After you've come up with the signature cocktails for your reception and refined the dinner wine list, dedicate some time to thinking about nonalcoholic drinks to impress. My fiancé's not much of a drinker, so I've been giving the category a lot of thought. He freaks out over a pitcher of fruit-infused water the way I do over a bottle of good red wine, so I thought what better way to make sure guests like him (and under-21 revelers, duh) are happy and hydrated.

The most yummy-sounding five I stumbled on:

Raspberry, mint, and lime
Anyone that loves the flavor of lime will be all about this combo. Slice a lime into thin disks, lightly smash a pint of raspberries, and pull the leaves of a small bunch of mint before pouring water over it all.

Blackberry, cherry, and lime
This Lauren Conrad-approved mix has a pretty, faint pink hue if you mix it all and let it set in the fridge overnight. Slice the lime into rounds and pull the stems off cherries before combining.

Watermelon and rosemary
Sweet-tooth types will like this combo from the Yummy Life: Add a single sprig of rosemary and muddle very lightly before adding melon cut into cubes. Smash them with the butt of a spoon, fill with ice and water, and refrigerate.

Strawberry and orange
This mixture sounds amazing for a summer wedding—slice an orange and eight to 10 strawberries before mixing with water.

Ginger and mint
And because not everyone's into fruit (shocker, I know), consider having one slightly more adult flavor option. Slice ginger root into skinny disks and mix with mint, stems included if you like the look. Original tester Joanna Goddard noted that the longer you let it steep, the stronger it'll be, so maybe give this one a test run before it's wedding time.

Do any of the above sound yummy to you? Have you already decided if you're having infused waters at your reception?

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade's save-the-date video was leaked and posted by TMZ, and, guilty feelings about that aside, it's so gosh-darn adorable (it leads off with stick figures!). The happy couple's date? August 30 down in Miami.

I love how his kids were involved and how we get a glimpse into the intimate moments of their proposal. That moment when she does the "YES!" gesture? So real girl!

Are you surprised by how normal their proposal seemed? Other than the gigantic rock, obv.

Etsy can be a bride's best friend or...terrifyingly overwhelming. I've found some amazing items that have helped with planning and others I'm bookmarking as potential wedding favors, but a simple query can return hundreds of results. A girl gets a headache just flipping through them all. To help, I drank an extra iced coffee and dedicated myself to the search to benefit both you and me.

10 things worth shopping on Etsy:

1. Return-address stamp
It's like having the handwriting you always wished for. Pair with an embossing ink pad and heat gun for a luxe-looking finish to your invites. For long-term use, omit your last names so you can keep using it after you start using your new one. Shop here.
2. Favor tags
These make favors purchased in bulk look a lot more special. If you're going with homemade items (like baked goods—yum!), they're an easy way to make the final appearance a touch more polished. Shop here.

3. Coozies
I love a coozie, and collecting them from events and trips is kind of a hobby. They're trendy but also practical (no drink sweat on your hand!). Pop them in welcome bags or leave them near the bar at a welcome dinner or your reception. Shop here.
4. Matchboxes
Before coozies got popular, people were snagging matchboxes from restaurants and filling bowls at home. They're still an easy token to take home and something feels retro-sweet about them right now. Shop here.

5. Wire place cards
If your reception will be on the smaller side, consider upgrading to these twisted names for each setting. These are the exact sort of little touches I don't mind shelling out for—there's a better chance they'll pick these up and take them home instead of just tossing. Shop here.
6. Sparkler tags
Make a sparkly send-off even chicer by prepping the fireworks with these pretty cards. Shop here.

7. Temporary tattoos
One of the coolest new things I've seen popping up on Etsy: playful temporary tattoos! I think guests would have fun with them, but I'd put a caveat on mine: Please keep them on places you won't see in pictures. Shop here.
8. Candy-bar bags
Ah, the candy bar. It's a sweet nightcap to a reception and makes for a yummy favor that you know guests will love. Make yours feel like yours by stacking personalized bags nearby all the sugar. Shop here.

9. Handkerchief
I wish I could sew or embroider, but let's be honest: My skills are pretty limited. These classic keepsake gifts for your mom and his are so sweet. They'll look good folded in a jewelry box, but they're practical too (for dabbing tears during the ceremony). Shop here.
10. Personalized stickers
Put your touch on random items with stickers that aren't too specific—they're multipurpose this way. I can imagine slapping these on simple white paper bags to leave treats in guests' hotel rooms or securing cellophane bags with home-baked cookies for them to pick up on the way out of the reception. Shop here.

