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When I first got engaged, I knew there were certain parts of the wedding I would care very much about—my cake was never one of them. “It’s just dessert,” I thought dismissively. Silly me. Back then, I didn’t realize how creative bakers can be, dolling out the most beautiful creations I’ve ever seen and making sure the taste is on point as well. Now that we’ve chosen an amazing baker for our wedding and are finalizing our design, I wanted to take a look at all of the options out there.

1. Classic look, modern twist. The cake below was created by my baker. It's reminiscent of the cakes I remember seeing in weddings from the time when my parents were married: lots of tiers with flowers in between. But this one has modern, clean lines and two different shapes for the tiers (notice that the bottom two are square, while the top two are round).

Photo Credit: Simply Perfection Cakes

2. Little cake, big impact. Who says bigger is better? Despite the fact that there is minimal décor and only a simple, white ribbon with some sheen, this cake is beautiful. It will never go out of style.

Photo Credit: April Reed Cake Design

What should brides expect a month out from the big day? In an effort to make sure that we don't forget any details, my fiancé Michael and I created a monthly to-do list back in January, which has served as a friendly reminder of what to do when.

Here, the eight tasks I regret leaving for the last minute:

1. Assemble your ceremony programs, menus, and escort cards. I recommend selecting all paper goods prior to finalizing your ceremony, menu and guest list. For me, the most difficult part was choosing which stationery to purchase—eliminate this hurdle early on so that all you have left to do is order your pre-selected design.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Chau Photography

2. Finalize your seating chart. Three weeks prior to your vows, you should have a solid list of attendees. Have Mom or Dad help with seating their own guests. It's one less task that you're responsible for and increases the likelihood that their friends will be happy with their seating arrangement.

Photo Credit: Chris Sherburne Photography

Are you a fan of ball gowns but are planning a summer wedding? Lighten up the ball gown look by choosing one with a tulle skirt. The overall feeling is lighter, more ethereal and whimsical—perfect for the warm summer months. We saw this trend of airy, sheer ball gowns at most of the runway shows.

Whether layered, accented with lace or adorned with flowers, this trend is absolutely lovely—ideal for the romantic bride who has a bohemian princess style. Check out jlmcouture.com, reemacra.com, jasminebridal.com for these sheer dresses and more.

— Naima DiFranco

Are you a fan of all things "Mad Men" inspired? Want to give your wedding a retro-rad look? Bring out your inner Joan, Peggy or Betty and consider a tea-length gown. To make the vintage look all the more complete, add short gloves and a stylish cage veil. Don't forget a red lip and some liquid eye-liner for a stylish cat eye. With these few elements, you are sure to create a retro-chic wedding look. See more vintage-inspired wedding ideas dresses.

To find these tea-length gowns, visit moonlightbridal.com, davidsbridal.com, and enzoani.com.

Tell us about your retro-inspired wedding plans!

—Naima DiFranco

Photo Credit: Unique Design Studios

To My Chief Daddy Officer,

As a child, I never looked at my relationship with my Dad as "different" — I just knew it as unique and special. When I was seven years old, my parents went through a tumultuous divorce, resulting in my mother deciding to leave and move to Boston. Most kids, by default, would follow their mothers. And though some may have had that same expectation for me, at the tender age of nine, I made a decision that one could say marked a pivotal point in both of our lives and paved the way for my relationship with my dad being what it is today.

I made a choice — I wanted to live with my dad full-time. As the CEO of his own pharmaceutical marketing company and now a single dad, he did not run away from the challenge. He ran towards it — he embraced it, cherished it, and gave me a life and parent that some never get to experience.

I am a direct reflection of everything he has taught me and raised me to be, and I'm proud of that fact. He has instilled values and life lessons in what would seem to be an obvious way, but what I've learned is not obvious to most. He showed me by example and then let me arrive at my own decisions (both good and bad). What I never grasped until later in life — he was always strategic, and by that I mean he was always laying down the wireframe for an opportunity to teach me a life lesson. I always felt like he was five paces ahead of me (which, when I was a teenager, wasn't always fun); however, it always was for my benefit.

Everyone loves to stop by the guest book table and write a special message for the bride and groom. After all, the congratulations and heartfelt wishes are keepsakes the couple will always treasure. Today, guest books come in such an amazing variety—from traditional white and ivory satin-covered books to posters, illustrations, picture frames, mailboxes and memory boxes. Whatever your style, you’re sure to find a guest book that fits the bill.

I recently came across these alternative wedding guest books from weddingstar.com. They’re perfect for rustic chic or vintage-style weddings and beautifully add to the décor. Bonus: you can display them afterward in your home!

I love this antique-style Classic Round Birdcage, $49.98.

And this romantic white birdcage would dress up any garden, $44.98.

You can also fill your birdcage with flowers and use it as a centerpiece for future soirées.

A year after Kate & Will's wedding, we can still see the influence of that infamous Alexander McQueen wedding dress. Designers this season modified the dress with shorter sleeves and a more narrow silhouette—making it more appropriate for intimate for less formal settings. I believe the ultra-feminine illusion neckline will be a style trend for quite some time. This look is perfect for the classic bride who loves feminine detailing.

Are you considering an illusion lace gown? Check out christosbridal.com, oscardelarenta.com, and justinalexander.com for these Kate Middleton-inspired gowns. 

—Naima DiFranco

If you’ve ever had a convo with me in the real world, you’d notice that the gift of gab is one that has visited me many fold. But in the air, I’m a different kind of person. I’m not one for small talk on a plane. And I’m usually obsessed with whatever book I brought onboard to chat it up. So this new pick-your-seat-based-on-your-mood service at Air Baltic might be right up my alley.

According to recent press clips on the program, the carrier will seat you based on your likes, dislikes and hobbies that they’ll cull from a secure passenger questionnaire. The first flights using the seating system will take off later this year. And the placement service comes at no extra cost.

—Jenna Mahoney

Photo Credit: Getty Images

It gives me immense joy — and yes, even some trepidation — to think about my first wedding dress appointment in July (check back for the full recap!) At last, I will put on a veil and see the bride version of myself, fulfilling a secret fantasy I've had ever since I was a little girl. Hours of gown gallery and Pinterest browsing await so that i can narrow down my eye candy collection. (Being a BG editor actually makes shopping for a gown that much tougher, since I'm blessed with the "task" of looking through hundreds of new styles each season.)

But aside from the obvious preparations — inspiration clippings, wedding-worthy undergarments, a box of tissues for Mom — what should brides know before buying their gown? In the latest installment of our "10 Questions to Ask..." blog series, we got the scoop from Mara Urshel, the co-owner of Kleinfeld, and Cristina DeMarco, the vice president of Bridal Reflections.

1. How far in advance should I start shopping for a gown and when should I order it by?

"Start shopping nine to 12 months prior to your wedding date. Designer gowns should be ordered six to nine months in advance to ensure that there is enough time for delivery and alterations," said Mara Urshel. 

The hard work doesn't stop once you find the perfect dress. Now it's time to scout out the right shoes to accent your gown. We’ve picked out four of the hottest footwear trends this season, with both splurge and steal options for each. And, of course, they’re all wedding-worthy.
 

Glitter

Kate Spade's take on the trend will have your feet sparkling from the start of the aisle, and Steve Madden's platform toe will keep you comfortable throughout the celebration.

Splurge: Kate Spade New York Pumps, $325.Steal: Madden Girl Sookiee, $49.95.