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Dallas/Fort Worth Bride & Groom Winter 2015 Wedding Planner Volume XXV, Number 1 WWW.BRIDEANDGROOM.COM

Ariana Gown by Winnie Couture Fall 2015 collection

Winter 2015 $4.25

Display Until March Visit us online at www.brideandgroom.com

Five

Top Local Wedding & Reception Venues Hiring Vendors for your Big Day Brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

Essentials for the

Perfect

Bachelor/ Bachelorette

Party

Beautiful New Gowns cover photo by absolute photography

Directory of Wedding Professionals Tell all your wedding specialists you saw them here in Bride & Groom Magazine!

Bachelorette parties Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel 972.243.3363; Dallas Beauty/Spa/fitness Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.490.9159; Dallas Bridal salons A Curvy Bride 972.388.5230; Dallas Bridal Showers & Bridal Luncheons Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano River Road Chateau 972.567.1001; Anna Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel 972.243.3363; Dallas Bridal Shows Bridal Shows, Inc. 972.713.9920; DFW

South Garland Baptist Church 972.271.5428;Garland

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville

Towering Oaks Ranch Resort 817.307.7376; Valley View

Hilton Garden Inn Denison/Sherman at Texoma Event Center 903.463.3331; Denison

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Wedding & Event planners A Curvy Bride 972.388.5230; Dallas

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

En Pointe Weddings & Events 817.909.2036; DFW

River Road Chateau 972.567.1001; Anna

Sue Kelson Events 972.447.8300; DFW

Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth

Wedding Venues Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

Towering Oaks Ranch Resort 817.307.7376; Valley View

Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel 972.243.3363; Dallas

Soiree Boutique Bridal Shows 866.242.8078; DFW

Reception & Rehearsal Dinner Sites Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville Hilton Garden Inn Denison/Sherman at Texoma Event Center 903.463.3331; Denison Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas 972.444.8434; Las Colinas Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas Towering Oaks Ranch Resort 817.307.7376; Valley View Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel 972.243.3363; Dallas Party Rentals Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth Quinceañeras, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.490.9159; Dallas

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Posh Bridal Shows 469.554.8803; DFW

Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine

Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel 972.243.3363; Dallas

Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton

Guest Accommodations Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.490.9159; Dallas

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton

Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas 972.444.8434; Las Colinas

Great Bridal Expo 800.422.3976; DFW

Entertainment Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111; DFW

Gown by Winnie Couture, Fall 2015 collection Inspired by Danish choreographer August Bournonville’s romantic ballet, La Sylphide

Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.490.9159; Dallas Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine Farmers Branch Historical Park 972.406.0184; Farmers Branch Green Oaks Wedding Chapel metro 817.572.4300; Arlington Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville Hilton Garden Inn Denison/Sherman at Texoma Event Center 903.463.3331; Denison

Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine Farmers Branch Historical Park 972.406.0184; Farmers Branch

Green Oaks Wedding Chapel metro 817.572.4300; Arlington Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville Hilton Garden Inn Denison/Sherman at Texoma Event Center 903.463.3331; Denison Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas 972.444.8434; Las Colinas Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas 972.444.8434; Las Colinas

River Road Chateau 972.567.1001; Anna

Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

South Garland Baptist Church 972.271.5428;Garland

Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas

Towering Oaks Ranch Resort 817.307.7376; Valley View

Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Old Warsaw Restaurant 214.528.0032; Uptown Dallas

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel 972.243.3363; Dallas

River Road Chateau 972.567.1001; Anna

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Photo by Tracy Autem

CEREMONIES | RECEPTIONS | REHEARSAL DINNERS | UP to 200 GUESTS

THEMAPLEMANORHOTEL.COM Inside our doorway awaits a romantic journey back to the elegant Victorian style of 1898 …outside our doorway is the vibrant Dallas Arts District, offering you the best of both worlds and the opportunity to treasure the most exclusive day of your life.

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PHOTO BY SOUTHERN FLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY

Taylor’s Rentals Fort Worth, 817.332.5258 www.trectx.net

Fireworks by Pyrotex

Make Your Mark Invitation, by Carlson Craft A monogram signiﬁes elegance. Brides can make their own mark of elegant style with their initial on this letterpress wedding invitation. Ink color choices make it custom.

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PHOTO BY DANNY CAMPBELL

page 9

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Judy Sindecuse Hayden

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mary Beth Fitzgerald

ART DIRECTOR Allison Parkey

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Paul Conant

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J. A. Cox Gloria Gilpin Arline Hayden Debbie Hovis Saundra Lohr James Mach Naomi Mastrogiovanni Lucinda Rogers Dolores Sindecuse

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FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, CONTACT: Mary Beth Fitzgerald 972.418.9570 (Direct) marybeth@brideandgroom.com

• PUBLISHED BY: Bride & Groom Magazine, Inc., P. O. Box 110918, Carrollton, Texas 75011 972.416.2090 or 1.800.723.8166. www.brideandgroom.com To order subscriptions or back issues, please mail a request stating which issue(s) you’d like, the address where the magazines are to be sent, and a check or money order for $6.50 per issue to cover the cost of the magazines, postage and handling. Bride & Groom Magazine is published quarterly in Dallas/Fort Worth. Copyright © 2014, Bride & Groom Magazine, Inc. Bride & Groom is a registered trademark of Bride & Groom Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. Printed in the USA.

Gown by Winnie Couture, Fall 2015 collection Inspired by Danish choreographer August Bournonville’s www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw romantic ballet, La Sylphide

Gown available at A Curvy Bride

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Images from Julietta by Mori Lee

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Winter 2015 December • January • February Scan this tag with your smart phone’s free Microsoft Tag app to go straight to Bride & Groom’s website!

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Cover Photo by Absolute Photography

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WITH THIS RING HOSPITALITY IS AN ART: HIRING VENDORS FOR YOUR BIG DAY YOUR BRIDAL REGISTRY ASK THE EXPERTS GETAWAY GIVEAWAY: MAHEKAL BEACH RESORT PICTURE PERFECT FIVE ESSENTIALS FOR THE PERFECT BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTY THE BRIDE’S GUIDE TO BRIDESMAID DRESS SHOPPING CALENDAR OF EVENTS A CURVY BRIDE

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Anniversary

Issue! 24 26 28 30 32 33 34 36 38 49 56 58

HOW TO BREAK IN WEDDING SHOES THINGS TO DO MEMBERS OF THE WEDDING WEDDING WEAR BEAUTIFUL BRIDES PAMPERING PACKAGES

60 62 63 64 66 69

FINANCIAL MATTERS REAL WEDDING: LESLIE & CHRIS ELLIOTT WEDDING VENUES

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FLOWER POWER WEDDING PAPERS PARTY TIME MUSICAL NOTES INTRIGUING INVITATIONS THE WEDDING SHOP: A comprehensive guide to local wedding merchants, featuring detailed descriptions of what they can do for you. DIRECTORY OF ONLINE ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY OF WEDDING PROFESSIONALS

RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES WEDDING EMERGENCY KIT GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

page 17

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With This Ring A wedding ring is an endless circle that traditionally represents the love that you, the bride and groom, have for each other. It is wise to make a careful selection of these immortal tokens of love.

of weight. A 25-point diamond can be referred to as a stone that weighs 0.25 carats. Size is determined by the weight and is also a factor in the price of a diamond because the larger the diamond, and the heavier it is, the more rare the stone, and the more valuable it becomes. Cut refers to the make and shape of your diamond. The make is the faceting or cutting of the diamond surface. Most round diamonds have 58 facets. A good cut, or make, allows for the maximum light reﬂection throughout the diamond. Some diamonds are cut shallow, some deep, while the superbly cut diamond achieves the most brilliance. The shape of the diamond is also a part of the cut. The most common shapes include the round brilliant, marquis, pear, oval, heart, emerald, and baguette. Diamond shapes are not limited to these. Diamonds have been cut in the design of stars, ﬂowers, trees, and even the state of Texas.

