When Behati Prinsloo married Adam Levine in July, she had a bunch of equally tall and leggy bridesmaids by her side. (I recently saw a top-secret photo, but I can’t mention names. You can guess though!) The floor-length bridesmaid dresses, designed by quintessential California-cool girl Rory Beca, were simple, flattering, chic, and refined—or, everything a bridesmaid could ask for. And now they’re available for your bridesmaids. And your best friends don’t have to look like Victoria’s Secret models to look good in these dresses.

Chic b'maid dresses from @Rory_Beca x #YifatOren. Dare we say "wear-again potential"? #bridalmarket -@KimberlyFusaropic.twitter.com/WeaXwVMkXV

— Glamour (@glamourmag) October 15, 2014

A collaboration between Rory Beca and Yifat Oren—the planner to the stars behind Behati and Adam’s nuptials—the dresses in the Maid collection come in five colors (champagne, pale pink, bright pink, bright blue, and black) and five styles, so your ‘maids can mix and match. There’s a straight, kinda slinky silhouette in case you are, in fact, friends with models, but there are also shapes (a one-shoulder and a short-sleeve version) that were designed to flatter the rest of us, including—Yifat said—“Your friend who’s had a few kids, who you want to feel comfortable and beautiful.” {So, um, me. }

Loading

View on Instagram

Loading

Place your orders soon... #maid #bridesmaids #collaboration @yifatoren @rorybeca

View on Instagram

Click here to sign up for information on the collection, which will be available for pre-sale in December.

I know you can’t see much (or all the styles) in these pictures, but trust me when I say they’re worth checking out. I almost walked out with the black tank style in my purse.

Writes Save the Date reader Carrie:

I’m going to a beach wedding and I’m trying to decide what to wear. I own a dress with a black bodice and a full, knee-length, white taffeta skirt. I think there’s too much white to wear the dress to a wedding, buy my mother disagrees. Is one of us right? Help!

Here are my thoughts:

If you think it’s questionable—which clearly you do, since you asked :) —I’d say don’t. Is a white-skirted dress wildly offensive? No. Is the bride going to be furious? Not if she’s sane. Will other guests think you’re rude? Depends on the crowd. Will anyone even notice? It’s possible they won’t.

And still, there are SO MANY other colors in the rainbow, and you can wear any other color (Yes, even black!) without risking hurt feelings or gossip mongers. So just pick something else.

I mean, fine. If the black-and-white dress is the only dress you own and buying (or renting) another one just isn’t in the budget, wear the black-and-white dress. But ultimately you want to be comfortable with your wardrobe choice, and it seems like you’re not comfortable wearing that much white.

Ladies, what do you think? Should Carrie wear the black-and-white dress? Or should she pick something else?

Have a wedding-y dilemma of your own? Email me!

You know how some clothes only work on the runway? Well, some weddings only work on Pinterest. The photos you find are great for garnering inspiration. However, the ideas you get from those same photos don't always pan out the way you thought they would in real life.

Not all DIY ideas are off-limits. Try one of these from Style Me Pretty's Abby Larsen.

A Remote Outdoors Wedding
While the ambiance of getting married in a field overlooking the mountains sounds super dreamy in theory, the reality of it (bugs, blazing hot sun and no shelter) is a whole lot less glamorous, according to Kristen Ley, owner of Something New for I Do. "Styled shoots are often romanticized," she explains, "and it's easy to get sucked in by the pretty details. Pull off the outdoor wedding you want to achieve, but not at your guests' expense."

Asking a Friend or Family Member to Officiate
Unless your cousin Becky is a uniquely skilled public speaker, this cute little touch can spiral into a stage fright fiasco real fast, warns special events producer Richard O'Malley. "There's a lot of pressure on your friend or family member to get it right; they've never done this before, and unlike the bride and groom, they are looking directly at the crowd."

Wish Lanterns, Candles and Sparklers
The last thing you want to worry about on your big day is starting a forest fire, or worse, having a drunken guest go up in flames! "Amongst the most obvious of things that seem like a good idea but can potentially turn out to be a big problem are candles at a windy outdoor venue, or anything involving fire, such as wishing lanterns or sparklers, around highly intoxicated people," points out Florida-based wedding planner Aviva Samuels of Kiss The Planner.

