Bridal veils are made of myth and legend as much as chiffon or lace. Brides in Rome wore veils to shield them from evil spirits the night before the wedding. One story traces wedding veils back to the Old Testament and the story of Jacob, Rachel and Leah; the switched brides in that story are the reason grooms in Jewish wedding ceremonies traditionally lift and then lower the veil again to see the bride’s face. They are, in general, a symbol of purity, and of the bride’s transition from one role in life to another.

On the day of your wedding, of course, you’re more likely to be worried about whether your bridal veil, headpiece, or tiara is securely attached than about whether it’s keeping away evil spirits. Make sure when deciding what sort of headpiece you want that your choice will stay on, even if the wind is blowing, or if whoever lifts your veil fumbles or pulls on it a bit. Also be certain that it will be comfortable enough for you to wear for pictures, through the wedding ceremony and, in the case of a tiara, through the reception as well. You’ll want to have other things on your mind besides, "It’s going to fall off any second now, I can feel it!" or "My head is killing me."

For all these reasons, it’s a good idea to try on a selection of veils before you buy one. Discount wedding veils and tiaras are widely available in internet bridal stores, but nothing compares to seeing how your veil looks and feels for yourself. Is it in proportion to your dress, does it flatter your face and the shape of your head? Atlanta bridal shops will be happy to help you try on veils and give advice about securing it properly.

There are a lot of options out there. Long or short? A chiffon wedding veil, or one made of lace? A tiara, or a circlet of flowers?

Shop around. Even if you’re wearing your grandmother’s antique lace wedding veil, you’ll need to have it cleaned and any yellowing taken out. There are shops in Atlanta that specialize in veil cleaning and preservation; check to see if there’s any damage, even down to just a few threads pulled out of place. You might want to use the veil itself, but attach it to a different headpiece, or vice versa.

And remember, it all comes down to what looks and feels best for you!

Minature picture frames?  Bundles of Jordan almonds tied with ribbons?  Engraved place card holders?  Figurines?  With all the decisions you’re making for your Atlanta wedding, coming up with wedding favors tasteful, thoughtful, and unique – yet available and affordable to order in dozens or hundreds – can be a tough choice to make.

The first thing to remember in selecting wedding favors for your guests is that their purpose is to give them something to keep that will remind them of your special day.  They can be as lavish or as simple as you wish; they’re really just a little thank you present for being with you at your wedding.  Traditionally, wedding favors were meant to be keepsakes rather than useful everyday items, but why not give them something they can make part of their daily life and remember you every time it’s used?

Another fun option which is gaining popularity are disposable cameras set at the tables for the wedding guests to use to take snapshots during the reception.  Have a member of the wedding party collect these at the end of the night, get the photos developed, and send the pictures out to all your guests on photo CDs or in small custom albums!  It’s a great way for guests to have fun and participate in making memories.

Edible wedding favors are also eternally popular.  Many options are available, with candies, chocolates, and mints available in a wide array of miniature tins, dishes, and ribboned bags.  Choose small gifts in your wedding colors, or engraved with the date of your wedding and your names.  Personalizations are easy in this day and age, and available for wedding favors from online stories and local businesses alike.

Show your friends and family you appreciate their attendance and give them mementoes they’ll want to keep and remember.  The possibilites end only with your own imagination!

The wedding ceremony is over, the guests have traveled the reception line, the champagne has been poured and speeches made, and you and your new husband are kissing to the tune of silverware on glasses.  What final touch is needed to make this Atlanta wedding perfect?  The right wedding reception music.

Choosing your wedding music and reception entertainment presents a lot of options, and with them a lot of decisions to make.  Maybe you’re looking for a classical trio, or a band to play jazz standards or “your song” for your first dance as husband and wife.  Maybe you want a disc jockey to keep your guests dancing through the night.  

