Reviews (11)

Succinct & Meaningful
Although my husband and I had been confident about our ability to express our most intimate thoughts as vows, we lacked a structure in which to fit them so that both we and our guests felt secure.With 10 days to go before our wedding, our life with 5 pre-teens/ teens was leaving us little time to prepare these most precious words.Discovering Promises to Keep on the web was a godsend.Unfortunately unavailable in Canada, the book was sent at lightning speed from the U.S.We felt immediately at ease:the book's accessible ideas, size, layout, and even font size gave us peace and the direction we needed.Our own ideas now made sense within a framework.The rituals we crafted were unique to us and our setting (a remote lake).Our vows and rituals reached out to our guests (our "community" from whom we asked support) who not only felt included and comfortable, but who felt blessed to have been part of our ceremony.A couple who do marriage counselling (and advise other counsellors) had never experienced such a meaningful exchange of vows or rituals involving guests.They and others felt compelled to tell us repeatedly how different and wonderful our ceremony was.Even our kids thought it was great!Note: We did not find an exaggerated emphasis in the book on same-sex unions.Although there are references to these alternative lifestyles, we were easily able to accept or look past them based on the quality of the idea rather than their orientation.Along with our vows, we will keep the book to refer back to in years to come.

We LOVED this book!
My fiance and I practically wore this book out in the weeks before the ceremony! We were determined to make the ceremony itself the center of the day and this book really helped us clarify our thoughts on what we wanted to promise each other. I looked at a lot of books, but this one was the only one that gave us the help we needed. Can't recommend it highly enough!

New Age Spiritualist Point of View
I was disappointed in this book, as I did not understand from the reviews that this book had such a New Age kind of slant.It talks of inviting "Spirit", not The Holy Spirit or God or Father or even The Spirit.It spends a lot of time on relationships that "other's might not approve of" - lesbian/gay relationships or previous spouses or children.This would be helpful to those who need it, but it's another part of the book (very slim) to skim if not.It does have a few pages of slightly interesting stuff for what you want your minister/officient to say; and it does ask a few pages of somewhat interesting questions to help write your vows.But none of it is very original or different, other than it's PC correct point of view, and the book itself wasn't but a few chapters long.If you like Kahlil Gibran, and want your wedding ceremony and vows to reflect this kind of view - you will probably like this book.If you want something that has a more Judeo/Christian base - you will want to look elsewhere.Out of all the wedding books to choose from - and the limited amount of money to spend - I felt this book to be very slim physically and substantively. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc    2. Marriage customs and rites    3. Marriage service    4. Planning    5. Reference    6. Reference / Weddings    7. Weddings    8. Vows    9. Wedding etiquette   

Reviews (10)

Survival guide for M.O.B!!
This book was great.It is written with humor and insight, and I probably would not have appreciated it before this adventure we call "being the M.O.B".It is definately worth every penny.

You'll laugh, you'll cry -- you know the drill =)
This is basically an autobiographical comic short story, with wacky illustrations to add to the fun.I bought it as a Mother's Day present for my mom right after I got engaged, and we read it aloud together in our favorite spot on the front porch, passing the book when one of us was overcome with laughter -- or tears.Ilene Beckerman can really write, and she does it with devastating humor and tear-jerking poignancy as she explores -- from the front row view of the mother of the bride -- the fun, the fights, the work, the tears, the trials, and often the complete insanity that all contribute to the creation of a beautiful wedding.At the same time, she critically (and beautifully) examines the complex relationship between a mother and her daughter.This short little gem will help you remember the things you appreciate most about your mother, your daughter...or both.

A Great Gift
When my daughter became engaged, I got three copies of this book as gifts. I loved it so much that I have given away the two extra copies that I received to friends who will soon be MOBs! Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Case studies    4. Family/Marriage    5. General    6. Humor    7. Mothers and daughters    8. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    9. Planning    10. Weddings    11. Women    12. Biography & Autobiography / Women    13. Biography: general   

Reviews (16)

Helpful Money Saving Ideas
I have looked at/read a number of `how to' wedding planning & idea books. Many have the same information, but this book did have some additional ideas. I am an older, second-time bride, therefore, I don't have friends whom have recently married to ask for help or recommendations. The author did list ideas that I had not thought of and I did find many of the suggestions for saving money helpful. One idea I plan to look into is renting a nice automobile for the weekend, instead of a limo for the day. We will have a small wedding party, (therefore no need for a large limo) and I have grown sons, one of which will be happy to drive us. No need to worry about the limo and driver arriving on time, or running over at the end of the evening, or the cost of a tip. Some of the ideas in the book may seem common sense, but when you are in the middle of planning and making decisions, you may over look the obvious. The author lists many suggestions for planning ahead, so you don't have to spend more money later to correct an oversight, or mistake.
Not bad
I found some very useful ideas in this book. I would recommend buying a used copy to save a couple bucks, but it is worth it.

