Guest blogger: Lindsey Buchholz, a member of H&R Block’s Tax Institute. H&R Block is the world's leading tax service provider and is home to the best tax professionals in the industry, who are available to do whatever it takes to meet your needs—whether you file in the office or do your own taxes. For more financial advice and tips, visit their blog, Block Talk.

Filing tax returns was probably one thing you never gave much thought to when you got married. But, guess what: marriage can make taxes more complicated. Instead of making decisions just for yourself, you now have to consider your spouse’s income and potential deductions and credits too, so you can make smart financial decisions that won’t have you overpaying taxes. Here, some facts to keep in mind.

Photo Credit: iStock

Pick any filing status—as long as it’s married. When you get married, you are no longer able to file as a single individual. Instead, you will file either as married filing jointly or married filing separately. The IRS determines your filing status as of the last day of the year. So even if you got married at 11:59 pm on December 31st, for tax purposes you are married for the whole year. 

Want to see some knockout gowns? Get expert planning advice? And find the perfect spot for your honeymoon? Look no further than our March/April 2013 issue, on the newsstands now.

You’ll find dresses to suit your style, whether you fancy a romantic ballgown:

A sexy mermaid:

Or something short ‘n chic:

We also showcase the hottest trends fresh from the runway:

And must-have accessories for the big day:

Deciding on the perfect venue is a challenge. Do you have your reception at a hotel, a catering hall, an estate or perhaps under a tent in a gorgeous garden setting? The decision, of course, depends upon the time of year, the number of guests, your budget, etc.

But there’s another great option to consider, for all you fashion-forward foodies who crave a chic, intimate environment along with a fantastic meal: the restaurant venue. Think about it — you’ll enjoy a cozy atmosphere, amazing food and the cost will undoubtedly be considerably less than having your reception at a much larger venue. Many restaurants have private rooms to accommodate small receptions, and some restaurants, such as Sepia — one of Chicago’s top eateries — have a separate venue just for special occasions. Sepia’s venue, called Private Dining by Sepia, is located right next door to the restaurant.

Photo Credit: Paul Strabbing Photography

Inside, the shimmering metallic walls and distinctive bold lighting create an elegant atmosphere. I love the unique lighting fixtures and the warm golden hue they cast.

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a wedding website where brides, grooms, family and friends can purchase a stylish and affordable mix of beautifully curated pieces. Designed to make wedding planning all the more inspiring and enjoyable, Idojour offers accessories and apparel for your wedding weekend, complemented by both inspirational and practical content. Rosanna oversees content, among many other things, and makes sure that everything comes together beautifully on the site.

Here, Rosanna shares her favorite DIY and customization websites.

We’re lucky enough to live in a world where we can customize and create pretty much anything with the quick click of a button. And what better place to put your own personal stamp on things than your wedding? So for those of you creative and crafty brides who are looking for ways to personalize your wedding, we’ve rounded up of the best sites and apps for all create your own custom projects!

Craftgawker

It’s a photo gallery of handmade crafts and DIY projects. Get inspired, search for something specific, and be taken to that specific blog or site for the how tos. Plus, there’s a free app for craftiness on-the-go!