DIY Projects
Some projects are simply best left to the professionals, like your flowers, food, photos and music, for example. These things aren't worth the stress or later regret of doing it yourself, trust us. For brides hoping to save a buck on crafty DIY projects, keep in mind that your final product may not turn out as pin-worthy as what you saw online, cautions wedding planner Kia Martinson, founder of ESTOccasions. Then, you're actually out money.

—Written by Elizabeth Mitchell for Brides.

Have you worked with a too-chill bride? Or were you the too-chill bride?

More from Brides:
*4 Inexpensive Date-Night Ideas You Haven't Tried Yet but Should
*11 Things to Do After Getting Engaged
*50 Ways to Slash Your Wedding Budget

All the new wedding dresses Kim showed us from bridal market had us feeling so lightheaded and giddy that we barely paused to look at the makeup the models wore. So now that the parade of tulle has ended, here's one bridal market beauty highlight: the super-radiant skin seen at the Pamella Roland show.

I was dying to know exactly what skin products were used to get such a flawlessly luminous finish—and makeup artist Alexis Comforti was so kind as to reveal them. Here's exactly what to apply if you want to copy this model's glow for your real-life wedding day.

1. Mix Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance with Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Hydrating to create an even canvas for your foundation.

2. Even out your skin tone with Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation and Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage.

3. Apply Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour in Rosebud to the apples of your cheeks.

What are your favorite skin/makeup products for getting this kind of radiance? Share below!

For a calm respite amid the madness that was bridal market, wedding planner to the stars Yifat Oren* hosted a civilized little lunch for weddings editors to showcase some of the latest from JcPenney, including their registry wares AND their latest engagement rings.

*Like, two days later Yifat (above) hosted another event to share her new bridesmaid dress collaboration, which I mentioned yesterday. I told you the week was madness.

Here are five things from the luncheon that I think are worth zapping with your wedding registry gum. Not all of this is in stores yet, but I included links where they were available.

Registry Must-Have 1: Fun Serving Dishes I always recommend going basic with your everyday dishes—so you don’t get bored—and dressing up your table with visually interesting servingware and linens.

Whiteware Divided Server on Bamboo Tray, $34.99.

Registry Must-Have 2: Splashy Dish Towels Here’s an easy, inexpensive, noncommittal way to add some color to your kitchen.

Registry Must-Have 3: All-White Bedding There’s just something so serene, to me, about an all-white bed. You can add color with pillows and throws without making the bed feel too “you” or too “him.”

Matte Satin Square Coverlet Set from $99.99.

Registry Must-Have 4: Nesting Everything No matter how big your kitchen is, having bowls that nest makes your cabinets instantly feel organized. I also adore these nesting tables from JcP. (Also see the nesting measuring cups in No. 1.) I would have nesting clothes and nesting children, if I could.

Registry Must-Have 5: The Mini Food Processor We added this to our registry on a whim, honestly, because it was cute. But we use it WAY more than the full-size Cuisinart, which, TBH, lives in the basement. I use it at least once a week for frozen banana “ice cream,” and Rory’s used it to make homemade pie crust. It’s also perfect for guacamole.

Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, $39.99.

And since we’re on a JcP streak, I should also mention that they do engagement rings, too. (Who knew?) Because these rings, which were also on display at the luncheon, get their sparkle from lots of tiny diamonds—instead of one massive diamond—you get more bling for your buck. Here are 15 of the latest styles.

Would you add any of these to your registry? And which engagement ring is your favorite?

Looks like another happily ever after for The Bachelorette franchise: Desiree Hartsock and Chris Siegfried were spotted looking as lovey-dovey as ever at bridal market—and she just shared a sweet save-the-date video. It seems the two will say “I do” in January. Check out this cuteness:

Loading

It has been one incredible journey with the love of my life thus far but I cannot wait to marry him and start another chapter! ���������� I love you so much!! ���� #savethedate #secretsout #goingtothechapel ���� with @chrisrsiegfried @seahawks #flipagram ��� Music: The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You made with @flipagram

View on Instagram

Desiree has been hard at work designing her wedding dress with Maggie Sottero, who is also working with Desiree on a collection for real brides.

Thoughts on Des and Chris' save-the-date video?

So sweet, right?

