Photo: Getty Images

Your wedding is likely to be the most personalized event you'll ever throw. And considering all the thought and hard work you'll put into preparations, it stings when you discover a friend is "stealing" your ideas for her own big day. But a copycat wedding planner in your inner circle is likely just looking for a little inspiration of her own.

"For some brides, the planning of a wedding can be such an overwhelming experience that they don't know where to start. They're going to look to their friends, someone they know and trust, someone who also happens to be planning a wedding at the same time [for ideas]," says wedding planner Christa DeHuff of New York City's A Central Park Wedding. "I don't know that it's malicious necessarily. But because you spend so much time on your wedding, it can feel like a personal attack."

If that's the case, take a step back and try to put things in perspective. Is your fellow bride-to-be actually copping your original style, or are you both looking at the same Pinterest boards and vendors because they're popular?

See More: The 3 Kinds of Friendzillas You'll Encounter While Wedding Planning

"There's going to be some overlap if you live in the same city, have the same friend group, and plan the same wedding month, so we have to look at the situation realistically," says relationship expert Melanie Ross Mills, author of The Friendship Bond.

Mills says cases of idea theft are often rooted in fear of breaking from the herd. "We're fearful of stepping out and doing what we'd really like to do because we're afraid it won't be accepted or approved of," she says. "And so if everyone's doing a certain color scheme and we would like to do the exact opposite, there's fear involved because we want to impress our guests." Her solution: "Ask yourself, 'Am I trying to impress others or am I really planning a wedding that is about us as a couple?'"

Help your friend through that self-examination exercise by taking a collaborative — not confrontational — approach when chatting about her wedding plans.

See More: 5 Things You Never Knew You Needed on Your Wedding Day

"Ask her questions like how she visualizes her wedding day," suggests DeHuff. "Maybe she didn't even think about it, maybe she just got overwhelmed and was like, 'I'm just going to go into the details and do what she's doing.' Spend some time with her to think of the ideas that reflect her personality and style. Go to a bridal store or flower market where you can discuss what she's thinking and see ideas in person rather than going off what you have."

But even if your weddings do share some elements, they're minor details in the grand scheme of things. "We forget that the wedding is about the couple getting married," Mills says. "It's your heart that's being reflected in your wedding. Really and truly, no two weddings will ever be the same."

Many grooms give their bride a thoughtful gift on their wedding day. But earlier this month, Seth Fickett went above and beyond to surprise his new wife, Natalie, with a seriously unforgettable wedding present. The gutsy groom, along with the help of his six groomsmen, broke into a choreographed rendition of One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful."

According to Huffington Post, just after their early August nuptials in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, the groom took to YouTube to show off his thoughtful gift — and consequently, his dance skills. "I wanted to give Natalie, my beautiful bride, an awesome gift at the wedding reception. So I asked my brother/best man, Asher, to secretly help me choreograph a dance for the groomsmen to practice at the bachelor party," Fickett wrote on his YouTube channel.

After enlisting his brother to create the challenging dance, which includes everything from flips to trust falls, and even hoisting the bride and groom into the air, the group gave it their all on the day of the wedding. The result? An incredible routine that might even put the 1D boys to shame.

See More: A Groom Surprises His Bride with a Beyonce-Inspired Wedding Dance — and It's Awesome

In the video, edited by the groom's dad John Fickett, the bride happily dances along and cheers on her new husband.

Fickett took to his Facebook page to thank his groomsmen for all their help, writing, "Over 50,000 views!! Can I just say how awesome my groomsmen are?!"

We love these amazing wedding dance routines, and have to say the energy and excitement from this wedding party makes this one of our favorite clips yet! Great work, guys!

Photo: Mary + Roy

It will be one of your life's most memorable moments when he asks for your hand in marriage. We asked our readers to share how their guys popped the question, and we got everything from sweet to exotic to daring stories.

"I had just gotten out of the shower, walked downstairs with a towel on my head and slippers on my feet, turned the corner, and he and his 7-year-old daughter were both on one knee. He was holding a ring and she said, 'Will you be my stepmommy and marry my daddy?' It was so precious and perfect." — Joni W.

"My husband races sprint cars. He was racing the night he proposed. During the intermission, he had his car pushed out onto the track and asked me to come to his car. He grabbed the microphone and got down on one knee. He asked me to marry him in front of over 1000 people! After I said yes, the whole crowd jumped up and started cheering." — Miranda L.

See More: 10 Over-the-Top Places to Get Engaged

"He tattooed it on his leg! He went big since we were dating almost 12 years before he proposed. I was completely blown away!" — Kristen S.

"We were the only guests on New Year's Eve in a tiny inn high up in the Ecuadorian Andes. Both of us had bad altitude sickness! But after a glass of vino and a lovely meal of vegetable stew, he proposed. I was swooning with love and nausea from the bends!" — Anu M.

"I love coloring, so he made me a small coloring book with our story. On the last page, he had my full name and it said, 'Will You Marry Me?' Then I turn around and he is on one knee, shaking with the ring in his hand." — Erica A.

"He took me back to the kindergarten we went to together and proposed on the playground where we had had a Valentine's Day picture taken way back when." — Sarah P.

See More: 17 Fascinating Engagement Facts

"He made me dress up, which was strange: We were just going out to dinner. The cab took us to the street we first lived on in NYC. He pulled me into the middle of the road right outside our old apartment and directly in front of old St. Patrick's cathedral, got down on one knee, and proposed! I was shocked and a little embarrassed (so many people about!!), but felt ecstatic. In my head now, it's completely like a storybook romance. A great memory!" — Sarah F.