Some things worth skipping on Etsy:

Everyone's got a different wedding vision and priorities for their budget, but in my eyes, certain things aren't really worth it. On top of my list?

1. Personalized hangers for your bridesmaids
They look cute in pictures, but after a few hours, they're pointless (and in most closets, way too thick to be practical).
2. Photo-booth props
Having one is super fun, but why spend extra cash on items to stock it when I guarantee you've got enough funky pieces in your real life. Check out the dollar store or look online for mask templates you can print out and bring.
3. Totes for welcome bags
I love a welcome bag but feel so guilty at the end of the weekend when I don't know what to do with it. Use a simple paper bag or box instead, and put the extra money toward what's inside.
4. Coloring books
Putting a stash at a reception table with kids is genius, but don't spend more for theme books little kids won't pay a bit of attention to.

Have you used Etsy much while planning? Any amazing finds?

Whitney Port—who’s busy planning her own wedding—has also been busy designing wedding invitations for your wedding. The former reality star has been working with Wedding Paper Divas on a collection of wedding stationery that perfectly capture’s Whit’s free-spirited style. Here’s a sneak peek from the launch party last night:

That's all six invitations in the collection, which also features matching RSVP cards, thank-you notes, save-the-dates, and such. Everything comes in a bunch of colors, so you can find something pretty that matches your palette. (Or use an invite to dictate your palette. Pink + navy + turquoise—like the invite on the bottom right—would be so great!) Here’s more from the event, since I don’t think my pic is really doing the collection justice:

Thoughts on Whitney Port’s collection for Wedding Paper Divas? Which invite is your favorite?

I’m really loving the horizontal one in the middle in my pic, which is also in the bottom Instagram photo. (The backs of the invites are all really cute patterns, too. I forgot to take pics, so I’ll show you when the official photos are in!)

If you’re taking an extended honeymoon, you might not have room in your luggage for sexy negligees and lace teddies. Sure, they’re small, but I’d pack an extra pair of shoes over blink-and-you’ll-miss-it peignoirs any day. Instead of a separate honeymoon boudoir wardrobe, why not pack these lacy little somethings from ThirdLove? They’re pretty enough to serve as eye candy for your new husband, and they work as your everyday honeymoon undergarments.

Lace Balconet in Ivory with Grey Straps & Bow, $64. Lace Thong in Ivory, $13. Mesh Demi in Black With Black Lace Trim, $59. Mesh Boyshorts in Black, $15.

The bras come in several colors, and you can change up the color of trim for contrast, or if you want something a little more sassy. (Think bright pink and turquoise.) And I haven’t even gotten to the best part: ThirdLove has an iPhone app that can tell you your perfect bra size. (You know, for those of us who have been guessing for the past 20 or so years, because who wants to ask a saleswoman to whip out her measuring tape in a lingerie shop while you stand there awkwardly with your arms in the air, stick—’em-up style?) AND the bras come in half—cup-sizes, which means a more personalized fit. This video will give you an idea of how the app works, but it basically just involves taking two pictures of yourself and using your phone for scale:

It took me about two minutes to find out I’m a 34B1/2 and place an order from my phone—the app even scans your credit card so you don’t have to type all those numbers—and I’m happy to report that the bras fit beautifully. Makes sense, since I’d been wearing slightly baggy C cups or too-tight B cups my whole life.

What are you packing, lingerie-wise, for your honeymoon? Would you try a bra-sizing app?

North Carolina's Biltmore Estate is the largest private residence ever built stateside. (No. 2 is New York's Oheka Castle.)

So you’re not marrying royalty? Damn it. Well, you can still have a royally awesome wedding at any of these nine castles, all located in the United States—and all available for weddings. All cater to brides and grooms looking for the “fairy-tale” wedding experience, and some go the extra royal mile, with amenities like horse-drawn carriage rides.

• Biltmore Estate, Asheville, N.C.
• Fonthill Castle, Doylestown, Pa.
• Thornewood Castle, Lakewood, Wash.
• Belcourt Castle, Newport, R.I.
• Falkenstein Castle, Burnet, Texas
• The Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah, Ga.
• Oheka Castle Hotel and Estate, Huntington, N.Y. Kevin and Danielle Jonas were married here!
• Pythian Castle, Springfield, Mo.
• Rosecliff Mansion, Newport, R.I.

