Blake Lively, Princess Kate, and Naomie Harris All Channeled Serious Bridal Fashion Vibes This Week

celebrity fashion bridal inspiration

Photo: Getty Images

Blake Lively juxtaposes a hoodie and feathers, Duchess Kate is clad in one of her favorite bridal designers, and Naomie Harris gives the LWD a modern and fresh spin. Here, the red carpet looks we couldn’t get enough of for bridal fashion inspiration this week.

Blake Lively in New York City: Blake Lively has been averaging two to three outfit changes per day: no small feat for a celebrity without a stylist — especially one with a growing baby bump! One of our favorite ensembles on her this week was a pearl gray cashmere hoodie and white feather-embroidered mikado tank dress from Michael Kors Collection — the perfect post-ceremony brunch ensemble that combines comfort and class. Her ponytail and simple accessories will be the only things you’ll have energy to wear after a night of partying and celebration.

See More: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Want Even More Kids and We Can’t Contain Our Excitement

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at a Gala Dinner To Support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ Nook Appeal: Duchess Kate always gets it right in the style department, doesn’t she? She was the epitome of elegance in one of her all-time favorite designers this week: none other than Jenny Packham. Her pink embellished gown from the brand, with wispy short tulle sleeves, was made for the bride who wants to wear a bit of color on her big day, or one who wants to change into something dazzling for her nighttime reception. With a number like this, you’ll want to let it play centerstage. Case in point: Kate’s refined chignon and sparkling diamond earrings.

Naomie Harris at The Boodles Tennis Event:
A LWD (little white dress) will never go out of style—at least not in our books. If you’re looking for outdoor engagement party inspiration, then look no further than Naomie Harris’s strapless white Victoria Beckham dress with a flirty bow. Did we mention we pretty much love everything that Mrs. Beckham designs? We loved the addition of Naomie’s Aquazzura flats and Milly clutch: just the right accents for schmoozing on the grass while still making a statement.

This Groom Got Bitten by a Rattlesnake on His Wedding Day — and the Photographer Captured It All

Rattlesnake Wedding Photos

Photo: Maddie Mae

Rainy weather backup plan? Check. Stain remover for wedding dress spills? Check. Snake bite kit? Umm… What? This is definitely a wedding day emergency we wouldn’t have been prepared for! But a Colorado couple recently had to deal with the rudest wedding crasher ever when a rattlesnake sunk his teeth into the groom — in the middle of his wedding pictures! Not cool, snake, really not cool…

As much as you prepare for unexpected wedding surprises and pack your bridal emergency kit to its limits, this is definitely one couple who now knows that it never hurts to expect the unexpected. And we don’t mean an intoxicated wedding toast by your second cousin! After saying their “I dos” in a Fort Collins, Colorado church on Monday, newlyweds Johnny Benson and Laura Loretz headed to a nearby field with their wedding photographer to capture a few beautiful snapshots. Enter a wedding crasher rattlesnake who just had to get in on the fun…

Maddie Mae Rattlesnake Wedding Photos

Photo: Maddie Mae

As the newlyweds were posing, the snake slithered up and bit the groom on the ankle. Worst wedding present, ever. “I was like, ‘You gotta be [kidding] me. Did this really just happen?'” Benson told The Washington Post. Yup, it did. And their photographer, Maddie Mae, was there to capture what she’s calling her “craziest adventure wedding yet.” Yeah, that sounds about right.

Rattlesnake Wedding Photos Groom

Photo: Maddie Mae

“The only thing I could think of is we’re going to miss our big expensive party,” noted the groom. (We so feel you on that one, Benson…) After the snake slithered away, the trio waved down a park ranger who happened to be driving by. “He rolls down the window and we yelled, ‘He just got bit by a rattlesnake!'” the photographer shared with BRIDES. “The ranger, obviously not hearing what we said, yelled back, ‘CONGRATULATIONS!’ at the couple in wedding clothes.” Polite, but not exactly helpful.

Rattlesnake Wedding Pictures

Photo: Maddie Mae

After further explaining the situation, the park ranger finally called an ambulance to the scene. Usually a limo is a bride and groom’s big day transportation of choice, but these two took it all in stride, making jokes and posing for probably the most unique wedding photos we’ve ever seen!

