The Kirkland Tap & Trotter
At Craigie on Main, Tony Maws’s cultish burger is available off the menu, in limited quantities only. At Maws’s new gastropub, the Kirkland Tap & Trotter, however, his cheeseburger—a peppery patty topped with kimchi Russian dressing and Emmentaler cheese, on poppy-seed brioche—is very much on the menu, and very much worth ordering. Where other gourmet burgers feel greasy and heavy, this one doesn’t bomb your stomach. All the better, because you might want to have seconds. 425 Washington St., Somerville, MA 2143, kirklandtapandtrotter.com.
5 Corners Kitchen
What do you get when you combine lovingly prepared French cuisine and a distinctly New England sensibility? That would be 5 Corners Kitchen, the stylish bistro named for a certain unwieldy Marblehead intersection. Helmed by chef Barry Edelman, formerly of Aquitaine, the kitchen makes its own, well, everything, which translates to perfectly al dente house-made cavatelli with duck confit, and succulent mussels with basil-aioli-slathered grilled bread. 2 School St., Marblehead, MA 1945, 5cornerskitchen.com.
Katrina Hess
This makeup pro has been primping brides from the Back Bay to Bermuda for more than 20 years. During a consultation at her lofty Newbury Street studio, Hess will school you in skin maintenance and eyebrow shaping, and on the big day, she’ll travel to your venue to give you an absolutely flawless look. She’ll even stay through the night to make sure it lasts through the happy tears and cake smears. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, katrinahess.com.
Matthew Harker, Matthew Harker Events
Matthew Harker’s delectable dishes will provoke admiring exclamations from your guests as they smack their lips with satisfaction. His experience as a private chef in California and Massachusetts has given him the skills to fully customize menus (even on short notice), whether that involves keeping it kosher or kicking up the fun for a private sushi-rolling class. matthewharkerevents.com.
Vera Wang
A single designer is hardly right for every bride, but top-notch service, from first fitting to final alteration, is on every betrothed's wish list. This couture retailer stocks gowns that are dreamy, feminine, and exactly what we want for the big day. With more styles in-house than online and more-than-accomodating consultants, the hardest part will be choosing among satin, tulle, and silk. 73 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, verawangboston.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.
Dani Wagener, DW Beauty
Dani Wagener's brides always look flawless in photos. Some of it is nature and the blush of true love, of course, and some of it is the result of Wagener's deft hand with airbrush foundation, custom-blended to perfectly match each client's complexion. After a relaxed prewedding trial in her airy studio, she'll travel to your bridal suite on the big day to get you gorgeous, killer lashes and all. 125 Newbury St., Boston, MA daniwagener.com.
Cheryl Richards
Weddings come—ideally—but once a lifetime. Cheryl Richards makes sure the memories will last. Richards and her equipment dissolve into the background only to emerge with stunning black and white photojournalist-style images capturing the poignancy, humor, and beauty of the Big Day. How good is she? Even if the wedding doesn't turn out to be as perfect as your fantasy nuptials, Richards manages to make it seem as if it were. 224 Clarendon St., Boston, MA cherylrichards.com.
Vows
Fear not, budget-minded brides: You can have your Vera Wang without having to cut the guest list in half. This outlet has high-end designer gowns at wholesale prices—50 to 70 percent off retail. Better still, you don't have to worry about being caught in a stampede or hoping the dress will fit. Vows takes appointments and has plenty of dressing room space. 334 Watertown St., Newton, MA bridepower.com.
Erik Howard (Will Charles Salon)
The finest hairstylist isn't always the best wedding hairstylist. Bridal coiffure requires someone with impeccable listening skills, loads of patience (for dealing with your, ahem, entourage), and a knack for creating breathtaking updos. That's where Erik Howard comes in. The Will Charles Salon co-owner knows big-day tresses should be durable enough to withstand iffy weather and the embraces of well-wishers — not to mention dance-floor revelry. 11 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, willcharlessalon.com.
Lumiere
Pike traffic is a proven romance killer. Which is why it's a good thing Newton has its own spot to sip, sup, and swoon. The dining room's billowy fabric sets the tone for a special evening, while the dishes from chef Michael Leviton—juicy Crystal Valley chicken; delicate Rhode Island striped bass with preserved lemon and mint—romance your palate. 1293 Washington St., West Newton, MA 2465, lumiererestaurant.com.
The Market Restaurant
Chez Panisse alumni Amelia O'Reilly and Nico Monday (Alice Waters's godson) opened this summer-only gem in a former fish market last year. And boy, are we glad: The service is sophisticated, the wine list is solid, and the elegant dishes, such as house-made ravioli stuffed with ricotta and layered with spring peas and mint—or whatever happens to be on the blackboard menu that day—are simply refreshing. 33 River Rd., Gloucester, MA 1930, themarketrestaurant.com.
Abigail's Children's Boutique
Can't stomach another trip to Gymboree? This sibling-owned store will outfit your little ones in classic style from the time they're born through their preteens. You'll find an excellent array of formalwear, along with well-priced everyday gear and adorable accessories. No kiddie high heels, though — sorry, Suri. 93 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2482, abigails.com.
Zaftigs Delicatessen
Past reviewers have taken pains to note the name (or actually zaftig, without the s) is Yiddish for "pleasingly plump." No doubt that's how they, like countless other satisfied customers, walked out feeling. Seven mornings a week, this Brookline institution plates up ginormous portions of whatever you're in the mood for, from the usuals—such as pancakes and French toast and pillowy three-egg omelets—to Jewish faves like potato latkes with lox and dill sour cream. 335 Harvard St., Brookline, MA zaftigs.com.
Jackson Cannon
Settle into Eastern Standard's plush, cozy bar and let Cannon welcome you with an easy grin and quick, imaginative recommendations: an old-school cocktail he's revived (such as his signature Jack Rose), or maybe a little-known bottling. His obsession with fresh ingredients makes Cannon a true bar artist, though one mercifully free of snobbery—which means if you're looking to throw back something a touch more pedestrian, he'll pour that light beer and serve it with a smile. Eastern Standard, Hotel Commonwealth, 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA easternstandardboston.com.