"We didn't know each other. Three days after our first date, he said, 'I want you to have my babies, but you have to marry me first.' I said, 'Okay.' It's been 16 years, and we had some babies." — Kavell T.

See More: 6 Tips for Announcing Your Engagement on Social Media

"He came into the diner where I was working, carrying a little box wrapped in purple wrapping paper topped with a purple bow. He placed the box on the counter and kinda scooted it towards me. Then he mumbled what sounded like, 'Are you mad at me?' I responded, 'No, why?' His face was priceless! It then dawned on me what he really said, and my response quickly changed." — Jessica W.

"My fiancé had a harvest party and invited all of our family and friends over. He bought 20 pumpkins for the kids to carve. My friend asked me to show her where our bathroom was. When I came back, there was a 200-pound pumpkin lit up and carved with, 'Will you marry me?' It was at night and all of the pumpkins were lit up." — Amanda R.

"Funny thing is, we had been fighting for weeks because he was always busy and I had no idea what was keeping him so busy that he couldn't spend time with me! So he took me on a helicopter ride to see the sunset in NYC and had it all set up with huge letters on Pier 17 saying: 'Will you marry me?' It was the most perfect sunset ever! So ladies, trust him when he says he's busy!" — Betania B.

Read more heartwarming stories on our Facebook page!

Jolène M. Bouchon is a regular contributor to Brides.com and a freelance writer.

Photo: Josh Wong Photography

When Ashly and Avi met at Café Greco on New York City's Upper East Side in June of 2011, Avi was on a date with another girl! Ashly was alone at the bar, so Avi struck up a conversation and the two hit it off. Avi's date headed home, while he and his future wife lingered over a bottle of wine. Their unconventional meeting led to a whirlwind romance (including a surprise weekend trip to Iceland!), and the pair moved in together just five months later. In November of 2012, Avi took Ashly back to Café Greco only to find that the windows were boarded up thanks to nearby construction. Says Ashly, "Calling ahead hasn't always been Avi's strong suit!" Despite the hiccup in Avi's plan, the two snapped a picture out front—and at a few more places around the city—before ending the night with Shake Shack burgers at Pier 45, Ashly's favorite spot in NYC, and, most importantly, a proposal with Avi's mother's engagement ring!

For their August 9, 2013 wedding and reception at New York City's TriBeca Three Sixty, the couple brightened up the modern space with colorful poppies, sunflowers and details reminiscent of the bride's time abroad in Italy. Keep reading for three Italian-inspired ideas you can use for your own wedding, photographed by Josh Wong.

Photo: Josh Wong Photography

Explore your dress options
A big BHLDN fan, Ashly originally wanted a Grecian-style gown with an empire waist, low neckline, and cut out sides. However, she tried on the Olivia dress by Watters at the request of her grandmother and quickly fell in love with the strapless ivory ball gown. "It was the complete opposite of what I thought I wanted," the bride says.

Photo: Josh Wong Photography

Be flexible about your venue
When their original wedding venue declared bankruptcy just five months before the big day, Ashly and Avi had to find a new location for their 185 guests (and keep it within their budget!). Thankfully, they found TriBeCa Three Sixty, a spot with 360-degree views overlooking the pier where the couple got engaged, and were able to secure their date. Though the room is modern, the couple used poppies, sunflowers, and lots of candles to transform it into a celebration inspired by Ashly's time abroad in Italy. "We really wanted it to feel like a big family dinner at dusk in a garden," Ashly says.

Photo: Josh Wong Photography

Personalize your menu
Ashly let her groom take control of the catering, inspired by the interactive menu at NYC favorite, The Meatball Shop. "We created a menu in Photoshop where our guests could mark their meal choices and customize their dining experience," says Ashly. In addition to the sit-down dinner, three food stations around the room featured fried arancini rice balls, Italian cheeses and cured meats, and gelato. And, of course, fried octopus inspired by Café Greco, the place where it all began!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: TriBeca Three Sixty || Day-of Coordinator: Stacy Levy of Planned to Perfection || Bride's Wedding Dress: Wtoo by Watters, from The Lovely Bride || Shoes: BHLDN || Hair: Alaina Terrell of Meta NYC || Makeup: Amena from MAC Cosmetics Flatiron, 212-677-6611 || Groom's Attire: J. Crew || Florist: Kimberly Sevilla of Rose Red and Lavender || Invitations & Paper Goods: DIY || Rentals: Party Rental LTD. || Catering: TriBeca Three Sixty || Photography: Josh Wong Photography

Photo: Courtesy of VH1

We're all for a good reality-TV wedding, but this one is more over-the-top than usual. VH1's show Dating Naked, which premiered in mid-July, is set to air a naked wedding next month. Yes, you read that right. A couple will tie the knot in the buff during a wedding special premiering on September 18.

In case you missed the boat on Dating Naked entirely, the show truly lives up to its name. The network describes the show as following: "The series will play with the idea of what it really means to be naked in the search for love. There's no clothing, no jewelry, no phones and no conventions of society. Just you."

See More: American Idol Alum William Hung is Married!

On the show, one man and one woman meet each other, go on one naked and one clothed date, and then proceed to go on two naked dates with two additional suitors before choosing one person to continue dating. In a way, it's an exotic, Bachelor-esque reality show with much less left to the imagination.

