Wedding bliss hit the magazines this month in plenty of time for spring: both Martha Stewart Living and In Style dedicated their February issues to preparations for the blessed events.

The self-proclaimed authority on doing things elegantly, Martha Stewart dedicated a section in her bridal special issue to choosing wedding bands. Noted trends: Non-traditional looks for women (rose, apricot and multicolored gold looks, pink and white diamonds, braided bands); a new and surprising variety for men's bands; eternity rings in platinum and diamonds; antiques revived. The author suggests visiting Christie's and Sotheby's for estate bargains and suggests engraving as a special touch. Tiffany & Co. Vice President Melvyn Kirtley tells MSL the important factors to consider when buying a ring: "the design, the value, the workmanship and how comfortable it is."

And if a Martha Stewart-variety wedding isn't good enough, In Style covers – in minute detail – the bridal fashion choices of the Hollywood set. Noted trends: Side stones on engagement rings (Melissa Rivers, daughter of Joan, flanked her center stone with her mother's and grandmother's diamonds); platinum and white gold; pink diamonds; station diamond drops and stack rings. Regular contributors Marion Fasel and Penny Proddow dedicate three pages to diamond-buying: the 4Cs, diamond stud earrings, the tennis bracelet, diamond shapes and CZ. Other jewelry notes: One profiled couple in MSL gave Tahitian black pearl necklaces and cuff links to members of their their bridal party; tiaras are hot, with drop earrings of the same stone suggested to match.

- by Stacey King