Ceremonies & Receptions

1. Head for the mountains

   Summer weddings in the city can be hot, hot, HOT. (I should know—I had one.) So if you don't want your guests fainting in the heat, you may want to try a wedding in the mountains. I suggest the Ridges Resort and Club in Hiawassee.... read more

   October 10, 2007 6:38 PM

2. Surf's up at the Cloister

   A beachside wedding can be low-key—remember Cindy Crawford's slip dress and sandy vows? But not every bride (or guest) wants to feel the sand between her toes as the loving couple says "to have and to hold." At The Cloister at Sea Island, St. Simon's, you can choose a surf-side wedding, recite your vows in one of the resort gardens, or have a more traditional ceremony at the Chapel, just steps away from the Cloister itself. The gardens are replete with enormous live oaks with Spanish moss, so you can get that old-South ambiance while enjoying the latest and greatest in hotel luxury. ... read more

   October 12, 2007 7:33 PM

3. Seasonal splendor

   Brides can find relaxation and a reception with five-star splendor at the Four Seasons Atlanta in Midtown. The hotel offers options for a grand wedding in a large ballroom that opens onto a terrace, and a city view through the windows adds panache to either an evening or daytime affair.... read more

   October 19, 2007 10:14 AM

4. Lakeside luxe

   Looking for a five-star wedding experience that gets you and your guests out of the city and lakeside in 90 minutes? Head to the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, 706-467-7135, on the banks of Lake Oconee. ... read more

   October 31, 2007 10:05 AM

5. Light, bright and sparkling

   For a little taste of southern elegance mixed with a dash of French neoclassic architecture, check out the Atlanta Woman's Club on Peachtree St.

   ... read more

   November 1, 2007 10:29 AM

6. Dance, baby, dance!

   Having a hard time distinguishing your left foot from your other left foot? Time for a crash course with Eddie Sloan, otherwise known as "Mr. Twinkletoes." His Midtown studio offers a crash course in how to make your first song-and-dance routine look easy.... read more

   November 15, 2007 9:14 AM

7. Engraved keepsake

   A mat signed by all your guests to surround your wedding photo is a lovely take on the wedding guestbook, but unfortunately, signatures on mat-board fade over time. For a more permanent memory, check out the Signature Keepsakes Engravable Mat, the invention of local husband-and-wife team Gary and Julie Shimer.... read more

   November 29, 2007 10:00 AM

8. Historic home: The Mansell House

   You don't have to overspend or sacrifice for a wedding that's charming and gracious; instead, just head to the Mansell House, a renovated 1910 farmhouse now managed by the Alpharetta Historical Society.

   ... read more

   December 5, 2007 10:03 AM

9. Ring my Belle

   Looking for a one stop shop that can help you with everything from save-the-dates to parting favors for your guests? Head to the La Belle Weddings boutique in Duluth, where their motto is "everything but the dress."

   ... read more

   December 13, 2007 10:08 AM

10. All-inclusive antebellum

    If you want a wedding with a Gone-With-The-Wind feel, check out Carl House, in Auburn, GA. Just 50 minutes northeast of Atlanta, you'll find a gorgeous antebellum house, stunning gardens, and tons of on-site amenities.

    ... read more

    December 18, 2007 10:08 AM

11. Flying high

    Looking for a metaphor for "on the wings of love" -- or just a showstopper for your ceremony or reception? Try a dove release, care of A Dove's Nest.

    ... read more

    December 28, 2007 10:00 AM

12. The bells are ringing, part two

    Still with me? Great. Here's the second half of Sugar Sweet Event planner Nicky Graham's top 10 wedding etiquette rules rundown:

    6. If you're inviting a wide range of guests, tier your registry to fit different budgets. You may have Tiffany's tastes, but register for great, non-designer items at mid-level department stores, too.

    ... read more

    January 22, 2008 11:00 AM

13. Gloriously Gloriosa

    Gotta love the fact that everyone from the butcher to the baker to the wedding cake maker is jumping on the "green" bandwagon. What's even more delightful? When local event planning firms like Gloriosa pull it off with such organic style and elegance.

    ... read more

    January 24, 2008 10:00 AM

14. Breathtaking photo opps at Barnsley Gardens

    Quick. What do you get when you cross breathtaking ruins, pastoral views, and a resort getaway in the mountains? A lovely spot called Barnsley Gardens. Whether you're taking pics, planning a ceremony, or seeking a not–too–faraway honeymoon destination (it's about an hour outside of the city, in Adairsville) you'll find it there.

    ... read more

    February 21, 2008 11:00 AM

15. ABC's of getting hitched at The Academy of Medicine

    It's in midtown. It's got a flexible catering policy. And the back story? Total romance. It's the Academy of Medicine (875 West Peachtree Street; 404-874-3219.)

    ... read more

    February 22, 2008 11:00 AM

16. Serene accomodations at Serenbe

    OK, city girls. If you're like me, you're perpetually on the hunt for places to add to the honeymoon-worthy/romantic getaway cheat sheet. Close enough to the city to keep your sanity and a sense of civilization. Otherworldly enough to make you forget about traffic on 85. The Inn at Serenbe should definitely top your list.

    ... read more

    February 27, 2008 11:00 AM

17. Piece of cake

    Calling all brides: Piece of Cake is opening a new location in Roswell! Drop by the open house on Wednesday, March 12 to try samples of cakes, cupcakes and cookies all day. Yes, we're calling it research. (What?)

    ... read more

    March 11, 2008 10:10 AM

18. Home-plate weddings

    If you're a fan of America's favorite pastime, a wedding at Turner Field may be just your swing—I mean thing.