Would you get married in a castle? Or are you looking for a venue that’s a little more low-key?

If there's a wedding on your calendar for the coming weeks—and especially if it's your own—I'm sure you're already sweatin' how the summer heat is going to play into your makeup strategy for the big day. (How's a girl supposed to conceal those blemishes when the makeup's going to melt right off after an hour of under-tent dancing?) Just in the nick of time, I got some fabulous tips from celebrity makeup artist Matin about how to keep your skin looking great without going greasy or overly made-up/matte.

1. Start with a mattifying moisturizer“The best way to combat super-shiny skin in the summer without making it look dead and completely flat is by using a moisturizer that helps to keep shine away, like Juara Sweet Black Tea & Ginger Mattefying Moisturizer," Matin syas. "What it basically does is take away existing shine and control oil, but at the same time gives skin the moisture it needs and the kind of nutrients a good night sleep would. It really wakes up your skin as if it’s gotten a good sleep."

2. Finish with a skin perfector "A great product that I always use is Talika Skin Retouch," Matin says. "You use it on top of makeup as the very last step, tap it on top of the makeup on the T-zone or nose to touch up and get rid of excess shine that you don’t want. This is a great product if you don’t want any more texture or coverage and is really great on bare skin that’s just been moisturized."

"If you do want more texture or coverage and a more velvety look, I would recommend Votre Vu’s Zone Out powder, which is so lightweight. It doesn’t feel cakey like a lot of powders can, and when you put it on the face it’s really light."

3. Don't forget to stash this in your clutch "I also recommend carrying around blotting papers in your purse. Neutrogena has blotting papers without powder, or you can opt for the ones with powder like Shiseido has," Matin notes. "Before you put anything additional on (like the Skin Retouch or Zone Out), it’s always best to remove excess oil so that the look doesn’t get too heavy."

4. Factor in your face wash "Cleansing the skin is really important in the summer," Matin says. "I prefer lighter washes, something foaming like Jurlique Soothing Foaming Cleanser, which is great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. It balances out the skin without overdrying it. We don’t treat our skin enough in the summer and usually people will overcleanse, but this foaming cleanser does just enough without leaving you dry. The Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist is also great to prep the skin before you put on the Juara moisturizer."

What are your favorite tricks for achieving (and maintaining) skin perfection at sweaty summer events?

If you’re the type of girl who dreams about wedding dresses, anyway, these five brand-new gowns from Sarah Janks Glasshouse Collection might just put you over the edge. They're just SO romantic.

Wedding Dress 1

Wedding Dress 2

Wedding Dress 3

Wedding Dress 4

Wedding Dress 5

Which of those wedding dresses is your favorite?

I guess when a guy proposes with a 14-carat engagement ring, the traditional one-year anniversary gift—paper—seems a little anticlimactic. So Avril Lavigne’s husband, Chad Kroeger, celebrated one year with a massive new diamond. A 17-carat emerald-cut diamond, to be exact.

I still can't believe my 1 year anniversary gift. 17 carat emerald cut. Wow. I love my hubby. pic.twitter.com/hOdMxy5uEA

— Avril Lavigne (@AvrilLavigne) July 31, 2014

Still totally blurry up close, but that's possibly because it has its own solar system.

Thoughts on Avril Lavigne’s HUGE upgraded engagement ring?

It’s a bit, um, much for my taste. But happy anniversary, kids!

What better way to wrap up our week than with another edition of Batsh*t Crazy Brides?

Writes Save the Date reader Priscilla:

My best friend of six years lives out of state, but we’ve maintained our friendship, so when she got engaged and asked me to be her maid of honor, I happily said yes. Soon after, I wished I hadn’t. Our phone calls quickly turned into hours-long conversations about nothing but her wedding. At first, it was fun when she wanted my opinions about flowers, photographers, and cakes, and I gave them happily.

But then she began asking me to call vendors on her behalf, since she lives out of state. I ended up pricing out chairs, salons, wedding dresses, cupcakes, photographers, florists, and wedding DJs. All this planning had me overwhelmed—and it wasn’t even my wedding. It was especially frustrating when I’d call her with my findings and she’d dismiss them with, “No, that’s too expensive.” or “I don’t want to do anything the traditional way.” After hearing the florists’ prices, in fact, she declared she was going to have each bridesmaid carry $5.99 Walmart bouquet.

