|
As the couple is bound, so shall be their books. Some wedding volumes: n "There shall be such a oneness between you that when one weeps, the other shall taste salt," says an old proverb. "Throughout all eternity, I forgive you, you forgive me," says the poet William Blake. They are among the musings about love and marriage in "The Bride" (a Helen Exley Giftbook, $39.95 slipcased hardcover), compiled by Helen Exley. Quotations are taken from modern and ancient poetry and ritual and illustrated by classic painted art. n For a bit of wit to leaven the serious stuff, try "Happily Ever After: the Wit and Wisdom of Marriage" (Angel City Press, $16.95 hardcover), by Jim and Helene McMullen. "Like all successful politicians, I married above myself," confessed former President Dwight Eisenhower. Testimony from mystery doyenne Agatha Christie: "An archaeologist is the best husband any woman can have; the older they get the more interested he is in her." And Shakespeare's reluctant bridegroom, Benedick, declares, "When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I should live till I were married." n When it gets down to basics, your marriage is about the three of you _ you, your spouse, and your money. "Love, Marriage & Money" (Dearborn Financial Publishing, $15.95 paperback), by Gail Liberman and Alan Lavine, lays out the framework to manage finances so they don't spoil your relationship. The authors, who are married to each other and admit to having occasional disagreements, offer front-line advice on the financial issues you face, include prenuptial agreements, whether one or both of you will work, insurance and retirement planning, how to pay for a house, a baby, etc. "Every Bride Is Beautiful" (Morrow, $25 hardcover, in January), says Deborah Chase, who offers information and advice to prove it. The author, whose "New Medically Based Non-Nonsense Beauty Book" looked at beauty preparations and dermatological problems from a scientific angle, does the same in this volume and expands the subjects to include exercise, diet, wedding dress choices, hairstyles, hand and nail care and other concerns. She's also included a countdown calendar to help the bride plan treatments and care. Along the way, Chase offers historic wedding lore, such as the fact that brides in the World War II era wore street clothes instead of elaborate gowns, to demonstrate their patriotism. n Getting pretty for the wedding is time to indulge in a cosmetic analysis and make-up lessons. Famed `60s designer Mary Quant offers them in "Classic Make-Up & Beauty" (DK Publishing, $13.95 paperback). n Is is all right to e-mail your thank-you notes? How many of those invited to your wedding will come? Pamela A. Lach has practical answers in "The Bride's Etiquette Guide" (Chicago Review Press, $6.95 paperback). She discourages e-mail, since it's less personal and not everyone has it; and figure 75 percent of the people on your invitation list will attend. |
The Salem Evening News | The Daily News of Newburyport | The Gloucester Daily Times | NorthShoreOnLine