Tip - Cuff Love

Surprise your fiance with some cufflinks for the big day that show him you were thinking of him and know him well enough to pick something he could appreciate.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Fabric Draping

Sometimes, fabric draping can make a bigger impact than huge floral displays at the ceremony. If you are working within a floral budget, discuss with your florist the best areas for your florals. They may suggest draping and strategically placed minimal florals for the ceremony and elaborate designs for the reception, where you will be spending the most time.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Take Smile Breaks

Be sure to take 'smile breaks' in between pictures and greetings. You will become so overwhelmed with all the smiles that your cheeks will start to hurt. You don't want your smile to look forced in pics so take occasional smile breaks and 'shake it out'.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Discuss Detail Shots With Your Photographer

Ask your photographer what time they or their team will be arriving at the church or ceremony location. You want to make sure that they get some shots of the venue before the ceremony begins to capture the natural beauty and decor details without all the people. You want to capture every element that you spent so much time coordinating, creating and setting up.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Make A List, Check It Twice

Make a checklist before the wedding of all the necessary items for you to get ready (garter, earrings, bracelet, necklace, perfume, etc.). Give a copy of the list to your maid of honor who will help ensure that all the key bridal items make it to the right spot.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Light By Fire

Tiki torches or hanging lanterns at a backyard wedding can enhance the most casual or elegant wedding. When the sun goes down and the fire is creating ambient lighting, which also makes for great pictures and saves on renting additional lighting.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Look For Inspiration In Everything

When picking out items or deciding on details for your wedding, you may surprised where your inspiration may come from. Keep your eye out for colors, designs, patterns, materials that you're drawn to.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Detail Duty

Don't forget about dressing up the traditionally less appealing necessities of your wedding. This can be as simple as adding a floral wreath.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Beads Galore

Simply strung beads can add elegance to any draped fabrics, napkins, or florals.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Basics Make A Comeback

Basic black and white are making a comeback but with a patterned twist and bright accent colors.
Photo courtesy of Creative Coverings

Tip - Pick Up The Knot - Best of 2009

Pick up the 2009 issues of The Knot's Best of Weddings. It includes favorites, not selected by editors and staff at The Knot, but by real brides. Find out what real brides are choosing and why they chose what they did.

Pic courtesy of Elizabeth Bailey Weddings (who was mentioned as a "Best of" in this 2009 issue. Congrats!!)

Tip - New Wedding Resource

Use Google's newest search engine resource, Sparkle Search to surf all things bridal!

Tip - Stay True

If your style is a little bit goofy and your pals normally expect the laughter from you, why stop at the wedding? Check out Offensive + Delightful for a fun spin on traditional wedding and shower cards.

Photo courtesy of Offensive + Delightful

Tip - Limit Alcohol Before Pics

Try to keep your alcohol intake to a minimum on your wedding day leading up to your pictures. Some couples decide to have some pictures taken part way through the reception allowing for some mingling and possibly snagging a few bites of dinner. The thing to keep in mind is that alcohol can make you red faced and less alert, which could show through in your pictures. You want to appear fresh faced and let the excitement show in your sparkling eyes!!

The same applies for your wedding party. I would just remind them in a friendly manner, that they may not look as glowing and sharp if they start drinking too early.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Day Of Timing

While you most likely planned your wedding date a year or so in advance, things can come up. As your wedding day nears, be sure to check the local news and community calendars to find out if there are any events scheduled in the area for the day of your wedding: a parade, bike tour, etc. This could effect the timeliness of guests arriving to the ceremony and possibly your vendors. Be sure to let people know via an email or family phone tree of the potential traffic and possibly provide alternate routes if necessary. It's better to be prepared to avoid the possibility of your timeline running off course.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Sharing Responsibility

If you're feeling jealous that Jenny got to have your dream wedding because Daddy was paying, stop your pity party and take comfort in the fact that only 17% of brides have parents who pay for the entire wedding*. You're not alone. Most couples are chipping in nowadays and some receive the generous support of both families to help them cover the costs. Be grateful for any support you get from your family and start planning early, allowing you to create your dream wedding on a smaller budget.

*Source: Brides (Feb/March 09)

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Monogrammed Parasols

Consider adding your monogram to a paper parasol for great pictures.
Picture courtesy of MeWha Photography

Tip - Light The Fire

Don't forget your wedding day sparklers to light the spark on your big day! Visit SparklersOnline.com.

Photo courtesy of Sparklers.

Trend - Not Just For The Birds

Are you looking for a new keepsake to harbor your guests well wishes on your wedding day? Consider a vintage bird cage, painted to match your wedding day colors.

Photo provided by Save On Crafts

Trend - Work With Wheat Grass

Wheat grass is a great trend for escort cards or centerpieces. It adds texture to an escort card display and make a great centerpiece because they're low and don't inhibit guest conversation.
Photo provided by Elizabeth Anne Designs