Washington, D.C. - April 18, 2006

Wedding Advisory

Spring 2006 Wedding Guide

Good advice is hard to come by — particularly where marriage is concerned. (To wit: Cousin Daphne’s conviction about the importance of vinyl underthings; Nana’s admonition to never let him see you without makeup.) So when planning your wedding, stick with the classics.

A Man Is Known by the Company He Keeps
So invite all your nearest and dearest with invitations from Saturate Designs. You can choose custom or ready-made; while you’re at it, pick up some thank-you notes (510-644-2851).

Man Cannot Live by Bread Alone
Nor should he when there’s a wedding cake by Michel Richard. Options include a white and lemon mousse cake decorated with sugar flowers that look like glass sculptures. As for the rest of the meal, a reception at Citronelle should satisfy all palates with a custom menu of innovative French specialties like verrine of lobster and cucumber aspic, tart Lorraine, and deviled eggs with caviar (3000 M Street NW; 202-625-2150).

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
Don’t let anyone tell you to get your dress 24 months before the wedding. Diana My Tran of Diana’s Couture & Bridal can whip up something in no time (she has been known to work in less than a week). Make an appointment, bring her a picture or an idea and a deadline, and she’ll create the perfect gown (1624 Wisconsin Avenue; 202-333-5689).

One Good Turn Deserves Another
They saw you through the most high-maintenance time in your life. Thank your bridesmaids with Meg Carter jewelry. The bracelets, necklaces, and earrings can be special-ordered in pearl, shell, coral, or blue topaz (703-618-7434).

’Tis Better to Give Than to Receive
Or, at the very least, giving something back makes receiving sweeter. Through the month of April, drop off gently used bridesmaids’ dresses at Hitched (1523 Wisconsin Avenue; 202-333-6162). All dresses will be given to a local charity.

Ask and Ye Shall Receive
The new bridal registry at Gore Dean has all the desirables: new and antique china (Fabergé, Ginori, Hermès), linens, furniture, lighting, and even flowers. Plus, the shop offers complete wedding planning services (3338 M Street NW; 202-625-9199).

Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder
No one will behold your wedding photos more often than you. So have artist Lely Constantinople (202-468-6481) take your pics, then preserve them in a handmade album from Jenni Bick (800-640-8758).

A Thing of Beauty Is a Joy Forever
Leave your flowers to the amazing Laura Dowling, owner of Intérieurs et Fleurs. Laura (who studied in Paris) will craft arrangements so dramatic, so elegant, and so exactly what you want — all for a very reasonable price (703-549-2560).

And, finally, when you find yourself arguing with your betrothed about every little thing from the color of his tie to the order of the toasts, remember what Ann Landers said: “All married couples should learn the art of battle as they should learn the art of making love.”

And get on with both.