Photo: Getty Images

Ah, the guest list. Often one of the biggest sources of wedding-planning contention, it's a numbers game that every bride and groom has to play. Most wedding venues have some sort of guest capacity, not to mention that couples often have a general size of wedding in mind when coordinating their nuptials. So how do you find that magic number? And what do they do about people who can't come? Here are some common etiquette questions and answers for figuring it out!

What is a "B" list when it comes to wedding guests? Is this generally considered to be offensive?
B-lists are commonly the second round of potential invitees that couples don't have the room or budget to accommodate but would love to have at the wedding. Brides and grooms usually put friends and coworkers on their B-lists, thinking that they'll be more amenable to older guests than receiving last-minute invites after the no's from the primary guest list start trickling in. No one wants to be relegated to the B-list, of course, no matter how distant the relative or tenuous the friend. The best way to approach this is to only send save-the-dates to the "must-invite" list, and see what kind of advance notice you get from these. Within a few weeks, you'll have a better idea of numbers and can send save-the-dates to the B-listers.

How many "nos" should I expect from people I send invitations to?
Generally, expect about 10% wiggle room. If your venue can fit 200 guests, for example, invite 220 people. If it's a destination wedding, or if more than half your invitees live far enough away that they need to book a flight to attend, you can go 20 percent over.

How do I cut down a guest list that I know is too long?
If you're on the fence about someone and can't decide whether or not to invite them in this case, try imagining bumping into them on the street after the wedding. Think about how you'd feel if you didn't invite them. Do you feel terrible or only a tiny pang of guilt? Let your reaction guide your decision. Also consider estranged family members you were inviting out of courtesy, an ex, or someone who really might cause a (bad) ruckus. In the end, listen to your heart rather than convention, but remember that perceived wedding invitation injustices can last a lifetime.

Photo: Rachelle Friedman via Facebook

Rachelle Friedman, known around world as the "paralyzed bride," has a major reason to celebrate this Labor Day weekend: She's expecting her first child via surrogate!

Friedman was just another bride-to-be at her bachelorette party four years ago when a lighthearted moment changed the course of her life forever. One of her bridesmaids, her best friend, pushed her into a pool. Instead of splashing in, she hit the bottom of the pool headfirst, breaking her neck and causing a severe spinal cord injury. The freak accident paralyzed her from the chest down, and she suddenly became known as the "paralyzed bride."

She and her fiancé Chris Chapman had to postpone their wedding, but they managed to tie the knot a year later. Though she didn't let her injury get her down — she was surfing and playing wheelchair rugby within 13 weeks of the incident — she did worry about how her condition would affect her ability to have children.

See more: This Bride Went Above & Beyond to Ensure Her Father Could Walk Her Down the Aisle

"I knew it was bad because I remember looking down and not being able to feel the coldness on my legs," Friedman, now a motivational speaker and blogger for several national websites, tells People of her initial reaction to the freak accident. "It was very scary," she says. "I knew I was paralyzed and the first thing I asked the paramedics was whether I could have kids. I was ecstatic when they said yes."

Her joy turned to sorrow soon after, though, when doctors told her the medicine she takes to keep her blood pressure up could be dangerous to a fetus. It was Laurel Humes, a college friend they hadn't spoken to in nearly a decade, that would change their hopes once again.

Humes reached out to the couple immediately after reading one of Friedman's blog posts, in which she detailed her need for a surrogate. "My husband was a sperm donor for some of our friends, a same-sex couple, and that inspired me to think about surrogacy," Humes told People. That encouragement facilitated Friedman and Chapman's dream to become parents.

"We're just so excited," Friedman says of their impending parenthood (Chapman is six months pregnant). We can only imagine!

Photo: Getty Images

Receiving a "with regrets" wedding RSVP from a beloved friend or family member makes your heart sink. But sharing your big day no longer requires an in-person presence. Since the rise in the availability of Wi-Fi and 4G networks, live-streaming technology has made viewing nuptials in real time a possibility for all guests.

Philip Ly, CEO of I Do Stream LLC, is a pioneer in the wedding streaming field, having helped over 2,000 couples broadcast their ceremonies since 2008. Ly strongly suggests everyone — from the couples using his services to those who choose a free webcasting site like Ustream, Skype Premium or Livestream — look out for preventable glitches before walking down the aisle.

"The number one thing to think about is making sure everything works before your wedding," Ly says. "The biggest issue we encounter is couples who don't try to get going until the day of the wedding, and the problem usually ends up happening because they don't have essential equipment, something that can be easily fixed a few days prior. Do a test stream at some point."