ince you are unique, your wedding rings should portray your uniqueness. Choosing or designing your rings can be one of the most pleasurable experiences of your engagement. The variety of styles is endless. Many couples prefer to visit the jeweler together to learn about each others’ style preferences. Your jeweler can advise you on the style and design most becoming to your lifestyle and tastes. Decide if you prefer a single wedding band, a wedding ring with a matching engagement ring, or an engagement ring with guard rings. Other decisions that will need to be made are what type, size and shape of gem you prefer; whether or not you would like smaller diamonds on your band to accentuate your main stone; and if you would like your ﬁancé’s ring to match. After you have searched for the ultimate rings and have found them, congratulations! If you cannot ﬁnd the perfect rings for you, then commission your jeweler to custom-design and create an original set of wedding rings for you. A custom jeweler can create magic by simply learning your preferences and designing your rings according to your liking. The jeweler will then hand-carve and create your perfect rings. Diamonds are an important part of engagement and wedding rings. You need to know a few basic facts and standards for diamonds. The most widely accepted diamond-grading standards were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the basic concepts can be mastered by you with the help of your jeweler. Diamond grading is divided into the Four C’s: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color. Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. One carat weight is divided into 100 points

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ALTERNATIVES TO THE DIAMOND Another idea to consider when discussing your rings is the use of alternative stones instead of a diamond. The main reason that diamonds are the choice of most couples can be attributed to the fact that diamonds are the hardest stone known to man, thus they are better able to withstand the stress of daily wear. A myth exists about diamonds that they cannot be chipped nor can they break. But beware ... it is a myth. A diamond, like all gemstones, must be properly cared for by you. On a regular basis, preferably at least once every six months, ask your jeweler to clean and inspect your rings and stones so that you can maintain their glowing beauty. In between your visits to your jeweler, it does help to clean your wedding rings as often as you wish. Your jeweler can advise you as to the best way to clean your rings at home. The cleaner your rings are, the more they sparkle. Colored gemstones, such as ruby and sapphire, have also been used throughout history as a wedding ring center stone or as an enhancement to the center diamond. For example, you may choose an intense blue sapphire as your center stone and encircle it with smaller diamonds. After you receive your rings from your jeweler, you should check with your insurance agent as to how to insure your rings on your insurance policy. Inquire about an all-risk policy to fully insure your rings. Your insurance agent can give explanations and sug

A good cut allows for the maximum light reflection throughout the diamond. Some diamonds are cut shallow, some deep, while the superbly cut diamond achieves the most brilliance.

PHOTO BY ABSOLUTE PHOTOGRAPHY

poor cut. The more informed you are about diamond basics, the better you can intelligently choose your diamond.

Clarity refers to the ability to see through a diamond, which is affected by internal identifying characteristics of flaws formed in nature in the diamond. The fewer and less visible the flaws, known as inclusions, the better and more valuable the diamond becomes. Diamonds are graded on 10X magnification under a microscope or jeweler’s loupe, with good lighting. It is important to examine your major diamond purchase under a microscope so that you can see the flaws, their sizes, and locations. Overall, the fewer the inclusions, the more brilliant and valuable the diamond. Color as a grading defines diamond color very critically. The closer a diamond appears to colorless, the better the color grade. Color grading is done by comparing the diamond to a color test kit with stones graded by GIA. The lights used in this process are highly specialized. All of the Four C’s affect the price of a diamond. For example, a diamond that weighs 1 carat, is VS1 clarity, G color and good cut will cost more than a diamond that weighs 1 carat, is SI1 clarity, K color and

gestions as to the best protection for you. OTHER WEDDING JEWELRY Your jeweler can assist you with other wedding jewelry, such as cultured pearls. This is a traditional wedding gift given by the groom to the bride to wear with her wedding gown. Pearls are an elegant jewelry gift and may be enjoyed for many occasions. The bride may appropriately choose a set of cufﬂinks or button covers as her gift to her groom to wear with his formal attire at the wedding and for future occasions. Your jeweler can guide you in making your choices. Check with your jeweler for bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s gift ideas and give a gift that will remind them of the special day they will share with you. Choosing your wedding and engagement rings can be fun and exciting! With the professional guidance of your jeweler, your wedding rings will become cherished reminders of the love you share. •

Hospitality is an Art Hiring Vendors for your Big Day

By Sue Kelson

this smile on the other end of the line, then perhaps this person is not the right person to be hired for your wedding. As the saying goes, “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do a job, wait until you hire an amateur!” There are many people that get into the wedding business thinking that it’s easy. It’s not. As previously stated, 90% of restaurants fail. People get into the hospitality business thinking it will be fun, not realizing it’s a 16-hour work day, 7 days a week. So they lose their enthusiasm, and they can turn sour quickly. They have forgotten the key principle of making people feel special. Boom—they are done. It’s because they are amateurs. If you have hired an amateur for your wedding, it’s a very expensive mistake. And you only get to make that mistake once, as your wedding is a big event, held once in a lifetime. Yes, perhaps you’ve found someone that costs less, but what kind of service are they providing you? Are they returning your phone calls, emails, and texts? You need answers, and as a bride, you do not want to wait days to get answers to your questions.

If it takes a vendor days to answer your question, what will happen on your actual wedding day? Will they be late? Will they have contacted all your vendors and secured their arrival time? Will they answer the phone at 11:00 pm two days before your wedding because you are having a slight panic attack? The professionals will. That is our job. We know that you are going to call the morning of your wedding with questions—we build that into our time of getting ready ourselves! We expect those texts and phone calls! An amateur might be fumbling around and not know how to pull a rabbit out of a hat. A professional does and makes it seem easy. Why? Because our job is to make your day perfect. You should have no stress on your wedding day. It’s the one perfect day in your life, and you deserve it. One of my favorite sayings is from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Very wise words! That’s why I say, “Hospitality is an art.” •

PHOTO BY DANNY CAMPBELL

he hospitality business is an exciting, surprising and fun industry to be involved in, and it takes a special person to be in the hospitality and wedding industry. They are there to make their clients and brides feel special. It’s not rocket science. A good mission statement for anyone in the hospitality industry to abide by is “to make people feel special.” If they can accomplish this, they have succeeded in the hospitality and wedding business. Many people know that 90% of restaurants fail in the first year. Why is that? The realtors will say, location, location, location. Actually, if you ask a good restaurateur, he or she will tell you, it’s because of the relationships they have developed over the years with their customers. People feel special walking in the door and getting a hug from the owner. That customer has a preferred waiter that serves them their meal, and the kitchen knows exactly how to cook their steak. To finish off the night, the valet knows to have their car warm and toasty on a cold night when they depart. This is hospitality. The relationship is special. It does not matter if that restaurant serves a $10 hamburger, or a $100 filet mignon. The client is ready to spend the money, as their experience is delightful. They feel special. Vendors in the wedding business should all follow the same principles. Brides, mothers, fathers, and families all need to feel special. Wedding planners, venue owners, catering companies, musicians, florists, limo companies, and everyone down the line need to make each and every bride feel special. As a bride, if you don’t get the “warm fuzzies” from any vendor, then don’t work with them. They are not the right vendor for you. It is the most important day of your life, and everyone should be as excited about your wedding day as you and your fiancé are! It’s what you have been dreaming about, and you deserve to be treated as a princess. It is your special day. It seems that in the past ten years, not everyone knows this secret about making brides and clients feel special. It’s a shame, because it is so much easier to be polite than to be aggressive or rude. A smile goes a long way. E-mails should be returned in a timely manner, and the tone of an e-mail should be polite. Sometimes it’s hard to convey feelings in an e-mail, but true wedding professionals know how to convey information politely. Phone calls need to be returned the same day, and a bride should “hear the smile in their voice” from their wedding planner, DJ, bakery, and anyone else that is hired to work on your wedding. If you as a bride, don’t hear

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Your Bridal Registry By Style Network’s Celebrity Wedding Planner, Donnie Brown In the world of wedding plan-

• Choose enough items for

pan, a great sauté pan, and a

ning, couples get so caught up in

guests to select from. A good rule

large, quality, stock pot beat a

the details, they very often forget

of thumb is to select two to three

pre-packaged set of eight any

about the registries until very late

items per invited wedding guest.

day. Think about the types of

in the process.