    ... read more

    March 17, 2008 10:13 AM

19. The Handcrafted Wedding

    If you're tired of bridal-out-of-the-box-itis, local Web site owner Lynn Dotson has your cure. Her site, The Handcrafted Wedding, gives you access to independent designers to customize everything from invites to your wedding jewelry and beyond.... read more

    March 18, 2008 10:08 AM

20. Wedding-day wine tastings

    In an age when some wedding try to outdo others with expensive or exotic activities or gifts, I think this simple idea is a great one: host a wine-tasting event at your reception, courtesy of the Atlanta Wine School.

    ... read more

    March 24, 2008 9:00 AM

21. Cute signature wedding cake plate

    

    Limetree is one of those stores where you pop in and you always find something. My find of the month? Brittney Cate signature platters$mdash;perfect for a shower gift, but also a hip twist on ye olde wedding guestbook.

    ... read more

    April 2, 2008 10:00 AM

22. Room with a View: The Peachtree Club

    

    For a modern take on the skyline view, host your wedding or rehearsal dinner twenty-eight stories up, at The Peachtree Club in the heart of Midtown.

    ... read more

    April 8, 2008 10:35 AM

23. Entertain your youngest guests with Wedding Belles Etc

    

    Weddings are family events. And families mean children. Your sister's kids, your friends' kids, and possibly your own kids. We love kids! But how do you keep the little ankle-biters happy (and away from your cupcake tower)? You make a beeline for the services of Wedding Belles, Etc.

    ... read more

    April 16, 2008 8:24 AM

24. Winter Weddings at Villa Christina

    

    Looking for a breath of Tuscan air for your winter wedding? Look no further than Villa Christina in Dunwoody, where lush-but-affordable winter wedding packages will let you have your cake and eat it, too.

    ... read more

    May 8, 2008 10:30 AM

25. Destination Dahlonega: Weddings at Forrest Hills Resort

    

    Don't be afraid of simple. If you're a girl who wants a lovely wedding in a natural setting but want to avoid the hassle required to pull off every detail by yourself, you should check out the wedding package options at Forrest Hills Resort, near Dahlonega.

    ... read more

    May 19, 2008 10:04 AM

26. Duck's Cosmic Kitchen

    

    We love weddings that look good at any budget. And whether your budget is large or small, Duck's Cosmic Kitchen caters fine food that will make your wedding look and taste like a million bucks.

    ... read more

    May 23, 2008 10:24 AM

27. Persimmon Creek Vineyards

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    Sonoma. Napa. North Georgia. Yes—our fair state has plenty of lovely vineyards with tasting rooms, perfect for al fresco weddings or fun wine-centered parties. And Persimmon Creek Vineyards is a perfect destination for an eco-chic bride who wants to celebrate in style.

    ... read more

    May 28, 2008 11:14 AM

28. Shaun's patio for receptions and special dinners

    

    I've long been a fan of Shaun Doty's, and if you haven't trekked into Inman Park to his eponymous resto Shaun's, you're missing a prime party spot that's perfect for a hip reception, rehearsal dinner, or even a wedding-weekend after party.

    ... read more

    May 30, 2008 9:38 AM

29. Sand ceremony

    

    I love seeing new twists on old ideas. Like this one, as a substitute for lighting a unity candle.

    ... read more

    June 20, 2008 5:12 PM

30. Dress up your rehearsal dinner or shower with plates from My Clean Plate Club

    

    It's not often I stumble upon the perfect gift. But these pretty-yet-practical melamine plates from My Clean Plate Club will rock your wedding, shower, or home, and here's why.

    ... read more

    June 22, 2008 10:00 AM

31. Amy Osaba Event Floral and Design

    

    Imagine working with someone on your wedding designs who gets you so completely, you can actually tell her to do her thing and check back on the day of, knowing that she'll blow you away with the final result. Pipe dream? Not if you land Amy Osaba to whip your wedding flowers (and more, since she's also an event designer) into shape.

    ... read more

    June 30, 2008 3:15 PM

32. Tasting and Design Event at The Grande in Kennesaw

    

    It's easy to center bridal events on the Buckhead and Midtown circuits, but we know brides get married all over our fair city. Kennesaw brides, here's one for you: a tasting and design show at The Grande.

    ... read more

    July 7, 2008 3:58 PM

33. Historic elegance at the Garrett-Bullock House in Columbus

    

    Every city, town and village in Georgia has its own special homes, once the mansions (or just big houses) of the town's rich and famous, that are now hosting happy weddings each weekend. One option for Columbus brides is the Garrett Bullock House, an 1881 Queen Anne Victorian with all-inclusive wedding packages for a variety of weddings.

    ... read more

    July 21, 2008 10:07 AM

34. Callaway Gardens Food and Wine weekend

    

    Callaway Gardens is a great setting for an outdoor wedding. Think about it: you'll have a gorgeous garden backdrop (that you don't have to water or weed). Your guests have a range of villas and resort hotel rooms to stay in, a golf course and beach to play on, and miles of garden paths to explore.

    ... read more

    July 23, 2008 12:04 PM

35. The Mansion on Peachtree

    

    The Mansion on Peachtree is so gorgeous and fun that it's setting a new standard in luxury service and attention to detail. I'm really hoping the other high-end hotels in Atlanta take a look and follow in its stride. What you'll find: glamorous event spaces both indoors and out for ceremonies and receptions, a great restaurant perfect for an old-Hollywood-style rehearsal dinner, and of course spa and hotel space for guests and the wedding party. Frankly, I cannot add enough exclamation points to express my newfound appreciation of The Mansion, so read on for more details.

    ... read more

    July 28, 2008 2:31 PM

36. More fun ideas to involve your in-laws!

    

    You knew we had more! Here, several more ideas on involving your respective families, especially your mother-in-law, on your big day.

    ... read more

    July 30, 2008 5:32 PM