With the launch of Rent the Runway Weddings this week we’ve been swooning over anything and everything bridal. The best jaw dropping moment was when this Style Awards submission hit our inbox. Congrats to Lindsey for winning this week’s Style Awards!

At first she was nervous about renting the Sequin Enchanted Necklace for her July wedding, but was head over heels when it was delivered in perfect condition and pretty packaging. We LOVE that she took a fashion risk and paired it with a fun head piece! Lindsey, you look gorgeous!

If you have an amazing picture of yourself rocking Rent the Runway, send it to ShareRTR@renttherunway.com to see if you win our next Style Awards. Don’t forget to share a bit about the fabulous event you attended- we love to hear your stories! Winners are posted every Friday… good luck!

Brought to Rent the Runway by BRIDEfinds.com

If you’re on the lookout for a chic, modern way to meet your “Something Blue” requirement and Great Aunt Edna’s blue doily doesn’t cut it, we’ve got your back. At BRIDEfinds, we’ve come across many “Something Blue” solutions – some good, some bad, and some just plain ugly. This batch is definitely the former:

1. Sexy Blue Pumps, like these Sergio Rossi Peep-toe suede pumps ($252, down from $560) are a great way to satisfy your blue fix. If you have a long, formal gown, guests will delight in seeing a flash of your pretty blue pumps on the dance floor. Plus they’re great for photos!

2. If you’re wearing a strapless gown and an up-do go for blue statement earrings that will really pop. These Trudelle Laker Doorknocker Crystal Earrings (retail, $282; RTR price $35) have a vintage-y feel, with a modern twist. Perfect for a contemporary bride having a classic wedding.

3. Why not go for pretty blue shapewear since you need to wear it anyways? At BRIDEfinds, we’re loving these pretty blue Skinny Britches Short ($42). The laser-cut leg on these puppies eliminates pinching, binding and bulging.

4. Why not satisfy your something blue in the most glamorous way possible? A toe-die-for clutch like this Judith Leiber Coeur De La Mer Clutch (retail, $2295; rental, $225) would be our pick.

5. If you’re skipping the shapewear, and want something sexy for your wedding night, nothing is cuter than a baby blue thong. Are you listening, bridesmaids? This Hanky Panky Bridal Low Rise Thong Gift Set ($59) would make a perfect shower gift.

For more Something Blue solutions and everything else bridal, visit BRIDEfinds.com.

Brought to Rent the Runway by Jacqueline Weppner, founder of MerciNewYork.com

Jacqueline Weppner owns and edits Merci New York, a Manhattan based bridal styling service and namesake online style guide for the busy city bride. We have partnered with Jacqueline to bring you the best styling advice for your bridal needs.

I’m thrilled to be back on Rent the Runway sharing Merci New York’s tips for a perfectly chic and styled engagement session – complete with amazing RTR dresses and accessories!

Rent the Runway was Merci New York’s styling partner for Amanda and Nick’s downtown engagement shoot.  The Manhattan couple had a similar request as most of our clients – an engagement session that spoke to their personalities, love and lifestyle in the city they call home.  After a quick chat, we learned that Amanda and Nick had a previous (tres-serious) e-shoot, and while the photos were nothing short of gorgeous, they also wanted something a little more lighthearted that spoke to their fun-loving city lives together. So a Merci New York and Rent the Runway pairing of fashion, style and prime downtown locations was the perfect solution.

Amanda had two looks for her West Village shoot, both which focused on an electric color palette of cheery, bright yellow and sultry, deep violets that popped against the backdrop of cobble stoned city streets and West Village eateries, perfectly scouted and photographed by Melissa Murphy of Missy Photography.

We started with Yigal Azrouel’s Ever So Eve Dress – one of my Rent the Runway favorites – an ochre plisse show stopper with a trend-right, nude illusion neckline.  Complimented with the Dannijo Bassett Necklace and a pair of violet DVF t-strap sandals straight from the Merci sample closet, it was the perfect outfit for an early-spring sunset (not to mention a quick game of hopscotch on a sleepy street).