ICYMI: Desiree From The Bachelorette Picks Her Favorite Hot-Off-the-Runway Wedding Dresses—Plus, Pretty Accessories to Match

And in other wedding-y weekend news: Vampire Diaries’ Candice Accola Marries the Fray's Joe King. Here’s Ian Somerhalder’s Sweet Congrats

Newlyweds Candice Accola and Joe King aren’t making their fans wait: The Vampire Diaries star and the Fray rocker took to Instagram to share a few intimate photos from their wedding. (The two were married yesterday in New Orleans, if you missed the news.) Here are the sweet photos:

Loading

Officially Mr. and Mrs. King! Best night ever! Photo Credit: Jonas Peterson

View on Instagram

Loading

My wife, she makes me wanna dance. Photo credit: Jonas Peterson

View on Instagram

As I mentioned earlier, the groom wore Tom Ford. And the bride wore what appears to be a longer version of Monique Lhuillier’s high-low Innocence wedding dress from the spring 2014 runway, minus the cape.

Caricamento in corso

Real life dream sequence. 10.18.14 Video By: Velare Imaginarium

Vedi su Instagram

The pics are lovely—and I adore that dress.

Look, it’s not reasonable to splurge on EVERYTHING for your wedding. If you’re going to pay out for a couture wedding dress, it makes sense to save on your accessories, shoes, and so on. Especially when the lower-priced options look this good. And even if you insist on spendy designer labels for all of your own stuff, give your moms and ‘maids a break in the budget department. Here are six unexpectedly awesome things you’ll find at David’s Bridal.

Reason 1: Melissa Sweet’s Latest Shoes
So cute, right?

Reason 2: High Fashion Accessories
We interrupted the poor designer’s spiel because we couldn’t stop playing dress-up with the accessories.

Reason 3: Easy Mix-and-Match Bridesmaid Dresses
With an almost endless number of colors, fabrics, and silhouettes to choose from, you’ll find something for everyone—and prices max out at $225, with a huge selection of the dresses well under that.

Reason 4: Major Reception Dresses
How sweet is this for a reception—or, with the veil, for a city hall wedding? Check out the shorties behind the model, too.

Reason 5: Great Options for Moms
MOB and MOG dresses tend to be a little, well, dumpy. There are a TON of un-frumpy, unexpected options here. Isn’t this one Amal-ish?

Reason 6: These Wedding Dresses
David’s selection is more on-trend than you might be thinking. (The skirt on the middle dress is removable!)

Will you visit David’s Bridal while you’re wedding planning? Or are you STILL feeling no-ish? Which of the items above is your fave?

Before his death yesterday at age 82, Oscar de la Renta certainly made his mark on the fashion world. Of note, most recently, of course, he designed Amal Alamuddin’s ivory off-the-shoulder wedding dress. And he dressed countless celebrity brides before Mrs. Clooney. Here’s a sampling.

AMAL ALAMUDDIN

#AmalAlamuddin’s final wedding dress fitting with #OscardelaRenta. Find out more on Vogue.com. Photographed by #AnnieLeibovitz, Vogue, October 2014.

A photo posted by Vogue (@voguemagazine) on Sep 9, 2014 at 6:52am PDT

KATE BOSWORTHClick here for a better picture.

Honored to be photographed by my husband for @MarthaWeddings on our big day. Available Fri on iPad & newsstand 12/30 pic.twitter.com/tDPncfHwl2

— Kate Bosworth (@katebosworth) December 20, 2013

JENNA BUSHClick here for a better picture.

I'm thinking of this man today and my heart is broken. So honored that I knew and loved him. pic.twitter.com/WsMcRpXimo

— Jenna Bush Hager (@JennaBushHager) October 21, 2014

AMANDA PEET She’s wearing a coat over her dress here, clearly. Click here for a better pic.

I don’t have rights to the photos, but Katherine Heigl (wedding dress picture here) and Maggie Rizer (wedding dress picture here) also wore Oscar de la Renta wedding dresses

Which celebrity’s Oscar de la Renta dress do you like best?

I think Katherine Heigl’s is my favorite.

Maybe you’re on the brink of getting engaged but don’t want to make a high-pressure trip to the jeweler. Or maybe you’re single with a bad case of ring finger FOMO. Regardless of why you want to try on engagement rings, it’s SO easy to try on thousands of ’em from the comfort of your living room with the Dream Box feature on the Blue Nile app.

Here’s how it works: You take a picture of your hand, then you drag, pinch, and rotate a picture of an actual engagement ring until it looks as though the ring is on your finger.

Then you tap the Shake button (on the upper left corner of your screen—you can also shake you’re phone, but you’ll look like a maniac if you’re in public) and a new engagement ring appears on your virtual finger. Below the picture you get the details on the current setting and the diamond’s stats (4 C’s, plus price) so you know exactly how to get the ring that’s pictured.

