Photo: Getty Images

Desperate Housewife no more! Vanessa Williams, former Miss America and star of the Broadway revival of The Trip to Bountiful, just confirmed her engagement to boyfriend Jim Skrip, seen above!

In an episode of The Queen Latifah Show, which is set to air next Tuesday, Williams dishes on the amazing way she celebrated her 50th birthday. According to People, the milestone day came with one huge gift: a shiny three-stone engagement ring, complete with a massive center diamond.

"Vanessa, I have been trying to have a conversation with you ladies and gents, but I am blinded by the light coming from that bling ring on your finger," Latifah said to Williams.

See More: 28 Shimmering Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

"Oh, sorry darling," Williams said. "I got engaged. I have had a lot of good things happen ... I turned 50 when we were in rehearsal on Broadway, I just got engaged a couple of weeks ago. It has been a lot of blessings."

Skrip is a native of Buffalo, New York and was first spotted with the actress in early 2013. Williams opened up about her man briefly earlier this year: "He's a guy I met a year-and-a-half ago when I was on vacation with my daughter in Egypt," Williams told Philly.com of Skrip. "You go across the world to find somebody who's six hours away."

This isn't Williams's first walk down the aisle. The star was previously married to public relations consultant Ramon Hervey and NBA basketball ball player Rick Fox, and has four children.

Photos: Levi Brown, Jeffrey Westbrook, J.Crew, Monique Lhullier, Dyad Photogrpahy

Dreaming of a warm and feminine color palette for your wedding ceremony and reception? Then a peach-and-ruby combo should be your top contender. Creamy-hued peach acts as the perfect neutral balance to bursts of bold ruby.

Start with a pretty invitation that features hints of the orange and red tones balanced with plenty of formal black type and airy white space. Our pick from Regas is equal parts formal and fresh, fit for a contemporary bash. Dress your bridesmaids in a punchy ruby-hued gown for an autumnal wedding — the bright tone will stand out against seasonal orange and yellow. Plus, peachy florals will shine in a lush bouquet.

See More: 15 Pretty Peach Wedding Bouquets

And don't be afraid to add a touch of peach and ruby to your own bridal ensemble. Consider a jeweled necklace in either tone for a colorful accessory that will brighten your entire look, like one of our favorite necklaces from our collection with BaubleBar.

Your reception can have tons of peach and ruby details, too! Sangria is the ideal signature cocktail to match the color palette, while an ombré tiered wedding cake can easily feature every variety of the two hues.

What are you waiting for? Get to work planning your own wedding with a peach and ruby color palette or visit our inspiration boards to see more great ideas!

Above: 1. Pinwheels, $50 for 25, Décor by Toria; 2. Bouquet, $350, Nicolette Camille Floral Design; 3. Necklace, $44, BaubleBar; 4. Cake, $12 per slice (serves 100), Eat Cake Be Merry; 5. Invitation, "Allison & Daniel", $3,500 for 100, Regas; 6. Bridesmaids' Dress, $365,

Photo: Getty Images

Let's get this party started! George Clooney and fiancé Amal Alamuddin have officially arrived in Venice to start their much-anticipated wedding festivities.

First, thing's first: Once Clooney and Alamuddin entered Venetian territory, they took a water taxi, aptly called "Amore," to the iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriani, where they hosted a small gathering to welcome guests. The first of many celebrations was held in Cipriani's bar hall, where guests sipped on bellinis and champagne and enjoyed the view of a hundreds of white-and pink Cyclamen blooms.

Famous faces have begun to flood the Venetian streets for the momentous occasion, including Clooney's bestie Matt Damon and wife Luciana, Cindy Crawford and her husband Rande Gerber, John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, Richard Kind, Ellen Barkin and Gabriel Byrne, Clooney's producing partner Grant Heslov, his cousin Miguel Ferrer, and Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour.

And while the wedding seems to be causing quite the stir in the city, locals couldn't be more excited about the pending high-profile nuptials in their hometown. "Ever since he admitted he would be marrying in Venice a few weeks ago, everyone wants to be in on it," local Liliana Sermonetta told People. "Where are they staying, what are they eating, will they take a gondola ride?"

See more: Why an Eternal Bachelor Like George Clooney Would Take the Plunge

As for tonight's agenda, Clooney and his bride-to-be will both be celebrating their bachelor and bachelorette party. E! News reports that Clooney's future wife will party with eight girlfriends at the Aman Canal Grande, while the actor will head back to Cipriani where he will gallivant with the guys.

Saturday is the big day! Clooney and Alamuddin will say "I do" in a symbolic ceremony, officiated by Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni, following by a luncheon with guests on Sunday. They won't officially be Mr. and Mrs. Clooney, though, until Monday when they have a civil ceremony according to reports.

Sounds like a jam-packed wedding weekend! Stay tuned for even more Clooney wedding developments over the course of the next few days.