After Amanda and Nick warmed up with a tasty mint julip at Commerce, (a perfect e-shoot locale, not only for cocktail breaks, but also for their architectural details and darling subway-tiled nooks and crannies), it was time for a costume change…

Amanda donned the killer Nicole Miller Crush On You Gown, a cobalt silk chiffon show stopper of a dress.  We paired it with Rodrigo Otazu’s Super Sexy Cuff to circle back to the citrine color of her previous Yigal dress, and finished the look with Anton Heunis’ Flowerful clip-on earrings.  (Here at Merci New York, we l-o-v-e Rent the Runway’s assortment of clip-on earrings for their vintage charm.  They give a days-gone-by nod to nostalgia to any outfit, but are also so bold and eye-catching, they are simultaneously as modern as it gets).

Rent the Runway is always Merci’s perfect style partner.  No matter the bride, event or occasion, we love RTR’s eye for chic, sexy and sophisticated pieces that are perfect for a fun and fabulous downtown engagement session like Amanda and Nick’s.

From the Bride, Amanda:

Nick and I met on my first day of work at VH1 in 2006. We instantly fell for each other and began secretly inter-office dating only a short week later. Maybe it was all of Nick's silly little office pranks that made me laugh or our constant IM-ing of jokes and funny YouTube clips at work, but we quickly became completely inseparable. Five years later we are still constantly making each other laugh. We are always looking to have FUN, which is why we asked Merci New York to style our engagement session with lots of whimsical little details (like playing hop scotch in the West Village)!  

Nick is my best friend and I can't wait to have just as much fun with all of our friends and family at our wedding this August.

To learn more about MERCI NEW YORK's bridal styling service and namesake online style guide, please visit MerciNewYork.com.

We’re tremendously excited to introduce the world to Rent the Runway Weddings. From the beginning, Rent the Runway has been about enabling women to look and feel fabulous for every occasion in their life, and of course there is no occasion more important in a woman’s life than her wedding day.

With Rent the Runway Weddings, not only can brides-to-be rent accessories for the big day and complete looks for the numerous occasions surrounding it (engagements, bachelorettes, showers, etc.), but their bridesmaids can now wear exclusive fashionable designer dresses for just a fraction of the price. We’ve got gorgeous bridesmaid dresses in a variety of colors, length, fabrics, and sizes (0-16) from Badgley Mischka, Calypso, Robert Rodriguez, Shoshanna, Nicole Miller and more. We’ve also partnered with experts in the wedding industry (like Christian Oth, AOL Aisle Dash, Merci NY, etc.) to bring you news you can use like how to choose the right wedding photographer, and the ultimate bridesmaid to-do list. Plus, since we don’t like to leave anyone out, there are some great new options for wedding guests to browse through as well (daytime wedding, destination wedding, etc).

So whether you’re a bride, a bridemaid, a guest, or just a visitor, please check it out and tell us what you think. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to make any wedding more convenient, more affordable, and more fashionable, and we hope you’ll say “I do” to RTR Weddings! – Jenn and Jenny

Stylish new looks your friends will love! Brought to Rent the Runway by Heather Levine for TheKnot.com

Subtle Sparkle

It's no wonder bold embellishments popped up all over the bridal runways. From scattered sequins to jeweled belts, a touch of shimmer can transform a simple bridesmaid dress into something ultra-glamorous.

Pencil Skirts

Your search for a sophisticated bridesmaid style ends here! Pencil skirts are the ultimate option: They’re chic and sexy at once.

Goddess Gowns

You can’t go wrong with an elegant Grecian-style gown -- wispy, floor-sweeping fabric will make all of your bridesmaids feel tall and regal.

Jewel Tones

What’s hot now? Color! Take your pick -- shades like royal purple, emerald green and sapphire blue are all aisle-worthy. Plus, they look good on just about every skin tone.

’50s Style

The freshest look in fashion is retro flair. Think: full skirts and cinched waistlines. The best part? Your bridesmaids will love the way these A-line silhouettes flatter every figure.

© 2011 The Knot, Inc. All rights reserved.

More from TheKnot.com:See 200+ new wedding dresses, best bridesmaid gifts under $25, our favorite wedding cakes, 100+ hot wedding hairstyles and more!

Brought to Rent the Runway by Argyle Salon’s Alec Kara

We know that for your big day every last detail down to the hairs on your head are of the utmost importance.  Here, we give you inspiration from the stars with the top 5 celebrity wedding hair do’s brought to you by celebrity hairstylist Alec Kara of the Argyle Salon & Spa in West Hollywood, California.

1. Topknot

Nicole Richie's nuptials to Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden were everything she had ever dreamed of. The most spectacular of all was Nicole herself in one of the three Marchesa gowns she donned that night with hair tied into a perfect topknot.  It is best to keep the hair simple when the dress is so detailed and she achieves this beautifully.  It’s also a nod to the 60’s retro chic in a very modern way.

