Wedding Resources: Books and Links

All of the details involved in planning a wedding can be quite overwhelming. Here are some helpful books and online sources that will make organizing and executing your big day a little easier:

In Print

Bridal Bargains and Cyber Bride
A very good book to help you plan your wedding is "Bridal Bargains" by Alan and Denise Fields. It costs $14.95 and the published is Windsor Peak Press. Click on the links below if you would like to visit the web site for the Fields (bridalbargainsbook.com)or other favorite web sites that Alan Fields suggested for finding designer dresses at discount prices.

Wedding Etiquette: Cherished Traditions and Contemporary Ideas for a Joyous Celebration, by Peggy Post ($27.50; Harper Resource, 2001). The great-granddaughter of etiquette-maven Emily Post offers modern advice and definitive guides to everything from announcing your engagement to carrying out the last detail of the reception.

Vera Wang on Weddings, by Vera Wang ($60, Harper Resource, 2001). Can’t afford a Vera Wang original on your special day? Buy her book instead. Bridal couture maven Wang offers an examination and explanation of the whole event, from proposal to honeymoon. The designer and former Vogue editor’s gowns and design ideas are displayed in Paolo Roversi’s photography — sublime eye candy.

The Everything Jewish Wedding Book, by Helen Latner ($12.95; Adams Media Corp., 1998). Written by the author of The Book of Modern Jewish Etiquette, this book covers it all, whether you’re planning a contemporary or traditional Orthodox ceremony.

Jumping the Broom: The African-American Wedding Planner, by Harriette Cole ($19.95; Henry Holt, 1995). Written by the fashion editor of Essence magazine, this guide and its companion volume, Jumping the Broom Wedding Workbook ($16.95), illustrate how African-American traditions and heritage can be incorporated into today’s wedding preparations and festivities.

The Best of Martha Stewart Living: Weddings, by Martha Stewart ($50; Clarkson Potter, 1999). This guide to an oh-so-perfect, very Martha (of course) wedding includes a six-month calendar; pockets for contracts, cards and swatches; plus a wealth of information for preparing every step of a flawless wedding. You can also visit her Web site at www.marthastewart.com.

Easy Wedding Planner, by Elizabeth and Alex Lluch ($29.95; Wedding Solutions Publishing Inc., 2000). A concise guide to everything from planning your ceremony to wording the invitations. Includes wedding planning software.

The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Being a Groom, by Jennifer Lata and Mark Rung ($7.95; Macmillan USA Inc., 1999). A helpful book containing everything a groom needs to know about planning and surviving a wedding, with tips on arranging the honeymoon along with relationship advice.

Online

www.ultimatewedding.com

This site includes popular ceremony readings, explanations of wedding customs and traditions, a bridal-shower guide, a list of songs often played for the father-daughter dance, etc. It’s quite interactive, with discussion boards and chats and places to post your own wedding photos and stories about the proposal.

www.weddinglinksgalore.com

One-stop surfing for bridal accessories, national and regional beauty-and-health products and shops, books, gown manufacturers, bridal shows, gifts and much more. You can get relationship advice here, or book limousines or helicopters, if that’s your fancy.

www.theweddingpages.com

WeddingPages posts not only a directory of wedding services, but also a store locator that will give you maps and driving directions to the wedding professionals near you. An international bridal-show directory lists shows in 32 states.

www.theknot.com

The Knot has a bevy of useful tips and search capabilities. In addition to all of the traditional advice, the site helps you keep track of guests lists and RSVPs online, and offers a free online budget calculator.

www.modernbride.com

After decades as the newsstand staple for brides-to-be, Modern Bride magazine offers interactive planning tools and registry information at its new Web site. Couples can direct guests to this site for registry information and a personal wedding info Web page for the lowdown on their special event.