Photos (clockwise from left): Courtesy of Linda Whitten, Bonnie Draper, Kristen Frey Wicker, Full Aperture

The soft, tissue paper-y petals of peonies. The vibrant purples of autumnal dahlias. The everlasting classic beauty of white roses. Is it any wonder that wedding bouquets are among our favorite pictures on Instagram? While we love sharing them, we get even more excited when our Instagram followers share photos of their own wedding flower arrangements. We recently asked our Instagram followers to use the hashtag #BridesBouquets on their pictures so we could see what flowers, colors, and styles are popular with real brides. The tagged photos were amazing, but here are our four favorites.

Go bold with your colors: Linda Whitten owns Wedfully Yours, a floral and celebration company that has an Instagram filled with wedding inspiration! The photo at top left proves the power of a fall bouquet, with its giant purple dahlias and tons of lush greenery.

See More: 20 Gorgeous Pink Wedding Bouquets

Crisp, clean and classic is always in style: New bride Bonnie Draper happily shared a photo of her bridal bouquet, top right, which was filled with gorgeous white garden roses, peonies, and ranunculuses. White is the most traditional color for bouquets, but this arrangement manages to feel like a fresh update, thanks to the tiny pops of bright greenery.

Grab onto giant peonies: These full, delicate flowers lend a soft, romantic vibe to every arrangement and always make a stylish statement. Bride Kristen Frey Wicker's bouquet, seen at bottom right, contains the classic pink peony color, as well as simple white roses for contrast. We particularly love how it looks next to the bridesmaid's bouquet, which has hot pink roses instead of the white.

When in doubt, stick to simple hues: As much as we love a crazy-color bouquet, there's something to be said for a neutral-toned bunch of flowers that has a personality of its own. Florist Full Aperture makes a strong case for this choice with the picture at bottom left, which shows how ferns, olive branches, and assorted other white-and-green flowers and plants can really pop without the help of a hot pink or deep purple.

Photo: Getty Images

Jessica Chastain was on a roll this week. From fuss-free and natural to full-on screen siren, her versatile hair and makeup looks were spot on. Here, three that will be perfect for your wedding day.

At The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby Premiere: There's a reason old Hollywood influences are still turning up on the red carpet, and it's not hard to see why. Glossy, side-swept curls and deep red lips totally stand the test of time. (Exactly what you want for your wedding day, no?) Chastain softened the dramatic look with bronzer instead of blush — it adds a subtle, modern touch.

See more: 4 NYFW Hair & Makeup Looks to Steal for Your Big Day

At the Salomé and Wilde Salomé Screening: If you ever thought ponytails couldn't work for evening, let this be an example. It's simultaneously low maintenance and polished — and what more could you ask for in a hairstyle that will have to last from ceremony to reception? Metallic eye shadow, peach blush, and rose-tinted lips completed Chastain's flawless look. (We actually can't think of a wedding scenario in which this one wouldn't work.)

At The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby Photocall: Chastain's naturally gorgeous features are on full display in this stripped-down look. We love how she put down the flat iron, instead going for a blowout with body. (For an outdoor wedding, this is a hairstyle that actually works with the wind!) Brown smoky eyes and berry lips add a touch of color to her no muss, no fuss style.

Photo: Austin Gros

Once you set your budget, it's time to make some tough calls. You'll have to weigh all of the wedding musts in your mind for what is an absolute and what can give. Sometimes, a dinner reception for the amount of guests you want to host is just a bit too pricey. It's totally understandable, a plated, full meal can up the cost by hundreds. If you're considering alternative reception and food options due to a strict budget, read this first.

Can I hold an evening reception with just hors d'oeurves, cocktails and cake?
You can, but just know that you're guests will be hungry and will most likely leave your party angry. Of course, you should never spend beyond your means, but there are plenty of alternative options that will help you save some cash while still keeping your guest's bellies full and happy. First, consider cutting down the guest list. If that's an impossibility, reconsider the time of your wedding — is it really necessary to throw an evening reception? People love brunch parties, and they often run for a lot less than a more formal chicken, fish, and steak dinner. A luncheon, too, will lower the cost of catering. Serving the meal buffet-style is a more affordable option as well. If you're stuck on the appetizer, cocktail, and cake combination, just be sure to hold it at an earlier hour and make sure to denote on your invitations that it will be a cake reception only. That way, between the ceremony and reception, guests can run out and grab a bite to eat.

Photo: Getty Images

Love is in the Venetian air! George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin played host last night at their bachelor and bachelorette dinner parties in Venice ahead of today's nuptials. The couple left the Belmond Hotel Cipriani last night and kicked off the festivities. Some of their friends who celebrated with them included Vogue EIC Anna Wintour, Matt Damon and his wife Luciana, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, and Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber.

