Top Bridal Books for 2012

4 of the latest and greatest tomes for wedding planning

Thu., Jan. 19, 2012

Anna Sachse CTW Features

“The Wedding Planner & Organizer by Mindy Weiss (Workman Publishing, 2012) Ms. Weiss may be a wedding planner for the likes of Gwen Stefani and Ellen Degeneres, but now you can think just like her for only $28.95. Her über-practical three-ring binder has sections for everything from getting a grip on the big picture and determining a budget, to nailing down the dress, location, rentals, menu, music, photography, licenses, and more, plus tools, checklists, spreadsheets, and timelines galore. “Matthew Robbins’ Inspired Weddings: Designing Your Big Day with Favorite Objects and Family Treasures” by Matthew Robbins (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2012) From Martha Stewart’s wedding expert extraordinaire, this gorgeous guide demonstrates how to use beloved objects (such as a vase or oranges) to build a spectacular and personal big day aesthetic. Along the way you’ll get hot tips for putting your own twist on quintessential design elements like fresh color palettes, showstopper florals, and innovative table settings. “The DIY Bride An Affair to Remember: 40 Fantastic Projects to Celebrate Your Unique Wedding Style” by Khris Cochran (Taunton Press, 2012) In this crafty and cost-conscious collection, the creator of DIYBride.com and author of two other DYI Bride books presents 40 new projects for making your I Do’s more meaningful. Organized by themes, such as Sand & Sea and Bright Lights, Big City, you’ll find fabulous how-to’s for save-the-dates, programs, favors, decorations, and beyond. “Be the Man: The Man Registry® Guide for Grooms” by Chris Easter (Alpha, 2012) Written by the co-founder of TheManRegistry.com, this irreverent but informative read takes guys on a tour of everything they need (and actually want) to know: budget-and-your-bride-friendly engagement ring shopping, wedding duties for dudes, how to select your groomsmen, registering for gifts, the new rules for epic bachelor parties, and, most importantly, how to plan a stress-free and luxurious honeymoon.

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