USA Today asked five celebrity wedding planners to guesstimate where/when/how Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will finally tie the knot.   Here’s what Marcy Blum, Colin Cowie, Jung Lee, David Tutera and Diann Valentine had to say:

PLANNER: Marcy Blum, whose celebrity wedding clients include Billy Joel, Colin Hanks, Salman Rushdie, Tom Clancy

The locale: “Some sort of magnificent structure.” Pitt is “such a visual person. He’s designed so many homes, and now the ring,” that Blum could see collaborating with him on a modern building that takes the typical tent cake “because that’s where his tastes run. … They can’t do anything outside, unfortunately, unless they can fool everyone to where it is.” One place Blum believes the couple has crossed off their short list because it’s at the top of everyone else’s: Their South of France chateau.

The guest list: Under 100 family and close friends.

The vibe: “Very low-key, and it should be … soft and understated” and family-oriented, with the kids playing a prominent role. “The kids will definitely, it seems to me, be very much a part of the ceremony.” The idea is “not to just cut to the chase and get to the party as everybody does, but have a more meaningful” service that taps into the couple’s spirituality — and the children’s reported wish for a fairy-tale affair. “They want it to be out of Shrek.”

The entertainment: A similarly boldface band. “A lot of friends and acquaintances are going to pitch in and perform,” doing double duty as guests and singers or players. “It’s part of the gift, almost.”

By Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images

Colin Cowie would include two venues: on location in South Africa and at home in Los Angeles.

PLANNER: Colin Cowie of ColinCowieWeddings.com, whose celebrity clients include Alyssa Milano, Eddie Murphy, Holly Robinson Peete

The locale: Two venues: The first would spirit Pitt and Jolie and just their immediate family members to a luxurious South African safari camp. The second, two weeks later, would be a cocktail-style reception for friends at their house in L.A.

The vibe: For the African ceremony, warm and intimate: “I could imagine them getting married with a stunning African sunset under a large old tree hanging with dozens and dozens of lanterns.” For the L.A. party, the complete opposite: “Instead of buffets, I would have stations of food paired with great wines and cocktails,” culminating in a wedding-cake cutting to create a “fun, glamorous night.” To bridge the two events, at the end of the night, each party guest would receive a small booklet filled with “stunning images” of the family wedding abroad.

The guest list: In Africa, closest family only. In L.A., 200 friends.

The entertainment: In Africa, they would be serenaded by the local village choir. At the California reception, a musical mashup: A couple of rock violinists and a percussionist would accompany someone like DJ Cassidy, who spun at Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s bash. For the cake-cutting portion, a song by the pair’s favorite artist.

By Christian Oth, Christian Oth Studios

Jung Lee thinks the couple’s Chateau Miraval in France will be the site of the Jolie-Pitt wedding.

PLANNER: Jung Lee of Fete, whose celebrity clients include the Bulgari family, Stephen King’s son Owen, Jann Wenner’s son Alexander

The locale: Lee believes the rumors: Chateau Miraval. “It’s a revealing of the property for their closest friends and family that haven’t had a chance to visit yet.” Besides, “you can’t rent something like that.” Regardless, this will be an event that requires passports. “For sentimental reasons, I would love for them to actually have the wedding and give the proper glamour to the States, but I think it’s probably not feasible. They’re not going to have the privacy they need.”

The guest list: 200-300 people, “for sure.”

The vibe: “I would be completely shocked if it would be an all-white sort of wedding.” So Lee envisions noir nuptials: black mirrors, 2-foot candlesticks, dark, rich flowers and, juxtaposed against the 14th-century surroundings, sleek, contemporary furniture for lounging. But it wouldn’t be all adult lair. Lee sees lots of children “running around the sprawling lawn. It can’t be more magnificent than that — sort of heaven on earth.” And for a late-night snack? Considering the clan’s photographed penchant for junk food, mini bags of McDonald’s cheeseburgers, french fries, hot apple pies and shakes flown in. It would satisfy the kids — and show the newlyweds’ sense of humor. “You’re drinking and you smell that oily McDonald’s? People live for it. People clap for it sometimes when we bring it out.”

The entertainment: “Amazing acts like U2 and Elton John— just great bands that are also among their friends.” Guests are going to “get down and dance.”

By Darice

David Tutera wouldn’t be surprise if the couple chose a private island, or a rain forest.