All of the ladies got on a water taxi and headed to a private dinner at the Aman Resort, their ceremony venue. Alamuddin wore in a red and black printed custom dress from rumored wedding dress designer Alexander McQueen. "They dined on the second floor," a source told Us Weekly. "There were candles on a terrace overlooking the Grand Canal. Gondolas were parked up outside the venue, and one of the gondoliers even serenaded them from the water!"

See More: Confirmed: Find Out Who's Designing George Clooney's Wedding Suit!

Meanwhile, Clooney and his guy pals headed to his favorite restaurant in Venice, Da Ivo. Us reports, "They arrived around 9.30 p.m. and dined amongst other patrons. They didn't leave until 12:30 a.m., when George's driver pulled up in a grand taxi boat to pick them up. There was a crowd of well-wishers who cheered loudly when George came out. He flashed a beaming smile and saluted everyone who was there, it was very sweet."

High on Clooney's list of priorities for the weekend are having his mother and father present to see him tie the knot, as well as making sure his fiancée has the best time of her life. "George more than most things, is excited to have his father, whom he has so much respect for, be there to see his wedding along with his mother," a source told Us. The source continued saying, "George wants to make sure Amal is comfortable and to be honest she's not comfortable with all the attention, that's not the kind of the girl that she is and that's why George loves her. They want something fun, a party, but don't want it to be a spectacle so that her family is comfortable."

The happy couple will marry around 6 p.m. local time tonight. It's going to be a grand party: stay tuned for all the details!

Photo: Paula O'Hara Photography

Most brides don't give an overwhelming amount of thought to their groom's boutonniere. In fact, we're sure many of you ladies had simply planned to have your florist pick a bloom from your bouquet and turn it into an accent for your guy's lapel. Sure, these pretty-yet-predictable picks are totally acceptable, but why not pick a mini arrangement that speaks to his style and still coordinates with your bridal blooms?

But how do you go about finding that perfect boutonniere that will earn your guy's seal or approval but still feel like a cohesive part of your overall floral design? Start with color. White, green, and yellow are all popular shades for the groom's bout since they don't evoke an overly feminine feeling. But if you're set on matching his bloom to your pink bouquet, consider coordinating with a more muted hue. Soft peach or orange-infused coral will keep his floral accent in a similar color family, but have an edge he'll surely appreciate.

See More: 5 Groom Style Tips for All of Your Pre-Wedding Parties

If don't want to have matching floral details, gift your guy with a bold boutonniere of bright greenery or cool succulents. Another idea we love? A cluster or non-traditional wedding flower like perennial astilbe or clematis.

And if you and your husband-to-be are willing to think outside the box, we love the idea of swapping out flowers for something more unique. A family heirloom, like a cool pin or a vintage key, can be combined with berries or wheat for a wedding-worthy look that speaks to your groom's sensibility.

Ready to see more amazing boutonnieres that both and your groom will love? Click through to see 33 great ideas in our full slideshow!

Photo: Courtesy of Brides Fine Wedding Papers

Of course you want to attend a wedding to support the couple, but sometimes, it's just not in the cards. Whether the distance is too costly (that's why destination weddings are often smaller than most), or a last minute emergency pops up, not everyone can attend a close friend or family member's big day. If that's the case, you have to let the couple down gently and with tact. Here, our etiquette experts how to properly decline a wedding invitation or how to change your previous "Yes" RSVP at the last minute.

Can I RSVP no to a wedding because of the cost?
Yes, of course you can RSVP no for whatever reason you want. If it is the cost — a very understandable reason — just make sure not to include your excuse on the RSVP card. First, a reason for your "no" isn't required by etiquette, and it would only do more harm than good. If you feel like sending a gift regardless, by all means do, but don't feel any pressure to make it amount to your absence.

Can I change my RSVP at the last minute?
Only if there's a real emergency, you shouldn't be cancelling at the last minute — not only did the couple welcome you to celebrate a momentous occasion with them, they're shelling out a good amount of cash to have you there. If you must, though, be sure to send a gift with a heartfelt note, and maybe do something nice for the newlywed couple like take them to dinner to celebrate or host a small party of your own for them.

Photo: Getty Images

George Clooney is a bachelor no more! He left a gaping hole the market yesterday evening after he tied the knot with fiancée Amal Alamuddin in a sunset ceremony in Venice, Italy. As expected, he looked dapper in his custom Armani tuxedo while marrying his love of nearly a year at the seven star Aman Canal Grande Hotel.

E! News scooped up plenty of details, including that the happy couple exchanged their vows on an elevated platform in front of a wall brimming with white candles. It was an intimate ceremony with just 100 of their loved ones in attendance including Matt Damon and wife Luciana who wore a lilac swirl-embroidered empire waist trumpet gown by Naeem Khan, Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford, who chose a blue, v-neck sleeveless gown, Ellen Barkin, John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, Bono, Anna Wintour, and Bill Murray.

