Bridal shower – accomplished! Even though my wedding is more than three months away, I knew I wouldn’t be able to get down to San Diego until just before the big day. So, my mom and one of her closest friends planned a beautiful shower in my honor.

1. Don’t feel like you have to look a certain way.
The only work I had to do was finding the perfect outfit. I wanted to look a bit traditional by wearing white, but I also wanted to mix it up and keep it fun. My dress came with black ribbon straps and an exposed back zipper, so I added a black velvet belt with an edgy rhinestone applique to make an even bigger contrast against the white lace. The goal was sassy, and I’m pretty sure I achieved it. If white isn’t your thing, wear what is. You don’t want to spend the event fussing with straps or feeling self-conscious, so forget any “rules” and wear what makes you feel good.

Here’s a unique and meaningful way to cherish your special day: a pretty handcrafted silver-plated calendar bracelet ($70) with a Swarovski crystal marking your wedding date. This “Not Just Any Old Day” bracelet is available at their website, notjustanyoldday.com:

The creator, Michele Esposito, recalled how her grandmother always cherished a necklace made by Michele’s grandfather, a jeweler, which noted their wedding anniversary. His sentimental gesture inspired Michele to create the charm when she was looking for a unique gift. The bracelet is not only a great item for yourself but also for your bridesmaids (you can mark either their birthdays or their own wedding dates).

Another cool piece is the Calendar Key ($80). Actor Antonio Sabato Jr.’s bride fastened the key to her bouquet.

Shimmering gowns and golden hues dominated the runway at Romona Keveza's 2013 show, dedicated to Bond girls. With such showstopping gowns dazzling down the runway, the Kérastase Paris design team opted to keep the hair sleek and chic.

Photo courtesy of Kérastase Paris

Photo courtesy of Kérastase Paris

Here, learn how to get the look:

Step 1: On clean, dry hair spray a generous amount of Lotion Densitive GL Spray. Then apply Mousse Substantive directly on the roots. Blow dry smooth and straight using a boar bristle brush.

Step 2: Create a deep side part over the left eye — the further over the side part, the more dramatic of a swoop you’ll create at the fringe. Then clip that hair out of the way. Just make sure you take out enough hair so the fringe is solid and doesn’t separate when swooped.

Photo via Bridal Guide on Instagram

David Tutera stopped by Z100, New York's hit music station, to chat about — what else? — weddings! Here, five things we learned from the show:

Marchesa's runway show was a standout for its bold floral influences, exquisite beadwork and ethereal draping. But as much as we obsessed over the dresses, the models' lit-from-within makeup look deserves an honorable mention, too! Lead makeup artist Talia Shobrook was inspired by "a bride with confidence" and Indian beauty, which is reflected in the gold, shimmering eyes. Read below to learn how to get this look with the same Laura Mercier products she used at the show.

Flawless Face

Step 1: Prep skin with foundation primer. 

Step 2: Apply foundation and conceal problem areas.

Step 3: Contour cheekbones with bronzing powder and apply blush to the apples of the cheeks, blending up into the cheek bone.

Step 4: Dab a light pink lipstick on the cheeks to create a pop of color. Dust setting powder on the skin for a fresh, matte finish.

Laura Mercier Products Used: