little crimson passion to the loosen up the stark black&white formality:

These grooms prove that you can be classy yet colorful at the same time. Cool and confident, in a sharp, well-cut suit, bright tie and matching bout… now that’s hot!  “I would have never guessed a white suit could look so sharp,” says Geoff,  “But it was the ultimate classic look.”

Even when opting for basic black & white, a small touch of color or exotic bud makes a big impact…

Here are a few more of my favorites… please visit Geoff’s Photography Blog for more!

Floral Details
One of the main trends for 2009 is floral details. Almost every designer on the catwalks featured a bridal design with flowers, in all shapes and sizes, from delicate floral embroidered lace to bold Mikado rose petal skirts.
“There are few things as feminine and beautiful as a flower. It is the perfect complement to bridal fashion, and a fabulous way to give your dress that extra delicate touch,” Rachel Vowels, Editor of B Magazine and WOL says.

Cymbeline Paris

Light and Airy
Some brides may be glad to know the days of dragging around a heavy wedding gown are over (for this season at least). For 2009, designers are all about lighter materials such as taffeta and organza, with romantic details and waistlines. This trend makes dancing, eating and breathing much easier!
“Romance has always been a staple in bridal wear, but this year you are seeing a return to classically feminine and soft looks; suited to the bride who wants to look as if she is floating down the aisle. Try layering soft fabrics and adding details like an elegant bow under the bust, or having one shoulder strap for that goddess style,” says Rachel.

Jim Hjelm Bridal Spring 2009 @ Brides.com:

Texture
Last year we saw an increased interest in texture style, and 2009 is pushing the trend even further. Layered fabric, ruching, and lacy overlays are all over the catwalks for 2009.
“No matter what your body type, the texture trend is perfect. You just need to find the type that suits you. For the bride with a shapely figure, try light ruching in the on the hip, if you are hour glass shape, try a mermaid style gown with a full ruffle skirt,” Rachel Vowels says.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009

Lace
There are few things as elegant as a lace wedding dress, matched with a mantilla veil and simple hair and make-up. It is also a timeless trend that will not have you kicking yourself in 20 years when you look back at the wedding photos.  In 2009 we will see graceful styles using illusion and boat necklines, as well as lace detail in the neckline and sleeves.
“If you are a bride who is worried about showing too much, lace sleeves are your answer. Lace is great for coverage, but still emanates femininity. You can find countless dresses this season with either full length, three quarter length or capped sleeves.”

Mori Lee lace wedding gowns

Short hemlines
It is hard to imagine wearing a short dress as a wedding gown, but bridal designers are big supporters of the short hemline this year. For the destination wedding, summer nuptial or the bride who wants a bit of edgy style, this look is perfect.
“Often brides overlook finding the dress that suits the season of their wedding, the mini dress is perfect for the summer event. Or some brides find that one wedding dress is just not enough, so they are using the mini dress as a second dress for the reception!”

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2009