January is the month of new beginnings, making it a perfect time to plan or hold a wedding. In this issue of the Bridal Planner, we celebrate innovation, or putting new spins on old themes.

For our cover story, we decided to do our own version of “Sex and the City” bridal fashion — an idea inspired by the movie coming out in May. We also present new twists on reception menus, the latest trends in invitations, a fresh look at white dresses and a modern-day fairytale wedding, complete with castle.

Something sexy (and the city)

OK. We admit it. We at the Bridal Planner are die-hard "Sex and the City" fans. So, when rumors and photos leaked out in October that our favorite fictitious sex columnist, Carrie Bradshaw, was possibly getting married in the "Sex and the City" movie, due out May 30, we went into major "Omigod" mode. What in the name of all that is de rigueur would our Manolo Blahnik-strutting queen of couture and her crew wear for such a major event? (Jan 20, 2008)

White off the rack

Not every bride wants to look so, well, bridal. For them, great dresses can be found (Jan 20, 2008)

Photos: White off the rack

It's a family affair at Oheka Castle

Home is where the heart is and, for Kelly Melius, where the wedding is. Not a bad idea, considering she lives in a French-style château in Huntington. Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate is the second-largest private residence in America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Jan 20, 2008)

Invitations can preview wedding style

Patricia Baricevac, 33, of Farmingdale wanted the invitations to her wedding in September to reflect her style: traditional with some flair. (Jan 20, 2008)

Photos: Wedding invitations

Culture flavors the wedding menus

In ways both dramatic and subtle, food at wedding receptions nowadays features the unexpected. (Jan 20, 2008)

Stunning local spots to tie the knot

Imagine exchanging vows amid the serene beauty of woodlands or the grandeur of a majestic mansion that exudes Old World charm. Or celebrating your love in a lush vineyard or among works of art adorning museum walls -- or perhaps in an intimate country club setting with panoramic views of rolling green hills or proud bluffs. Long Island offers plenty of stylish wedding locales beyond the traditional catering hall that tap into the area's scenic beauty and unique terrain. Bridal Planner highlights some of the region's top spots to tie the knot. (Jan 20, 2008)

'27 Dresses'

Most garden-variety romantic comedies end with a wedding. Not to be outdone, "27 Dresses" is filthy with weddings. There are Jewish-Indian weddings, "Gone With the Wind" weddings, New York seaport weddings. There is line dancing. A platter of pigs-in-a-blanket makes a brief, but critical appearance. (Jan 18, 2008)

3-D Picture