Planning the perfect wedding: how do you envision your perfect wedding? Do you prefer a wedding filled with pomp and circumstance or is a private ceremony more your style

Ebony, June, 2005

MANY brides want a simplified version of the traditional wedding, says wedding planner Martha Itulya, senior hospitality manager of the Hilton Chicago. "They want elegance and to have a good time. And the bride is the star."

Here's an official to-do list (and a few decorating ideas) for planning the perfect wedding: * Visit with your pastor to schedule premarital counseling sessions. * Decide the overall style of the ceremony with your fiance, parents and wedding planner. Discuss the budget, wedding sites and wedding participants. * Reserve your ceremony and reception sites a year in advance.

* Remind all participants of the rehearsal details. Schedule the rehearsal ceremony and the rehearsal dinner. Arrange a conversation-friendly seating plan for your immediate family, new in-laws and friends. Select party favors and mementos for your guests. * Make an appointment with your stylist for your first dress fitting. Order wedding rings. Select and reserve formalwear for the groomsmen. Book hotel room for your wedding night. * Select your bridal attendants. Order your wedding invitations, programs response cards and thank-you notes. Plan your bridesmaids' party. * Register for presents at your favorite gift registry. Update your gift registry occasionally, as your favorite items are purchased.

* Get the marriage license. Pick up the rings. Make an appointment with your hair stylist. Have the final dress fitting. * Pick up your dress a few days before the wedding. Give copies of program material to ceremony participants. * Have your official wedding portrait taken. Look at the portrait often and vow to make it last forever.

TRADITIONAL ELEGANT RECEPTION TABLE is preferred by many brides.

DECORATOR: Helen Bailey, Urban Livin', Chicago

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS AND LINEN: Robert Fine Flowers

EDITOR: Zondra Hughes

PHOTOGRAPHER: James Mitchell

ART DIRECTION: Ingrid R. Larkin

LOCATION: Hilton Chicago

BUSTIER WEDDING CAKE is a unique alternative to the traditional cake.

WEDDING PLANNER; Angle Bloom-Hewett

FLORIST: Jenny Barker, Magical Blooms, Calif.

CAKE: Joan Spitler & Leigh Grode, cakedivas, Calif.

TABLE LINEN: Resource One, Reseda, Calif.

STYLIST: Wayne Gurnick, AIFD-InOvations

PHOTOGRAPHER: Valerie Goodloe

REHEARSAL DINNER may be served Afro-centric family style.

STEMWARE AND FLATWARE: Posh, Chicago Wrap your silverware in raffia and add burlap napkins for a special touch.

TRI-LEVEL EXOTIC GARDEN CENTERPIECES: Robert Fine Flowers

PARTY FAVORS & INDULGENCES are to be shared with your loved ones.

GOLD GRECIAN URN AND CANDLE PEDESTAL: Home Interiors

FRESH TEA-LENGTH ROSES AND VASE: Party Express from Hallmark

FINE CHOCOLATES: Bodega

DIAMOND PRINCESS COLOGNE: Trina

LUXURIOUS LIPSTICKS: Fashion Fair Cosmetics

HER FAVORITE THINGS Give the bride what she really wants.

CANDLE LANTERN: Home Interiors

EMERALD, PEARL NECKLACE AND PURSE: Landau

OPALITE TRIPLE STRAND NECKLACE: Stunning Details

SKIN REVITALIZERS: Gingi

PAVE HEART NECKLACE: Ziamond

DOMESTIC GLOVES: Glamour Gloves

SCENTED CANDLES: Bis Designs, Chicago

PARTY FAVORS

Throw your bridal attendants a bash with gifts for every taste.

BUSTIER FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS: Robert Fine Flowers, Chicago

BRIDAL SHOWER TEA-SETS: Posh, Chicago

HAND-MADE INVITATIONS: The Paper Source

FINE LINGERIE: La Perla

ASSORTED SCENTED CANDLES

LUSCIOUS LIP PHONE: Bratz

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