Recently, I sat down with master stylist Yann Varin of the Yann Varin Salon in Manhattan. Yann created the incredibly elegant hairstyles at Carolina Herrera's bridal show and is considered a master of updos. Here, Yann imparts some of his expert advice to getting a gorgeous updo for your big day.

Check with your stylist if updos are in his/her repertoire.
Not all stylists have the particular skill set required to create an interesting updo. Check first, then schedule a trial if you are comfortable with the artist, or just start with just a free consultation if you unsure. Scheduling a consultation is the key to getting the hairstyle you want.

Consider your accessories.
The biggest mistake you can make is to forget your veil or hair accessory when consulting with your stylist. "The stylist has to take into account where the accessory will be placed when creating a hair style," Varin says. "You don't want your veil in an awkward spot or falling out halfway through the night. The veil should anchor the updo."

Think about the location of your wedding.
Yann believes you should match your updo style to the style and formality of the event. Something loose for the beach and something tighter for a grand ballroom. It is good to bring pictures of your wedding venue and your dress so your stylist can get a sense of the atmosphere and theme of your wedding.

Staying organized during the wedding-planning process can be challenging—we brides know that it takes just one misplaced business card or (gulp) contract to create chaos. With Mindy Weiss' new book, The Wedding Planner & Organizer, you'll never have an excuse to toss papers in a stack under your desk ever again. It comes with sturdy pockets and zippered storage bags, so you can safely tuck away essential contact info and objects (like magazine tear-outs and fabric swatches) immediately after appointments. We caught up with the renowned wedding planner (a favorite of stars including Hilary Duff, Katy Perry and Backstreet Boy AJ McLean) at David's Bridal, where she gave us the scoop and shared some exclusive advice for BG brides!

Watch Mindy explain why you should pick up a copy ASAP:

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 K. Ross. Hailing from upstate New York and currently based in Buffalo, K. Ross is a DJ, producer and performer who has spun for crowds in New York, L.A., Paris, London, Amsterdam, and everywhere in between. His credentials span from hip-hop to indie rock, opening for acts such as Cypress Hill, Mos Def, Matt & Kim, and Tribe Called Quest as well as performing at SXSW, Coachella and Rock the Bells. His encyclopedic musical knowledge is sure to impress even the most discerning couples, and with more than a decade's worth of DJ experience, K.Ross can effortlessly spin both hits and deep cuts from every genre imaginable. "I really try to get a sense of a couple's specific musical taste, because they should hear every song they want for their wedding.”

Photo Credit: Holli B Photography

Recently, I came across Andria Bird's romantic headpieces, ideal for the dreamy bride. I love the ultra-feminine details and the bohemian sensibility. These headpieces would look great with a flowing destination gown, a slim lace dress, or a floral gown. Not only are these headpieces unique and beautiful, they are a great price—ranging from $40-$150. Check out her collection at andriabird.com.

—Naima DiFranco

I have never attended a wedding where I didn’t cry. Granted, I’ve only been to a handful of nuptials in my life, but all it takes is seeing that look of love in the couple's eyes and I become emotional myself. I know my own wedding will be no different (I'll likely be a watery-eyed, red-nosed mess!). My fiancé Corey and I want our ceremony to be meaningful and personal without getting so carried away that I cry away all of my makeup.

The challenge? Corey and I have chosen to have a non-religious ceremony. That means legally, all our ceremony must entail is a few signatures and an “I do.” However, we don't want it to be quick and impersonal. Many couples I’ve spoken with tell me the whole wedding day flies by; we don’t want our ceremony to be two minutes long! Recently, we hired an officiant who is helping us figure out how to personalize our event. Here are a few ideas we are considering incorporating into our ceremony to make it longer and more memorable:

1. Anniversary box: Prior to the ceremony, the bride and groom write a love letter to each other. The letters (along with a bottle of wine or champagne) are taken out and placed in a box, not to be opened until the 1st, 5th or 10th anniversary (or really, whenever you want). I don’t know if I’m patient enough for this one! I struggle to read books without flipping to the last page and finding out what happens, so I’m afraid the box might taunt me. I can only imagine how excited I would be to read that letter 5 or so years from now and relive the love from our wedding day with Corey.

Photo Credit: JoPhoto

We brides are truly blessed to have those near and dear to us serve as members of our bridal party. The maid(s) of honor and bridesmaids take on so many different roles during our journey from Miss to Mrs., acting as therapists, stylists and party planners. When your friends are so eager to assist with the planning, it can be difficult to determine when to take advantage of their assistance and which tasks you're better off tackling solo. Follow my personal breakdown for guidance.

Wedding Tasks Where More is Merrier

Bridesmaid Dress Shopping: I opted to include my bridal party in the process of selecting their own gowns. Personally, I’m against asking someone to spend money on a dress that they have no interest in wearing, or—even worse—a dress they feel uncomfortable in. I brought my girlfriends to a local dress shop and had them try on different styles, which helped me see which silhouette and color flattered the group as a whole. As I suspected, I couldn’t find a dress that flattered all of my girls, so I gave them some general criteria (color, fabric, and length) and had them select their favorite style. The end result: Happy girlfriends who look absolutely gorgeous!