Rattlesnake Wedding Photos Hospital

Photo: Maddie Mae

At the hospital, doctors determined that luckily the snake hadn’t actually injected any venom into Benson’s ankle, and he was cleared to leave — and finally join his reception! “When we came up, everyone was jumping up and down, and cheering and crying,” the groom said of his and his bride’s grand entrance.

A guest even went out to buy rubber toy snakes for the wedding party, remembers the photographer. The hilarious couple even exchanged the traditional garter toss for a fake snake throw!

“We’ll tell our kids someday,” said the groom. “Maybe it’s good luck to get bit by a snake between your wedding and reception.”

Rattlesnake Wedding Photos Reception

Photo: Maddie Mae

See More: 5 Unique Photos to Take on Your Wedding Day

Real Brides Share the Crazy Stories of How They Remarried Their Exes

same-sex-couple.jpg

Photo: Getty Images

When it comes to marriage, everyone wants to only do it once, of course. But, sometimes the second time is the charm — with the same person! Here, real brides share the crazy stories of how they remarried their exes.

“We remarried 30 years after the split! The two main stressors the first time around were finances, and him hating his job. I was a stay-at-home mom. Now we are both smarter financially and love our professions. We remarried on what would have been our 38th anniversary and I wore my (modified) wedding dress from 1979.” —Karen

“The first time around Patrick and I married after nine months of dating. We recognized there were issues but believed our immense love would be enough. We divorced in year seven when our son was three. I was devastated and didn’t date for several years, eventually marrying a nice guy. (The love of my life was taken so I settled for second best!) My ex remarried too — with both our marriages ending two years later for unrelated chaos. After much hesitation we agreed to try again and went to counseling, marrying 11 months later. That was 2004. The first time we had a traditional church ceremony. Our second marriage was at Opryland Hotel in Nashville – the only ones present were our eight-year-old son and a handful of guests… I joke I’ve been married to Mr. Right, Mr. Wrong and Mr. Right at the wrong time. We both had lessons to learn and some of them had to be exaggerated and learned with other partners so we could see our part. When the same issues show up with different partners, it’s time to ask, ‘Who is the common denominator?'” —Angela

See More: Marriage Advice from Past Exes Who Remarried Each Other

“Four years after our divorce we moved back in together. It took another three years before we decided to remarry — driving from Los Angeles to Vegas and eloping at a tiny chapel. It’s been 10 years and our relationship is better than ever!” —Sheila

“My husband and I were married the first time right before we turned 22, back in 2007. We were so immature (I had never lived anywhere but my parent’s house and was still in college), we didn’t know how to cooperate as a unit — and we both definitely did not want to compromise. We fought constantly; resented each other and often times regretted getting married. We finally called it quits in 2010. Through the years, we toyed with the idea of getting back together. We dated, talked, but never really made a definitive decision on whether to be together. We dated others, he was actually engaged at one point to another woman, but we never really moved on from one another, even though he lived in another country. October 2015, I told him that I was done trying and if he wanted us to ever be together again, he needed to make a statement to show me he was serious. He promised things were different, that he was ready to be with me and that he never wanted to be without me again. Two months later he made a trip to visit me, and proposed in the middle of Disneyland! I said yes on the condition he move back to California from Canada and make a real effort to make things work. We remarried May 21, 2016. Our first wedding was huge — 150 guests. This time we went to the courthouse and had a backyard reception. We both now realize healthy relationships take compromise, having interests outside of each other, and communication is key. —Sara

“Bill and I had a big church wedding. We were 22 and 23 respectively. Twelve years in, his work involved a lot of international travel and we grew apart. When I packed a bag and left, he was shocked. He’d had no idea I was so unhappy. He wanted to try again, and I refused. Following our divorce, we only spoke through lawyers. I had another brief marriage, which ended with my husband’s infidelity. After my sister died from cancer, a friend told Bill, who subsequently showed his love and support in ways he hadn’t when we were together. We’d both come to realize what was really important in life — having someone to love and count on. We married spur of the moment while on vacation in Hawaii. This time it’s for keeps.” —Ellyn

Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW is a New York City-based marriage therapist and author.