Yet as crazy as the entire series sounds, it appears that the unconventional dating forum worked out for Ashley, an art therapist, and her soon-to-be husband Alika, a sexual healer. According to the New York Post, the couple spent their first date surfing and was "immediately smitten" with one another.

While the premise for the series certainly seems out there, it helped these two find their happily ever after.

Photo: Christian Oth Studio

Monograms are initials, embossed or embroidered on silver, linens, or other items to give them a personal stamp. There was a time when almost every wedding gift bore a monogram when it arrived. However, you probably won't want gifts to be monogrammed until after the wedding. This will give you time to decide if you will keep your maiden name after the marriage, or to design a contemporary monogram that includes both your husband's and your own first initials. So, what etiquette guidelines should you keep in mind as you pick a design for all of your wedding registry items? We found a few helpful ones!

What are my monogram options?
Ask your registry consultant or wedding stationery resource to help you choose an appropriate style and make suggestions. Some general options include a single initial (usually your husband's last name); your first and last initials and your husband's first and last initials; your first initial and your husband's first initial; the initial of his last name, large, at the center, with each of your first initials on either side.

Can I tell guests not to get gifts engraved?
Since most stores have a no-return policy for monogrammed items, it's totally normal to ask guests to hold off on adding their own, especially if you've created a personal monogram. Request on your Wedding Gift Registry list, "Please do not monogram."

What should I do if our joint initials spell out a word?
If your initials create a real word, like JAR, FUN, BAD, ICK, etc., choose a monogram in which the last initial is in the center, larger than the other two: jRa, fNu, bDa, iKc, etc.

Photos: Courtesy of Instagram

Your maid of honor and wedding planner are a huge help while wedding planning, but there's something else that you should be relying on when prepping for the biggest party of your life: Instagram! From wedding dresses and flowers to venues and cakes, you can find major wedding inspiration with just a tap of your finger. To help get your Instagram feed flowing with big-day ideas, we rounded up over 55 experts you should follow.

Before you go wedding dress shopping, start following New York City's Kleinfeld Bridal. Also, Vera Wang has a pretty amazing Instagram feed, ranging from beautiful runway shots to tablescape inspiration for your reception. Some of our other favorite bridal designers on Instagram include Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, and Pronovias. In search of fresh and pretty bouquets and table arrangements? You'll love Amy Merrick and Lovely Details's feeds. And even though you probably already have your engagement ring, go ahead and follow Harry Winston and Tiffany & Co. for gorgeous pictures of serious sparklers.

Check out the rest of our list by clicking the below link — you might "like" your dream dress or come across the perfect photographer for your big bash!

Find out all of the wedding experts to follow on Instagram right now!

Photo: Svend Lindbaek

Looking for the perfect piece to accompany your wedding dress? We're here to help! Chic feather accessories had a major moment on the fall fashion runways, with designers showing tons of cool, bridal-perfect details. Whether you prefer feather-shaped baubles or accessories adorned with airy plumage, we've rounded up five of our favorite ways to try the trend on your big day.

These Jimmy Choo feather-and-suede peep-toe heels are fit for a black-tie wedding. Pair them with a ball gown or a playful ankle-length dress to show them off. Skipping a veil? Rock a pretty, feather-shaped hair clip instead.

Try two trends at once by sporting these whimsy rose gold feather earrings. If you prefer a bolder accessory, we found a statement-making silver-and-crystal cuff — this option from Oscar de la Renta gives the effect of a few stacked bracelets, so you'll achieve the ever-popular chunky look in a super elegant way.

Or skip the eye-catching jewels in favor of an unexpected clutch. Jenny Packham's silk-and-feather bag is just the right size to hold of your wedding-day essentials.

Above: 1. Hair Accessory, embroidered silk clip, $158, Colette Malouf; 2. Earrings, diamond earrings set in 18-karat rose gold, price available upon request, Madyha Farooqui; 3. Bag, silk and feather clutch, $1,312, Jenny Packham; 4. Bracelet, silver and crystal cuff, $695, Oscar de la Renta; 5. Shoe, feather and sude heels, $1,850, Jimmy Choo

Photo: Courtesy of Turtle Island

Honeymoon planning often takes a back seat to wedding planning, but there's a skill to planning the vacation of your lifetime. We asked honeymoon planner Katie Frederick, founder of Ever After Honeymoons, for her professional tips on how to make it a trip to remember.

1. Don't leave right after your wedding.
Wait a day or two before you leave for your honeymoon, says Frederick. "The days leading up to your wedding and your wedding day itself are all about being on a schedule. So cut yourself some slack and give yourself a day or two with no plans — except to pack that is!"

2. Make sure the first few days of your honeymoon are relaxing.
Even if you're an adventurous couple, and love exploring or being active, Frederick advises that you spend the first few days just chilling out. "You might be jetlagged or still on a high from your wedding," she explains. "Spending the first few days relaxing will give you a lot more energy to enjoy yourself later on."

3. Be aware of hidden costs.
Weddings and honeymoons are already expensive, and the last thing you want is to be caught off-guard with any last minute surprises. "Sometimes visas, and airport transfers and fees can cost upwards of $1000," warns Frederick. "Make sure you understand what is included in the cost of your bookings — for example, if you're going to a really remote island, does your hotel rate include transportation to and from the airport?"

See More: Celebrity-Approved Honeymoon Spots Right Here in the U.S.

