Something New

I knew absolutely nothing about weddings and I ordered a bunch of books to learn about what I was getting myself into. This book was the best book ever. Not only does it break down all the things I need to have a wedding it tells me how to do it cheaper and avoid scam artists who take advantage of naive brides to be. Get this book it is extremely helpful!

I loved this book because it is exactly the voice of wisdom you need when you're planning a wedding: smart, down-to-earth, funny (but never flippant) and--while respectful of wedding traditions--by no means beholden to them. At a time when weddings have more potential than ever to become surreal, this book is a great way to keep your footing. It's utterly modern, in that it acknowledges frankly all the weirdo issues that come up (a dog as a best man? a bridesmaid who grew too fat for her dress?), but is grounded in an understanding that the rules of etiquette still apply whether you want to go formal or free-form. And, furthermore, that etiquette is not a punishing, restricting set of conventions, but time-tested guidelines that really do make everyone's wedding experience more comfortable. I particularly liked the "Dear Elise" questions from real people that end each chapter...they have a wonderful "oh my god, what are they going to ask her next?!" quality that is quite suspenseful. And the advice is terrific.

Something New is different from other wedding books in that it sheds light on all kinds of sticky situations that come up, that people don't normally talk about, and it gives you a road map for how to handle yourself. I also found it uplifting and think that in the end, it will help brides put their dilemmas into perspective and focus on what's important. I'm going to give it to all my engaged friends from now on!

I wish I had this book when I planned my wedding. Elise MacAdam's advice will help brides cut through all of the conflicting and outmoded advice about wedding rules and etiquette so they can focus on planning the wedding that's right for them, not the one that would make Emily Post happy. Elise tells you all about the rules so you can decide which ones you want to ignore or break. I think this will be my go-to engagement present for friends from now on.