For 150 guests, register for approx-

things you use and might use in

imately 375 items.

the future. Perhaps watch Alton

As with most things in life, don’t put off critical items until the end.

• Be sure to select items in sev-

Brown on the Food Network in ad-

Registering for your wedding gifts

eral price points. Be considerate

vance of choosing your cooking

can be a lot of fun and certainly

of your guests who cannot afford

items. He has a lot of tips for good

less stressful than most of the deci-

the more expensive items. The rule

kitchen items that will help you to

sions you will have to make along

of thumb is for the guest to spend

make the right decisions.

the way. Below I have compiled

the equivalent to the amount you

• If sales associates in a store

some tips for developing your

and your family will be spending

tell you it is too early to do your

bridal registry which should help

on dinner for the wedding. Ap-

registries, ignore them and do it

to make the decisions easier and

proximately $50 per person at-

anyway. It is never too early! •

better thought out.

tending or invited should sufﬁce in

• Register early—plan on at

most cases.

least three months ahead of the

• Choose the things you’ll use,

wedding date. This gives guests

even if you still have to learn how,

time to look it over, and you

and do what is right for you. If you

time to think about your “couple

don’t want to have the whole

style.”

china place setting with cup and

• Choose things you really want!

saucer, just register for the accent salad and dinner plates. Mix and

• Select items that will be avail-

match different sets to make a

able on and around your wed-

great personal-style statement.

ding date.

Or register for something that you

• Find out about return policies

can add to your grandmother’s

and guest services, such as ship-

inherited pattern to make it feel

ping, gift wrap/messages, and

more like your own.

backorder updates. • Register

together

• Make choices that will last. as

you

You should choose quality over

may ﬁnd some concessions need

quantity and for items you feel

to be made, but you’ll both be

will not have to be replaced for

happier in the long run. Flatware

a very long time to come, if ever.

sometimes really matters to men.

For instance, one great omelet

Who knew?

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1 11 1

Ask the Experts IS IT NECESSARY FOR THE STRING QUARTET TO ATTEND THE WEDDING REHEARSAL? Generally, it is not necessary for the quartet to attend the wedding rehearsal. An experienced string group can time selections throughout the ceremony to coordinate with entrances and exits, helping to create a smooth, seamless ﬂow. At most, the leader of the quartet can attend the rehearsal, but this is only necessary for very complex ceremonies.

Savannah Reppart Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.490.9159 www.cooperhoteldallas.com

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PLANNING AN OUTDOOR WEDDING? Outdoor weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Brides must be aware that although very enchanting and beautiful, they aren’t as easy to plan as one may think. These are a few tips that will help you. 1) Plan B: As we all know, Texas weather can be very unpredictable. Therefore, I always recommend having a back-up sheltered venue for your big day. 2) Invitations: On the invitation, inform your guests that you’re having an outdoor wedding so they can dress appropriately and be comfortable. 3) Catering: Let your caterer know it is an outdoor venue so they can prepare items that will keep well in the elements. 4) Don’t Invite the Bugs: Be sure to have the grounds of your outdoor venue sprayed a few days and/or a few hours prior. And why not add a few citronella candles to your centerpieces? Candlelight is not only romantic and but also effective. 5) Timing: Consider the sun’s location and sunset when setting the time of your ceremony and reception. If possible, arrange the seating setup so the sun is at your guests’ back instead of facing them. 6) Power Up: When planning an outdoor wedding, don’t forget the lights and power. Most outdoor spaces require a generator for power, and hiring a licensed electrician can help create a magical atmosphere with lighting under the trees or a tent.

ALL MY FRIENDS AND WEDDING VENDORS SAY I SHOULD HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER OR AT LEAST A DAY-OF COORDINATOR, EVEN THOUGH MY VENUE INCLUDES A COORDINATOR. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE AND WHY SHOULD I HIRE ONE? I say this from experience, as I’ve worked both as an on-site coordinator and as a wedding planner. The coordinator that the venue provides is there to make sure all services on the venue’s side go exactly as planned. They will monitor your catering timeline, check in your vendors, and help with set up. It is not their job, however, to coordinate with all other vendors or to handle personal issues with your wedding party and family. A planner, on the other hand, is meant to be at your “beck and call.” Look at it this way—whoever signs their paycheck will be where their loyalty lies.

PHOTO BY ABSOLUTE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY JIM RODE PHOTOGRAPHER

Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111 www.stradivariusmusic.com

Bethany Thomas, CWP En Pointe Weddings 817.909.2036 www.enpointeweddings.com

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Got a question? Hear what the experts have to say!

PHOTO BY ALLEN TSAI PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW DO WE GO ABOUT CREATING OUR WEDDING BUDGET? Establishing a wedding budget is the first step to take before getting too far into the planning process! To begin, you’ll want to have conversations with everyone who will be contributing financially to your wedding. Know the bottom line you’ll be working with beforehand, so you do not overspend. Next, determine with your fiancé what your priorities are. Are you passionate about a gourmet menu or is having a stellar band more important? Whatever your top priorities are, make sure to set aside plenty of your budget to accommodate these categories. When it comes to mapping out your budget, start with the reception, as it will make up 50 to 60% of your entire budget. In addition to food and beverage costs, that includes venue rental fees, taxes, and service charges. Other categories include ceremony, floral, music/entertainment, photography/videography, stationery, rentals, bakery, favors, and transportation. There are plenty of wedding planning websites that can give you ballpark percentages of your budget breakdown by category. Use these suggestions as a guide, but customize your budget based on the priorities you determined. Don’t forget a line item for unexpected expenses! If Marsha Ballard French Certified Master Wedding Planner, the thought of creating and maintaining a wedding planning budget is overwhelming to you, consider hiring a professional wedding planner. They can American Association of Wedding Planners Weddings by StarDust not only help you allocate funds and stay on track with your budget, but can 972.781.1619 also help you design a beautiful, imaginative wedding full of creative ideas www.weddingsbystardust.com that will represent you and your fiancé without breaking the bank!

PHOTO BY SIL AZEVEDO PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN I GET ENGAGED, WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST? After your engagement, there are two things that must be done immediately—choosing your dress, and your venue! Many brides and grooms choose a venue strictly on the “beauty” of the venue, but there are other things to consider when making this decision. Your reception venue is one of the most expensive components of hosting a wedding. It’s pretty, but… • Does the venue coordinator or owner seem easy to work with? Are they accommodating? If you feel like you are perhaps just “another number,” then is it worth it? • Will your venue allow you to work with vendors that are not on their vendor list? If you can choose your own, that’s ideal! If you are given 4-5 options from their vendor list, then you can compare prices and Sue Kelson services. However, some venues only give you one option for caterSue Kelson Events ing, photo booth, linens, valet parking, lighting… and then you must 972.447.8300; www.suekelsonevents.com pay “their price,” and it will be very hard to negotiate pricing. • Regarding deliveries, how much time will your vendors have to deliver and set up their items before the reception? If you plan on having a huge band and a room filled with flowers, then four hours of set-up time may not be enough. • Where is the venue located? If it is near a popular attraction, or a yearly city event, like a parade or festival, how will this impact your wedding day? Where will your guests park? Will you be able to have your ceremony outside? If a festival is around the corner, with a loud band playing, this will greatly impact your wedding plans. These are just a few things to consider when choosing a venue. It might be beautiful, but if everything else that is incorporated into working with the venue is difficult and restrictive, is it worth the headache? There are hundreds of venues in our fabulous city, so perhaps a tour of another venue is in order, and it might be even more beautiful! It’s your wedding day – it has to be perfect!

