…like all books of its kind, most of the benefits it may bring you could be had with a little common sense and good communication ahead of each decision deadline.

My wife-to-be and I are almost finished with our wedding planning, and while we did have some rough moments (even though our wedding will be very small and simple compared to 90% of the people out there – less than 80 people, no country clubs or hotels to deal with, no ridiculous $25,000+ tab (save the money for your children’s education folks!)), I came to realize that almost every bad day was a result of bad communication.

It boils down to this: men and women express themselves (even the same idea sometimes) in very different ways. Not to mention a bride’s motivations during planning are often different than the groom’s motivations. If you’re just starting out, you could get this book and a dozen others, and get some truly good advice. Or you could save the money and do this:

Sit down with each other, alone, in a non-distracting place and find out what is most important to each of you about this wedding and the days leading up to it. If you are honest, you will learn something about yourself, and not just your spouse. If you say what you think the other person wants to hear or what’s diplomatic, you’re in for some unpleasant days as the planning gets under way.

Take all day if you need to. Turn your phones off, get away from your computer, and really think it through. What is important to you? What is not? What is valuable in a wedding, what is filler and eye candy? Who are your real friends, who are people that really don’t belong at your wedding? All of these are important questions and just the tip of the iceberg. Make no mistake: if you’re honest with each other, there may even be some tears or raised voices before your discussion is over, but it will be worth it.

Until you each know what is really important to your future spouse and why, your wedding planning will be a giant headache and will stress you out right up until the wedding bells ring. Think it through, talk it through, THEN plan, based on the compromises you made during your discussion. And if you don’t think you should have to compromise, you shouldn’t be getting married.
Rating: 3 / 5

This is what it boils down to; I’m getting married. My sister sends me this book as a present; you know something fun to read to keep me breathing during these final five months of bachelorhood. Turns out this book is like having all the answers to a test before you go and take it! How awesome is that! Craig brings all his emotions, truths and mistakes into two hundred and sixty three pages of brilliant advice! Take it from me. I’ve already scored major points by helping with save the date cards and getting our rings (another for her and mine). “Thirty To Wife” is a book that all men can relate to and is funny, smart and charismatic. Thank you Craig for finding a way to put down into words!
Rating: 5 / 5

You don’t have to be getting married, or have gotten married, to enjoy this heartfelt and hilarious “mea culpa”. But you’re sure going to recognize yourself if you are/have!

The author gives us a soul baring look at all of the things he did wrong leading up to his wedding. A public service for others thinking of taking the plunge. Hint, even if she pretends she wants to plan the big day her way… GET INVOLVED. Offer to help.

But more than just sage advice, there are numerous helpful charts and statistics that break down the do’s and don’ts of I do’s.

And perhaps most importantly, helpful hints you might not find anywhere else… like how to neutralize the smell of stripper perfume and the shine of body glitter. Knowlegde no bachelor party returnee should enter their home without.

A great read and looking forward to the next life experience the author turns his humorously adroit attention to.
Rating: 5 / 5