But wrong cables and missing software aren't the only problems live-streamers may encounter: The etiquette surrounding virtual weddings raises its own issues.

"You really want to focus on not offending people by having an 'A team' and a 'B team' — invited to your actual wedding versus online wedding," says digital lifestyle expert David Ryan Polgar.

See More: The 3 Times It's Okay to Say "No" to Your Wedding Guests

Polgar finds wedding webcasts are most successful in situations where the couple is accommodating guests who can't otherwise attend. (For example, friends who are unable to afford the trip for a destination wedding.) "If you're using a live-streaming wedding for an accommodation as opposed to a posterity reason, then it makes more sense," he says.

Of course, there's one other potentially sticky question raised for online-only guests: Do they still give the couple a gift?

"My personal feeling about it is you are part of the wedding," says Ly. "Even though you weren't there physically, you witnessed the exchanging of vows in real-time. So if you get invited, a small gift is appropriate."

Photo: Kevin Cremens

Although the engagement ring bling usually takes center stage, finding the right wedding band is equally as important. Depending on your preferences, your band can either highlight your existing sparkler or be a statement-making piece of its own. To help you get started with finding your perfect band, we turned to Julie Yoakum, Chief Merchandising Officer for Blue Nile and Hollie Bonneville Barden, Head Designer at De Beers, to demystify the shopping process and explain the most popular styles.

Metal Band
A classic metal band with no gemstones, usually crafted from platinum, 18k, 14k white, yellow or rose gold. Alternative metals include titanium and stainless steel. "Platinum is the most popular in this style," says Yoakum. "Not only is it the shiniest metal, it also develops a beautiful patina with age, which can be buffed away to its original shine without rubbing down the metal, if desired."

Matches with: Any style engagement ring or to layer with other bands.

Best for: The super active bride who doesn't want to take off her wedding band and doesn't want to worry about diamond or prong damage.

Pavé Band
An encrusted band where the diamonds are "set into the metal. It could be in any pattern," explains Bonneville Barden.

Matches with: Engagement rings that have a pavé band or a cushion cut solitaire with a pavé halo setting.

Best for: The bride who likes the sparkle of a diamond band without the look of prongs.

See More: Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings

Eternity Band
A specific type of band, "characterized by identically sized diamonds that go around the entire ring as a symbol of eternity," says Bonneville Barden.

Two common styles of eternity bands are shared prong setting and channel setting. In a shared prong set band, "the two stones that sit next to each other share a prong and from the side, the prongs form the shape of the letter 'u.' The diamond is exposed from the top and the sides which gives this style a lot of sparkle," says Yoakum.

In a channel set eternity band, the diamonds lay side by side within a metal channel, which make up the sides of the ring.

While a shared prong and channel set eternity band are two of the more popular styles, you have plenty of options. "Eternity bands can be set in a number of ways — any cut of diamond that you can get in an engagement ring — from round brilliant to cushion to emerald — can also be done in an eternity band," says Yoakum.

Matches with: A shared prong set eternity band pairs best with classic engagement rings and adds extra shine to the look. A channel set eternity band has a more modern feel and pairs best with channel set engagement rings.

Best for: With so many options, the eternity band truly has something for everyone. It's also a particularly good choice for brides who want to wear their wedding band alone without their engagement ring. "You can have an eternity band with under one carat of total diamond weight to 10-plus carats," says Yoakum. "It can definitely make a statement on its own."

Anniversary Band
Similar to an eternity band but the diamonds go halfway around the ring.

Matches with: Any type of engagement ring — the trick is to make sure the settings are the same to give the set a cohesive feel.

Best for: Brides who like the timeless look of an eternity band, but don't want to bulkiness of having diamonds between their fingers and on the inside of the hand.

Photos: Cathy Crawford; John Aquino; Devon Jarvis; Jeffrey Westbook

Whether you're hosting a seaside wedding or simply feel most at home by the ocean, a pretty mix of sea green and blue shades is the perfect color palette for a beach-loving bride. Plus, it's versatile enough to transition from season to season, meaning you can make this look work all year-round.

To perfect the combo, start with your base tone — we suggest blue for winter or fall and sea green for summer and spring. Then, highlight with the alternative shade to add pops of complementary color. A sleek invitation, like our pick from Lucky Luxe Couture Correspondence, sticks with a mostly-blue motif and incorporates bright splashes of green along with some metallic accents.

