DISCOVERY / Thee Wedding Library
Many brides become instantly overwhelmed by the myriad details that go into preparing for the Big Day.
That’s why Marie Nehls, Linda Patterson and Carolyn Campbell opened Thee Wedding Library, a free, one-stop information source for brides or anyone hosting a special event.
The 2-year-old library, which is comfortably situated in a converted house, has files of information on ceremony and reception sites, caterers, photographers, deejays, restaurants, florists, bakeries and musicians. Vendors at Thee Wedding Library are charged a monthly affiliation fee. They are screened and required to provide a list of 10 references.
“An engaged couple can come here as often as they like to see samples of a photographer or videographer’s work at their own pace, without anyone standing over their shoulder pressuring them to make a decision,” Nehls said. “It makes planning a wedding much more enjoyable. People don’t have time to make calls or drive to all these places individually,” she said. “So we established a year-round bridal expo with information suitable for all budgets. The information is also useful for someone planning a bar mitzvah, anniversary or corporate event.”
A shelf of reference books offers help on etiquette, budgeting and ceremony planning. There is a videocassette recorder on hand so couples may preview bands, deejays and videographers. On Saturdays, bakeries provide free samples of their cakes.
Wedding invitations are available at a 20% discount. And Thee Wedding Library staff hand-checks each order for errors before delivery.
Several businesses, including Something Borrowed, a wedding rental service owned by designer Germayne Cumby, have established displays and offices in adjoining rooms, where couples may have free consultations. Cumby offers antique lecterns, urns, church pews and free-standing French stained-glass windows that can be transported to almost any location.
“Many brides want to be married in a park or home, but still want a chapel environment, so we bring the church to them,” Cumby said.
Couples visiting Thee Wedding Library receive a folder of brochures, price sheets and planning tips. Telephone inquiries on upcoming bridal events are welcomed. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Address: 765 N. Tustin Ave., Orange Telephone: (714) 997-1579 Miscellaneous Information: No fee or appointment required.