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Picture Perfect A tender moment, captured in a silver frame on an ofﬁce desk. A special home movie to pop in the DVD player on a snuggly winter night. Wedding images keep the memories alive.

idly improving the image detail and color. There are other benefits to digital versus film cameras. Not only can a photographer see immediately what the image will look like, he or she can correct the shot on-site as opposed to during the film-developing process. Brides will appreciate the speed and efficiency of digital cameras since they’ll be able to see their wedding proofs quicker. This digital process can give you an idea of what your wedding album will look like when complete. Choose a photographer with whom you are compatible and who puts you at ease. If there is a personality conflict between you and the photographer, you may end up with photos of your best sneer instead of your best smile!

ong after the wedding dress is packed away, the caterer is on to the next wedding, and the thank-you notes are mailed — the photographs and DVDs remain. The documentation of the beginning of your new family will be cherished for future generations. PHOTOGRAPHY Book your photographer at least six months in advance to ensure availability for your wedding date. When choosing a photographer, there are several important things to remember. Select a photographer who works for a living, not as a part-time or weekend job. Do not entrust this blessed event to an amateur or friend. You don’t want to risk losing the recording of this once-in-alifetime occasion. Protect your wedding memories by using a professional. And make sure your photographer has extra cameras, lenses and lighting equipment on hand as backups in case of emergency. Most photographers now prefer to use digital cameras for wedding photography. Of course, no matter what style camera is used, make sure your photographer will also have an appropriate backup strategy to preserve the images from your precious day. Advances in digital cameras are rap-

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VIDEOGRAPHY Once a mere stepchild of photography, videography has quickly become an exciting, essential part of the wedding celebration. The guidelines for selecting a videographer parallel those for choosing a photographer. The number one rule — use a professional! Don’t be tempted to take advantage of your Uncle Joe’s camcorder. There are no “second takes.’’ Hire a professional with professional equipment, so your memories are safe. Make sure your videographer has top-notch audio-visual cameras and editing equipment. Your videographer must be experienced and well trained on the equipment. Different audio techniques include the use of wireless remote microphones, a feed from the church’s sound system, a shotgun microphone and ambient sound,

Select a photographer who works for a living, not as a part-time or weekend job. Do not entrust this blessed event to an amateur or friend.

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come prepared with pertinent information regarding your wedding. It’s also helpful if the photographer knows the style, color and setting of the wedding so that the mood and the moment can be captured. Let your photographer know the size of your wedding party and with whom you would like to be photographed. It’s helpful to designate a friend or relative to point out those special friends and relatives you want photographed during the reception.

Look for a photographer whose judgment and opinions you trust. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with the “camera person” on your wedding day, relying on that person to capture those special moments. When you meet with a photographer, view sample wedding albums to obtain a clear impression of the overall style in which the photographer covers a wedding. Look for color, sharpness and detail of the photographs. Determine the type of photographs you prefer — a formal posed look, candids, or a combination of both formats. Communicate clearly with your photographer to ensure the best results. Make sure your photographer knows exactly what you want — you only get one chance to make things right. Obtain information on package sizes and prices, deposits, retouching charges, travel expenses and any other costs. Wedding packages can range from several hundred dollars to well into the thousands. Make sure everything you need is included in your package — formal portrait, black-and-white print for the newspaper, wedding album, and anything else you are looking for. Find out the cost of additional prints and “mini-albums” for parents and close friends. Finally, be sure everything you’ve agreed to is written in a contract. Other details that should be in writing include: when the photographer will arrive at the wedding and leave the reception, how the photographer will be dressed, and the number of images that will be provided. When you meet with your photographer,

and a separate recording dubbed in during editing. Determine with your videographer the technique best suited to your wedding location. Ask to view DVDs of actual weddings that were shot and produced within the past year. By watching these samples, you’ll see ﬁrst-hand the videographer’s level of talent and professionalism. Look for sharp images, adequate lighting and clear sound. The video should ﬂow smoothly from scene to scene, with highlights fully covered to tell the whole wedding story. Look for special effects, such as fades, wipes, dissolves, multiple images, freeze-frames and background music. The videographer should dress appropriately, and be able to comfortably mingle with your guests. Wedding videography prices range from several hundred dollars to the thousands. Find out what’s included in the package deals, and if items such as duplicate DVDs, adding music and titles, special effects, overtime and second cameras are additional. Obtain a contract including date, time, location, cost, equipment used, editing time, deposits and delivery date. It’s so important to choose professionals to record your wedding celebration. The expense is well worth the future returns. Preserving the memories of your nuptials is too important to leave to chance. Take care to ensure that your photographs and DVDs are of the quality you’ll be proud to share with your family and friends. You’ll enjoy your memories for many years to come.•

Five Essentials for the Perfect Bachelor/Bachelorette Party By Melissa Castleman Event Sales Manager, Topgolf Allen As a soon-to-be bride (in March 2015), and Event Sales Manager for Topgolf Allen, I have ﬁrst-hand knowledge of what it takes to plan a successful event. Your bachelor or bachelorette party will be a day you remember forever, and it may be the only time you will have your whole crew together before the big day. A wellplanned party brings together a group of people who may not know each other very well (or at all!) and can turn them into lifelong friends. There are ﬁve key components to consider when hosting a night to remember. Once you’ve covered the bases below, you can relax and enjoy your time with family and friends! Essential #1, Transportation: In order to have a fun, safe and memorable night, make sure you reserve your party bus, limo, or town car in advance. This makes it easy for all the guests to be together throughout the evening and arrive home safely. Of the transportation options, strongly consider a party bus over all others. The bus gives you plenty of room to mingle and dance. Not to mention, it’s much easier to step up into a bus than climb into the back of a limo—especially in a cocktail dress. Sometimes the best memories are made on the bus! Pro tip: Make a playlist to keep the party going, and be sure to coordinate with the driver in advance so that your device can be plugged into the sound system. The bus should be stocked with refreshments and cups that won’t break.

Essential #2, Entertainment: Regardless of how laid-back the group is, or how popular the venue is, nothing can kill a party like waiting in line. So plan accordingly and make your reservations for each stop in advance. If the venue does not take reservations, a call-ahead will ensure the bartenders are ready for the group. Your big night may not include the “big city,” but your options are still endless. Think outside the box and consider a camping trip, spa weekend, or sports entertainment venues. Pro tip: Consider locations with an all-inclusive package so your guests can budget accordingly for the event. Essential #3, A Theme: Pinterest offers lots of inspiration for bachelor and bachelorette parties, so the hardest part might be narrowing down what you want to do. Stay focused by creating a theme to be incorporated in your evening or weekend. It could be a certain color, a saying that the night is based off of, a creative dress code, custom-made t-shirts, or something that represents you that will make the night more memorable. It is your night, after all, so do exactly what you want—and get nerdy with it! Pro tip: The theme helps direct the whole event. This will help you decide where to eat, what to drink, and what to wear. Stay focused, and it will make the night more memorable for all your guests. Essential #4, Hashtag: Make sure you have come up with your wedding

