Clear Flour Bread
In an era when everyone from your grandparents to your girlfriend has gone “gluten-free,” Clear Flour is unapologetically pro carb. Apricot-studded pain de seigle? Black-sesame sticks basted with garlic-herb butter? It’s easy to see why the yeasty, buttery scent of its long-fermented loaves continues to lure locals in droves. Just arrive early if you’re looking for something special (apologies to the woman behind us who wanted the last rosemary focaccia). 178 Thorndike St., Brookline, MA 02446, clearflourbread.com.
Independent Film Festival Boston
With a growing list of celebrity attendees and a painstakingly selected roster of movies each year, IFFBoston is your best chance, and sometimes your only chance, to see rare indie movies at theaters across the city. Sometimes it’s a big name trying something new; other times it’s a breakout film from a new director. Either way, it’s comforting to know that big screens aren’t just for Avengers movies. iffboston.org.
Smudge Ink
Your invitation sets the tone of the wedding—no pressure at all, right? Enter Smudge Ink, which has its own on-site letterpress to ensure complete control over quality and design. Work with the team to create a custom look, or choose from a selection of pre-made options (they lean swirly and feminine). They'll even incorporate your own artwork for a truly unique invitation. 50 Terminal St., Charlestown, MA 02129, smudgeink.com.
Colonial Drug
What's your scent? Woodsy? Spicy? Floral? Citrusy? Let the fragrance specialists at this 70-year-old institution help you discover your olfactory predilections as you sample their collection of 1,000-plus perfumes and colognes. Once a Harvard Square mainstay, the Newton boutique stocks classic and limited-edition European fragrances (starting at $35 per bottle), as well as old-school grooming aids such as shaving creams, badger-hair brushes, and, of course, mustache wax. 350 Watertown St., Newton, MA 02458, .
J. Press
In a world where trends change daily, this preppy haberdashery recalls the proper Harvard Square of yore. Looking to impress in the boardroom? Try the U.S.-made "Super 120S Wool" charcoal beaded-stripe suit. Need to accessorize your tailgating attire for the big Harvard-Yale game? Check out the wide selection of neckwear (we suggest the "Harvard Sport" bow tie). Tailoring on-site, meanwhile, guarantees that your slacks will always have a break that's just so. 82 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138, jpressonline.com.
Sault New England
Photograph by Leonard Greco Owner Philip Saul (pictured) will bring sartorially salty New England cred to your closet. Pick up a button-down, available in a variety of fabrics, from the store's eponymous label, made in Fall River. Or go for a trusty selection of familiar brands like Jack Purcell, Penfield, and Jack Spade—with surprising twists, like vintage leather brogues to pair with Unbranded Japanese selvage tapered denim jeans. Naturally, you'll want to grab some beer soap or beard oil on your way out. 577 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, saultne.com.
Tavi de la Rosa
Rare is the makeup artist who can shake you out of your routine with a single application of blush and eyeshadow. Tavi de la Rosa, who mans the Sisley counter at Neiman Marcus part-time and preps Boston's style icons, can suss out your look in minutes. For us, that meant smoky eyes, flawless foundation, and near-nude lips, plus a few false-eyelash applications for extra zing.
Kara Hurston, Shag
Photograph by Pat Piasecki Some cuts are simply about lopping off split ends, and some happen because you spotted a stranger with such incredible hair, you just had to track down her stylist. It's the latter that led us to Shag's Kara Hurston for a tousled, shoulder-length bob—dubbed "Lobs" and dutifully chronicled on Hurston's Instagram. Lest you worry about following the crowd by taming your tresses here, fret not: Though trendy, Hurston's cuts are tailored to your face shape and hair type. 840 Summer St., South Boston, MA 02127, shagboston.com.
L’élite Bridal Boutique
This airy Newbury Street shop is as timeless as its gowns. The designer selection reads like a Fashion Week invite list: Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Elie Saab, Monique Lhuillier…need we go on? And the service, of course, is impeccable, with onsite consultants and tailors ready to outfit you to full elegance. If taste and glamour are at the top of your list, let L’élite exceed your highest expectations. 14 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, lelite.com.
Ceremony
The dress of your dreams is out there, indie brides—and there’s a good chance it’s waiting for you at Ceremony. With lacy numbers from Rue de Seine and Sarah Seven and beaded overlays from Limor Rosen, this Beacon Hill shop does stunning, come-run-away-with-me chic like no one else. Even if you’re not getting married on a secluded beach or in a grassy meadow, a dress from Ceremony is guaranteed to make your free spirit sing. 53 River St., Boston, MA 02114, ceremony-boston.com.
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston
As part of a dramatic 2017 renovation, the legendary hotelier has elevated its 3,500-square-foot ballroom to even greater heights of opulence. Think: a dazzling backdrop of platinum-leafed wallpaper, antiqued mirrors, a lavish custom-painted mural by Moss & Lam—and, in the center of it all, you and your beloved twirling blissfully during your first dance. 10 Avery St., Boston, MA 02111, ritzcarlton.com.
The Estate at Moraine Farm
Frederick Law Olmsted brought Moraine Farm to life in the late 19th century, and nearly 150 years later, it’s just as beautiful as ever—and perfect for your big day. With multiple ceremony and reception locations to choose from, including the waterfront lawn, you can say your vows on the shores of Wenham Lake and enjoy exclusive use of the grounds after. 719 Cabot St., Beverly, MA 01915, estateatmorainefarm.com.
Elizabeth LaDuca
Photographer Elizabeth LaDuca has a knack for making even a dreary day seem ethereal and dreamlike. Each of her shots—from the smallest details to the widest landscapes—seems to glow with a delightful halo of love and light. LaDuca’s organizational skills and experience will keep your event on schedule, but it’s the visual legacy of your special day that will benefit most from her keen eye. MA elizabethladuca.com.
Demiche Beauté
Want a classic chignon with loose tendrils? Or how about soft waves that’ll hold their shape from ceremony to reception? Demiche’s team of stylists specializes in elegant, swept-back looks that perfectly frame and highlight your features. And with a flair for constructing braided bridesmaid styles, Demiche has your A-team covered, too. 7 Lincoln St., Wakefield, MA 01880, demiche.com.
Newbury Tailoring Company
Taking your clothes to this stunning Back Bay space feels less like an errand and more like a visit with friends. Whether you’re a new client or a regular, the Rivas family will welcome you with a smile, a compliment, and calm solutions to your biggest clothing conundrums: a tear in an expensive leather dress, for example, or a panicked need for last-minute tailoring. Thank goodness their work is also impeccable. 324 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, newburytailors.com.