Dah!
This book was not helpful.It gave you ideas on how to save that were common sense.For example, cut down the guest list.Dah!!! That is obvious, the less people the less expensive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family/Marriage    2. Marriage    3. Reference    4. Weddings    5. Etiquette & entertaining    6. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (10)

Great book!!
I found this to be MUCH more helpful than "THE TRADITIONAL IRISH WEDDING" by Bridget Haggerty.Great supplement to the treasure trove of Irish wedding books.Well worth the few dollars spent on it!!!

Very IRISH!
This book is chocked-full of Irish traditions, superstions, and folklore!I am "a little bit" Irish and therefore may use a few suggestions in my own wedding.The only down-side in using this book is that there are few practical suggestions on how to incorporate the information into your wedding, so you have to use your imagination.I found it an interesting read, though overall.

So helpful; so elegant!
This is truly one of the most well-written and all-inclusive books on the topic of Irish weddings. (And I've seen most of them!)When my wife and I first discussed the idea of an Irish wedding, I must admit I expected green beer and kissing of blarney stones.I really didn't expect to have any input or interest in the plans at all.My wife's purchase of this book, while not making me an expert on celtic traditions, has given me a new vantage of the elegant and classic themes present in Irish ceremonies.This beautiful book has maintained its place at the top of our collection, and will remain there for years to come--both as a reminder of our ceremony and as an aesthetically attractive addition to our coffee table. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Ireland    3. Irish Americans    4. Marriage customs and rites    5. Planning    6. Reference    7. United States    8. Weddings    9. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (1)

Three-time bridesmaid laughed myself silly!
Before I start, I must include this disclaimer: I'm an unabashed booster of this book, as Ms. Ilasco selected five photos of weddings I shot (the "Kathy and Carla" photo is one), and four photos of weddings I was in. But I am only one of dozens of contributors to this amazing collection!
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Subjects:  1. Marriage    2. Popular Culture    3. Popular Culture - General    4. Reference    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Sociology - Marriage & Family    8. Weddings    9. Family & Relationships / Marriage   

Reviews (1)

Better books out there...
I did my homework before my recent wedding and bought three books.This one is pretty basic and didn't cover anything I couldn't find out easily online or through friends.For better resources I recommend Esquire's Things a Man Should Know About Marriage and The Engaged Groom.Both are more comprehensive, fun to read, and speak to guys better than this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Love / Sex / Marriage    3. Reference    4. Reference And Information Services    5. Weddings    6. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (2)

Good foundation for not forgeting anything
This is a short, quick book that stays on track with all the must-haves, must-asks, and must-dos of wedding planning.You should pair this with something more flowery if you want to get into the gorgeous details of your wedding, but this is a basic essential for those of us who didn't want to forget anything!I used this to make my own checklists, agendas, plans, schedules, etc. in Microsoft Word and Excel (but you can also use the book as is).
Covers all the bases and keeps you on track!!
This book covers all the bases.I chose this based on the simplicity of it when I skimmed through it.I wasn't looking for a planner, but a book that told me exactly what steps I needed to take so I wouldn't forget anything.This book covers every detail of your wedding, breaking down every task that needs to be done.It also had lists of questions that you should ask photographers, caterers, musicians, and all the other people offering serves to you.There were also song lists, which was really neat too.This book really got me started on my wedding plans.I took this book, and typed out checks lists for each month building up to my wedding date, and it's been So helpful to keep me organized and on track.Plus its so inexpensive!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. Marriage    4. Reference    5. Weddings   

Reviews (11)

GORGEOUS flower ideas for the bride
You'll get beautiful ideas for your bouquets, for the mothers' flowers, for decor and spotlight pieces. Maria McBride Mellinger has created a timeless collection of gorgeous images and explanations that will help you create your own perfectly personalized floral pieces.
A True Classic
Keep in Mind that this book is going on 15 years and it is still relevant and beautiful.This book has been part of my collection since 1995.I work in the industry and still draw from this book.It is a thin book, but it has a strong impact.

