This content is brought to Rent the Runway by Aisledash.com

A bridal shower can be as formal or as casual as the hosts, traditionally the bridesmaids, want it to be. Set the tone for a fun party atmosphere by featuring this playlist as your guests arrive and await the bride-to-be's grand entrance. In addition to the seven songs on the playlist below, you may also want to add With This Ring by The Platters and The Boy I'm Gonna Marry by Darlene Love.

1.       Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel- Tavares

2.       This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)- Natalie Cole

3.       Signed, Sealed, Delivered- Stevie Wonder

4.       Crazy Little Thing Called Love- Queen

5.       You’re the One That I Want-Grease

6.       I Only Want to be With You-Dusty Springfield

7.       For Once in My Life-Stevie Wonder

For more bridal shower planning tips visit aisledash.com!

This content is brought to Rent the Runway by Emily Post

Congrats! You’re engaged. But now what? The authority on etiquette shares the next five steps to help you celebrate appropriately.

Photo from Merci NY Engagement Shoot

1. Share the good news

Your parents-and any children you may have from a previous union-should hear the news first. Then comes other relatives and close friends. Whether you do it in person or over the phone, do it yourself. Those closest to you will no doubt be hurt to hear the news second hand. Never announce an engagement until a former union has been dissolved, whether by divorce or annulment.

2. Meet the parents

Your engagement should not come as a shock to your parents. Obviously, it's a good idea to get acquainted while you're dating. Your engagement certainly signifies a change in the relationship with your fiancé's/fiancée's parents. Now's the time to lay the foundation for a positive bond with your future in-laws. This is also when the parents of the bride meet-or at least make contact with-the parents of the groom. Traditionally, the groom's parents call the bride's parents to introduce themselves and extend an invitation to meet. However, that first contact can also be made by the bride's parents.

3. Make the guest list & set the budget

Your budget is the determining factor for the shape, size and fanfare of your wedding. But you cannot decide the type of wedding you will have until you have some idea of the size of the guest list. The easiest way to cut costs is to narrow your guest list.

4. Pick the date

The time of year you have your wedding is a key consideration. The most popular months for weddings are June, September, August, May, October and July. Popular wedding sites will be at a premium in terms of availability and cost during these times. Those who want an outdoor wedding will want to be married in the warmer months. If guests will have to travel to attend your wedding, you'll want to select a date that's convenient for traveling.

5. Don't forget the three C's

Not clarity, cut or color. We're talking about consideration, communication and compromise. How you handle your wedding plans can foretell how you will handle the other major decision of your life together. Along with the stress that will accompany the big decisions and little details should be a sense of adventure and fun. You are celebrating one of the most joyous milestones in your lives. Do so with a focus on consideration, communication and compromise and the process is sure to be smoother.

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!

This content is brought to Rent the Runway by Ovando Floral & Event Design

It’s no news to us: tablescapes are a trend très magnifique in the realm of wedding décor.  We love the endless design possibilities that often go beyond the more traditional floral centerpiece. Here, we show all you brides-to-be how to create a memorable tablescape.

While there are many directions in which this can be taken, Ovando particularly likes working with tablescapes consisting of varied vase shapes and sizes to create a more dynamic aesthetic for a wedding to remember. In some instance, a fluid design motif is then woven together via a patterned use of the chosen materials, be it the color palettes, the flowers themselves, or the other selected elements.

This patterned tablescape plays upon the use of elegant glass vases in varied shapes and sizes: cubed vases, Ovandos’ signature (rectangular) Vision vases, silver pedestals and hurricane vases.

Next, ravels in repeated floral designs along the length of the table: aubergine calla lily shoots, our signature Window Box arrangements composed of aubergine callas, cymbidium circles in low rectangular vases, and moss balls accented with purple vanda orchids, floating atop silver pedestal holders.

Succulents and tea light candles are also strewn upon the table to create low standing focal points.

The use of these repeated compositions creates a cohesive design from end to end of each tablescape while at the same time creating a gorgeously distinctive look for your wedding.

All photos by Matthew Hanlon

Certainly, the lady in white will still be the main attraction of the evening, but ravishing backdrops like these will only make the affair that much more exquisite!

To learn more about Ovando, see other designs and book them for your wedding, visit OvandoNYcom!

Brought to Rent the Runway by Cheree Berry Paper

At Cheree Berry, we want to make sure that you have the best stationery suite for your wedding needs. Here are our tips for getting the most out of your wedding
stationery.

Send your stationer inspiration. As your wedding stationer, our job is to create a stationery suite for you that feels cohesive with your wedding day style. Don’t be shy in sending us inspiration! Photos of your dress, linens, florals, color scheme, and venue are always welcome and helpful during the design process.

Choose one stationer to handle all of your paper needs. With so many wedding stationers and online stationery websites out there, it can be tempting to want to bounce around between vendors for your wedding stationery. Choosing one stationer to take care of all your stationery needs will allow them to get to know your likes and dislikes throughout the design process. This will avoid your stationery having split personalities! Your set will look more cohesive if one company is designing all of the pieces throughout the planning process. Also, if you choose one stationer for all of your paper needs, do not be shy about asking for a quantity discount. We know how tough it can be to stick to a budget!

