Add these planning and style books to your wedding library
Now that you have your wedding tool kit, you may want to pick up a few good reads on everything on wedding planning basics to style inspiration. Bookstore shelves are filled with dozens of wedding books, but here are the ones that make our must-read list:
The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day
Mindy Weiss, the celebrity wedding planner, has written the wedding planning bible with everything from how to announce your engagement to creating a budget to organizing every detail of your ceremony and reception. This one book will answer all of your questions no matter what your wedding style or formality is. $19.95 discounted to $13.57 on amazon.com.
1001 Ways to Save Money…and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding
The author of over 30 wedding planning books, Sharon Naylor has written on almost every wedding-related subject and this one on budget ideas is one of my favorites. Her tips include realistic ways to trim your budget as well as where you can’t or shouldn’t cut costs. You’ll save on flowers, cakes, photography, rings and more without sacrificing style. $16.95 discounted to $11.38 on amazon.com.
Martha Stewart’s Wedding Cakes
As the wedding planner in Father of the Bride says, “select a cake first … ’cause a cake very often determines what kind of wedding that you end up having.” Now while I don’t necessarily agree, I do think it’s important to choose a wedding cake that reflects the style and formality of your wedding. Remember that your wedding cake will be on display for the entire reception and is the focal point of one of the most time-honored traditions, the cake cutting ceremony. This book features more than 100 of the most beautiful cakes—in a wide range of themes and colors—from the pages of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine. $37.80, marthastewart.com
Weddings and Southern Weddings: New looks from the Old South
One of the nation’s most talented event designers, Tara Guérard, has published two books—Weddings ($12) and Southern Weddings ($19.77)—both filled with some of the most beautiful real weddings of the 21st century. Each book has unique details to inspire couples as well as Tara’s tips and tricks for creating a night you and your guests will never forget. Both available at amazon.com.
The Knot Book of Wedding Lists: The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Day, Down to the Smallest Detail
I love lists. They keep me organized and remind me of what else I need to do on any given day or regarding a specific project. Since a wedding is probably one of the largest “projects” you’ll ever under take, it’s important that you don’t forget one of the many to-dos on your task list, and The Knot Book of Wedding Lists ensures that you won’t. You’ll find detailed lists on every wedding topic—budgets, vendor meetings and day-of details—so your big day is sure to go off without a hitch! $12.99 discounted to $9.67 on bn.com.
Anne Chertoff is the author of The Wedding Organizer available at russellandhazel.com.