#hashtag at this point. Doing so is a great way to access everyone’s photos from the night by simply searching your specific hashtag on all of the social media outlets. Let everyone know to tag or caption their photos with your designated #hashtag symbolizing the special night. Recruit your friends and family to get creative. Pro tip: Some of the best wedding hashtags are a play on words of wellknown phrases. For example: #searleslyinlove for the Searles wedding, since they are seriously in love! Essential #5, Foodstuff: Everyone’s favorite topic! If you are planning an evening event, then you have probably already realized that you need to include dinner. First, start with finding out what the bride or groom’s favorite foods are; it’s an easy starting point, and you want them to be happy. Second, check out the new hotspots or crowd favorites in your town. Third, find out if the restaurant has a private room for parties. Pro tip: Plan to have snacks ready for the late-night hunger tooth, like a pizza delivery, and brunch reservations for the next morning. With these essentials, you have a solid foundation to begin planning your perfect bachelor or bachelorette party. Don’t forget to include the whole group in your brainstorming sessions to help build the excitement leading up to the big night. Happy planning! •

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The Bride’s Guide to

Bridesmaid Dress

SHOPPING by Lynette Coughlin, Providence Place You have selected your venue and wedding dress, and now it is time to start thinking about your bridesmaids. You do not need to let the process of selecting bridesmaid dresses become a stressful and overwhelming experience. Here are some tips to ensure that your shopping experience is smooth and stress-free. First ﬁrm up how many bridesmaids you are going to have at your wedding. Research online bridal shops’ websites so you know what designers they carry and their price point. When you approach your bridesmaid about being in the wedding, you should be up front about the cost of their dress so they know ahead of time and can start putting money aside for the dress order. This is especially helpful for the girls on a tight budget or that are in college. Do not wait until the last

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minute to select your bridesmaid dresses. You should order the dresses at least three months out. Five months out is actually best, especially if any dresses are going to be mailed to out-of-state bridesmaids and will also allow plenty of time for alterations. When you’re ready to start shopping for your bridesmaid dresses, you will want to make an appointment with a bridal shop. It is usually easier to ﬁrst come with your mother or your maid of honor and maybe a couple of your bridesmaids. They can help you to narrow down which dresses you like. This is especially helpful when you want all your bridesmaids to wear the same style dress. When selecting dresses, think about your dress style and venue. You may not want a long satin or taffeta dress for an outdoors summer wed-

ding. Also, think about the color you choose. Blush and taupe are very hot colors for the season, but they do not suit every skin tone and can wash some people out. Some brides are opting to let the girls pick whatever style ﬁts their body type and then ordering them all in the same color. If you are wanting to bring in a large party, call the bridal shop and ask if they will do “off hour” appointments. This is a fun way to let them pick their dress while sipping champagne and having the ultimate shopping experience. Warn your bridesmaids ahead of time that the dresses run one to two sizes smaller than what they normally wear. If a bridesmaid wears a size 8 in street clothes, she will probably be a size 10 or 12 in her bridesmaid dress. Once the dress or dresses are selected, it is time to take their measurements.

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It is important to have your bridesmaid dresses professionally measured. Measurements should be done without their clothes on and in their bra and panties. Bridesmaid dresses are being made to order, however the customer is not getting a custom dress. Instead the bridesmaids are measured and then ﬁt into pre-existing sizes, which usually range from 2–26. Standard dress measurements are the bust, waist and hips. The sales associate will show you the size chart. It is important that each girl take an active part in selecting the dress size. If she is between sizes, it is always best to go with the larger size. It is always easier to take the dresses in than to let them out.

You will want to order all your bridesmaid dresses from the same store. This is so you can ensure the dresses will all be in the same color and same dye lot. If you have out-of-town bridesmaids, this is not a problem. Simply have the sales associate send measurement instructions or have the girls get their measurements done at another store or an alteration place. Once they have their measurements, have them call and talk with the bridal store sales associate who will go over the size chart. Most bridal stores are used to dealing with large parties that are spread throughout the U.S. The dresses will be delivered to the bridal shop. The bridal shop or the bride will

then mail the bridesmaid her dress. Bridesmaids are an integral part of the wedding process and have duties to uphold for the bride. Your girls should be involved without overstepping boundaries. Dress shopping for bridesmaids should be fun and laid-back, especially with the right group of girls. Once you’ve decided on a color and style, ﬁnd the right wedding shop to help you and girls through the process so you are happy and conﬁdent in your decision. The pictures from your wedding will last a lifetime and you want to be able to look back and still love how everything turned out, your bridesmaids’ dresses included. •

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Bridal Shows, Inc.

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Hyatt Regency Dallas, Dallas, TX March 8, 2015 Starts at Noon Get two free tickets when you enter coupon code DBNGP at checkout on www.GreatBridalExpo.com!

Midlothian Bridal Show www.MidlothianCenter.com Midlothian Conference Center, Midlothian, TX March 1, 2015 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Posh Bridal Show www.PoshShows.com Southfork Ranch, Parker, TX January 11, 2015 Noon – 4:00 p.m.

Signature Bridal Show www.SignatureBridalShows.com Plano, TX January 4, 2015 Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Irving Convention Center, Las Colinas, TX January 4, 2015 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Dallas Market Hall, Dallas, TX January 24-25, 2015 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX February 1, 2015 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Plano Centre, Plano, TX March 8, 2015 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Irving Convention Center, Las Colinas, TX July 12, 2015 Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Times and dates are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend you check with the host of each event to conﬁrm. Bride & Groom is not responsible for inaccuracies.

Soiree Boutique Bridal Show www.SoireeBoutiqueBridalShows.com Royse City, TX January 11, 2015

Use offer code B&GMAG for any Bridal Shows, Inc. show and receive $1 OFF ADMISSION, for all adult tickets, courtesy of Bride & Groom Magazine. Tickets must be bought online: www.bridalshowsinc.com www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

A Curvy Bride PHOTO BY ALLEN TSAI PHOTOGRAPHY

By Marsha Ballard French Co-Owner, A Curvy Bride

very bride deserves to feel her absolute most beautiful on her wedding day. Whether her budget is generous or limited, whether she is tall or short, whether she is thin or curvy, the philosophy of A Curvy Bride is that every bride should have a wonderful experience shopping for her wedding gown. During the years of serving thousands of brides, the team at StarDust Celebrations identiﬁed a gap in the market. Voluptuous brides were not always having beautiful bridal experiences. The sample sizes were not accommodating their curves, and it was difﬁcult

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for full-figured brides to visualize how a gown would actually fit. The concept for A Curvy Bride was inspired by encounters with these lovely ladies. StarDust wanted to give each shapely bride the wonderful experience of shopping for her dream gown in an environment that catered to her and provided for her each and every need. Because again, every bride deserves to feel her absolute most beautiful on her wedding day. So, A Curvy Bride was born. A truly one-of-a-kind salon, A Curvy Bride offers gowns size 16 and up from some of the bridal industry’s most celebrated designers. The specialty salon offers exquisite gowns in styles ranging from vintage romance and classic elegance to modern sophistication and rustic chic. These luxurious, couture gowns provide a variety of silhouettes to choose from such as ball gowns, mermaid, A-line and fit & flare. Curvy’s expert stylists will escort each bride

through her bridal gown search with attentive service, an experienced listening ear and ﬁne-tuned styling expertise, giving each curvy bride the experience of a lifetime. From the moment a bride walks into the quaint Victorian-era salon, she knows she is in for a delightful experience. First, all of the gown samples range in sizes 18 – 26, though most are sizes 20

and 22, enabling brides to try on gowns that will allow them to truly visualize how each gown will look and help them select their own dream gown. Next, brides will be impressed with the fabulous selection of designers the Curvy gowns hail from: Birnbaum & Bullock, Casablanca Couture, James Clifford Collection, Mikaella by Paloma Blanca, Augusta Jones, Ysa Makino and Watters. The salon has chosen to partner with some of the most talented bridal designers, providing gorgeous gowns that celebrate curves. With elements such as waist-accentuating belts, body-slimming ruching and curve-skimming silhouettes, these collections provide exceptional quality gowns in styles that both fit and flatter brides with voluptuous figures. And finally, curvaceous brides will be wooed by the genuine customer service and skillful styling the staff at A Curvy Bride offers to each and every bride. The experts at A Curvy Bride explain that it’s better to come in the first time with a very small, select group of ladies. Trying on wedding gowns can be intimidating, especially if the group includes opinionated guests. Very often, the stylists find friends focusing on what they like, not what the bride likes. The group will often dis-

