From the Editors of Real Simple Magazine, 2009
Technically this is a single issue magazine not a book, but it's close enough for me.
I received this as a gift after I had already begun my planning process, so I really didn't use it to it's full potential. However, I find it so helpful that I wanted to write about some higlights and features.
At 160 pages, it is jammed with useful tidbits interspered with lovely photographs. One of the features are "real weddings" in each chapter linked with that topic.
The book is divided into three sections, with ten chapters covering every aspect of weddings-calendars and timelines, attire, invitations, ceremony ideas and much much more.
The planning section includes handy worksheets with timelines, checklists and budgets.
A nice bonus is the pull-out quick reference guide. It's small enough to carry around with you in your purse, and has spots to jot down contact information for vendors as well as checklists.
The only negative-the local vendors resource list is all American sources.
Each section contains common questions, as well as features based on style and season.
The chapter on wedding and bridesmaids dresses is nicely divided into body types, as well as by season with full colour photographs.
The index has tons of websites broken down for each chapter.
Overall, this book is an excellent resource. If you are looking for a guide-pick this one up for it's helpful information and insipirational photographs. It is worth it.
To buy:
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/books-back-issues-subscriptions-00000000017526/
Note: the 2010 edition is also available in stores or online
