Our Style. I do! Boutique opens Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 11AM ET.

We love “I do’s” with a point of view. Right now, we’re concentrating on three different – and equally stunning – wedding styles. And we looked to wedding guru Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty for expert advice on how to take each style to the next level.

Individual
Top photo, credit: Sarah Yates
If the two of you have always been known to march to the beat of your own drum, then why wouldn’t you bring that unique style into your wedding day? It could be vintage, modern, or something totally wild. This is the no-rules, anything-goes, off-the-beaten-path guide to wedding planning. What makes you guys tick? (Not just as individuals, but as a couple.) Jot down a few things. If you try to incorporate everything that makes you awesome you might get a little overwhelmed. Instead, pick a couple of the most important elements and incorporate those into everything from the food to the favors.

Maybe you are super down-to-earth and love all things boho chic. Unorthodox flowers and super yummy food might be the way to go. And if you’re super crafty and creative then get down and dirty with loads of DIY details. This is your moment to get as crazy and kooky as you want! Don’t forget to let your wedding party be themselves, too, by showcasing their killer signature styles.

Traditional Chic
Middle photo, credit: Samm Blake
The trick to putting together a fabulous, traditional-chic wedding is to not lose yourself in all that tradition. Choose the practices and elements that are important to you, your fiancé, and your families. Find little ways to showcase your personality and style with details that are oh-so-you, like bringing in pieces from your own collections of artwork or books.

Starting off with an elegant, soft palette will really set the tone for a classic affair. Add in some metallic touches and loads of candlelight for a feeling of opulence and romance. But don’t be afraid to add touches of your favorite colors for a little “wow” factor! Traditional doesn’t have to mean boring or run-of-the-mill. Find a venue steeped in history and elegance like an Italian castle or 100-year-old country club. Put your handsome honey in a black tux, don your dream dress, and you’re ready to go!

Sleek & Modern
Bottom photo, credit: Docuvitae
As much as we love endless amounts of details, less can be more when it comes to creating a sleek and modern wedding. It’s about updating the elements of a traditional wedding and, of course, adding your own personal twist.

The key is finding the ultimate setting: A trendy, intimate affair is right at home in a totally hip loft with chic, white furniture. An architectural masterpiece can be the ideal backdrop for an urban extravaganza. Minimal décor will enhance the space. Try an understated color palette of white, green, and grey, but pair it with some unexpected design pieces like our favorite ghost chairs. You can also glam up an understated gown with gold jewelry and a to-die-for succulent bouquet.

Let us count the reasons we love weddings: the flowers, the cake, and (hello!) the dress. And then there are the reasons we don’t: ambiguous dress codes, cookie-cutter Mother-of-the-Bride ensembles, and the inevitable etiquette conundrum. So we turned to Abby Larson, founder and editor of Style Me Pretty, to take on our Facebook fans’ toughest wedding questions, all in preparation for our Style. I Do! wedding Boutique. Here, you’ll find everything wedding – from bridal gowns to guest’s gifts. So save the date (January 20), and in the meantime, read up on this expert advice.

What to wear to a January 29th wedding in cold, snowy Maine? — Jacqueline C.
The #1 priority is something warm! But you may have more options than you think. Our New England-er advice is to layer. What might start off as a chilly trip to the church might end up as a fun night on the dance floor, so you definitely want an outfit that’s flexible.

Consider a dress that’s a little heavier material than your average flowy cocktail dress – maybe even something with sleeves. Pair it with a great pair of tights and you’ll be one happy camper. We LOVE this look for a snowy soirée. We’ve seen tons of tights on SMP lately - one of those trends that we hope is here to stay. Consider adding a cute sweater or tweed jacket and you’ll be layering in luxe style.

About the shoes. There are so many amazing boots. (You can totally rock a pair of dressy boots to a winter wedding!) But if boots just don’t work with your dress, toss on your cute heels once you arrive.

What are some good do-it-yourself personal touches you can add to your wedding? I’m curious about tablescapes, décor, and flowers. — Katie F.
So many possibilities! DIY is a great way to add some personality to your wedding day. As with any wedding-related project, you should be realistic about your timeline and budget. If you’re a crafter/designer, you might be willing to take on every single style element of your big day – from your invitations to your flowers, and maybe even your wedding dress.

