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A Practical Wedding: Creative Ideas for a Beautiful, Affordable, and Stress-Free Celebration
The wedding shelf at any bookstore is packed with guides that tell brides how to have standard-issue, big-budget weddings. And this seems to be exactly what every bride wants…except that it’s not.
Ultimately, couples want a joyful wedding, not a stressful one. In A Practical Wedding, Meg Keene gives the guidance and creative ideas that couples need to plan a simpler dream wedding—without going broke or crazy in the process. In her engaging, irreverent style, Keene encourages readers to rethink their approach since they won’t likely reflect on how their wedding looked, but rather how it felt. From communicating with your family to choosing a venue—and complete with advice from “Team Practical” brides—A Practical Wedding is an all-in-one planner for hosting your wedding with grace and style.
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First published December 27, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
April 17, 2020
So my big problem with this book is that it's supposed to be all irreverent and down-to-earth but it 100% assumes that the reader is a woman. Like, it's modern and untraditional enough to be equivocal about whether the person you're marrying is male or female, but you, the reader and primary wedding planner, are certainly female and definitely primarily concerned about your dress, and your fiancé(e) shouldn't really be involved with wedding planning except to outline the broad strokes of what they think the wedding should be like. Gross!
My secondary, related problem with this book is that - because, you, the reader, are a woman, and thus have been inundated from birth with expectations about what your wedding will be like - most of it is taken up with soothing straight-talk about how your wedding will be perfect even if it's imperfect and how you have permission to have the wedding you really want to have. Despite the title, actual practical advice is very thin on the ground here except for a couple of the later chapters. Probably others would get more mileage out of this antidote-to-the-wedding-industry approach than I did.
However, despite it not being the useful, practical, gender-equitable book I wanted it to be, I still teared up a little reading it and it made me pretty excited about my upcoming nuptials. Three stars.
My secondary, related problem with this book is that - because, you, the reader, are a woman, and thus have been inundated from birth with expectations about what your wedding will be like - most of it is taken up with soothing straight-talk about how your wedding will be perfect even if it's imperfect and how you have permission to have the wedding you really want to have. Despite the title, actual practical advice is very thin on the ground here except for a couple of the later chapters. Probably others would get more mileage out of this antidote-to-the-wedding-industry approach than I did.
However, despite it not being the useful, practical, gender-equitable book I wanted it to be, I still teared up a little reading it and it made me pretty excited about my upcoming nuptials. Three stars.
January 7, 2015
Many folks who know me would look at me and say “You’ve been married twenty years. Why on earth are you reading a wedding planning book?” My answer: eleven years of coordinating weddings at my church has me addicted to all things wedding. Also, there are a lot of wedding planning books out there and I know, as a busy bride, I would have appreciated someone saying “This one! You must read this book!” So, brides I’m telling you: “READ THIS ONE!”
While I have two other books I consider must-reads for the newly engaged (see last paragraph), A Practical Wedding should rank at the top. What makes this title so special? Down-to-earth, realistic planning tips that focus not just on the details of the wedding day but also on building a foundation for your marriage. Gasp! What a concept, eh? A wedding planning book that focuses on the end result: a happy, healthy, long-lasting marriage with a partner you love. Throughout the pages, the author, and the fellow brides who shared their own stories, will continually bring the bride back to remembering that end product.
The practical advice oozes from the pages of the book – and there is a companion website that oozes even more fantastic tid-bits. I had so many post-its tucked in the book when I was done that, had it not been a library book, there would have been highlights and margin notes throughout! Chapters include The Basics: Who Where, When, How; Battling the Myth of Tradition; The Planning – In the Party Trenches; Doing It Yourself (Together); The Hard Stuff (i.e.: fighting, crying, bridezilla moments, cold feet); The Ceremony; One Wildly Imperfect Day; and best of all: It Wasn’t the Best Day of Your Whole Life … it was instead one best day in many best days to come with your new partner.
I only had one gripe and it came nearly at the end of the volume. When discussing the wedding day time-line the author suggested that, for the ceremony, “guests tend to run late, so plan on starting your ceremony at least fifteen minutes after the time listed on your invitation.” The church coordinator in me screamed: “Uh no! We start on time because there are other events happening at the church!” Other parts of your day will start to run behind but there should be nothing that keeps you from racing to the altar to become one with your new spouse.