4. Decide on an activity each day, but don't plan too much in advance.
You're at an exotic locale with your new spouse, how could you possibly be bored? Well, it happens more often than you think, especially if you're just vegging out on the beach all day. Frederick recommends that couples decide on one activity they want to partake in every morning. "Most things like reservations for water sports or tours can be made day of or the day prior," she says. "In fact, I would recommend not scheduling too many things ahead of time, so you have the flexibility to change your mind if you want."

5. Let your hotel know of any special requests.
Even though you want to keep your schedule as flexible as possible, some things do need to be booked in advance. For example, many resorts offer just one private dinner on the beach each night, so that would need to be reserved as early as possible, advises Frederick. "Don't forget to tell the hotel that you're on your honeymoon — many places offer perks such as special turn down service or breakfast in bed. Most places offer honeymoon packages that include couples massages and other perks that you would have to pay for otherwise."

6. Think about what you like to do when thinking of where to go.
"The most common question I get from clients is 'where should we go'," says Frederick. "And I always ask my clients what they like to do during the weekends. Going to the beach or going to a European city are not the only options. I advise my more adventurous clients to go to South America, and foodies to go to Napa or Sonoma, and others to take a road trip. Be adventurous and remember that this is your chance to do what you want to do."

Photo: Courtesy of SponsorOurWedding.com

It's no secret that weddings require a good amount of money, and sometimes, sticking to your budget means leaving a few key items off of your wishlist. One couple, Courtney McKenzie and Jamil, won't accept that fate. They are so determined to have the wedding of their dreams that they've decided to throw a corporately-sponsored bash.

The pair dreams of eloping this December and plan on "going scuba diving, elephant trekking, and bamboo river rafting across Thailand for 11-days," the couple writes on their website, SponsorOurWedding.com. "Instead of wedding gifts, we decided to raise money for an exotic wedding and our favorite charities." Except, unlike a kickstarter wedding, or honeymoon registries, these two are looking for corporations to sponsor their big day.

See more: 50 Ways to Save $500

So, why corporate sponsorships? "When we first got engaged we knew we didn't want to have a big wedding," McKenzie tells Buzzfeed. "After we put it down on paper we knew we couldn't afford, either."

Turns out to get what they want, the marketing, social media, and digital media consultant thought she could garner her social followings for the wedding of her dreams. Aside from a slew of hashtags and mentions throughout their 11-day journey, Courtney and Jamil are offering up sewn-on logos on her dress and his tux, along with logos sewn onto honeymoon wear.

The plan is starting to work, too. When Courtney announced their decision on Facebook, the post got more than 40,000 likes. They also have some sponsors locked in already, too: "We have a few Fortune 500 companies who have reached out to us which is exactly what we wanted, as well as smaller companies like GlamHotlist, who are sponsoring my entire wedding and honeymoon wardrobe," McKenzie says. They also already nailed down a ring sponser, which means free wedding bands to seal the deal.

When all is said and done, it is a pretty creative idea. Plus, they're donating a portion of the proceeds to charity, which is wonderful!

Photo: Getty Images

Sherry Amatenstein is a New York City-based marriage therapist and author. Here she shares how her (happily) engaged clients have benefited from pre-marital counseling.

*Lisa and Don were four months from their eagerly anticipated wedding day. They loved each other. Perhaps even more importantly they liked one another, had similar values and goals, and shared a love of puns and belly laughs. Yet they wound up on my couch.

Lisa says, "Don and I came from broken homes so neither of us had good role models for marriage. We wanted to start things off on the right foot."

The erroneous belief that pre-wedding therapy means your relationship is in deep trouble is cracking open at the seams. In fact, a survey published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that 30 percent of couples that underwent premarital education experienced higher levels of satisfaction as well as a 30 percent decline in the likelihood of divorce over five years.

During their 10 sessions, Lisa and Don learned how to truly listen to and empathize with one another's point of view without interrupting, getting defensive or assuming they knew what the other was going to say. They learned the right (calling a "time out") and wrong ways (name-calling) to handle disagreements.

They also explored myths and expectations of what marriage should and shouldn't be. For example, while certainly crucial, love is not the most important determinant of marital happiness. Nor is getting all one's needs met.

See More: Bigger Weddings Lead to Happier Marriages, a New Study Says!

Rather, a successful partnership revolves around each person making the relationship primary — aiming to always treat one another with respect and kindness (amazing how often we treat strangers with more courtesy than we do our loved ones!), and not expecting a spouse to be one's everything. A loving partner cannot fill a void left by a traumatic childhood. That requires self-awareness and learning to self-parent.

Before James Pillow and his wife married at age 23, they attended couples counseling sessions. Now married for close to 20 years, he explains, "We came from very different backgrounds so thought it would be helpful to address the 'unspoken beliefs' we take into marriage. For example one person thinks, 'You should do the yard work because that's how it worked in our family,' while the other is thinking, 'When I was growing up we did this as a family. Why aren't you helping?'"

Premarital counseling offers a couple a 'safe place' to discuss hot button issues such as money and religion, and guidance on how to move from being 'stuck' on differing viewpoints to crafting a compromise.

Lisa says of how premarital counseling helped her prepare for life with her now-husband, "I learned to think like a 'we,' not just 'me.'"

*Names have been changed

Photo: Getty Images

Chances are, you have at least one friend who's still single — and while she's willing and able to celebrate in your engagement and wedding, there are just certain things she doesn't want you to do. We went to five single women who dished on the don'ts of being engaged.

