The Perfect Wedding Reception
: Stylish Ideas For Every Season (Hardcover)
Book Description
Once couples decide to say "I do"
there are dozens and dozens of decisions to be made. It's
hard to know where to begin and even more difficult to
fit all the dozens of details together into one wonderful
event. Thankfully Maria McBride-Mellinger, author of acclaimed
bridal books, stylishly illustrates just how to create
a dreamy reception that will be forever memorable.
The Perfect Wedding Reception features exquisite
wedding celebrations designed by Maria McBride-Mellinger
that capture the magic of each season in refreshing, contemporary
style. The nuptial adventure begins in a formal spring
garden but soon its off to a beach front for a fanciful
summer wedding, to a revolutionary era stone barn for
a rustic fall wedding and finally to a gracious country
home for a candle lit winter wedding feast.
Glorious photos of each location, flowers,
menu selections, table details, centerpieces, bouquets,
invitations, wedding cakes and favors tell the story of
each wedding with helpful tips and most importantly McBride-Mellinger's
favorite resources from around the country that will actually
help bring your wedding reception to life.
Whatever season you choose to marry Maria
McBride-Mellinger offers delightful flourishes to tempt
every couple as they plan the party of their lives and
create memories meant to last a lifetime.
Review: Perfection!
As a second-time bride, this was the book that "did
it" for me. My October wedding reception, while not
the exact replica of Ms. McBride-Mellinger's, incorporated
as many of her ideas as I could. This is an absolutely
beautiful book which will be an inspiration to any bride
to be that wants a classy, memorable wedding befitting
her chosen season. The settings, invitations, floral designs,
cakes, and small touches are unique and certainly can
be "scaled down" for those on a smaller budget.
Not the end-all, be-all catalogue of a bridal book...but
a digestable and exquisite source of inspiration.
Review: Beautiful pictures, but
not enough different weddings
This book has wonderful pictures of four weddings, one
in each season.
The pictures are truly extraordinary, but they are almost
exclusively of these four weddings, so there aren't tons
of different ideas for each season, rather one "theme"
idea for each season. One thing that disappointed me was
that her summer wedding was a casual one on the beach,
so if you want more formal ideas for a summer wedding
you are out of luck. Like other reviewers have said, most
of these perfect presentations would be completely out
of a lot of people's price range, but you could definitely
pull a few ideas that you loved from her spreads and make
it work on a smaller budget. By and large this is a good
supplementary book on reception ideas, with tons of photos
and some good "idea" text (as opposed to "how-to"
text.)
Review: OSTENTATIOUS IDEAS FOR
EVERY SEASON BUT NOT EVERY BRIDE
If Kennedy or Vanderbilt is your last name and I mean
The Kennedys and The Vanderbilts, if Bill Gates is your
wedding sponser or if you are a member of the Royal Family
then this book is for you. If you live in the real world
you may not want to bother reading a book that would embarrass
even Martha Stewart. Even if your wedding budget isn't
that of a small nation you can uncover some ideas to use
on a realistic day of bliss. But I would leave out the
"Honeymoon bed out in the open" next to a swamp
unless you are marrying Jeff Corwin or the Crocodile Hunter.
Look at page 116 and see if you would like to spend your
wedding night there but McBride-Mellinger says "far
from sight of the area's inhabitants". It's also
far from sight of a bathroom,room service and Walgreen's
to get some mosquito spray and close to sight for anything
with four or six legs or even eight hairy ones that hopefully
would be four groomsmen rather than a spider. As in all
the weddings in the book, the cakes are works of art,
the prettiest I've ever seen (pgs 106&107, 214&215
"a masterpiece" and the chapter on Confections)
and the flowers are magnificent. If you read this book
make sure to have a dictionary for all the $2.00 words
as it must have been written with a word processor in
one hand an a Thesaurus in the other. Also, a really good
cook book will come in handy to try and figure out what
everyone was eating. McBride-Mellinger is even so helpful
as to tell you how to dress the "help" as if
in this day and time the guests even know what to wear,
where the "help" should go to the bathroom,
and to prepare food incase they work more then four hours.
But do show respect because Maria McBride-Mellinger has
a very high opinion of herself and a much over inflated
ego. "The Perfect Wedding Reception" is that:
perfectly ostentatious,pretentious,over the top and prefectly
not for middle class America. The book is a "perfect"
waste of a good tree. For over 30 years I have been a
floral artist and wedding planner with the experience
of over 500 weddings in all parts of the US and Europe.
Review: creative suggestions
This book suggests many creative ways to make your wedding
reception fun and unique. The author describes 4 weddings
(one for each season) thoroughly and with an artist's
eye for detail and color. She also provides an extensive
index for all aspects of reception preparation and planning.
