Forêt Design Studio
First comes love, then comes the wedding florist, who can singularly set the tone for your big day. Ensure a blossoming affair with Rose Mattos and Erin Heath’s ethereal bouquets and centerpieces, characterized by stunning foliage, fruiting branches, and local, seasonal blooms. Some of their recent floral feats include wrapping lush white flowers around a wooden archway, stringing garland on a vintage Volkswagen, and swathing tree branches in lace. foretdesignstudio.com.
Classic Tuxedo
While brides spend hours hemming and hawing over lace and tulle, most guys just want a smart-looking tux that requires as little fuss as possible. Classic Tuxedo offers a comprehensive online catalog of suiting by Calvin Klein, Jean Yves, and Ralph Lauren, so grooms can narrow down the choices before trekking to the store. And once they do come in, fittings and alterations are a snap. 223 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Jenny's Wedding Cakes
A wedding cake is more than just flour, eggs, and sugar — it's an expression of your personal style. And Amesbury baker Jenny Williamson, whose breathtaking designs are informed by 14 years of experience, can execute just about any vision. Need a gluten- and dairy-free cake with art deco flair? No problem. Want your grandmother's vintage handkerchief pattern turned into a four-tier masterpiece? Consider it done. jencakes.squarespace.com.
Flair
You don't want your girls in some garish getup out of 27 Dresses. Thankfully, a trip here makes finding the right dresses simple, owing to a tight selection of gorgeous (and, happily, understated) frocks from the likes of Coren Moore, Jenny Yoo, and Lynn Lugo. There are tons of colors, fabrics, and styles, and the service is both professional and patient. 10 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, flairbridesmaid.com.
Détente
It may not have an ocean view, but who cares? At Détente, all eyes should be on the food. The innovative chefs craft dishes like a refreshing peach-and-taleggio salad, a fantastic wild boar ragù, and a delightful spin on surf-and-turf done with ancho-rubbed veal and soft-shell crab. Grab a spot at the bar when the restaurant opens at 5:30 p.m. and make the most of the summer special, which gets you the entire meal at half off. Then order two of everything. 15 Winter St., Edgartown, MA 2539, detentemv.com.
Corazón del Mar
When we walked through the door and spied the ceviche and raw bar, we were infatuated. When we climbed the staircase and saw the packed, boisterous tequila bar, we were besotted. But once we took a sip of the hibiscus margarita laced with fresh lime and chili salt, it was a full-on love affair. It may not be the scene-iest spot on the island (that would be the Pearl), nor the most debaucherous (the Chicken Box). But Corazón's good looks and charming vibe have completely stolen our hearts. 215 Water St., Nantucket, MA 2554, corazonnantucket.com.
Uptown Espresso
It's not hard to miss Uptown Espresso, tucked into the first floor of a townhouse in the South End—although once you know it's there, it's virtually impossible to walk past. The coffee, a dark roast from upstate New York, is bracing without being overwhelming; tea lovers can choose from more than 20 blends. Order an iced espresso, latte, or steamer to go, or settle in for a quiet moment on the sunny glassed-in porch. 563 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Crossing Main
Once a land overrun with whale belts, Hingham is casting off its preppy past. Leading the charge is Crossing Main, a fashion-forward boutique that sells sophisticated clothes, shoes, jewelry, and handbags. On hand are frilly Tracy Reese dresses, bright hibiscus-print shifts by Milly, Tibi tunics, and quasi-bohemian dresses from Nanette Lepore. So if you're still putting off that wardrobe overhaul: Give your surplus Lilly Pulitzer to Goodwill and embrace the new soccer mom chic. 5 Main St., Hingham, MA 2043, .
C.O. Bigelow
Cracked elbows, oily T-zones, and damaged locks all require different care routines, which is why C.O. Bigelow fills its floor-to-ceiling shelves with enough creams, soaps, balms, masks, and bath salts to satisfy even the biggest product pack rat. Favorites include Kevyn Aucoin makeup, Frederic Fekkai hair care, and exclusive skin-care treatments from Patricia Wexler M.D., as well as the store's eponymous line of quince and grapefruit hand and body lotions. Copley Place, Boston, MA 2116, bigelowchemists.com.
Newbury Tailoring Company
For two decades, Boston’s style mavens have trusted this family-owned business with their most valuable wearables, and for good reason. Whether you need your entire wardrobe taken in or a few nips and tucks on an extra-special evening gown, you can trust tailor Flavio Antonio Rivas to get the job done masterfully — and efficiently. 324 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, newburytailors.com.
The GrandTen Bar
You won’t find a more inventive cocktail program: GrandTen’s liquor license requires staff to create every ingredient on the menu from the distillery’s base spirits—from peach brandy to a vermouth-like "vermaro." But despite its extreme dedication to craft, this bar is a snobbery-free zone. 383 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127, grandten.com.
Divine Design + Build
In kitchen design, conceiving the proper layout is half the battle. We’d trust the Divine Design team to lead the charge any day: The Wellesley firm—which also boasts a stunning showroom in Boston—once revamped a local space by swapping a restrictive peninsula for a granite-topped island with storage and seating. Multiple locations. 180 Linden St., Wellesley, MA 02482, divinedesignbuild.com.
State Room
Perched 33 stories above the city with glass walls overlooking the Custom House Tower, the State Room is a blank canvas with personalization options galore. Chef David Blessing, meanwhile, serves up customized menus that are as breathtaking as the views—think tuna poke in mini cones and adorable s’mores tartlets. 60 State St., Boston, MA longwoodevents.com.
Davis Square Plaza
There’s no better place to hang out when the sun’s out, so grab a cone at J.P. Licks, find a comfy bench, and enjoy some of the best people-watching and outdoor performances on this side of the Red Line.
Cheapo Records
In a world choking on Black Eyed Peas, this cluttered basement shop is a refuge for the lonely few who still cling to the classics. The R&B, soul, and blues vinyl selection is simply astounding, and the music-obsessed staffers are excellent navigators to little-known high notes. 645 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2139, .