2. Side Swept

De Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres wed in a small, private ceremony nearly three years ago.  Both women were glowing on their big day, but it was de Rossi’s up do that caught our eye.  Her hair is so elegantly swept off her face and plays off of the low, plunging neckline of her dress to elongate her figure. Hair accessories are especially fun to play around with if the dress is simple. It adds fun and glamour to any style.

3. Loose Up Do

Songstress Katharine McPhee married producer Nick Cokas in a traditional ceremony at the Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church in 2008.  McPhee looked stunning in a Spanish Chantilly lace strapless gown with hair loosely pulled to the side, revealing spectacular chandelier earrings.  If you are having a more traditional wedding, this hairstyle offsets that and makes it feel more low-key and playful.

4. Bouffant Up Do

Gwen Stefani is the ultimate rocker chick and wed fellow musician Gavin Rossdale in 2002. The bouffant up do is so Gwen and plays off her avant-garde pink and white John Galliano dress; it’s really important that your wedding look reflects your personal style because it is a moment that you will remember forever.

5. Pin Curl Up Do

Katherine Heigl and husband Josh Kelley held their winter wonderland nuptials in Utah. Her pin curl up do is reminiscent of an old Hollywood starlet and we love how she takes the retro style one step further with a bird cage veil.  It’s quirky yet classic.

To book your appointment with Argyle Salon & Spa call 310-623-9000 and to learn more about their services, please visit ArgyleLA.com

Brought to Rent the Runway by Mexicue’s Julia Collins

You can typically go without the hors d'oeuvres at a wedding. Let’s face it- it’s usually the least exciting part of the food you’ll enjoy. Mexicue has decided that this should no longer be the case and our RTR bride, Brooke, jumped right on the wagon for her wedding. Read about her experience here and take a look at Mexicue's take on wedding hors d'oeuvres.

Perhaps you are not a canapé type of couple. Perhaps you don’t believe in wrapping everything in puffed pastry.  Bacon, maybe. Great food does not have to be fussy. While hors d'oeuvres should be pleasing to the eye, they should also delight the palate.  Frilly, faddish, dry and over-worked, so many classic wedding hors d'oeuvres exist only for lack of imagination.

Home-style food that features seasonal ingredients allows you to create a casually elegant vibe.  Imagine how your guests will thank you for forgoing the stale classics in favor of crispy short-rib tacos, with cilantro lime crema and napa cabbage slaw. Or lobster rolls with spiced-habanero aioli, snipped chives and pickled jalapeño?  Go ahead and have fun with your food - let your taste buds and imagination be your guide.

To have Mexicue design a special midnight snack for your wedding, please call 646-543-MEX or send them a message at catering@mexicueny.com.  Check out their menu here!

This content is brought to Rent the Runway by Kristin Reimer of Photomuse

You've gone all out to look beautiful today. Your hair and makeup came out exactly how you wanted it to, your shoes rock and your gown is simply stunning. You look in the mirror and you are happy and you are ready to face the world. Then the moment arrives when you are posing for the photographer and suddenly, if you are like most people (myself included) you have flashbacks of photographs from your past and no matter how good you felt looking in the mirror, you suddenly find yourself feeling nervous and apprehensive about how you will look in the camera. Your smile starts to feel a little forced and you find yourself losing some of your mojo.

In most cases, your photographer should be able to talk you through some posing tips, but there will many times during the wedding day that you are on your own. There are some fairly basic tips on posing that I can share with you to get the most out of your wedding day photos.

1.  DON'T ever stand straight on towards the camera. ALWAYS turn your body so that you have a 45 degree angle to the camera. With this stance, now turn your torso towards the camera, along with your head. Place your weight on the back leg. Let the front foot turn outwards slightly away from your body. Don’t ever point your toes inward!

There are two variations for your leg positions:

If you want a more classic and demure look, bring the front leg out to your side and then softly slide it back until your knees are touching, keeping that front leg just slightly bent, with your toe resting slightly on the ground. This creates a beautiful frame for the rest of your body.

If you are going for a more sassy or "cool" pose, take a slightly wider stance (again, the weight is on the back leg) and point your front toes away from your body. 

2. DON'T slouch. Remember your posture. Take a deep breath, stand tall and then exhale and relax your shoulders. The inhalation lifts the body, the exhalation relaxes your stance, and the breathing in general will help you focus and feel calm.