During one of our many conversations, she asked me to grow out my hair so I’d “be pretty, like before!”

And then she dropped this bomb: She wanted me to tell the rest of the bridesmaids to give her money as a wedding gift—and to give it before the wedding, because she was “too broke” to afford her wedding flowers. She also expected her bridesmaids to buy personalized garters to match hers—and attend a cruise for her honeymoon. (Yes, honeymoon.)

I actually agreed to all of this and still managed to get myself kicked out of the wedding party when the bride called a week later with more wedding woes. She had hired a friend of a friend to make her wedding cupcakes and a former coworker (a college student) to be here DJ. She was pissed of at both of them (the DJ, for one, wasn’t returning her calls) and needed to vent. I simply said, “You cannot expect professional services when you hired rookies to do the job.” That was the end of that conversation, and I didn’t hear from her for two weeks, when she called to say not only was I not her maid of honor anymore, I was kicked out the wedding party entirely. In fact, I wasn’t even invited to the wedding anymore. But she still wanted to be friends. I asked if she wanted to talk about why she was upset, and she said no. And that was the last I heard from her.

Here are my thoughts:

Um, good riddance? I guess I’ll give the bride points for her DIY spirit, in regard to the bridesmaid bouquets. But other than that, she get’s a no (making friends call vendors) and a no (asking for money—ahead of the wedding) and a “Oh, HELL no” (telling your friends they have to join you on your honeymoon).

Thoughts on today’s badly behaved bride?

Just no. No, no, no, honey.

We still have a month left of summer weddings, so to celebrate sultry hot-weather affairs, here are five wedding dresses that won’t weigh you down. (Technically four wedding dresses—and one wedding jumpsuit!) Normally I choose dresses from a bunch of brands for a roundup like this one, but Watters kind of knocked short wedding dresses out of the park with the latest frocks in their Encore line, so that’s where all of these picks are from.

Wedding Dress 1

Wedding Dress 2

Wedding Dress 3

Wedding Dress 4

Wedding Dress—er, Jumpsuit—5

If you don’t want a short wedding dress, some of these would be cute for your bachelorette party, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner, no?

Click here to check out everything in Watters’ Encore line.

Would you wear a short wedding dress? Which of these wedding dresses is your favorite?

P.S. Barring any breaking celebrity news, I’ll be on vacation until August 11. Woo-hoo! But don't worry—there are a bunch of people lined up to keep the awesome wedding-y content coming in my absence.

Peace out, suckers! (You can call me a sucker when 10 celebs get married this Saturday night and I’m right back here. Deal? xoxo)

Everyone obsesses over the engagement ring, but what about the wedding band? I love a simple gold band (it's so Kate Middleton!) and appreciate the sheer sparkle of a pavé band, but I also adore seeing a bride pick something really different. A wedding band is so personal and can turn a classic diamond set into something that's a statement piece on its own. Here are some stunning options I love.

Jennie Kwon Equilibrium Pearl Ring, $455, catbirdnyc.com

Sundari Gems Light Pink Sapphire Rose-Gold Wedding Band, $350, etsy.com

Anna Sheffield Hammer Texture Band, $450, annasheffield.com

Zales Diamond Accent Contour Wedding Band, $269, zales.com

Gemvara Modern Sculpture Ring, $500, gemvara.com

Blue Nile Twist Diamond Band, $475, bluenile.com

AKV Jewelry Handmade Gold Ring, $385, etsy.com

If you're a bride-to-be, have you already picked out your wedding band? What does it look like?

Because every Monday, no matter how sunny, can always take some good news, I cheered out loud when I saw these pretty things pop into my inbox. The brand new: Dannijo's just-launched bridal collection, with pieces for the lady in white and her attendants. All that sparkly goodness is followed up by the latest chic wedding collection from Reformation, just in time for fall weddings.

Clockwise from left: Dannijo Juno Necklace, $318, Dannijo Ariel Earrings, $295, Dannijo Tenley Earrings, $145, Dannijo Sadie Earrings, $270

The Dannijo offerings include bold statement necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in the shapes we expect from the designing sisters, but toned down a touch for the aisle in clear Swarovski crystals and pearls. There's blue too, including that beyond-amazing pair of earrings that I might want for my own big day in October. If you're likewise in love, good news: There are discounts offered for purchasing more than six pieces and a certain percent off if you snap up something that designer Jodie Snyder Morel wore for her own recent wedding.