And you can keep hitting Shake until you’re sick of trying on engagement rings. Or until you have to eat or sleep. Whichever comes first.

The rings in the Dream Box are all recently purchased engagement rings. You can also try on rings you design yourself using the Build Your Own Ring feature in the Engagement section.

Thoughts on the Blue Nile Dream Box? Are you SO trying it out?

I will NOT tell you how many times I pressed the Shake button this morning. It’s not up for discussion. Sorry.

To celebrate 22 years of marriage to one Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama took to Instagram recently to mark the first couple’s two-plus decades of marriage.

22 years. #HappyAnniversary

A photo posted by First Lady Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) on Oct 10, 2014 at 5:05pm PDT

So sweet!

And to commemorate the couple’s Big 2-2, I went ahead and compiled five tips for a happy marriage that Michelle has shared over the years. Clearly after 22 years, they're doing something right.

TIP 1: Appreciate the Everyday Moments
“When the kids go to bed and after he's done a little reading, we're usually curled up in our den, and we'll watch a show together. Or we'll talk and catch up. It's nothing major, but that's what marriage is about. Not the big, splashy stuff. It's just the little day-to-day sharing and routines and rituals that we still have.”

TIP 2: Be Prepared to Put In the Work
“Marriage is hard work. Even the best of marriages require a lot of work — even if you're married to your soulmate who has very few flaws. Building a life with a person other than yourself, and raising kids and dealing with all of the bumps and the bruises and the joys and the pains that go along with life, that creates the natural state of marriage, and it's a challenge. I say that to people not to discourage them but to say that you will inevitably hit those bumps. Don't view that as a shortcoming of yourself or your spouse or your marriage. Don't give up on it. Just understand that you're going along the path that everybody else goes on. Go in ready for the work.”

TIP 3: Know When to Let It Go
“I might want to talk to him about an issue I have with what he said the other day, but you know what—it's not really that important. I’m stockpiling a list of issues that I'd like to discuss with him in 2016 though.”

TIP 4: Laugh—a Lot
“I think in our house we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage. So we still find ways to have fun together, and a lot of it is private and personal. But we keep each other smiling and that's good.”

TIP 5: Keep the Romance Alive
“Got to keep the romance alive, even in the White House. … He remembers dates, birthdays, he doesn't forget a thing, even when I think he is… I'll have a little attitude. I give him a little attitude, but he always comes through.”

Happy anniversary, you crazy kids. (Sorry it's belated! #bridalmarket) Next up, Michelle, I’d kill to hear your skin care regimen.

Let's face it: When it comes to wedding planning, all the inspiration comes from photos. Ergo, Instagram has become one of our main sources for finding such inspiration. Whether you're in full-on wedding-planning mode or you're just browsing in anticipation (guilty!), these 10 Instagram accounts are must-follows.

BHLDN
The wedding emporium's lineup of dresses, accessories, and lingerie are perfect for the ultra-romantic bride.

New in the Lingerie Boutique: Styles by @PlumPrettySugar @Eberjey @HankyPankyltd and more!

A photo posted by BHLDN Weddings (@bhldn) on Sep 9, 2014 at 10:24am PDT

Kleinfeld Bridal
All things wedding dresses, all the time.

This back is EVERYTHING. Thank you @amsalebridal for this beautiful creation #illusion #buttons #SoSilky #amsale #kleinfeld #bridalmarket

A photo posted by Kleinfeld (@kleinfeldbridal) on Oct 10, 2014 at 11:15am PDT

Vera Wang
The designer's feed is more than just lookbook and runway photos; It features real brides looking stunning in their Vera wedding dresses too.

"It was perfect! Simple, elegant and timeless.” Stunning #RealWedding featuring our Mabel gown on #VeraUnveiled.

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Oct 10, 2014 at 9:22am PDT

Poppies and Posies
This floral design firm posts some of the most gorgeous wedding flowers you'll ever see.

Weekend number two at one of our favorite spots. #weddings

A photo posted by Poppies & Posies (@poppiesandposies) on Oct 10, 2014 at 1:27pm PDT

Stone Fox Bride
Boho brides will love the NYC shop's feed for the cool-girl inspiration, but I'm partial to the engagement ring pics and proposal stories.

