On a recent episode of Shark Tank, a mother-and-son team appeared with a fascinatingwedding cake idea. Here's the deal: They own FunCakes, a company that rents out impressive-looking cakes covered in real fondant, but inside it's styrofoam. A hidden compartment in the back allows some real cake to be slipped in so the happy bride and groom can "cut" the cake and take photos of the whole process (including smashing it in each other's face if that's your thing).

There are six full pages of cakes to rent, but this blooming beauty is called the Sylvia, and she's one of the priciest ($999 to rent, while the majority of the options hover between $300 and $500). The idea is you'd have this on display, take your photos, and it'd be wheeled to the back, like a normal cake, where instead of being sliced up, a simple sheet cake would be distributed to guests.

My husband didn't quite understand, and I explained that wedding cakes can be crazy expensive, and for the girl who wants the major moment with a cake, this might be a brilliant budget-saver.

Do you think this is an ingenious idea? Would you consider it for your wedding?

As part of my budget-friendly, non-waitress-salary wedding, I choose to not use a photographer with a package that included an album. If I could go back, would I have made the same decision? Unsure. I've honestly struggled with finding a site to make my own wedding album online and have had some mixed experiences with the company I used (MyPublisher, FYI, and we can talk about that on another day).

There are a lot more sites than I'd expected—I'd only heard of the big guys like Shutterfly and Snapfish. I'm about as laid-back as they come, but I figure that my wedding album is likely to be the only one I really care about, both in terms of how it looks and how it holds up over time. If you're like me and searching for a spot that gets all the factors just right, consider these guys I've just discovered via searching and studying message board comments from that chattiest of group: brides.

Milk. For minimalists who want something classic, crisp, and devoid of flowery details. The most inexpensive style I see is just $45, which makes this a definition option if you're tight for cash, and the site's beautifully laid out. Get more info here.

Blurb. Likewise, this site is fresh and simple to navigate, and all the books look really clean (a.k.a. there's not a whole bunch of wedding clip art cluttering pages). The most unique feature I've spotted is that you can play with media; the below example is from a baby book, not a wedding, but gives you an idea of how you could incorporate notes, cards, or anything other scrapbook-type of items you saved. Get more info here.

Adoramapix. I read a few enthusiastic reviews for this one, and it's worth checking out, especially if you want a premade layout that's specifically for weddings. If the clean and simple look I referenced above isn't your things, consider this site to get your fill of bright colors and space for quotes or captions. Get more info here.

BrideBox. If too many options sends you into a tailspin, check out this one. There are three main options and each has an accompanying video to see what the pages look like, how they turn, etc. (um, this is genius). The prices are on the high end of what I've seen, but I like that there's a satisfaction-guaranteed promise, a huge plus if you're shelling out a fair amount of money. Get more info here.

Have any of you guys made your own albums online and found a site or company you loved?

Like I said, I'm easygoing (example: I didn't freak out when my photographer missed our ceremony). Still, I'm just not quite happy with what I have right now. Part of me thinks I'm crazy for wanting to try another site, but part of me also thinks, Hey, you only get one wedding album.

Famed wedding-planner-to-the-stars Mindy Weiss has just released a line of stationery for Wedding Paper Divas. With online ordering becoming the go-to method for brides to create everything from save-the-dates to menus and seating cards, it was only natural for this popular site to bring on someone like Weiss to zhush up their offerings. Take a peek at the new line and see if you like.

Prior to last week I'd never seen a flower girl dress that made me go, "Wow, now that's a dress I'd like to have myself." I probably wouldn't have even thought that was possible, honestly, but lo and behold, I just found some of the chicest pint-size pieces I've ever seen.

They're from Pantora Bridal, a Brooklyn outfit, and they're so elegant! The age of your littlest attendant can affect what kind of options you have, but so often the only choices are standard, fairly shapeless Empire-waist dresses done in a satin-type fabric. These guys stand out!

If that last beauty looks a little bridelike, it's because it is: It was created for a daughter to wear at her mother's wedding, and I'm betting it mimics her mama's gown. I found the brand when I reported on this year's best Oscar gowns being shrunken down for little models—Pantora designed some of them.