3. Lower your chin SLIGHTLY so that the focus goes to your eyes and not your chin. This also helps to keep your eyes look more alert and open.

4. Keep a small amount of space between your arms and your body. This keeps your arms from being pressed against your body and thereby looking fuller, and it shows your curves. 

5. Relax the hands. A tendency is to clench the hands when a person is nervous.

6. Bouquets: always hold your bouquet slightly lower than your waist. Too often I see women holding the bouquets at waist or chest level. This hides your beautiful dress and hides your curves!

The most important part above all else is to relax and enjoy the moment. Look at photographs of yourself and see what your body positions were in the images that you liked the most. Practice in the mirror. Above all else, just be yourself and have fun!

If you’d like to learn more about Photomuse or book them for your wedding, click here!

This content is brought to Rent the Runway by Emily Post

Marriages not only mark the uniting of a couple—they also involve the merging of two families. Certain family members may be given specific roles within the wedding, but it's fine to assign roles—or not—to best fit your particular family. The authority on etiquette shares a breakdown of family members’ traditional roles and responsibilities.

Mother of the Bride

The mother of the bride may help her daughter in many different aspects of planning, such as scouting out venues, managing the guest list, and finding the perfect dress. She traditionally has the honor of choosing her outfit before the groom's mother. The mother of the bride attends the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner and typically heads up the receiving line at the reception.

Father of the Bride

The bride's father may co-host an engagement party with his wife. They have the first pick on the date, if the groom's parents also want to hold their own party. The father of the bride is traditionally the one to escort her down the aisle (although this is not always the case). He may also give a special speech during the reception and have a dance with his daughter.

Mother of the Groom

Generally, the mother of the groom should defer to the mother of the bride. That said, she may offer to help with different aspects of the wedding preparations. The mother of the groom may wish to initiate get-togethers with the bride and her family prior to the wedding. She should consult with the mother of the bride before planning her outfit. The mother of the groom should attend the bridal shower, if possible, and any other pre-wedding parties. With her husband, she is the traditional co-host of the rehearsal dinner. At the reception, she stands in the receiving line and may dance with her son.

Father of the Groom

The father of the groom traditionally hosts the rehearsal dinner with his wife. As host of the event, he kicks off any toasts given that evening. He may also give a speech at the reception and stand in the receiving line.

For the full list including the grandparents, siblings, children’s roles and more, click here.  

The Emily Post Institute promotes etiquette in America and around the world.  Acting as a social civility barometer, EPI elucidates new manners for today's world based on core values of honesty, respect, and consideration. To read more, click here!

Brought to Rent the Runway by Ruth Drennan of RuthDrennanCakes.com

Most people don’t think about the cake when planning their dream wedding. The dress, of course! The location, sure! But when it comes to the cake, most brides have no idea that there are so many options available to them. As a result they often play it safe and go for a simple white cake. I mean, who even remembers the cake?!

The truth is you don’t have to limit your options- your cake can be just as much a reflection of your personal style as every other element of your wedding. In fact, it can be a key element in tying it all together and just as memorable as all the other details.

As a baker who has made her share of wedding cakes, these are my best tips for personalizing your wedding cake:

1. Color  -“Pink is my signature color.” One of my fave quotes. Who says wedding cake has to be white? If you are making everything green and pink, put some on your cake.

2. Theme –Whether you’re getting married at the beach, a vineyard, or an upscale hotel, many people have a theme that they use on the invitations and in the décor. Your cake can be a continuation of that theme with sugar seashells, butterflies or grapes on vines.

3. Flowers –I’m a bit biased toward this one since it’s my specialty, but decorating your cake with flowers, whether they are real or handcrafted from sugar, is a beautiful and elegant way to decorate the cake and add a touch of personality.

4. Style –Or should I say formal or informal? What kind of vibe do you want your wedding to have? Is it black tie in a grand ballroom or Hamptons chic? A towering creation would look as out of place at a backyard barbeque as a stack of cupcakes would look at the Waldorf.  Think about your venue and the overall feeling you want to convey.

And hey, if none of those ideas float your boat, go your own way! No one says you have to have the same ol’ white cake at your wedding or even have a cake!  It is your day. If you want your cake to be a stack of shoe boxes protected by a dragon, then go for it!

To see Ruth’s work, book her for your wedding and learn more about her, visit RuthDrennanCakes.com.