It was winter, and they were in a bar. She remarked how she wished they were some place sunny. He said let's GO! He booked a trip for Bermuda, for the next day! She knew what was happening. When they landed, they got to the beach & he said "you know what's happening, right?" Of course she did." #stonefoxrings

A photo posted by Stone Fox Bride (@stonefoxbride) on Oct 10, 2014 at 11:58am PDT

Mindy Weiss
Mindy is known as one of the best planners in the biz (she's responsible for both Jessica and Ashlee Simpson's weddings), and the photos she posts from her beautiful events show just why that is.

Dinner time @marksgarden chandeliers @revelryeventdesign @rayoflighting

A photo posted by Mindy Weiss (@mindyweiss) on Sep 9, 2014 at 7:27pm PDT

100 Layer Cake
This wedding blog (one of our favorites) features only the prettiest inspiration on it's expertly curated Instagram.

Serving up some sweet summer wedding ideas on the blog today, from @robynvandyke and @orangerieevents

A photo posted by 100 Layer Cake (@100_layercake) on Aug 8, 2014 at 11:52am PDT

Hey Gorgeous Events
This Grand Rapids, Michigan-based wedding planner knows how to throw a party.

Le arch. That's French for prettiness. #hgeblooms #hgewedding #mrmrslafinally

A photo posted by Rhiannon Nicole Bosse (@heygorgevents) on Sep 9, 2014 at 5:10pm PDT

Sugar Plum Cakes
This bakery may be located all the way in Paris, but the cakes are too fantastic to miss.

A photo posted by Sugarplum Cake Shop (@sugarplumcakeshop) on Jun 6, 2014 at 2:51am PDT

Lovely Details
As her company's name suggests, wedding planner Jacin Fitzgerald's feed focuses on the details. Follow for ideas for table settings, centerpieces, bouquets, and other pretty little things.

these old-school camping plates-turned menu chargers might be one of my favorite details ever. thanks @chelseapetaja + @southernfriedpaper for bringing my idea to life, @lulakate for the pretty dress and @patricialyons for the gorgeous pics. excited to share more from this fun finale dinner at @blissandbokehretreat.

A photo posted by jacin fitzgerald (@lovelydetails) on Oct 10, 2014 at 11:21am PDT

Wedding Paper Divas
Don't neglect the invitations, save-the-dates, and other paper goods! Wedding Paper Divas are the best of the best.

A photo posted by Wedding Paper Divas (@weddingpaperdivas) on Sep 9, 2014 at 1:11pm PDT

What's your favorite wedding Instagram to follow?

Beyonce and Jay Z have stayed together through elevator fights, her short bangs, pregnancy rumors, and more, so I'm not surprised that the couple are apparently stronger than ever.

In fact, they've renewed their vows, according to a People source: "They did have major problems, but they worked it out and they've renewed their vows."

No details yet on whether they went for a full vow renewal ceremony or what—but you know Kim's on the case.

I got married earlier this month and still can't believe this thing we talked about, worked on, and dreamed of has finally come and gone. It was in the North Carolina mountains and absolutely everything I wanted—I'll share pictures and more information with you guys later.

And while all of our friends and family seemed to have a great time, there was one little thing that brought me a few more compliments than anything else, and it was so gosh-darn easy, I have to share. In the welcome bags we left for guests at their hotel rooms, among the snacks and bottled water and Dramamine (roads there are curvy!), I'd nestled a little handwritten note. I'd heard about some other bride doing this somewhere, and while I can't remember who, or where, I have to give her a big shout-out.

I'd bought a bulk amount of flat white note cards online, so it was cheap, and I'd been organized enough to start writing them out a month or so before the wedding, so it was fairly easy to move through them. In each, I addressed the couple or guest, welcomed them to the South, and shared any inside jokes or special words about how delighted we were they'd made the trip. I ended with some sort of "let's get this weekend started!" and that was it.

I'm a sucker for handwritten notes but was still surprised at how many people came up to to tell me how it was the sweetest touch or the nicest thing they'd ever received at a wedding.

What sort of things did you put in your welcome bags? How did you greet your guests and show your appreciation if they traveled a great distance?

If you like those "No. Seriously. Thank You." cards, they're from Minnie & Emma and you can shop them here.

Marchesa is always a surefire bet for feminine, lace-heavy bridal gowns. If you've got a similar bridal gown aesthetic, or simply want to complement your dress with girly, natural makeup, look no further than the Marchesa spring 2015 bridal presentation. Bobbi Brown director of artistry Kim Soane created a pretty, ethereal makeup look with heather-shaded eyes, glossy skin, full brows, and a flush of pink on the cheeks:

The key to this look? Full, highly groomed brows, neutral lips, and a touch of gloss (everywhere). To create glossy skin, makeup artists fully hydrated first with Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream and Hydrating Face Cream and then applied a layer of Extra Repair Serum for a natural glow.

