New York - April 23, 2008

Recessional Hymns

Spring 2008 Wedding Guide

Getting married is a big investment. But a lucrative one (especially compared to this lagging Q2). Just because times are tough doesn’t mean wedding planning has to be. Go on, put the recess in recession!

Keep the Change
You’ll need power behind your party. Check out wind-powered options and offset travel done by out-of-town guests.

Downsize the Company
Pare down the guest list for an intimate gathering (or cut out dinner for a bigger, boozier cocktail bash). The Townhouse adjacent to Park Avenue Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter is a posh pied-à-terre with private entry, dining room, restroom, iPod dock, and fully stocked liquor cabinet.

Get in on the theme at the stately Park Avenue Bank. Forget balance inquiries; use the teller stations as cocktail bars for 50-75 guests (350 Park Avenue; 212-583-3110).

Accrue Interest
Thank photographer Heather Waraksa for the memories ahead of time (we can’t stop clicking through her portfolio).

Minimize Costs
Cut corners when nobody’s looking: The brand new NYC-based usedeventstuff.com is like Craigslist for party supplies (lighting, chairs, vases).

Invest Solidly
Then again, no one’s judging you for splurging. If it must be the dress — what the hell — make it Lanvin ($3,695 and up) at the new Bergdorf concept shop (754 Fifth Avenue; 212-872-8958). Crunch numbers for gowns at the new 21,000-square-foot Pronovias flagship (14 East 52nd Street; 212-897-6393).

Grooms: Shop for something you’ll wear again. Steven Alan’s cotton khaki for summer or washed wool charcoal for fall have current, flattering silhouettes that won’t leave you broke (103 Franklin Street; 212-343-0692). Brooklyn’s Samantha Pleet debuts a Rapscallion three-piece (“street swell suit”) at summer’s end.

Diversify Options
Stay within your budgetary bracket by going wholesale. At the newly minted Surroundings Flowers & Events (1236 Lexington Avenue; 800-567-7007), they’ll honor a proposal from any high-end florist and beat their costs by 25 percent.

Size doesn’t matter when making a statement. The geniuses at Vine told us that brides want heirlooms (brooches, buttons) and nonfloral accent (shells, herbs) in bouquets. Vary the elements of each bridesmaid’s floral bunch (color, type) and match each to a boutonniere.

Get Good Credit
Dessert comes down to supply and demand. The hubby/wife team at DUMBO’s new Mark Joseph Cakes makes crispy-textured feuilletine (thin crushed wafers in chocolate).

The clever ladies of Prospect Heights’s Mélangerie will brainstorm thoughtful, lasting impressions, and customize table settings, wedding programs, guest books, and mementos.

For good party karma and post-party cleanup, call the Rescue Squad at Special E to recycle your leftovers, printed materials, and bottles. They’ll repurpose your centerpieces, candles, and bridesmaid dresses for another wedding-in-need.

Consensus survey? You’re sweet, cheap, and socially conscious. Success is in the bank.

And more wedding ideas are here.