Mindy Weiss - The Wedding Book: An Experts Guide to Planning Your Perfect Day Your Way

Mindy Weiss

with Lisbeth Levine

An Experts Guide to Planning Your Perfect DayYour Way

Revised and Updated

Workman Publishing New York

To my man, Robert, who I knew at age twelve would be the love of my life. Thank you for your patience.

To my sons, Jordan, Jesse, and Alex. I promise to be a great mother-in-law and not to interfere in your weddings (well, unless you want me to).

To all the brides and grooms who have allowed me to be a part of their life memories. I wouldnt have been able to write this book without all that I learned from you.

To my granddaughter Goldie Vida. Im already thinking about the day you walk down the aisle! Your GG loves you.

M.W.

Includes:

Telling your nearest and dearest

Posting on social media

A formal engagement announcement

When someone isnt happy about the news

Getting parents and in-laws together

The engagement party

An emotional time for everyone

Includes:

Talking about money

Who pays for what?

Spreadsheets and tracking systems

Allocating funds and sticking to your budget

When to spend and when to save

All about tipping

The splurge cushion

Includes:

A cost-effective month

Day-of-the-week strategies

Dates to avoid

Valentines Day weddings

Settling on a location

On-site and off

Church, restaurant, hotel, home, outdoor, and destination weddings: the pros and cons

Includes:

Do you need a wedding planner?

A timetable for hiring

Finding the best vendors

Getting the best service

Reading a vendors contract

Choosing your wedding party

The duties of bridesmaids, groomsmen, altar boys, and flower girls

Includes:

Creating the list

The plus one and children conundrum

Keeping the parents happy

Too many guests

Organizing the list

Save-the-date cards: when to send them and how to make them special

Includes:

Religious ceremonies

Nondenominational ceremonies

Same-sex ceremonies

Finding the right officiant

Ordering the processional and seating the guests

Personalizing your vows

Choosing your readings

Sentimental touches

Honoring the deceased

Lucky customs and traditions from around the world

Includes:

Photography styles

Color or black and white?

The rise of the photo booth

Finding the talent

Interviewing a photographer

Creating a shot list

Videography styles

What to look for in a demo reel

Interviewing a videographer

Your wedding hashtag

Budget cutters

The photography and videography contracts

Includes:

Buffet or sit-down: choosing a type of food service

Creating a standout menu

Something for everyoneincluding the kids

Working with the season

Including family favorites

Best splurges and budget cutters

Menus to inspire

Tastings

Interviewing a caterer

The caterers contract

Includes:

The prelude, the processional, and the recessional

The first dance

Traditional dances

Bands, DJs, and digital music devices

Booking a band

Interviewing a band

The Do-Not-Play list

The music contract

Wowing them on the dance floor: Take a lesson

Includes:

The cocktail hour

Hors doeuvres

Stocking the bar

How much will they drink?

A signature cocktail

Specialty bars

Champagne and wine: a primer

Trimming the cost

Includes:

The site inspection

All about tents

The dance floor

Porta-potties

Transportation and parking

A special ride for the bride and groom

Includes:

The marriage license

Changing your nameand telling people youve done it

Who needs a prenup? A difficult conversation

Postponing or canceling a wedding

Wedding insurance

Includes:

Registry etiquette

Cash gifts and charitable donations

Registry maintenance

All about dinnerware, flatware, pots, and pans

The essentials for any new home

Includes:

Bridal showers

Shower themes and games

Opening the gifts

Bachelor and bachelorette parties

Ten party ideas

Expectations and limits

The rehearsal dinner

Who hosts the rehearsal dinner?

The toasts

The post-wedding brunch

Includes:

Timing is everything

Stationery etiquette

What goes in a thank-you noteand what doesnt

Sample notes for every occasion

Stop procrastinating

Includes:

A game of proportion

Basic silhouettes and necklines

Tips for pregnant brides

White, Champagne, and Rum: a glossary of whites

Beyond the white dress

Fabrics and lace

Signs of quality

The train

The veil

A unique shopping experience: bridal salons, department stores, chains, and sample sales

Fittings and alterations

Foundation garments

The shoes and other accessories

Includes:

Where to shop

Pleasing everyoneits almost impossible

Figure flattery

Suddenly pregnant bridesmaids

Long-distance shopping

The alterations

Coordinating the accessories

Junior bridesmaids, flower girls, and mothers

Includes:

Basic silhouettes

The tuxedo

The white dinner jacket

The cummerbund, vest, and tie

Dressing for daytime

A good fit and how to get one

Shoes and other accessories

Rentals

Dressing the groomsmen and fathers

Includes:

Leading up to the wedding: a skin-care regimen

Last-minute emergencies

Teeth whitening

Finding a makeup artist

DIY makeup

The bridal tool kit

Looking great in photos

Working with a hairstylist

Six great hairstyles

Hair dos and donts

Stress relief

Nutrition

The pre-wedding workout

Grooming the groom

Includes:

Paper and printing

Choosing your fonts

Calligraphy

Invitation etiquette

Dos and donts

Invitation wording

Saying it right

Sample invitations

Other paper goods: place cards, menus, and programs

Creating a wedding website

Includes:

Who does what? Florists, floral designers, event designers, wedding planners, and rental companies

Designing a layout

A color palette

Flowers by season

Some foolproof wedding blossoms

Bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages

The tabletop: glassware, flatware, china, and special touches

Tables, chairs, and linens

Lighting the room

Includes:

Great ideas for favors

A warm welcome

Childrens activity packs

Thank-you gifts

Includes:

Finding a cake maker

Designing a cake

Flavors and fillings

The tasting

A cake that says you

Grooms cakes

Includes:

A bridesmaids luncheon

Creating the wedding-day schedule

The seating chart and cards

Whos toasting whom

Last-minute glitches and fixes

An emergency kit

The rehearsal

The night before the wedding

Includes:

How many people in the dressing room?

Scheduling the hair and makeup

Feeding a nervous tummy