For additional information on dresses and ordering, email info@pantorabridal.com.

Did you have flower girls in your wedding? What did they wear?

Obviously Beyonce has major accessories game, but when she’s wearing a ring her engagement-ring finger, it’s usually her Lorraine Schwartz engagement ring, as seen here at the Grammy Awards:

If the rest of her look is low-key, she often keeps that finger bare or wears a simple band.

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Jan 21, 2015 at 4:16pm PST

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Sep 1, 2014 at 11:04am PDT

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Aug 17, 2014 at 7:59pm PDT

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Jul 13, 2014 at 4:50pm PDT

So I’m a little bit curious about the gold-and-ruby ring that graced her finger over the weekend:

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Feb 28, 2015 at 4:29pm PST

I wonder if she’s give her big ol’ diamond a rest for a while in favor of this new sparkler. Obviously it could just be a pretty bauble, but like I said, it caught my eye because Bey doesn’t tend to bauble-ize that particular finger.

Thoughts on Beyonce’s new ring? Do you think it’s an upgrade engagement ring? Or just a pretty sparkler?

PS: Remember the last time I thought a celeb had a new engagement ring—and it turned out her engagement had ended? Oops.

PPS:

I’ve been raving about Plum Pretty Sugar getting-ready robes as bridesmaid gifts since the dawn of time. They’re just so incredibly lovely, and infinitely wear-again-able for your friends. So I was psyched when I noticed Plum Pretty Sugar’s dresses, which have the same wear-again potential at a super-reasonable price point:

Could they be any prettier for a spring or summer wedding? (I’d love to see a wedding party mix-and-match the colors!) Oh, and that price tag? SIXTY-TWO BUCKS. No, I didn’t leave off a digit. Even if it’s not the exact dress your group of friends might pick, I think they’d all agree that a $62 dress is exactly right. Especially one they can wear a bra with.

Click here to shop ’em now.

The brand also has gorgeous skirt-and-blouse combos that would be perfection for bridesmaids at a less-traditional wedding.

Those ring in at $99, total ($37 + $62), so also a bridesmaid-friendly price point.

Click here to shop Plum Pretty Sugar’s two-piece options.

Obviously none of these are quite right for a super-formal wedding or one that falls in the dead of winter. But for a summer garden wedding—or a winery wedding, like mine—they couldn’t be more spot-on.

Thoughts on these Plum Pretty Sugar Dresses for bridesmaids?

PS: Did you know BHLDN is selling Plum Pretty Sugar now? If they still had this romper in my size, I’d order it so fast your engagement ring would spin.

You’ll have to wait ’til next Monday’s episode of The Bachelor to see whether Whitney or Becca gets the final rose from Chris Soules, but I screen-grabbed some snaps of the engagement ring from last night’s Women Tell All, so we can discuss the important things ahead of time.

Will Chris pick Whitney or Becca on The Bachelor finale? What is he staring off at in the mid-distance? So many questions, so few answers.

Here it is, along with an unfortunately close-up perspective of Chris’s farmer cuticles. {Aquaphor before bed, my friend! }

Looks like an east-west-set emerald-cut center stone—I’d guess around 1.5 carats—in a double halo on a single-shank setting with more diamonds on the band.

Thoughts on the engagement ring Bachelor Chris picked? Do you think Whitney or Becca wins The Bachelor? And would you want that engagement ring for yourself?

I’m guessing Whitney wins, but I really haven’t been paying very close attention this season. I think I just liked her out of the limo.

PS 12 Things From The Bachelor’s The Women Tell All That Megan’s Calling BS On

It’s awful when a parent or grandparent—or any loved one—can’t be with you on your wedding day. On a very, very happy day when you’re celebrating with so many people you love, you’ll certainly have a few wistful moments missing any who can’t be there. And while you’ll want to honor anyone who can’t travel or who’s “there in spirit,” you also don’t want to turn your wedding into a sob-fest. So I think the key is to keep the sentimental details subtle, instead of front and center, like this groom did.

