Havana Club
Never danced a step in your life? No problem. This Central Square club holds $12 salsa lessons every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m., plus bachata lessons on Mondays at 8 p.m. You’ll look like a pro by the time the real party begins, with more than 300 dancers burning up the floor from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. 288 Green St., Cambridge, MA 02139, havanaclubsalsa.com.
Forklift
Mediterranean, Asian, classic American—this Union Square caterer will happily hop from cuisine to cuisine for your wedding spread, incorporating vegan and gluten-free menus with ease. Chefs Dennis Tourse and Jamie Rogers are tight with local farmers, which translates to personalized menus featuring natively sourced ingredients whenever possible. Top requests include avocado beggars' purses and fava-bean crostini with wild mushrooms. 5 Sanborn Ct., Somerville, MA 02143, forkliftcatering.com.
L'élite Bridal & Bridesmaids
This petite third-floor boutique offers a who's who of designers (Amsale, Watters, and Monique Lhuillier) that are sure to please your discerning ladies. Some lines even allow for mix-and-match necklines, styles, and fabrics to ensure pretty little ’maids, all in a row. An added perk: refreshing honesty. If a look doesn't fit, the staff won't force it. 14 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, lelite.com.
Fog Island Café
There’s no wine list or fancy raw bar at this laid-back local institution—just bottomless cups of joe from Nantucket Island Coffee Roasters and heaping platters of granola-and-banana pancakes to cure whatever ails you. Still hankering for a little hair of the dog? The BYOB eatery can serve up a virgin bloody mary ($5) for your mixing pleasure. 7 S. Water St., Nantucket, MA 2554, fogisland.com.
The Beachcomber
When President John F. Kennedy established the Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961, he effectively curbed future development in the area. The preexisting Beachcomber, however—housed in an 1897 former lifesaving station—was allowed to keep one of the few commercial permits available on the Atlantic-facing coast. So the next time you’re slurping Wellfleets, enjoying live music, or sipping a piña colada at this popular spot, toast JFK for the special setting and views of the open ocean. 1120 Cahoon Hollow Rd., Wellfleet, MA 2667, thebeachcomber.com.
Spoke
Fledgling wine aficionados, take heed: Laid-back Davis Square newcomer Spoke gamely removes the terror from the terroir, with servers who gently hold your hand through the ordering process. Of course, a glass of Ligurian pigato is only as good as the fregola risotto or fried quail and waffles it's paired with, which, thanks to chef (and No. 9 Park alum) John daSilva, are pretty darned terrific. 89 Holland St., Somerville, MA 2144, spokewinebar.com.
Thai North
Upon entering this tiny Brighton storefront, you’ll want to turn to the wall on your right: It’s entirely covered with images of the dizzying array of Thai specialties on offer. If this selection doesn’t overwhelm you, the chalkboard by the kitchen features an additional seven or so northern Thai dishes—including ripping-hot green chili nam phrik and soul-warming noodle curries—that will have you rethinking every plate of drunken noodles you’ve ever ordered. 433 Faneuil St., Brighton, MA 2135, thainorthbrighton.com.
L'Elite
Whether you're wearing a ball gown or a sheath on your big day, you'll find all the right accoutrements at L'élite, which stocks veils, headpieces, jewelry, belts and sashes, and heels by Badgley Mischka, Malis-Henderson, and Oscar de la Renta. In-store designers work with brides to create customized veils, and a sparkling array of crystal necklaces, pearl hairpins, and delicately feathered hair combs make mixing and matching a cinch. 121-123 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, lelite.com.
Table & Tulip
Succulent-filled terrarium centerpieces. Hanging flower chandeliers. Green walls of plants cascading from Woolly Pocket planters. If you can dream it, Andrea Halliday and her petal-obsessed cohorts at Table & Tulip can create it for your event in vibrant, living color. Halliday is fastidious and hands on, often adjusting and readjusting each bloom in an arrangement or bouquet until it's just right. 461 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA tableandtulip.com.
Madeleine de Sinety
Finally, someone in the wedding industry who's as passionate about your wedding as you are. Artist, photojournalist, and all-around free spirit, de Sinety is demanded at weddings all over the country for her ability to capture every unique detail and lively moment of the big day. And given her busy schedule, New England couples are lucky to have her close by (she's based in Maine.) Specializing in black-and-white photography, de Sinety has had her work published and exhibited in museums and galleries nationally. desinety@exploremaine.com, MA madeleinedesinety.com.
Natale's
If The Thomas Crown Affair—vintage McQueen version, please—taught us anything, it's that there's no better sandpaper for a man's image than a tailored wardrobe. That kind of polish is stock-in-trade at Natale's, which for four decades has been turning fine Italian fabrics into custom-fitted business and casual wear, complemented by a seemingly endless selection of high-end shirts and ties. The results: seriously smooth. 2001 Washington St., Hanover, MA 2339, natalesofhanover.com.
Adamas Fine Jewelry
Maybe even more so than diamonds themselves, Anto Aboyan and Veronica Sagherian are good friends for a girl to have. The brother-sister team's Newton Highlands shop carries in-demand, limited-circulation designers like Pascal Lacroix, Bergio, and Gurhan. The real gem is their house line: The delicate precious pendants, chandelier earrings, and signature stackable rings in three shades of gold are hard to resist. Just ask Eva Longoria and Nicolette Sheridan, who have donned Adamas on Desperate Housewives. 23 Lincoln St., Newton, MA 2461, adamasfinejewelry.com.
Vizio Optic
Hey, four eyes: Glasses don't have to be unsightly. Vizio Optic optometrist and co-owner Dr. Galina Rabkin carries more than 1,000 pairs of rimless lenses, titanium frames, and bejeweled plastic specs from hundreds of brands like Bulgari, Prada, and Porsche. Chic prescription shades come from such giants as Mosley Tribes, Beausoleil, and Face Face. See for yourself: You'll look fantastic. 11 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2445, viziooptic.com.
Wish
Half the fun of a party is planning what to wear. That's why we shop at Wish. The Beacon Hill boutique carries bright Diane von Frustenberg wraps, girly Nanette Lepore A-lines, and delicate Helen Wang strapless dresses—all ideal for an afternoon wedding, a cocktail party, even a black-tie affair. Accessorize your outfit by adding a trendy Trina Turk clutch, and you're ready to play. 49 Charles St., Boston, MA wishboston.wordpress.com.
Cheapo Records
You're likely to collide with other intent collectors as you wander Cheapo's narrow aisles. Whether the secondhand tunes you're tracking are on vinyl, CD, or cassette, chances are your quest will end in success at this cluttered basement shop. All major musical genres are represented here, though there's an especially extensive collection of funk, soul, and R&B. 645 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA cheaporecords.com.