PLANNER: David Tutera, whose celebrity clients include Los Angeles Clipper Chris Paul and Shannen Doherty

The locale: A “very exotic” venue that is most definitely not in the USA. “They’re so international. Think about the time they spend together as a family and as a couple. It’s not in the States. … Doing it in America sort of to me goes against who they are.” So think private island, “up on a mountain or in a rain forest” — a “challenging destination” for paparazzi to reach.

The guest list: 100-150 friends and family. “Nobody in the business.”

The vibe: “Very Bali”: copious quantities of candles; local organic food that’s indigenous to the setting; dark wood tables adorned with “lots of incredibly interesting almost artifacts,” such as foliage-filled bowls; earth-hued flowers in greens, oranges, khakis, coppers and champagnes. The look is “very tropical, but not kitschy tropical … pretty but not prissy, not girly-girl.”

The entertainment: “Someone you would sit and enjoy,” like Adele. “I don’t really see this as a dancing party.” Likewise, forget those cliched “I do”-uttering traditions. “The first dance, the throwing of the bouquet — I see them not doing that at all.”

By Walling McGarity

Diann Valentine thinks the couple should make a long weekend of it, with breakfasts, but no cake.

PLANNER: Diann Valentine, whose celebrity clients include Usher and Tameka Raymond, Jennifer and Eric Williams of Basketball Wives, Martin Lawrence, Toni Braxton, Evelyn Lozada of Basketball Wives and NFL player Chad Ochocinco

The locale: Their own private island, such as the $75,000-per-night Calivigny, off the coast of Grenada. The French colonial- and Balinese-style main house boasts 10 suites outfitted in designs by Oscar de la Renta and Richard Frinier. The price tag notwithstanding, it’s a relatively casual setting fitting the Jolie-Pitts, Valentine says. “They tend not to live a very flamboyant, ostentatious lifestyle.”

The vibe: A weekend of individual activities and group breakfasts and parties, including the most important bash of them all: the wedding, but the guests — and kids — wouldn’t know when they were saying “I do” until the moment it happens. The ceremony itself? A stripped-down affair “definitely” devoid of bridesmaids, groomsmen attendants, ring bearers and wedding cake — “none of that foolishness.” The cuisine, whipped up by private chefs from different regions of the world, would pay homage to the children’s homelands, from Africa to Southeast Asia. The décor would be “very sleek, very clean”: teak furnishings, neutral fabrics, seagrass mats — no “ugly white vinyl” tents. The goal? For guests to “walk away with a greater appreciation for something bigger than the USA.”

The guest list: “Very small and intimate”: 50-75 family members and friends.

The entertainment: “A very eclectic mix of music that is not about celebrity but more so about their personal taste,” representing the same cultures their family hails from. So think African dance troupe or choir plus opera singer plus, perhaps, Coldplay.

“By pretending to have a terminal illness, Vega inexcusably took advantage of the community’s hearts and minds, and profited off of their generosity,” said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. “Our office will hold this individual accountable for fleecing the public through lies and deception.”

Brides can shop vintage and contemporary wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses and accessories for insanely below retail.   They say they have “buckets of Vera Wang heels” and vintage dresses and gowns.     So if you’re a bargain-lovin-bride-to-be, head to Broadway and 96th St. on Saturday April 14th, and shop til you drop! 

But make sure you save a little energy to report back to us on your great finds!

Baldwin’s fiance, Hilaria Thomas, 28, was born in Mallorca, Spain.  She’s a yoga instructor and co-owner of New York’s Yoga Vida yoga studio.    The couple lives together in SOHO, but have been spotted frequently around the Hamptons.  

As for the ring — we heard it’s spectacular but we’ll share details as soon as we have them!   

From the portal, you can explore unique wedding venues, including beaches, wineries, mansions, and banquet halls.  And listen to this:  You can request price and availability quotes from the venues you’re interested in.   With the free “Request a Price Quote’ option on the site, you can fill out a brief form, including the wedding date, type of facility you are looking for, and estimated number of guests, and they’ll send it out to facilities to get price quotes for you.   Thinking about having your wedding reception or ceremony someplace unique? Find information on Long Island’s wineries or stunning Gold Coast Mansions, Long Island’s famous beaches, lighthouses, the aquarium, the aviation museum and more.

You can also explore transportation options, book accommodations for overnight guests,  and find other wedding services — including us, www.GettingMarriedonLongIsland.com, under Wedding Services — special offers and discounts to help you plan your perfect day.