Still looking for more wedding advice? Try Bargainista Bride by Aimee Manis offers quick realistic tips to help plan your wedding and may even save you a buck or two. Or try How I Planned Your Wedding by Elizabeth Wiggs-Maas & Susan Wiggs which will have you laughing until you cry.
While I have two other books I consider must-reads for the newly engaged (see last paragraph), A Practical Wedding should rank at the top. What makes this title so special? Down-to-earth, realistic planning tips that focus not just on the details of the wedding day but also on building a foundation for your marriage. Gasp! What a concept, eh? A wedding planning book that focuses on the end result: a happy, healthy, long-lasting marriage with a partner you love. Throughout the pages, the author, and the fellow brides who shared their own stories, will continually bring the bride back to remembering that end product.
The practical advice oozes from the pages of the book – and there is a companion website that oozes even more fantastic tid-bits. I had so many post-its tucked in the book when I was done that, had it not been a library book, there would have been highlights and margin notes throughout! Chapters include The Basics: Who Where, When, How; Battling the Myth of Tradition; The Planning – In the Party Trenches; Doing It Yourself (Together); The Hard Stuff (i.e.: fighting, crying, bridezilla moments, cold feet); The Ceremony; One Wildly Imperfect Day; and best of all: It Wasn’t the Best Day of Your Whole Life … it was instead one best day in many best days to come with your new partner.
I only had one gripe and it came nearly at the end of the volume. When discussing the wedding day time-line the author suggested that, for the ceremony, “guests tend to run late, so plan on starting your ceremony at least fifteen minutes after the time listed on your invitation.” The church coordinator in me screamed: “Uh no! We start on time because there are other events happening at the church!” Other parts of your day will start to run behind but there should be nothing that keeps you from racing to the altar to become one with your new spouse.
Still looking for more wedding advice? Try Bargainista Bride by Aimee Manis offers quick realistic tips to help plan your wedding and may even save you a buck or two. Or try How I Planned Your Wedding by Elizabeth Wiggs-Maas & Susan Wiggs which will have you laughing until you cry.
December 30, 2013
The friend that recommended this book to me told me that while she found the title somewhat misleading (in that she thought it did not offer a ton of practical advice), it was very good for giving you permission to not do things that don't matter to you at your wedding. I very much agree with her assessment. This book isn't exactly a step-by-step planning guide, but I found the spirit of it very helpful for calming me down about wedding planning by reassuring me that (a) a lot of the so-called "traditions" that TheKnot, etc., emphasize are inventions of the last 30 years or so and do not have to be done (b) I do not need to DIY any aspect of my wedding if I don't want to, and my wedding will still be fun and personal and not overly commercial even if it doesn't look like it could have taken place on a rooftop in Williamsburg. I am still buying a more conventional wedding guide because I feel like I need checklists, etc., but this book had the very soothing effect of giving me permission to check things I think are dumb/too much/too time-consuming/that I cannot afford off said conventional wedding planning checklists.
February 11, 2015
Is it really important that you impress all of your friends, family, coworkers, and strangers with your absolutely perfect wedding? Then this is probably not the book for you. Are you, instead, reading wedding blogs/checking pinterest incessantly, and thinking, "Really? ALL the things? I actually need ALL the things? I don't know if I can handle ALL the things- maybe just SOME of the things?" Then you will love this book.
What a breath of fresh air. If I were to reduce the main points of this book it would be: 1) You're choosing to spend the rest of your life with someone- that's AWESOME. 2) When planning a ceremony/party to celebrate that, do what makes you comfortable. You're allowed to not care about All The Things. 3) Don't be a jerk to people just because you have the temporary title of "bride." 4) Other people are grown-ass adults and are allowed to and capable of making their own decisions. 5) Not every moment is going to be roses and bunnies, but every moment is going to be worth it, because in the end, you're choosing to spend the rest of your life with someone, and that's AWESOME.