See More: America's Most Romantic Wedding Venues

Pale blue dresses are perennially popular with bridesmaids since the cool shade works well with many skin tones. We love a strapless option for the summer or a trendy illusion-bateau neckline for cooler months. Get creative with your accessories, like a bold shoe or colorful necklace. It's an easy way to add that "something blue."

As for your dessert, go for a modern wedding cake. We love this confection from Lulu Cake Boutique, which features a geometric pattern in sea green and blue with pops of blingy gold.

Check out all of our favorite sea green-and-blue wedding finds above, and shop them below.

Above: 1. Necklace, $950, Cele and Clio; 2. Cake, $15 per slice (serves 75), Lulu Cake Boutique; 3. Invitation, "Prairie", from $381 for 100, Lucky Luxe Couture Correspondence; 4. Shoes, $1,195, Manolo Blahnik; 5. Bouquet, $250, Seaport Flowers 6. Bridesmaid Dress, $330, Shoshanna

Photo: Getty Images

President and First Lady Obama do not attend weddings very often, but they will be on hand for the nuptials of White House chef Sam Kass and MSNBC host Alex Wagner today in Tarrytown (a town in Westchester, New York).

The ceremony will take place at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills — a Rockefeller-owned Center for Food & Agriculture. This is the first time the POTUS has visited the venue, but FLOTUS attended a fundraiser at the location in 2012.

A minor side effect of having a wedding in which the first family will be in attendance? Being vetted by the secret service! The guests of the Kass-and-Wagner wedding, along with another Labor Day ceremony, are being checked out due to Obamas staying in the area for the weekend. Sources have told the New York Post's Page Six that the president's entourage has blocked off 50 rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

See More: Celebrities in Wedding-Worthy White Dresses: Michelle Obama, Rooney Mara, and Katy Perry

Journalist, author, and fellow MSNBC commentator Richard Wolffe introduced Wagner to Kass. Reportedly, the chef was instantly smitten with the host — so much so that he asked Wolffe to take him to the White House Correspondents' Association dinner after-party for another chance to interact with Wagner. The two then had drinks at the Monkey Bar in New York City and upon learning that they both were Washington Nationals fans, Kass had the stadium opened in the off-season so he and Wagner could play catch. (How romantic, right?)

Kass has been a longtime family friend of the Obama's and has acted as their personal chef since 2005 according to The New York Times. In addition to running the White House's kitchen, the Chicago-native is the president's senior adviser for nutrition policy and is the executive director of FLOTUS's "Let's Move" campaign, which promotes healthy eating and exercising.

Photo: Jessica Claire

From choosing the officiant you want (whether or not your parents approve), using ceremonial symbols from a religion you don't belong to, and having bridesmaids who aren't your religion partake in your religious ceremony, faith and weddings can get tricky. Lucky for you, our wedding etiquette experts are here to help solve your biggest religion etiquette problems!

Does a bridesmaid who's Jewish have to go through the motions of our Christian service?
Her participation depends on her beliefs and the dogma of your religion. She can kneel or stand when the rest of the congregation does, and should answer "I will" or "I do" when the officiant asks if those assembled will support you and your fiancé. However, she doesn't have to say any prayers or sing hymns if she'd prefer not to. As for Communion, different beliefs have different rules. Often, people who are not receiving Communion can still approach the altar and by crossing their arms over their chest, signify that they would like a blessing, rather than the bread and wine. Talk to your officiant about the convention in your house of worship, and tell your bridesmaid. It's also a good idea to print the information in your wedding program so that guests who belong to different religions or denominations will know what their options are. Each person can then decide for herself what will make her feel most comfortable.

Our parish priest has always struck me as a bore, but my father wants him to officiate. What can I do?
It's important to tell your dad how you feel. Give him specific reasons why you find the priest less than heavenly. Granted, religion is a touchy subject, but if you stay calm and talk honestly with your father, you're likely to have an enlightening discussion. Are you open to having another priest from your church officiate? Tell your father that's what you'd like to do. If that's not the case, you must tread even more gently and fully explain why you and your fiancé have chosen to go in a different direction.

We're not Jewish, but we love the significance and look of a chuppah. Can we still use one at the ceremony?
Of course! Just call it a canopy instead of a chuppah. Wedding canopies are especially popular for outdoor wedding ceremonies, where they can help define the altar area. According to Jewish wedding custom, four attendants hold or stand by the poles, and a prayer shawl is draped over the top. Obviously, you'd omit these specific elements, but feel free to get creative with other details and embellishments.

