Planning Your Wedding at Your Public Library
I’m getting married this weekend! So I figured I’d share some of the resources you might be able to find for free at your local public library if you, too, are in the throes of wedding planning.
1. A Practical Wedding by Meg Keene
Whether you are planning a traditional big wedding or an elopement, this book has lots of practical things–including lists of things that are important to do, lists of things that are not important to do, advice for tackling logistical projects and new in-law relationships, and helpful exercises for you to figure out your priorities–and to keep them firmly in mind when the craziness starts!
2. Bridal Magazines
Personally, I hate them. But they do have lots of ideas and some of them have helpful how-tos and things. Your library may not let you check out the current issues, but they may let you check out back issues. Many libraries also “weed” out old magazines after a certain period of time (1 year or 2 years). If you’re interested, ask what happens to these old magazines. If they are going to be recycled anyway, your librarians may be happy to let you have the weeded magazines to keep.
3. DIY Everything
Your local library probably has tons of craft books! If you are making your own cake (or other dessert), find recipes and decorating tips under the call number 641.8.* You will likely find paper crafts and drawing tips under the call number 745, and other arts and crafts, like flower arranging, nearby. If you are venturing into woodwork, check back at 684. Planning to make your dress or your bridesmaids’ dresses? Sewing books will be around 646.
4. Music
Your library may have music CDs that you can check out. They may subscribe to a vendor like Freegal Music that allows you to download MP3s for free (to keep). They also may have piano and guitar books of wedding music for a musician!
5. Inspirational Movies
And for those nights when you just need to chill and laugh, they may have DVDs like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridesmaids, or My Big Fat Greek Wedding. In my mind, these are essential wedding planning supplies…
Happy planning!
*If your library uses the Dewey Decimal System, of course!
Susan the Librarian 