What a breath of fresh air. If I were to reduce the main points of this book it would be: 1) You're choosing to spend the rest of your life with someone- that's AWESOME. 2) When planning a ceremony/party to celebrate that, do what makes you comfortable. You're allowed to not care about All The Things. 3) Don't be a jerk to people just because you have the temporary title of "bride." 4) Other people are grown-ass adults and are allowed to and capable of making their own decisions. 5) Not every moment is going to be roses and bunnies, but every moment is going to be worth it, because in the end, you're choosing to spend the rest of your life with someone, and that's AWESOME.
March 14, 2018
This book was semi-helpful and mostly a permission-giving monologue. Going into this book I knew I could do whatever I wanted; I wanted tips on how to SAVE MONEY. Instead, I found this book quite remiss of actual help, tips or facts. My secondary issue with this book is that it was super PC, LGBTQ positive, feminist and then the black hole : brides & mothers.
Not all brides have mothers, not all brides want to be reminded that the best way to make something affordable is to make a craft out of it with your mum. Going shopping? bring your mum. Making flowers, bring your mum. You'll remember this day forever, with your mum. It was excessive and exclusionary and painful for someone with a late mother. Why are we so gender-conscious regarding partners but not about parents? It actually bothered me so much I reached out to the writer and heard nothing back. Unfortunate.
Not all brides have mothers, not all brides want to be reminded that the best way to make something affordable is to make a craft out of it with your mum. Going shopping? bring your mum. Making flowers, bring your mum. You'll remember this day forever, with your mum. It was excessive and exclusionary and painful for someone with a late mother. Why are we so gender-conscious regarding partners but not about parents? It actually bothered me so much I reached out to the writer and heard nothing back. Unfortunate.
September 21, 2025
lol… embarrassing
Despite what the pink pumps may suggest, this recommendation from a friend is actually quite helpful, and I would recommend.
Despite what the pink pumps may suggest, this recommendation from a friend is actually quite helpful, and I would recommend.
February 2, 2017
I picked this up after researching how to have a feminist wedding, and finding Meg Keene's various interviews on my favourite podcasts. This book is fantastic. Give it to every bride in your life, give it to every groom, give it to all your bridesmaids. It's about cutting the crap and planning the wedding you actually want. Planning a feminist and realistic wedding is hard, but this book put everything in perspective for me. I see the whole wedding industry and all the planning ahead of me with a different lens now. Hopefully that means I'll be less likely to lose my mind..
July 15, 2016
I loved it because it told me exactly what I needed/wanted to hear:
- you don't have to do anything you don't want to
- ask for help
- here's why Mom might be going bonkers
- figure out the things that really, REALLY matter to you both and let the rest go
- get to your "f*ck it" moment, the earlier the better
Plus practical advice (but not endless Must Do checklists) for any kind of wedding under the sun. So glad I read this early on!
- you don't have to do anything you don't want to
- ask for help
- here's why Mom might be going bonkers
- figure out the things that really, REALLY matter to you both and let the rest go
- get to your "f*ck it" moment, the earlier the better
Plus practical advice (but not endless Must Do checklists) for any kind of wedding under the sun. So glad I read this early on!
January 7, 2021
“I will not remember what our wedding looked like; I will remember what it felt like.”
September 15, 2017
"I will not remember what my wedding looked like, I will remember what it felt like."
This was such a great read and really put everything in perspective for me. So many highlights, notes and post it's! :)
This was such a great read and really put everything in perspective for me. So many highlights, notes and post it's! :)
January 28, 2026
soft launching my engagement by logging this book c'est la vie
Read
April 6, 2024A solid (& practical) book to read as we begin the wedding planning adventure!
March 19, 2014
This is not a step-by-step how to on planning your wedding. This is how not do go insane while planning your wedding. Meg's book encompasses the entire journey - from engagement to post-wedding. She gives you tips and advice on how to stay sane and keep everything in perspective.
To be honest, I didn't read every section. The reason for these skipped sections is either because I'm beyond that point in my planning (venue picking, budget, vendors) or that it did not apply to me (DIY wedding). However, I did scan these sections and they seemed to be just as helpful/informative as any other section I read. Had I not been as far into planning as I am and had found this book a few months ago, I would have read each and every section.