A photo posted by Rose Gold Events (@rosegoldevents) on Feb 26, 2015 at 2:45pm PST

See the tiny picture on this groom’s boutonniere? It’s a picture of his mom. (I spotted it on APW’s Instagram.) The event planner who first posted it didn’t mention if his mother was at the wedding, but I think it works either way.

I also like when brides and grooms save a seat for someone who can’t be there, either with a bouquet of mom or grandma’s favorite flowers or a framed photograph in the front row.

Will anyone important to you miss your wedding day?

I mean, all the props to an elephant who can write, like Karishma here. But you need writing that’s a little more concise if you’re going to address your own wedding invitations.

So I’m SO excited to tell you how you can learn calligraphy—for free! Scarlet & Gold—a lifestyle and gift brand with super-cute notebooks, phone cases, and more—is offering a free {Have I mentioned it’s free? } online calligraphy class, which I totally signed up for.

A photo posted by Scarlet & Gold (@scarletandgoldshop) on Mar 3, 2015 at 7:18pm PST

Scarlet & Gold tells you what supplies to buy from a partner site (I got the basics for less than $40, I think), then you tune in—time/date TBD—and learn how to swirl and swipe your pen. I’m really excited, in the nerdiest possible way. {You can take the girl out of Martha Stewart, but… }

Click here to sign up to learn calligraphy for free with Scarlet & Gold.

Anyone joining me at Scarlet & Gold’s calligraphy webinar? Do you want to handwrite the addresses on your wedding invites? Or will you just print 'em and call it a day?

If you’re still wary of free-form calligraphy, check out my cheap and easy way to fake it.

We’ve certainly discussed Jenna Dewan-Tatum’s engagement ring at length—here, how it’s always twisting to the side, and here, how she switches up the placement of her two wedding bands. But I never realized how uniquely gorgeous it is until manicurist Kait Mosh shared an up-close shot of Jenna’s Oscar mani—which, incidentally, would also be perfect for a bride.

A photo posted by kaitmosh (@kaitmosh) on Feb 22, 2015 at 4:03pm PST

The detailing on the band is just so delicate and intricate, and the shank splits super close to the center stone, which isn’t what you usually see. (Usually the V-shaped part is longer.) And it looks like her wedding bands are channel-set with engraving on the side, also gorgeous. (Here’s a channel-set ring, if you’re not familiar with the term.) It’s just overwhelmingly pretty. Way to go, Channing.

Thought on Jenna Dewan-Tatum’s engagement ring? Are you in love too?

Add this to the list of things I’d change if I were getting married today: I would have spent more on my wedding shoes and less on my wedding dress. The chances of my wedding dress getting worn again are slim—it’s “preserved” in a box in a closet at my mom’s—but if I had sprung for OTT wedding shoes, I would’ve gotten more wear for my buck. Here are five to-die-for pairs from Jimmy Choo’s new bridal boutique, if you’re planning to splurge:

Amika, $695.

Fayme, $995.

Manda, $975.

Alana, $995.

Collar, $1,075.

My favorite part of the bridal boutique: You can customize your wedding shoes with your new initials, or with your first initial + your groom’s first initial, if you’re not changing your name. (Or Michael Jackson’s initials, if that’s your prerogative.) Such a sweet detail.

Will you splurge on your wedding shoes? Or spend less, in the name of keeping your overall wedding budget trim? Which of these pairs is your favorite?

The last, please, please, please!

Say the phrase "wedding nail designs" and my mind becomes a veritable Pinterest feed of poorly executed lace motifs painted atop acrylic French manicures. But leave it to cool NYC nail studio Paintbox (founded by a former beauty editor) to convince me that bridal nail art can be chic. It just introduced a look book devoted exclusively to wedding nail designs, and many are unlike anything we've seen before; here are all 32 options for your perusal.

