Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Foreword xi
Before You Begin: The Heart of Your Wedding xiii
Part 1 Getting Organized
1 Rules of Engagement 3
2 The Big Decisions 17
3 Budgets, Expenses, and Other Practicalities 29
4 Technology and Social Media 47
Part 2 Your Family, Wedding Party, and Guests
5 Wedding Stars 59
6 Your Wedding Party 71
7 Creating Your Guest List 83
Part 3 Invitations and Stationery
8 Wedding Invitations 95
9 Invitation Wording 107
10 Envelopes and Enclosures 121
11 More from the Stationer 131
Part 4 Parties, Presents, and Thanks
12 Parties and Celebrations 141
13 Gifts 161
14 The Importance of "Thank You" 177
Part 5 Planning the Big Day
15 Planning Your Ceremony 185
16 Planning Your Reception 207
17 Wedding Traditions Around the World 229
18 Remarriage: The Encore Wedding 241
Part 6 Making It Yours
19 Wedding Attire 251
20 Flowers 267
21 Let There Be Music! 287
22 Photography and Videography 297
23 The Many Layers of Wedding Cake 313
Part 7 Your Wedding Day
24 The Wedding Rehearsal 325
25 At the Wedding Ceremony 329
26 At the Reception 345
27 After the Wedding 355
Appendix: Wedding Planning Checklist 361
Index 365