Mindy Weiss - The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day

By Mindy Weiss

with Lisbeth Levine

WORKMAN PUBLISHING NEW YORK

Copyright 2007 by Mindy Weiss and Lisbeth Levine

Illustrations copyright 2007 by Bunky Hurter

Cover photos: Wedding rings Shutterstock; Dish set w/flowers Envision/Corbis; Gift box Southern Stock/Getty Images; Envelope Guy Ryecart/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images; Flowers (front cover) c

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproducedmechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopyingwithout written permission of the publisher.

eISBN: 978-0-7611-5270-5

Thanks to B&J Fabrics/Karl J. Meyers for the lace swatches on .

Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
225 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014-4381
www.workman.com

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.

M.W.

CHAPTER 1
Spreading the News

Telling your nearest and dearest 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

CHAPTER 2
Creating the Budget

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

CHAPTER 3
A Date & Place

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

CHAPTER 4
Building Your Team

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

CHAPTER 5
The Guest List

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

CHAPTER 6
Planning the Ceremony

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

CHAPTER 7
Making Memories

Photography styles Color or black and white? Going digital Finding the talent Interviewing a photographer Creating a shot list Videography styles What to look for in a demo tape Interviewing a videographer Budget cutters The photography and videography contracts

CHAPTER 8
Planning the Menu

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

CHAPTER 9
Music & Dancing

The prelude, the processional, and the recessional The first dance Traditional dances Bands, deejays, and iPods Booking a band Interviewing a band The Do-Not-Play list The music contract Wowing them on the dance floor: Take a lesson

CHAPTER 10
Spirits, Wine & Bubbly

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

CHAPTER 11
The Nitty-Gritty

The site inspection All about tents The dance floor Porta-potties Transportation and parking A special ride for the bride and groom

CHAPTER 12
Making It Legal

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

CHAPTER 13
The Gift Registry

Registry etiquette Cash gifts and charitable donations Registry maintenance All about dinnerware, flatware, pots and pans The essentials for any new home

CHAPTER 14
Parties, Parties, Parties

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

CHAPTER 15
Saying Thank You

Timing is everything Stationery etiquette What goes in a thank-you noteand what doesnt Sample notes for every occasion Stop procrastinating

CHAPTER 16
The Dress

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

CHAPTER 17
Dressing the Women

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

CHAPTER 18
Dressing the Men

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

CHAPTER 19
Just Gorgeous

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

CHAPTER 20
The Invitations

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

CHAPTER 21
Creating the Look

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

CHAPTER 22
Favors & Gifts

Great ideas for favors A warm welcome Childrens activity packs Thank-you gifts

CHAPTER 23
The Sweet Finale

Finding a cake maker Designing a cake Flavors and fillings The tasting A cake that says you Grooms cakes

CHAPTER 24
The Weeks Before

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