And So to Wed

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 Dress

Big Spender: Our favorite for the classic, clean look? Peter Langner. If you’re into something a little more ornate, St. Pucchi’s Sposa offers modern, toned-down versions of their over-the-top designs.

Nest Egger: For a simple ceremony, J. Crew is beautiful and tasteful. For custom, check out the under-$1,000 options from Saeyoung Vu.

Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Big Spender: Aria Bridesmaids makes gorgeous silk shantung and taffeta dresses that are amazingly flattering and come in every color. Pick style, fabric, color, and sizes, then fax the order. They’ll ship the finished dresses directly to your girls. Prices range from $195-$245. Flowergirl gear available, too.

Nest Egger: The pretty options at BCBG guarantee finery in any print, style, and color.

Bridesmaids’ Gifts

Scrimp on everything else. Your bridesmaids deserve some righteous loot. The classic Elsa Peretti Alphabet necklace is the perfect personalized gift. The baubles from Cake Jewelry will look great on your day (and any day after that).

The Registry

Big Spender: Picking out china (and everything else) is so much easier when the selection has been brilliantly pre-edited. You can’t go wrong with Clio.

Nest-Egger: No need to pinch pennies; it’s not your dime. But it’s nice to give guests another option. We love the simple, modern sensibility of Crate & Barrel, and have found their registry the easiest to navigate.

The Invitations

Big Spender: This year it’s all about letterpress. Legendary L.A. stationer Soolip has finally gone national with its bridal line. Don’t miss it.

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 Cake

Big Spender: You won’t buy your cake online. Skip the fondant and go for heaps of beautiful, fancy cupcakes decorated with fresh flowers. Hey, cake they’ll actually eat.

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 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). (888-301-9866)

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)