Oh Snap! 7 Social Media Rules You Must Follow at Bachelorette Parties

winter bachelorette party ideas

Photo: Getty Images

At bachelorette parties, your plan is to post up by the pool with a drink in hand all weekend and probably post pics with your other one because girls just wanna have fun, right? But before you start sharing all the bachelorette party shenanigans to the rest of the world, you’ll want to read up on these need-to-know social media etiquette rules that EVERY bachelorette party attendee should follow.

1. Respect the bride’s wishes
Some may want to share every detail and hashtag the party, while others may want to keep it on the down low, notes national etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, owner of The Protocol School of Texas. “Ask the bride if there are any social media sites that are off limits, as she may or may not have a preference on where and how she wants to share.” For example, Snapchat can be a tricky one since the photo/video evidence technically disappears, meaning the bride may never actually see what you post if you don’t send them directly to her, points out international etiquette expert and founder and CEO of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, Sharon Schweitzer. “Snapchat videos may also capture many of the moments in real-time that the bachelorette party participants may want kept privately.” If the bride (and everyone else there) isn’t worried about it though, Schweitzer suggests making a Snapchat Geotag for the occasion to celebrate and preserve memories throughout.

2. Don’t tag without permission
Don’t tag anyone in the picture without permission or post a late night snap of them that might make them, er, snap! Why? Well because what may seem like innocent fun to one person could put the other in a compromising position, explains Gottsman. “For instance, sitting in front of a grouping of 10 empty bottles may be completely innocent or send a message of overindulgence. Or, you may really like the candid shot of you by the pool but the bride has her eyes closed or is making a weird face.”

3. Do consider the wording
Think before you post, not just about the photo but the caption too, advises Gottsman. “Avoid negative comments like ‘It’s almost D-day’ or ‘There’s still time to change your mind’ and keep the tone positive and upbeat.”

4. Keep your public posts classy
Remember that the bride’s entire family and her soon-to-be-in-laws will see everything that is posted and that she’s tagged in so it’s best to err on the side of caution and post appropriate pictures of the group early in the evening, says Schweitzer. “Share the playful, late-night photos in less public ways for your bridal party to enjoy. For example, using an iCloud Photo Sharing Stream allows everyone to comment, like and save photos. Creating a Shutterfly Album or a Google Photos Album gives you a private platform as well.”

See More: No Pictures Please! How to Plan an Unplugged (Social Media-Free) Wedding

5. Avoid spamming your friends and followers
Don’t over share multiple photos or subject your entire contact list to bachelorette party spam, stresses Gottsman. “Much like flooding your feed with too many pictures of your children or favorite pet, even mutual friends may only be interested in seeing a few party posts and everything else will start to feel like spam.”

6. Remember who is on your social media list
“Your friends may think the fun and games is entertaining, but your boss or supervisor (they shouldn’t be your FB friend!) may feel your behavior is a bad reflection on their company and judgment to hire you,” warns Gottsman. Also, keep in mind that even deactivated content remains on the Facebook server, informs Schweitzer. “Recruiters and employers routinely ‘vet’ candidates by running their names through social media. In 2010, the Library of Congress started collecting Twitter posts as well.”

7. Be present
This rule is perhaps the MOST important. Social media is great at keeping us all connected, but definitely don’t let it keep you from enjoying the bachelorette party, tells Schweitzer. “Whether you’re the bride herself or a bridesmaid, don’t be on social media all night. Instead, put the phones down, make some memories and get involved in the party.”

Kim Kardashian's Latest Photo of Saint West is Killing Us with Cuteness

Kim Kardashian Releases New Photo of Saint West

Photo: Getty Images

We know, we know… You’re sick of hearing about the Kardashians. But with so much going on in that family — Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian’s engagement and baby on the way, for instance — how could we not discuss? You didn’t really think we could ignore an upcoming celebrity wedding, did you now? Sorry, but it’s the Kardashians’ world and we’re just living in it. But if that means we get more of these too-cute baby photos of the current youngest of the clan, then we’re a-okay with it! Kim K just took to social media to release a brand new photo (see below) of her and Kanye West’s son, Saint. And guys? We’re in love. Try to contain y’all’s excitement.