Don't share every single teeny-tiny wedding detail with your friends.
They likely won't have an opinion on the color of your cocktail napkins. "One night, my engaged friend brought over fabric swatches and asked me if she should choose the 'artichoke' or 'asparagus' color for her tablecloths," says one single woman. "Not only could I have cared less, but the conversation just made me hungry!"

Don't apologize because you think you've offended your friend's single-gal status.
"I was happy to listen to my friend's wedding plans and hear about how happy she was — until she made a point of mentioning that 'all this wedding talk' probably made me feel even more alone," another source says. "Well, after that it certainly did. I know she was trying to be considerate of my feelings because she knew I wanted to be in a serious relationship, but the comment just made me feel worse."

Don't inundate your friends and wedding party with constant updates.
Stick to group email blasts with information that pertains to your bridesmaids and groomsmen, and nothing else. "A friend texted me every time she made an appointment, whether I needed to be there or not," says one woman. "Within a few months, I was so confused. Was I coming to the cake tasting, or did she just want me to know she'd be there?"

See More: The 6 Biggest Etiquette Mistakes Brides Make

Don't forget that you had a life before you got engaged.
"After [she] got engaged, that was almost all she could talk about," says a single friend. "If we went out for happy hour, we didn't talk about work or how we'd spent our weekends — it was how many weeks were left until the wedding and what flowers her florist had suggested. It got boring after awhile, and I stopped asking her to hang out."

Don't be an over-eager wing woman.
"This guy came up to us at a bar and started to talk to both of us," says another single girl. "I wasn't really into him, but my friend decided to announce that while she was engaged, I was single. I wanted to die of embarrassment, and I was stuck talking to him after that." Avoid the urge to hook-up your friends just because you're happily coupled.

What other don'ts can you offer up? Tell us at @Brides!

Photo: Getty Images; Kim Kardashian, via Instagram

There was no shortage of bridal-inspired dresses at the 2014 Emmy Awards last night — from Kristen Wiig's white Vera Wang number and Sofia Vergara's sexy strapless Roberto Cavalli gown to former cover girl Hayden Panettiere's shimmering silver Lorena Sarbu design and Taylor Schilling's glitzy Zuhair Murad sheath. And though Homeland star Claire Danes's Givenchy gown was red, it still felt decidedly bridal. The reason? It looked suspiciously similar to Kim Kardashian's wedding dress!

Though it's not the exact same design, Kardashian and Dane's dresses (both designed by Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci) feature many of the same elements: a high neckline, illusion waist cutouts, a thin belt and the same lace fabric. Kardashian opted for a more figure-flattering trumpet silhouette with long sleeves, while Danes stepped out in a sleeveless A-line style at the award show.

See More: The 2014 Emmy Dresses Brides-to-Be Need to Check Out

This isn't the first time Mrs. Kanye West's wedding dress served as style inspiration for other famous faces. Last month, Glee actress Naya Rivera tied the knot in a gorgeous Monique Lhuillier creation that felt very reminiscent of Kardashian's own bridal look.

Whether it's a coincidence or not that Danes's gown looked like Kardashian's dress, we still love the bold red carpet gown!

You tell us: Who do you think wore their Givenchy gown better? Kim or Claire?Tweet us @BRIDES!

Photo: Getty Images

Raquel Kelley, E! Fashion Police producer and the creative force behind the wedding blog, I Guess I Do, is sharing her top tips for keeping your bridesmaids happy.

Has your bridal party gone from seven to six? Have your best friends from high school and college entered into a battle royal over who's the favorite yet? Were the tequila shots and inflatable penises a recipe for disaster and drama at your Bachelorette party?

If you answered no to the questions above, then you are on the right track. If you answered yes, then let's deal with the task at hand — before they start dropping like flies.

Bridesmaid Isn't Slang for the Word 'Servant'
Often times we get caught up in the "It's My Day!" philosophy, but we mustn't forget that before these people signed up to buy some taffeta dresses and walk down the aisle next to your husband's weird cousin, they were your friends.

Realize that your friends have lives too. And just because they can't clear their schedule at the drop of a hat to help with your DIY glue gun project gone awry, doesn't mean they don't care. Don't let a relationship that has flourished for years suffer over a single day.

You Said 'Yes' to Their Dress, But They Sure Didn't
Ah, the ever-dreaded bridesmaid dress. My closet in Ohio is full of them (somehow they magically didn't make the trip back to Los Angeles). When it comes to dresses, it's impossible to please everyone, but it's also important to be conscious of body shapes and sizes when selecting.

If your bridal party has a variety of body types, then selecting a color and letting everyone choose their own style in a coordinating shade could work. There are also different companies out there that rent bridesmaid dresses. This is a sure fire way to get on your girls' good side. Which leads me to...

See More: How One Bride Managed Her 13 (Yes, 13!) Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids & Bankruptcy Should Not Be in a Monogamous Relationship
I've had many friends open separate savings accounts in order to start saving for the weddings they were in that year. Yes, you may be paying a lot per plate, but all of your guests especially your bridesmaids are shelling out a ton to be there too. Any way you could lighten their load would be greatly appreciated on their end.

If you really need them to buy that $400 dress, then you should also contemplate paying for half of it. And all of those matching accessories add up, so splurging for their shoes and jewelry could make for a great gift.

In the end, these ladies are not only your bridesmaids, they are the shoulders you've cried on, and the hands that held your hair back in college. They've sat through countless conversations over wine about you and your soon-to-be husband's relationship — from the first date, to the first kiss, to the first time he forgot your birthday.

These gals have been there for it all and are part of the reason you are with your man today. So be sure to show your appreciation and help give their bank accounts a bit of a break!

