Los Angeles - April 23, 2008

Maid in the Shade

Spring 2008 Wedding Guide

When you’re not the one wearing white, you’ve got to do everything you can to make sure you won’t be stuck in head-to-toe puce organza. And, of course, be extra helpful along the way.

Three cheers and a cheese plate to celebrate the engagement. Head to Tasca Wine Bar and consider the tasty arancine and tuna tartare very important research: The restaurant’s catering cousin Bread & Wine can do her wedding.

Have attendants attend a Cake Monkey at-home tasting (they offer minis, sweets, and tall trad tiered cakes, too). Work off the buttercream with personal trainer Ken Anderson, whose open dance classes are an excellent source of cardio and new moves.

Where is this party, anyway? If she’s thinking big, mention the grand Vibiana. Smaller guest lists fit just right inside the new MODAA.

For all letterpressing issues, take her to Copper Willow Paper Studio (4236 Overland Avenue, Culver City; 310-237-5809). They’ll work their bold fonts and botanical graphics from the save-the-date and formal invitation through to the very last table number and place card.

Remind her she already has a fantastic vegetable peeler, so have fun filling the registry with things she wouldn’t normally go for, like snazzy copper pots, monogrammed napkins, and a bar of gold doorstop.

Things sound all flowery now, but they’ll look that way, too, after Hoot & Heart has their way with bouquets, boutonnieres, and tabletop and space decor. Becker Photographer will capture it all on film.

Send the groom and his dapper-to-be gents for bespoke suiting at recently opened Browns and Branden. A group excursion to Old Glory Barbershop will have them looking clean cut in no time.

File her gorgeous Alix & Kelly gown under something new. The local just-launched line makes for lovely bridesmaids, too (phew). Then make a well-heeled stop by the new René Caovilla.

Start assembling your day-of quick-fix kit: bandages; aspirin; tiny sewing kit; ultra-moisturizing Korres lip butter; teeth-brightening iWhite maintenance stick; and mobile beauty expert LeeAnn Vasquez (818-401-3566), whose oxygen treatments really save face.

While the out-of-towners are saying so long at The London West Hollywood, the new mister and missus will already be at the newly renovated Four Seasons Resort Maui halfway through oceanside massages in the hale.

And that’s when you’ll know the bridal party’s over.