Reformation wedding and bridesmaid dresses fills a nice niche in the market, perfect for girls who love flowing dresses for the romantic, fairy-princess type (not the ball-skirt-loving Disney princess). The fall 2014 lineup has more of the same, including some gorgeous printed options for a bridal party that would look so unique. Shop them here.

Which are you more excited about, the dresses or the jewels?

DJ KISS has lent her musical talents to some of the most chic events around the world, having spun for the likes of Prince, Naomi Campbell, Alexander Wang, and others. This means that she definitely knows how to get the party started (and what more memorable party will you have in your life than your wedding reception?). We tapped KISS for her best tips on how to make your reception the party of the year.

1. Choose an upbeat entrance song to start your reception off on the right foot.
Your entrance song should be a reflection of you and your spouse and is completely a matter of preference. With that being said, DJ KISS adds: “Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life, so it's great to come out to a happy or joyous tune to set the tone for the reception and most importantly your marriage!”

2. Don’t be afraid to dive into unusual sources of inspiration when searching for a first dance song.
For your first dance, you should select a song that holds some kind of meaning to you and your relationship. “It could be anything from a song you heard on the radio during your first date, to your mutual favorite song from your favorite artist, or even a song with heartfelt lyrics that match how the bride and groom feel about each other”, says DJ KISS.

3. You’ll most likely wear your wedding dress only once in your lifetime, so party in it all night long.
Changing into something shorter and more comfortable is a big trend these days, but DJ KISS is a fan of keeping the gown on all through the reception. “I think your wedding dress just looks much more significant in the photos—even a white cocktail dress almost looks like you're just a guest”, she says. “Also, you've probably spent a ton of money on your wedding dress, and it's the only time in your life you'll ever wear it, so why not get your money's worth?”

4. Keep your heel height low, so you can dance and mingle in comfort.
“All brands can be comfortable, but I would advise keeping the heel between three and four inches if you plan on wearing the same pair of shoes all night,” says DJ KISS. You won’t need to worry about sporting a pair of five-inch stilettos due to the fact that your wedding dress will mostly cover your shoes.

5. Hear your DJ play before you sign a contract.
DJ KISS suggests getting an idea of your prospective DJ’s specialties and style by listening to his/her Soundcloud page, or (better yet) by going to hear the DJ play at a live gig. Whether you want your music to be modern or a traditional wedding mix of 70’s and 80’s tunes, you must make sure to let the DJ know exactly what kind of vibe you are going for.

6. Make a list of songs the DJ must and must not play.
A list of “must play” and “do not play” tunes should be provided to the DJ by the couple. “Music is so personal that someone might love a song that you kind of hate, so it's best to let it be known since it's your big day”, says DJ KISS.

7. And, of course: be sure to give the DJ direction on taking requests!
“After guests have a few drinks, they sometimes start to want to hijack the musical direction. Let the DJ know in advance that they can either be open to requests or that they should inform guests that the bride and groom prefer you to not take them.”

Have anything to add? What songs would make it onto your Must Play or Do Not Play lists?

After you've come up with the signature cocktails for your reception and refined the dinner wine list, dedicate some time to thinking about nonalcoholic drinks to impress. My fiancé's not much of a drinker, so I've been giving the category a lot of thought. He freaks out over a pitcher of fruit-infused water the way I do over a bottle of good red wine, so I thought what better way to make sure guests like him (and under-21 revelers, duh) are happy and hydrated.

The most yummy-sounding five I stumbled on:

Raspberry, mint, and lime
Anyone that loves the flavor of lime will be all about this combo. Slice a lime into thin disks, lightly smash a pint of raspberries, and pull the leaves of a small bunch of mint before pouring water over it all.

Blackberry, cherry, and lime
This Lauren Conrad-approved mix has a pretty, faint pink hue if you mix it all and let it set in the fridge overnight. Slice the lime into rounds and pull the stems off cherries before combining.

Watermelon and rosemary
Sweet-tooth types will like this combo from the Yummy Life: Add a single sprig of rosemary and muddle very lightly before adding melon cut into cubes. Smash them with the butt of a spoon, fill with ice and water, and refrigerate.

Strawberry and orange
This mixture sounds amazing for a summer wedding—slice an orange and eight to 10 strawberries before mixing with water.

Ginger and mint
And because not everyone's into fruit (shocker, I know), consider having one slightly more adult flavor option. Slice ginger root into skinny disks and mix with mint, stems included if you like the look. Original tester Joanna Goddard noted that the longer you let it steep, the stronger it'll be, so maybe give this one a test run before it's wedding time.