While on the website, order a free planning guide to receive a printed, full color guide to see the traditional and non-traditional spaces Long Island has to offer. This 98-page facilities guide provides detailed information on meeting, hotel and reception venues, including description, capacity, services, photos and contact information.

1. NYC (Manhattan): $65,824

2. Chicago, IL: $53,069

3. NY Metro (Long Island, Hudson Valley and NYC Outer Boroughs): $50,087, $46,560, $40,356

4. Northern/Central NJ and Southern NJ: $46,600, $38,103

5. Rhode Island: $41,307

6. Santa Barbara/Ventura, CA, and Los Angeles, CA: $37,823, $37,690

7. Philadelphia, PA: $37,014

8. Boston, MA: $35,560

9. Southern Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas): $34,465

10. Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland: $34,203

11. Connecticut: $33,789

12. Baltimore, MD: $32,702

13. Northern, CA, San Diego, CA, and Orange County/Inland Empire, CA: $32,261, $30,482, $29,826

14. Hawaii: $31,461

15. Pittsburgh, PA: $29,703

16. Louisiana: $28,790 *New to Top 20 List in 2011

17. Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, and Austin/San Antonio, TX: $28,717, $27,459, $27,735

18. California/Nevada (Sacramento, Tahoe and Reno): $28,028

19. Lehigh Valley/Poconos, PA: $27,339 *New to Top 20 List in 2011

20. Detroit, MI: $27,017 *New to Top 20 List in 2011

What’s interesting this year is that Long Island has moved down to #3 — whereas in the past, it’s always been just below New York City.    Is your Long Island wedding budget anywhere close to this figure?

“For the first time since 2008, wedding budgets are on the rise,” said Carley Roney, cofounder of The Knot. “In 2011, one in five US couples spent more than $30,000, and 11% spent more than $40,000 on their weddings. Our research shows that couples and their families are less concerned with the economy and are increasingly comfortable investing more in the once-in-a-lifetime occasion of their wedding.”

2011 Wedding Statistics

– Average Wedding Budget: $27,021 (excludes honeymoon)

– Most Expensive Place to Get Married: Manhattan, $65,824 average spend

– Least Expensive Place to Get Married: West Virginia, $14,203 average spend

– Average Spent on a Wedding Dress: $1,121

– Average Marrying Age: Bride, 29; Groom, 30

– Average Number of Guests: 141

– Average Number of Bridesmaids: 4-5

– Average Number of Groomsmen: 4-5

– Most Popular Month to Get Engaged: December (16%)

– Average Length of Engagement: 14 months

– Most Popular Month to Get Married: September (15%)

– Popular Wedding Colors: Blue (30%), Purple (25%), Green (24%)

– Percentage of Destination Weddings: 24%

 Does your Long Island wedding fit into these statistics?  We want to know — please leave a comment here…

If you or someone you know is engaged to be married anytime between April-July and would be interested in participating in a Food Network pilot where you’ll be able to test out different kinds of foods, please get in touch asap.  Email your names, wedding date, a brief paragraph on your love story and how you are both foodies, along with a photo to
danielle.gretz@leopardfilms.com.

Requirements:
Engaged couple who are FOODIES and who are getting married any time between April-July!

Wedding Dress In: Coy coverage

Out: Dare-to-bare necklines Although designers have been creating dresses with sleeves for years, Kate Middleton has brought the trend mainstream. Don’t consider long sleeves your only option. Think: capelets, illusion sleeves, sheer backs and even a bolero for a demure wedding day look that’s all your own. “Every bride wants a gown and wedding that is uniquely ‘theirs,’” says Randy Fenoli, star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress and fashion director at Kleinfeld Bridal New York. “They no longer desire to be that cookie-cutter bride, but wish to express their individual style and taste.”

Wedding Style In: Country-chic, waterfront weddings and Napa nuptials

Out: Vintage everything.  Some of the most recent celeb weddings offer style ideas that step away from the overdone vintage theme. Be inspired by Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth’s country-chic wedding that took place at her rustic ranch, where guests were seated at long wooden tables, served mustard-grilled chicken and herb-roasted lamb and danced to the sounds of a bluegrass band. Reese even donned a pair of cowboy boots when it was time to hit the dance floor. If water and sun are your wedding day must-haves, take a cue from Brooke Burke and David Charvet, who exchanged vows on a 77-foot yacht in St. Barts with an intimate guest list and ended the night by sending a handwritten message in a bottle out to sea. Wine lovers? Look to the Napa nuptials of Seth Rogen, Tamera Mowry and Nikki Reed for influence.

