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Sure, there are apps for this and spreadsheets for that, but at the end of the day, the paper calendar can be the best way to visualize time. And when it comes to long-term planning, what could be better than seeing an entire year all at once?

That’s the thinking behind the fabulous Seize the Year Calendar. One of the very cool aspects besides the clean graphic design is that it’s formatted so that each month flows into the next; you see the year as a series of weeks, not blocked out into months (ugh) or single days (useless).

The calendar is 27 by 39 inches, and it reverses: hang it vertically for portrait view, or flip to the other side and hang it horizontally for landscape orientation.

I put my Seize the Year on my office bulletin board this morning, and every BG staffer who walked in was instantly intrigued. Mass envy ensued.

Even better, Jesse, the creator of this genius product, has very kindly offered a 25 percent discount to Bridal Guide readers. Just use the code "BRIDAL GUIDE" when you check out.

Visit neuyear.net for more info and to order.

On February 6th, Dana Jackson celebrated a century of life with about 100 of her nearest and dearest at the Rosewood Health Care Center in Kentucky.  An ice cream cake in her honor was frosted with the special message, "Congratulations, you are never too old." But this wasn't your average birthday party, not even for a centenarian: Jackson decided to mark the momentous occasion by marrying boyfriend Bill Stauss, 87.

Stauss never imagined that he would ever wed again, since his previous marriage lasted 55 years. However, Jackson was the exception: "I found one that's just as nice as can be. Treats me good. Like a human being should be treated. It's rare to find a girl like that."

"I feel 50," Jackson told BG Daily News. "I don't feel 100."

This was Jackson's third trip down the aisle, but the first time she wore an engagement ring and traditional gown. Her first wedding took place when she was only 15 years old. She marveled at how much has changed since then: "Gettin' married wasn't a big thing back when I was young. It wasn't no big thing...it was just simple, you know? Just simple...we wore clothes and maybe a bouquet cut out of the yard. It's not what you got, it's what you make out of a marriage," she said.

Aloha! I am writing this from Disney's gorgeous Aulani Resort on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. And what a beautiful location this is. We have warm, sunny days, gentle breezes and a clear blue sky and sea to enjoy. The resort is amazing and the décor is fabulous with Hawaiian architecture and details incorporated throughout.

And, of course, the Disney hospitality is exceptional with smiling greetings from all the staff and top-notch service. Yesterday we went on a catamaran for some snorkeling (we saw huge turtles and colorful fish!) which included a delish breakfast and lunch. Then we enjoyed a spa treatment. The Lomi Lomi Massage was heavenly and the relaxation room had me drifting off into a state of pure bliss! And later today we are going to see an actual wedding take place on the "Live! With Kelly" show (they've been broadcasting from the Aulani all week). 

So if you're deciding where to marry or honeymoon you must consider the Aulani. Take a look at some of the surroundings below...I promise you won't be disappointed. Stay tuned for more news from the Aulani!

Photo Credit: Holli B. Photography

I’m less than seven months away from being a bride, but lately I’ve been thinking less about that role and more about the new one I will have to fulfill as a wife. Brides (myself included) can become engrossed in wedding plans, and I feel that we need to remember this journey is about the rest of our lives, not just one day.

Understatement of the year: A lot of work goes into planning a wedding. From picking the centerpieces to booking vendors, there are endless tasks to complete. However, more time and effort goes into a marriage, and frankly, that's more important. Yes, it's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of planning the biggest day of your lives, and really, I think that's fine! Choosing each detail and checking off to-do's is a fun and memorable experience—but that shouldn't be "it." My fiancé Corey and I often discuss our celebration to great lengths, but what I've found is that we brides don't often discuss what happens after the cake is cut and the dress is packed in your closet. Don't get me wrong, we've had the kids talk and discussed finances thoroughly, but I know marriage is deeper than any single conversation.