Bridal Flowers
Great work - I'm a florist and I am constantly gathering information for my artistry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bridal bouquets    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Flower Arranging    4. Flower arrangement    5. Gardening/Plants    6. Love / Sex / Marriage    7. Wedding decorations    8. Weddings    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Flower Arranging    10. Floral crafts   

Reviews (6)

not all that great
too much junk
For the couple who can plan a wedding without a planner
I'm getting married in about ten weeks, and I just bought this book yesterday.I went to a bookstore (sorry, Amazon) and looked through dozens of 'wedding vow books', and found them all schmaltzy and trite."Words for Your Wedding" is what most of the others are not -- simple, inexpensive, and completely lacking in advertisements being passed off as advice.The authors identify the most common parts of the service, and then give you alternative wordings from various Christian denominations (there is a short section on Jewish weddings in the back).This book clearly isn't for everyone, but I would absolutely recommend it for couples who are focusing on their marriage rather than their wedding.

Words for your Wedding
We have used this book for some years now to assist the couples we marry in sorting their vows. Of the several books we have for this purpose, as Officiants of Christian marriages, this book has been the most helpful - for us & the couples as they choose their special words. Rather than choosing all the words a particular denomination uses, the couples have taken words from the different ones to say what best expresses them. We recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Marriage customs and rites    3. Marriage service    4. Reference    5. Texts    6. Weddings    7. Christian liturgy, prayerbooks & hymnals    8. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (13)

Great Tool For Brides!
I have just started planning a very small destination wedding and I really love this planner.
Don't listen to the nay sayers...
This book is great..it is not meant to be the only book you own to plan your wedding but it certainly has much of what I needed.
A dissapointment
I was hoping for something unique, but it's just like all the other pro-bride, pro-industry, pro-spend-a-LOT-of-money-on-a-wedding planners (but in a "non-traditional" pink disguise). The mere fact that it has diamond rings circling the page numbers should have been my first clue.If you are really looking for some unique and inspirational ideas, you will not find them here.That said, it is still a pretty decent planner, has a few (FEW) unique tips, and pockets and space for contact info, etc.Look it over in a bookstore if possible before you buy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blank Books / Diaries / Memory Books    2. Reference    3. Weddings    4. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (20)

disappointing
Perhaps if the book had been titled differently, I wouldn't have been so disappointed. It seemed like many articles would be a stretch to be categorized under organizing and so specialized it seemed like many people wouldn't even find helpful: "Become a concert violinist," "become a catholic nun," "Organize an archeological dig," "start a knitting circle," "organize a film festival," etc.
Excellent organizing and overhauling strategies in list format
Peter Walsh has done a masterful job at presenting good approaches to overhauling chaotic, disorganized situations. He has about 500 separate lists for different conditions, places, problems and issues. Along with Tom McNulty's "Houskeeping for Men" (Three Rivers Press) and "How To Get More Done In Less Time" by Leon Cooper (probably out of print), these provide the sequenced tasks and analyses for installing orderly, organized systems that should work for you (for physical spaces, time and finances), and not disrupt your systems.
For the Right-Brained Dominant Folks!
This is a Book of Lists for those of us who do not see life that way!Most of the really organized, left-brained dominant people (those who work on a NEAT desk) I have met seem to tell me that they are NOT organized.Maybe they think this book is a waste of paper, but not for those of us who are more influenced by the right side of our brains. (We are the folks who seem to create desk clutter in just a few moments.)
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Handbooks & Manuals    3. Home economics    4. Personal & Practical Guides    5. Questions & Answers    6. Reference    7. Reference / General   

Reviews (4)

The book to read before starting a photography business.
Ann Monteith clearly sets out the various issues related to establishing a wedding photography business, whether it be a fully equiped full-time studio business or a weekend, on-location service.She explains the typesof business structures (sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations,etc.) and their advantages and disadvantages for the wedding photographer. She also devotes whole chapters to the following subjects: -Marketingobjectives -Business Location -Product (album) design and presentation-Pricing services and products, and more! A cornucopia of useful information
The book is well outlined and hits on every detail necessary to operate a successfull wedding photography business. Monteith also adds profiles of some of the world's best wedding photographers who give their take on theworld of wedding photography.Great book!