The pictures vividly display the character of each wedding,
bringing them to life. I would have prefered some extra
examples with illustrations of decorationg ideas for each
season that were not part of the featured wedding. It
would have been nice to have some more practical examples
of possibilities. The featured weddings are gorgeous but,
for people like myself, a bit out of reach financially.
Surely, one can put a creative, unique twist on some less
eccentric styles to make them equally as special, beautiful
and perfect for any wedding.
Review: Very helpful
There are some wonderful suggestions here to make your
day special. You will read this and remember the little
things to do. One recommendation would be to direct readers
to Katherine's Song, the wedding song in Defenders of
the Holy Grail (Ken Agori)...this is THE song for this
millenium. Of course, this may belong more at the service,
but at the reception for the first dance, WOW!! THis book
is worth the money...
Review: One of the Best
In preparation for our wedding, I ordered just about every
book that I thought looked appealing and got great reviews,
literally HUNDREDS of dollars' worth of books! This and
its companion, The Perfect Wedding, stood out among the
rest.
I liked it for the following reasons:
1. Beautiful pictures of original ideas. There were lots
of pictures and lots of ideas. Obviously you aren't going
to find a book that has absolutely every idea for flowers
or cakes (it would be HUGE!), but the ones that this book
included were very nice.
2. Good mix of pictures and text. About 3/5 of the book
was pictures and ideas. It was divided up into 4 sections
representing the 4 seasons, so you could get ideas for
your specific season (getting inspiration from the best
of your season is a great idea!). The other 2/5 of the
book was resources with phone number, addresses, websites,
etc., so you could actually get ahold of the people who
put together the beautiful things in this book or go to
the places that would give you more of a similar idea.
3. Not just for the wealthy. Granted that I personally
am not too concerned with books geared for my budget,
this book gave ideas for all ranges of budgets. Of course,
some of the cakes, flowers, etc., must have been expensive,
but she also gives ideas that are more budget-conscious.
I would recommend this book, no question.
It's better than Colin Cowie's, on par with Martha's,
and definitely much better than Vera Wang's.
Wedding Decorations on a Budget (Hardcover)
Book Description
For a dream wedding that doesn't create
a nightmare budget, simply gather up things from your
home, your garden, and nature...then work a little magic
transformation! An acclaimed author and designer--who
has written for such magazines as Good Housekeeping, Women's
Day, and more--presents a host of elegant ideas for celebrating
your special day in an inexpensive yet rich manner. You
won't believe how easily ordinary plastic dishes and stemware
can become part of a sophisticated and stylishly original
arrangement for serving food to your guests. Or how simple
it is to fashion memorable decorations that also become
much appreciated thank-yous or home decorations after
the festivities. And, with a touch of creativity, fabrics
from the bargain store make bright backgrounds for the
reception tables and establish a color scheme for the
entire reception. You'll feel like a wonderful wizard,
turning what was simple into beautiful...and within your
budget!
Beautiful Wedding Decorations
& Gifts on a Small Budget (Paperback)
Review: beautiful wedding decorations and gifts
on a small budget
Lots of tips on everything from the engagement party thru
wedding party gifts on to the getaway vehicle. There are
plenty of nice line drawings which should help the do-it-yourselfer.
This book was a bit to frilly(lots of ribbons and bows)for
my taste, but if thats your kind of thing, it would be
great.
Review: You can do it, cheaply
After a lot of research on weddings, I bought this book
about a year before my 1996 wedding, and although I never
used it for that wedding I kept it because of the ideas
that can be used for occasions other than weddings. Biscotti
was "hot" at that time, and she has an easy
recipe for it to bag and give as gifts. Gift baskets are
included as well as something called a "crazy quilt,"
which looks easy and I hope to attempt one day (mostly
to use up all my fabric scraps.)
While some of the other reviewers called it "girly,"
and I agree, but there are more ideas than most people
would use. Mrs. Warner's other books also contain the
same types of ideas.
The overblown bridal "industry"
will have you believe that if you want a "proper"
wedding, spending $10K to $20K is reasonable. It's not.
It is NOT necessary to mortgage your future on a one-day
event. That kind of money is a degree! Enjoy your day,
of course, but don't blow it on a party. Reasonably priced
weddings with all the trimmings are possible. I did it,
and it was because I did research before I spent a dime.
Review: Small budget, HAH!! Maybe
for Bill Gates
I don't know where the writer of this book comes from,
but it must be from money. There is nothing in this book
for a normal bride trying to save money. I would NOT recommend
this book for anyone on a budget. It was a total waste
of time and money.