To finish the eye makeup, artists dabbed a bit of Crystal Gloss onto the lids for a slightly edgy sheen that makes this pink, rose, and mauve-heavy makeup scheme look fashion-forward, not boring.

Here's exactly what they used:
Face: Creamy Concealer, Corrector, Skin Foundation Stick, Sheer Pressed Powder and Brightening Finishing Powder
Eyes: Long-Wear Eye Cream Eye Shadow in Heather , Long-Wear Cream Eye Shadow Stick in Sand Dune, Long-Wear Gel Liner in Sepia Ink, Extreme Party Mascara, and Crystal Gloss as a finishing touch on the eyelids.
Brows: Brow Shaper
Cheeks: Pink and Rose Retouching Powders
Lips: Lip Balm

This makeup is equally stunning for an everyday look (or at least my version of an everyday look!). If you're contemplating doing your own makeup for an event, or just want to try out a few ideas before booking an artist, Bobbi Brown offers complimentary 45-minute Bridal Beauty makeup lessons at its counters (no product purchase necessary and free customized samples included). It's a great place to start when you're not quite sure what direction you want to go in.

Are you a fan of natural-looking bridal makeup, or do you think you'd rather have a bold lip, eye, or both?

For today’s Instagram-obsessed bride, the biggest decision (after the dress, of course) is coming up with that clever, oh-so-you wedding hashtag.

As Andy Marsh, managing partner of TagPrints Digital, points out, the average wedding guest shares a whopping 22 photos of the event on social media. However, only 40 percent of guests actually include a hashtag with their snapshots. To make sure your wedding photos don’t get lost in the Internet abyss, follow these expert tips for creating social-media buzz on your big day.

A hashtag spotted in Jamie and Hiland's real wedding album

1. Make your hashtag unique and personal
In order to stand out among the clutter, try to incorporate your personality, perhaps with an inside joke, a pun, or a special name that reflects you as a couple, says Alyssa Kiefer, W Hotels global social media strategist. The D.C.-based wedding planners at Events in the City add “Our client’s married name became Doerr, so we coined the hashtag #doerrforevermore.” Plus, a one-of-a-kind hashtag ensures that “you and your guests will be viewing only photos from your big day—not someone else’s selfies,” explains wedding expert Ceci Johnson.

2. Keep it short and simple
You want your guests to actually use the hashtag, so keep it simple enough to remember and spell correctly, says Kiefer. Marsh agrees, adding “One of our past clients understood that their last name, Wojciechowski, would be difficult for guests to spell, so they went with #MrAndMrsWoj.”

3. Avoid punctuation and symbols
Remember: Hashtags on Twitter and Instagram should contain only letters and numbers. So although #Andy&Bianca14 might look cute, the ampersand will break up the hashtag so it cuts off after #Andy. Not a good start to your happily ever after!

4. Spread the word
Marsh recommends including your hashtag on all materials related to your wedding, beginning with your save-the-date. More places you might not have considered: napkins, place settings, coasters, and signage throughout the reception area. The team at Events in the City agrees: "Signage for your hashtag is key if you want guests to tag their snaps. Putting signs with the hashtag at the bar or in the bathroom doesn't take over the wedding but instead gives people something to do while they are waiting in a line."

Do you plan on having a wedding hashtag?

One of the best and wisest pieces of advice I got throughout the entire wedding planning process was that something would go wrong. It just would. I should count on it, expect it, and then not freak out when it happened. I got married earlier this month and my wrong thing definitely happened. Due to some confusion with my photographer, he missed our entire ceremony, showing up right after we'd left the tiny white chapel and all of our guests were streaming out.

I found out he wasn't there while standing outside the chapel with my bridesmaids and my now-husband's groomsmen. My sister (who was my maid-of-honor) told me, "Um, we have a problem..." For a second my mind flashed with a sort of panic and disbelief, and I think I considered, for a super split second, whether we should wait until he could get there. Then, just as quickly, I decided that was ridiculous and this was fine. I was still here, in a gorgeous dress, marrying this amazing man, and, frankly, in the grand scheme of things this wasn't so bad. It was my thing, just like I'd been expecting.