Photo: Getty Images

Whether your guy is looking for a dreamy spot to pop the question or you're planning a a romantic dinner for two, it can be hard to find a truly special place with great food and atmosphere. Luckily, Top Chef host and tableware designer (find her new line at Bloomingdale's!) Padma Lakshmi knows a thing or two about romance and food. Here, she offers up her top three favorite romantic restaurants in the U.S.

Photo: Courtesy of Besh Restaurant Group

August in New Orleans
Rated as one of the top tables for two by Afar, this intimate restaurant, located in a cozy French-Creole building in New Orlean's Central Business District, boasts an extensive menu and incredible interior.

Why Padma loves it: "It's old-fashioned and perfect for proposing. New Orleans food can be heavy, but John Besh has a light touch. It's traditional, but elevated."

Photo: Courtesy of Má Pêche

Má Pêche in New York
Located in the heart of midtown, New York beneath the Chambers Hotel, this restaurant features bare wood tables, cozy lighting, and a menu that encourages sharing.

Why Padma loves it: "I love all of David Chang's restaurants, but here you can get all of his yummy foods in an environment that's romantic and discreet."

Photo: Courtesy of Bartolotta Ristorante Di Mare

Bartolotta Ristorante Di Mare in Las Vegas
Right in the heart of Sin City, the Barlotta Ristorante is a four-star eatery located in the Wynn Las Vegas. With house-made pasta and over 40 varieties of fresh fish and shellfish daily, this Mediteranian and Italian-inspired restaurant is one you shouldn't miss.

Why Padma loves it: "The seafood is insane. Paul Bartolotta's on his cell phone at 10 at night talking to fishermen in Italy. So luxurious."

Photos (from left to right): John Aquino and Steve Eichner; Courtesy of Romona Keveza Collection; Thomas Iannaccone

Bridal sashes are a wedding dress standard. And while cinching your waist is a surefire way to flaunt your curves, there are more options than just the classic ribbon-tied sashes. This season, designers took it one step further by showing more structured and statement-making waist-cinchers. Whether it was an ultra-sleek and modern silver metallic belt or just a thicker cut of fabric, these belts are totally fashion forward. Whether you're looking for a figure-flattering accessory, or you want added embellishments, consider trying this fashionable wedding dress trend.

Here, a few looks from recent bridal runways that feature of-the-moment belts!

Photo: Courtesy of Romona Keveza Collection

Romona Keveza Collection: This season, Keveza was the biggest belt proponent, with design after design walking down her Spring 2015 runway featuring a thick metallic band. These mid-waist additions are so eye-catching that they even come off as futuristic! In the best possible way, of course.

Wedding dresses by Romona Keveza Collection

Photo: John Aquino and Steve Eichner

Monique Lhuillier: We've already compared this look to a piece of chic outerwear, so it's no surprise that the tulle overskirt's band is a thick piece of fabric that resembles a belt.

"Fabienne" long sleeve embellished sheath wedding dress with a front slit, tulle overskirt, and keyhole illusion neckline, Monique Lhuillier

Photo: Thomas Iannaccone

Reem Acra: Offsetting the design's inherently ethereal feel, the severity of this thicker white band adds drama and contrast to an otherwise soft and romantic silhouette.

Embroidered chiffon A-line wedding dress with a v-neckline and short sleeves, Reem Acra

Photo: Dove + Sparrow

Just as much as it's important to have every wedding detail set — from the flowers, to the cake, to the reception lighting — it's also important to time your big day just right. You don't want to get guests all excited during your ceremony, and have them lose energy and interest with a four hour-long break between your "I do" and the reception. It's key to have a good momentum going. That being said, a break between ceremony and reception is also necessary for taking pictures and setting up your venue. To do so well, our etiquette experts are here to help you nail the perfect timing so you can keep the party going!

Can I have a pre-reception break?
A short break between the wedding ceremony and reception is probably helpful to you (you can take your formal pictures then and still make it to your cocktail hour). And two hours of downtime shouldn't upset your guests. (It's pretty common, actually, especially for Catholic church weddings.) Your local guests can probably just head back home and cool their heels before the evening festivities begin. As for the out-of-town guests, be sure to provide a little something for them. Maybe offer a few light snacks and drinks in a hospitality suite at the hotel where they're staying. Or, ask a friend or family member to invite the out-of-towners to their house for iced tea and cookies.

