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It's only natural for a day that comes around just once every four years to attract some fun folklore and superstitions. We did some digging on the tradition of women proposing to men on this day, as seen in the 2010 flick Leap Year.

These days, we all know it's perfectly fine for a woman to propose to a man. But centuries ago, it was unthinkable—except on leap day. As the story goes, St. Bridget struck a deal with St. Patrick after complaining that women did not have the right to propose marriage. St. Patrick suggested that women have the right once every seven years, but St. Bridget negotiated it down to once every four years—and that day would be leap day.

The more likely scenario is that, since February 29 was seen as a "bonus" day, people felt that the traditional rules of conduct did not apply. Regardless, it's become a fun tradition over the centuries for leap day to become a Sadie Hawkins Day. 

Although there's a myth that it's illegal for a man to refuse a leap day proposal, there's no basis to the so-called 1288 law by Queen Margaret of Scotland that required fines be levied if a proposal was refused, ranging from a kiss to a monetary fine to expensive gifts for the scorned woman. Regardless, one tradition says a man who refuses must buy the woman 12 pairs of gloves to hide the embarrassment of having no engagement ring. Another says he must buy her silk. And another story say that a man who refuses will suffer severe bad luck and ill fortune. 

It’s one of those universal beauty truths: Skin-toned polishes are a particularly great option for brides who are (like me) challenged in the nail-length department. A neutral, flesh-like tone can leave even the stubbiest nails looking subtly but wildly chic. That said, the perfect nude-y neutral shade is not so easy to find. Some formulas are too sheer, others too chalky. After trying dozens of shades, I found the perfect hue a couple of years ago, and have stayed with it ever since. Behold: OPI’s Samoan Sand. Turns out my go-to shade has other fans, too.

Both Amy Adams and Stacy Keibler rocked the refined shade on the red carpet last night. The polish paired perfectly with both silver (on Amy) and gold (on Stacy) gowns, so just think how killer it will look with bridal whites and ivories. Oscar-worthy and aisle-worthy!

—Mary Clarke

Are you as depressed as I am without your weekly visits with Lady Mary and the Dowager Countess? I also miss radical Lady Sybil and loyal Anna—a lot. I know that I can visit my friends both upstairs and down via Netflix and pbs.org, but really it isn’t the same knowing how Daisy will react and if Miss Lavina Swire is truly so sweet or not. So instead of trolling the internet for information about the Gratham family and the back stories to the plot lines, I’ve decided to—gasp—take a day trip to Downton Abbey itself! And you can, too. I know!—it is such exciting news, it almost seems impossible.

NoteWorthy Events tours, a British outfitter, is offering day-long adventures to Highclere Castle, the private home in which the fantastic series is filmed. The private excursion includes morning coffee in the Countess’ day room. a house tour, lunch in the Drawing room and a glimpse of the Crawly House. There is also a Jeep ride across the grounds and a tour of the on-site archaeological caves. Of course, High Tea is also served—Cora wouldn’t have it any other way. Go to noteworthyevents.com for more information.

—Jenna Mahoney

Photos courtesy of Masterpiece

Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Kuato. His unique blend of feel-good music has extended from New York to Boston and overseas in London. He has shared the stage with the legendary Patti Smith and DJed alongside Justin Timberlake, Tim Gunn, and Nigel Barker. His talent has also taken him to NYC's hottest clubs, secured top corporate clients and led to an appearance as the DJ on the hit television series, Gossip Girl. But don't let these A-list names fool you. Kuato is a down-to-earth guy who gets it when it comes to weddings. "I enjoy meeting new couples, understanding their backgrounds, influences and how they got to where they are today. The highlight of the wedding night for me is always watching the bride and groom smile and dance the night away, alongside their closest friends and family members.” For Kuato, weddings are special affairs—one of the most memorable nights in a couple's life —so he always comes prepared to rock the dance floor and help make the celebration a tremendous success.

One of the first decisions that a newly-engaged couple has to make post-proposal is not only when to get married, but where. Beachy destination weddings are becoming especially popular, but in my opinion, they are simply not a good fit for everyone. BG brides, I'd love to share my experience attending my sister's wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with you, in the hopes that it will help you decide if it's the right choice for you and your groom. I'll also share what it's like to be a guest in this scenario, so that you can get some insight on what to expect if you'll be jetting off to a loved one's wedding soon. Let me take you through some of the details...

Photo Credit: kieraphoto.com

1. How do you feel about an informal dress code? The dress code for a destination wedding is likely to be more relaxed than a formal wedding, especially if the ceremony is taking place on or near a beach. Embrace it! My dad wore flip-flops as he walked down the aisle and Corey sported khaki shorts. Typically, if you're attending a destination wedding, you can pack light: a few summer dresses and swimsuits should be sufficient. Encourage guests to kick off their shoes and have some fun—my sister's entire bridal party jumped into a resort pool (with the bride still wearing her wedding dress!) after the reception festivities ended. Can you imagine a bride wearing a ball gown and tiara doing the same? I can't, either.

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