An aspect I found to be very cute when when Meg included stories, snippets, or quotes from other married couples in relation to each chapter. Having been married herself, Meg is well aware of the stress wedding planning can bring on, but to hear specifically from other brides regarding DIY, family drama, budget, tradition or the like is a nice touch. She also includes a list of resources you can use along with books she consulted in her research in case you want additional readings to ensure your sanity.
While I enjoyed every section, I really liked the section on traditional. She debunks a lot of things people see as traditional when they've really only been around since the 1920s! White dresses, elaborate parities, church weddings - all those things came about in the time. Also, did you know the unity candle was "invented" in the 1970s for a soap opera!?
If you are recently engaged or know somebody who is, this is the perfect book to read. Meg does an amazing job of putting things into perspective so that your wedding day will "be the happiest day of your life so far" (204).
To be honest, I didn't read every section. The reason for these skipped sections is either because I'm beyond that point in my planning (venue picking, budget, vendors) or that it did not apply to me (DIY wedding). However, I did scan these sections and they seemed to be just as helpful/informative as any other section I read. Had I not been as far into planning as I am and had found this book a few months ago, I would have read each and every section.
An aspect I found to be very cute when when Meg included stories, snippets, or quotes from other married couples in relation to each chapter. Having been married herself, Meg is well aware of the stress wedding planning can bring on, but to hear specifically from other brides regarding DIY, family drama, budget, tradition or the like is a nice touch. She also includes a list of resources you can use along with books she consulted in her research in case you want additional readings to ensure your sanity.
While I enjoyed every section, I really liked the section on traditional. She debunks a lot of things people see as traditional when they've really only been around since the 1920s! White dresses, elaborate parities, church weddings - all those things came about in the time. Also, did you know the unity candle was "invented" in the 1970s for a soap opera!?
If you are recently engaged or know somebody who is, this is the perfect book to read. Meg does an amazing job of putting things into perspective so that your wedding day will "be the happiest day of your life so far" (204).
January 26, 2015
I'm a bride who wants to avoid the nuttiness and materialistic nature of the current wedding industry as much as possible, so much in fact that I'm reluctant to even use the word "bride" to describe myself. I felt like Meg Keene was speaking directly to me. She keeps it real. (I should add that she lives in San Francisco, and I once met her briefly in person, and she's even funnier and sassier than I imagined.)
Since reading this book, I feel inspired and empowered. Like my partner and I can do things how we want. Like we can actually have a beautiful and meaningful wedding on our budget, and can be sensitive to our families while still drawing clear boundaries. I was also reminded as to why weddings are important and lovely. She includes a lot of great history, quotable inspiration, and anecdotes. I laughed and cried. Also, I actually feel closer to my partner as a result of reading this book. I kid you not. The questions really helped us bond.
Meg's advice is no-nonsense, but not self righteous, preachy, nor insensitive. The information she provides runs the gamut from addressing emotional questions and problems, to providing concrete numbers and specific recommended tasks and procedures. All while maintaining a light and conversational tone. I was not bored once while reading a wedding planning book. I repeat, I was not bored once while reading a wedding planning book. I can hardly believe it myself. Feminist, intelligent, and even jaded brides: rejoice!
This is an excellent book, and the only you will need if planning a wedding (I also use the amazing spreadsheets that are free on her website). You can look at some pretty (overwhelming) pictures later. Don't start that process until you read at least chapter one. For now, STEP AWAY FROM THE BRIDAL MAGAZINE RACK. Seriously.
Since reading this book, I feel inspired and empowered. Like my partner and I can do things how we want. Like we can actually have a beautiful and meaningful wedding on our budget, and can be sensitive to our families while still drawing clear boundaries. I was also reminded as to why weddings are important and lovely. She includes a lot of great history, quotable inspiration, and anecdotes. I laughed and cried. Also, I actually feel closer to my partner as a result of reading this book. I kid you not. The questions really helped us bond.
