New York - April 18, 2006

Operation Get Thee Wed

Spring 2006 Wedding Guide

Love, as you are well aware, is a battlefield. And planning a wedding can be enough to make you want to run for cover. But these nuptial tips will keep you (and your shell-shocked fiancé) from going AWOL.

Alert the Troops
Sign, seal, and deliver vintage-style invites from CeCi. (We love the Old World New York designs.) Use Platial to tag a personalized map of amenities (hairdressers, cafes, galleries, make-out spots) for disoriented out-of-town guests.

Devise a Strategy
Draw up a plan of attack at The Wedding Salon (333 West 39th Street; 212-631-7777), where you can sample hors d’oeuvres, view tabletops, and meet with chefs (from Per Se) and industry insiders (like David Tutera).

Provide the Rations
There’s no better way to celebrate than with a slice of fresh (cake) design from April Reed or a painted number from Curve cakes. Serve up delicious, imaginative bites like chicken rillettes, lobster Napoleon, and Parmesan pudding from Creative Edge Parties.

Prepare the Artillery
Ed Libby & Company creates striking visuals like floral chandeliers and sculptures. Architectural floral designer Lynn Jawitz painstakingly hand-wires her arrangements for perfect presentation (and preservation after the big day).

Source Your Gear
Make allies with the jet-setting girls of Lara Hélène Bridal Atelier (13 East 69th Street; 212-452-3273) for exclusive, customized dresses. Or unleash the secret weapon: up-and-comer Matthew Christopher. Local designer Daria de Koning hits the target with her dainty accessories.

Sound the Bugle
There’s a reason everyone knows about the Starlight Orchestra (hip-hop stylists, hot backup singers). But for legit NY sound (that does not include the Electric Slide), bring in turntable lovebirds DJ Shakey and Small Change. Their comprehensive collection of funk, soul, hip-hop, ’80s, and club classics will have all your guests breaking it down on the dance floor.

Round Up the Infantry
Ladies on the frontline will leave no Joynoëlle bridesmaid dress behind (369 West 36th Street; 212-645-8006). For something truly unique head to Yuta Powell (37 East 64th Street, suite 301; 212-570-6889), a hidden Parisian couture gem in the Plaza Athénée Hotel.

Prepare the Battalion
Book your bridal party with a top-notch team of hair and makeup stylists at Once Upon a Bride’s new Violet Salon (296 Elizabeth Street; 212-353-2350). They’ve earned their stars from catwalks and magazine shoots. Thank your fearless friends by giving them Bond No. 9‘s NYC-centric demiblend scents (which make better gifts than purple hearts).

Organize Propaganda
ICP alum Karen Mordechai shoots stunningly spontaneous, documentary-style photos and engagement portraits. Photo twosome Belathée works simultaneously in color and black and white. Call on videographers from Pinstripe Films to polish and doctor the night to your liking.

Formulate Plan B
It’s always wise to have a contingency plan. Mission completed? Send late-night warriors to Sing Sing (81 Avenue A; 212-674-0700) for a karaoke after-party with a case of Function drinks. (They’ll need it after their tour of duty).

Then escape to neutral ground, throw up the white flag, and surrender your heart.