[.ca] The Everything Wedding Book: The Ultimate Guide to ... (ISBN 1593371268)

Don't bother:
This was one of the first books I bought for weddings because I thought it would give me a general overview. It's also one of the books I refer to the least. I wasn't ready for a planner at the time since I was still figuring out my wedding, but in retrospect, I wish I'd just done that. There is some interesting background about certain traditions, e.g. the meaning of the wedding ring, but not enough for those really craving that kind of content. I think the usefulness of this book is summed up in the beginning where they have the "Top Ten Utterances of the Brides Who Didn't Consult This Book." It includes things like "What do you mean I should have registered?" or "Thanks for Coming to My Shower, sorry I can't invite you to the wedding." If you're a total newbie without any basis in etiquette, or if you've actually never been to a wedding and are really starting from scratch, this book is for you. If it never occurred to you to make a budget, or if you want a list of suggestions for your first dance that includes suggestions by 98 Degrees, Shania Twain and Kelly Clarkson, go for it. But if you have even a vague sense of what you want, skip this and buy yourself a planner that will help you get an idea of what to look for, what to ask vendors and will help you keep track of contracts and business cards. I bought the Martha Stewart Keepsake Planner and have used it much more than this book.