Review: Too much hearts and flowers
I have to agree with the previous review; I found the
book to be more girly than upscale. Fortunately, I bought
the book used, so it wasn't much of an investment. But,
yes, if you're looking for "Cinderella", you
might find tons of romantic ideas that can keep you within
a budget. This book is useful as a starting point, to
get your creative juices going. If you're looking for
truly unique, memorable, and modern, this book is not
for you.
Review: I found the book to be
a great help for the reception
We created the tulle gazebo that is in the book. Other
than adding a few extra touches, we did extacly how it
was described. We received many compliments on it. I also
did some of the favors, and incorporated some of the idea
themes into our ceremony and reception. This book may
not be for the "Modern Bride", but it is worth
looking at if you are wanting to have a "Cinderella
Wedding" without the expense.
Creative Wedding Decorations
You Can Make (Paperback)
Review:
Each craft comes with a list of needed materials--very
good. I see this as a basic 'how-to' for untrained crafters/high
school wedding party on the cheap. If you think of changing
some of the ideas for prom night, the real customer for
this book is a high school junior
Review: Offers nice suggestions
for various wedding crafts.
The book has some neat and wonderful creations but deals
primarily with silk flowers for the crafts and it doesn't
fully offer explanations or detailed instructions on some
of the crafts. Most arrangements or crafts are primarily
traditional older ideas, nothing with a contemporary touch
for the 90's.
Beautiful Wedding Receptions (Pennies from Heaven Series)
(Paperback)
Your wedding reception will be the party of your
life. It will be a time to gather all the people who are
meaninful to you and your husband. This book is about
creating the wedding reception of your dreams.
Wedding
Ceremony Accessories
Congratulations on your wedding!
What a wonderful and exciting time in your life. We want
your ceremony to be as beautiful and magical as you've always
dreamed. We pride ourselves on providing you with
excellent service, attention to detail and of course wedding
accessories that are of
sensational quality and value.
For fifteen years LTM Party, located in beautiful Sarasota
Florida, has helped "brides-to-be" prepare for and celebrate
one of their most important "Life Time Memories".
With over 50,000 square feet of retail space and a reputation
for providing magnificent service, we have been recognized
as an industry leader.
It is our pleasure to assist you in creating a fantastic
wedding ceremony!
We offer a fantastic assortment
of wedding & reception accessories that will be sure
to please!
Wedding Favors &
Wedding Gifts
Say thank you to your wedding reception guests with superb
style. Whether you are looking for just the right wedding
gift for members of your wedding party, or classic favors
we have quite an assortment to choose from.
You can also create your own colorful wedding favors with
our wide selection of ribbons, favor cards and boxes, and
other essentials. These
tokens of your appreciation will always be treasured by
your guests as they remember your wedding day.
Wedding Ceremony & Reception Decorations
Let yourself go wild and have fun designing your unique
wedding ceremony and reception. You'll have a great time
exploring your creative side and we are here to help! We
have pearl balloons, exquisite candles, ribbons & bows,
beautiful guest books, and not to mention car decorating
kits for those naughty groomsmen and bride's maids!
Wedding Ceremony Glassware & Toasting Glasses
Toast
to your new lives together as husband and wife with sparkling
toasting flutes. Choose from classic lead crystal, glass,
tulip shaped or Mediterranean glassware.
We also feature a variety of beautiful engraved glassware
as keepsake gifts for your wedding party.
Wedding Unity Candles & Favor Candles
Our unity candles are printed
and polished the old fashioned way... by hand. The results
are pristine heirloom quality wedding unity candles. With
perfect attention to detail, each candle is printed directly
onto the wax surface of the candle. These symbols of your
everlasting marriage can be lovingly handed down for generations
to come.
Personalized
Wedding Gifts
We
have elegantly crafted monogrammed and engraved gifts that
are a perfect way to say thank you to your groomsmen or
bride's maids.
Wedding
Cake Servers and Cake Tops
Serve up delicious wedding cake with all the essentials
for the reception. We feature elegant cake servers, cake
tops and all the marriage ceremony "must haves" you are
looking for. Whether your looking for a traditional look
or contemporary elegance for your ceremony - we have numerous
selections to choose from.
Wedding
Ring Pillows
We have quite an assortment of delicate satin ring pillows
that are beautifully embellished with just the perfect details.
They are sure to provide the perfect accent to your wedding
ceremony.
Wedding
Albums and Guest Books
Treasure your memories of this perfect
day with beautifully crafted wedding albums and guest books.
