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.