If you love the idea of doing a DIY project yourself but aren’t totally in love with turning your apartment into a construction site, consider a couple smaller projects that don’t require quite as much time and elbow grease, like stir sticks or favor bag labels. You can easily download the template, cut out, and create.

Destination wedding in March in Costa Rica… suggestions on gifts for my 25 guests? — Briana L.
We’re HUGE fans of welcome bags. This is such a fun opportunity to let your personality shine through. It’s also a great way to give your guests a little taste of the local flavor and help set the tone for the wedding. Toss in some yummy treats and definitely add an itinerary, a map, as well as a list of area activities and restaurants.

If you want to do a favor or gift for everyone at the reception, try incorporating something you love about the area where you’re getting married. Maybe you’re a coffee lover. Guests would love a small bag of a local blend. Or give a gift that’s special because of what it represents to you – a donation to a charity would be appropriate.

How much money should I spend on a wedding dress?! — Dilara T.
You should only spend as much as you’re comfortable with. You wouldn’t believe how many possibilities there are when it comes to your wedding dress. We’ve definitely seen our fair share of gorgeous gowns, and we can honestly say that there is something out there for everyone and every budget. Many designers now make alternative bridal lines at several different price points.

If you’ve made the designer bridal circuit and you’re not finding the just right dress, you can also consider having something custom made or altered. We had to pretty much pick our jaws up off the floor when we heard that this bride’s dress was made of shower curtains. YES. Shower Curtains. We’ve also seen lots of beautiful gowns handed down through generations.

Tell us about shoes – the high, the low, and the inbetween. — Countless (footwear-loving) Facebook fans
When it comes to shoes, the possibilities are endless. And yes, that’s even the case if you’re tall and looking for something with less of a heel. We see brides wearing cute flats and sandals every day!

There are lots of gorgeous wedding shoes out there but you don’t have to necessarily be looking for “bridal”-specific options. What brands do you love? Keep your eyes peeled for a shoe that catches your eye. The rules have changed – don’t be afraid to wear a bold flat or a jeweled sandal. (We adore the way a fun shoe pops out from the bottom of a beautiful dress.)

Should the dress code and style of the rehearsal dinner be dictated by that of the reception, or can it be totally different and independent? — Amber P.J.
Totally depends on your style and what’s appropriate for the venue. Some couples like the idea of having a super-casual rehearsal if the reception will be a black tie affair. Others prefer to make the style consistent throughout the weekend. Do what works for you!

If I have a civil ceremony, in a restaurant or hotel, with about 80 to 100 people, can I have bridesmaids? And can I wear any dress I want? I don’t like the informal dresses, but I love the new trend of kind of Spanish dresses like Rosa Clara, Pronovias, etc. Can I wear one on a civil ceremony? — Giselle M.M.L.
Yes, yes, and yes. Even designers like those make dress options that feel glamorous but won’t make you feel out of place in a more intimate setting. Do what feels right for your style. And if you want to wear a wedding gown and have bridesmaids on your wedding day, go for it!

Our Style. I Do! Boutique opens Thursday, January 20 at 11AM ET.

RUE LA LA STYLIST MAUREEN TACKLES THIS SEASON’S BIGGEST QUESTIONS

One of Rue La La’s very own stylists, Maureen, dishes on how to wear this season’s must-haves.

Q. How can I look fun and flirty but not silly at age 40?  – Julie C.
A. Just because you’re 40 doesn’t mean you can’t be cute and flirty! But when you reach a certain age, some of the sexier trends can look like you’re trying too hard, so err on the side of caution when dipping into trends like leopard or leather shorts. Why not try a fitted, skinny cigarette pant paired with a pretty, tucked-in blouse? That look can be very flirty yet sophisticated. Or, try a rich jewel-tone feminine skirt with a cashmere top. And heels always add a touch of fun and confidence to any outfit.

