Los Angeles - March 24, 2004

Married? Yes, Married!

DailyCandy's L.A. Bridal Guide

You’ve waited, hoped, and planned for it all your life. Now it’s here.

One final chance to spend as much of your parents’ money as possible. Or not. Whatever your budgetary constraints, your path to irrational, control-freak Bridezilladom should be clear. So we’ve created the perfect wedding for two brides: the Big Spender (budget? What’s that?) and the Nest Egger (she’s saving for the future … or just prefers a modest affair). Because every girl deserves to wear white and be a maniacal perfectionist.

The Planner

Big Spender: Before starting her event planning company, Caravents, Cara Kleinhaut handled Mariah Carey. So no matter what kind of diva you are, she’s seen worse. From finding a location to flower arrangements to catering to transport, Cara takes care of every detail. You’ll need the time you’ll save to boss people around. (323-933-9993)

Nest Egger: Of course you’ll be your own event planner. And with these resources, you’ll have no problem.

The Dress

Big Spender: Peter Langner is our favorite for a classic, clean look. (Erin Cole, 298 East 17th Street, suite D, Costa Mesa; 949-642-5552) If you’re into something a little more ornate, St. Pucchi’s Sposa offers modern, toned-down versions of their over-the-top designs. (1033 Westwood Boulevard; 310-443-2121, by appointment only)

Nest Egger: A custom-made silk gown for under $1,000? Way. Koreatown’s Shin Bu Bridal is an oasis of bridal bliss in an unexpected locale. Dressmaker Seo Ho (“say-o”) will create the design of your dreams. The catch? You rent the dress and have to give it back after the wedding (per Korean custom). You’ll always have the pictures … (3872 West 6th Street; 213-382-5480, by appointment only)

The Bridesmaids

Big Spender: Saeyoung Vu Couture makes dresses that your girls really will wear again in rich, iridescent silks and a range of flattering cuts. Prices range from $250 to $400. Affordable wedding gowns and adorable flower-girl frocks are also available. (7972 Melrose Avenue; 323-653-1345)

Nest Egger: Aria Bridesmaids operates out of a charming showroom in a funky old building downtown (the sort of place you’d never find if you didn’t know it was there). The gorgeous silk shantung and taffeta dresses come in just about every color. Prices start at $195. Flower-girl gear available too. (850 South Broadway, at Ninth Street, suite 903; 800-658-8885)

As for their gifts, scrimp on everything else. Your bridesmaids deserve some righteous loot. The classic Elsa Peretti Alphabet necklace is the perfect personalized gift.(Tiffany & Co., 210 North Rodeo Drive; 310-273-8880) Liza Shtromberg’s rainbow moonstone-and-freshwater-pearl necklace will look great on the big day (and any day after that). (2120 North Hillhurst Avenue; 323-913-1444)

The Invitations

Big Spender: This year it’s all about the letterpress. Carrot & Stick Press unites whimsical patterns and beautiful fonts with amazing color. While you’re at it, order thank-you cards. Prices range from $15 to $40 per set. (510-595-5353)

Nest Egger: Thrifty girls deserve letterpress, too. Crafty Cards in Berkeley is the cutest and most affordable. For a flat $350 fee they’ll do it all (invite, R.S.V.P., return address on envelope), and only charge you for the paper and the shipping. Talk about a deal. (510-849-CARD)

The Catering

Big Spender: Happy Trails Catering has been the site of many a lovely wedding. But they’ll come to you too with an enormous list of options, ranging from cassoulet to paella to seventeen side salads. All beautifully presented. (207 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena; 626-796-9526)

Nest Egger: Be prepared to tuck a napkin into that pretty gown. Dr. Hogly Wogly’s Tyler Texas Barbecue serves up the real deal (ribs, brisket, slaw, beans) in casual buffet style. It’s messy, but it’s better food than you get at most weddings. (8136 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys; 818-780-6701)

The Cake

Big Spender: Pretty as it is, fondant is for people who don’t actually care how the cake tastes. (You can hardly expect us to endorse that.) Debra King makes her cakes from the freshest organic ingredients and decorates them with fresh flowers. No artificial colors, no preservatives, just natural beauty and total yumminess. (323-528-6145)

Nest Egger: Close your eyes. Now think of the best dessert you’ve ever had. Don’t deny it: It’s a Krispy Kreme doughnut. Why not stack them up all pretty on a tiered tray for an alternative wedding cake? Your caterer will be happy to help. Cap it off with adorable toppers from Zipper, and voila! Style and substance.

The Music

Big Spender: West Coast Music Services has hooked up Gwen and Gavin, Shaq, J.Lo, Sting, and Pete Sampras. We think they can handle your musical desires, from a small orchestra to a string trio and everything in between. (310-278-6848)

Nest Egger: A DJ doesn’t have to be a compromise when he’s cute, talented, and experienced. Patrick Belton, owner and founder of 123 DJs in Hollywood, is a master at keeping people out on the floor. Performing at venues of all sorts, from clubs to weddings, he knows and plays every imaginable style of music. (323-972-2328)

The Flowers

Big Spender: R. Jack Balthazar does more than arrange flowers: He’s a one-stop genius for all event aesthetics. Having planned to-dos for Lulu Guinness and stylist Jessica Paster, he knows from taste. Yours, too. (323-222-7002)

Nest Egger: The Well-Dressed Table is a spankin’-new service from all-around sweetheart Carey Hotchkis. She’ll put together a gorgeous, creative tabletop concept on any budget. The all-inclusive operation includes flowers, favors, bouquets, and place cards. (310-429-5425)

The Photographs

Big Spender: Fifty Foot Films will make real, honest-to-goodness movie about your special day. They don’t believe in shooting on video (they shoot on super-8 or 16mm film), and you’ll have only the best lighting, angles, and editing.(1-877-FIFTY-FT)

Nest Egger: Photographer Dave Clark isn’t just a sharp shooter (though he certainly is that); he’s also that perfect combination of unobtrusive and fun to have around. Best of all, he offers so many different packages, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs and budget. (323-630-2607)

The Bachelorette Party

Big Spender: Some cliches are worth sticking to. Like the Vegas bachelorette party. For an updated experience (i.e., sans the male strippers), check into The Hotel, Mandalay Bay’s sleek new resort (a welcome relief from the usual over-the-top). Don’t miss the spa and the Moorea Beach Club, featuring “European style” sunbathing (topless!), a white-sand “beach,” and lots of fancy amenities. (877-632-7800)

Nest Egger: No need to leave town for fun when you live in L.A. Manicures and martinis at Beauty Bar cost ten bucks a pop during happy hour. (Yes, for both.) (1638 North Cahuenga Boulevard; 323-464-7676)

The Favors

Big Spender: Vosges makes adorable favors out of pretty purple boxes, Chinese take-out cartons, and the like, all filled with their high-quality truffles, in exotic flavors like Red Fire (dark chocolate with ancho-chili powder), Xocatyl (Mexican vanilla and milk chocolate), and Absinthe (dark chocolate infused with pastis and Chinese star anise).

Nest Egger: Bella Terra makes favor kits with assemble-yourself elements (ribbons, vellum envelopes, white boxes, custom labels) for a very reasonable $32 per 25. Buy M&Ms in bulk and you’re set. (626-792-4714)