Obviously, not all of these looks are for every bride—but I'm pretty sure each of us can find at least one bit of fresh nail inspo in here. Which of these wedding nail art designs is your favorite? I would have loved to wear Effortlessly Chic #4 at my wedding, and I would have died for those rainbow glitter nails at my bach party. Share your own faves in the comments below!

If you’ve chosen your wedding date, location, and time, it’s time to order your wedding invitations—now! Like, right now. Or before March 10. Because from now until then, Wedding Paper Divas is offering 30 percent off everything on its site, which is a discount that doesn’t come around very often. If it were my wedding, I’d use this opportunity to spring for double-thick paper; I’m such a sucker for heavy invitations. Here are seven designs I love, including one from the newly released Mindy Weiss collaboration.

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Bird and Banner Painted Garden, from $1.64 each. Stacey Day Winsome Blooms, from $1.54 each. Magnolia Press Krafted Love, from $1.84 each. Lady Jae Old World Romance, from $1.44 each. BOTTOM ROW, FROM LEFT: Mindy Weiss Modern Splendor, from $1.64 each. Claire Pettibone Perfect Paradise, from $1.84 each. East Six Design Effervescent Sparkle, from $1.54 each.

Use code ANNIVERSARY30 to get the discount, which ends March 10.

Have you ordered your wedding invitations yet? Which of these designs is your favorite?

It’s no secret that Vera Wang is a friend of the Kardashians: She made a wedding dressand all the bridesmaid dresses in, like, 48 hours when Khloe married Lamar. And she also made all three of the wedding dresses that Kim wore—and the bridesmaid dresses too—when she married Kris Humphries. And still, I was a little surprised to see a Vera Wang wedding dress in the new Keeping Up With the Kardashians promo pic.

Can you spot it? Probably not immediately, since it’s from Vera’s spring 2013 collection, which featured wedding dresses in varying shades of red. Here’s the Kaitlin dress on Vera’s site.

Kaitlin.

So, yes, that’s Kris Jenner rocking a wedding dress in the promo pic. Do I think that means Kris is getting married this season? Um, no. Although that would be one hell of a plot twist.

Would you wear the Vera Wang’s Kaitlin wedding dress for your wedding? What if it were cast in ivory?

As I mentioned earlier this week, it looks like The Bachelor’s Chris Soules picks an engagement ring with an east-west center stone for the girl who gets his final rose. {Whitney or Becca? Becca or Whitney?! } Here’s a visual reminder.

Engagement Ring 1

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen an east-west engagement ring on The Bachelor; Jason Mesnick presented this east-west Neil Lane ring to Melissa Rycroft, who he proceeded to dump for runner up Molly Malaney.

Engagement Ring 2

Before east-west engagement rings gained Bachelor fame, we saw one on Kate Beckinsale’s finger. (She married Len Wiseman in 2004.) And the style is slowly starting to trickle down to the masses.

Engagement Ring 3

Here’s an enormous east-west sapphire from Blue Nile:

Engagement Ring 4

Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, $37,000.

A vintage east-west sapphire from Doyle & Doyle:

Engagement Ring 4

Edwardian Emerald & Diamond Ring, $3,400.

And a vintage-inspired east-west diamond from Trumpet & Horn:

Engagement Ring 6

White Oaks, $17,250.

There is one fancy-pants jeweler, Kwiat, that does a lot of east-west designs. Here are four of my favorites:

Engagement Ring 7

Vintage-Style Marquise Diamond Ring in a Pave Diamond Split Band.

Engagement Ring 8

Oval East-West Diamond Ring With a Three-Sided Pave Diamond Band.

Engagement Ring 9

Vintage-Style Cushion Diamond Ring in a Pave Band With Filigree.

I’m totally, totally obsessed with this ring:

Engagement Ring 10

Vintage-Style Cushion Diamond Ring With a Hand-Engraved Split Band.

For the most part though, east-west rings aren’t widely available, especially at the less-fancy jewelers. And still, I think the trend’s about to gain serious traction among girls who don’t want a “been there, seen that” engagement ring. If you’d like an east-west ring but don’t want to spend, say, the down payment for a house on your ring finger, I highly recommend checking out Etsy, where they’re popping up more and more. Here are four I like:

Engagement Ring 11

Conflict-Free Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring and Wedding Band in Rose Gold from Etsy seller RosadosBox, $3,300.

