Table of Contents

Summer 09 Weddings

Cover Story
On the Cover: Photographs by Andrew Eccles for New York Magazine. Market by Aja Mangum. Hair by Shalom Sharon for Oliver Piro. Makeup by Angie Parker for Oliver Piro. Veil by Suzanne Couture Millinery, $450; diamond studs by Marisa Perry, $39,000; bouquet by Erin Halley Events & Productions, price upon request.
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Ask the Experts

  • The Gown Designer

    “We design for the woman who doesn’t want to go through the fuss.”

  • The Planners

    “We pride ourselves on not using walkie-talkies. We blend.”

  • The Photographer

    “The engagement shoot is necessary. I get to know the couple’s angles. Everyone has a sweet spot.”

  • The Floral Designer

    “When walking down the aisle, hold your bouquet low, with blooms pointed out, at a 45-degree angle.”

  • The Caterer

    “Whatever you do, don’t try to save on servers. An understaffed wedding does not run smoothly.”

  • The Stationer

    “Avoid ribbons, bulky pockets with inserts, and boxed invitations. Stick to two dimensions.”

  • The Registry Pro

    What would the owner of a cool Brooklyn design collective put on his list? The Future Perfect’s David Alhadeff plays house.

The Reception

  • Some Fresh Air

    The city’s top planners pick the best venues for a party under the sun—from splurges within reach to total steals.

  • Under the Big Top

    No two ways about it—a tented wedding is an expensive venture. Event designer Frank Alexander advises how to have one for a little less.

  • Get Married on Thursday

    And nine more ways to reduce venue-related bills.

  • Looks for Less

    Knockoff venues? Not really. But close.

  • How It All Adds Up

    Personalizing a loft comes at a price—but it doesn’t have to be sky-high.

  • It’s a Trade-off

    Favors for $500 or dance lessons for the same amount? Below, a little game of which-would-you-rather.

  • Don’t Forget to Tip!

    Who gets gratuity, and how much? Planners explain.

  • Pretty, Yes. Pricey, No.

    Event designer Jung Lee of Fête explains how to do black tie on a budget.

  • Parties for Peanuts

    High-end event designer David Stark plans two unique celebrations—each on a budget of $25,000.

  • Funkytown!

    A collection of bumping, hip-swinging, fist-pumping moments on the dance floor.

  • Strike a Chord With Everyone

    An eclectic mix of D.J.’s, musicians, and singer-songwriters’ fail-safe dance tunes.

  • Grand Finales

    Cakes for all personalities and pocketbooks.

  • It Took a Village

    Click to see how one couple’s family and friends contributed to an awesome backyard bash.

Style Guide

The Honeymoon

  • Honeymoons on the Cheap

    Carefree escapes for two—from the Jersey Shore to the South China Sea.

The Album

  • Retro Party Beside the River

    A shared passion for Argentine tango led Yuli and Keith to cross paths.

  • Formal Gala in the East Forties

    Bill had read about the restaurant One If , Two If By Sea and its reputation as a hot spot for wedding proposals.

  • Musical Bash in the Caribbean

    Before deciding to marry in Jamaica, Valery and Chauncey considered New York.

  • Dinner and Dancing in Queens

    It didn’t start out as a wedding. “We wanted a fifth anniversary party,” says Justin.

  • Budget Celebration in Brooklyn

    When it came to setting a date, the third time proved the charm for Kait and Robin.

  • October 26: Sam Restarts His Wedding Diet

    One New York couple’s save-the-date—164 days of TMI.

Features

  • Coming Soon

    From Their Mouths to Your Ears

    A group of recent New York brides spill on their wedding-planning thrills and fiascoes.

  • Coming Soon

    Bouquets on a Budget

    Beautiful. Aisle-worthy. $200 or less.

  • Coming Soon

    Beyond the Plain

    Invitations, save-the-dates, and RSVPs that won’t get lost in the shuffle.

  • Coming Soon

    Fancy Finger Food

    Sweet and savory bites from the city’s best caterers.

  • Coming Soon

    The Day Of

    Elated, jittery, calm … here, the final countdown to the walk down the aisle, from eleven brides- and grooms-to-be.