Boston - April 18, 2006

A More Perfect Union

Spring 2006 Wedding Guide

So. You’ll be taking that plunge into the pool of lifelong commitment. Before you get too wet, remember that navigating such deep waters is all about compromise — in the wedding as much as the union itself.

A Simple Plan
He’s gunning for a Vegas-inspired casino reception; you’re thinking sedate garden party. The planning wunderkinds at The Perfect Details will find that blissfully happy medium (60 Thoreau Street, suite 233, Concord; 978-318-1926).

Paper Trail
Your mom wants glitter-encrusted scroll invites hand-delivered by a trumpeter, but your calling card is utter simplicity. Lauren Hawkins of Paperdoll will design the write stuff to convey both kinds of messages (429 Norfolk Street, suite 14, Somerville; 617-460-1684).

Local Gems
The Audrey Hepburn in you wants to devour the cases at Tiffany. The Scrooge in you wants to hit the gum ball machine. Split the difference and opt for delicate but affordable jewelry by Garnish (12 Abbot Street, Marblehead; 781-608-2611).

Fare Play
He’s envisioning a kitschy s’mores buffet; you’ve got fancy finger food on the brain. Trust super-stylish caterer Susan Callender to whip up both (498 Pleasant Street, Watertown; 617-926-1900).

Budding Romance
His mother thinks it’d be marvy to festoon the reception tables with purple roses and baby’s breath. (Yes, really.) You’d rather see single orchid stems and calla lilies. Solution? Minimalist-but-still-lush arrangements by Winston Flowers (131 Newbury Street; 800-457-4901).

Frock of Ages
Your mind keeps drifting to the racks at Yolanda’s (355 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham; 781-899-6470). Your financial adviser keeps whispering “Filene’s Basement” (426 Washington Street; 617-426-6645). Somewhere in between are the discount designer dresses (by appointment) at Vows (334 Watertown Street, Newton; 617-332-7870).

Present Tense
He wants mod kettles in the kitchen; you want Bernardaud china. Head to Bliss Home for a cunning (and stunning) combo of modern and classic (121 Newbury Street; 617-421-5544).