Kim Kardashian Screaming

Photo: Giphy

Despite how fond Kim K is of snapping pics of herself, she’s definitely been less than generous with the baby photos of her newest tiny tot. Since giving birth to Saint West on December 5 2015, Kardashian and her hubby have been notoriously stingy with his pics, releasing them mostly to celebrate special occasions. The first snapshot was bestowed upon the waiting world back in February, to mark what would have been Robert Kardashian’s, Saint’s late grandfather, 72nd birthday. And today, we’re finally getting another little glimpse at those adorbs chubby cheeks! Seriously, he’s so gosh darn cute, we’re pulling a Kim K crying face over here…

Kim Kardashian Crying

Photo: Giphy

The photo, released on Snapchat earlier this morning and then later to Instagram, features little Saint — now six-months-old — dressed all in white and laying on a silky blanket, with his big brown eyes staring off into the distance and itty bitty fingers in his mouth. “Saint is my twin!” the proud mama later wrote on Twitter. He sure does look like his mom, that lucky little boy! (Who wouldn’t those Kardashian genes, right?)

If Saint was just a little older, he’d totally have our vote for the role of ring bearer at his uncle’s upcoming wedding. If you think he’s cute now, just imagine little Saint in a teeny, tiny suit…

See More: How Kanye West Tried to Sabotage Kim Kardashian’s Wedding to Kris Humphries

BRIDES LIVE WEDDING: The Groom Gets Dashing and the Almost Newlyweds Get Shopping!

Here comes the bride… Well, almost! You’ve done your part and voted on all the big day details of Elle Fowler’s upcoming wedding. Now it’s time for the Youtube beauty guru to get wedding day ready — and she’s bringing you along for the ride! Our Brides Live Wedding video series is going behind the veil, following Elle through her journey as a bride-to-be — from wedding dress fittings to makeup trials — and right up to the altar where she’ll wed her sweetheart in Santa Barbara, California’s Bacara Resort & Spa. Stay tuned — it’s almost time for the “I dos!” And don’t forget to watch on July 8th to see the wedding day winners you helped choose and watch Elle and her sweetheart tie the knot!

Elle Fowler’s wedding wouldn’t be complete without her almost-hubby — and her crooning fiancé, musician Alex Goot, is in need of a big day look just as fabulous as that of his bride-to-be’s! Well, maybe not quite so fabulous. (Outshining the bride is just not allowed here!) But there’s no doubt Goot will make one heck of a dashing groom with the help of Men’s Wearhouse, who are here to get Goot looking dapper for the big day. After all, he has quite the bride to impress!

In the latest episode of BRIDES Live Wedding, Elle and Alex head to Men’s Wearhouse where they met with creative director Joseph Abboud — an expert when it comes to men’s wedding-wear. His advice to the to-be-wedded pair? “Always say yes, dear.” (Grooms of the world, listen up!)

At the showroom, Abboud presented the pair with four of his sleek suits, all perfect for a walk down an aisle. A favorite of the couple’s? A classic two-button black tuxedo. Elegant, timeless, and totally wedding-worthy!

After the groom got pampered (the bride isn’t the only star of the nuptials, after all!), Elle and Alex ran off to Macy’s to set up their gift registry. KitchenAid mixers, Kate Spade china, Le Creuset cookware — oh my! Scanners in hand, the couple set off to find everything they need to stock their newlywed nest. A rack of trendy rose gold hued kitchen gadgets stopped Elle dead in her tracks. We feel ya, Elle! Rose gold makes us gaga, too!

Phew, seems like it was a busy bridal day for the darling duo! Stay tuned: Next up, the Youtube stars are headed to Barbados to get a little honeymoon sneak peek! How lucky are they, right?!

Coveting Elle’s dream wedding? Well, you can win a BRIDES Live Wedding-inspired experience of your own, including four days and three nights for two at Sandals Resorts, a $2,500 Macy’s Registry shopping spree, four bridesmaid dresses by the Donna Morgan Collection, one perfect pair of bridal heels from the Monique Lhuillier Main Shoe Collection, Mary Kay products for you and your ‘maids, a $250 gift card to Men’s Wearhouse, a Sexy Hair gift basket of wedding day essentials, and an invitation suite from The American Wedding. Got that all, brides? Head to the BRIDES Live Wedding homepage for your chance to win.

See More: Meet Elle Fowler, Our 2016 Brides Live Wedding Bride!

