New York - April 12, 2005

I Do. Just My Way

Spring 2005 Wedding Guide

Irrational demands. Flippant remarks. An overbearing aunt with
a penchant for puce.

Just a few annoyances a bride-to-be encounters. (And what with stress and crash-dieting, diplomacy isn’t your strong suit right now.) Don’t bother dealing. Let the experts handle all of your worries.

The Under-Enthused Mom
Mom never had the party bug. (No Wonder Woman birthday parties for your tenth.) Perhaps she needs some schooling. Classes at The Wedding Workshop are taught by pros (21 East 65th Street; 212-570-5900). Mom can consult magazines and see vendor samples at The Wedding Library (43 East 78th Street; 212-327-0100).

The Not-into-Labels Family
Mom’s boyfriend wants his name on the invite? You’ll need something offset with a crisp design. Sloane Madureira, master of letterpress, can handle it (212-539-0184; smadureira@earthlink.com).

The Maid from Hell
As a big sister, she rocks. As
a matron of honor and gown shopper? Not so much. Drag her to Lara Hélène Bridal Atelier for a dreamy couture dress from Carina Crain, Carsten Juhl, Isabelle Montagu, and others (13 East 69th Street; 212-452-3273).

The Borings-in-Law
If celeb (and common folk) fave DJ Dina Regine can’t get their groove on, they’re a lost cause (212-683-1270; drpgrooves@aol.com).

The Gastronome Cousin
He turns up his nose at crab rangoon. No fear. Le Potager, a new catering service started by a former Glorious Food chef, offers almost every type of tasty cuisine, from dishes you can’t pronounce to mini burgers with homemade ketchup. All beautifully presented (212-472-1929; lepotager@aol.com).

The Groom-
Turned-Planner
Suddenly, he’s interested in Every. Freaking. Detail. After a few hours discussing options with Lewis Miller of LMD Floral Events Interiors, he just might feign allergies (437 East 12th Street; 212-614-2734).

The Sourpuss
Mother-in-Law
She’s never smiled at you before, so why would your wedding day be any different? If a miracle occurs, quick-shooter Karen Cunningham will capture it (917-319-2288; karen@karencunningham.com).

The Bitter Bridesmaids
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride? You’d be grumpy, too. A Mi Tesoro charm bracelet sends good-luck karma in style.

The Hypersensitive Aunt
She’ll be devastated if she can’t help. Stem her sorrow with a simple task such as ordering votive candle favors (Auto, 805 Washington Street; 212-229-2292).

After all, those tears should be reserved for the ceremony.