Finally, a non-biased book about the biz side of wed photos!
At first I thought this book would be another "this is how I did it,just copy me" publication that is so common in the photographyindustry.In contrast, though, Monteith has taken a fresh approach bydescribing the various options available for all your business decisions. It covers all the major ideas used by photographers today (both full-timeand part-time), and lets you decide how you want to run your business. Great for new photographers and veterans.I wish this book was availablewhen I started my photography business--it would have saved me a lot ofheadaches and research. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Business methods    3. Careers    4. Economic Aspects Of Photography    5. Photo Techniques    6. Photographers    7. Photography    8. Photography Of Specific Subjects    9. Wedding photography    10. Weddings    11. Photographic equipment & techniques    12. Sales & marketing    13. Small businesses & self-employed    14. Special kinds of photography   

Reviews (5)

Rip off
This is small (about 5"x8") 140 page paperback book.Way too overpriced for the content. I ordered it to get info on fixing a gaping front neckline.The information was not adequate.I got my answer from an experienced seamtress.

Outstanding Book!
I am in love with this book.Never before have I found such comprehensive information in one little book.She covers how to do beading, preserving, all sorts of alterations, and even a pricing guide if you want to become professional!I highly reccomend this book to anyone who wants to sew wedding dresses for fun or profit.

gave me confidence
I've been sewing for 27 years, 15 of which I have sewn for the public. A position for an alterationist at a bridal shop became available, so I bought this book to sharpen my skills. I now alter wedding gowns full timeas my own business in my own home.What a wonderful book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alteration    2. Clothing and dress    3. Dressmaking    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Wedding costume   

Features

• Bargain Price

Reviews (38)

twenty somethingand low costgift item
This is a cute book for a gift when your crazy friend says she wants to get married in some new and different way. It was made for the young, hip and trendy crowd not the creative and over 35 crowd. This is basic introduction to the different parts of wedding planning and is not created to be a planning guide. Take it for what it is- urban, cute, and well marketed. This is worth getting on sale but we hesitate to pay full price. Very appropriate as a cute trinket-book for a friend that just told you her partner popped the question.
I wish I'd owned it
I'm a graphic artist whose been married -- gosh! -- nearly 4 years now, and I bought this snappy tome at a local thrift store partly because it was well-designed and I thought I might be able to sell it on Amazon (which I can't, it turns out) and partly because it was just so cheery and rebellious in a friendly, uncliched way. I could relate. I'm kind of the anti-rebel. I never went "goth" or "rock star" or anything (although I guess some people would contend that becoming any kind of professional "artist" is rebellious). In fact, I have a full-complement of traditional "woman" skills that modern women seem to find remarkable (I bake my own bread, albeit with a bread machine, for instance), most of which I learned from my DAD!
Buy It! Then Pass It Along...
I have repurchased this book many times and given it to the ladies I know that have married. If you are strapped for cash or just are looking for some TRULY unique ideas on the ceremony and the reception, this book is wonderful. It is supportive of brides of all ages, religions, lifestyles and sexual orientations. Try it, you'll like it!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Planning    2. Reference    3. Sociology    4. Weddings    5. Bargain   

Reviews (6)

A logical plan with a logical timeline and explanations galore!!
This book came in the mail today and I love it!!It breaks the wedding details down into very do-able steps.The book takes the overwhelming task of planning a wedding and explains it in small tasks, week by week,and makes your "wedding vision" seem easy to achieve.It's obvious that the author has "been there, done that" many times for brides.Also there is a list of wedding websites in the back of the book.

A terrific planning guide
"Countdown To Your Perfect Wedding" is both informative and easy to read.As an event designer, Joyce clearly has a passion for her craft, and she's also generous with information - in the spirit of an educator.Her thorough, well-organized approach - with a wealth of details - will eliminate misconceptions brides may have regarding planning their wedding. I was captivated by her description early in the book of an unusual asian wedding that she did.I only wish I had been able to photograph it.
Great Countdown Counselor
If you wake up in a cold sweat and worry that you're going to forget something important, then this book is the antidote. In a well-written anecdotal style, the book presents practical steps readers can follow, and allows brides and grooms to gain confidence and make better decisions. The book's practical tips apply equally well to grand, formal affairs and to casual barefoot ceremonies on the beach.
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Subjects:  1. Planning    2. Reference    3. Wedding etiquette    4. Weddings   

Reviews (34)

Great Book
This book gives you some great ideas on the kinds of flowers you may choose and gives you a good idea of how to put them together if you choose.