What's the appropriate amount of time between the ceremony and reception?
Having your reception start immediately after the ceremony is ideal, which is possible if you're holding both at the same place. If not, don't let guests languish for more than an hour between events. Try to choose venues that are no more than half an hour's drive apart, and take as many formal photos before the ceremony as possible, suggests Holly Tripp, a wedding consultant and owner of Holly Tripp Event Design in Dallas, Texas. "You could even have the receiving line at the reception [during the cocktail hour], so guests can start enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres once you greet them," says Tripp. If, however, a long wait is truly unavoidable, "arrange to have a hospitality suite with refreshments at a nearby hotel, or ask a family member or close friend who lives in the vicinity to host a pre-party," she says.

I'd like the wedding ceremony to be small and intimate — can I invite most guests to the reception, only?
Yes, it is certainly acceptable to extend an invitation to only the reception. More and more couples are going this route, choosing to have an intimate, private ceremony with just family and closest friends, followed by a larger reception with everyone else. (However, it's never acceptable to extend an invitation only to the ceremony if you're also having a reception.)

Just keep in mind that some guests may feel a bit bummed about missing out on the poignant part of your wedding day. To make sure everyone is aware and comfortable with the decision, it's important to announce it in advance; otherwise, you may risk some hurt feelings from guests who had hoped to witness the ceremony. First off, you will need to print two sets of invitations. The first set should list both the ceremony and the reception information, while the second should invite guests to the reception, only. Once the RSVPs start trickling in, stick to your guns: Some guests may try to pressure you into inviting them to the ceremony also. But if you make one exception, you'll invariably have to make another one. So stay strong and don't go back on your original decision. Just be sure to convey how excited you are to party with them at the reception.

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade have officially tied the knot! The actress and championship-winning basketball player were wed yesterday at the Chateau Artisan in Miami, Florida.

The power couple stuck to the classic color of black and white for the occasion where the beautiful bride wore a custom-made Dennis Basso wedding dress from Kleinfeld Bridal. Wade sported a custom-made Dsquared2 ensemble with a Wedding Collection bowtie he personally designed with The Tie Bar and a boutonniére by Floral Fix.

The gown featured a sweetheart neckline and a plunging, bow-adorned back. "Dennis Basso was the perfect choice for my wedding day," Union tells WWD. "He is a classic American designer, and knew perfectly how to harness both my inner Grace Kelly coupled with a touch of sensuality through his designs." The actress and designer were introduced by Union's stylish Jason Bolden.

Naturally, the ceremony was star-studded with such notable celebrities in attendance including newly-engaged actor Kevin Hart, fellow Heat team member Chris Bosh and his wife Adrienne, LaLa and Carmelo Anthony, and reality TV star Jonathan Cheban.

See More: Which Celebrity Couple Will Get Married Next?

The guests were asked to wear formal white looks and were serenaded by John Legend. A 1930's era juke joint was recreated for the party where Vanilla Puddin' chardonnay was served as the wedding's official white wine, as reported by People.

Before the big day, the couple held their rehearsal dinner at posh steakhouse Prime 112 where only an intimate group of 30 friends and family were invited. The dinner's menu was decided by the couple, where they dined in one of the restaurant's private rooms, a source tells Us Weekly. The lady of the evening skewed sultry in a black halter jumpsuit with cutout detailing, while her soon-to-be husband wore a simple white collared shirt and black trousers. They drove up to the venue in a black Ferrari and finished their night, partying at Miami hotspot LIV.

After four years of dating, Wade proposed to Union in December 2013 with an 8.5-carat cushion-cut diamond stunner. This is the second marriage for both Wade and Union, as he was previously married to his high-school sweetheart Siohvaughn Funches from 2002 to 2007 and she was married to NFL player Chris Howard from 2001 to 2005.

Photo: Austin Gros Photography

Pretty pink hues — everything from blush to bold magenta — are perennially popular picks when it comes to wedding colors. While the paler shades, like blush and petal pink, may seem like the most obvious pinks thanks to their neutral yet pretty style, engaged girls should feel free to think beyond these light colors. Richer, warm colors are just as easy to incorporate into your wedding.

While there are lots of places to add pops of pink, the most obvious is through your wedding flowers. Namely, your bridal bouquet. Since your bouquet will be photographed from the time you're getting ready until the very end of the reception, it's important to pick standout blooms that complement your décor and wedding dress.

Whether you're a winter bride or a beach girl, there are tons of pink blooms for you to carry on your big day. Consider garden roses, peonies, ranunculus and lilies, or mix and match your favorite blossoms to create a lush and unexpected arrangement. Another inspired idea? Use neutral, rosy tones as a base color to anchor bold, seasonal colors. If you're tying the knot in the fall or winter, try mixing in deep reds. Spring and summer brides should consider bright yellow accents to play off the warm-weather months.

