THE BRIDE'S GUIDE: Preston Bailey's Celebrations

Bridal lovelies, everyone needs a little inspiration when planning their wedding. There are many places to look... almost too many places. But one reliable source for inspiration is Preston Bailey. His book "Celebrations" is full of amazing photographs to get your creative juices flowing. If that's not enough, visit his fab web site.

BRIDAL GIVEAWAY: Party Like A Rock Star

I have a copy of the fabulous Jes Gordon's book "Party Like a Rock Star" to giveaway to one lucky bridal lovely! Her book is all about how to throw that unforgettable party that your friends will be talking about forever. In the book, you will find some fab tips and tricks on how to stay on budget, figuring out your concept, choosing great locations, creating an amazing space, and much more.

Here's what you need to do, bridal lovelies:

• Leave a comment on this post
• Tell me who (first name only) threw the best party that you have ever been to and why (keep it brief)
• Be sure to include your email address in the post.
  

I will choose the best answer on Friday at 6 p.m.

You MUST include your email in the post in order to be considered.

Good Luck!

My Man: Colin Cowie's Wedding Chic

Everyone knows that I LOVE Colin Cowie. Some folks follow celebrities, I keep up with Colin Cowie...LOL! He is simply divine. I love how he can make anything beautiful on any budget. Well, the man has a new book (I am ordering it today) which is the crafted after his super fabulous Colin Cowie Chic. Wedding Chic is organized into chapters covering all of the celebration—from bouquets to cakes and food, invitations to dresses and reception décor. It is a must have.

Tao of Wedding Planning: Part 2 - The Best Planners

The key to wedding planning to is to have some great tools to keep you organized. The thing that kept me organized was an excel spreadsheet that I created. But if you don't have that kind of patience, there are some wonderful planners to help you stay on track. Here are some of my picks:

Town & Country Wedding Planner


Viva el Amor: The Latino Wedding Planner, a Practical Guide for Arranging a Traditional Ceremony and a Fabulous Fiesta
by Edna R. Bautista



Jumping the Broom, Second Edition: The African-American Wedding Planner
by Harriette Cole


Sara Miller, Peter Pauper Press (absolutely fabulous organizer and keepsake)
I have this one!


Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Brides
by Ariel Stallings


The Anti-Bride Wedding Planner: Hip Tips and Tools for Getting Hitched
by Carolyn Gerin, Kathleen Hughes, Amy Glynn Hornick, Kathleen Hughes, Amy Glynn Hornick


Martha Stewart's Keepsake Wedding Planner (Ring-bound)



Check List for a Perfect Wedding: The Indispensable Guide for Every Wedding
by Barbara Lee Lee Follett, Loulie Hyde Sutro, Loulie Hyde Sutro


The Knot! Enough said.


Busy Bride's Essential Wedding Checklists
by Sharon Naylor


Peggy Post's 4th Edition of her wonderful planner



Lovely Regional Planning books

Minneapolis/St. Paul


Seattle


Dallas


Boston


Houston


New York


San Francisco


Chicago



Los Angeles