It worked for me!
This book is great!There is a lot of detailed information so that people with no official floral experience can recreate the arrangements.
Poor content. Not for flowershop owners
If you are a flowershop owner and searching for a variety of fresh ideas for your clients this is not the appropiate book. It has a few nice photos but they are scarce. Definitely not worth it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bridal bouquets    2. Flower Arranging    3. Flower arrangement    4. Love / Sex / Marriage    5. Reference    6. Seasonal    7. Weddings    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Flower Arranging    9. Floral crafts   

Reviews (5)

Delicious all the way through
I have had success with the recipes I've tried from this book, so it already wins a thumbs up.But it's the writing that I really have to rave about--in fact, I found myself abandoning whatever novels I was reading at the time and curling up in bed with this book to read instead!It is such a wonderful conversation from someone else who is new to marriage, and her charts, tidbits, and cheese play are amusing and helpful.My husband has taken her suggestions on salt and made them law in our house.
Delighted, Charmed and Inspired Newlywed
I received Not On Love Alone: A Year of Delicious Dinners and More for Newlyweds, by Jessie Carry Saunders, as a gift from my mother-in-law and I absolutely adored it! In fact, upon finishing it, I went out and purchased another one as a birthday gift for a friend. I read it like a novel: while the food narratives and recipes are meticulously detailed and delicious-sounding in every way, equally enjoyable are the charming anecdotes about the author's husband (JS), father (Pops), family vacations, and dinner parties, as well as the whimsical illustrations, done, I understand, by the author herself. As a newlywed myself and a culinary novice, I feel inspired by Jessie to tackle and conquer my own kitchen! I'm particularly looking forward to making her chicken noodle soup and her peach bellinis, and as my experience grows, I may even feel confident to tackle her recipe for doughnut bites with chocolate ganache filling! This book is a great read as both a cookbook and a piece of art: I promise you that you will be absolutely charmed and delighted by it, as was I!

A Must for Every Home Cook
I loved this book!Jessie Carry Saunders's writing and recipes combine the elegant authority of Elizabeth David with the infectious enthusiam of Rachel Ray.It's clear she knows and loves her subject.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cookery for two    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Courses & Dishes - General    6. Family/Marriage    7. Marriage    8. Methods - Cookery for One    9. Reference    10. Weddings    11. General cookery   

Reviews (8)

Absolutely loved this planner!
I used this planner for my wedding in 1998.It never left my side, I took it everywhere!It helps you plan everything from the day you get engaged to the honeymoon... Dated & Lacking
This book SEEMED like it would be helpful, but except for *some* info on premarital counseling, it really came very close to being like any other *secular* wedding book. Some of the advice is really dated, too.

A must-have wedding planner!
I used this book 3 years ago when I was married and recently passed it along to my sister-in-law to be.It is an invaluable resource and a very **different** resource.It isn't a book about different wedding "ideas" ("how to arrange the tablecloths", "how to deal with new in-laws", etc.) It is a **GO-TO** resource on the actual planning of the ceremony/celebration.It gives template sheets that I found helpful to simply xerox and put in a 3-ring binder and create my own workbook.(The best part is the book is still blank for my sister-in-law now!)Your money will be well spent here. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Love / Sex / Marriage    4. Marriage    5. Planning    6. Religion    7. Religious aspects    8. United States    9. Wedding etiquette    10. Weddings    11. Christian sacraments   

Subjects:  1. Bridal bouquets    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Floral decorations    5. Flower Arranging    6. Flower arrangement    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Wedding decorations    9. Weddings   

Reviews (2)

great ideas
This book offers great ideas for shower themes, favors, games, menus, etc. including pictures and step-by-step instructions.I highly recommend it to anyone looking for some trendy wedding shower ideas.

Beautiful ideas!
I don't know about you, but most of the bridal shower books I found before this all seemed to have the same old tired stuff.FINALLY someone came up with some beautiful, orginal ideas!The invitations, favors, and decorations in this book are really very creative and pretty, and most are fairly easy to make.She offers menu ideas, recipes, and activities that go with each party theme.I really liked the way she used color in her themes.I also liked the full-page color photos for each theme, and the step-by step instructions also had a photo for EACH step.Vey nicely done!Ms. Dewberry, if you are reading this -- I'd love to see a book on creative BABY showers as well! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Entertaining - Party Planning    2. Reference    3. Showers (Parties)    4. Weddings    5. Parties