So now it's time to plan that perfect wedding, perfect down to the last detail. To guide you we present this book compiled expressly for the modern bride... (from the Introduction)

{HISTORY}

In 1954, this is how you got married! Like the most efficient and informed wedding consultant, this 126-page wedding guide lays out every necessary detail from the engagement announcement to the honeymoon, in order to have a successfully executed wedding, midcentury style. Chockfull of information and illustrations, what is especially fun about this book is the nod towards history. Many traditional bridal rituals, that have been practiced for a century or longer are explained in each chapter, and advice is given for military wedding, catholic weddings, and Jewish weddings as well as formal and informal events.

Originally published in 1939 by Sallie Newton, which was either a pseudonym for Leo Neuschotz of Houston, Texas or his wife, Sallie (a mystery still yet to be solved!), How to Plan a Beautiful Wedding was toted as A Guide for the Modern Bride. And in declaring that, it really was modern in its presentation. There is no reference to gender discrimination or neanderthal attitudes, just instead advice on who should do what and how and when. Surprisingly, the information presented here is not that much different than the info newly-engageds pour-over and plan with today.

There are a few details though that make it interesting in a days-gone-by-way. For instance, in the calendar of events leading up to the wedding, it is the groom's responsibility to go house-hunting before the wedding. It is recommended that the bride shop for new furniture before she selects her wedding dress and only after she picks out her wedding china. Other fun throwbacks included here are dress styles for men and women based on the type of wedding, and lists of necessary pieces for both the bridal trousseau and all the relevant homekeeping essentials. There are also a few suggested menus for the reception, song lists for the ceremony, and processional illustration guidelines for the wedding party. Overall, this is a fun piece of vintage bridal ephemera and still a useful guide for the traditional modern-day bride.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Softcover

- Illustrated throughout

- 126 pages

- Packed with fascinating info 

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition considering age and paperback format. The front and back cover are slightly tanned due to age and there is a light smudge on the back cover. The interior pages are clean and bright and all pages are intact. Some pages are very lightly marked with x's and check signs in the heading areas (none of these affect the ability to read the info on the page).  A previous owner's name is written in pen on the front endpaper. 

{SIZE}

Measures 5.5" inches (width) x 8.5" inches (length) x .3" inches (thickness) and weighs 7 oz.

{FOR THE NEWLY ENGAGED}

Pair this book, with this vintage bridal cookbook for a fun retro wedding charm.