Photo: Getty Images

When Aaron Paul won the Best Supporting Actor Emmy for Breaking Bad last night, he might as well have won best supporting husband! He capped off his emotional acceptance speech with a heartfelt message to his wife, Lauren, whom he married last May, and made special mention of her charity, which almost instantly caused major results.

"...And to my wife, my god, thank you for marrying me," Aaron said while on stage. "Thank you for dedicating your life to spread kindness across the world. We all appreciate it. If you guys don't know what she does, look up 'Kind Campaign.' Do yourself and your children a favor. Kind Campaign."

His shoutout didn't fall on deaf ears, not by a long shot. Viewers immediately began visiting the charity's website, leading it to crash for most of the night. Talk about an endorsement!

The attention, though, was certainly well-placed. Lauren and her best friend Molly Thompson founded Kind Campaign in 2009 to end girl-on-girl bullying. The organization offers in-school curriculum that teaches parents and students how to deal with and fight bullying; Lauren and Molly created an accompanying documentary, Finding Kind, in 2011 to better highlight the frightening consequences of the common occurrence and what being gracious to others can do.

Lauren recently gave USA Today the backstory of her motivation to found Kind Campaign. "My ordeal started because a boy liked me and this girl liked him. Through seventh and eighth grade, I was tortured every single day by a group of girls. Eventually, I developed an eating disorder and tried to commit suicide in the seventh grade."

"My bullying experience affected the course of my life," she further explained. "I was a floater in high school; I was friends with everybody but didn't get too close to anyone. I am thankful for going through that experience, walking those hallways in middle school. If not for that, Kind wouldn't exist. There's so much good we can do, so it all happened for a reason."

Her hard work is likely one of the things her husband appreciates the most about her — last year, he turned the Breaking Bad finale into a fundraiser for his wife's charity and ended up raising $1.3 million!

If the couple that loves and supports each other stays together, then Lauren and Aaron will be together for a very long time.

Photo: Courtesy of Estancia

Gail Simmons wears a lot of hats: She's a culinary expert, food writer and editor, television personality (she's a regular judge on Top Chef and hosts its spin-off Top Chef: Just Desserts ), and, most recently, she's the latest Estancia Wine ambassador. So to say this busy lady knows a thing or two about food and entertaining may just be the understatement. Despite her packed schedule, we caught up with the culinary genius about newlywed entertaining. From what to serve, how to decorate, and ways to navigate the tricky etiquette of being a host, Simmons offers 10 smart tips for throwing your first dinner party as husband and wife.

Top 5 Dos

Be a Thoughtful Host
These days so many people have food allergies and sensitivities. As host, be mindful of your guests' needs by taking the time to ask them at least a day in advance if they have any eating requirements (nut or seafood allergy, gluten or lactose intolerance, vegetarian, etc). Don't feel obligated to cook separate meals for everyone, but knowing if there are any significant special needs allows you to tweak your menu enough to make them feel welcome and comfortable.

Strive for One Seriously Amazing Dish
When first starting to entertain at home, focus on making one spectacular main course and serving it alongside easy appetizer staples, like olives, nuts, salumi and cheese, warm bread and dips, and a bottle of great wine. Also, make a delicious, decadent dessert a day in advance so you don't have to worry about timing. Just reheat it slowly in the oven while you are enjoying the meal. A seasonal, fresh fruit cobbler or bread pudding are perfect make-ahead crowd pleasers.

Set the Mood
Decorating does not just refer to elaborate tabletop and flower arrangements. Setting the right mood can be done in so many creative ways, and easily on a budget. Take the time to make the perfect playlist, pay attention to lighting and make sure there's plenty of comfortable seating for all.

See More: Top 24 Places to Register

Remember the Details
Keep a simple colored or white wax pencil in the kitchen, which you can buy at any art or office supply store. Use it to write each guest's name on their wine glasses as they arrive. This way everyone can easily keep track of which glass is theirs, even if moving from room to room or switching chairs through the evening.

Prep Your Party in Advance
When entertaining for a large group, set the table and pick out all your platters, dishware, glassware and serving bowls the day before the party. Place sticky notes on each, designating its purpose and required serving piece. This creates a mental checklist of every course and will enable you to anticipate issues with ample time to problem solve.

Top 5 Don'ts

Don't Underestimate How Much People Will Eat and Drink
It's always better to have slightly more than needed and sending people home with leftovers is appreciated. If hosting a party for more than four guests, it's helpful to buy several bottles of the same red and white wine so they don't have to worry about mixing when they want a refill. Try Estancia Monterey County Chardonnay or Estancia Monterey County Pinot Noir, which pair well with food and can be found easily at most local retailers.

Don't Over Reach with a Complicated Menu
Skip too many fussy courses and details! Of course you want to impress your guests, but you also want to enjoy their company and not spend the whole night in the kitchen.

See More: The Great Merge: How to Turn Two Households Into One

Don't Over Decorate
Don't clutter your dining table with overbearing centerpieces, huge bouquets or too many candles (and make sure any candles you do light are unscented so as to not interfere with the smells and flavors of the food!). Having too much on the table makes conversation difficult, passing food arduous, and accidents more likely.

Don't Turn Down Help
If your spouse or guests offer an extra hand or to bring part of the meal there is no need to be a martyr and deny them. Even allowing them to bring the wine, set the table or load the dishwasher gives you time to focus on everything else.

