Want to see some knockout gowns? Get expert planning advice? And find the perfect spot for your honeymoon? Look no further than our March/April 2013 issue, on the newsstands now.

You’ll find dresses to suit your style, whether you fancy a romantic ballgown:

A sexy mermaid:

Or something short ‘n chic:

We also showcase the hottest trends fresh from the runway:

And must-have accessories for the big day:

Deciding on the perfect venue is a challenge. Do you have your reception at a hotel, a catering hall, an estate or perhaps under a tent in a gorgeous garden setting? The decision, of course, depends upon the time of year, the number of guests, your budget, etc.

But there’s another great option to consider, for all you fashion-forward foodies who crave a chic, intimate environment along with a fantastic meal: the restaurant venue. Think about it — you’ll enjoy a cozy atmosphere, amazing food and the cost will undoubtedly be considerably less than having your reception at a much larger venue. Many restaurants have private rooms to accommodate small receptions, and some restaurants, such as Sepia — one of Chicago’s top eateries — have a separate venue just for special occasions. Sepia’s venue, called Private Dining by Sepia, is located right next door to the restaurant.

Photo Credit: Paul Strabbing Photography

Inside, the shimmering metallic walls and distinctive bold lighting create an elegant atmosphere. I love the unique lighting fixtures and the warm golden hue they cast.

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a wedding website where brides, grooms, family and friends can purchase a stylish and affordable mix of beautifully curated pieces. Designed to make wedding planning all the more inspiring and enjoyable, Idojour offers accessories and apparel for your wedding weekend, complemented by both inspirational and practical content. Rosanna oversees content, among many other things, and makes sure that everything comes together beautifully on the site.

Here, Rosanna shares her favorite DIY and customization websites.

We’re lucky enough to live in a world where we can customize and create pretty much anything with the quick click of a button. And what better place to put your own personal stamp on things than your wedding? So for those of you creative and crafty brides who are looking for ways to personalize your wedding, we’ve rounded up of the best sites and apps for all create your own custom projects!

Craftgawker

It’s a photo gallery of handmade crafts and DIY projects. Get inspired, search for something specific, and be taken to that specific blog or site for the how tos. Plus, there’s a free app for craftiness on-the-go!

Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Revuleo, a master at mixing a huge variety of musical genres into one seamless set. Where other DJs might shy away, he shines at mixing creative sets as diverse as the personalities of his clients. He understands the magic of a couple's wedding day and commits to creating the perfect vibe. "It's the one moment where everyone you care about is in one room, for you. The music and people together create memories that you will have forever.” 

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Kaye, Elizabeth in Love

Your engagement party: It's the party before the party, a time to celebrate with your closest friends and family. It’s an exciting event filled with love and anticipation, and a perfectly-crafted playlist will set the right tone for all the festivities to come. Mix it up with up-tempo jams to keep energy high, plus a good balance of mellow songs to allow guests to mingle. A word to the wise: save your most special, intimate songs for the big day. You don't want to steal your own musical thunder.

Postage stamp alert! The beloved, in-demand wedding cake stamp has been updated to reflect the new rates that go into effect next week. What's not to love about this delicious detail?

Go to usps.com/stamps or call 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) for more info.

—Mary Clarke