Most of my friends agree that one of the best parts of award season is watching the red carpet arrivals. From hair and makeup to glamorous gowns and exceptional accessories, there’s a wealth of ideas to be gained from watching celebs strut their stuff. Here’s a few of our favorite looks from last night’s Emmy’s:

White Doesn’t Have to Be Basic

January Jones and Olivia Wilde take classic wedding hues to a new level with intricate gowns that combine architecture, movement and grace.

Backs that Make a Splash

Kate Walsh and Jennifer Morrison had gorgeous gowns that looked just as stunning from the back as they did from the front. This is particularly important for a bride who will spend much of the ceremony with her back to the guests in attendance.

Jewel Tones Are Chic as Ever

We love the way Julia Louis Dreyfus and Mary Louise Parker let their jewel tones pop by keeping their silhouettes simple and timeless. Keep this in mind for bridesmaid’s dresses they will be willing to wear again!

Big family events like weddings tend to bring up some touchy issues. Whether your father refuses to speak to your Aunt Edna, your mother is still livid with your cousin Jane or you haven’t spoken to your sister since last Christmas, nothing will force family grudges to the forefront like making a guest list for your wedding.

According to this interesting article on Divine Caroline, holding on to grudges isn’t just bad for your big day. The stress of staying mad at someone has the same negative effects on your health as the stress you encounter at your job, leading to problems like high blood pressure, a suppressed immune system and hair loss.

If the thought of losing your hair or feeling ill throughout your wedding planning doesn’t make you want to clear the air, consider the fact that it only takes one angry relative to set off a fight that could threaten the serenity of your entire event.

Don’t start your happily ever after with a cloud hanging over the day. If you’re holding on to a grudge, try some of these tips from Divine Caroline to begin to let go. If the angry party is someone you are close to, forward them this article with your heartfelt hope that they can clear the air and help you celebrate in peace.

• Figure out what’s making you dwell on the issue in the first place. Talking it out with an impartial third party or writing it down can help you sort through and understand your emotions.
• In whatever form forgiveness comes, remember that it’s not the same as forgetting, which is something that might never happen. The memory can last, but if you’ve truly forgiven someone, its ties to residual anger should be severed.
• Becoming cognizant of a grudge’s ill effects on your life makes holding on to one seem all the more pointless.

Although tradition dictates that a bride’s parents should host her engagement party in their home, modern couples seem much more apt to take matters into their own hands with an engagement party that’s chic, unique and planned to delight their guests.

One of the best ways to ensure that everyone has a great time at your engagement celebration is to encourage guests to mingle by setting up your event in one of these charming and casual atmospheres with engagement party invitations to match:

• The Wine Bar: Perfect for an adult-only affair, wine bars offer a range of appetizers and a wealth of libations for your guests to share. If that doesn’t get them chatting, nothing will!

• Your Backyard: Host an afternoon barbecue or string up lights for a sweet, starry celebration in your own backyard! Your guests will love the intimate setting.

• The Park: Let the kiddies run wild with a daytime soiree in a nearby park. The outdoor setting will encourage guests to sprawl on picnic blankets while they talk about what a great couple you make.

• A Champagne Brunch: Pick your favorite hotel or cafe and crowd your loved ones inside for a sweet little brunch to celebrate your love. You are sure to make lasting memories over eggs and mimosas!

• Your Favorite Restaurant: What better way to share your style as a couple than to host your event at your favorite restaurant or the location of your first date?