Don't Save Your Fancy China and Silverware
If you don't use it when entertaining now you probably never will. Be careful with family heirlooms but, if you received beautiful platters, serving pieces, tableware and glasses for your wedding there's no reason to let them gather dust. Break out the good stuff early and often.

Photo: Yasu + Junko

Fingers crossed you don't encounter any wedding-day emergencies. But it's always better to be safe than sorry, which means it's a very smart idea to pack a day-of emergency kit along with your wedding dress and accessories. That way, if you accidentally chip a nail or your up-do becomes loose, you'll have a bottle of nail polish and bobby pins at the ready. Here are all our essential just-in-case items that you should have by your side on your wedding day.

Spills & Mishaps
• Mini sewing kit (with needles, thread, buttons, and safety pins)
• Fashion tape (double-stick tape for keeping clothes in place)
• Stick-on instant hemming tape
• Clear nail polish (for runs)
• White chalk (for masking stains)
• Safety pins
• Small pair of scissors
• Spot remover pen
• Static cling spray
• Superglue (for fixing broken heels)
• Scotch tape
• Lint roller

First Aid
• Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice)
• Band-Aids
• Epi-Pen (if you have allergies)

See More: 14 Miracle Products That Can Save You From a Beauty Emergency on Your Wedding Day

Snacks & Drinks
• Bottle of water
• Breath mints
• Granola bar

Beauty & Makeup
• Dental floss
• Eye drops
• Extra earring backs
• Bobby pins and ponytail rubberbands
• Face wipes
• Tampons
• Straws (to drink water without messing up lipstick)
• Tissues
• Tweezers
• Foundation
• Concealer
• Mascara
• Lipbalm
• Lipstick
• Blotting papers
• Makeup remover
• Cotton swabs
• Nail polish (in the shade you're wearing)
• Nail file
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Comb
• Hair spray
• Small mirror
• Shoe pads (for cushion)

Photo: Phindy Studios

In January of 2002, at a bar in Wilmington, North Carolina, with her roommates, Jaime Moffett spotted Tom Gossin, guitarist and lead singer of Gloriana, from across the room. "I ordered a drink, and as I turned to lean on the bar and check out the band, I saw Tom and thought 'Who is that?'" she laughs. She worked her way to the stage and requested John Mayer's "3x5," but Tom didn't know it. Luckily, the pair ran into each other again the next night, something Tom was hoping would happen. "When he drove me home at the end of the night, he pulled out his guitar and began to play," says Jaime.

Ten years later, on the roof of Jaime's apartment building in Atlanta, Tom started talking about how long they'd been together and how special Jaime is to him, then tugged on her hand. "I turned around and realized he was down on one knee," she says. "I had no idea it was coming!"

With music in their blood, the duo couldn't think of anywhere better to wed than Nashville. They gathered 178 guests at The Cannery Ballroom for a Prohibition-themed bash, planned by Kathy Best of Front Porch Farms and photographed by Phindy Studios.

Photo: Phindy Studios

In true Gatsby-era style, Jaime and Tom took their outfits very seriously. The bride donned a cap-sleeved lace gown by Claire Pettibone. "It was only the third or fourth dress I tried," she says. "I had a few other dresses in the fitting room, but the second I put this one on, I knew I was done!" To show off the gown's lace back, Jaime skipped a veil in favor of a floral headpiece. For a night of dancing, she chose vintage-inspired black lace booties by René Caovilla.

Tom did the majority of his shopping in his own closet! He paired a vintage Double RL by Ralph Lauren tuxedo jacket and shirt with J. Lindeberg pants and a Brooks Brothers vest. He and his groomsmen traded traditional bowties for wooden versions by The Two Guys Bow Ties.

Photo: Phindy Studios

The ceremony took place upstairs in the Cannery Ballroom's private event space, ONE. Wooden arches were decorated with Manzanita branches and hung with chandeliers, and the aisle was flanked with two rows of rose petals. Tom and Jaime encouraged guests to arrive early, grab a cocktail, and then take their seats. "We wanted the party to start as soon as we said 'I do,'" says the bride.

Photo: Phindy Studios

Downstairs, the stage was set for a '20s-worthy celebration. Gold and ivory linens were topped with vintage silver and cut crystal vessels and arrangements of blush and ivory roses and hydrangeas. "A lot of the vases were our own family heirlooms," says Jaime. Nearby, couches and arm chairs provided lounge seating where guests could take a break from an evening of boogieing.

Photo: Phindy Studios

Jaime and Tom's planner created two vignettes—the Carolina Rose Boudoir and Gossin's Gentlemen's Club—to continue the Prohibition theme. In the boudoir, guests signed the guest book, took photos in the photo booth, and got a peek at Jaime's mom's wedding dress. In the gentlemen's club, a table was set up for gambling. As a final surprise, the planner sourced a vintage piano and displayed the hand-written sheet music to "Carolina Rose," a song that Tom wrote for Jaime chronicling their love story.

Photo: Phindy Studios

"Tom's a musician, I'm a dancer," says Jaime. "Having a live band was a no-brainer!" The band played Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" as the couple's first dance.

Photo: Phindy Studios

Though Jaime loves sweets, the cake wasn't at the top of her list. Instead, it was the impressive dessert spread, featuring everything from miniature cupcakes and banana pudding to chocolate mousse.

Jaime swapped her wedding gown for a shorter black number so that she could really get down. "I needed to be able to shimmy!" she says. The couple made sure to prioritize as they planned, allocating funds toward the big things that meant the most instead of small details that eat up money but don't have as much of an impact. And the day of, Jaime was sure to be present and keep her focus. "I didn't notice a single thing go wrong," she says. "That's not to say it didn't happen, but I was focused on marrying Tom and celebrating with our loved ones."

