Although we're suckers for gorgeous décor projects, sometimes the best wedding DIY tasks are the ones that simply make your life a little easier, behind the scenes.

We found this simple (yet genius) DIY seating chart by Jen from SomethingTurquoise.com and couldn't wait to share it with our crafty BG brides! Creating a seating chart can be a daunting task, but with a little patience (and a whole lot of Post-Its), you'll be able to check this off your to-do list in no time.

Materials Needed:

• Your guest list
• Your reception table layout
• A poster board (or two, depending on how large your wedding is)
• Re-positionable page markers from Post-It
• Markers

Instructions:

1. Start by drawing out your table arrangement for your reception, using multiple poster boards if needed.

2. Jen used a bowl to trace her round tables, but if you have rectangular tables, then try using the bottom of a cereal box instead.

Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ RT.  This multi-talented musician gained his deep knowledge of music history at a young age and describes his DJ style as a balance of party rocker, turntabalist, and remixer. He loves to spin weddings and takes pride in playing music that brings people together "At weddings, you have such a wide range of people there, you really need to find the music that is literally timeless—the songs that everyone knows and loves.” 

Photo Credit: Long's Photography

To say that we're excited about Colin Cowie partnering with Hard Rock Hotels for destination wedding packages would be an understatement. At the launch party, we were so blown away by the stunning options that our web producer Stefania was tempted to call off her big city wedding and head to the beach instead!

The Colin Cowie Wedding Collection includes 18 lavish, customized packages created by the one and only Colin Cowie, giving us non-celeb brides a chance to score Colin's impeccable wedding style—packages start at only $1,500 and are available at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels in Punta Cana, Vallarta, Cancun, and Riviera Maya.

Take a look at some of the gorgeous options for your décor. We love how Colin incorporated vibrant colors, rich textures, and lush flowers into his colorful schemes.

Sultry Sunset Reception

For the new Jan/Feb 2012 issue of Bridal Guide, out on the stands now, Bridal Guide's fashion department had the luxury of shooting at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya, Mexico. It was an incredible week shooting 3 fashion stories (look out for the March/April issue to see more) in a picturesque, relaxing environment—ideal for destination weddings!

The first day, we had the treat of hearing a local mariachi band play for us—they would be amazing for a wedding party! (We have a cute picture of our bride with the band.)

We also loved the romantic beach, perfect for a private dinner or a charming morning stroll, not to mention some fun in the sun.

There is a lovely blue chapel on the grounds that has a historic, elegant look that would be fantastic for the service.

Asking loved ones to be in your bridal party is such a joyful moment—why not sweeten the deal with a keepsake that shows how much they mean to you? (P.S. I'm thrilled to report that my friend Chrissy asked me to be her Maid of Honor this week, which is why this topic is on my mind!)

Bethany, one of our fave bloggers from Rinse.Repeat, had the brilliant idea to create a DIY box popping the question to her long-distance BM's, who live seven states away from her in Wisconsin.

Her inspiration was to convey the true role of a bridesmaid: "It DOESN'T mean someone who plans a shower, a bachelorette party, buys me some ridiculous gift or tags along to every wedding-related appointment for the next year. Truly, I don't want any of those things!"

"Their role is to know that I love them, how much I've appreciated their presence in my life, and that I couldn't imagine the biggest day of my life without them next to me every step of the way. I'm honored to have their friendship and love," she writes.

"In short: wear a bangin' dress, wipe away my tears and have an amazing time," Bethany added.

We couldn't have put it better ourselves.

With almost seven months until the big day, Michael and I are so happy to see our massive to-do list slowly shrinking. The save-the-dates have been sent and now we are on the hunt for our own version of Cinderella’s horse-drawn carriage.

I personally love when brides stray from the ordinary. A 1950s Rolls Royce is beautiful, but a very safe choice. Opt for a great vintage convertible or try a charming pickup truck for your "something blue" instead.

Feeling daring? Why not make your getaway on a colorful Vespa or matching "his" and "her" bicycles?

And don’t forget your most cost-effective option—your own two legs! If your ceremony site and venue are in close proximity, start a parade leading your guests from point A to point B. Use props and festive music to amp up your friends and family while in transit!

Crista asks: What are you and your hubby-to-be driving off in after you say "I Do?"

Photo Credit: Longs Photography

Photo Credit: Shannon Kelley

Could you imagine planning your perfect proposal for six years?

The groom, a pilot, often took his girlfriend with him as he traveled the world. A year into their relationship, they started documenting their trips by snapping a photo together in each location holding a single letter. Those letters would eventually spell out, "We always knew."

"We wanted to prove that if one day we got married... that ''we always knew''. What my girlfriend didn't know is that for our final letter (which we had done in our home town), I had something bigger planned," wrote the groom.

As the couple posed for their final letter, "W," two friends quickly snuck behind the couple with a banner reading, "Will you marry me?"

When the groom took back his camera from the bystander, he showed the photo to his shocked girlfriend—she burst into happy tears as he got down on one knee!

Check out this AMAZING video of their journey and proposal:

With the unveiling of Bella Swan's long-sleeved wedding gown and Kate Middleton's McQueen wonder earlier this year, sleeves are trending big for weddings. Designers showed many sensual options for this "call to arms," from sheer and lacy to delicately beaded. If you only want sleeves for the service, consider a sheer sparkly capelet, like the Alvina Valenta above (you can easily take it off revealing a strapless.)

Tell us: Which sleeved option is your favorite?

—Naima DiFranco