Let's face it: weddings are a lot of work. They take a lot of time, energy and resources to make everything line up just right. And I should know, since I'm currently in the middle of planning my own wedding (June 20, 2020 here we come!) Luckily NPL has something that will help you through each phase of planning.
General Ideas and Decor
For me, this is the hardest part. "Take all 40 of these quizzes to find out your wedding style!" "Look at 156 ways to create an aisle runner!" "Scroll through these Pinterest picks for 6 hours!" The possibilities are endless, and whittling down the design and feel of your wedding to perfectly capture you and your partner's ever-lasting love can having you feeling like Sisyphus rolling the stone up the hill for eternity. But you know what works for me? Limiting my choices. Start with a few books like The Knot's Yours Truly. This book has photos from real life weddings broken down into themes like modern and rustic. It also has some DIY projects in the back of the book that can be modified to fit your needs.
Etiquette
Should you invite your second cousin's new boyfriend? Who walks down the aisle when? How do I keep Mama Hatfield from arguing with Mr. McCoy? I would say go with your heart and do what you want, but if you're one to stick to the traditions, don't listen to this Emily. Instead, check out Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette. This has been the definitive text on wedding etiquette for almost 100 years, and she leaves no question unanswered. The newer version has even been updated by her great-granddaughter to include excellent information for the 21st century.
Flowers
I'm going to scream if I see one more ball-shaped flower arrangement in a mason jar. No shade if that's your style, but I just know that that's not me. I'm all about bright colors and sprawling vines, and arrangements that look natural and wild. In other words, I want my centerpieces to be Romantic. If you too long for centerpieces that look like something William Wordsworth stumbled upon while wandering the countryside, I highly recommend Ariella Chezar's work. Her books are filled to the brim with gorgeous blooms and great arranging advice, as well a seasonal guide to flowers.
Honeymoon
Don't get me wrong: the wedding day itself will be a joy, but we all know what we really want. After months and months of planning and preparation, it's honeymoon or bust. Whether you've opted for a low-key staycation or an all-inclusive escape to paradise, Lonely Planet's The Honeymoon Handbook is an excellent resource. It has sample itineraries, tips on how to plan it yourself, and even how to find the perfect honeymoon for both parties.
Happy Planning!