See More: George Clooney & Amal Alamuddin's Wedding Weekend Has Begun! Here's Their Entire Itinerary

Venetians were more than aware of the star-studded guest list. Large crowds reportedly camped out all day to get a glimpse of the A-listers. Inside, the reception venue overflowed with white flowers from lilies and carnations to small roses. Hundreds of bottles of champagne and red wine were on hand for the guests to sip on all night long and they did just that — the disco and jazz music-filled party went past midnight.

According to reports, Clooney got a healthy start on that big day by having breakfast on the Belmond Hotel Cipriani's terrace with Crawford and Gerber. "They were laughing and joking," E! reported. "George looked so happy, he was sipping an espresso and chatting away happily. He couldn't stop smiling."

The weekend isn't over yet either, as E! reports that Clooney and Alamuddin will be having lunch with their guests today. The momentous occasion will come to a close on Monday when the power couple has their civil ceremony, legally becoming husband and wife — confirmed by the actor's rep.

Photo: Courtesy of Maggie Austin

Rock-star baker Maggie Austin's style and skill made her an overnight success with foodies everywhere (including the Obamas!). We're eating up her best tips to get a wedding cake you'll absolutely love.

Bring a photo of your wedding gown to the first meeting with your baker.
She can take style cues from it even if you don't want aspects of the dress in the cake décor. Although textile fondant details like lace, shimmery accents, and beading are lovely and classic.

Don't hate on fondant.
It gets a bad rap because some bakers roll it way too thick or don't use a quality brand. Prepared and used properly, fondant is a delicate, beautiful canvas. For the best taste, order buttercream for the filling.

Have a two-flavored cake — three, max. Any more can be confusing for servers and guests.
I always suggest offering something in the vanilla family and something in chocolate. My favorite flavor for fall or winter? Cinnamon-and-chocolate cake with hazelnut praline and cappuccino buttercream.

If you want different flourishes on different tiers (like ruffles, pearls, et cetera), ask for a cake in a neutral palette.
Love the idea of a brightly colored wedding cake? Then choose just one flourish or it'll be too busy.

Go for monochrome!
White on white feels modern again. For a statement with an all-white cake, consider bas-relief — sculpting fondant into 3D "pictures" (like in the cake above!). It adds an artistic feel and has a lot of presence from afar. And when guests wander closer, they discover this unbelievable attention to detail.

Or get a purple cake.
For some reason, that's really popular right now.

See More: A Pinterest-Approved Trend You'll Love: Stained-Glass Wedding Cakes

Skip the cake topper and finish it off with a sugar peony or rose.
However, if you insist on having a topper, send it to your baker. Not a photo — the actual thing. She needs to know its size and weight early on.

Keep the lighting on the cake simple.
That means no bright-pink gels! Your baker may spend hours getting the fondant shade just right; colored lighting can spoil the effect.

Typically, you can change your mind up to two weeks before your wedding.
I had a client who saw a designed I posted on Facebook, fell in love with it, and changed her cake completely. Totally okay! Most of the work happens closer to the date. For me, Friday is often an all-nighter spent jamming to Bob Marley. I don't show up on delivery day looking great, but the cake does.

Photo: Getty Images

Owner of Weddings in Vieques, a destination-wedding planning company off the coast of Puerto Rico, Sandy Malone has helped countless couples plan their big day since 2007. Here she shares ways to get your fiancé excited about wedding planning.

There are some grooms out there who are fully-engaged in the wedding-planning process, but most guys are more concerned about the booze and the music than the wedding favors and the centerpieces — and that's okay.

What's not okay is if your fiancé's lack of interest in your wedding planning is causing the two of you to fight. Wedding planning is supposed to be fun. If you want him to be a part of things, here are a few easy ways to do it:

Cake tasting: Unless he doesn't have a sweet tooth, the groom should have fun tasting multiple flavors of cake with you. Even if you're having a destination wedding, you can taste cake at a hometown bakery and then use the desserts for your at-home party later.

Picking a signature cocktail: You can do this at your favorite bar together. Go at a quiet time when the bartender can play with you and try all sorts of fun combinations your caterer has suggested or that you found on Pinterest. (Be sure to take a cab.)

See More: This Is What Happens When You Let a Guy Plan the Wedding

Plan the music together: Sometimes if the groom is a music-oriented guy, he'll even take the lead on this one. Just make sure to give him the list of songs you want to hear, too.

Registering: Sure, you could probably do it online and save yourself some time. And he may not be jazzed about the shopping trip initially. But if you make an appointment with the store on a slow day (not a Saturday in holiday season), your groom will have too much fun with that zapper gun choosing presents. Let him zap away at anything and everything and tell him you'll edit it down later.