regard the bride’s budget or wedding location, and may not know what her groom prefers. During an initial visit, the stylists suggest that a bride brings her mom, sister or a close friend. It’s best to let the professional stylist help select styles that look great on the bride’s figure and that fit her sense of style and budget. On the second visit after the bride has narrowed her selection to a few wedding dresses, the Curvy team suggests that’s when brides invite their friends to help in the final decision. The couture gowns at A Curvy Bride take four to six months to receive. Brides should try to allow four to six weeks for alterations and, if the bride is having bridal portraits taken, she’ll

want to add another two months. The Curvy staff strongly encourages brides to purchase their gowns seven to eight months before their wedding date. The reason for the longer order time is that all gowns at the salon are made of silks or silk blends and are made to each bride’s speciﬁc measurements. Gowns at A Curvy Bride range in price between $1,500 and $8,000. Brides can make a bridal gown appointment at A Curvy Bride online at www. acurvybride.com, or by calling 972.388.5230. An appointment secures the bride dedicated, one-on-one time with a personal stylist, and each appointment runs an hour and a half. •

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How to Break In Wedding Shoes Courtesy of www.eHow.com

PHOTO BY CRYSTAL WILLIAMSON

n their wedding day, it is common for brides to spend hour after hour on their feet. From the aisle to the altar to the dance floor, the wedding day can take quite a toll on the tootsies. Brides must be confident that their shoes are broken in adequately before the big day. By following these simple steps, brides can avoid those dreaded honeymoon blisters.

Instructions: Step 1:

Start wearing your wedding shoes on different surfaces around the house several weeks before the wedding. Don’t wait until the last minute. Breaking in shoes takes time.

Step 2: Stand in your shoes in one place, as you would at the ceremony, and check your level of comfort. If you are not comfortable, you will need to continue wearing the shoes around the house.

Step 3: If you plan to wear hose on your wedding day, try on a similar pair with your wedding shoes and wear them around the house.

Step 4: Wear your wedding shoes on slippery surfaces to check if the bottoms are slick. If you are enrolled in a dance class, wear your wedding shoes to class. If not, do some dancing in your wedding shoes. Make sure they fit properly and don't fly off your feet.

Step 5: Place non-slip stickers on the bottoms of your wedding shoes to avoid taking a spill during the ceremony or reception. Another option is to scuff the bottoms with sandpaper to add traction. Remember that an unexpected fall might make for a humorous anecdote on your ten-year anniversary, but it certainly won’t be funny on the big day. •

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PHOTO BY DANNY CAMPBELL

Gown by Binzario Couture

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Things To Do Use this handy checklist as a general information and scheduling guide, and tailor it to ﬁt the speciﬁc needs of your own wedding.

The Bride

The Groom

6 Months Or Longer

6 Months Or Longer • Prepare a budget for your share of the wedding and honeymoon expenses. • Purchase the bride’s wedding ring. • Begin interviewing travel agents to arrange your honeymoon. • Begin your guest list—ask the bride’s family the number of guests you can invite. • Ask your attendants to be in the wedding.

• Prepare a budget for the wedding and reception. • Begin your guest list. • Select the time and place for the wedding and reception. • Ask your attendants to be in your wedding. • Schedule consultation for selecting the color and style of wedding gown and attendants’ attire for a picture-perfect wedding. • Order your wedding gown and bridal accessories. • Interview ﬂorists, caterers, photographers, videographers, bakers and reception entertainers.

3 To 6 Months Before • Arrange lodging for attendants and close family members coming from out of town. • Ask the bride’s family to determine your share of the ﬂorist bill. • Reserve the restaurant or other facility for the rehearsal dinner; consider a limousine service for transportation. • You may want to go with your bride to register for china, crystal, and other items. • Make an appointment for you and your bride to visit your clergyman.

3 To 6 Months Before • Register for your china, crystal and other items. • Order bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories. • Order invitations and other stationery, including informals and map cards. • Meet with your clergyman and obtain a copy of the church’s wedding policies, if you plan to have your ceremony in a church. • Purchase the groom’s wedding ring. • Make your ﬁnal decisions on your ﬂorist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery and entertainment. • Make arrangements for accommodations for your out-of-town guests.

10 To 12 Weeks Before • You and your attendants must be measured for the tuxedos. • Inform the wedding party where and when the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner will take place.

10 To 12 Weeks Before • Arrange transportation to the wedding and reception for your attendants and out-of-town guests. • Choose your house party, such as friends and family to hand out programs, attend the guest book, and greet guests. • Meet with your music director. • Finalize the reception menu. • Begin ﬁttings for your gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses. • Coordinate showers with gift-registry sources. • Have your bridal portrait taken. • Address invitations and announcements. • Arrange a time and place for your bridesmaids’ luncheon. • Select gifts for your attendants. • Double-check arrangements with your ﬂorist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery and entertainment. • Schedule appointment with professionals for makeup and hair styling.

4 To 10 Weeks Before

Day Of The Wedding

• Mail invitations, weighing them for proper postage. • Send your wedding picture and announcement to the newspaper. • Finalize your ﬁttings.

• Give the clergyman’s check to the best man to handle. • Arrive at the wedding site, along with your attendants, 1.5 hours before the ceremony. •

• Finalize arrangements with your clergyman and music director. • Inform the wedding party and close family members of the time and place of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. • Apply for your marriage license with your groom. • Change your name on your social security card, driver’s license, credit cards and bank accounts, and file change-of-address cards with post office and correspondents. • Go over special seating arrangements for the wedding. • Finalize arrangements with the florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery, entertainers and gift registries. • Arrange for the pressing of your wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. • Arrange for someone to take your dress to be heirloomed or preserved after the wedding. • Arrange for someone to take your bouquet to be preserved or dried after the wedding, if you choose to do so.

Week Of The Wedding • Give the ﬁnal guest count to your caterer 72 hours before the reception. • Finalize direction of the rehearsal and wedding with your wedding consultant.

Day Of The Wedding • Mail wedding announcements (if you are planning to). • Arrive at the wedding site two hours before the ceremony.

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2 To 4 Weeks Before • Apply for your marriage license with your bride. • Ask your best man to prepare a toast to give you and your bride at the reception.

Week Of The Wedding • Give the final guest count to the caterer for the rehearsal dinner; confirm bridal party transportation. • Take your marriage license to the rehearsal. • Reconfirm honeymoon plans.

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2 To 4 Weeks Before

• Select gifts for your attendants. • Reconﬁrm honeymoon plans. • Book limousine service.

Gown available at A Curvy Bride www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

Members of the Wedding Each member of the wedding party plays a part in the success of your event. Read on to ﬁnd out the responsibilities of everyone involved! BRIDE AND GROOM

BRIDESMAID

• Decide wedding plans and budget with parents if they are footing the bill. • Choose wedding party attendants. The bride helps her attendants in dress selection and the groom discusses appropriate attire with his groomsmen. • Purchase small gifts for their attendants. • Acknowledge receipt of wedding gifts with a personal note of appreciation.

• A bridesmaid has no particular pre-wedding responsibilities, but might offer to help the bride in any way she can, such as throwing her an engagement party or bridal shower, or helping stuff invitations. • Pays for and assembles her wedding outﬁt. • Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Walks in the processional and recessional. • May stand in the receiving line.

BRIDE • Discusses budget with ﬁancé and parents. • Sets date, time and place of wedding and reception. • Selects wedding dress and accessories, allowing at least three months for delivery. • Books caterer, wedding and reception entertainment, ﬂorist, photographers, videographer, and bakery. • Helps compile the guest list; chooses her attendants. • Orders invitations, thank-you notes and personal stationery. • Shops for trousseau. • Buys groom’s wedding band and arranges for engraving if desired.