Instead of having your flower girls scatter rose petals (let's face it, they'll never do as good of a job as your florist), or having your ring bearer carry fake rings on a pillow, have the smallest members of your wedding party announce your grand entrance in style with a "here comes the bride" sign.

Sure, your guests likely already know to expect your walk down the aisle right after the flower girls, but that doesn't take away from the cute factor of these signs. Check out the photos!

Photo Credit: Artisan Events, Inc.

Photo Credit: Ashley Rose Photography

Interviewing potential vendors is like going on an awkward first date — you both hope there's chemistry, but it can be confusing to know exactly what to say (even for a Wedding Editor like myself!). Follow our new "10 Questions to Ask..." blog series with experts from each field who will break it down for you step-by-step. I'll share hard-earned real bride advice along the way, so you know how to spot the best vendor for your needs. First up: My fabulous wedding photographer, Josh Lynn and the talented Casey Fatchett share the Q's clients ask most.

1. Is photography your main business? What percentage of your work is composed of weddings?

First, you need to gauge how much experience a potential vendor has. Photographers' time commitments and skill sets vary—some only work part-time or might mostly photograph something else (e.g. portraits). This doesn't necessarily mean they won't do an amazing job as your wedding photographer, but it will give you a sense of what they will be able to contribute towards your nuptials. According to Casey Fatchett, a busy full-time wedding photographer will probably shoot between 20 and 30 weddings a year.

Photo Credit: Casey Fatchett Photography

For the daring bride, one of this season's top trends is high slits. This can look incredibly chic and adds a bit of sexy to your big day. What I love best about this trend is you can show off your new heels while still wearing a long gown.

Here, you can see the trend at Tara Keely, Monique Lhuillier, and Reem Acra.

Tell us: Would you dare to wear this style?

—Naima DiFranco

Recently, I had the pleasure of participating on a panel to judge a bridal gown design competition at the High School of Fashion Industries in NYC. The contest was conceived by Robert di Mauro, a member of the school advisory board, and Mara Urshel, co-owner of Kleinfeld (you all know Mara from TV’s “Say Yes to the Dress”).

Robert di Mauro with one of the finalists, and Mara Urshel with another competitor.

Students were asked to create inspiration boards and design a gown for the bride of the future. We selected five winning sketches (not an easy task!), and those five finalists will now work in teams with their other classmates to make the dresses. The five gowns will then be judged in June and one winning dress will be selected and displayed at Kleinfeld. Quite a thrilling coup for any fashion student!

I didn’t know quite what to expect, but was amazed at the level of talent these young designers (17 years old) exhibited. They had three weeks to create a design concept, look for inspiration and complete the sketches. Their teachers, Ms. Sandra Manning and Mr. Adrian Carranza, certainly deserve a great deal of credit for all of their guidance and support. Along with Robert and Mara, the other judges included Dorothy Silver, Director of Sales and Merchandising at Kleinfeld...

Travel fun fact: My name means “paradise’ in Arabic. Okay, the spelling is a bit different, but the pronunciation is the same! Needless to say, I have made a bunch a jokes about how I’m the definition of awesometown ever since my new friend Fatima told me the news when I met her at her home in Casablanca.

Another thing that is aptly moinkered with the Arabic for paradise? Amanjena in Marrakech . Part of the ultra-exclusive hotel brand, the Moroccan outpost is a peaceful oasis of red-tinted pavilions and riads (private homes) scattered among traditional gardens. Sounds like paradise to me! Go to amanjena.com for more information.

—Jenna Mahoney

The Royal Wedding is officially and oh-so-fashionably iconic. Just in time for Kate and William's one-year anniversary, this April will see the introduction of a special-edition gift set from Barbie Collector.

Available for pre-orders at barbiecollector.com, $100.

Tell us: What do you think of the dolls?

—Mary Clarke

P.S. Have you seen Barbie & Ken's wedding? We think someone needs to re-create the Royal Wedding with these dolls...