Rating: Summary: Vera Wang has outdone herself again and again... Review: As an event designer, Ms. Wang's book is the most thorough, simple and elegant book I have ever read pertaining to the topic of weddings. She has covered all the important topics that every bride is curious to know. I enjoyed reading every page and admired every picture. The book was so good that I'd finished it in one sitting. Since then, I'm still admiring the book and have re-read all the topics 5 times. She is an amazing designer to say the least. Ms. Wang is no doubt the leader in the wedding gown design industry. A must have for every bride-to-be to read and enjoy before her wedding day. Everything about the book is elegant and chic, just like the clothes she designs. Ms. Wang, you are uncomparable!!!
Rating: Summary: A beautiful coffee-table style book with some helpful info. Review: As other reviewers have said, this is a gorgeous book. It's very oversized--larger even than most coffee-table style books--and has lovely pictures throughout which cover every aspect of wedding celebrations. Included, of course, are many samples of Wang's own work as a bridal gown designer as well as photos from her own wedding. As a wedding planner, however, this book is less useful. Although Wang does include her own commentary, some of which is interesting and helpful, there really isn't enough information for the book to be used as comprehensive planner. Furthermore, the organization of the book is somewhat confusing, as it does not follow a typical wedding planning chronology. Despite these issues, brides-to-be and others are likelyto enjoy this book, if only to "look at the pictures."
Rating: Summary: A beautiful coffee-table style book with some helpful info. Review: As other reviewers have said, this is a gorgeous book. It's very oversized--larger even than most coffee-table style books--and has lovely pictures throughout which cover every aspect of wedding celebrations. Included, of course, are many samples of Wang's own work as a bridal gown designer as well as photos from her own wedding. As a wedding planner, however, this book is less useful. Although Wang does include her own commentary, some of which is interesting and helpful, there really isn't enough information for the book to be used as comprehensive planner. Furthermore, the organization of the book is somewhat confusing, as it does not follow a typical wedding planning chronology. Despite these issues, brides-to-be and others are likelyto enjoy this book, if only to "look at the pictures."
Rating: Summary: Complete, but for the vows and music... Review: check out Katherine's wedding scene in Defenders of the Holy Grail (skip the rest of that novel if you want). Really, Wang's book is very thorough and will help you, although it's a bit pricey....
Rating: Summary: Not only astonishingly beautiful, but astonishingly useful Review: Fashion mavens know Vera Wang as the designer behind the wedding gowns of such famous folk as Karenna Gore, Sharon Stone, Kristi Yamaguchi, and more--and VOGUE readers throughout the 1980s and early 1990s remember that she served on the editorial staff there. But those who consider Wang to be little more than a dress designer--however talented a dress designer she may be--will be not only pleasantly surprised, but astonished at Wang's accomplishment in the form of this book. "Vera Wang on Weddings" just may be the only wedding book any bride will ever need. Clocking in at nearly 300 pages and a hefty 10" by 13.5", this is a substantive book not only in size and weight, but in information as well.Expecting Wang to help you out on choosing a gown? She doesn't stop there. She gives you the benefit of her vast wedding experience on topics ranging from choosing engagement and wedding bands to coordinating flowers with other decorative elements at the wedding and reception to wedding cakes to music to the formality inherent in wedding ceremonies held at different times of day and in different types of venues. Her expertise is enormous and detailed, but she doesn't pelt you to death with bits of information--the lay-out is such that it's easy to pick and choose what you want to learn more about without being deluged with other information. There is information here that I've never seen in another "bride guide." Sure, it's easy enough to find out all the different veil lengths if you want--ranging from fingertip to cathedral to royal and every length in between--but what other book shows you, in detail, the twenty-six (twenty-six!) different types of necklines? Or the twenty-three different types of sleeves? What other book takes into account different personal styles in such a clear-eyed manner (asking the reader if she is a modernist, a minimalist, a traditionalist, and so forth)? Wang covers second-time brides, pregnant brides, military weddings, and even gives every bride permission to relax no matter what her age or any other status: "White is always appropriate." And so it is. The book couldn't be handsomer. Harper Collins did Wang proud by having art and design director Bridget de Socio in charge of the book. It's clear that an enormous amount of thought and effort went into making "Vera Wang on Weddings" not only useful--first and foremost--but a feast for the eyes as well. The paper is heavy and creamy--subtly echoing perhaps the duchesse satin of a bridal gown--interspersed with occasional sheer pages. The sheer pages feature lovely photographs of all kinds of different items, from slender kid leather gloves to sparkling rings to butterflies and rose petals. Through these photographs, you then see the next page of regular paper. The effect is transforming, and subtly echoes the manner in which a sheer bridal veil helps put into motion the age-old metamorphosis from woman to bride.
