If you’re like me, you may be tempted to put this lovely green vine on a wall. But trust me, the bendy silicone form functions best as it’s meant to be used. The so-called roasting laurel elevates poultry and roasts to grease-reduced, healthier states of being.Plus, it can steam fish and corral veggies into submission. It makes a sturdy trivet, too. Bonus: It’s really fun to use (Prepara Roasting Laurel, $24.99, prepara.com). 

—Mary Clarke

With Chicago Bridal Market opening this weekend, where designers present all their new bridal designs, I thought I would look back at the most outrageous and fashion-forward looks of last season. What do you think of Vera Wang's collection of red bridal gowns? Oscar de La Renta's magnificent tulle cape and Carolina Herrera's bridal pant suit? Would you wear these looks on your wedding day? What trend do you hope to see this upcoming season at market?

For up-to-the-minute updates from the runway shows this weekend, be sure to follow us on Instagram or Twitter!

—Naima DiFranco

I love looking through real wedding photos of couples that incorporated handmade touches into their big day. Although it’s difficult for me to complete a lot of these DIY projects while I’m still in graduate school, I’d like to make as much as I can to add that special touch.

One trend I’ve been obsessed with lately is paper flowers. They’re usually pretty easy to make, and you can do them months in advance—without worrying about wilting! Plus, they’re budget-friendly and will last forever. This step-by-step paper flowers tutorial shows you how easy it is to spruce up your space. I also found these photos to serve as inspiration.

1. Multi-colored bouquet.  I'm not having a ceremony since I'm throwing a second wedding reception, so a bouquet hasn’t been a top priority for me. However, I would still like to do a traditional bouquet toss during the celebration. I love how this ornate one ties in beautiful autumnal colors, and even incorporates buttons.

Bridal Guide made a visit to nuBest Salon and Spa in Manhasset, NY, which is considered the premier beauty destination of Long Island, catering to many high-profile clients, such as Jamie-Lynn Sigler, LL Cool J, Lance Bass, and Joey Fatone (among many others), as well as offering amazing bridal packages. 

1. Hair treatments are becoming very popular for brides-to-be. Which products or treatments do you reccomend?
Weekly conditioning treatments are recommended, and shine glaze can be applied right before the wedding for that extra special shine. This will make your hair look luscious, healthy and shiny in photos. A few ideal treatments offered at nuBest are the Steam Conditioning Treatment, Kerastase Treatment, and Moroccan Oil Treatment.

2. What face shape is best for updos? Or which style updos work best for different face shapes?
The appropriate updo has much less to do with face shape than other factors, such as headpieces/hair accessories and the wedding dress. These factors will be more helpful in determining the best hairstyle, whether that is an updo, half up, side sweep, or a down style. The cut and style of her dress may look better with a certain hairstyle; for example, high necklines look better with updos. Curled down styles have become increasingly more popular lately.

3. What are good bridal hairstyle options for women with short hair?
"Women with short hair have as many options as those with long hair. One option for short hair is adding extensions. Or, use chic hair accessories or lovely finger waves to add glamor to the look."

Hello again, BG readers! While I wait for my official wedding photos to come back from my photographer (stay tuned for full recaps of my décor, amazing Christos gown and heartfelt highlights from the day), I'd love to share what newlywed life has been like for Michael and I.

We jetsetted to Hawaii for our honeymoon, where we enjoyed luxurious oceanside massages, scenic ATV rides and lazy beach days.

After two blissful weeks, we arrived back to New York, where we live, and were slammed back into reality. Here, the errands that brought me back down to earth.

1. Endless piles of dirty laundry. Despite doing my laundry every single day for countless years, I was still in shock when I realized just how much clothing I needed to clean upon our return. After an 11-hour flight, I dove right into sorting everything; I spent six hours washing and drying, two of which were spent hand-washing delicates. If you can, I would recommend breaking up the laundering into two days. First, wash any underwear, bathing suits, and any other clothing that you may have worn outdoors. The next day, you can do the rest.