New York - October 29, 2004

Fully Engaged in NYC

The Wedding Guide: Part One

Getting married is sort of like blasting off into outer space.

A journey beyond the limits of anything you’ve known before. Crossing into uncharted territory. Braving new worlds.

And the preparations can be pretty harrowing. But if there’s one way to keep your feet on the ground and your head from spinning into orbit, it’s to plan ahead and be aware of your time line. So here it is: DailyCandy’s countdown to your big day.

T Minus 12 Months

The Informal Thank-you: Good news travels fast. Before you know it, the calls and gifts start pouring in. Order informal thank-you cards, monogrammed with the happy couple’s (that’s you, FYI) first names. For a quick, no-fuss approach, design your own letterpress flat cards at paper-source.com.

The Planner: Josh Brooks, Jung Lee, and Elizabeth Allen of Féte are geniuses. Aside from their killer style, they’ve got great relationships with a wide range of vendors and are masters at negotiating costs and contracts. Planner not in the budget? Try their new consulting service. For free, they’ll meet with you and give you a list of great talent that fits your style and budget (419 Park Avenue South, at 29th Street, fourth floor; 212-725-7268).

The Registry: Okay, the no-brainers — Weddingchannel.com and theknot.com — are stocked with everything from china to the priciest fork. But what good will all that fancy kitchenware do you if you can’t use it? Register for Home Cooking’s in-home private classes (Broadway Panhandler, 477 Broome Street, at Wooster Street; 212-966-3434). And check out Distinctive Honeymoons, where you can set up a honeymoon fund. And most important, if you’d rather give something back (other than a toaster), justgive.org allows you to pledge to a charity of choice on behalf of your wedding.

T Minus 10 Months

The Photographer: Internationally published documentary photographer Francesco Mastalia knows that behind every great shot is a story. His style is totally unobtrusive (212-691-6431). Another wonderful shooter is Christian Oth, whose work has been featured in many a magazine spread (212-634-7949).

The Videographer: A former art photographer-turned-television producer, Shura Davidson offers newsreel-quality pieces sans fluff. Based in London and New York, she does most of her work on U.S. soil and makes sure that your wedding package is an honest, polished chronicle of your day (917-294-3576). For a more artsy flair, Wilson Fontaine will shoot your event and edit it down to a short piece with stylish accents (646-221-3063).

T Minus 9 Months

The Entertainment: DJ David Chang’s gigs date back to the days when Madonna frequented Danceteria. A verified sweetheart, he now splits his time between spinning at clubs and private events (212-501-8919; djdavidchang@aol.com). For lovely instrumentals, John Ragusa is an amazing flutist who plays with all types of musicians and can create customized ensembles to suit every part of your wedding, from ceremony to reception (212-706-7227).

T Minus 8 Months

The Caterer: Acquolina serves up tasty Northern Italian fare with a menu that caters to both lighter eaters — acquapazza (sea bass), frittini misti (fried sage, fennel, mushrooms, and asparagus) — as well as to the hard-core carnivore — brasato al barolo (braised beef with red wine) (2191 Third Avenue, at 120th Street, fourth floor; 212-994-9300). Callahan Catering has hooked up launch parties for Kate Spade and Polo. No matter what they serve, you can be sure it’s going to be quite the fashion plate (37 West 39th Street, at Sixth Avenue, suite 406; 212-327-1144).

T Minus 7 Months

The Decor: An insider favorite, Matthew Robbins and Jack Myers of Artfool are best known for their simple, stunning floral arrangements. Trademark creations include a mix of berries and orchids (212-253-2737). For those who understand the value of lighting and the dollar, Bentley Meeker Lighting and Staging, will cast you and the space in the most flattering glow (303 West 10th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, second floor; 212-722-3349). And while you’re at it, have the father-and-son team at the Okamoto Studio carve an ice sculpture. It may sound cheesy, but these guys have taken it to a new level with meticulous, unique pieces, great for raw bars or accents (212-842-0630).

Overwhelmed? Don’t be. (You haven’t got time for that.) Take a deep breath. Meditate. Medicate. This is only the beginning. We’ll tell you all about the final steps next week.