Washington, D.C. - October 24, 2006

Altared State

Fall 2006 Wedding Guide

Planning a wedding? No wonder you’re feeling totally psycho. Regain your sanity by analyzing the problem and following this good advice.

Acknowledge the Ego
Calm down. It’s just stationery. Chris Mills (202-387-9890 or chris@dumbtourist.us) does custom announcements and invitations that are totally you, from origami reply cards to 45-record save-the-dates. Overwhelmed by options? Pink & Ink hits the right (subtle) note with sweet colors and cute motifs.

Consider the Reality Principle
If you take on more than you can handle, you’ll forget to have fun. Let ever-charming wedding planner Aimee Dominick (1150 K Street NW, 202-271-0671) manage everything. 

Address the Id
Your fantasy comes true with a perfect dress from Oscar de la Renta’s new bridal line. For something custom, get local designer Aimeé Lauren to whip something up (or check out her newly launched ready-to-wear line).

Gild the Lily
Helen Olivia (222 North Lee Street, Alexandria; 703-548-2848) will transform your wildest floral vision into colorful, compact, and cool arrangements. Yes, gorgeous bouquets look great for the bridesmaids, but they really want jewelry from Queen Bee Designs (703-329-6768).

Contemplate Oral Issues
Set the table (and solve the registry issue) with cool, modern tableware (that won’t break the bank) from sleek home store Vivi (7254 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda; 301-656-5626).

Lose the Repression
Everyone from stodgy Aunt Gertrude to your dozen BFFs will let loose when DJ Secret Chimp (240-441-6208) hits the turntable.

Succumb to Memory
How to immortalize the day on which you looked your most model-perfect? With pictures by fashion photographer Kevin Koski (202-415-3063 or kevin.koski@gmail.com) that you can look at over and over again.

Just don’t get stuck overanalyzing them.

For more ways to fuel the insanity, check out our spring 2006 wedding guide.