BRIDES Florida: Miami's Best Bars for Your Bachelorette Party

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila Miami

Photo: Courtesy of Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

South Beach’s over-the-top clubs get all the love when it comes to bachelorettes wanting the full shebang, but the city’s bars offer up just as much fanfare — minus the hassle of squeezing past the doorman in your tiara and sash. Take the girls on a cocktail tour around town (or a craft beer crawl if that’s more your thing), celebrating your upcoming switch from Miss to Mrs. at these hotspots. Here are our favorite bars in Miami for the ultimate girls’ night out bachelorette party.

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila (Above)
For a bachelorette party that mixes the best of South Beach’s street food and bottle service, swing by the Airstream taco truck at Bodega for a fancy version of Mexican fare. After noshing on Philly steak and Chimichurri tacos, make your way to the back where a door will lead to the cleverly-disguised taqueria. Hold court on the red velvet couches on the speakeasy’s upstairs balcony — or take the party to the dance floor where the specialty shots of mescal and bourbon are a must-try.

Broken Shaker Miami Bar

Photo: Courtesy of The Broken Shaker

The Broken Shaker
It’s not often a hostel can boast a bar that’s been named a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award (and deemed Best American Hotel Bar), but with syrups crafted from onsite garden herbs and a changing cocktail menu that’s one of the most inventive in town — it happened! Kick off the night at the pop-up-turned-permanent bar set on the sprawling patio at the city’s coolest hostel. Dandelion root-infused bourbon and tequila topped with mole bitters are crowd favorites. If you’re out with a larger group, the patio is ideal — and there’s plenty of room to spread out poolside in an Old Florida-style setting.

Rose Bar Miami

Photo: Courtesy of Delano Hotel

Rose Bar at Delano
One of the chicest spots to sit for cocktails on South Beach hands down is Rose Bar, tucked inside the Delano’s sweeping lobby. Perch up along the bar for prime people watching while sipping on champagne cocktails. If you’re feeling outdoorsy, head out to the pool where you can take group pics around the Alice in Wonderland-inspired garden, posing on the whimsical wrought iron chairs sitting ankle-deep in the water.

See More: Treat Your ‘Maids to Some Serious Pampering with These Miami Beauty Experts

Wood Tavern Miami Bar

Photo: Courtesy of Wood Tavern

Wood Tavern
This backyard bar in Wynwood is a favorite both for starting or ending the evening. While you can definitely find your cocktail of choice here, Wood is really all about the beer. Order a round of local craft brews and take a seat outside at a picnic table on the terrace (where you can take your pick of games like Jenga). Your girls will also enjoy digging into street food-style Cuban sandwiches, served up from stands sitting just feet from the bar.

Radio Bar South Beach

Photo: Courtesy of Radio Bar

Radio Bar
Bachelorettes who are more of a fan of billiards than bottle service will feel right at home at Radio Bar. The South of Fifth hangout feels slightly sports bar-esque — minus the massive TVs — with a crowd rocking both sneakers and stilettos. The back door entrance under the radio tower gives it a tinge of speakeasy vibes and inside is just as cozy. The craft cocktails here are the main draw, with funky infusions like beat and ginger cachaça, but if the girls would rather a round of brews, they can go local with favorites like Funky Buddha on tap.

Discover more Miami venues to host your bachelorette bash, bridal shower, and even your wedding on our Miami Venues page!

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Blake Lively, Olivia Munn, and Elle Fanning Give Major Bridal Beauty Inspiration

bridal beauty celeb inspiration

Photo: Getty Images

Elle Fanning shows us just how sweet a makeup look can be, Olivia Munn takes things down a moody path, and Blake Lively offers a classic take to glamour. Take inspiration from them for your own wedding beauty with the tips below!

Elle Fanning at the New York Special Screening of The Neon Demon: If your idea of perfect bridal makeup is as feminine and sweet as lace and bows, look no further than Elle Fanning’s glowy, pink look. To achieve the look, prep your face with radiance-boosting primer, then even out your skin tone with a light coverage foundation. Keep your brows natural, simply brushing through them and filling in any sparse places (a very youthful look), and use a rose gold or champagne-colored eyeshadow all over your eyelids. A few coats of mascara on the top and bottom lashes, and the eyes are complete. Next, use a highlighter to accentuate your natural glow, hitting all the high points of the face, and use a bright pink cream blush all over your cheeks. Finish the look with a bright pink lip stain covering the lips thoroughly but not too precisely, so you have that easy ‘popsicle stained’ effect.

