What should brides expect a month out from the big day? In an effort to make sure that we don't forget any details, my fiancé Michael and I created a monthly to-do list back in January, which has served as a friendly reminder of what to do when.

Here, the eight tasks I regret leaving for the last minute:

1. Assemble your ceremony programs, menus, and escort cards. I recommend selecting all paper goods prior to finalizing your ceremony, menu and guest list. For me, the most difficult part was choosing which stationery to purchase—eliminate this hurdle early on so that all you have left to do is order your pre-selected design.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Chau Photography

2. Finalize your seating chart. Three weeks prior to your vows, you should have a solid list of attendees. Have Mom or Dad help with seating their own guests. It's one less task that you're responsible for and increases the likelihood that their friends will be happy with their seating arrangement.

Photo Credit: Chris Sherburne Photography

Are you a fan of ball gowns but are planning a summer wedding? Lighten up the ball gown look by choosing one with a tulle skirt. The overall feeling is lighter, more ethereal and whimsical—perfect for the warm summer months. We saw this trend of airy, sheer ball gowns at most of the runway shows.

Whether layered, accented with lace or adorned with flowers, this trend is absolutely lovely—ideal for the romantic bride who has a bohemian princess style. Check out jlmcouture.com, reemacra.com, jasminebridal.com for these sheer dresses and more.

— Naima DiFranco

Are you a fan of all things "Mad Men" inspired? Want to give your wedding a retro-rad look? Bring out your inner Joan, Peggy or Betty and consider a tea-length gown. To make the vintage look all the more complete, add short gloves and a stylish cage veil. Don't forget a red lip and some liquid eye-liner for a stylish cat eye. With these few elements, you are sure to create a retro-chic wedding look. See more vintage-inspired wedding ideas dresses.

To find these tea-length gowns, visit moonlightbridal.com, davidsbridal.com, and enzoani.com.

Tell us about your retro-inspired wedding plans!

—Naima DiFranco

Photo Credit: Unique Design Studios

To My Chief Daddy Officer,

As a child, I never looked at my relationship with my Dad as "different" — I just knew it as unique and special. When I was seven years old, my parents went through a tumultuous divorce, resulting in my mother deciding to leave and move to Boston. Most kids, by default, would follow their mothers. And though some may have had that same expectation for me, at the tender age of nine, I made a decision that one could say marked a pivotal point in both of our lives and paved the way for my relationship with my dad being what it is today.

I made a choice — I wanted to live with my dad full-time. As the CEO of his own pharmaceutical marketing company and now a single dad, he did not run away from the challenge. He ran towards it — he embraced it, cherished it, and gave me a life and parent that some never get to experience.

I am a direct reflection of everything he has taught me and raised me to be, and I'm proud of that fact. He has instilled values and life lessons in what would seem to be an obvious way, but what I've learned is not obvious to most. He showed me by example and then let me arrive at my own decisions (both good and bad). What I never grasped until later in life — he was always strategic, and by that I mean he was always laying down the wireframe for an opportunity to teach me a life lesson. I always felt like he was five paces ahead of me (which, when I was a teenager, wasn't always fun); however, it always was for my benefit.