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Cannery Ballroom || Wedding Planner: Kathy Best of Front Porch Farms || Bride's Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone || Shoes: René Caovilla || Hair: Steven Ward Hair, Debbie Dover of John David Agency || Makeup: Danielle Blaquera || Groom's Attire: Double RL by Ralph Lauren, J. Lindeberg, Brooks Brothers, The Two Guys Bow Ties || Wedding Bands: Giador Fine Jewelry || Florist: LMA Designs || Invitations & Paper Goods: Designs in Paper || Music: Gino Speight || Catering: Chef's Market || Cake & Desserts: B. Jackson's Bakery || Rentals & Linens: Front Porch Farms, Visual Elements, Southern Events, BBJ Linens || Lighting: Nashville Audio Visual || Videography: Awaken Films || Photography: Phindy Studios

Photo: Fairchild Archive

Fall brides, take note: It's totally okay to wear coral lips after Labor Day. Whether you go for a soft wash of peach or a bright, punchy lipstick, this universally flattering shade looks amazing year-round with a soft smoky eye and dewy, glowing skin. Plus, of course, bright coral pops against any wedding gown! We rounded up the best new shades out this fall.

Clinique Chubby Stick Baby Tint in Poppin' Poppy
You can't go wrong with this sheer, hydrating lip tint: a single layer yields a barely-there hint of peachy balm, while a heavier hand makes for a bolder coral lip. No matter how you choose to wear it, the buildable color means you can find the coverage that's perfect for your wedding day. $17, available at Cinique

Sisley Phyto-Lip Shine in Sheer Coral
This gorgeous, semi-sheer color does not budge. While most balms and tints fade with each sip of champagne, this formula miraculously lasts. Darker-skinned brides can swipe on a few layers for a brighter coral, and if you've got fair skin, just one layer is enough to pop. $52, available at Sisley Paris

See More: The Best Long-Wear Wedding Lipsticks

Topshop Lips in Infared
Daring brides, we found your lipstick. Pair this red-hot matte lipstick with a clingy satin sheath and killer sparkly heels, and get ready for the coolest photo-booth shots ever. $12, available at Topshop

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Coral Crush
This shea-packed stick goes on like a balm, but looks way more pigmented on your lips. Over time, the bright hue fades to a softer wash of color as it softens and moisturizes. Bonus: It smells amazing. $8, available at Pixi

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss in Blissful
If you steered away from gloppy, sticky lip gloss at your makeup trial, now's the time to give it a second chance. Tarte's formula isn't one bit drying, thanks to emollients like vitamin E and jojoba oil. And the shade, created from mineral pigments, steers much closer to soft peach than bright orange, making it perfect with a soft smoky eye and a romantic updo. $19, available at Ulta

Photo: Courtesy of Amber Herring

Meet our latest real bride blogger Amber Herring, a New York City-based fitness and style editor! Over the past few weeks, Amber has chronicled every last detail of her wedding planning process — from getting into shape to accessorizing her look. Here, she's sharing how she's managing her long engagement.

It was almost 18 months ago, that my fiancé Rajiv asked me to marry him in Paris. The feeling of "so much time" to plan is gone and the big day is three weeks away. While I'm happy we chose to have a long engagement, it's ironic how time was both our enemy and our friend in the planning process. Here's some of my most notable pros and cons and how I handled it all:

Pro: You can plan the big things far in advance, then take a break.
Since vendors like the venue, photographer and music are so important and have limited availability we booked them all quickly and then decided to take a break. With the major elements set, we could relax knowing we had lots of time.

See More: Why Wedding Planning is Really Just Marriage Practice

Con: You have time to mull over decisions.
The blessing of a short engagement is you are forced to think quickly and make decisions that youcan't change. Even the most decisive person can have a hard time making choices on theme, flowers and dresses. Pretend you don't have that time. It will force you to go with your gut and trust your instinct.

Pro: You have time to DIY, if you want.
We decided to cut back on our florist budget by providing our own vases and candles. My mother and I had time to shop around for the vases and even do a project to make them all different shades of gold. But beware: DIY is not as easy as it looks. Don't over commit yourself, no matter your time restraints. Once we finished the vase project, we decided that was enough DIY for us.

Con: You feel like the possibilities are endless.
Time is your friend and your enemy in the long engagement. A bride can get lost in the black hole of Pinterest weddings and research. Give yourself a time limit and stick to it. For example, I have one week to look up centerpieces and narrow it down to my favorites. Don't get caught up in feeling like you can always find something better, it's not true.

See More: Cool Online Tools That Will Simplify Your Wedding Planning

Pro and Con: You have lots of time to get in shape for the big day.
The long engagement is a double edge sword for a get fit plan. Don't put it off. Make a plan and allow yourself some cheats. Commit to eating healthy and working out, but accept some indulging along the way so you don't burn out. My plan was to cut carbs, dairy and sugar and work out six hours a week once I hit the six-month mark. I had some cheat meals in there, but always kept my eye on the prize ... and the scale.

Pro: You get to enjoy being engaged.
The stresses of planning a wedding can get to couples. With a long engagement, I felt like I could enjoy the planning and being someone's fianc&eaute;. It's fun to have the anticipation build between us and with our family and friends. It also keeps you mindful of how much you need to savor the day when it comes.