Big props to my sister, who remembered that one of our aunts had a nice camera and loved taking pictures. Someone called her out of the chapel, we explained what had happened, and she agreed to do her best to capture some photos. When my photographer did arrive, he was so apologetic—I actually felt bad for him. After the third of fourth time of his saying he was sorry, me telling him it was OK, and his saying he was sorry, again, I put a stop to it. "Listen, I'm really a relaxed person," I said (I think). "I promise I'm not upset with you. It's OK. Let's just focus on taking great pictures now."

And then we moved on. We took some beautiful pictures with family outside and then went back in to sort of re-create things (um, explaining why the pew benches are all glaringly empty in this photo). He took pictures of us at the altar and emerging from the chapel, smiling widely as if we'd just been officially pronounced husband and wife. He also insisted I have my photographer aunt send him her pictures and he'd try to work some Photoshop magic on them.

I haven't gotten my photos back yet, but I'm confident they'll be beautiful. And, in a kind of weird way, I'm happy that I did have my moment. In our now married life together, I know we'll encounter way bigger problems than that, and it feels nice to start things with a good perspective.

Did you have a mistake or problem at your wedding? What was it, and how did you handle it?

Every bride-to-be knows the agony of the budget and one of the biggest ticket items: flowers. And oh-my-gosh but they can be expensive! In order to keep the check down for my October wedding, I did some research on which flowers would be in season, as well as what kind of extras best complement fall florals.

"I like rich jewel tones that mirror what's happening outdoors and textural elements such as coneflower heads, scabiosa seed pods, and various grasses," Eatherley Schultz of Floressence in North Carolina told me. "I like to show the seasonal stages of flowers, too, so I'll include buds, full flowers, and pods to highlight all growth stages. There's so much beauty in each part."

For fall brides on a tight budget, she suggests upping the amount of textural greens in bouquets and centerpieces instead of all flowers. "Use varying shades of color like greens, sages, and blues. With different textures and shapes, the flowers you do have will really shine."

Names to jot down in your wedding notebook to check out?

Flowers: Dahlias, zinnia, marigolds, and spider mums.

Berries: Pepperberries, privet berries, and mountain ash.

Fruiting vines: Figs, persimmons, and crabapples.

Grasses: Millet, explosion grass, or bunny tail grass.

Fall brides, what are you doing for your flowers?

Have you ever seen Shakira, Melania Trump, or Padma Lakshmi look unkempt? Me either. These perma-coiffed ladies have all worked with Jasmine Anna Galazka, stylist at NYC's Oscar Blandi salon, a bridal specialist.

Now that the weather is cooling off and the wind is picking up, we were curious about the best course of action for brides. Is there a hair strategy that will keep you looking perfect in photos, even if you're shooting them outside? Yes, and it's an updo: "Fall and winter weddings are a great opportunity for brides to have their hair up," says Galazka. "As much as I love hair down and natural, having your hair up on your special day will leave you worry-free."

Step one: "I always recommend a bride choose her dress and veil before deciding on the hair style," says Galazka. Then, it's time to choose the right updo for you:

1. A Braided Updo:

"Braids are always an amazing 'risky' weather go-to choice for your wedding. They keep the hair away from the face and have a soft structure to them."

Steps:
-Set your dry hair first in pincurls with a one inch curling iron. Make sure your hair is not freshly washed—updos are always best the second day when there’s a little natural oil to hold the curl.
- Let the pincurls cool down 15-20 minutes and then take them all down and brush through.
- Start working from the bottom up: Create a low, messy chignon using jumbo bobby pins to pin each strand of hair in place. Once you get to the crown, start creating a side part. The side which is heavier (the one with more hair) is the one that will be braided.
-Continue to secure strands from the other side, then braid the heavy side, securing with a small elastic band at the end.
-Slowly shift the rubber band down and loosen up the braid from the bottom up to the base.
-Tuck the end of the braid underneath your chignon.

2. A Messy Updo:

"My all-time favorite, this one is just timeless and romantic. It just looks super elegant and effortless."

Steps:
-Set your hair with a hot tool (curling iron or rollers) to give the ends a bend. By establishing this, it will be easier to fold your hair into whatever creation you want.
- Tease the crown with a tail comb; this is your anchor point, especially on a windy fall day, you do not want anything falling out."
- Start at the back of the head, pinning up strands using bobby pins and hairpins to keep things in place.
- Once you reach the top, create a soft flowy sweep of the hair giving it height in the front.
- Sebastian Shaper Plus is my go-to favorite hairspray of all time, so I use that to set the look.