To help you get inspired when creating your own arrangement, we found 20 beautiful pink bouquets! Click here to check them out!

Photo: Page Bertelsen Photography

Personal touches are everything when it come to your wedding. Whether your groom spends days curating that perfect reception playlist featuring every single one of your favorite songs or you mix up a signature cocktail that is as delicious as it is meaningful, the smallest details can make the biggest difference.

But often times, even the littlest elements can be pretty expensive — especially in the world of weddings. To help you turn up the personality and turn down the price tag, we asked some of our favorite florists, planners and bloggers to share unique and creative wedding ideas that are free — yes, free!

With wedding freebies like printable drink straws, escort cards from the paint store, and wildflower confetti, it's totally possible to save cash without sacrificing style. To see all the creative ideas from our favorite wedding pros, check out our complete slideshow in the link below.

Click here to read our entire list of 10 genius wedding ideas that don't cost a penny!

Photo: Cooper Carras

You may have your vintage wedding reception getaway car booked and ready to go, but have you thought about how your guests will get around? If your ceremony and reception are in two different locations, you should consider providing some sort of transportation to aid their comfort. Many couples also choose to give guests a way to get back to their hotel at the end of the reception, as well. If you're concerned about the logistics or how to fit this into your budget, fear not! We have some etiquette questions and answers to help you plan.

When is it absolutely necessary to provide transportation for guests?
Give serious consideration to providing transportation to guests if you're planning a destination wedding. They're already going to a great expense to attend your wedding, so don't give them the added burden of paying for a 20-dollar cab ride to the wedding site. Also, definitely think about offering transportation if you have a high percentage of out-of-towners or if the wedding is taking place in a city where parking is difficult to find or expensive, especially if the ceremony and reception are taking place in two different locations. Guests shouldn't have to worry about parking or hailing a cab twice.

I'm providing a bus for guests to get from my ceremony to reception. Is there an easy way to help them keep the energy up during the trip?
If you have a wedding playlist or just a list of tunes you love, give it to the driver! That'll get everyone into just the kind of celebratory mood you have in mind. To that end, think about some tunes to play in your car, as well.

My wedding budget is super tight and I really can't afford buses. Is there any other alternative?
If there's simply no way to work it into your budget, then ask your reception site to have taxis waiting at the end of the evening. It's much easier to convince a tipsy guest to take a taxi if it's already there. Arranging this may seem like another bothersome task, but it's thoughtful and guests will appreciate it. Guests should also be informed in advance that they'll have to get themselves from the ceremony to the reception, if they're in separate locations. Provide directions on one of the invitation inserts.

Photo: Getty Images

"It's been at least two months since we've done the deed," a happily-married woman told us when asked the last time she and her husband had sex.

"Doing it once a week is a good week for us," another new Mrs. admitted. "In fact, I think I'm happy if we hit the twice-a-month mark."

While these findings may seem surprising (after all, aren't newlyweds supposed to be all over each other all the time?), research from The Kinsey Institute makes these ladies' sex lives downright normal. The study suggests that nearly half of married couples have sex just a few times per month. Almost 10 percent, according to the institute, have sex just once a month.

"Married women who say they are totally fine with sex once a week or twice a month aren't that unusual," admits Los Angeles-based psychologist Yvonne Thomas. Stress, feeling tired and dodging life's curveballs — think an unplanned expense or untimely illness — all get in the way of a couple's desire to get it on. "Complacency and taking each other for granted also frequently and unknowingly set in, making things feel too predictable and even boring," Thomas adds. "Sometimes it feels like the thrill, the challenge and the mystery are gone once a couple gets married."

If you find yourself unhappily in this situation (or don't want to end up once you tie the knot), here are four things you can try:

1. Engage all your senses.
Different things turn different people on, Thomas explains, so consider slipping on sexy lingerie, lighting candles and playing sensual music on your iPod simultaneously to stimulate multiple senses at once.

See More: 7 Happy-Marriage Secrets Every Newlywed Should Know

2. Pop in a romantic movie and watch it together.
"This can be a great prelude to making the couple want to personally engage in some romance and lust together after — or maybe even during! — the movie," Thomas says.

3. Institute a weekly date night.
It doesn't need to be expensive. The important thing is for you to spend quality, one-on-one time with one another, Thomas explains. Switch up the day of the week that you hold your dates to avoid it feeling too routine.