Engagement Ring 12

East-West Diamond Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold from Etsy seller TheresaPytell, $1,268.

Engagement Ring 13

East-West Sapphire Engagement Ring and Wedding Band from Etsy seller RareEarth, $2,106.

Engagement Ring 14

Becca Moissanite-and-Diamond Engagement Ring in Rose Gold from Etsy seller RosadosBox, $2,900.

(Here’s an explanation of what moissanite is, and why I’m really into it.)

If you like the idea of an east-west engagement ring, but can’t find exactly what you want, I’d contact one of the Etsy sellers above to talk about creating something custom. (Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth also do beautiful custom work.)

Would you wear an east-west engagement ring? Which of these engagement rings is your favorite?

No. 10, please!

Sounds like Suki Waterhouse is hoping to settle down: Us Weekly is reporting that the model is “itching for an engagement ring” from Bradley Cooper.

“Suki says she’s been warming him up to the idea of marriage and he’s starting to get excited about it,” a source tells Us. “It's up to Bradley to pop the question, of course, but she hopes it happens soon.”

Technically, “source,” it doesn’t have to be up to Bradley to pop the question, since we’ve made it out of the dark ages all. But I know lots of girls still prefer to let the guy doing the asking.

The two started quietly dating in March of 2013; they didn’t make their first red carpet appearance together {The Hollywood equivalent of “wearing his letter jacket.” } until the following December, at his American Hustle premiere.

Do you think Suki Waterhouse and Bradley Cooper will get engaged?

His last two romances (Renee Zellweger and Zoe Saldana) fizzled around the two-year mark, so I’d guess they’re at a tipping point. (He was also briefly married to Jennifer Esposito.)

I know it’s tempting to dismiss a simple wedding dress as “SO not me,” but you should give simple wedding dresses a chance for two reasons: (1) Many of them have sweet, surprising details once you get them off the hanger—here, BHLDN’s Aimee Gown has lace applique on the back. And (2) as I’ve mentioned in the past, it’s SO easy to take a simple dress and make it your own with some high-impact accessories.

Here it is on the model. (Look at that sweet back!)

And here it is on three real brides:

On Johannah, who covers fashion for the New York Post, the fun details come above the neck and below wrist.

Floret Tulle Sash (worn as a headband), $250. Druzy Drop Earrings, $150. Similar bracelet: Viburnum Cuff, $100.

We need a better look at those earrings, am I right?

Druzy Drop Earrings, $150.

On Caty from The Knot, the dress gets soft and sweet with a delicate veil and a dainty necklace.

Ribboning Cirque Veil, $250. Cubism Double Necklace, $160.

And finally, on Nicole from Brides, we go chic for weeks with a pearl-trimmed capelet.

Trickling Pearl Capelet, $180. Coralie Comb, $350.

Here’s a close-up of that comb:

Coralie Comb, $350.

Two quick notes about the dress: I know it’s not perfect on all the girls in the boob area; that’s because it was a sample that didn’t fit anyone perfectly, so it was clamped in place. On an actual bride, the sides would lie flush. And the other important thing: Yes, this dress is simple, but it moves beautifully, which you can’t really tell in the standing-still photos. So here’s a phone pic I snapped of Nicole twirling, because, yes, we made her twirl.

Would you wear a super-simple wedding dress?

PS: ICYM the first two posts in this series:

• Wedding Dress? Check! But It’s the Accessories That Will Make Your Look ALL You
• How to Change Up Your Wedding Dress to “Match” Your Wedding

PPS: Here’s exactly what to wear if you’re attending a wedding the next few weeks.

Lena Dunham has said in the past that she and Jack Antonoff won’t marry until gay marriage is legal—and she really means it.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell notoriously said the same thing, of course, and both couples have since tied the knot. (Brad and Angie last August, and Dax and Kristen in 2013.) I’m totally fine with both couples (or any couple) marrying whenever the hell they want, but gay marriage isn’t quite legal for everyone, everywhere in the U.S. just yet. And that’s what Jack and Lena are waiting for.

