If you've ever attended a cocktail hour without sufficient seating, you've likely encountered this dilemma: How exactly are you supposed to carry a drink, a plate, and eat, all at the same time? You only have two hands, after all!

Perfect for a wedding with a casual atmosphere, these puzzle platters from Totally Bamboo (14.99 for two) are an inspired solution.

How to use: Interlock several puzzle platters to create a visually-appealing buffet spread, and then provide a platter for each guests to load up on the goodies.  The cutout is the perfect fit to slide in a champagne glass, so that your guests can keep one hand free for munching.

While this can't solve the problem of your guests' aching feet after standing for an hour, they'll still thank you for making it easier to get their drink on while still enjoying the delicious fare.

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Photo Courtesy of Totally Bamboo

Stay in the loop with the season's most ladylike embellishment—bows! I love this ultra-girly accent that is sure to add refined whimsy to your big-day look. Bows were seen on most of the runways. Shown here: Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Amsale.

DIY TIP:  Just add a tulle or ribbon sash or bow brooch to a dress to re-create this luxe ladylike look for less.

—Naima DiFranco

Hi BG Brides. My name is Jason and I am lucky enough to be engaged to the beautiful Stefania, the Web Producer at Bridal Guide. While checking out her blog, I thought it might be interesting to give some insight into the wedding-planning process from the groom's perspective. I'm currently getting my doctorate, so studying is my full-time job, which makes it impossible to hold down a 9-to-5. I thought saving up for an engagement ring was difficult—fellas, it's a mere fraction of what your total wedding will cost, and the knee-shaking feeling you get when proposing is peanuts compared to signing wedding contracts!

The cost of the wedding really began to hit me once we started looking at different venues. Living in Brooklyn allowed us to look at venues throughout the five boroughs of NYC, plus Long Island and New Jersey. When we visited the first hall, the place was absolutely stunning: It also had a pricetag to match. As we looked at other venues (photos of our 10+ road trips, coming soon!), I realized that sticker shock is the norm and picking a place was going to take up much more of our total budget than I initially thought.

We got a sneak peek at the hottest hair accessory trends for fall/winter from Bride's Head Revisited, and we're in love with the gorgeous styles. Check them out!

Princess Tiara

No surprise here—between Kate Middleton and Charlene Wittstock, this is the year of the princess. This Swarovski crystal tiara ($300) is subtle and sweet, giving you just the right amount of regal glamour.

Romantic Crystal Elements

We love these gorgeous combs that'll work with any hairstyle you choose (need some ideas? Check out these chic hairstyles). The Swarovski crystals add instant polish to your wedding-day look.

From left to right: Swarovski Crystal Comb Model 615 ($150); Swarovski Crystal Bow Shaped Comb Model 606 ($125); Large Swarovski Crystal & Pearl Comb Model 208a ($250)

For most brides, one of the biggest challenges they face when planning a wedding is how to stay organized. After all, there are a gazillion details to consider from dress shopping to ordering invitations to booking your honeymoon. You’ll be making phone calls, researching vendors online, scheduling appointments, getting price quotes and constantly trying to keep track of it all. And, unless you’re really organized, planning will be overwhelming and stressful.

I may not be planning a wedding like you are, but just trying to keep track of everything in my office drives me crazy (just ask my staff!). I have folders, e-mail print-outs, books, magazines and products everywhere. So anything that can help me keep track of stuff in an organized fashion is a joy! Which is why I want to share this great item with you that I recently discovered, Clip-It USB drives that function like paper clips. Check them out:

Clip them right onto your folder/paperwork/planning notebook and you’ll never have to go wading through drawers or tote bags (like me!) trying to find a drive. Each one holds 4 GB of memory and costs $18.62 (without shipping or tax if ordered online. Go to verbatim.com). They are also available at Office Max stores.

TLC's new spinoff Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids makes shopping for a wedding gown looks like a cinch compared to shopping for one dress that pleases every bridesmaid. Check out a dramatic preview of the show, which premieres tonight at 10/9c, on tlc.com. 

And to avoid seeing the claws come out when you go dress shopping with your own 'maids, keep these simple tips in mind:

1. As the bride, it's within your rights to choose the color and fabric of the bridesmaids' dresses. But don't forget to take your bridesmaids' personal styles, body types, and budget concerns into consideration. Their dresses should complement yours while also being comfortable and attractive. If you don't care about being matchy matchy, a great option is to choose a color and let your bridesmaids pick a dress that fits her shape and taste the best. 

2. But don't allow too much feedback from your bridesmaids in picking out their dresses or you'll never get a consensus and will drive yourself crazy trying to make everyone happy. At some point you just have to say, "this is what I've decided."