Unadorned hair is beautiful on its own, but bridal headpieces have the power to pull your entire look together. I recently purchased mine during a sample sale at Bridal Styles in Brooklyn, NY, a boutique that's been around for over 25 years (my aunt bought her wedding hair accessory there in the '80s!).

At first, I balked at trying on anything that even remotely resembled something Dutchess Kate would wear. As time ticked by—and I admired the other brides' clips—I had fun trying on more ornate styles. (After all, when else is it socially acceptable to wear a bejeweled crown in public?) Here's what I learned about the art of accessorizing from my consultant, Kassie.

In case my fiancé Jason is reading: No, this isn't the style I picked!

Decide what your hairstyle will be in advance.
You'll have to know more than just whether you'll wear your locks up or down. For example, if you're set on having a bun, do you envision a high ballerina style or a low one that is swept to the side? If you're blessed with long, thick hair, consider bigger hair accessories that can stand up to the weight, rather than daintier ones, which will be less noticeable.

Join us every Friday for our Q&A column, where editor-in-chief Diane Forden answers one reader's biggest etiquette question.

Q: Do we need to send a thank-you note to my friend who traveled quite a distance to attend our wedding but didn't give us a gift? 

A: Regardless of whether or not a gift was given, anyone who attended your wedding should receive a thank-you note. No doubt, your friend spent considerable time and money to get there, and her presence should be considered your gift. Be gracious, and let her know that you are delighted that she was able to share in your big day and that you appreciate the effort she made to attend.

—Diane Forden

Photo Credit: You're That Girl Designs/Etsy.com

Baby, it’s Christmas time, and it’s my mission to get you looking more like Santa’s hot little helper than jolly Mrs. Claus. And, come January, you won’t feel like you have a mountain to climb to shed off the holiday gain — no, it's not a prerequisite to the holidays.

• You can have your Christmas cake and eat it, too.
• You don't need to spend hours a day slugging it out at the gym.
• You don't have to forgo holiday parties or dinners in fear of tempting treats that ruin your waistline.

You just need to get ARfit!

So rather than the 12 Days of Christmas, we’re doing the four ARFit weeks to Christmas, and here is your next Hot Body Workout! Check out last week's video here, and subscribe to my channel for new, free workouts every week!

The Workout: 

Complete each of the following for 1 minute each (watch the video for demos):

Round One:

► Jump Rope
► High Knees
► Bumwackers
► Frog Jumps
► Burpees

Walk or Jog 10 minutes

Round Two:

I recently discovered two fantastic florists, Vanessa and Michael Gonzalez, owners of Verde Flowers in New York City, who create gorgeous, unforgettable arrangements. (They also happen to be the sole florist for the New York Yankees!) Check out their dramatic cascading bouquet:

...organic elements they often combine with flowers:

...and this majestic centerpiece created for an escort card table:

I also love their amazing display of green-hued florals:

…and this centerpiece of pretty blooms paired with striking branches in a tall glass cylinder:

For brides marrying over the holiday season, Vanessa and Michael offer these tips, which they used for a recent wedding:

Apparently, getting married in a traditional wedding hall is so 2011. Check out 10 of the strangest places couples decided to tie the knot this year.

1. In 23 Different Places 
Think about all of the joy, energy and resources that went into planning your wedding. Now, imagine going through that experience not once, but 23 times. It sounds like a fantasy (or a nightmare, depending on who you ask), but this is actually one couple's reality.
2. On Jet Packs
Talk about making a grand entrance! After planning dozens of weddings as a planner, Amanda Volf knew she wanted to do something truly unique for her own nuptials. That's why she and her groom, Grant Engler, rented $90,000 water-powered jet packs to fly into their Newport Beach wedding.

Our wedding on September 2nd was an amazing party; we were thrilled to celebrate the most important day of our lives with 140 people we love, but mostly, with each other. Throughout the planning process, we strived to not only create an event that would reflect both of our personalities, but also prepare ourselves for marriage. Check out some of our favorite moments and photos below!

Pre-Ceremony

I woke up in my bridal suite at a downtown hotel around 8:02 a.m. (I feel that even numerals bring me good luck). My mom and sister treated everyone to bagels, mimosa essentials and coffee before we headed to the hair salon. Getting ready was fun, yet terrifying: This was it!

I had to accept that it was going to rain for most of the day, which made matters more stressful. I originally decided to wear a half-up, half-down hairstyle, but was forced to switch to an updo, thanks to the downpour. Do prepare an inspiration board with back-up hairstyles just in case you're faced with the same dilemma, like I did. I would have felt prettier with part of my hair down, but I embraced the more classic, formal look.