Do any of the above sound yummy to you? Have you already decided if you're having infused waters at your reception?

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade's save-the-date video was leaked and posted by TMZ, and, guilty feelings about that aside, it's so gosh-darn adorable (it leads off with stick figures!). The happy couple's date? August 30 down in Miami.

I love how his kids were involved and how we get a glimpse into the intimate moments of their proposal. That moment when she does the "YES!" gesture? So real girl!

Are you surprised by how normal their proposal seemed? Other than the gigantic rock, obv.

Etsy can be a bride's best friend or...terrifyingly overwhelming. I've found some amazing items that have helped with planning and others I'm bookmarking as potential wedding favors, but a simple query can return hundreds of results. A girl gets a headache just flipping through them all. To help, I drank an extra iced coffee and dedicated myself to the search to benefit both you and me.

10 things worth shopping on Etsy:

1. Return-address stamp
It's like having the handwriting you always wished for. Pair with an embossing ink pad and heat gun for a luxe-looking finish to your invites. For long-term use, omit your last names so you can keep using it after you start using your new one. Shop here.
2. Favor tags
These make favors purchased in bulk look a lot more special. If you're going with homemade items (like baked goods—yum!), they're an easy way to make the final appearance a touch more polished. Shop here.

3. Coozies
I love a coozie, and collecting them from events and trips is kind of a hobby. They're trendy but also practical (no drink sweat on your hand!). Pop them in welcome bags or leave them near the bar at a welcome dinner or your reception. Shop here.
4. Matchboxes
Before coozies got popular, people were snagging matchboxes from restaurants and filling bowls at home. They're still an easy token to take home and something feels retro-sweet about them right now. Shop here.

5. Wire place cards
If your reception will be on the smaller side, consider upgrading to these twisted names for each setting. These are the exact sort of little touches I don't mind shelling out for—there's a better chance they'll pick these up and take them home instead of just tossing. Shop here.
6. Sparkler tags
Make a sparkly send-off even chicer by prepping the fireworks with these pretty cards. Shop here.

7. Temporary tattoos
One of the coolest new things I've seen popping up on Etsy: playful temporary tattoos! I think guests would have fun with them, but I'd put a caveat on mine: Please keep them on places you won't see in pictures. Shop here.
8. Candy-bar bags
Ah, the candy bar. It's a sweet nightcap to a reception and makes for a yummy favor that you know guests will love. Make yours feel like yours by stacking personalized bags nearby all the sugar. Shop here.

9. Handkerchief
I wish I could sew or embroider, but let's be honest: My skills are pretty limited. These classic keepsake gifts for your mom and his are so sweet. They'll look good folded in a jewelry box, but they're practical too (for dabbing tears during the ceremony). Shop here.
10. Personalized stickers
Put your touch on random items with stickers that aren't too specific—they're multipurpose this way. I can imagine slapping these on simple white paper bags to leave treats in guests' hotel rooms or securing cellophane bags with home-baked cookies for them to pick up on the way out of the reception. Shop here.

Some things worth skipping on Etsy:

Everyone's got a different wedding vision and priorities for their budget, but in my eyes, certain things aren't really worth it. On top of my list?

1. Personalized hangers for your bridesmaids
They look cute in pictures, but after a few hours, they're pointless (and in most closets, way too thick to be practical).
2. Photo-booth props
Having one is super fun, but why spend extra cash on items to stock it when I guarantee you've got enough funky pieces in your real life. Check out the dollar store or look online for mask templates you can print out and bring.
3. Totes for welcome bags
I love a welcome bag but feel so guilty at the end of the weekend when I don't know what to do with it. Use a simple paper bag or box instead, and put the extra money toward what's inside.
4. Coloring books
Putting a stash at a reception table with kids is genius, but don't spend more for theme books little kids won't pay a bit of attention to.

Have you used Etsy much while planning? Any amazing finds?

When George Clooney marries Amal Alamuddin next month, it's pretty much a given that he's going to look handsome. And per a WWD source, handsome in an Armani tux. The fashion informant claimed that a team from the design house recently flew to George's Lake Como pad for a fitting for the groom and his groomsmen.

There's not as much solid evidence around Amal's gown, but the name being tossed around is Oscar de la Renta. I bet we won't hear much else from the private couple, so we'll have to wait until the end of September to see some pics!

