Los Angeles - April 12, 2005

Marry, Marry, Quite Contrary

Spring 2005 Wedding Guide

As a bride-to-be, you have to plan on many things — one of which is being depressingly outnumbered. Mom, Dad, Bro, Sis: All those folks who have driven you nuts through the years are now times-twoed, thanks to the incoming in-law brigade. And every last one of them is headed your way. Here’s how to deal.

The Neo-Family Unit
Your camp is hyphen friendly. His parents’ new partners want to be included. For complicated invitations, call on Egg Press (Paper Source, 9460 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills; 310-288-9700). They’ll make sure all the info sits pretty on the page. Include a link to the wedding website you set up through Wed-O-Rama to avoid fielding a billion phone calls.

The Nothing’s-Shocking Groom
It’s not that he’s seen it all before; he’s just expecting something white and princess poofy. He’ll never guess that you worked with the Rodarte sisters to design your dream dress. Having just launched their first ready-to-wear collection, they’re psyched to get busy with your special order (by appointment, 626-616-6342 or rodarte@rodarte.net).

The Maids of Horror
They may be good friends, but your bridal party is a motley crew. Unify your Lilly Pulitzer-loving sister, your semibitter BFF, and your third-trimester matron of honor with luxurious treatments at the Can Can Parleur Hand and Foot Spa (107 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Old Town Pasadena; 626-356-0880).

The Hyperactive Flower Child
She’s been assigned the task of walking and throwing things for a reason: there’s no way you’re going to get her to sit down. Don’t worry, Robert Evans — not the Hollywood player, the photographer — will make sure the kid stays in the picture (818-509-9222).

Mom-Zilla
It may be your big day, but your Mom wants her chintz-come-to-life fantasy realized. Gilly at Gilly Flowers and Events will mollify her with talk of roses and hydrangeas. But you know the shop’s signature modern style is forever on your side (3936 Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake; 323-953-2910).

Finicky Aunt Franny
from (Outside of) Phoenix
Though most mouths water at the mention of caviar and foie gras, family from far-off (and possibly culinarily challenged) places may appreciate more familiar foods. That doesn’t mean you’re doomed to meat and potatoes. Carmelized Productions, known for their impressive cheese tables, offers inventive food while keeping everything totally recognizable (323-632-3474).

The Unexciteds-in-Law
All the hemming and hawing (and most of the yawning) has been kept pretty mum, but there’s no disguising a look of boredom. Just when they thought it was all winding down, wow them with a cake from Rosebud. Whether traditionally floral or wildly new wave, it’ll make a delish impression (311 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills; 310-657-6207).

The One-and-Only DJ Nuptials
Even if the best man’s been honing his skills on the ones and twos since the day your dude slid a ring on your finger, don’t feel bad when you pass on his offer to rock the night away. Gig Masters lets you search wedding-ready bands and DJ’s and even has audio clips so you can tune in and narrow down.

As for planning the getaway, let MoonRings help you line up the perfect post-party decompression so you can remember: It’s not you, it’s them.