Plan your wedding with ease

A treasure trove of helpful sites

Cinderella was frustrated. Yes, she had a gorgeous engagement ring on her finger, but until a wedding band was next to it, there was so much to get done! Just the thought of all the wedding planning made her feel as if she were still wearing those uncomfortable glass slippers. Cinderella wished she still had the Fairy Godmother helping her out. As she reminisced, a new Skype friend request popped up from “Magic Wand.” Accepting, she saw the familiar kind face on the profile picture. “Fairy Godmother!” Cinderella shared her concerns and asked for advice. After all, the prescient woman was an expert on romance.

The edited transcript of their conversation:

CINDERELLA: Which resource can I rely on?

FAIRY GODMOTHER: Well, The Knot, theknot.com, is kind of the oldest catch-all. It’s been around since you were in middle school. Founded in ’96, it includes all kinds of services – newspaper advice columns, books, magazines, broadcast programs, TV shows, online portals, on-demand channels… Vogue calls it “the chicest website in cyberspace.” Who am I to argue?! You can check out their extensive gown gallery, find local florists and photographers, read articles, chat with community members and watch inspiring clips.

C: Sounds great! A bit overwhelming, though. Can you tell me about some sites that have a more narrow focus?

FGM: Sure, let’s start with WeddingWire, weddingwire.com. This one’s a bit newer – it was launched in 2007. Most couples use it to read reviews of merchants, party planners and vendors. They like the ability to research and compare their options. Also, the site’s free planning tools, such as checklists, come in handy.

C: Yes, but what about settling on a venue?

FGM: No worries, there’s a site for that too; it’s called Wedding Spot, wedding-spot.com. I know how busy you and the prince are with your courtly obligations. I think you’ll find this resource useful for gathering trustworthy information quickly. Just plug your criteria into the site’s search engine to generate side-by-side comparisons of multiple venues. They don’t have Rhode Island information yet, but Massachusetts is close enough, right?

C: True. After I choose the place, I’ll have to figure out the seating chart. Let me tell you – deciding where to place my stepsisters is already making me verklempt.

FGM: I know. It’s the least pleasant part of wedding planning. Allseated, allseated.com, is a site that lets you create seating charts and floor plans, as well as manage your guest list. With their innovative tools and user-friendly interface, you’ll quickly be up to date on your table arrangement and your guests’ RSVPs.

C: Speaking about tables, I feel I’ve been spending a little too much time at mine. All the wedding stress is causing me to indulge, and all the carbs are not helping my figure! In fact, I have gained so much weight that I’m now shopping at plus-size departments!

FGM: I’m sure the prince loves your new shape! If you’re worried about finding a beautiful dress that will fit, though, look no further than Pretty Pear Bride, prettypearbride.com. It’s dedicated to helping curvy brides wear gorgeous fashions. The site also offers inspiration – you can check out real couples’ wedding stories and take advantage of the comprehensive bridal salon directory.

C: Wow! I’m glad to hear this option exists, but say I get serious about Zumba and lose the extra pounds? If my New Year’s resolution works, where do I shop for a dress?

FGM: I’ve always been fond of Nearly Newlywed, nearlynewlywed.com. I like the fact that brides can avoid the sales pressure by skipping the salon and opting to shop for a gown online. Novel? Yes. Risky? No. This site not only offers you huge discounts on designer dresses, but also sends you a selection to try on. Just send back the ones you like less!

C: How easy! What about the accessories to go with the dress?

FGM: Thanks for reminding me! You make so many important decisions during this time, who wants to sweat the small stuff?! Happily Ever Borrowed, happilyeverborrowed.com, provides all the accessories you will need on your special day. The best part? Renting a designer veil, head piece, belt and jewelry will cost you only 20 percent of the retail price. What’s more – this fee includes minor damage insurance and return shipping.

C: Now that I know where to find my gown, what about my bridesmaids? They’re all so different! My stepsisters alone look like the number 10 when they’re standing next to each other…

FGM: Don’t despair. I know just the site; it’s called Brideside, brideside.com. Women’s figures are as diverse as snowflakes. That’s why it’s nearly impossible to find a dress that flatters every bridesmaid. To keep them looking beautiful and feeling happy, the site offers a fit algorithm, a try-at-home program and helpful videos.

C: I’m not sure a pretty dress will be sufficient to keep these girls happy. I have a feeling they expect more from a princess. What about a getaway? Any suggestions?

FGM: You needn’t have asked. I was just about to tell you what a great resource The Bach, thebach.com, is. Its guides help brides plan fun trips to the destination of their choice. After all, what better opportunity than a bachelorette party to go on vacation with your girlfriends? Enjoy the ease of following researched recommendations to learn what places to visit and how to get there.

C: I can’t wait to get away with my friends ... and to taste alcohol for the first time! I know nothing about it – how am I going to choose wine for the wedding?

FGM: You’re in luck again! BevMo, bevmoweddings.com, comes to the rescue. Register at this site to be teamed up with a beverage expert who will arrange for a private tasting to select the right options for your rehearsal dinner and reception. The site’s tools also assist you in stocking the bar with just the right amount of alcohol for your event.

C: With all that alcohol, I hope no one gets into a fight during my wedding. I hear it’s common when a bunch of strangers celebrate.

FGM: It’s rare in the royal circles, my dear. To remind people of the classy company they keep, why not introduce all the family members and guests to one another with a customized magazine? Guesterly, guesterly.com, a site dreamed up by former magazine editors, will create this cool keepsake for you. You can place one in every guest’s grab bag to show off photos and share your story, in case they haven’t heard it yet.

C: And what a story it is! I think I’d like to share it online as well. Is there a site that helps you create a wedding website?

FGM: Yes, Squarespace, squarespace.com, is up to the job. If you don’t mind paying a low monthly fee (and we all know you can afford to part with $8), you can use the site’s templates to incorporate all your wedding-related details – your meeting story, travel accommodations and gift registry. Since you already have the fine china, you might as well point out to your guests the site’s option to make a cash gift. Then, you can always donate it to me – pumpkins are getting expensive!

C: You got it! About donation. My fiancé insists on “donating” his last name to me. The ordeal of changing the name seems overwhelming. I’m tempted to say no.

FGM: If you don’t mind the change, why get into a squabble just because you don’t have the time to devote to the prospect? There’s always a solution, dear. HitchSwitch, hitchswitch.com, happens to be just that. Even though you’re choosing to go the traditional way, you don’t have to do it in an old-fashioned manner. This site eliminates the need to figure out which forms you need to fill out, where to get them and where to send them. All you have to do is pay the one-time fee of $25. All the necessary paperwork will arrive in your mail.

C: That does sound simple! Now, my last question has to do with what happens after the wedding. Don’t get nervous – I’m wondering about the thank-you cards. With the number of guests we’re expecting, the process might be too strenuous. Is there an easier way?

FGM: Of course – it’s 2015, after all! Even Emily Post would have been proud of Postable, postable.com. This site allows the bride and groom to personalize thank-you cards. Use the online writing tool and inexpensive eco-friendly cards to expedite the chore. There’s even a handwriting font to fool your stepmother into thinking you have good penmanship.

C: Thank you so much, Fairy Godmother! I’ll be trying Postable; watch for your card!