Atlanta Wedding Source can help you find the perfect wedding entertainment, with everything from a dance floor and a great Atlanta DJ playing your favorite pop music to professional harp players to Elvis impersonators or magicians!  It all depends on your taste and budget and on what you think your guests will most enjoy. There are some great Atlanta bands out there willing to take requests or plan a music set around your tastes.  Or, if you want to keep things simple and a friend has offered to be your wedding DJ, sound system rentals are readily available.  You can even rent a dance floor if your reception area doesn’t have one!

The location of your reception is an important factor to take into consideration, as is the number of guests.  Outdoor weddings may require louder speakers for the music to reach every ear; small indoor receptions are probably not the place for sky-high speakers that remind you of Stonehenge.  Common sense will take you far, here, as will an effort to keep your  reception music in tune with the rest of the wedding.  And always remember to consider what your guests would most enjoy.  Not everybody wants to do the Chicken Dance, but some people would be disappointed not to have the option.

In the end, though, it’s your wedding, so the choice of wedding entertainment should come down to what you and your husband-to-be want.  It’ll be the end of a long, wonderful but very stressful day; you should be able to relax and enjoy yourself with all your dearly beloveds, with wedding music that makes you happy.

For richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health… Marriage vows are the heart of any wedding ceremony. They’re an expression of the love you and your sweetheart feel and your promises to each other for your life together. It’s important for your Atlanta wedding, then, to choose wedding vows that really communicate what the two of you want to say, whether through the traditional vows of a centuries-old wedding service, love poems, scriptural quotations, or song lyrics you’ve selected for having special meaning to you, or your own original wedding vows, unique and in your own words.

If you and your fiance are being married in a traditional church wedding service, or with the officiation of a member of the clergy of a religion which has a set wedding service, you probably already know the vows you’ll be taking. The Catholic wedding service, for example, is considered a sacrament of the church, like communion or baptism, and though the words of the service have been often translated they’re much the same as they’ve been for centuries.

The traditional wedding vows of most Christian marriage ceremonies come from that same ancient Catholic marriage service, and are best known in the form adapted by the Church of England. When the priest or minister starts off, "Dearly beloved…", they’re probably using some form of that service. Because these vows are so often repeated in movies, TV shows, and books alike, they’re probably familiar to you, and many couples feel that that familiarity gives the words a comfortable or "official" ring. When you’re taking your wedding vows, you certainly want to feel that you’re really getting married!

On a practical level, another advantage this sort of service has is that the vows are generally spoken first by the priest, pastor, or minister, and repeated by the bride and groom. You and your fiancé will be in the middle of one of the most exciting – and one of the busiest! – days of your life; the last thing you want to do is get stage fright and forget the words of your marriage vows!

For this reason, whatever kind of vows you take it’s a good idea to rehearse them a few times before the ceremony. Many officiants these days are very open-minded about the words they’ll speak during the service, and will be glad to sit down with you during the planning stages to discuss how best you can give the wedding ceremony meaning for you.

If you feel that repeating someone else’s words makes them seem less like they’re coming from your own heart, consider writing your own – but be sure to have a copy of the vows with you, and try not to leave writing them to the last minute. You’ll have enough to do the day of the marriage ceremony without trying to scribble down notes at the last minute!

If you need ideas for your personalized wedding vows, the internet can be a great resource. Searching for "sample wedding vows" or "free wedding vows" should turn up plenty of useful examples that can give you a starting place. You might also consider using the words of a favorite poem or song.

Take a moment – if you can find a free one in the whirl of the buying and appointments of getting married – to talk to your fiance about what you both want to say, and how you want to say it. Wedding cake crumbles away, but your wedding vows can last forever.

Vests? Studs? Cummerbunds? Planning your groom’s tuxedo rental and decking out his men of honor can sometimes seem like pulling teeth. Even if you guy seems to be excited about shopping for a tux, he may need a few pointers…like, don’t pick up the tux from the shop the day before the wedding to avoid an ill-fitting suit disaster!