Seating charts: The groom may care about which folks on his side are seated where, and those suggestions from him may just help you finish up whatever lingering seating-chart questions you had. Let him play with it and try not to argue with him about his decision unless you can't help it.

Photo: Getty Images

Now that fall is finally here, it looks like your wedding plans will literally all start to fall in place. Be careful though and remember to tie up any loose ends you've been putting off before October 4th, when Mercury goes retrograde, warns astrologer Lisa Barretta. Below, her full horoscopes for the week ahead.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Lucky you! Venus just entered your seventh house of partnerships, which is sure to positively influence circumstances between you and your significant other. This is also a great time to make amends and settle any differences with family members. If your wedding is right around the corner, do get all your final fittings done before the 4th of October.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Put your best foot forward this week, Taurus, because things may be shifting a bit for you on the job front. Don't let work issues shadow over your wedding plans, however. You take the cake when it comes to elegant planning, and speaking of cake, now is the perfect time to settle on what type of wedding cake you'd love to have at your reception.

See More: 40 Adorable Ways to Include Your Pet in the Wedding

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Venus transiting your 5th house of romance and entertainment definitely brings a rush of good times your way this week, Gemini. During these auspicious aspects you may stumble upon a good band or awesome DJ for your wedding. Lock them in before October 4th when Mercury goes retrograde.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Thanks to the impending Mercury retrograde, issues with older family members may need to be addressed ASAP. Who is sitting next to who could present a little challenge so carefully plan your seating arrangements so it doesn't look like you're dealing with the "Hatfields and McCoys."

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
With Venus transiting your third house of communications, along with Mercury getting ready to go retrograde, don't be surprised if you reconnect with a friend (or a few!) from the past this week. Gracious Leo gals may find their guest list growing as you pencil in several more guests for your big day. The caterer loves you right now!

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
This week Venus moves into your second house of money and possessions, presenting you with some unexpected financial gains. You may very well receive a nice monetary gift or sensational shower present that's over the top in the best way possible. Take care of all important correspondences and "thank you" notes prior to the Mercury retrograde.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Venus just moved into her home sign of Libra so there's no doubt that you may be looking and feeling your best this week. It's an ideal time to schedule your engagement photographs, along with locking in a photographer for your special day.

See More: A Bold Wedding Color Palette: Peach & Ruby

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Jupiter transiting your tenth house of career and reputation puts you in the limelight. Don't be shocked if an old flame from the past looks you up. How do you gently tell him or her that you're already spoken for? Savvy Scorpio girls are never at a loss for the right thing to say even during an awkward moment.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Mars has been charging up your sign for the past two weeks so you may feel like you're being pulled in many different directions. Be careful with your engagement ring. Misplaced items are probably right under your nose so take a deep breath before you lose your cool. Have a glass of wine and chill out.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Elegant simplicity works the best for you. You may find yourself leaning more toward a smaller, more intimate wedding instead of a big bash. Pluto going direct in your sign helps you to reclaim your inner power and forge ahead with plans that make you happy. If you haven't already, try and settle on your venue before Mercury goes retrograde on October 4th.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Jupiter transiting your seventh house of partnerships adds the perfect touch to your relationship. Open communication seals the friendship beneath the love and gives you the confidence you need in regards to your union. Long distance travel plans may hit a snag so double check reservations for out of town wedding guests and your honeymoon.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
A friendship may seem a little foggy right now so weigh the facts prior to addressing the situation. Was someone expecting to be in your bridal party? Mars, now transiting your tenth house, ensures that any changes you make adequately accommodate the best possible outcome. Balance your checkbook so you don't run into any surprises once Mercury goes retrograde on October 4th

Photo: Getty Images

It's finally official: George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin are married! Capping off a wildly romantic weekend in which they celebrated their bachelor and bachelorette parties in Venice, Italy, and hosted a grand ceremony and reception at the Aman Canal Grande hotel, the duo followed Italian laws today and had a civil ceremony in the Sala Degli Affreschi at Palazzo Ca' Loredan, a council building.

According to Us Weekly, the A-list actor and his British barrister wife donned a gray suit and a cream-colored hat and pantsuit, respectively, for the official event. That outfit was a slight departure for Alamuddin, who reportedly wore an Oscar de la Renta wedding dress, according to WWD. Their mode of transportation wasn't too shabby, either: They took the same Amore boat they'd been using all weekend.

Clooney's friend, former Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni performed the civil ceremony in addition to the Saturday ceremony. Another witness included Clooney's favorite taxi driver Alessandro Greco.

See More: Which Celebrity Couple Will Get Married Next?

With their marriage finally set in stone, the couple of nearly a year seemed happier than ever, according to Us. Clooney told the magazine he felt "very good" before smiling and nuzzling into his new wife's neck as they exited the Palazzo.

It's no wonder they're so giddy — the weekend was filled with revelry among guests including Matt Damon and his wife Luciana, Bill Murray, John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, and Cindy Crawford and her husband Rande Gerber.

