The Perfect Wedding

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring yet practical
Review: A good "getting started" book for those who just got engaged. Creative ideas for modern weddings - table settings, room decorations, floral arrangements, wedding favors, and more. Exquisite still photography helps to inspire --- And, if you liked any of the ideas in the book, she has a good-sized Resources section at the back of the book. There, you can find the necessary contacts in order to replicate some of the ideas for your own wedding.

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring yet practical
Review: If you need help and inspiration in planning your wedding there's no better guide than Maria McBride Mellinger. Of all Maria's books, The Perfect Wedding is still the one to buy for everything you need to know to plan and bring off a wonderful day. Don't bother with anything else. The Perfect Wedding Reception (also by Maria) is good but too much of it is already covered better and in more depth in The Perfect Wedding. I used several books to plan my own wedding (and my sister's) and kept coming back to this one for Maria's inspiring yet practical ideas. I especially love her bouquet ideas.

Rating:
Summary: Lovely to look at while dreaming of your wedding, but...
Review: If you recently became engaged and delicate visions of blossoms, lace and bubbling champagne are as yet unhindered by the actual planning process, then this would be a very nice idea book for you. It would be a much appreciated gift for a newly engaged friend.

I consider it a beautifully bound magazine without the annoying ads and pull-out tabs. The advice given on flowers, caterers and musicians is not much more substantial than what you'd find on the newstand, but the difference lies in the quality of the photographs.

The photographs are truly stunning - each are infused with incredible light. The most useful, I found to be those of flower arrangements. This can be used as a partial reference when going to the florist. I also enjoyed some of the decorating ideas for table settings. But remember, it's not extensive. As mentioned by another reviewer, the resource section might not list vendors in your area, and there are no website addresses.

If you want an equally, if not more eye-catching bridal volume with more detailed advice, try The Best of Martha Stewart Living : Weddings.

Rating:
Summary: Great foundation for planning
Review: This book is beautifully done. Some of the photos and ideas are definitely high-end (as other reviewers have noted), but the book also gives very practical advice about what kinds of questions to ask yourself and businesses as you plan your wedding. (You can adapt their ideas to your own budget.) Information is given on everything from engagement rings, to floral arrangements, to types of receptions. This book is most helpful if you're at the beginning of the planning process.

Rating:
Summary: Truly beautiful AND truly useful wedding guide
Review: This book is so gorgeous that the words are almost unnecessary. I love the floral arrangements!! It also gives wonderful ideas for formal weddings, receptions, invitations, rings, dresses, the works. The pictures alone are worth the price--very reasonable when compared to Colin Cowie's or Martha Stewart's wedding manuals.

Rating:
Summary: Martha Stewart move over!
Review: This book ought to replace Martha Stewart's former "Wedding Bible" on the subject! It is full of ideas and great information on planning modern, elegant, and sophisticated yet personal weddings. As a photographer (in fact a small contributer to this book) and as a former bride, I wish I had seen this book before I planned my own wedding. Though I photograph weddings and have seen some of the most beautiful weddings imaginable, Maria has a breadth and depth of knowledge and sources that overwhelms even me. I congratulate her on a well researched and beautifully presented book. I own and contribute to many such books and this one is simply the best

Rating:
Summary: Classy
Review: Very classy & sophisticated decoration ideas for those who have money to spend; however, ideas can be adapted to your style and budget; sharp still photography; useful book that walks you through the finer points of planning a wedding - from the engagement all the way to the wedding favors.