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...
Wedding Registry Basics
Wedding gifts are intended to be substantial and long-lasting. By putting items on a gift registry, you help narrow the field of choices for your guests. Best of all, registering for gifts means that you will receive items that you really want and, in some cases, really need. 
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...
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 ...
Buying a Wedding Dress
Most brides find their wedding dress at bridal salons, but you can also look in vintage-clothing stores, consignment shops, and outlet stores. Customarily, a bridal salon will require an appointment to ensure that you get expert personal attention. Take someone with you, but not an entourage; too many opinions detract from the most important one...
Wedding Favors
Giving a favor is a joyful gesture, expressive of your gratitude and happiness for your guests' presence on this special occasion. The best wedding favors are exercises in elegant simplicity, beautiful things that are not too taxing to plan, make, or fit into the budget. They are among the wedding's most appealing elements and one of the easiest...