Three to five months before the wedding day, your groom should visit the tuxedo chain store or boutique (where he’ll pay higher prices than at a nationally recognized chain) and place an order. He’ll get measured by the helpful staff on that day. His wedding party should also get their measurements sent in at this time if they are getting all tuxed up. At one week until the wedding day, your man will return to the store for the final fitting and can arrange to pick up the tux.

Brides, remember to send your man off to the shop with a color swatch (like a piece of fabric or an invitation) if you want to match the bridesmaid dress color to the tux accessories. As far as the style or color of the tuxedo itself, anything goes. Some grooms wear their military uniforms, or even a kilt if it matches their heritage. If you’re a man and are still not sure what to thing about wedding day fashions, just start out by visiting a local tux shop and asking a staff member to show you the most popular jacket/pant styles and trends. It also might help to bring along a friend for manly input, but usually, the helpful tux shop staff will be happy to assist you.

It’s important to scan all of the tux shop’s rental policies to figure out how to return the suit after the wedding, especially if you’re taking an immediate honeymoon. (Usually, the best man or a family member can take the tux back for you to avoid charges.) Tuxedo shop staff should clearly explain their policies to you. If you are not pleased with a shop’s level of service, don’t hesitate to go elsewhere. You should be confident that they’ll deliver to you a tux fitted to your needs on the day you need it most.

Numerous shops will offer special discounts or promotions just to gain your business, such as a free groom’s tux with a certain number of rentals. Overall, many shops claim they will rent you a tuxedo for anywhere from $50 to $200, but always read the fine print to see if there are extra charges. Never be afraid to shop around or ask if the shop matches prices of its competitors.

Here are just a few Atlanta tuxedo rental companies to get you started on your search. An Internet search or a quick flip through the phone book can load you up with dozens of options, though. So shop around.:

After Hours (770-395-0667; www.afterhours.com)

Black Tie by Lori (404.252.8767; www.bridalsbylori.com/tuxedos/index.asp)

Savvi Formalwear (404-699-4600; www.besavvi.com)

Tuxedo Rentals & Innovations (404-355-9004; no website)

Tuxedo Wearhouse (770-889-6889; www.tuxwearhouse.com)

A wedding without flowers is like a zebra without stripes. If you are one of those brides who picked out her wedding flowers as a little girl, congratulations. This part should be easy for you. But if you need a little help choosing the most elegant flowers for your big day, below are some helpful tips for choosing wedding petals. Following these tips are Atlanta florists who can give you personalized service.

If you are generally a procrastinator, save it until after your wedding is over. Though some florists work very quickly, the midst of wedding season (late spring through early fall) is a terrible time to walk into a flower shop for the first time. Give a few months notice, and you’ll be in much better shape to have your flower order completed.

Set up an appointment to speak with a florist—they’ll let you know how early to book a consultation once you tell them your wedding date. One the day of the appointment, be sure to bring a swatch of your colors (a small piece of fabric or an invitation might do) as well as a list of all of the floral pieces you’ll need to buy. For most weddings, this includes a bouquet for the bride (which can get pricey in itself) and her bridesmaids, boutonnieres for the men (don’t forget to count the groom, all fathers, grandfathers, and your officiant), and corsages for mothers, grandmothers, and other special wedding participants. For some families, this can get very complicated, so be sure to think it through before you actually go into the shop.

You may also want to order some larger arrangements for the reception hall or ceremony location. (Consider moving the same flowers from one location to the next to save money.) Remember to keep your floral budget in mind while deciding which pieces to have, or your flower order might creep up in past your comfort zone quite easily.

If you’ve looked in some bridal magazines to get an idea of what you want your flowers to look like, you’ll be in much better shape to articulate to the florist what you’re after. But if you also have an open mind, the florist might suggest flower combinations you hadn’t considered. They may even save you a few bucks this way, but substituting less expensive flowers or greenery for those red roses or calla lilies (both among the most expensive wedding flowers) you had in mind. Cost will also be determined by which flowers are in season; the ones you want may have to be flown in from South America, which can cost a pretty penny. Be open-minded, and you’ll get a great deal and beautiful arrangements that will decorate your wedding day.