Another high-profile guest was U2 frontman Bono, who joked around with People as he left Venice this morning. "Wedding? What wedding? I was at a bar mitzvah," he said, when asked how he enjoyed the weekend nuptials.

"The party was great. It's still going on ... in some people's minds," he added, before mentioning the ceremony. "It was very emotional and lovely," he noted.

Photo: Caroline Tran Photography

Contrary to popular belief, cold feet aren't the only cause of pre-wedding jitters. In fact, most of the time brides couldn't be more excited to marry their significant others. It's the things that are truly out of their control that often get them the most worked up (think feuding family members!). So if you're feeling uneasy for any of the following reasons, we've got your back, sister.

Your Body Image
Most brides want to look their best on their big day, which can definitely trigger pre-wedding jitters, points out Shafonne Myers, wedding planner and founder of Pretty Pear Bride. "Making sure your dress fits perfectly, that your hair and makeup look amazing, and for some, especially plus-size and curvy brides, it can be a bit more intense. If you're feeling self-conscious about your body though, no matter what your size, keep in mind that your soon-to-be mate is marrying you for a reason and that's because you look fantastic inside and out."

The Weather
Whether you're deathly afraid of a downpour on your big day or seriously stressed out about less than perfect temps, obsessively checking the weather isn't going to help. If anything, it's just going to make you that much more anxious. So don't look at it, suggests associate planner and event designer at Pure Luxe Bride, Blake Bush. "The weather changes constantly and is a worry you truly can't control. Discuss a rain plan with your planner so you know exactly what will need to be done in advance," she says.

See More: 5 Ways to Relax Before Your Fall Wedding

Stage Fright
Believe it or not, not every bride (or groom) enjoys being in the spotlight. And for those that are shy or typically avoid having others shower them with attention, the thought of getting hitched can cause a ton of anxiety, notes Greg Jenkins, founder of Bravo Productions. "Breathe and find things that will make you calm going into the day and push ahead," he recommends. "Remember that the people attending your function are there to support your happiness."

Money
Money woes have you feeling frazzled leading up to your big day? Steer clear of any cash-related concerns by setting an initial budget and sticking to it. "Decide what you must have and what you can live without so there aren't any surprise costs when the wedding approaches," advises Bush.

Your Family
In particular, divorced parents! "As one of my brides put it, way too many members of my family in the same place at once," says Lynn Jawitz, owner of Florisan Wedding and Event Design in NYC. To calm any pre-wedding jitters, she suggests meeting with each of the parties early on in the process and outlining what is to be expected of them in terms of behavior (i.e. whom they will take photos with, whom they will be standing next to, etc.). "This should all be fleshed out well before the day, and an expressed agreement agreed to between all of the parties."

Procrastination
According to Sandy Malone, owner of Weddings in Vieques, the most common cause of pre-wedding jitters is what remains on the bride's to-do list in the month leading up to the wedding. "If she's DIYing her big day, she's going to be freaking out about how much is left to do and whether things will all work out or not. On the other hand, if she's got a planner but hasn't kept up with her deadlines for the guests' dinner orders, the DJ playlist or even writing her vows, these things will cause anxiety that is often misplaced." Malone's solution? Stick to a schedule and get going!

Perfectionism
After you've spent an entire year plus planning your day, sweating the details is hard not to do for so many brides. At some point, however, you've got to let go of control and allow others to take the reins in executing your function, points out Jenkins. "Delegate at the onset of planning your nuptials and reception, knowing you cannot play 'wedding planner' at your own event. And remind yourself that whatever happens is a small glitch in the grand scheme of celebrating a life together with your spouse."

Photo: Getty Images

He speaks! A month after his surprise, intimate French wedding to Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt is opening up about his marriage.

After being together for nearly a decade and having six kids, you wouldn't think that the "Mr." and "Mrs." label would change much in Pitt and Jolie's relationship — but the actor says otherwise. "I wouldn't say [marriage is] just a title," Pitt says in a new interview with British GQ. "There's more to it than that."

Of course, there was another wedding-related topic that had to be addressed: Newlywed and close friend George Clooney's absence from his wedding! Especially after Clooney's reported comments that Pitt is "unreachable."

See more: Everything We Know About Angelina Jolie's Wedding Dress

"Well, you know, George is extremely accessible. He's one of our best representatives," Pitt explains in the cover story. "He's funny as sh-t. He's a joy to be around. I guess maybe I'm more of a miserable b--tard. I'm a bit of a loner, you know? I'm more quiet by nature. And coming from hillbilly country, I'm probably more reserved."

Now that he's married, Pitt wants to focus more on his family, especially his six kids Maddox, Zahara, Shiloh, Pax, Knox, and Vivienne. "I've been slowing down for a while now," he says. "And slowly transitioning to other things. And, truthfully, I do want to spend more time with my kids before they're grown up and gone."