They are a spectacular way to capture every wedding memory
in an everlasting and treasured keepsake.
The Artful Bride: Wedding
Favors and Decorations : A Stylish Bride's Guide to Simple,
Handmade Wedding Crafts (Artful Bride) (Paperback)
Book Description
Saavy, modern brides are seeking ways to personalize their
wedding celebrations, and to make them unique, special,
and unbelievably fun without relying on tradition-heavy
standards. This beautiful guide contains everything a bride
needs to put her own stamp on all of the special events
surrounding her wedding, from pre-celebration parties to
the rehearsal evening to the reception, with elegant-but
also simple and inexpensive touches. Artful Wedding Celebrations
includes more than 20 fashionable and fun-to-make projects
from handmade place cards to humorous party favors, dramatic
centerpieces to customized glassware. About
the Author
April L. Paffrath is a freelance editor and writer in
Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition to book and magazine
editing, she has written architecture profiles, travel
pieces, cooking articles, and craft how-to's, for magazines
such as Scientific American Explorations and Martha Stewart
Living. She is coauthor with Laura McFadden of The Artful
Bride: Simple, Handmade Wedding Projects (Rockport, 2003).
Livia McRee is a craft writer and designer who is always
looking for new twists on beautiful crafts. She lives
in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is author of four craft books,
and has contributed to several others.
Paula Grasdal is a printmaker and mixed-media
artist living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has contributed
to several Rockport publications and is coauthor, with
Holly Harrison, of Collage for the Soul: Expressing Hopes
and Dreams through Art.
good ideas
Reviewer: Desiree
There were some good ideas in this book. Unlike the invitation
book, they didn't seem to be as origional. There were
also favor ideas that wouldn't really be useful for most
weddings. However, there were some cute ideas, I liked
the tags they used for place settings. There were some
tips that I wasn't aware of before reading the book. I
do have to admit there are a couple of things that we
might consider for our reception. I am looking forward
to getting the other artful bride book.
Review: Martha's employee
makes a book.
Following from the previous review where I commented that
the projects in this book could have been from 'Martha
Stewarts weddings' imagine my amusement when I saw on
the back of the book that the Author IS from Martha Stewart's
living! Trust me, this book is truly banal.
Review: I sadly missed McFadden
in this artful bride book.
Compared to the wonderfully creative and unique original
'Artful Bride' I found `wedding favours', the third book
of the artful bride series to be a real let down. I was
terribly disappointed so I checked and saw it was only
written by one of the two authors of the first book, sadly
Graphic Designer Laura Mc Fadden is absent. I found all
of the projects in the third book to be rather obvious
and lacking in enthusiasm, and especially lacking the
edgy well designed feel of the first book, which is a
bible for the crafty anti-bride.
Only two of this books projects appealed, but they are
no stretch of the imagination for bridal favours either:
home made chocolates & bonsai trees, please, I think
they lifted those ideas from Martha Stewarts weddings!
Overall the feel of the book was of icky bridal triteness,
with a lot of pink, heart shapes and a flower on nearly
every page. I am waiting for the second book in the series,
Invitations, which, unlike `wedding favours' was co-written
by Laura Mc Fadden and I hope it will be better.
Hosting Wedding Parties (Hardcover)
Book Description
From showers to receptions to bridal teas, you'll find
everything you need to toast the happy couple in style.
HOSTING WEDDING PARTIES offers the inspiration and the
how-to instructions for planning and hosting unique wedding-related
theme parties that will be remembered for years to come.
Each party is beautifully photographed to show every detail,
from handcrafted invitations to exquisite centerpieces
to thoughtful and unique party favors. Decorations and
specially crafted accents are explained in step-by-step
instructions, yet all party elements are easy and affordable!
Also included are complete party menus with easy but delicious
recipes, along with suggested table settings and beverages.
A special section on entertaining help includes etiquette
tips, floral arranging ideas, and more. Whether you're
the maid of honor, the mother of the groom, or the bride
herself, this book has the details you need to plan the
perfect party.
Just look what makes this book a must for your collection:
** Covers a wide range of parties,
not just showers! Includes parties for rehearsals, engagements,
and receptions.
** Perfect for anyone involved in a wedding - the maid
of honor, mother, father, grandparent, bridesmaid, groomsman,
uncle, or aunt.
** Contains complete menus and recipes for each party.
** Features easy and affordable party plans that don't
require weeks of preparation.
** Includes a special section on etiquette tips, floral-arranging
ideas, table setting, and more.
** It's the best book you'll find on the subject. Most
"shower" books are one color, and don't have
recipes. This one is full of full-color photos that help
you make your wedding party a smash!
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