Book recommendations?

[beezygal]

Hi ladies! I thought I'll just introduce myself here.

I just got engaged to my bf of 6 years on Saturday. We don't have any plan yet since we'll be going to Hawaii for a week next week. We'll probably start planning in the fall. I'm just wondering if you ladies have any good book recommendations on planning a wedding or being a bride. I would love to read it on the plane. Thank you all!

 

[lulu66]

CONGRATS & welcome to BWW



the two books i bought after i got engaged were: http://www.amazon.com/Priceless-Weddings-Under-5-000/dp/060980460X our budget is a bit more than this but i read most of the book (skipped a few chapters that i *knew* didn't/wouln't pertain to me) & then passed it along to a friend who's budget is substantially less than this. if you are interested in trying to "save" in anyway during the wedding, i'd recommend this book.

and then i got this "planner" book: http://www.amazon.com/Instant-Weddi...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282077578&sr=1-1 honestly, i would skip the planner book purchase all together. i skimmed through this one & we looked at it for like the first 2 weeks of planning. everyone once in a while, i'll glance at it but most of this info can be found for free on the web. timelines, checklists, questions for vendors, and you can make your own spreadsheets & lists.

personally, i enjoy flipping through bridal magazines more than either of these books. i like "brides," "southern weddings," & of course "martha stewart weddings."

this is on my "too read" pile after i finish the sookie stackhouse novels, http://www.amazon.com/Commitment-Lo...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282077846&sr=1-1, not exactly about planning a wedding but supposed to be an excellent read.

 

[beezygal]

Thank you!

I will have a look at those books! Thanks!

 

[sillyberry]

I like to go to Half Price Books and pick up wedding magazines for around $2 each. Way better than full price!

 

[havernell]

I thought the book "Bridal Bargains" had a lot of practical info that other books didn't have (i.e. they rated the quality of different bridal gown and bridesmaid dress designers in terms of craftsmanship of the dresses. If I recall Vera Wang scored quite low.) It also had ideas of how to cut costs than went beyond the tired "have family and friends double as vendors" advice that you read elsewhere.

ETA- I never read it myself, but others on this site have recommended "Emotionally Engaged" which isn't about planning per se, but about how to better deal with the wide range of emotions (both positive and negative) that one inevitably experiences during the wedding planning/preparing for marriage process.

 

[jaylex]

I thought the book "Bridal Bargains" had a lot of practical info that other books didn't have (i.e. they rated the quality of different bridal gown and bridesmaid dress designers in terms of craftsmanship of the dresses. If I recall Vera Wang scored quite low.) It also had ideas of how to cut costs than went beyond the tired "have family and friends double as vendors" advice that you read elsewhere.

ETA- I never read it myself, but others on this site have recommended "Emotionally Engaged" which isn't about planning per se, but about how to better deal with the wide range of emotions (both positive and negative) that one inevitably experiences during the wedding planning/preparing for marriage process.

I LOVE Bridal Bargains!! I reference it all the time. And yes.. I do remember seeing that Vera Wang scored low... I was surprised to see that maggie sottero did as well.
http://www.windsorpeak.com/bridalbargains/news.html

I also got this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Wedding- ... 1934386405

And use it ALL the time... It's def. more an "organizer" than a "book" but I find it to be super helpful

 

[Future Mrs. Sterling]

My hair salon gets Brides magazine every month for free. When my stylist found out I was getting married, she started keeping all the magazines for me (instead of throwing the old issues out once the next month's came in) and gives me them when I come to get my hair done every 3 months. I love her and I love the free magazines even more!

I haven't bought any books - to answer your question more directly - but I've found the magazines to be helpful!