Bookstore
We have free copies of our Here Comes The Guide books available at selected bridal gown salons and dozens of bridal fair events in California, while supplies last.
 NORTHERN CALIFORNIAThe 13th edition, 720-page guidebook features hundreds of Northern California event locations, plus pre-screened, Certified By The Guide vendors. Want a copy? |  SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAThe 12th edition, 748-page guidebook features hundreds of Southern California event locations, plus pre-screened, Certified By The Guide vendors. Want a copy? |
Each of our books profiles hundreds of California event locations with a lively description, illustration and detailed information about capacities, fees and services. All of the event professionals featured in our books (and website!) have been Certified By The Guide. See a sample page.
Wedding Planning Books
Wedding Style Books
Relationship Books
Wedding Magazines
Wedding Planning
Anti-Bride Guide: Tying the Knot Outside of the Box
This sassy and hilarious book is loaded with unusual ideas for alterna-brides, or those just looking to do things a little differently. Anti-Bride gives you the courage to do your own thing with style and grace. Full of insider tips and common-sense advice—as well as lively illustrations—Anti-bride Guide is one you’ll want to share with your engaged friends.—review by Jolene. Want a copy?
Anti-Bride Wedding Planner: Hip Tools and Tips for Getting Hitched
A useful resource for the modern bride—you know, career-gals pressed for time but loaded with personal style. These authors feel you, and even the savviest party gal will find several useful suggestions in these breezy, pink pages. Contains my favorite bridal advice ever: “Eat a hamburger before your wedding ceremony.” Now, the high-society event planner your mother wanted to hire would never tell you that, would she?—review by Jolene. Want a copy?
Anti-Bride Etiquette Guide: The Rules - And How to Bend Them
by Carolyn Gerin, Kathleen Hughes, and Amy Glynn Hornick
“When do I…” , “To whom do I..,” “What do I…,” “What if…” You’ve got questions, and this latest in the Anti-Bride book series has some snappy answers. Offering inventive solutions to sticky situations, Anti-Bride Etiquette Guide shows brides ways to balance their own wishes with those unrealistic expectations of their loved ones—while ruffling the least amount of feathers. Oh, and yes, it’s as funny as the rest of her books!—review by Jolene. Want a copy?
Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget
by Denise and Alan Fields
A practical, sometimes irreverent, roundup of money-saving advice on everything from bridal gowns to the honeymoon. Both budget brides and big spenders will find useful shopping and planning tips, clearly and humorously presented.—review by Jolene. Want a copy?
Countdown to Your Perfect Wedding: From Engagement Ring to Honeymoon, a Week-by-Week Guide to Planning the Happiest Day of Your Life by Joyce Scardina Becker, CMP
This book is like a self-contained wedding coordinator! Joyce guides you through your wedding planning, with tips to keep you on time and within your budget. Everything is broken down by the week, so you can stay on top of every task. A must-have for the busy bride on the go!—review by Denise. Want a copy?
Wedding Ceremonies for the Historically Inclined
by Laura Crockett
Art thou desirous of an historical themed wedding? Then get thee this handbook! Renaissance weddings, Victorian vows, even pirate-style “I dos” are outlined herein. This ultimate romantic reference includes period-appropriate readings, music and more—review by Jolene. Want a copy?
Style
My Fair Wedding:
Finding Your Vision…Through His Revisions! by David Tutera
The companion book to the hit WE TV series, Tutera’s My Fair Wedding includes a re-cap of the most memorable brides from the past 3 seasons, plus the celebrity wedding planner’s expert advice, invaluable insight, and planning pointers. The theme—that regardless of budget, every bride can have her fantasy wedding—is the ultimate inspiration.—reviewed by Jenna. Want a copy?
The DIY Bride
40 Fun Projects for Your Ultimate One-of-a-kind Wedding
by Khris Cochran
Want to make your wedding extremely personal, and more affordable to boot? This book has step-by-step instructions for DIY projects like invitations, unusual save-the-dates, florals, hair ornaments, centerpieces, cake toppers and more. A delegation plan and cost comparison is included for each project. —reviewed by Sharon. Want a copy?
The DIY Bride Crafty Countdown: 40 Fabulous Projects to make in the Months, Weeks & Hours before Your Special Day by Khris Cochran
This DIY Bride sequel has projects organized by what to do first, right up to last minute finishing touches. You’ll find instructions for ribbon & lace bridal slippers, feather boutonnieres, a wall projection—even how-to help for a DIY reception photo booth! Includes recommendations for time allotment, budget and cost comparison. —reviewed by Sharon. Want a copy?
Handmade Hellos
by Chronicle Books
Eunice and Sabrina Moyle, the masterminds behind Hello! Lucky Invitations, present over 25 DIY paper projects for creating your own wedding invitations, thank yous, birthday cards and more, whatever your aesthetic sensibility. A great way to add a fun and personal touch to your special event.—review by Denise. Want a copy?
Just Try It On: A Month-by-Month Guide to Shopping and Style
by Susan Redstone
Done in a useful calendar layout, this unique book offers an insider’s look at what to shop for when. Easy to read and packed with valuable fashion advice and money-saving tips, style writer Susan Redstone has even included an entire chapter on dressing for weddings.—review by Jolene. Want a copy?
Relationships
The Daughter-in-Law Rules: 101 Surefire Ways to Manage (and Make Friends with) Your Mother-In-Law!
If you think planning a wedding with your future mother-in-law is challenging, just think about planning the rest of your married life! In this must-read book for brides-to-be, Sally identifies the power struggles between MILs and DILs in a thoroughly entertaining way, and offers practical solutions for resolving these issues before they become a major problem.—review by Lisa. Want a copy?
The Hard Questions: 100 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Say “I Do”
So many people (including myself in my starter marriage) just never take the time to really talk through the big stuff like sex and money before they get married. This book by Susan Piver is a great starting point. When used correctly in a series of conversations with your Mr. Right, this little investment could save you thousands of dollars and untold amounts of heartache. Plus, you just might learn some stuff about your guy that makes you love him even more.—review by Meredith. Want a copy?
Magazines
Planning a destination wedding or a romantic honeymoon? DID delivers inspiration, ideas and how-to’s for both globetrotters and city slickers. This plummy periodical is a nice blend of practical advice and romantic real weddings. —review by Jolene. Want a copy?
The annual mag’s special issue unravels pre-wedding stress by breaking down the planning elements into manageable components: Location, Invitations, Flowers, Food, etc. Gorgeous, inspiring and useful. —review by Jolene.