Keep your wording traditional. You can certainly have fun with the design of the invitation, but a good place to stick to tradition is in the wording. It will make your parents happy, won’t confuse your guests, and really who doesn’t love a little Emily Post sometimes? That being said, getting creative or smart with the copy specifically on the reply card is a great way to personalize your set. Bahamas wedding? How about saying “Yes, island bound!” or “Shipwrecked, can’t make it.” Your guests will love the fun copy when they are filling out the reply card.

Hand cancel your invitations. You have just spent a lot of money on your gorgeous wedding invitations so why let the post office run them through a machine? If your post office offers hand canceling, this is a great way to ensure your invites will travel gently through the mail. Hand canceling is when the post office stamps a seal over the postage as opposed to running the envelope through a machine. If you can convince your local post office to do this for you (candy usually works!), we highly recommend it.

Use an inner envelope. Many people think the practice of using inner envelopes with wedding invitations is outdated. However, the inner envelope is not a place to skimp for a couple of reasons. First, the inner envelope adds protection in the mail. After the amount of time (and money!) you spent on wedding invitations, you want to be sure they will still look beautiful by the time they reach your guests’ mailboxes. Second, the inner envelope lets you show off that fun envelope liner you picked out because remember, the inner envelope does not get sealed. Finally, the inner envelope is helpful to delineate if you are inviting someone with a guest or inviting children to the wedding. If you like the idea of an inner envelope but are not thrilled with the idea of formal calligraphy on it, try printing a fun phrase or graphic on the front instead.

Order thank you notes with your invitations. By the time you order your invitations, the gifts are probably already piling up. And the pile is only going to get higher! Ordering your thank you notes at the same time as your invitations is a great idea because usually there is a cost savings involved. The inks are already mixed and often, printers can print both the invitations and thank you notes together. Most stationers will offer a discount if you print these simultaneously so be sure to ask!

To check out Cheree Berry's Paper and learn more about them, visit ChereeBerry.com!

No matter what your bridal style, the right jewelry can help show it off. Brought to Rent the Runway by Heather Levine for TheKnot.com.

Classic

Dainty pearl-and-crystal jewelry will always feel aisle-appropriate. This timeless duo will look great with any gown silhouette and any shade of white.

Girlie

Bows, flowers and other ultra-feminine details will play up your sweeter side. Or for something a bit more sophisticated, pop on a pair of button earrings. They’re the perfect mix of chic and charm.

Sexy

Nothing says “risqué” like dangly earrings and lariat necklaces. Pair these glamorous accessories with a tousled updo and a slinky sheath.

Eclectic

Show off your individuality with pieces that exude a one-of-kind charm. You can’t wrong with costume jewelry that has a subtle vintage vibe.

© 2011 The Knot, Inc. All rights reserved.

More from TheKnot.com: See 200+ new wedding dresses, 9 things your bridesmaids want you to know, wedding hairstyles you’ll love, best bridesmaid gifts under $25 and more!

5 Ways to Give Your Wedding The Royal Treatment are brought to Rent the Runway by BRIDEfinds.com.

With the royal wedding date fast approaching (April 29^th!), and details on everything from the invitations to the shoes coming to light, any bride-to-be has plenty of inspiration to take away from the big event.  We’ve rounded up 5 chic ways to Kate Middleton-ify your wedding -- handsome prince not included.

1. Drapey Blue Engagement Dress

The cinched blue Issa London dress Kate wore to the official engagement press conference may be sold out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the look for your own engagement party or rehearsal dinner. Try this Catherine Malandrino Indigo Silk Bodice Dress ($75 rental, $450 retail).

2. Flats

It was recently revealed that Kate would be wearing flats down the aisle (one of her 4 shoe changes!), and we think this is a fabulous idea. Try the comfortable, princess-approved look for yourself with these Stuart Weitzman "Lastikon" Glitter Ballet Flats ($275).

3. Gilded Invitations

Kate and William chose engraved invitations with gold lettering and gilded edges. Replicate the luxe look at home with the Crane's thermography set (from $2.33) -- even if your guest list does not include world leaders.

4.  Aspinal of London Clutch

Kate wore the Aspinal of London Eaton clutch ($409) to a wedding earlier this year. Give your wedding the royal treatment by having your bridesmaids carry the same style.

5. Hats!

If you’re feeling regal, or want to take your black tie wedding up a notch, try a Kate Middleton-approved style from Philip Treacy. Feathers, netting and other adornment is “the more the merrier,” with these statement headpieces.

For more Kate Middleton news, see 7 more ways to Kate Middleton-ify your wedding, and then shop our guide to the best sapphire rings at BRIDEfinds.com.