Meg's advice is no-nonsense, but not self righteous, preachy, nor insensitive. The information she provides runs the gamut from addressing emotional questions and problems, to providing concrete numbers and specific recommended tasks and procedures. All while maintaining a light and conversational tone. I was not bored once while reading a wedding planning book. I repeat, I was not bored once while reading a wedding planning book. I can hardly believe it myself. Feminist, intelligent, and even jaded brides: rejoice!
This is an excellent book, and the only you will need if planning a wedding (I also use the amazing spreadsheets that are free on her website). You can look at some pretty (overwhelming) pictures later. Don't start that process until you read at least chapter one. For now, STEP AWAY FROM THE BRIDAL MAGAZINE RACK. Seriously.
Read
March 29, 2012Yes. I read a wedding planning book. Why? because it was free.
I was expecting the worst and as a result found myself very pleasantly surprised by A Practical Wedding. What was great was that this book was not an explicit "how to have the most perfect dream wedding ever" and it did not provide any tips on what trends were "in" for flowers, dresses, and locations. Instead, Meg calmed me down, and helped me feel more secure about the decisions I was making for myself.
Chapters 1-3 reinforced the fact that it's not so important how you do it as long as the "who" and the "why" are good. All this "traditional wedding" stuff has really only boomed in the last century, and you should just enjoy yourself with the people you want to be there.
Chapter 7 "The Hard Stuff" was amusing -- by addressing such things as "The Bridezilla Myth" and the various "F*ck it" stages -- as well as supportive, guiding the reader through a wedding after a death and sorting out cold feet. It also gave me what should be my wedding mantra: "Your wedding is NOT an imposition." I'm not yet quite so thoroughly convinced of that, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels that way.
All in all, Meg Keene plays the part of the level-headed friend who's there to help you listen to your heart. This is not the book with all the "must-have-" and "how-to-" -answers of the specific details, but it IS a must-have and how-to to get started planning (or not planning!) the way you want to celebrate and start your life together with your partner.
I was expecting the worst and as a result found myself very pleasantly surprised by A Practical Wedding. What was great was that this book was not an explicit "how to have the most perfect dream wedding ever" and it did not provide any tips on what trends were "in" for flowers, dresses, and locations. Instead, Meg calmed me down, and helped me feel more secure about the decisions I was making for myself.
Chapters 1-3 reinforced the fact that it's not so important how you do it as long as the "who" and the "why" are good. All this "traditional wedding" stuff has really only boomed in the last century, and you should just enjoy yourself with the people you want to be there.
Chapter 7 "The Hard Stuff" was amusing -- by addressing such things as "The Bridezilla Myth" and the various "F*ck it" stages -- as well as supportive, guiding the reader through a wedding after a death and sorting out cold feet. It also gave me what should be my wedding mantra: "Your wedding is NOT an imposition." I'm not yet quite so thoroughly convinced of that, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels that way.
All in all, Meg Keene plays the part of the level-headed friend who's there to help you listen to your heart. This is not the book with all the "must-have-" and "how-to-" -answers of the specific details, but it IS a must-have and how-to to get started planning (or not planning!) the way you want to celebrate and start your life together with your partner.
April 27, 2013
Do you remember when you started wedding planning? When you had all of those glorious ideas about how it was going to be so simple and meaningful and elegant, quirky and yet devoid of craziness? Then you got mired in the depths of, "but if we don't have BLUE candelabras, Uncle Bernard will be so dreadfully upset!" and, "well, I suppose it's just $0.38 more per invitation if we..." And now you're pondering a wedding that costs four or five times what you imagined, and wondering if you will need to sell a kidney on the black market to pay for it.
Don't worry. Breathe. Then get this book, and read about the extraordinary range of weddings that were meaningful, beautiful, and overall amazing. You don't need chiavari chairs or an aisle runner, or you can have both if you want. Don't let anyone tell you that a potluck is bad form. Wear a poofy princess dress, a smart white suit, or a Star Trek costume - just create a wedding that is true to you and your partner!
Oh, and cool fact? This whole book is gender-neutral.
