From quirky menus to fun little favours to whimsical save-the-dates, wedding stationery has never looked so inviting. Pick the playful design that’s right for you!

Photography Alders Photography.

Engagement photos have come a long way, and for the better. More couples these days are using their own personal style to make every photo unique and different. Scenic backdrops and fun props are almost always expected when it comes to unique engagement images. So, when it’s your turn in front of the camera, how do you decide, where, what and how? Well, plain and simple, the images have to be you–especially the props you use. If you’re cute and quirky, then picking a whimsical item such as a balloon makes sense. However, if you’re a thrift shopper, you and your fiancé may want to veer towards more vintage-inspired ideas (an old camera is quite popular these days). Ultimately, your engagement images, and the trinkets you use, should be a true reflection of your style. Wondering what to incorporate and how to do it? Here are 13 spectacular engagement photos (which we handpicked specifically for you) that will blow your socks off and inspire you to be just as unique and different with your own engagement pics.

If there’s a more romantic place to stay than a luxurious little hut perched on stilts overtop the turquoise blue sea we’d like to know what that is. According to CNN there are more than 90 overwater resorts in the world, with most of them being the Maldives. Weddingbells took a look at each one and narrowed down the list to five amazing stays for all types of honeymooners.

Image via 100 Layer Cake.

If there’s one trend that’s really on our radar this year, it’s definitely ombre. Pronounced ohm-bray–this pretty trend is basically a gradient palette consisting of both light and dark tones. And, when done right, can transform weddings into beautiful eye-catching celebrations. Can’t quite picture the idea? Here are 10 to incorporate this fun theme into your affair.

Charm all your wedding guests with adorable sweet treats and fantastic floral arrangements in delectable sorbet shades. These fun, colourful desserts and decor ideas are perfect for a whimsical wedding.

Wedding flowers are a detail essential to your day–especially the bouquet. So, why not wow the crowd with a romantic arrangement that’s equally beautiful and trendy for 2012? Here are 12 spectacular stems worth considering for your own wedding day.

Photography courtesy Photobolic (photobolic.com).

December is a popular celebratory month–as it should be. It’s the perfect time, surrounded by family and friends, to enjoy your newly engaged status. But, after reveling in the glow, we understand how daunting wedding planning can appear to be. To keep you stress-free (and on the right track), here are 10 things to do once you’re ready to start planning your own day:

1) Share the news. It’s perfectly acceptable to share the news (if you haven’t already) with all your loved ones. Facebook, Twitter, on the phone, e-mail or in person–now’s the time to let those closest to you know that you’re engaged.

2) Start a wedding website. Many places, like Weddingbells have templated wedding sites and apps/tools on the back end to keep you organized. All you do is plug in the required information, and voila you’ve got an instant schedule and wedding site at your fingertips.

3) Talk to your fiancée about your celebration. Communication is key. Both of you should be on the same page–have the same vision, ideas and goals when it comes to your affair.

4) Budget. Although you may not know exactly the type of wedding you want, having an approximate wedding budget will make things easier in the long run (i.e. this could affect your venue, how many guests you invite, etc.).

5) Guest list. Once your budget is established, write down the names of guests you anticipate on inviting. This does not have to be a set list, but this will give you a more rounded number on how many people to expect, how much to spend and the type of venue you choose. Note: as a courtesy (if you wish) you should also ask parents (and in-laws) their number of guests–as they may want to include a few guests of their own.

6) Pick a date and find your venue(s). Choosing a date (try to choose more than one, as many venues book up to a year, or more, in advance) is key. Once you have a tentative idea, securing your reception and ceremony sites are a must–especially if your ceremony venue is separate from your reception space.

7) Once date and venue have been secured, create a to-do list or use a online tool list to help you plan and manage your time wisely. This will make planning your day less overwhelming–yet fun at the same time. With your budget, you’ll be able to slot tentative amounts accordingly.

8) Visit wedding shows. January is high time for wedding shows galore. It’s worth a shot to go out and visit vendors within your region. Don’t feel the need to book right away, go simply to obtain information. Plan a successful trip with our easy-to-follow wedding show tips.

9) Think about your bridal party. It’s not necessary to pick and choose your bridesmaids/groomsmen right away, but asking them in the early stages of planning does have its advantages–your bridal party members are wonderful people who may be able to assist you before the big day–such as gown hunting or attending bridal shows.

10) Research. Now comes the fun part–creating your inspiration board. Buy a ton of wedding magazines (make tears, flip through pages), go online (print photos), read up on vendors you may be considering (or saw at a show), scroll through blogs, and check out our real wedding page for inspiration galore. Gathering images are a wonderful way to garner inspiration for your own day. This is the fun part of planning, so enjoy it and all things will fall into place.

Photography courtesy Carlo Mendoza.

Want to add a dash of flavour and flair to your dessert table? Adorn your wedding reception with one of five romantic cakes, inspired by some of the globe’s most scenic destinations.