Olivia Munn at the 42nd Annual Saturn Awards: Play up all your features and give your bridal beauty some edge by emulating Olivia Munn’s moody red carpet look. First prime the skin, and then use a light-coverage foundation with mica or other glow enhancers in it — that way your skin glows, but doesn’t get oily throughout the day. Next, contour your cheekbones with a coral-hued bronzer, and highlight under your eyes and down the center of your face. For the eyes, use a gray kohl eyeliner and line the upper lashes, then smudge it into place under the lower lashline. Next take a copper-colored eyeshadow, and apply it to your upper lid — blend it directly over the gray liner under your lower lashes. Finally, apply a few coats of mascara to the upper lashes only. Complete the look by using a matching raspberry lip liner and lipstick for a bold shock of color.

See more: The Most Iconic Celebrity Brides

Blake Lively at the world premiere of The Shallows: If it’s classic glam you want for your big day, it’s no surprise that Blake Lively is just the lady to show us how it’s done. Start by using a full coverage foundation, and then contour the face using highlighter and bronzer. Add an additional pop of coral blush right on the apples of the cheeks. Brush through your brows and fill them in with a pencil or powder that matches your natural hair color. Create a classic brown smokey eye using a palette of brown shadows, and a brown eyeliner. Apply a strip of false lashes and follow that with mascara on the upper and lower lashes. Pop some highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes and swipe on a glossy pink lip, and your wedding day makeup look will stand the test of time.

6 Wedding Registry Essentials for Those Who Love to Bake

baking items for wedding registry

Photo: Getty Images

With a dizzying amount of items, brands, and retailers at your fingertips, registering for kitchen items can be quite the experience. Now is the time to take an inventory of what you have, and determine what you can keep, toss, and upgrade — especially for the bride-to-be who loves to bake. Check out our favorite oven-ready items that baking brides and grooms everywhere should add to their wedding registries, stat.

kitchenaid copper

Photo: Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Stand Mixer
The stand mixer has become a staple of wedding registries and kitchen countertops, and for good reason. Available at most housewares retailers, this little legend is much more than meets the eye. With tons of additional attachments and features, KitchenAid’s Stand Mixer can help you create everything from basic batters, to doughs and icings and much more. (Homemade pasta attachment, hello!) Available in a variety of sizes and TONS of colors (like our personal favorite picture above, copper) to match any kitchen decor, no baker, regardless of experience, will regret placing one of these beauties on their registry. (Custom Metallic Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, $599, KitchenAid available at Williams-Sonoma)

anthro measuring cups

Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie

Measuring Tools
Any avid baker knows that eyeballing is a no-no in the science of baking. In order to achieve the results you want, you have to accurately measure and prepare your ingredients — so naturally you’ll need some go-to measuring tools. This is the perfect time to have a little fun, and play with some decor-inspired tools such as Anthropologie’s adorably colorful Handpainted Atoll Measuring Spoons, or vintage Milk Bottle Measuring Cups. (Milk Bottle Measuring Cups, $24, Anthropologie)

goldtouch nonstick 6 piece essentials

Photo: Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Baking Pan Set
Whether you’re making cookies, cupcakes or pastries, you’ll need something to bake them on, of course! Instead of going a la carte, we recommend registering for the best bakeware set for your needs. Williams-Sonoma’s Goldtouch Nonstick 6-Piece Essentials Bakeware Set features an array of pans and sheets for every baking need in a chic, golden color with nonstick coating. Another option is Rachael Ray’s Cucina 10 Piece Bakeware Set, which has a nonstick surface interior and exterior within the carbon steel pieces, and easy grip edges to help prevent any kitchen accidents! (Goldtouch Nonstick 6-Piece Essentials Bakeware Set, $99.95, Williams-Sonoma)

marble pastry board

Photo: Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Pastry Board
While everyone can dream of marble countertops that can double as equally useful and gorgeous, it’s not always feasible. It’s important to keep this in mind when registering to ensure that along with all your shiny new baking tools and accessories, you have a place to make the magic happen. A quality marble pastry board, such as Crate & Barrel‘s French Kitchen Pasty Slab, is made of white marble with grey veining adding glamour and a practical, cool surface for rolling and cutting your creations. For luxury lovers who also believe bigger is better, opt for this 24″ x 16″, 1″ thick white Macael marble board, hand finished for smoothness and ease. (Marble Pastry Board, $129.95, Williams-Sonoma)

