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A new poll by American Express reveals that wedding spending is on the rise — and it's not just the bride and groom who are shelling out more on their dream day. According to data collected from over 1,500 respondents in the United States, about 69 million people will attend at least one wedding in 2013, and they plan to spend 59 percent more than they did last year. So where is all of this money going? Here, a breakdown of what it costs to attend (and throw) an average wedding.

"The story begins and ends with the ring," declares Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2014 collection run of show. A symbol of eternal devotion, your future together never looked so bright.

You might already be familiar with the renowned designer's ravishing wedding gowns, but her new fine jewelry collection, sold exclusively at Blue Nile, has given us 20 new reasons to fall in love all over again. It features 23 engagement rings that fall into four different categories (romantic, modern, antique-inspired and traditional); all of which are classic "Monique" and embody her luxe sense of style that brides clamour for worldwide.

Monique Lhuillier posing with her beautiful creations backstage at her show.

Can't choose which ring you like best? Below, we've matched up three of our favorite new looks from the catwalk with complementary diamond cuts and settings.

In just a few days, The Great Gatsby will arrive in movie theaters everywhere, and Gatsby-mania has been building for weeks. TV commercials inundate the small screen, and 20s-inspired fashions are everywhere. (We saw lots of beautiful Gatsby-esque gowns and accessories at the April bridal shows.) Baz Luhrmann’s 3-D film promises an über-glamorous version of the 1920s — that glorious, free-spirited time when those with means let their money and champagne flow as they partied with wild abandon. 

Well, we may not all have the carefree, moneyed lifestyle of Daisy Buchanan, but we can certainly incorporate some fun Gatsby-esque details into our own celebrations. Sarah Lowy and Jodi Cohen of JOWY Productions in Los Angeles have created chic, elegant weddings that would have undoubtedly been met with Jay and Daisy’s approval.

By now, everyone has seen the stunning posters and trailers for Baz Luhrmann's film, The Great Gatsby. How much are you dying for the Carey Mulligan's fabulous jewels? Her Roaring Twenties-inspired jewels worn on set are a collaboration of Tiffany & Co and the film's costume designer, Catherine Martin — the jeweler created bespoke pieces for Mulligan's character, Daisy Buchanan, to wear throughout the film.

"The jewelry we created for this momentous production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel and our designs for the Ziegfeld Collection reveal the style of the period and Tiffany as its premier jeweler,” said John King, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co. “Tiffany was certainly part of this era. The brand was at the center of the parties of the rich and famous." 

Here, check out two of our favorite pieces:

Hand ornament with a daisy motif in diamonds, cultured pearls and platinum. From The Great Gatsby Collection by Tiffany & Co.

Mother's Day is right around the corner — but there's still time to snag the perfect gifts that your mom and future mother-in-law will love! Here, find the perfect gift for her personality.

For the Sweet Tooth

Who doesn't appreciate a sweet treat? But instead of a run-of-the-mill box of chocolates, send her one of these intriguing packages:

Harvard Sweet Boutique, Inc.'s Mother's Day Build Your Own Gift ($39)
Personalize this gift of gourmet treats! You can choose from six brownie flavors, including mint chocolate fudge, vanilla sea salt caramel, and peanut butter fudge, and 12 cookies, including chocolate chip, cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodle, coconut chocolate chip, and white chocolate macadamia nut.

Fannie May Mother's Day Chocolate Strawberries ($59.99 for 12)
These aren't your standard chocolate-covered strawberries — unique flavors include milk chocolate with almonds, dark chocolate with chocolate chips, and white chocolate with coconut.

Keira Knightley wed Klaxons musician James Righton in the South of France on Saturday!

Ever the boho-chic bride, the Oscar-nominated actress, 28, wore a knee-length tulle dress in pale pink, a Chanel jacket, ballet flats, and a garland of daisies in her hair. In photos that emerged, she appears to have arrived at the wedding with a spring in her step, holding hands with her groom, 29, who wore a navy blue suit. (Seriously, can they get any more adorable?!)

The couple's vows took place at a small village in Provence. A source told The Daily Mail that the Atonement star "looked extremely moved by the whole thing — there were certainly tears of happiness." (Fun fact: The new Mr. and Mrs. Righton reportedly said "Oui" instead of the traditional "I do.")

Later on, they celebrated with 50 of their nearest and dearest at Knightley's mother's estate, which is located nearby. Us Weekly reports that the twosome plan to throw a second bash when they return back home to Britain.

When stars like Jessica Simpson, Hilary Duff, Fergie, and Gwen Stefani need to throw a spectacular party, they know who to call — top planner Mindy Weiss. We had the pleasure of wining and dining with her recently at an event hosted by Perfect Circle jewelry insurance, where she gave us the scoop on what's hot for 2013 weddings. 

1. Rose gold and yellow gold are in. She was surprised when her daughter-in-law requested a rose gold ring two years ago, but now, she’s seeing it everywhere. Also popular: mixing and matching gold tones.

2. Lace is everywhere right now, from table runners to vases to chandelier covers. She’s even draping a tent entirely in lace for an upcoming wedding! (Her décor motto: Go with a touch or just too much — never middle-of-the-road.) Lace was also huge on the bridal runways this season, and it’s showing up more on shoes and purses as well.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Messina

3. Grooms are buying instead of renting. "My grooms are very concerned with what they're wearing," said Weiss. She's seeing a return to classic — hand-tied bow ties, vests, black socks ("colorful socks are done"), and slim-fit Tom Ford tuxedos. Shoes and cuff links are becoming a big deal to her grooms.

Earlier today, we live streamed Pronovias' 2014 bridal runway show from Barcelona. We spotted all of their gorgeous new styles without ever leaving our computer! Missed the video? Below, a recap of some of our favorite gowns from the collection.

An ultra-feminine V-neck gown with lace detail and loads of tulle:

We love the intricate bead work on this sparkling gown.

This dazzling sheath takes Gatsby-inspired glamour to a new level.

The delicate cap sleeves add an ethereal effect to this classic gown.

A princess-worthy lace gown with matching veil.

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary yesterday with an over-the-top vow renewal in Disneyland! The celebration coincided with second birthday of their twins, Monroe and Moroccan; the two were the guests of honor throughout the night. Held at Sleeping Beauty's Castle before 250 guests, Carey departed the "Dream Suite" above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction with daughter Monroe in a horse-drawn carriage, wearing a princess ballgown. Cannon and their son Moroccan donned suits inspired by Prince Charming. At the castle, the four walked down the aisle as a family.