Don't worry. Breathe. Then get this book, and read about the extraordinary range of weddings that were meaningful, beautiful, and overall amazing. You don't need chiavari chairs or an aisle runner, or you can have both if you want. Don't let anyone tell you that a potluck is bad form. Wear a poofy princess dress, a smart white suit, or a Star Trek costume - just create a wedding that is true to you and your partner!
Oh, and cool fact? This whole book is gender-neutral.
May 27, 2014
A lovely gift from my little sister when Tim and I got engaged. Lots of down-to-earth advice, and the author has a very genuine tone.
August 19, 2019
Woohoo! I just got married last week, so I'm finally marking this book as read!
I read the first half of this book early in my engagement when I was feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions and the budget (weddings are crazy expensive). It helped me re-focus on what's really important when you're planning a wedding and how to balance so many different expectations about what your wedding will be from all the people who feel invested in it (i.e., parents).
I didn't fully read the second half of the book, but I did revisit it as a reference throughout the rest of the wedding planning and again when writing our vows. So I never read it cover to cover, but overall I did read most of the book and found it to be a great reference throughout the planning process. I decided to give it 4 stars and would absolutely recommend if you're planning your wedding. It really gets to the root of what matters.
I read the first half of this book early in my engagement when I was feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions and the budget (weddings are crazy expensive). It helped me re-focus on what's really important when you're planning a wedding and how to balance so many different expectations about what your wedding will be from all the people who feel invested in it (i.e., parents).
I didn't fully read the second half of the book, but I did revisit it as a reference throughout the rest of the wedding planning and again when writing our vows. So I never read it cover to cover, but overall I did read most of the book and found it to be a great reference throughout the planning process. I decided to give it 4 stars and would absolutely recommend if you're planning your wedding. It really gets to the root of what matters.
November 1, 2022
Overall, fantastic! Funny and to the point. Lots of examples and stories from real people in addition to the author. One month of being engaged has been one month of people asking about our wedding plans - I was feeling overwhelmed by the idea of planning a wedding at all. This book was recommended to me and it has helped me feel more relaxed, secure, and hopeful for planning “The Big Day”.
A bit dated - I’m curious to read the updated edition. Definitely written for women, mainly in hetero relationships.
A bit dated - I’m curious to read the updated edition. Definitely written for women, mainly in hetero relationships.
March 27, 2019
The most helpful wedding book I've read thus far (despite the quite horrible cover/title) and the first to actually make me excited about wedding planning as opposed to filling me with dread. Essentially your wedding is a big party with all the people you love so utilize what you need/want to plan it as such as and chuck all the rest. Helpful things to think about/consider are included while also avoiding the frenetic "this is the biggest day of your life so every decision has to reflect your perfect wedding style" propaganda. Refreshing.
August 24, 2018
So incredibly helpful! She really helps you figure out what type of wedding you should plan for YOU, not what everybody else wants and thinks you want. I love that she delves into how to handle your emotions and drama too. I am definitely going to pick up her planner to help implement!
January 30, 2019
This isn’t a step by step guide really, but it helped ground me during the oft overwhelming wedding planning process.
February 21, 2020
So. useful.
February 14, 2023
This book has been invaluable in my wedding planning process! It helped me take a step back and remember what a wedding is really about: getting married. It breaks down the big to-do items, offers alternatives to traditional aspects, and features advice from real brides.
More at litandflicks.com
More at litandflicks.com
January 4, 2024
I am very resistant to advice books, but found the website for this book and thought it would actually be pretty helpful to get started throwing a big wedding party. Okay, it was helpful! And weddings are still overwhelming
December 11, 2024
Thanks to Sarah for buying this for us!! Wow, is this book immediately helpful. I know I’ll be turning to it constantly during the planning process.
June 23, 2025
Helpful, but also stressful?
April 23, 2024
I found this book not only very helpful as a newly engaged person, but also a touching and more inclusive look at weddings overall than I’ve been getting by spending hours on Pinterest and clicking through a million links. Would recommend to anyone planning their wedding!
January 21, 2020
I’d recommend this to anyone getting married; it’s the only resource I’ve found that isn’t trying to sell you on something stupid.
August 9, 2017
No, I am not engaged. :) But a good book is a good book. And having attended close to 30 weddings, I still found it relatable.
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