Q. Leopard print is everywhere, but how can I wear it and not go overboard? – Elisabeth V.
A. The thought of wearing an entire leopard dress might scare most women. But there are other ways to rock leopard. Try accessories - a leopard handbag or skinny belt is a nice addition to a neutral outfit in grey, taupe, or black. Or if you’re feeling slightly braver, a classic-cut pencil skirt in leopard paired with a black cardigan is a nice way to wear this trend.

Q. Can knee-high boots be worn to the work area? Or are those more for the weekend? – Lourdes Q.
A. I would say that knee-high boots are appropriate for many offices, but what style depends on your office dress codes. If you work in a more creative type of office, try a distressed leather boot in gray or brown. If you work in a more conservative environment, a sleeker, more polished knee-high boot in black will work nicely with a black skirt or dress.

Q. Can I wear a short black dress to a Friday night wedding this weekend?? I always feel I need to wear light colors to a summer wedding… – Mary F.
A. A black dress to a summer wedding is always a perfect choice. Just make sure the material of your dress is appropriate. If you have a daytime wedding, a shift in linen or light cotton would work. Make sure your accessories aren’t evening. Avoid sequins or anything too glittery for day. As for evening, the little black dress will work in almost any fabric (except of course a heavy wool). A bare leg and a great sandal will make the black dress look more summery. Don’t forget a pedicure, too!

Q. What will be the hottest color and trend for autumn/winter?? – Shari D.
A. It seems that jewel tones were popping up all over the fall runways. Try colors that are intense with rich tones like amethyst, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. If you shy away from brighter colors, you’ll be happy to know that neutrals like camel and grey are huge for fall 2010. Also, wearing monochromatic colors head to toe is another color trend. Try a dress in red with matching tights and lipstick. Being matchy-matchy is also on-trend for fall.

Q. I love that lace is in, I personally love to wear it on nights and weekends, but how can I incorporate it into my work wardrobe without it looking too lingerie-ish? – Anna K.
A. I think lace is a nice addition to your work wardrobe. Try a lace top or blouse under a blazer or cardigan. The hint of lace is the perfect subtle touch for the office. Even a lace skirt with opaque tights and more casual oversized sweater would be a refreshing change for your fall wardrobe.

Q. I LOVE the idea of jeggings! But I’ve never bought any due to the face that I have no idea what size I would wear! I would love it if you guys could tell me the best way to determine my size/fit, if they run small, big, etc. – Amanda T.
A. Jeggings normally should run true to size. But don’t forget they are a straighter, skinnier fit, so sometimes that means going up a size so it sits comfortably on the waist without digging in and causing the dreaded muffin top. But also keep in mind that most jeggings have Lycra in them and are more stretchy than regular jeans and therefore have more give to them.

Q. I just bought a Valentino lace tote, but what in the world can I wear it with without feeling like I’ll be wearing black every day? – Olga C.
A. Mixing textures and patterns is a big trend for fall 2010. So embrace the combination of lace and wool or lace and tweed. It’s fresh and fashionable. Your lace tote would look great with a lush camel coat. Or try a chunky wool oversized sweater in grey. Another nice combination would be the femininity of the lace tote mixed with a menswear Harris Tweed blazer.

Q. What can I wear over-the-knee boots with so that they don’t make me look like a streetwalker? – Rebecca D.
A. The trick is to balance the look with a more casual and less-fitted outfit. Opaque ribbed tights in grey with a cute wool mini and a chunky sweater would complement an over-the-knee boot in a distressed leather.

Q. Am I just wishful thinking, or are glittery shoes “in” this fall? – Brittany B.
A. Gold and glitter are very much a trend this fall. If you love glittery shoes, wear ‘em! You could try the sock and shoe trend that is big for fall as well by wearing a thin sock with them.

Q. What type of legwear will be in style this fall and winter (i.e, opaque tights, sheer pantyhose, tights with patterns, etc.)? – Michelle M.
A. A variety of legwear is a huge trend for fall and winter. Socks with sandals are big. Opaque tights in grays, blacks, and even white are looks spotted on fall runways. Sheer black hose looks great for evening looks. We love the look of a thicker scrunched sock peeking out of an ankle boot. Ribbed tights in a variety of colors like grey, burgundy, and camel are also a fresh look for fall.

Got more vexing style questions? Post them here or on our facebook page and we’ll get you some stylish answers.