GROOM • Discusses budget with ﬁancée and parents. • Buys bride’s wedding band and arranges for engraving if desired. • Gets the marriage license (with the bride) and obtains any other necessary legal documents. • Arranges and pays for honeymoon. Checks on available hotels for out-of-town guests. • Pays for bride’s bouquet and ﬂowers or corsages for both mothers and close female relatives on both sides. • Supplies boutonnieres for himself and male attendants.

JUNIOR BRIDESMAID • Wears a dress similar to that of a bridesmaid, but in an age-appropriate style. • Participates in the processional (recessional participation is optional).

USHER/GROOMSMAN • Pays for his own wedding attire (boutonnieres provided by the groom). • Seats guests at the church as they arrive — offers his right arm to each woman. Asks if they are friends of the bride or groom and seats them accordingly. Bride’s guests are seated to the left, the groom’s to the right; order is reversed in Jewish services. When one side has more guests than the other, the usher may begin seating guests on the side with fewer people. • Decorates the couple’s going-away car.

FLOWER GIRL Usually a young girl between 3 and 10 years old. • Carries a basket of ﬂowers, tiny nosegay or a basket of loose rose petals to strew in the bride’s path, if the ceremony venue allows.

MAID/MATRON OF HONOR

RING BEARER

Usually someone very close to the bride, such as her sister or a dear friend or relative.

Usually a young boy between 3 and 10 years old.

• Assists the bride in any way she can: helping plan the wedding, shopping, addressing invitations, taking charge of recording and displaying wedding gifts. • Lends the bride moral support. • Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. • Pays for her own gown and accessories (not including flowers). • Helps bridesmaids prepare for their wedding-day duties and organizes their fittings if necessary. Makes sure they arrive at the ceremony on time; confirms transportation arrangements. • Helps bride get ready before the ceremony and before departure from the reception. • Holds the groom’s ring during the ceremony until time to pass it to the bride. • Holds bride’s bouquet and arranges bridal veil and dress during the ceremony. • Is usually one of the two witnesses signing the marriage certificate. • Stands to the left of the groom in the receiving line; sits to the left of the groom at the honor table, if there is one.

• During the ceremony, carries a white satin pillow with two fake rings tied or sewn on. After the ceremony, the pillow is turned upside down so the dummy ring won’t show. The real rings can also be used if he is old enough.

CANDLELIGHTER Young boys or girls, usually between 9 and 14 years old. • Light the candles at the altar just before the bride’s mother is seated. Children should attend rehearsal to practice their parts, although it is optional for them to attend pre-wedding parties. After walking down the aisle, they might quietly slip into their parents’ pew to avoid disrupting the ceremony with ﬁdgeting. They need not participate in the recessional.

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE BEST MAN Usually the groom’s best friend, brother, father or other close relative. • Assists the groom in any way he can. • Pays for his own wedding attire. • Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. • Holds bride’s wedding ring, producing it at the proper time in the ceremony. • Makes sure ceremony officiant is paid. • Sits to the right of the bride at the honor table; offers the first toast to the newlyweds. • Helps newlyweds prepare for the honeymoon departure. Takes care of luggage, makes sure car is ready to go — hands over keys to groom or makes sure limousine is ready and sees that the groom has travel documents in order. • Makes sure that all men’s rental clothes are returned the first business day after the wedding.

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• Usually acts as hostess of the reception. • Helps the bride compile the guest list, arrange details of the ceremony and reception, and may help her select her wedding gown. • Is accorded special honor at the wedding service and is seated last, just a few minutes before the wedding begins. • Greets guests at the head of the reception line. Sits in place of honor at parents’ table. • Makes sure guests are having a good time and is on hand to bid them goodbye.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE • Rides to the ceremony with the bride; chauffeured transportation suggested. • Escorts the bride down the aisle, then joins his wife on the front row. • Acts as ofﬁcial host of the reception. • Keeps an eye on the bar and champagne supply. • Makes a short toast at the reception. • Is the last person to leave the reception; says goodbye to the guests. • Traditionally pays for the majority of the wedding. It is now appropriate for other ﬁnancial arrangements to be made. •

PHOTO BY DANNY CAMPBELL

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Wedding Wear You’ve dreamt of how you would look and now it’s time to make the dream come true. Let your wedding dress and your bridal party’s attire make a statement of your personality and dreams.

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ou may already have a mental picture of the look you want on your wedding day. It’s your job to choose the gown that makes fantasy a reality. But with all the styles, colors and fabrics around, finding the perfect dress may seem like “mission impossible!” Don’t despair. By following a few basic guidelines, you’ll find the look that suits your unique style. You’ll need to order your gown and veil six to nine months before the wedding. Make an appointment with a reputable bridal salon, and let the consultant know what type of wedding you’re planning before you arrive. Take along a friend or relative whose honesty and good taste you can count on — you’ll need an objective opinion. Bring your checkbook — a 50% deposit is customary when placing an order. Choose a gown that makes the most of your figure. Princess or A-

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line styles are slimming and create the illusion of height. A full skirt hides heavy legs and hips. Dropped waist styles flatter most figure types. A decorative bodice highlights the upper body, while a simpler style minimizes a heavy bust. There are many fabrics and shades to choose from — find the textures and hues that flatter your complexion. Choose a veil that’s appropriate to the style of your wedding. And remember, your back gets lots of attention during the ceremony — your dress, veil and train should look elegant from that angle. Check out store policy on alterations, and make sure there’s a good seamstress on hand. Examine the workmanship on the dress itself — all buttons and trim should be hand sewn, not glued. At dress fittings, wear the same heel height and type of undergar-

ments you’ll wear on your wedding day. When shopping for veils and headpieces, style your hair as you’ll wear it at the ceremony. Every detail is important to the creation of a stunning package! ATTENDANTS’ ATTIRE Now that you’re taken care of, it’s time to dress the rest of your bridal party. • Ask for help. Enlist the aid of your maid of honor or another friend, and choose styles and colors that flatter the face and figure of each attendant. As bridesmaids usually pay for their own dresses, shop conservatively. Carefully coordinate shoes and accessories to achieve a balanced look. • Be selective. Be just as careful in selecting attire for the groom and his attendants. Men’s wedding clothing is usually rented — place your order six to eight weeks before the wedding. • Tux tips. The groom may dress differently from his attendants, or wear the same tux as the other men. He might consider wearing a bow tie and cummerbund in a contrasting color or pattern from the others. The men’s attire should complement the bridal gown. Choose tuxedos appropriate to the style of your wedding. • Proper fit. Men have different builds, so shop accordingly. Your formal wear professional can offer great advice on which styles are appropriate, and properly fit the tuxedo you choose. Attention to detail is a must if you want a perfect wedding. Look around a lot, get some expert advice, and enjoy this shopping adventure. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience! •

Essi Gown by Winnie Couture Fall 2015 collection

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Beautiful Brides Look your best! Feel your best! It’s the most important day for your looks. Learn how to “wow” not only your groom, but all of your guests on the happiest day of your life! come away with having to resort to pencil lines.

