April 24, 2007

Wedding Crasher

Spring 2007 Wedding Guide

There’s no need to get knocked up to have a shotgun wedding. L.A. lifestyle guru Lulu Powers knows how to pull together a successful wedding when you’re under the gun (for whatever reason).

Dress for Success
Wedding gowns take months to order. Opt for a white number off the rack. Nothing suits Miss Picky Pants? Have a seamstress remake a dress you already love in the white fabric of your choice.

Spread the Word
Scan baby pictures of you and your betrothed and send the details via e-mail: And baby makes three! (If you’re indeed preggers.) Or create a customized invite with the photos at kodakgallery.com, using one of Martha Stewart’s designs. Bribe your friend with the best penmanship to address them.

Location, Location, Location
Parents don’t have a lovely backyard? Your favorite restaurant is the perfect setting. (Plus, food, waiters, and place settings are included.) If you’re set on the outdoors, ask a friend or relative to host. Then rent a stunning water-resistant Raj Tent complete with furnishings (lighting, seating, tables, pillows) and have your favorite Indian restaurant cater.

Flower Power
Stick with one color. It’s darn near impossible to mess up monochromatic arrangements, even if the buds come from the supermarket. Or send a talented friend to the flower market and put her in charge.

Let Them Eat Cake
An Icebox cake is delicious, pretty, and really easy to make. Just follow this recipe and top it off with a mini bride and groom. If even that is too much trouble, arrange a donut hole bar, where guests can dip the bites in chocolate, caramel, and cinnamon sugar.

The Sound of Music
Make your own mixes on iTunes. Keep in mind you’ll need appropriate songs for cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing.

The Big Picture
Head to a local camera shop. They’re sure to know the photography buffs in the area who’d be psyched to capture your big day on short notice. In lieu of favors, send guests a great snapshot from the event with a thank-you note.

It can double as a birth announcement.

Have a little more time on your hands? Check out our fall 2006 wedding guide.