In light of introducing our new Bold and Beautiful apparel online, we’ve come to realize just how much we love a bold statement with some sparkle. What better way is there to spice up anything, really, than by adding some glitz? Rhinestones bring just the right amount of dazzle to a wedding theme, and have the power to turn an otherwise bland element of your wedding into something a bit bolder and definitely beautiful.

Allow photos of grand crystal chandeliers and diamond rings to be your inspiration for anything from the wedding cake right down to the apparel. It’s easy to weave rhinestone and diamond elements into your wedding theme. Just how easy, you ask? The proof is in the photos.

On your wedding day and beyond, be bold with apparel that allows you to proudly state what you are and what you were – a bride!

(Bold and Beautiful BRIDE Hot Shorts, $26; Bold and Beautiful BRIDE Hoodie, $65)

An often-overlooked area in which to be bold? The wedding cake. Spice up an otherwise drab cake with rhinestone embellishments.

(Credits: 1, 2, 3)

Incorporate rhinestones easily by analyzing the details, from small to large, of your wedding. Candleholders dripping with glitz and rhinestone champagne flutes are all great places to start – and each makes for a great keepsake, as well.

(Credits: 1, 2: Invitation Embellishments, $10, 3: Brushed Rhinestone Champagne Flutes, $55 , 4)

Allow rhinestones and diamonds to inspire your wedding theme – be bold, and have fun!

(Credits: 1, 2, 3)

“Use beads, brooches, jewels, pearls and charms to dress up a simple ribbon-wrapped bouquet,” Brides magazine recently tipped.

How refreshing! Adorn otherwise plain and boring satin or silk ribbon-wrapped stems with anything sparkly, fitting, meaningful, or all of the above. Tie in elements or colors of your wedding to further personalize your wedding day look.

(Top 4 images, clockwise from top left: Rectangular Crystal Bouquet Buckle Accent, Crystal Heart Bouquet Holder Accent, flickr.com/photoscreativehorizons, Citrine Designs; Bottom 4 images, clockwise from top left: Tammybecker.com, White Lace Wedding, scan from The Best of Martha Stewart Living Weddings, pg. 83, Willowbranchflowers.com)

Get creative, and have some fun. Because it’s easy to get carried away, be sure that your handle compliments your bouquet, rather than overwhelms it; the flowers, after all, are the centerpiece of the bridal bouquet!

Here’s one for you brides to pass on to your hubby-to-be.
You may have noticed your bride-to-be bordering on obsession over finding that perfect wedding dress. Did she start looking before you were even engaged? Crazy, right?
Maybe…
Maybe not.
As a guy, you’re not programmed to understand the bridal gown phenomenon. I mean, it’s not like you’re spending six months trying to find that perfect tuxedo (well maybe you are, but that’s for a different blog).
That being said, one thing you are programmed to do is be involved and understand why certain wedding planning activities matter so much. Never is this more important than during the bridal gown selection process. It’s cliché to say, but your bride has been planning her wedding day since she was a girl.
Here are some important time-lines to get used to, guys. This should help you get the idea of the amount of time that goes into the dress alone.
9-12 months – Length of time before wedding day that the bride should start looking for a dress
6 months – Length of time before wedding day that the dress should be ordered
2-3 months – Amount of time that should be counted on for alterations
2-3 weeks – Average amount of time in the bridesmaid dress selection process
3-4 – Number of arguments you just avoided by becoming familiar with the wedding dress shopping process.

Expert groom blogger Chris Easter is co-founder of TheManRegistry.com – the leading online resource for grooms. The site offers a unique wedding registry for men, groomsmen gift ideas and a wealth of content aimed at helping men make it through the wedding planning process in one piece.

Men love cars so it should come as no surprise that booking wedding day transportation is a favorite wedding planning duty for guys.

Whether it’s a stretch limo or even a classic Bentley or Rolls Royce, grooms are getting more creative with riding in style on the big day. Here are a few tips on making sure the booking process goes as smooth as possible:

• Plan ahead – Know how many people will be riding along and compare that with how many can legally ride in the limo. You’ll also need to tell the limo service how far you’ll be going and the scheduled arrival/departure times.
• Research your ride – Take special care to research all of the different styles/models of limos that are offered. You’re only getting married once (hopefully), so get it right! If you’re feeling generous, ask your fiancé for input.
• Get an estimate – Get a copy of the quoted estimate. You should have planned out a wedding budget, so you’ll need to know what you’ll be charged for the rental, mileage, and gratuity.
• Reserve early – Limos book up fast (especially in the busy spring wedding season). We recommend booking a minimum of three months in advance.
• Take note of safety issues – Confirm that the limo service you’re using is insured and abides by all state/national laws for car services. It’s smart to get a copy of their insurance and liability info as well.
• Add a special touch – If you’re planning on having the limo arrive with drinks or flowers already in it, talk to the limo company about any specials they offer or how you can get them the items in advance to the wedding day.

Chris Easter is co-founder of TheManRegistry.com – the leading online resource for engaged men. The site offers a unique wedding registry for men, personalized gifts and a wealth of content aimed at helping men make it through the wedding planning process in one piece.