10 Wedding Must-Haves

Besides something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, today's bride needs something lasting, something fun, something memorable, and something practical. There is a bevy of products available to make the event go a little more smoothly, or simply to serve as a reminder of the special day.

But what exactly does a modern bride need to get through the most important ceremony of her life? Today's bride is traditional at heart, but contemporary of mind. When it comes to her weddingwares and gifts, she's likely to want a little bit of the old fashioned mixed with the best of modern amenities. The Essential Wedding Planner from Galison is a helpful tool for organizing the big day. With sections on pre-wedding day parties, the reception, and the honeymoon, the bride is sure to have all her bases covered.

Another concept currently popular with wedding planners is monogramming. To meet this need, Beverly Clark recently introduced its Monogram Collection of weddingwares, the perfect personalized accessory for brides. For something memorable, Lenox offers an elegant frame for a favorite wedding photo. For something fun, the Bridal Bath Tote from Mullen and Fitzmaurice includes everything a woman needs to relax before the big day.

And there's plenty more that every bride needs to create the perfect day. Here are ten essentials — from spa kits and wedding planners to toasting flutes and frames — we are sure no bride will want to be without.

Along with the couple's first dance, the wedding toast is one of the most cherished moments of the reception. Bride and groom will want the perfect flutes to toast their commitment to each other. Hortense B. Hewitt has a range of styles to choose from, including elegant, whimsical, or contemporary designs that will match the couple's personality and taste. These hollow stem flutes are the latest design. 9½". $53. Hortense B. Hewitt, Rexburg, ID. (800) 821-2504.

The lucky lady will want to tie her bridal ensemble together with a dazzling piece of jewelry. Whether it's a delicate necklace or a pretty pair of earrings, the look isn't complete without sparkle — and the Pleats necklace from Adia Kibur has plenty of that. Pleats is made with Swarovski crystals, adding just the right amount of shine. Matching earrings are also available. $52. Adia Kibur, Alhambra, CA. (626) 282-7775.

Every couple needs a great frame to display their favorite wedding photo. Lenox has a number of different styles to choose from. The latest design, Cherish, is available in 8"x10" and 5"x7" sizes. $143 and $100, respectively. Lenox, Lawrenceville, NJ. (800) 63LENOX.

Organization is key when it comes to planning a wedding. The Essential Wedding Planner offers a step-by-step practical guide to making the event a success. The planner is divided into seven sections — The Checklist and the Budget, The Guests and the Gifts, The Wedding Party, The Prenuptial Parties, The Ceremony and the Rehearsal, The Reception, and The Honeymoon — with no area left uncovered. And its compact size makes it easy for the bride to take with her when making arrangements. Hardcover. $17. Galison, New York. (212) 354-8840.

Every bride deserves to be queen for a day — and be romanced, of course! The Blushing Bride kit from Lucky Chick will put her in a romantic mood with products like Hanky Panky shower gel, Silk and Satin body lotion, Romance splash body mist, and Love Struck massage oil. Products are made with citrus, sandalwood, and ylang ylang. The kit also comes with a vanilla lip balm. $30. Lucky Chick, Pearl River, NY. (888) 920-0800.

Finding distinctive wedding favors can be a harrowing task, because it seems like it's all been done before. Now, Abbiamo Tutto offers a unique alternative: hand-painted ceramic butterflies tied to a ribbon. They can be used as napkin rings, and guests can take one home after the reception. $18.99 each. Abbiamo Tutto, McLean, VA. (866) 714-9161.

Forget that lacy lingerie, a bride needs something fun to wear to bed, and rhinestone-studded, fitted bridal T-shirts and tanks from Cathy's Concepts are ideal. Available in S, M, L, XL, and XXL, they're made of 100 percent pre-shrunk cotton. S–XL, $24; XXL, $27. A bridesmaid version is also available. Cathy's Concepts, Indianapolis. (800) 486-3491.

Her wedding day is guaranteed make any woman nervous. A good way to help relax the bride-to-be is with a soothing bath. Mullen and Fitzmaurice's Bridal Bath Tote has everything a bride needs to take the edge off in advance of the ceremony. The tote includes a full-size cotton bath towel, a bath candle to set the mood, a cleansing puff, handmade soap, and a pair of raffia slippers. Best of all, she can take the tote along on her honeymoon. $98. Mullen and Fitzmaurice, Hingham, MA. (781) 749-1320.

Monograms are back. And when it comes to weddings, personalized is the way to go. Beverly Clark's Monogram Collections are available in Brocade and Moire. Each set — including guest book, ring bearer pillow, memory book/photo album, and pen and pencil holder — can be embroidered with the couple's initials. The Brocade Collection retails for $41.50–$76; the Moire Collection ranges from $43–$73. Beverly Clark, N. Chicago, IL. (800) 888-6866.

The youngest attendants can sometimes get lost in the festivities, but the bride and groom can make sure that the ring bearer and flower girl feel as much a part of the day as grownups do with 10 Cool Things About Being a Ring Bearer and 10 Neat Things About Being a Flower Girl. The hardcover books explain the importance of the two roles in the ceremony. 6"x6". 24 pp. $8.95 each. Paper Posie, Santa Barbara, CA. (800) 360-1761.

All prices retail