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I knew I couldn't tackle the task of making my house a home without my groom. Armed with Jason's male perspective and Mom's real-world experience (she tagged along for support), we filtered hundreds of products down to the chosen few. Here's what we learned, as told from our POVs.

The Bride:

I was beyond giddy to register. When else in your life can you create the ultimate wish list without paying a dime? My scanning goals: Invest in items I'd be using the most frequently, like cookware; don't include items that guests might be reluctant to bring to a bridal shower, such as garbage cans or toilet plungers; and maintain a uniform sense of "style," which was challenging since we don't know which colors will match our new apartment.

We tried to register for gifts in a variety of price points, from affordable to only-my-aunts-would-love-me-this-much. We created registries at Macy's, Bed Bath and Beyond, and East Side China, a fantastic housewares specialty shop in our neighborhood. We felt that selecting a wide range of gifts would benefit not just us, but also our guests, who would have more choices than if we'd stuck to just one. We were very grateful for our consultants' wonderful registry advice; especially Michelle from Macy's and Holly from East Side China.

Editor-in-chief Diane Forden answers one reader's biggest etiquette question.

Photo Credit: Dez and Tam

Q. My sister is planning my bridal shower six months before the wedding date, and my future mother-in-law is annoyed. She claims it’s improper etiquette, and that the shower should be held four to six weeks before the wedding. Who’s right? 

A: There’s really no right or wrong in this case. Even though tradition dictates that a bridal shower should be held two months to two weeks before the wedding, I don’t see any reason why it can’t be planned before the two-month mark.

While having a shower six months before the wedding may not be improper, it does seem a bit early for practical reasons. For one thing, you and your fiancé need to have the guest list determined and your wedding invitations sent out before people receive their bridal shower invitations. And all those invited to the bridal shower should be on your wedding guest list as well.

If you do have an early shower, make sure you and your groom complete your gift registries first. Most bridal-shower invitees want to know where you’re registered, and this list is usually included with the shower invitations. If by some chance you’ve already mailed your wedding invitations and completed your registries, then it’s feasible to have the shower six months before your wedding. If not, perhaps your sister can schedule it closer to the big day.

—Diane Forden

Getting married in 2013? Wedding planner Melissa Phillips, of Simply Perfect Events, shares five non-traditional ideas she's loving this year. 

Hot Color: Mint

Emerald is Pantone's color of the year for 2013, but Phillips predicts that this softer shade of green will be just as prominent. A mint hue fits with every season, and it allows for a "soft but vibrant tone."

Laser-Cut Invitations

Intricate cut-outs make your invitation stand out. "By incorporating this unique format into your invitation, it will allow your wedding to make a huge statement and get guests excited about your big day," said Phillips.

Skip the Frosting

In stark contrast to the elaborately frosted confections we usually see, naked cakes will gain prominence this year. "These cakes will show more color combinations and test bakers to make the inside look and taste the best," said Phillips.

From blush hues to lace mermaids to gold accents, the hottest gowns from the 70th annual Golden Globes can easily be worn down the aisle as well. Here are some of our favorite looks that will take you from the red carpet to the white.

Hayden Panettiere in Roberto Cavalli & Amy Adams in Marchesa

The "Best Supporting Actress" nominees both chose ultra-feminine blush mermaid gowns. This romantic hue, dubbed "ballet pink" by Adams, complemented the stars' fair complexions. This Allure gown (pictured below) captures the essence of this up-and-coming bridal trend.

Tonight, we’ll get a look at how Carrie Bradshaw’s love affair with New York City began in The Carrie Diaries, premiering at 8 p.m. EST on The CW. But Carrie isn’t the only one seeking love and in the city. Here, take a look at some of our favorite New York City weddings by Casey Fatchett Photography.

Planning a New York wedding? Check out some of our favorite vendors and venues, and chat with other brides in your area in our Facebook community.

[Editor's note: While interviewing Megan and Matt for their real wedding feature, we fell in love with the story of how they met. Here, they share in their own words how they recall that special night.]

Photo Credit: Kait Dowling Photography

Matt's version:

It was a dark and stormy night... actually, it really wasn’t. It was a pretty nice, slightly warm day in the early summer. I got a call from James, asking me to hang out. I was tired and wanted to play video games or take a nap, just to get some down time alone after the semester recently ended.

“I think I’m just gonna hang out here, man,” I said.

“My brother’s here,” said James.

“Tell him I said ‘Hi’.”

James paused. Sighed. “And so’s my sister.”

“I’ll be right over.”

* * *

Maybe I should start further back. A while before this, James tells me that his brother and sister are coming up for his graduation.

“I can’t believe you’re leaving, man! We’ve had such a great time [NOT] skipping class to watch movies and order pizza this year. I can’t believe you’re leaving me behind like this. How old?”

“What?” James looked puzzled. He obviously wasn’t used to how fast and powerful my brain was.

“How old is your sister?”

Guest blogger: Sharon Naylor, bestselling author of over 35 wedding books for brides, bridesmaids and the mothers of the bride and groom. Her titles have spent time in the #1 book, e-book and wishlist spots on Amazon and BN.com for their categories. Here is an exclusive sneak peek from her new book, The Bride's Guide to Freebies: Enhancing Your Wedding Without Selling Out.

1. Keep in mind that vendors like to show off to guests.
"If I know that the bride and groom have really planned on a low budget, their flowers are small, their menu is on the smaller side, they had to choose just cake instead of cake and a dessert bar, I'll add in some impressive elements so that the couple's guests can see what we do here at our banquet hall. Who knows? Maybe someone on their guest list will be planning a bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, wedding, or corporate gala. It's great for them to see a more impressive array of my chef's work, rather than not seeing my place in a great light becuse the slim pickings were so distracting." —Henry, wedding hall manager

Looking for ways to personalize your wedding? Make headlines with this unique concept from newsfavor.com: your very own custom hand-written newspaper keepsakes! Choose from engagement announcements:

Invitations:

Wedding programs:

And favors for your guests to enjoy:

Some couples express themselves by writing their own wedding vows, choosing a meaningful first dance song, or planning a sweet anniversary surprise. But for Nick and Wendy Lowe, their wedding day was the ultimate form of self-expression when they chose to bare all and wed in the nude.

The naturists got married on January 5 at the Wellington Naturist Club in New Zealand. About 120 guests attended the ceremony; half wore clothing, while the other half went au naturel.

"The most impressive thing really was how the guests who were not naturists pretty much just mingled and got along with everybody and didn't give a damn," the groom told Hawke's Bay Today, a local newspaper. (In case you're curious: Yes, they mentioned that it was a clothing-optional event in their wedding invitation, so guests were forewarned!)