Wedding Food In: Global meats

Out: Bacon, bacon, bacon.   2012 is all about expanding meat options beyond steak and chicken, and while bacon is a flavor classic that showed up in a ton of weddings last year, it’s time to move on. “Lean global meats like goat, kangaroo, antelope and horse will be big,” predicts Peter Callahan, creative director of Peter Callahan Catering, whose clients include Will Smith, Kelly Ripa and Regis Philbin. “Nothing takes on Moroccan, Mexican, Greek and Middle-Eastern flavors better than goat!”

Wedding Cake In: Hand-painted designs

Out: Towering tiers.   Having an over-the-top wedding cake actually tower over the bride a la Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries is so 2011. Skip the desire to break a Guinness world record for the tallest cake and concentrate on the detailing. Buddy Valastro, owner of Carlo’s Bakery and star of TLC’s Cake Boss predicts, “In 2012, hand painted designs will give brides a new medium to add detail and personality to their cakes. Whimsical designs can be painted on top of fondant, and can be as subdued or as bold as the bride wants.”

Wedding Flowers In: Textural, leafy bouquets

Out: Giant colorful bouquets.  When it comes to bouquets, don’t be afraid of green. Think: mixed greenery with lots of texture such as bupleurum, hellebores, green hydrangeas and green dianthus for a monochromatic arrangement of lush foliage that differs from the traditional floral bouquet. Even incorporate greenery into your bridal party look like Kate Moss did with lush, green head wreaths worn by her bridesmaids. “Bouquets that are textural and interesting, yet not busy are in for 2012. Remember, it’s about you, then the dress, then the flowers. Not the other way around,” says Todd Fiscus, owner/creative director of Todd Events, whose clients include Tony Romo, Eli Mannng and Jay-Z.

Wedding Invitations In: Dual-purpose interactive invitations

Out: Ribbon and buckle embellishments.   Thanks in part to Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo’s airplane ticket wedding invitation to their Necker Island nuptials, dual-purpose interactive invitations are on the rise. “Airline ticket invites for destination weddings, invites that double as fans for an outdoor affair and comic book save-the-dates that tell the engaged couple’s story are definitely in for 2012,” predicts Ceci Johnson, founder and creative director of Ceci New York, who’s designed invitations for Diddy and Katherine Heigl.

Wedding Photography In: Stylized postwedding shoots

Out: Trash the dress sessions.   Trash the dress photo sessions where a bride steps back into her gown postwedding to swim in the ocean or play paintball with her husband have definitely run their course. In for 2012 is the stylized postwedding dress session–a photo shoot wearing your dress, but this time restyling your look with chunky colorful jewelry, sultry makeup, wild hair or any completely different look than what you walked down the aisle in. “Maybe it’s the accessories that didn’t make the wedding day cut, or the hairstyle your mom didn’t approve of that you’re now able to rock in a restylized postwedding shoot,” says Robert Evans, celebrity photographer for Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise and cofounder of WeddingPhotography411.com. “It’s like the bride gets to style and star in her own magazine spread.”

Wedding Videos In: Bride-to-be roast videos

Out: Choreographed bridal dance videos.   Definitely out in wedding videos this year? The choreographed bridal party dances we’ve seen time and time again to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Chris Brown’s “Forever” and even Justin Bieber. Expanding beyond the popular “Sh*t Brides Say” YouTube video, brides are having a blast making fun of the silly (and sometimes ridiculous) things they’ve said and done during their wedding planning via Comedy Central-style roast videos. We won’t be surprised if more of these videos pop up at bachelorette parties where bridesmaids have the opportunity to “roast” the bride-to-be as a fun send-off before her big day.

Wedding Registry In: Charity registries

Out: Reckless registries.   If your registry includes things like a $1,200 serving spoon, $500 teapot and nothing under $100, you’re sure to upset more than a few of your guests. Instead of registering for the most expensive items you can find and not considering your guests, take a cue from Kate and Wills and create a charity registry. “At a time when most couples are feelings so thankful for what they have, the Charity Donation Program on WeddingChannel.com provides the perfect opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate,” says Amy Eisinger, associate editor of WeddingChannel.com.

Location:     The Inn at New Hyde Park, 214 Jericho Turnpike
Date:              Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Time:             6:30-9:30 p.m.

Reservations are a must, so call right now — 516.354.7797.