Introduction 1
Part I: First Things First 7
Chapter 1: First Steps to a Wedding to Remember 9
Chapter 2: Avoiding Those Wedding-Bill Blues 23
Chapter 3: Making It All Legal 39
Part II: Be Our Guest 51
Chapter 4: Venue Victories: Finding the Ideal Location 53
Chapter 5: By Invitation Only 73
Chapter 6: The Weekend Wedding 107
Chapter 7: Creating a Foolproof Wedding-Day Schedule 119
Chapter 8: Other Creative Celebrations 129
Part III: Ceremony Survival Guide 141
Chapter 9: Attending to Your Attendants 143
Chapter 10: Sensational Ceremonies 159
Chapter 11: Selecting the Perfect Florist and Arrangements
191
Chapter 12: Music to Get Married By 207
Part IV: A Rousing Reception 215
Chapter 13: Get Up and Dance 217
Chapter 14: What’s on the Menu? 231
Chapter 15: Let’s Drink to That 247
Chapter 16: A Piece of Cake 265
Chapter 17: Setting the Stage 275
Part V: Gifts, Garb, Pics, and Trips 299
Chapter 18: Greed Expectations and Registry Realities 301
Chapter 19: And the Bride Wore 313
Chapter 20: Rings That Rock 347
Chapter 21: For Posterity: Photos and Videos 359
Chapter 22: Handling the Honeymoon 377

Marcy Blum (New York, NY), is the co-author of previous editions and a world-renowned event planner who has orchestrated lavish functions for Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Billy Joel and Katie Lee, the Rockefeller family, and Regis and Joy Philbin. Blum is recognized by such publications as New York magazine, who named Marcy their first (and only) ‘Best Wedding Planner.’ She frequently contributes her expertise in food, entertaining and decorating as a writer for In Style Weddings, Town & Country, and?Modern Bride. Blum is often featured and called upon as an industry leader for Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, People, and Brides, and has hosted segments on?The Today Show, Good Morning America, Live! With Regis and Kelly, Dateline and Top Chef.