Below are some Atlanta florists who are tops in their field. Conduct an Internet search or open the phone book, and you will find many more:

BudgetBlossoms.com(770-432-0990; www.budgetblossoms.com)

Darling’s Freeze Drieds (770-975-1811; www.darlingsfreezedrieds.com)

Flowers By Taffie (4044203026; www.flowersbytaffie.com)

Fuji Floral Design (404-881-0363 or 877-881-0363; www.fujifloraldesign.com)

I Thee Wed (678-772-4351; www.itheewedatlanta.com)

Little Sparrow Floral Design (404-249-8366; www.littlesparrowflowers.com)

Cocktail shrimp. Chicken cordon bleu. Roasted red potatoes. Green beans. Red and white wine. Fondue tower. Sounds simple enough, right? If sneaky phrases like “service charge and corkage fee” are making your head spin, take a break and study up on the catering biz. Shopping for a wedding caterer in Atlanta can be a lot of fun and a great overall experience—if you know the right questions to ask.

First, you need to know how long the caterer has been in the business. This will tell you whether or not they have the required licensing, up-to-date health and safety inspections, and liability insurance. If you’re having a sizeable event, you’ll also need to ask if the caterer can comfortably handle a crowd that size. A good gauge is to ask about the typical event size that they cater.

Another very important question to ask is: “What is included in the price?” Taxes, service charge, equipment rentals, staff to be there on the day of the event, table settings, and other items may be added on to the initial price quote, so make sure you ask! You will need to put down a deposit and inquire about the payment plan if there is one.

If your caterer has a liquor license (most should), they will be able to serve alcohol on the day of the event. There may be some additional corkage fees if you supply your own wine, or a service charge for bar staff to be there at the event. So tidy up all of those details with the caterer when you sign your paperwork. Also, discuss with your caterer the hours of your wedding, the date, and what they will charge if the wedding goes into overtime.

A tasting is a chance for you and your fiancé to sample the menu the caterer has to offer. Considering the hefty price you’ll pay for a catered full meal (up to or over $20 per guest), you absolutely deserve to sample the entrees and side dishes. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions at this stage, especially if you are not thrilled with one of the sample dishes. A good caterer will not only know how much to serve your guests, but he or she will also be willing to work with you to create a killer menu that will satisfy picky guests and those with special dietary needs as well.

For some unique catering options in Atlanta, try one of the following service providers, or do your own Internet search. This is only a partial list to give you an idea of what Atlanta catering companies have to offer.

ACATER.COM(770-399-0118; www.acater.com)

Affairs to Remember (404-872-7859; www.affairs.com)

Avenue Catering Concepts (404-495-0555 or 770-578-1110; www.avenue-catering.com)

Bold American Catering (404-815-1178; www.boldamerican.com)

Chef Eric Catering and Events(404.909.9900; www.chefericatl.com)

Lowcountry Barbecue Express (404-352-1121; www.lowcountrybarbecue.com)

Joe’s Catering and Events (404-881-8028; www.joescatering.com)

Legendary Events (404-869-8858; www.legendaryevents.com)

Ocean Catering Company (404-352-0724 or 404-372-3749; www.oceancateringcompany.com)

Soul Vegetarian Catering (877-206-1550; www.soulvegetarian.com)

Visiting a bakery to pick out your wedding cake is a task that often gets both the bride and groom excited…especially when tasting is involved!Tip:Make sure whatever bakery you order from allows you to taste a sample of the same type of cake and icing you are ordering. Because no matter how beautiful the cake is, if nobody is able to stomach it, you will have succeeded in wasting a ton of money and leaving behind an impression you never wished to make!

Several Atlanta wedding cake providers are listed below, but this is only a sampling of what the city has to offer. You should do an online search or peruse the phone book for more pastry chefs in your area. Your budget may also help you narrow down the pool.

