The New American Wedding

Delaney explains a New American wedding this way: "[It] isn't a cookie-cutter icon-laden rehash of tradition. It expresses the union of two grown-ups in unique and honest ways and celebrates the depth of the couple's relationship as well as the breadth of their lives." The author, founder of a New York marketing agency, offers a very personal guide (brimming with anecdotes from her own nontraditional marriage, as well as those of recognized style experts) to the "new set of options" facing New American brides. The proposal chapter notwithstanding, most sections are indispensable. For example, the chapter on the bridegroom acknowledges that men will probably become involved in the challenge of logistics and advises accordingly. Among Delaney's other counsel: "commitment jewelry" need not be a diamond (indeed, it doesn't even have to be a ring); Delaney cites one couple—he's Japanese; she's Celtic—who designed a ring celebrating their mix of cultures, and another who chose a diamond bracelet. The rest of the book addresses prewedding parties, bridal registries, dresses, attendants, ceremonies, receptions and honeymoons with an equally open mind. This rather literary guide, not given to bulleted points or charts, is a refreshing handbook for contemporary brides. Agent, Jan Miller . (Oct. 20)