Features

From Their Mouths to Your Ears

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

Bouquets on a Budget

Beautiful. Aisle-worthy. $200 or less.

Beyond the Plain

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

Fancy Finger Food

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

The Day Of

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

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.

Style Guide

Searching for the One

This is the fun part—picking your favorite dress from the 72 beautiful gowns here.

Dream Catchers

Ethereal gowns for a fantasy day.

Bows Shrink

Large and floppy last season, this time bows are small and sweet.

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 By Land, 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.

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. Plus, the music that got everyone out of their seats.

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

How one couple’s family and friends contributed to an awesome backyard bash.

The Honeymoon

Honeymoons on the Cheap

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