Sounds like the Pitt-Jolie union is off to a great start!

Photo: Getty Images

FaceTime is the next best thing to being there when you and your fiancé are forced to live apart.

When Stefany Alongo and Tony Fuger met at a mutual friend's wedding, the spark was instantaneous. They knew there was something worth exploring. Alas, she lived in Palm Beach and his home was in Milwaukee. The courtship, according to Stefany, involved lots of "virtual dates, flower deliveries, homemade gifts sent via USPS, and romantic rendezvous in our respective hometowns and in cities across the United States."

Two years later Tony proposed. The engagement period created a new set of stressors: making the zillions of big and little decisions that go into planning a wedding as a team when you are 1,500 miles apart. This necessitated clear, constant and honest communication. Recalls Stefany, "On a weekly basis we discussed our expectations for the wedding. For major vendor meetings Tony joined us via FaceTime." She finishes, "He arrived a week before the wedding so we could get our license and finish the last minute details together."

If Tony and Stefany's situation sounds familiar, here are some tips to stay close when your pillow talk is mostly virtual:

Limit wedding planning conversations: Clearly, it's hard enough to schedule schmooze time when you live in different time zones. Staying connected becomes that much more difficult when most if not all of your precious contact revolves around choosing menus and devising seating plans. Instead, do fun activities together virtually — watch a movie on Netflix or cook the same recipe at the same time.

Have real face time versus FaceTime as often as possible: Technology is wonderful. However, especially when so much of your energy is focused on the upcoming big day, you need to refuel and reconnect by spending time together in the flesh.

Delegate: Part of teamwork is picking tasks that play to your different strengths and weaknesses. If he's the better DJ let him plan the wedding song playlist while you take care of the wedding registry.

Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW is a New York City-based marriage therapist and author.

Photo: Let's Frolic Together

While ferns may conjure images of lush and verdant forests and jungles, we have a feeling they're the next big thing in the weddings world. The leafy, emerald-green beauties are a great accent to your bouquets and centerpieces, but they are also showy and stunning enough to take center stage and stand on their own. Ferns come in a ton of different varieties and looks, from the feathery and delicate maidenhair ferns to the whimsical, curlicue-shaped fiddlehead variety. And, best of all, they're available all-year-round, though they're especially great for late-summer, fall, and winter weddings. Check out our favorite ways to incorporate beautiful ferns into your wedding.

Bouquet of Ferns and White Flowers (above): This pretty emerald-and-cream bouquet combines a variety of lush ferns with ivory lisanthuses, garden roses, ranunculuses, and veronicas.

Photo: Amy Merrick

Summery Fern Bouquet: This sweet arrangement would be perfect for an outdoor wedding. We love the combination of textured ferns with cheerful daisies, hydrangeas, and feverfew.

Photo: Braedon Photography

Green-and-White Bouquet: There is something so classic and pretty about simple shades of white and green. The emerald-green ferns add a touch of texture to balance out the creamy-white roses, lisanthuses, and pieris.

Photo: Studio 306

All-Greenery Bridal Bouquet: For a bold bride who wants anything but flowers in her bouquet, consider one filled with ferns, poppy pods, dianthus, fiddlehead ferns, celosia, and green hydrangeas like this newlywed's arrangement.

Photo: Meg Perotti

Woodsy Bridal Bouquet: The long, delicate ferns give this bouquet by Honey & Poppies and wonderful woodland feel that's perfect for autumn or winter.

Photo: Onelove Photo

Botanical Bridal Bouquet: This lush arrangement by florist JL Designs features delicate maidenhair ferns, bay leaf, pieris, double hellebores, anemones, veronicas, and astilbe and is tied with caramel-colored velvet ribbon.

Special thanks to Sean Nestlerode at Torchio Nursery in San Francisco for his help with our "In Season Now" flower series!

Photo: Christophe Photo

It was a complete coincidence that brought Melanie York and Craig Germano together in 2008. Melanie was living in Columbus, Georgia, and Craig was merely passing through during his move from Florida to New York City. A mutual friend of theirs, who'd attended West Point with Craig, was having a party, and both Craig and Melanie were there. "I thought he was cute," she says, "so I obviously avoided him for most of the night!" But Craig was persistent, and managed to get Melanie to talk to him — and they haven't stopped since.

After a few months of phone calls, a first date in Atlanta, and moves to Florida, New York, and Washington, D.C., Craig and Melanie decided they needed a vacation and headed to Hawaii to visit some friends for a few weeks — and Melanie started to get suspicious. A week into their trip, the pair woke up at the crack of dawn to drive the road to Hana. Just as Melanie was ready to head home, Craig pulled over and they walked down to a church overlooking the water and proposed. "I was so excited," says Melanie, "but I looked sweaty and awful after a day of hiking and driving around. You're supposed to look beautiful and smell nice when you get engaged!"

