Wedding Decorations
Centerpieces
Fresh flowers are natural table decorations for any wedding reception. Think of your favorites first. Then consider how the flowers can enhance the mood of the party. Arrangements of elegant roses or painterly calla lilies in silver vessels may dress the tables at a formal wedding, while a cluster of potted zinn...
Wedding-Day Grooming for the Groom
Conventional wisdom holds that all eyes will be on the bride, and for the most part, they will be. But the groom will certainly have his share of the spotlight and should look his best. 
Arrange to have a haircut two weeks before the wedding to give the cut time to f...
Beauty - Hairstyle & Makeup
Choosing Your Hairstyle
Don't date yourself with a trendy hairstyle on your wedding day. Classic upswept styles - chignons, French twists, and ponytails - transcend decades. In general, it's wise to wear your hair in a way that isn't too far removed from your usual style. If you normally wear bangs or part your hair on a par...
Hiring a Wedding Coordinator
Hiring a wedding coordinator was once a luxury. Today, for many couples, it's a necessity. Planning a wedding can be a complicated endeavor, especially now that most prides and grooms don't meet and marry in the same hometown. And though both the bride and the groom usually want to be involved in making the arrangements, they are often busy with...
Wedding Invitations, Stationary & Thank-You Cards
There's more to wedding stationery than the requisite invitations. Before those are sent out, you may want to mail engagement announcements and save-the-date cards. For your wedding day, you will likely have printed programs, menu cards, seating cards, and other decorative accents. And after the event, there are thank-you notes and announcements...
The Wedding Reception
Choosing the Site
If your ceremony and reception will not be at the same location, try to choose places that are no more than a half-hour drive apart. If you are getting married in a church or synagogue, for example, you might take a look at the facilities there; some have a stately room on the ground that could meet your nee...
Wedding Music
Ceremony Music
Choosing the music for your wedding can seem like a daunting task. To make the prospect less overwhelming, think in terms of audio "snapshots": what kind of music would you like when your guests arrive for the ceremony? What song will best capture your emotions as you walk down the aisle toward you future spous...
Hiring a Wedding Photographer
The photographer you will entrust with preserving your wedding-day memories should be one of the first people you hire: Start searching at least six months ahead of time. Solicit referrals from friends and wedding professionals, and try to interview at least three photographers. With large studios, insist on meeting the person who will actually ...
Veil, Tiara & Hair Accessories
Veils
Like the gowns they are worn with, veils can be wildly romantic or simple and understated. The main requirement is that the veil suit the dress and the bride, and proportion is the major factor to consider. A short veil looks too informal with a long, elaborate gown; an extremely long veil or a multitude of tiers on a p...
Working With a Wedding Florist
The term "florist" can refer to anyone from a neighborhood-shop owner to a floral designer who oversees every detail of the decorations. Even if you plan to arrange your own flowers (only advisable if you have experience and will have a lot of help), it's wise to consult a knowledgeable wedding florist who can offer advice and provide varieties ...