4. Give your spouse a compliment every day.
"This helps prevent mood-deflators like complacency and taking each other for granted," Thomas says. "When people feel more valued and connected to their significant others, they are more able to share their love with their spouse through sex."

Photo: Dear Wesleyann

So much is made about mothers of the engaged couple, but beyond writing checks, plus giving a speech and taking part in one dance, you'd think that dads take a back seat in the traditional wedding ceremony. But our Facebook readers shared stories proving that's not the case. Read some of the sweet ways real brides got their fathers involved in your nuptial celebrations.

"My father was my officiant (he's an Episcopal priest)! Also, he and my stepmom kept asking how they could help financially, so we asked them to plan the lunchtime reception. I gave them some special dietary requests and set 'em loose. My papa is an exceptional cook and my stepmom plans massive conventions for her job, so we knew the two of them would find something delicious, and they did. My friends still compliment the food, four years later." — Heather Y.

"A month before my wedding my dad was in a terrible quad accident, and I am just so glad he survived. He broke multiple bones and was unable to walk. On my wedding day, he was so determined to walk me down the aisle, he got up out if his wheelchair and grabbed his walker. He fought through the pain just so we could have that special moment." — Megan R.

"I put him to work on my invitations!" — Teresita S.

"My dad came up with the idea to do a flash mob for our father-daughter dance. It started out like a normal, slow father-daughter dance, then the music switched and a bunch of family and friends joined in for "Gangnam Style", followed by a conga line. It was a blast and the video is hilarious!" — Brianna W.

"My wedding is next year, but my stepfather will be walking me down the aisle. My father-in-law will be doing some emcee stuff, and I'll have a little photo of my dad on my bouquet so he can come down the aisle with me too, as he is only there in spirit." — Ebony M.

See More: Your Family & Your Budget: How to Handle Both When They're at Odds

"My parents decided to pay for the whole wedding, which was more than generous. My dad wanted there to be an open bar, and because of that, he wanted transportation to and from the hotel and reception site so no one had to drink and drive. He set the whole thing up. He helped us with favors, too. He home-brewed beer to give to our guests at the end of the night!" — Aubrey K.

"My dad was there when I picked out my wedding dress. I would look over at him every time I would try on a dress. And when I found the one, it was the expression on his face that sealed it." — Krystie C.

"He was our DJ!" — Emilia S.

Read more sweet stories on our Facebook page!

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

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images

Lance Bass is nothing if not a romantic. Case in point: The singer decided to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his proposal to fiancé Michael Turchin not by making dinner or giving a gift, but by proposing all over again — new engagement ring and all!

An ecstatic Turchin shared a photo of the brand-new ring on Instagram (above) with the caption, "Who gets proposed to a second time on the first anniversary of the first proposal?? This guy!!!"

See more: 36 Men's Wedding Bands He'll Love

The gold-and-black band is a nice complement to the David Yurman ring that Bass gave Turchin when he popped the question in New Orleans last September.

And with their romance as alive as ever, could it finally be time for them to tie the knot? "I literally called Michael last night and said, 'Babe, we have to plan something. I'm tired of telling everyone we haven't done anything yet!'" Bass told People of his long engagement in June. Turns out, the answer is "almost." A source recently confirmed to People that the couple now plans to marry in early 2015.

Whenever they do make it down the aisle, there will be no doubt that the former *NSYNC-er will be over the moon with joy. "He is going to be a great husband and the best thing is...he is going to be such a great dad," Bass said just after he announced their engagement. "I am a traditionalist, I'm from Mississippi...I called [his] parents to ask permission before I proposed yesterday...[and] I told my parents, and they're all really, really happy."

Photo: Getty Images

Ready to put a ring on it, but he hasn't dropped to one knee yet? Who says you have to wait? Women are breaking down cultural taboos across all platforms — from where we work to what we're paid and how we can dress — so it should come as no surprise that more ladies are taking matters into their own hands by popping the big question to their boyfriends (um, remember Monica and Chandler?). So if you're pondering the path less proposed, consider these tips from Michele Velazquez, owner of The Heart Bandits, a company that helps men and women plan their proposals (She's helped two female clients successfully ask their men to marry them.)

1. Make sure you're doing it for the rights reasons. If you're madly in love and ready to take the next step — and feels he is, too — then by all means, move forward. "If you don't think he's ready to propose and you just take matters into your own hands, that's a bad reason," says Velazquez. "If he's not ready, he's not ready."

