Crane & Co. Papermaker
Dalton-based Crane's 100 percent cotton paper has been used exclusively to make U.S. currency since 1879. And while your wedding invitations may be slightly less official than that, they're no less important—and should be no less grand. Crane's seasoned staff sees to it that your stock and print quality are the finest possible, and that you've got everything covered, from save-the-date cards to envelope linings and thank-you notes. Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston, MA crane.com.
Monkia Ramuzi, Salon Mario Russo
When the big day arrives, what could be better than a visit to Mario Russo's chichi salon? Here's what: having this seasoned stylist come right to your hotel room to construct your sophisticated 'do (no stiff, tiara-topped nest of curls for you!) as you sip a mimosa. Plus, Ramuzi's got more than a decade's worth of experience dealing with brides, so prewedding hissy fits don't faze her. 9 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 2116, mariorusso.com.
Goodwin's High End
Whether you're after an MTV Cribs-worthy home movie theater, a multiroom system that lets you watch in your bedroom and bath, or a 7.1-channel surround-sound setup, the audiophiles here will help you find it. Aesthetics are also a consideration: Avalon speakers come in a range of veneers, and if you desire installation services, Goodwin's will collaborate with your architect. 899 Main St., Waltham, MA 2451, goodwinshighend.com.
Orchard
In the epicenter of Boston's skateboard scene, this Allston hangout takes things way beyond your typical shoes and decks purveyor. The profusion of brands (hats and tees from Somerville-bred Raw sit alongside national names like Nixon) is reason enough to make it your go-to, but Orchard also has cultural cred to spare: After taking a run or catching a demo on the store's mini ramp, pop upstairs to its Extension Gallery and check out works by local artists. 156 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA 2134, orchardshop.com.
Daryl Christopher
From the second your big toe hits the steamy peppermint, rosemary, and lavender foot bath to the final drop of clear topcoat, Daryl Christopher's signature pedicure is pure nirvana. The exfoliating scrubdown, filing, and alpha hydroxy acids (no medicinal scents here; these are squeezed from passion fruit) are deliciously invigorating. And the massage—noticeably longer and more intense than most—can be followed by a separate paraffin treatment that makes your tired, dry dogs as velvety soft as a baby's feet. 37 Newbury St., Boston, MA dchristopher.com.
Ronnie Sullivan, True Colours
No matter how stressed your tresses, Sullivan can fix them at his new color-only salon in the South End. Brassy blondes and lackluster brunettes alike have all been transformed. Sullivan has even been known to foil short hair (most colorists force single-processing). While he can't promise a mane as glorious and glossy as it-model Gisele Bundchen's, he'll at the very least take your hair to a higher level. 55 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA .
Julie Michaud
She does runways, she does catalogs and photo shoots, and can do you just as fabulously. Julie's full pro, but loves to get girly about makeup (she came out with her own cosmetics line last year) and weddings (yours, as well as hers, just last month). Her artistry is designed to last, with minimal touch-ups during your special event. She'll even run you through a test drive before a big day: $40 for a coif and $45 for a makeup application. Solus, 155 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Daryl Christopher Salon & Day Spa
There are different facials for every skin type. If yours is the type tat responds well to 90 minutes of lying naked between fresh sheets in a private room with candles and soothing music while someone gives your face a workout, the Guinot super hydradermic facial with eye treatment is for you. If you want pampering but you're acne-prone or the words "manual extraction" make you nervous, consider a pedicure instead. 37 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
The Whittemore Wood Floor Company
Your apartment may not be a palace, but at least it has gorgeous wood floors—or did, in 1920. Now it squeaks with every step and looks all too natural, with splinters lying in wait as your bare feet shuffle to the coffee pot at dawn. Wood floors are a luxury, but they are worth the expense of refinishing, especially if you get Whittemore to patch, sand, stain, and finish those tired planks back to their former glory. 122 Jason St., Arlington, MA .
Zimman's
The selection of fabrics is so enticing it makes you think about taking that adult ed upholstery course. Whether you're looking for a snippet for the perfect set of throw pillows or vast yardage for lush drapes to pool along your hardwood floor, this is the place. You'll get decorator-quality fabrics at an honest price. Your only problem will be finding someone who can sew. 80 Market St., Lynn, MA .
Canyon Beachwear
There's something disconcerting about trying on swimsuits in badly lighted dressing rooms that seem to highlight every wrinkled lump on your legs. Canyon Beachwear feels your pain: It offers mix-and-match tops and bottoms for whose who fit into a 12 on the bottom but a 6 on the top. The store carries one-piece suits, bikinis, tankinis, and wraps from Domani, Calvin Klein, Anne Cole, Manuel Conovas, Jag, Esprit, and Mossimo, among others. 229 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Mr. Sid
Even though the name might sound a bit outdated, the clothes are right on the mark. This tastefully outfitted men's store was the first vendor in the United States to carry Ermenegildo Zegna, while continuing to provide for the less adventurous dresser with designers like Hickey-Freeman. For a shop that can fulfill your practical as well as your extraordinary needs, Mr. Sid fits. 1211 Centre St., Newton, MA .
City Express
City Express has the craftiest couriers in town: some are lip-pierced and dreadlocked, some are AARP candidates, some are chain-smoking Ukrainians, all take good care of your packages and treat you with friendly care. The phone staff is expeditious and charming, and will always tell you when the traffic is bad enough to cause a delay. No matter what the assignment, they'll get your package there with uncommon style.
Bellezza Day Spa
Chances are you'll enjoy your every minute at the newly relocated and expanded Falmouth Bellezza spa. A complimentary cup of tea or relaxing glass of wine precedes a supersoothing head massage and chic, contemporary cut. Whether you're looking for a simple style or a totally new color, these hair designers pay close attention to your desires before making them a reality. 221 Main St., Falmouth, MA spabellezza.com.
TD Garden
It's a vaunted sports temple, of course, but the Garden had a banner year for music, with appearances by everybody from the current stars Museto the stalwart Rolling Stones, on their 50th-anniversary tour—plus Justin Bieber, Mumford & Sons, and Coldplay. Lady Gaga had to cancel her show to undergo hip surgery, but the fact that she planned to perform here, for the second tour in a row, is a testament to the arena's go-to status. 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA tdgarden.com.