Brought to Rent the Runway by AisleDash.com’s Erica Sigel

Navy was a huge trend this season on the runway for bridesmaid dresses. This darker hue is a chic alternative to a traditional black dress and a color your bridesmaids will be able to wear again. These dresses are a perfect option for an evening affair or a fall/winter wedding. 

To see a full slide show, and more bridesmaid fashion trends visit AisleDash.com.

Brought to Rent the Runway by Christian Oth

This week brings my weekly photographers tip series, Booking Your Wedding Photographer: Tips Series by Christian Oth, to a close, where I have been sharing my best suggestions for booking your wedding photographer. With so many great options in wedding photography available to couples, it can be almost overwhelming to know how to find the best match. Following these tips will get you one step closer to getting great photographs that you’ll be able to cherish for years to come.

I have decided to close the tip series with a very important factor that will play into every decision you make throughout your wedding planning experience: the photographer’s personality.

Week 5: Personality

Do they fit with your personality?  Think about it--this is a person that you will be spending a significant amount of time with, on a very important day.  You should be able to trust your photographer to make you feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera.  You should ask yourself “Are they a positive person?  Do I enjoy their company?  If I met them casually, would I want to be friends with them?”.  Without even realizing it, you will reflect your photographer’s energy back to the camera, so it’s important that your photographer’s personality is a good fit.  Scheduling an engagement shoot is a great way to test this out before your big day, and it can serve as a practice run for shots you want to try.

Are they open to communication?  Photographers are human beings too!  We love to hear about your personal tastes and get creative feedback.  If you saw a shot in a magazine that you would like to try, make sure to tell your photographer.  We are always looking for new and interesting ideas, and most photographers welcome the chance to get to know your style even better.

Each year, New York Magazine releases it’s special weddings issue with everything the modern bride needs to know. This feature was all about accessorizing the same dress in four different ways. Simple Elegance, Modern Drama, Vintage Bohemia and Retro Glam were the looks to love. The Retro Glam look was dripping in Rent the Runway. Here we give you the details and baubles used to get the look.

This content was brought to Rent the Runway by New York Magazine’s Caitlin Petreycik

A quartet of stylists demonstrate the transformative power of the right hair, makeup and accessories.

The Dress: J. Crew washed crepe Aveline dress, $750 at J. Crew Bridal, 769 Madison Ave., at 66^th Street; 212-824-2500

The Look: Retro Glamour

Blaire Rabenhorst, stylist for the Rent the Runway’s newly launched bridal microsite, was angling for “modern Marie Antoinette” when piling on the baubles. “More is more in my eyes,” she says. “You remember an overstylized look, especially in photos.” Colon and Zamora drafted equally memorable hair and makeup- the former back-combing the roots and pulling the hair into a “glitzy and severe” side swept updo, the latter emphasizing the eyes with a Dior brow pencil and MAC faux lashes.

The Accessories:

To get the look, you’ll need the Badgely Mischka Egyptian Sundial Earrings, RJ Graziano Dress Me Up Necklace, Rachel Leigh Crystal Fringe Necklace, Judith Leiber Dreamweaver Clutch and pile up the Ciner Old Hollywood Glamour Bracelets.

To see more from New York Magazine, click here!

Brought to Rent the Runway by Kwiat.com

Your wedding day…. You planned every facet. The place, the colors, the flowers, the seating, your dress and your jewelry of course! As one of the finishing touches wedding jewelry completes your look, accents your surroundings and will make you feel even more beautiful. If you plan on keeping your earrings for years to come you’ll need a little help. Choosing the right earring takes a little finesse and you should always keep a few things in mind; your dress, your own personal style, comfort and photographs. These are our best tips for choosing the right earring for your wedding day.

Tip 1: Necklace + Proportions

Dream of wearing an important necklace on your special day? Consider a stud earring; diamonds, pearls, or small clusters are all options. It’s classic and simple with enough of an impact to be noticed as they fashionably complement your necklace.

Kwiat Diamond Stud Earrings in Kwiat’s signature three prong mounting

Tip 2: Seeking for Suites

You want it all- the earrings, the necklace, the bracelet and possibly the hairpiece? You should look for a short dangle off the ear. Often on a wire, drop earrings are a fashionable choice that plays to your own movement. Also, this type of earring is often used in jewelry suites. Typically matching earrings, necklace and bracelets, jewelry suites are a great option for the girl that wants it all.

Kwiat Star Diamond Earrings

Tip 3: Statement Piece

You will already be the center of attention on your day, but are you the type to usually command the room in red stilettos and bold accessories? You may need a statement earring. Large drop earrings are beautiful but they are not for everyone and photos won’t let you forget your selection. If it is for you, be mindful of how they photograph and how comfortable they are.

Statement earrings from the Kwiat Legacy Collection

The best advice is to discover all of your options. It’s your day so choose something that makes you feel fabulous. And remember, when it’s all over it’s just the two of you and the memories of your day.

All earrings featured are from Kwiat.com. If you’d like to learn more about Kwiat and view their exquisite assortment, please visit Kwiat.com!