Rating: Summary: Disappointing Review: Quite frankly, I expected more from this book, particularly from the photos that were used. As a wedding florist, I have seen many of the photos in other publications and was disappointed at what seemed to be laziness in obtaining and creating original ideas and examples. The information is wonderful and very helpful. Vera Wang certainly knows the wedding fashion industry quite well. But, if you are looking for fresh, new ideas and have a large selection of wedding guides in your collection, you will see lots of overlap.
Rating: Summary: breathtaking Review: This book belongs in your collection if you love beautiful things.The design of the book gets a 10.Put it on your coffee table it certainly does not belong in a book case it needs to be enjoyed and experienced.Vera capures the very essence of what a wedding, is the fairytale without the tackiness.the photograpers seem to capture the heart and soul of all the couples featured.There is a section at the back that features her garments-beautifully shown in black and white-they are art forms on their own.Buy it for someone this christmas and see how they respond(they will love you)
Rating: Summary: Delicious Review: This book breathes Vera Wang. The team that assembled this clearly understood her design philosophy: deceptively simple, clean lines, creative craftsmanship and of course, finest quality. The book has a large format, about 10" x 14", that showcases the glorious photos wonderfully well. It has the feel of a chic, glossy, fashion catalogue with much more of an artistic edge. For example, throughout the book, there are a few translucent vellum sheets with images of jewels, crystal goblets, or lace veils printed upon them that are beautifully superimposed over images on the following page. Very nice effect that is done occasionally on wedding invitations or programs. Vera Wang covers not only fashion, but all aspects of wedding planning in nicely formatted, concise text that does not compete with the collages and full-page spreads that are an elegant visual testimony to her own wedding celebration as well as those of celebrities, royals and socialites. There are several familiar photographs of her gowns which were used in ads, but the layout of the book makes them feel larger than life. You can almost feel the buttery satin of an ivory gown and almost see the changing glitter of a crystal beaded bodice in the light. Her appendix includes thumbnail sketches of necklines, sleeves, skirt shapes and veils. She also includes a very practical page on tipping! In my own planning process, this was my favorite "inspiration" book. Even if you're not getting married, looking at this book is a pleasurable experience from the great cathedral aisles to the lusciously decorated cakes. Actually, this is probably the least expensive way to immerse yourself in Vera Wang style!
Rating: Summary: As Luxurious and Elegant as Her Designs Review: This book breathes Vera Wang. The team that assembled this clearly understood her design philosophy: deceptively simple, clean lines, creative craftsmanship and of course, finest quality. The book has a large format, about 10" x 14", that showcases the glorious photos wonderfully well. It has the feel of a chic, glossy, fashion catalogue with much more of an artistic edge. For example, throughout the book, there are a few translucent vellum sheets with images of jewels, crystal goblets, or lace veils printed upon them that are beautifully superimposed over images on the following page. Very nice effect that is done occasionally on wedding invitations or programs. Vera Wang covers not only fashion, but all aspects of wedding planning in nicely formatted, concise text that does not compete with the collages and full-page spreads that are an elegant visual testimony to her own wedding celebration as well as those of celebrities, royals and socialites. There are several familiar photographs of her gowns which were used in ads, but the layout of the book makes them feel larger than life. You can almost feel the buttery satin of an ivory gown and almost see the changing glitter of a crystal beaded bodice in the light. Her appendix includes thumbnail sketches of necklines, sleeves, skirt shapes and veils. She also includes a very practical page on tipping! In my own planning process, this was my favorite "inspiration" book. Even if you're not getting married, looking at this book is a pleasurable experience from the great cathedral aisles to the lusciously decorated cakes. Actually, this is probably the least expensive way to immerse yourself in Vera Wang style!
Rating: Summary: Very lovely it is, but not very useful Review: This book is a beautiful piece of publicity for Vera Wang but the scope of content is rather myopic. I enjoyed seeing the brides Vera Wang has dressed, but was pretty disappointed with the amount of actual content for those planning a wedding. The book as a graphic piece is exciting and wonderful; the use of overlays is ethereal. But if one is trying to get to the details of wedding planning in anything but a very formal city affair, one should seek a different resource. The guidelines are far too sparse in this one.
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