3. The Rose Updo:

"This chic detailed updo seems simple from the front, but once the profile and the back of the bride's head is revealed, it looks like an art sculpture. Also, there is no need to worry about anything falling out here!"

Steps:
- Gather hair into a soft ponytail.
- Section ponytail in half by clipping up the top half for the time being.
- Working from the inside at the base of the ponytail, take very thin sections of hair, spray them down, comb them out, and flatten them out using your index and middle finger.
- Twist the section into a loop and secure the end with a hair pin.
- Continue this with each section, wrapping on the outside of the previous one, expanding your "rose."
- At the end, spray this down pretty heavy to make it extra secure.

After my recent wedding, the new husband and I mini-mooned at home to relax, unwind, and, honestly, save some money. It felt like a smart decision as last-minute wedding expenses piled up, and I was inspired by the news that Amal and George did the same (as did Kim, who gave me some killer advice about logging off technology and warning family you were off the grid). While we were "away," we explored small towns around our New Jersey home, and it was lovely. In case you're thinking of doing the same, I connected with Cheryl Rosner, CEO of Stayful.com, for some expert advice on cute spots in different regions of the country you can hit if you're on the hunt for sweet vacation spots you can get to by driving or a short (and relatively cheap) flight.

If you're in Southern California:
Well, you have a ton to choose from, with Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs all within driving distance. If you're picking L.A., Cheryl loves Le Montrose, where suites have fireplaces, cozy sitting areas, and a rooftop deck and pool that shows off the city skyline. My favorite of her tips was for an evening activity that doesn't involve high heels and overpriced cocktails. "Head to Griffith Park, but go at night. The Sierra Club leads nightly hikes, lit only by the light of the city."

If you're in Northern California:
Consider a quick flight to Seattle, where there's enough green and water to make your adventure feel super outdoorsy. Cheryl suggested staying at a place called Inn on the Market for a romantic getaway, citing a close location to the Pike Place Market and an open-air deck that's practically calling out for a BYOB sunset watch. While there, head 30 miles or so east of the city. "Snoqualmie Falls is a breathtaking nature wonder," she suggested. "Pack a picnic lunch and hike to the bottom for a truly unforgettable view."

If you're in New England:
Make your mini-moon into a city adventure by getting yourself to New York or D.C. If you do Manhattan, find a Broadway show you're both interested in, and sample all the amazing food the city has to offer (Cheryl's faves include cookies at Momofuku and the French-Vietnamese fusion at Ma Peche—"simply amazing"). If you're down for exploring our country's capital, consider staying at the Normandy Hotel, where there's a complimentary wine and cheese hour in the lobby.

If you're in the Midwest:
A flight to New Orleans isn't that tough and the city is f-u-n. There are tourist things worth a go too, including a horse-drawn carriage ride around the French Quarter (but go at night, says Cheryl) or a ticket for the steamboat Natchez to cruise down the Mississippi River. For a nightcap, consider swinging by the candlelit bar Loa.

If you're in the Southwest:
Drive to Santa Fe and book something (anything!) at The Inn and Spa at Loretto, a Cheryl favorite that has multiple options geared toward a romancing couple. When it's adventure time, drive 30 minutes north of the city to Puye Cliff Dwellings. "Reserve a tour and time it right so you can take in the amazing New Mexico sunset."

If you're in the D.C. area:
The drive to Charleston, South Carolina will be completely worth your time. The Restoration on King boasts breakfasts delivered to your room in a picnic basket, and the Market Pavilion has a buzzy rooftop bar for a pre-dinner sip with your new husband or wife. If you hit it at the right season, Magnolia Gardens will offer a breathtaking walk.

If you're in Florida:
Have a romantic Southern weekend by getting yourself to Savannah. Cheryl likes the Inn at Ellis Square and says mini-mooners must stop by the historic mansion the Kehoe House. "There is an unbelievable home-cooked breakfast daily plus a cozy afternoon tea." For a romantic outing during the evening, try the Collins Quarter.

If you're in Texas:
Don't discount a trip to Telluride, which is beautiful in every season (not just the winter!). If there's no snow on the ground when you go, hike and mountain-bike or sit outdoors and enjoy the scenery. If your trip coincides with powder, I loved Cheryl's suggestion of taking a dog sled. How unique!

Did any of you mini-moon? Where did you go? If you stayed super local, like me, what was your favorite day adventure?

P.S. Thanks for your sweet wishes and congratulations yesterday!