See More: Why Your Boyfriend Isn't Proposing

2. If your man is traditional or conventional, the idea of being on the receiving end of a proposal could be off-putting rather than romantic. "Some men really do value the traditional and would find it weird if the woman took on that role," says Velazquez. "So just make sure he is the type who can handle it first."

See More: Our New Hero: The Guy Who Proposed to All of the Disney Princesses

3. Can you a handle a no? If not, popping the question may not be for you. "Just as a man has to be prepared for that, a woman should also be prepared for the fact that her man may say no," Velazquez reasons. "In this case, he may say no because he wants to be the one to ask."

4. If you do get a yes, don't reach for your phone. Instead, let him announce the big news. "He may need time to digest that you popped the question on him," Velazquez says. "Let him be the one to figure out how we wants to announce the big news."

Would you ever propose to your boyfriend? Tweet us your thoughts @BRIDES!

Photo: Getty Images

Weddings can bring out the best — and the worst — in people. There are some people who simply mean to be helpful, but can be a little too helpful — and no, we're not talking about mothers of the bride or groom. Rather, there are three other family members who may be potentially troublesome.

His sister
Your man's sister can be your best ally — or your worst nightmare according to April Masini, relationship expert and columnist at AskApril.com. Like your mother-in-law, she's known your fiancé longer than you have and will always be a part of his life. "She's here to stay," says Masini, "and if she chooses to leverage her power, you will have a worthy challenge in front of you! My advice is to diffuse any problems you may have with her. If the fight is about details, let it go. Let her win. Keep the big picture in mind, that is, you're marrying the man of your dreams." Alisa Ruby Bash, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Beverly Hills suggests talking to your fiancé and asking him to intervene if he feels comfortable doing so.

See More: It's Not All Roses: How Real Brides Handled Wedding-Planning Tough Spots

Your sister
Sometimes, no matter how much sisters love each other, they may feel competitive with one another despite their best efforts not to. If you feel that your sis may be envious of you, which is causing her to act out, be gentle. Bash advises: "Realize that this may be something that's triggering her insecurities and she just can't help herself. Try to be compassionate. In a quiet moment alone, ask her if anything's bothering her that she might want to talk about and allow her to express what she needs to."

Your (or His) Grandmother
Grandmothers get special dispensation: They've experienced a lot and earned a position of respect in the family. Always hear her out, smile, and say yes — then quietly do what is right for you and your fiancé. It may be worth it for the relationship to take her suggestion. If not, realize that it's just never going to be worth it to get into a confrontation with Granny. More than likely, she'll be so taken with the moment that she won't notice you didn't take her suggestion. If she hasn't forgotten, apologize politely and simply say, "We couldn't make it work out."

No matter who you are dealing with, remember that you will have to compromise some, says Bash. Look at each demand, she advises, then decide whether you can live with it or if it will ruin your day. Realize that it's ultimately about you and your husband-to-be — not everyone else.

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

Photo: Phindy Studios

You'd never plan your wedding at work (cough, cough) — but your lunch break is a whole other story! For your #WeddingWednesday lunchtime, we rounded up gorgeous real weddings, pretty style details, and helpful tips from across the web. Our favorite recent wedding blogs have one of two things in common: a vintage-inspired theme or rustic wood details! From a speakeasy bash to a glorious elopement on the beach, take a peek at the best wedding blogs:

When you pick a 1920s-style theme, why not go all in with a speakeasy influence? This awesome real wedding does just that, with classic cocktails, authentic casino table games, and more. —POPSUGAR

When most people think "vintage wedding," The Great Gatsby probably comes to mind. It certainly did for Gloriana singer Tom Gossin and his bride Jaimie, who selected a Gatsby-tinged wedding with Prohibition-like details (think wooden bowties and bottles of Jameson). —Brides

Furs, jeweled headbands, and an outdoor ceremony in autumn are surefire ways to make any wedding feel extra special. The same-sex couple bridges the gap between rustic and vintage, inhabiting that lovely, romantic spot that's come to be one of our favorite styles of weddings. —100 Layer Cake

This barn wedding is heavy on country living — pigs, twine, and wildflowers are all welcome — and there's plenty of bold, colorful elements too. We love how the wooden barn creates a warm backdrop for the entire affair. —Ruffled

Elopements don't have to be quick dashes to city hall. This couple decided to downsize their 200-something-guest wedding and instead exchange vows in front of a handful of guests on the beach. With a wooden "smooch booth" and a dreamy waterfront table setup, the whole event looks like a romantic shipwreck. —Green Wedding Shoes