People always ask me, "What's a WEDDING RESOURCE CENTER?" And I always say, "It's a place where brides can peruse through the latest wedding books and magazines, pick up vendor information and flip through photo albums and other local vendor's work at their leisure. Basically, we're a wedding library, jam packed with info for the bride-to-be." Brides spend HOURS pouring over wedding ideas and trends... I love watching brides grab a cup of joe, sit at one of our glass tables with a large stack of wedding books and jot down pages of notes on things they've read and been inspired by.
With over hundreds of wedding books, where do you start? Here's my All-Star-Top-10-Must-Read Wedding Book list... in no particular order!
1. The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World: The Ultimate Source of Ideas, Advice, and Relief for the Bride and Groom and Those Who Love Them by Carley Roney
Brides are seriously addicted to The Knot and it's no wonder! Carley Roney is a wedding mastermind and theknot.com is an excellent source of bridal knowledge. This book is like having an experienced wedding consultant right at your fingertips.
2. Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette by Peggy Post
The ULTIMATE cross reference and an essential for avoiding those bridal etiquette missteps -- everyone needs a little help on getting it right. Why not take it from Miss Manners herself?
3. Bridal Bargains, 9th Edition: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget by Denise Fields and Alan Fields
Everyone's on a budget these days, but I still believe fabulous can be done with a little bit of creativity! The newest edition of Bridal Bargains is your consumer report to cutting expensive corners and saving major moolah.
4. The Engaged Groom: You're Getting Married. Read this Book. By Doug Gordon
I always say... GET YOUR GROOMS INVOLVED! A mix of humor and practical advice for grooms -- this is one wedding book he'll actually ENJOY reading.
5. The Everything Green Wedding Book by Wenona Napolitano
I'm a die hard "Goooo Green" fan so being an eco-conscious bride is always A-OK in my book! Get ready to plan the green wedding of your dreams.
6. Diary of a Mad Bride by Laura Wolf
A hilarious read for anyone who's been involved, directly or indirectly, by the madness of a bridezilla. Brides, when you're in the midst of the insanity, remember - it could always be worse. Enjoy the moments brideys!
7. All About Us by Philipp Keel
This is a book of lists... first date, first kiss, favorite movie... but with a twist. You complete your lists, he completes his and then you have to complete each others. How well do you really know your groom? You'll soon find out! My tip? This book was designed to be fun... don't throw a tantrum if he forgets your favorite flower!
8. The DIY Bride by Khris Cochran
Tips and advice on how to D.I.Y. = Do It Yourself in wedding lingo! Perfect gift for the crafty bride...
9. The Best Wedding Reception Ever by Peter Merry
This book will seriously help you plan the BEST wedding reception ever! I was turned on to this read by a DJ friend of mine and it truly has a ton of fabulously fun ideas on how to make your reception memorable in every single way. Let's get this party started!
10. Wedding Belles by... me!
And last but not least, how can I forget about OUR wedding book that just hit bookstores in January 2009. Our book written and designed for local brides complete with stories from real brides and grooms on popping the question, their favorite photographs, bloopers and more! Brides rule! This book is the ultimate must-read for anyone getting hitched in Hawaii.