Buckhead Wedding Cakes (404 846 5500; www.buckheadweddingcakes.com)

For detail-oriented pastry chefs who will create the cake of your dreams, you may find Buckhead Wedding Cakes is the only way to go. See their online portfolio to get a feel for previous work, which includes fondant or butter cream icing, as well as kosher selections. Because their designs are so in demand, these cake designers work by referral or appointment only.

Cakes By Originals (770-471-3259; www.originalscatering.com)

Originals has been in business in Atlanta for over a decade, providing tiered wedding cakes that really make a splash. Several of their portfolio cakes are of the “illuminated” variety (set on lighted stands that glitter and glow in the evening), and their classic designs look truly elegant. Let their experience work for you. Fill out a form online for your free consultation.

Classic Cheesecakes(404-233-9636; www.classiccheesecakes.com)

Looking for an alternative to traditional white or chocolate sheet cake? These Atlanta-made cheesecakes are spectacular—like nothing you’ve ever seen. You will make quite an impression with these colorful, decorated cheesecakes. View their online gallery for more information and you’ll want to place an order. In-store consultation is by appointment only.

Edible Greetings (404-246-8556; www.ediblegreetings.com)

Located in Sandy Springs, Edible Greetings is newer to the cake business—they opened six years ago. But you would never know it by their designs. Their portfolio features delicious-looking whimsical cakes, “fantasy” cakes, and traditional options. They even provide petite cakes (or cupcakes) if your event calls for such fare. Email niki@ediblegreetings.com to arrange a consultation including a cake tasting.

Henri’s Bakery (404-237-0202; www.henrisbakery.com)

For all the icing swirls and flowers you could picture, Henri’s can give you more. Their wedding cakes are traditional and elegant—just schedule a consultation to see what this Atlanta-based bakery can whip up for you. Email info@henrisbakery.com for more info. Henri’s has Sandy Springs and Buckhead locations.

Sweet Creations by Tarsha (678-475-8443; www.sweetcreationsbytarsha.com)

Tarsha’s wedding cakes are crafted with experience—over 20 years of it! Their portfolio includes tiered and stacked varieties. Ask about the $399 bridal special, which includes a three-layered cake and a groom’s cake. You can request a tasting consultation online or by emailing tarsha@sweetcreationsbytarsha.com.

Shopping for Atlanta bridesmaid dresses can either be a lot of fun or seem like a huge chore. Whichever way you look at it, you must shop around if you want your ladies to look stunning and feel great on your wedding day.

Atlanta bridal shops can help you select dresses that will fit your bridesmaids just right by getting their exact measurements and placing the orders for you. Try to do this yourself, and you may end up with a big mess on your hands when the catalog dresses arrive and they don’t fit at all. Luckily, alterations are available to make your bridal party fit in their new dresses like a glove. Hint:it’s easier to take in a larger size than to expand a smaller dress.

With designer and discount styles available in a variety of shapes, fabrics, and colors, the choice is up to you. With so many options, you may need to enlist the help of a trusted bridesmaid or two to help you select a bridesmaid dress style. Just don’t leteveryone have a say, or you’ll find it impossible to pick a dress that will satisfy every girl involved. After all is said and done, that’s okay, though. These are the ladies you chose because they are important people in your life, trusted friends and family. And those bonds are tough to break—even over an ill-fitting bridesmaid dress.

Here are just a few shops in the Atlanta area that sell bridesmaid dresses. Have fun looking around and good luck finding that dazzling dress that will paint the palette of your wedding day.

Bella Bridesmaid (404-846-8880;www.bellabridesmaid.com)

Featuring collections from Melissa Sweet, Vera Wang, Jenny Yoo, and more, this bridal franchise is chock full of dresses that today’s young and stylish bridesmaid would be thrilled to wear. Check out their collections online before entering the store to get a feel for the wonderful selection Bella has to offer. Email atlanta@bellabridesmaid.com for more info.