Melanie's always loved Charleston, so when she and Craig started planning their wedding, she made it her goal to make him fall in love with the city, too. Her plan worked, and the couple wed on December 5th, 2013, at Trinity United Methodist Church, then celebrated downtown at Market Pavilion Hotel, all photographed by Christophe Photo.

Photo: Christophe Photo

Melanie tried on every style of gown she could find, from a poufy ballgown to a bohemian slip style, before landing on "the one." She was sold when she tried on the Georgina gown by Vera Wang. "I loved the modern, layered skirt, but that the lace on the bodice gave it a traditional, southern feel," says Melanie. She paired the gown with a pair of Kate Spade shoes, pearl earrings from her mother-in-law, and a necklace from her husband.

Photo: Christophe Photo

The bride's father walked her down the aisle. "I was so nervous, I thought I might faint, so I couldn't help but walk quickly," she says. "My father turned to me and said, 'Slow down, you don't want to run down the aisle. He's not going anywhere.'"

The couple did interviews with their reverend, both together and individually, to personalize their ceremony. "He included some detailed about our relationship, like Craig's George Bush impression and my random collection of books, to make it more 'us' and make everyone laugh," say Melanie.

Photo: Christophe Photo

"We love the food, the culture, and the people of Charleston," says Melanie, "and knew it would be the perfect spot for a wedding!"

Photo: Christophe Photo

The couple fell in love with Market Pavilion Hotel because of the classic décor and the intimate ballroom. "It's on the smaller side," says the bride, "so it was perfect for us." Their other favorite detail? Getting to have cocktails at sunset on the roof, with a sprawling view of Charleston.

After their first dance to "At Last" by Etta James (the first song Craig heard when he turned on the radio after meeting Melanie!), the couple cut into their three-tiered cake, featuring marble cake with ganache and buttercream icing.

Photo: Christophe Photo

Guests waved ribbon wands as the couple made their way out of the reception and into the elevator for a rooftop after party — that moved to Craig and Melanie's hotel room at 2 a.m. and didn't end until after four. "The hotel staff came up and asked our friends to go back to their rooms!" she laughs.

The newlyweds unplugged for their honeymoon, heading to Palm Island in the Grenadines and enjoying a bungalow sans phone, computer, and TV. "It was so relaxing," says Melanie.

Ceremony Venue: Trinity United Methodist Church || Reception Venue: Market Pavilion Hotel || Wedding Coordinator: A Charleston Bride || Bride's Wedding Dress: Vera Wang || Shoes: Kate Spade || Jewelry: Roberto Coin || Hair & Makeup: Wedding Hair by Charlotte, Elysium Salon || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Tadashi Shoji || Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss || Wedding Bands: David S. Diamonds || Florist: Tiger Lily || Invitations & Paper Goods: Dinglewood Design & Press, Twigs Print Studio || Music: ceremony - Dianne Power of Trinity United Methodist Church, reception - NTRANZE & DJ Elementz of Other Brother Entertainment || Catering: Market Pavilion Hotel || Cake: Wild Flour Pastry || Rentals: Snyder Events, BBJ Linen Rentals || Favors: Market Pavilion Hotel || Photography: Christophe Photo

Lauren Conrad is loving life! She just married her dream man, William Tell, in an adorable, apple-themed affair, and now they're indulging in their romance on an extra-special Italian honeymoon according to her Instagram feed.

Conrad used her masterful photography skills to show off her honeymoon's locale. With an Italian phrasebook in the foreground of the photo (below) and a blurred Mediterranean beach scene in the back, L.C. coyly captioned the shot: "How do you say 'I may never come home?'"

Just before that she also posted a shot (below) of a carefully-curated set of rocks in the shape of a heart, which we can only assume was also found on the Mediterranean coast.

The Sicilian sand isn't the only thing the brand-new Mrs. Tell is enjoying on her honeymoon: The MTV-alum-turned-fashion-designer-and-lifestyle-guru also admitted on her Instagram to starting a new diet — pizza and red wine! "Post wedding diet," she wrote next to a cute snap of herself holding up a pie and sipping a glass of red wine (above).

See more: Why Did Whitney Port Miss Lauren Conrad's Wedding?

She definitely deserves to indulge after her big day at a winery in Santa Ynez, California. After all, the Paper Crown designer rocked two very form-fitting wedding dresses courtesy of Badgley Mischka and Monique Lhuillier. And while we're sure their honeymoon eats are quite scrumptious, it sounds like the Tells' wedding was quite the culinary feat! Besides the 50 hand-made apple pies, guests and the newlyweds also noshed on black striped bass, Tuscan roasted chicken, and beef tenderloin. Let's not forget the mini grilled cheese and chicken and waffles they were served during the after party. What a way to celebrate!