rolling pin

Photo: Courtesy of Sur la Table

A Quality Rolling Pin
This might seem like a no brainer, but there are tons of options out there when it comes to rolling pins, and for the best results it’s important to register for a quality tool to help roll your dough. The Epicurean Roller from Sur La Table is created from durable, non-porous wooden composite and is available in French Pin, Roller, and Straight styles to suit your baking needs and preference. For a non-wooden option, check out the stainless steel Paderno World Cuisine Nonstick Rolling Pin available at Bed Bath & Beyond, which has similar ability to marble, with much less weight. (Epicurean Roller, $75, Sur la Table)

pyrex tupperware

Photo: Courtesy of Macy’s

Mixing Bowl Sets
Every baking project has it’s own prep materials, but mixing bowls are almost always required. From stainless steel to tempered glass, there are tons of options out there. For newlyweds looking to save space, we recommend going with a nesting option for convenient storage when not in use. One of our favorite set options includes Wolfgang Puck 8-piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set with Silicone Bases available at HSN. Who doesn’t love kitchen tools that double, or triple in purpose? The Pyrex 19-Piece Bake, Store and Prep Set lets you prep, cook and keep your creations. (Pyrex 19 Piece Bake, Store and Prep Set with Colored Lids, $49.99, Macy’s)

See More: Do We Have to Add More Gifts to Our Wedding Registry if Every Item Has Been Bought?

How to Create a Wedding Ceremony Aisle That's Totally Unique

Walking down a prettily decorated path flanked by your loved ones on a journey to your beloved is probably the most dramatic element of the wedding day. And that powerful impact isn’t all for you. “Keep in mind that the aisle is often the first impression of the wedding and sets the tone for the rest of the celebration,” says Megan Velez of Destination Weddings Travel Group. So here are our favorite tips for making your wedding ceremony aisle fresh and personalized.

Revamp the Runner
A white bolt of fabric with scattered rose petals sure is pretty, but it’s been done a million times before. Get creative with patterns and materials, like Moroccan rugs or cool carpeting, says Fabrice Orlando of Cocoon Events Group. If you want something very personal, Audrey Isaac of 100Candles.com suggests using a runner that has a favorite quote or the wedding date embroidered on it. Velez recommends using palm leaves, river rocks, or wood slabs if you’re aiming for a natural and organic look. “Consider sourcing local elements to pay homage to the region,” she says. “Beach ceremony aisles can feature foraged shells and driftwood, while garden pairs well with local florals.”

Light It Up
Accessorizing the runway can come in many forms as well. Candles are always a good bet, but make it your own with specific vessels. “Classic glass cylinders are always elegant while mason jars are the perfect rustic touch. Lanterns are also very romantic and are well suited for a garden wedding,” Isaac says. If your wedding is skewing more modern, wax pillars with LED lights are a great option. And they don’t require any dangerous open flames.

Greenery is Your Friend
“If marrying outside, trees can actually be your best accessories, with the help of hanging decor,” Orlando says. Alternatively, if your ceremony is inside, you can give the aura of being outdoors with plenty of greenery or even a full floral wall to give the appearance of being in a forest — something Orlando has helped to create. And consider bringing inspiration from the current season in as well. Velez says fall is the perfect for lining the aisle with potted mums or pumpkins, whereas branches or lush fabrics complement a winter scheme.

Consider the Overall Setup
A few steps beyond the walkway itself, Velez encourages couples not to forget the other aesthetic elements of the ceremony, like the chair formation, which can give the scene some dynamic energy. What’s more, the ceremony space itself should be separate from other parts of the celebration. “It’s imperative to set up different spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception,” Orlando adds. “The rule of thumb is that they should be separated, so [guests] still get to enjoy the surprise of walking into a different space and experiencing a new look.”

Check with the Venue
Finally, let your creativity flow, but always run your plan by the venue ahead of time. Velez warns that there can be certain restrictions that you may not foresee. Also, the venue may be hosting another wedding after yours, so any complicated design details may need extra time for setup or breakdown.

See More: The Sweetest Signs to Mark Your Ceremony Aisle