The Bottom Line
There are wedding planning books that feel like textbooks, and then there are those that are delicious treats. Jo Gartin's Weddings: An Inspiring Guide for the Stylish Bride is one of the latter, illustrated with beautiful pictures, breezy to read, and full of chic ideas.
Pros
- Strikes a good balance between perfection and achievable
Cons
- No helpful checklists or charts
Description
- Easy-to-use ideas – from lavish to inexpensive
- Tips on flowers, table setting and menu ideas that you can use for your wedding and dinner parties
- Look for: 4 different ways to style and personalize each of 2 dresses by designer Monique Lhuillier
Guide Review - Jo Gartin's Weddings: An Inspiring Guide for the Stylish Bride
Jo Gartin, a Los Angeles wedding designer, is also a contributor to such publications as InStyle and Vogue, and has helped such celebrities as Courtney Cox Arquette, Brook Shields, and Molly Shannon plan their weddings. But don't think every idea in here costs a million dollars or requires a top wedding planner's expertise to pull off! One of my favorite sections takes four dresses bought for less than $500 a piece, and shows how to customize them easily and inexpensively. And there are tips that don't cost a thing – such as simple yet elegant layouts for your wedding invitation text. Of course she's got the fun splurges in here too such as creative welcome gifts for guests, gorgeous flower arrangements and invitations, and fun menu ideas.You'll still want to buy a textbook and use the internet heavily, as this book is merely a starting point of inspiration. It lacks rules of etiquette, helpful charts, checklists and worksheets, and practical advice like getting things in writing. But what it lacks in those areas, it more than makes up for in others. I think this would be a great "congratulations on your engagement" present for almost any bride.
