After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

I was married 3 1/2 years ago and had a BLAST planning my wedding. It was July 17 ... a balmy, vibrant Saturday afternoon ceremony splashed with hues of celadon and pink ... followed by dancing the night away, under the stars, in " Toni Child's Romona Keveza ." I LOVED my wedding! But, what if I could do it all over again??? Hmmmm . I think I'd try this: OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR Credits (top and left to right): Mermaid-style Wedding Gown - Ines Di Santo ; Laser Etched Plexiglass Invitation - Grapevine Weddings ; Satin-draped theme wedding cake; Red Hots Candy Favors - twentyandseven .com ; Raspberry White Chocolate "Shots" & Spiraling Red Table Setting - Taste Catering ; Red Rose Place cards - (photo courtesy of Modern Bride ); Black duet satin soft fluted gown - Alvina Valenta ; Dolce & Gabbana Metallic Patent Leather Peep Toe - eLuxury .com ; The Hudson Theatre, NY - Millennium Broadway Hotel ; Pouch-style Purse embellished with pearls & ...

(Note: I'm smiling as I type this post) Okay, so I have never really been a huge fan of save-the-dates. Unless used to give guests advance notice to a destination and/or holiday weekend wedding, I've always felt save-the-dates take away from the pomp and circumstance of the formal wedding invitation. Nevertheless, these adorably clever save-the-dates have stolen my heart. I'd find a reason to send these! Absolutely perfect for wedding dates falling close to the holidays ... courtesy of RedBliss , $18 per piece.

I saw this great article in the Fall/Winter 2007 edition of Brides New Jersey and had to post. Over the years, I've come to find that most non-married people really have no idea what type of wedding they can or can not afford upon becoming engaged. This article serves as a pretty good eye-opener to what married-couples-to-be are in store for ... in the tri-state area, especially New Jersey. MUSIC 4 hours of live music by a popular 13-piece band of accomplished musicians with tour experience: $11,000 5 hours of professional DJ service, plus an MC and a light show: $1,695 4 hours of basic DJ service, plus a pianist for cocktail hour: $1,095 RECEPTION 4-course, plated dinner with 5-hour premium open bar, cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast and wedding cake at a historic garden estate : $245 per person 5-course, plated dinner with 5-hour open bar, buffet hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast, and wedding cake in a ballroom with stunning city views: $150 per per...

The idea of the groom's cake began as a Southern tradition and lately, has become more and more popular at weddings. These days, the groom's cake could be any reflection of his hobbies, favorite sport, alma mater or even his profession. Some groom's cakes are served at the rehearsal dinner, however, most times this alternative confection accompanies the wedding cake itself. So here's to giving your sports enthusiast , wine expert , cigar connoisseur , billiards addict , hip-hop junkie , soon-t0-be-ball-and-chain a little piece of the spotlight . Take note of these fabulous ideas that'll make your groom's cake the talk of your wedding!

Have a very safe and blessed Thanksgiving! (Turkey Place Card Holders by Beau-Coup )

Engaged, newly married or just enjoying yourself single ... be sure to check out these picture-pleasing dresses if you're party bound . Satin & Sequin Cocktail Dress by Jovani Fashions, Jovani - Black Sparkle Trim Sheath by Iodice, Neiman Marcus - Ruffle Ivory & Teal Dress by Mint Jodi Arnold, ShopBop - Lace Strapless Dress by BCBGMAXAZRIA, Nordstrom

Like thousands of people, I record The Oprah Show everyday on our DVR. And no matter what, this time every year, I look most forward to the Oprah's Favorite Things show. To my surprise, today was the day! Apparently, most of Oprah's ratings come from Macon, Georgia and as a "thank you" to the residents, the show was filmed in Macon in front of an audience of gracious locals. So Nice! Here's the 2007 rundown, just in time for the start of holiday shopping. UNITED ARTISTS 90TH ANNIVERSARY PRESTIGE COLLECTION UGG® AUSTRALIA CLASSIC CROCHET TALL BOOT TOYWATCH WATCHES THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH BY KEN FOLLETT THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL'S PLANET EARTH DVD SET THE ARTISAN® STAND MIXER FROM KITCHENAID HOME APPLIANCES SHAKLEE GET CLEAN™ STARTER KIT SCRABBLE PREMIER EDITION FROM HASBRO SAMSUNG PROGRESSIVE HD CAMCORDER SC-HMX10C RACHEL PALLY SWING TURTLENECK AND SAILOR PANTS PERFECT ENDINGS CUPCAKES FROM WILLIAMS-SONOMA O'S GUIDE TO LIFE MELAMINE BOWLS, MEASU...