Bridals by Lori (404.252.8767; www.bridalsbylori.com)

Dying for designer bridesmaid gowns from Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, or Watters? Bridals by Lori carries these collections and more. They are closed Wednesdays, but have extended hours through 8pm on other weekdays, so call for your appointment today. The store is located at 6021 Sandy Springs Circle in Atlanta.

The Bridesmaid’s Collection(404-603-8281; www.bridesmaids-collection.com)

Though their website may not be up and running, don’t rule out The Bridesmaid’s Collection. Email info@bridesmaids-collection.com for more information or directions to this boutique.

Priscilla of Boston (404-760-9800; www.priscillaofboston.com)

Featuring several designer collections of bridal party dresses in a simple and sophisticated runway style, Priscilla of Boston’s Atlanta location is all the rage. This shop is located at 3234 Peachtree Road N.E. in Atlanta. Call ahead for an appointment.

Something New (770.573.7644; www.somethingnewatlanta.com)

This little boutique features bridesmaid dresses by designers like Avalon, B2, Bari Jay, Belsoie and Paula Varsalona. Something New is closed Sunday and Monday, but you can write email@somethingnewatlanta.com to set up an appointment during their weekly hours.

There are literally dozens upon dozens of Atlanta shops featuring bridal designs (with only a select few mentioned below), so the way to start narrowing it down is by price. Budget wedding dresses are available for sale or even for rent (see the first two shops listed below), but elegant wedding gowns can easily creep into the thousands of dollars (see the last two shops listed below). Atlanta’s finest wedding boutiques will offer personalized services to help you locate your dream dress—and will charge you every penny of what it’s worth.

Always remember that the price you see on the tag is rarely what you will end up paying after alterations, bridal accessories (including slips and wedding lingerie), shoes, and extras add several hundred dollars to the overall cost. Remember that warning when you are budgeting.

But overall, have fun dress hunting, and take photos. You’ll want to remember which dresses you liked in store to help you pick which one you’ll take home with you. Also, it’s a good idea to take one or two people with you into the shops, who will give helpful input into which dress you choose. Too many cooks in the kitchen, though, is never a good thing. So keep it to a handful of friends. And happy shopping at these and other Atlanta bridal shops:

Bridal Sense (404-256-4696; www.bridalsense.com)

If you’re only going to wear a dress for one day, some brides think “it just makes sense” to rent their wedding gown. If that’s you, Bridal Sense has gowns for rent as well as new, stylish wedding dresses on the premises. Owner Nancy Culotta opened the shop as a family tradition—her mother was in the bridal gown business for 20 years, and Nancy followed in her footsteps, offering impeccable service and on-site alterations. Write to info@bridalsense.com for more information.

Clara’s Wedding & Alterations(770-730-0255 or 678-468-2624; www.clarawedding.com)

If you’ve considered saving money on a dress by renting a wedding gown, Clara’s offers a limited number of wedding dresses for rent, as well as gowns for sale at a huge discount. What’s better is that on-site alterations are included with all rented dresses. Alterations are performed by Clara Kim, whose 20 years of experience lend to excellently fitting gowns. After the wedding, you can also see Clara for gown preservation. Email clara@clarawedding.com for more info.

Casa di Moda(404-467-4671; www.casadimoda.com)

If you are shopping in the $2000 to $5000 range for your Atlanta bridal gown, the Isabella Margianu collection at Casa di Moda may be just what you are looking for. These dresses are dramatic and they exude pure elegance. For an appointment, call ahead or email info@isabellamargianu.com.

New Natalie’s Bridals (404-352-1616 ext, 203; www.newnatalies.com)

Offering designer gowns from under $1000 up to $6000, New Natalie’s is all the rage. They were featured on CNN for their bridal fashions, and you can set up an appointment via their website. This Atlanta bridal shop is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and appointments must be set up 48 hours in advance.