Customer Reviews

The Perfect Wedding

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

Maybe I bought this book too late in the planning process, but I just didn't find it very useful. Yes, it had beautiful photos, but nothing that I could really relate to -- the weddings pictured in the book are definitely way high-end! And while the photos were very beautiful (I especially loved the foam-board chuppa that looked like a piece of scenery from an operetta!), there was precious little nitty-gritty "how to" content. Also, I felt pretty cheated that the entire second half of the book is nothing but a listing of vendors, most of whom are (a) not in my area and (b) VERY expensive. Basically, this big fat expensive wedding book is really only HALF a beautiful picture book, and half a pretty useless phone directory! So buy it for the photos if you like, but be warned it's not much of a bargain.

I was very disappointed with this book. Yes, the pictures are beautiful to look at, but the author does not show how to create the looks yourself. Instead, after every vague idea she lists, the book directs you to contact your wedding planner, florist, caterer, highly-paid local artist, etc. Personally, I prefer Martha Stewart because she gives directions and templates that allow you to create the beautiful things YOURSELF, without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a professional. I suggest you save your money on this book and just subscribe to Martha Stewart Weddings.

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found some of the ideas in it very useful. I liked the suggestions for gifts for the bridesmaids as well as wedding favours for the guests. I was disapointed that a large section of the book was used to give the addresses of various wedding vendors as I live in South Africa and am unable to utilise them.

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.

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.

I never thought I'd have much to say about a wedding book (I have been amazed at a whole lot of my behavior since becoming engaged), but this book has been really helpful - worth the $40! It is beautiful, realistic, elegant, very informative, and has a terrific regional resource guide in the back. We found various ideas and even a couple of vendors/designers through this book. Although the judgment of anyone who spends her time writing a review of a book about weddings (who am I? where am I?) is questionable, I do recommend this book to anyone who has become similarly insane (ok, and wants a beautiful wedding)

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.

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.