A photo posted by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on Dec 31, 2014 at 11:04pm PST

Lena told Ellen DeGeneres today that she and Jack won’t swap vows until it’s legal in all 50 states.

“The idea of having a celebration that can’t be fully shared among all the people in my life and all the people that we love just doesn’t really feel like a celebration at all,” said Lena, whose sister is gay. “So until that’s something that everyone can join into with no sense of being left out on any level, politically, emotionally, it’s just not something that we’re gonna do.”

Of course there have been major, overwhelming, awesome legal changes that have made gay marriage more accessible to lots of couples in much of the country. Gay marriage has been legalized in a bunch of states (I’ve lost count, which is kind of an awesome feeling) and the Supreme Court struck down DOMA in 2013, so gay married couples are eligible for benefits at the federal level. But gay marriage is still illegal in many states. So I’m officially putting the Lena-Jack witch ring hunt on hold until further notice.

Thoughts on Lena Dunham and Jack Antonoff’s commitment to postponing their marriage until everyone can marry?

I think it’s pretty awesome.

Crop-trop wedding dresses have been on the runways for a few seasons now, and the trend has certainly started to trickle down to actual brides—this sweet bride wore a crop-top wedding dress last August, Ashlee Simpson followed suit in Houghton a month later, and then Vanderpump Rules’ Scheana Marie memorably wore a crop-top gown hand-crafted by her aunt for her “waitress salary” wedding.

Still, while the trend is gaining traction, it’s been hard to find crop-top wedding dresses that are readily available and within budget for a regular bride. Until now: Two of the newest wedding dresses from David’s Bridal offer some midriff-flashing action in the under-$1,200 range. Check ’em out:

Wedding Dress 1

Mikado Crop Top With Organza Ball Gown Skirt, $1,150.

Wedding Dress 2

Cap-Sleeve Lace Crop Top and Skirt, $649.

So what do you think? Now that crop-top wedding dresses are way more accessible for the everybride, would you wear one? Or will your midriff be strictly under wraps on your wedding day? Which of these wedding dresses is your favorite?

Is it possible that I’ve gotten more tired since yesterday? If you’re feeling similarly foggy, here are 18 real brides—all looking alarming glow-y in Vera Wangwedding dresses—that will hopefully snap your brain (and mine) out of its daylight-saving fog.

Bride 1

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Mar 4, 2015 at 2:37pm PST

Bride 2

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Feb 25, 2015 at 2:35pm PST

Check out the rear view on this one:

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Feb 26, 2015 at 8:51am PST

Bride 3

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Feb 11, 2015 at 1:34pm PST

Bride 4

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Feb 4, 2015 at 2:36pm PST

Bride 5

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Jan 21, 2015 at 10:07am PST

From the back:

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Jan 22, 2015 at 1:28pm PST

Bride 6

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Jan 7, 2015 at 9:43am PST

Bride 7

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Nov 12, 2014 at 5:20pm PST

Bride 8

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Oct 22, 2014 at 4:01pm PDT

Bride 9

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Oct 1, 2014 at 5:34pm PDT

Bride 10

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Jul 9, 2014 at 8:56am PDT

Bride 11

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Jun 25, 2014 at 2:01pm PDT

Bride 12

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Jun 18, 2014 at 6:49am PDT

Bride 13

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on May 22, 2014 at 11:01am PDT

Bride 14

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on May 1, 2014 at 12:47pm PDT

Bride 15

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Mar 26, 2014 at 1:14pm PDT

Bride 16

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Mar 17, 2014 at 6:31pm PDT

Bride 17

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Nov 20, 2013 at 12:58pm PST

Bride 18

A photo posted by Vera Wang (@verawanggang) on Sep 6, 2013 at 1:04pm PDT

Which of these wedding dresses is your favorite? And who else wants to sign my petition to eliminate daylight saving time?