• The sparkly sequins of the Classic Sparkles – I Do glimmer in white and  pink
• The jeweled Bailey Button – I Do has a genuine Swarovski crystal button
• The ultra-indulgent shearling covered Fluff flip-flop – I do charms in white or baby blue

 We enjoy UGG boots on occasion, but would you really wear these on your wedding day?

Tic Tac mints come in a variety of flavors, including the colorful new Fruit Adventure flavor.   For more info, click here.

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.

Q:  Hi Claudia,  I am planning on getting married in June 2013 and am already getting overwhelmed about the amount of money I will have to pay for just one day.  Is it reasonable to have a budget of $20,000 for an entire wedding on Long Island?  Where are places that we can cut costs?  We are looking at all sorts of venues such as catering halls, museums, and loft spaces.  Catering seems to be expensive everywhere.  Do you know of any reasonable caterers?  Thank you for your help!

A:  Erin, I hear the anxiety in your note.   And I can assure you, that even though Long Island is the third most expensive place in the U.S. to get married with budgets exceeding $50,000 these days, it’s possible to have a less costly wedding.   Having said that, the catering hall will take a large chunk out of your $20,000. but here is the key — it all depends on how many guests you want to have, and on the type of wedding you want to host (formal multi-course dinner or buffet-style?).   So my best advice to you is to first determine how many guests you want to have.  Make a list with your fiancee and then go back and whittle it down to a reasonable number.    The budget and your guest list will then determine what sort of space you can really afford. 

And there are many ways to save money — June is high wedding season and you’ll pay for it.   Are you flexible then?  Can you have your wedding off season, when catering halls offer less expensive rates?   A Sunday early afternoon wedding is always cheaper than a high-demand Saturday night wedding.   Forgo a formal meal and instead have a cocktail luncheon reception.   Visit trunk shows for discounts on your wedding gown or maybe someone in your family has a gently used wedding gown you can alter.  In this Celebrations.com article that I wrote, you’ll find decorating cost saving tips. And keep it simple — you, your fiance and your guests will have a memorable day no matter what the budget.   Our best wishes!!

Fifth Avenue, NYC, 212.764.3040

Simone Carvalli May 4-6

Avant Bride-Headpieces and Accessories May 10

Ines Di Santo May 18-20

Boutique De Voile-Headpieces, Veils and Accessories May 31

Ines Di Santo June 29-July 1

Carle Place/Westbury, NY, 516.742.7788

Lazaro May 4-6

Avant Bride-Headpieces and Accessories May 9

Ysa Makino Bridal & Evening Wear May 18-20

Boutique De Voile-Headpieces, Veils and Accessories May 30

Tina Di Martina Evening June 8-10

Now, I realize that finding cool favors that are elegant and also practical can be a daunting task when you are wedding planning.    So because our mission is to help you, guess what?  We found great wedding favors at American Bridal.

American Bridal has over two decades of experience in the wedding industry, and they offer a huge assortment of wedding favors and wedding favor ideas for all kinds of themed weddings.  And their prices are reasonable! Just look at some of these adorable ideas –

This Sofia collection cooler tote is perfect for a beach-themed wedding.

Personalized mint tins are practical and elegant.

For something blue and/or nautical, votive candles!

Q:  Hi.  I’ve been engaged for around a year now, and I’m in no rush.  I’m thinking about June 2014.  I know that’s wedding season and I can’t get over the idea of spending so much money on just one day.. I feel like I’ve heard of someone having an outdoor ceremony with drinks and pastries after.. I want to have something a little more than a ceremony for people and so I can still have pictures with friends and family, I just don’t think I want to have a reception…We live in Suffolk county, any suggestions?  Thanks

A:  Katie, I love your question.   Many brides today feel cultural and social pressure to have the perfect wedding and that usually means spending lots and lots of money.  Long Island is the third most expensive place to get married in the country and weddings can run upwards of $50,000 here. 

What I usually tell couples is this:  if you have money to spend lavishly, do it.  You are only getting married once and if it will not break the bank so to speak, have the wedding reception you envision.   But for couples who have other financial priorities (and there are many these days), there’s no reason to cave to what you think might be expected of you.   Therefore, if you don’t want to spend a great deal of money on a wedding reception, please don’t.   A small, private ceremony followed by cocktails and sweets or a few hors d’oeuvres is perfectly fine!   The point is, whatever you do to commemorate this special occasion will be memorable for years to come.  So follow your heart and your wallet!  

One such Long Island professional is G.E. Masana, who has photographed about a thousand weddings, including some for magazine editors, cinematographers and fashion designers.   Just take a look at his website.  Click around and you’ll quickly agree that G.E. isn’t just a photographer, he’s an artist.

And he’s running a special offer for engaged couples on Long Island.  Here’s what he says:

Lastly, check out this really lovely post he wrote on behalf of our blog…And yes, he took those great headshots of me!   (Told you he’s an artist!)

Kept under wraps during a twelve-month design process, the ring is worth an estimated $500,000, according to jewelry expert Michael O’Connor.  It features emerald-cut diamonds “of the finest quality which was then transformed using Pitt’s unique designs, cut with distinctive faceting to a shape and size that perfectly suits Angelina’s long, slender fingers,” jeweler Robert Procop’s rep explained to Us magazine.

“Brad Pitt remained heavily involved, overseeing every aspect of the creative design process from the perfect cut of the diamond centerpiece – an elongated tablet shape – to the finishing touches such as the mounting of a galaxy of smaller stones which are graduated in size and faceted to match, adding a crowning lustre to the ring,” the rep continued.
Not to be catty, but ick.  We think this ring is rather mannish.   Add a few links to the band and some numbers to the main diamond and it could be a watch. A man’s one, at that.
Ladies, feel free to chime in.   

And while we’re at it — Angie, we know you spend a lot of time shlepping your brood around the world, but girl, take five and get a proper mani!