Where do you stand on the tuxedo for a groom? Is it a must, or does a tailored suit work just as well?

Plenty of men like elaborate wedding bands with stones, but it's not quite my taste. I like a man in a simple, classic ring with little fuss which, unfortunately, leaves little room for personalization (aside from some interior engraving). That's why I thought this Instagram was so genius.

That's a little inset diamond inside, taken from the ring of his fiancée's mom. Designer Caroline Ventura of New York City's Brvtvs made it for the husband-to-be of a friend who's getting married this weekend, and I love it. To the world, it'll look like any other basic band, but the couple will know there's something special inside. For the guy who likes his bling too, it's a subtle way of including it.

Here's the bride's ring, including two small diamonds taken from her mom's ring as well.

Do you think this ideas is as charming as I do?

Ever wonder what your wedding would be like if you let your guy do all the planning? It's a scary thought, we know...almost too scary to even think about! But curiosity got the best of us, so we figured why not find out?

We asked four guys to divulge their dream wedding plans. Some of their answers will make you laugh out loud, while others are surprisingly thought-out. And for the record, we wouldn't be mad at having any of these weddings. Nice job, guys.

Kenny's Dream Wedding
Describe your dream wedding: Most important is to be with friends and family, no matter where it is. Good food and good music enjoyed by good people ready to have a good time. That's all I want.
Dream Location: Charleston, S.C.
Dream Outfit: Something that Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro in Casino) would wear
Dream Music: Performance by Outkast, and a DJ set by Daft Punk
Dream Menu: Surf and turf with filet and lobster. Also lots of sushi and good cheese. Whiskey to drink for the guys, and whatever the girls want is fine with me.
Dream Decor: Something that looks really good but doesn't cost that much is ideal.
Dream Guest Count: 150 to 200
Dream Honeymoon Destination: Greek Islands

Jeff's Dream Wedding
Describe your dream wedding: My dream wedding would include no planning or financial responsibility on my part and my wife being very happy doing the planning without me. Kobe Bryant would be the officiant.
Dream Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Dream Outfit: James Bond style, just a classic tux
Dream Music: Dave Matthews Band
Dream Menu: Whatever my wife wanted for food is fine, as long as there was good whiskey for my boys.
Dream Decor: I am more of an ambience guy than a decor guy.
Dream Guest Count: I have a big family, but I'd rather invite a lot of friends who have really had an effect on my life.
Dream Honeymoon Destination: Greek Island hopping

Mo's Dream Wedding
Briefly describe your dream wedding: Meeting my bride's every wish. This is something they, not us, dream about their entire lives.
Dream Location: I was thinking tropical like Hawaii, but my fianc��e has family in Iran, and our grannies are old, so it would probably be somewhere local overlooking the water.
Dream Outfit: Tuxedo
Dream Music: A full 16-piece band and perhaps a guest band to play a couple of songs (maybe Paul McCartney or the Steve Miller Band). Also, probably some rapper or techno DJ for after midnight is a must.
Dream Menu: Beef Wellington, lobster and black cod with miso for the main dishes and Opus One, Blue Label, and other top-shelf stuff for the drinks would suffice.
Dream Decor: If it is black-tie, maybe something inspired by the 1920s.
Dream Guest Count: Around 350
Dream Honeymoon Destination: Cuba to London to Paris to Capri

Omar's Dream Wedding
Dream Location: Rooftop art deco penthouse garden of the Oviat building in downtown Los Angeles
Dream Outfit: 1920s Berlin theme
Dream Music: A period band that plays songs by jazz greats like Paul Whiteman, Duke Ellington, and Isham Jones
Dream Menu: Cornish hen or baked Alaska. Roasted potatoes with a butter and garlic sauce. Vegetables. And creme brulee for dessert. Drinkwise, all drinks would be period pulled from a period bartender guide: Gin Fizz, Boxcars, Martinis.
Dream Decor: A fabrication of a 1920s Warner Bros. or Paramount Studio jazz club set, such as the Joan Crawford "Charleston" scene from her breakout movie Our Dancing Daughters (1928)
Dream Guest Count: 50 people
Dream Honeymoon Destination: Berlin—I want to visit the places where so much history took place in regards to the arts, fashion, and lifestyle during the '20s.

—Written by Elizabeth Mitchell for Brides

Do any of these dude dream weddings surprise you? Which one sounds closest to your dream wedding?

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