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa, Dallas 972.386.0306

n the morning of the day of your wedding, you’ll wake up knowing that the cake will be delivered on time, that the reception venue will be completely decorated and waiting for your arrival, and that your dress will fit you perfectly. And you’ll be confident that you’ll look radiant and feel wonderful because professional makeup and hair artists will spend the time to soothe your nerves by accentuating all of your best features. Several types of makeup artists and hair stylists are out there, and to be sure you choose the right types for you, you’ll need to know a bit about them first. MAKEUP ARTISTRY Professional makeup artists have experience with all skin types and colorings, face shapes, and hair shapes. A licensed esthetician is one who has studied skin and skin care, has hours of training, is skilled in the sterilization process (to eliminate cross-contamination from tools), and has much practice and work experience with actual people. These exceptional artists have the talent and training to camouflage any scars or blemishes and to bring out your best facial features. You may wonder why you need

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a professional to do something for you that you do for yourself almost every day. After all, you can do your makeup just ﬁne for everyday wear, and sometimes even for special occasions. But consider this: what will you remember the most — how you know you looked on your wedding day, or how you looked in your photographs from

Trained makeup artists know how to make you look good, not only in person, but for photographs as well. your wedding day? Trained makeup artists know how to make you look good, not only in person, but for photographs as well. Makeup for photography is a learned skill and one most women don’t have. In planning what you want to look like, don’t forget your eyebrows! They can make all the difference in a polished look. If your brows look good and are shaped to complement your eyes, your whole face will look more ﬁnished. Have a professional do this, as often women tweeze too many hairs out of their brows and

HAIR ARTISTRY Many, many things can go wrong when people try to not only style their own hair, but also use harsh chemicals at home. A trained colorist has the chemistry knowledge to change the color of your hair slightly or altogether differently, while still making it look natural. Some eager people even try perming or straightening their own hair at home, and some of these people have horror stories to tell. Rather than becoming a casualty, hire a professional to design the look that’s right for you and your hair. If you’re one of the lucky women who has long, healthy hair, there are countless ways your hair can be styled. Be sure the hair artist in which you are interested has experience with long hair, whether you just want it styled or want a chemical process. It behaves nothing like short hair, and if you mess it up at home, it just takes that much longer to grow it back out to the same length again. SCHEDULING About six months before your wedding you’ll want to start a skincare program designed especially for you — and stick with it! During stressful times your skin can do all sorts of panicking on its own, so if you start being good to it you shouldn’t have as many problems when that special day arrives. Licensed estheticians can help devise such a regimen with you and can lead the way to healthy skin. If you are considering changing the look of your hair, whether it be the cut, style, color or texture, now is the time to book those appointments, too, so the person working on your hair can have the time to perfect your new look before the last minute. It is wise to choose your hair and makeup artists early so that you’ll be working with the same people throughout the whole process; not only because they will become familiar with your skin and hair, but be-

Pampering Packages cause when you look back at the photographs, you will be looking at your wedding as an event, rather than something occurring over a few months, and you’ll want to have the same look in all of them. Be sure to make all the necessary appointments to lead up to your wedding day. And don’t forget to include the appointments for that day, too! Some artists work only in their own studios; others will go on-location and meet you where you need to be. Make sure you confirm all of your plans with everyone involved. Once it gets closer to your wedding date, about three to four months prior to your wedding or when your tailored gown arrives, you’ll be having your bridal portrait taken. Make sure you confirm how long it will take for hair and makeup so you won’t be rushed trying to make the photographer’s appointment. Another good tip is to book a “trial run” appointment with both the makeup and hair people before your portrait day so they can decide how to make you look your best without your trying to race out the door. Be sure to bring your veil, tiara, or other accessories to all appointments so they can work around each one. About a month before the big day is the time to have any processes done to your hair that you are needing. You may think that this is too early, but in actuality, it is the prime time to have these processes done, so your hair will have a chance to get reconditioned and healthier afterward. Have all of your hair touch-ups done about a week before the wedding. When that day finally arrives and you wake up in the morning, you can be assured that absolutely everything has been taken care of for you, and there isn’t anything for you to worry about. Your skin and hair will be planned for, just as you planned everything else. Good skin care, makeup applied by a professional, and hair styled to perfection will not only help you look your very best, but will help ease that last-minute stress. After all, a relaxed bride is a beautiful bride. So enjoy a nice breakfast and get ready for the time of your life! •

Now that you have planned your hair and makeup for your big day, you need to turn your attention inside. All the stress of planning your wedding can leave you feeling depleted. A day of spa pampering is the antidote to stress and will leave you feeling like the most beautiful woman in the world. The number of men and women indulging in the spa experience is growing. From the day spas to destination spas to resort spas, those on the cutting edge are having to specialize in services to attract loyal clients. That means you will have no trouble ﬁnding a spa to meet your needs. Many spas offer “packages.” These are groups of treatments and pampering techniques. They include full-body massages, sugar scrubs, facials, waxing and body peels, to name a few. Prices can range from less than a hundred dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the package. A day at the spa makes a great wedding gift for your bridal party — including the men! The treatments are designed to soothe you and help you escape the chaos of wedding planning. So take a deep, relaxing breath and enjoy! Arrive at your appointment 10 – 15 minutes ahead of time. Firsttimers will be asked to ﬁll out minor but important health questions to determine the best treatments. Not all treatments are appropriate for heart patients, diabetics or people with other health considerations. This information also gives your therapist an idea of what your needs are. Some spas include warm, soothing showers after which you will be provided with a robe and slippers and escorted into a private room for your treatment. MASSAGE There are several styles of massage with varying intensity, so try a variety to learn how your body reacts to each. A massage helps loosen sore muscles and soft tissue. It can be targeted to certain body parts or lavished over the entire body. Aromatherapy by use of essential oils enhances the massage and deepens the sense of relaxation. Expect soothing, soft music to provide a nice backdrop to your experience.

SKIN CARE Facials can treat a myriad of imperfections, including acne, rosacea and dry skin. It is usually one hour, and includes cleansing, sloughing and moisturizing that you won’t soon forget. Creams, masks, peels and lotions are gently applied and massaged over the entire face and neck to maximize rejuvenation and relaxation. Essential oils, exfoliating cleansers, and TLC are combined in body peels and wraps to treat the rest of your body. This gentle pampering stimulates blood circulation, leaving behind a glowing you! Some salons also offer body waxing and permanent makeup. SCHEDULE It is recommended you start your facials at least two months prior to your wedding day. Hydrating body wraps should be started six months prior to your wedding. Massages should be started one month out. Make sure you schedule a massage for yourself one week before and then the day before your big day. Most importantly, drink plenty of water the entire time you are receiving treatments. Water helps get rid of toxins released during treatments and it also helps improve your mood. BEFORE YOU GO Many spas will offer special rates for bridal parties. Compare them, noting what spa services are included and what scheduling is necessary. Ask if gratuities are included in that price. Some packages include a gratuity. If not, use your discretion. Check to see if there is a cancellation or change policy. Some spas will charge up to 100% of the scheduled services if you miss your appointment. Certain spas offer lunch with gourmet dining. Find out what’s on the menu to make sure everyone in your party can enjoy a fun bite to eat while sharing their spa experience. Don’t forget — it’s all about you. The more you take care of yourself before your wedding, the better you will look and feel on the most important day of your life. •

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Financial Matters Dreaming about the perfect wedding is one thing—actually paying for it is another. Establish a realistic budget up front, and you’ll be able to create an affordable fantasy.

ou are in love—it’s the real thing. Now that you’ve found your partner in life, you want to share your happiness with everyone. You want your wedding celebration to be the talk of the town—the biggest and best ever. Before your fantasies get ahead of your checkbook, ask yourself: who’s paying for this wedding, and how much can you afford to spend? Traditionally, the bride’s parents paid the majority of the wedding costs. Back in the old days, the groom assumed full financial responsibility for his bride after they rode off into the sunset. He didn’t have to chip in much for the wedding—he paid his share later. It’s a different story now. Both partners in a modern marriage tend to go back to work after the honeymoon, and these newlyweds have a bit more financial independence. It seems only natural for both families to contribute to the wedding celebration. Decide the kind of wedding you’d like. Discuss your plans with those contributing to the cost, and determine a budget. Make everyone’s financial limitations clear at this point—it will prevent hard feelings later. Nowadays, the average wedding costs around $27,000. Remember, there are always places you can cut costs to save money if you are wanting to spend less. As a rule, the more guests you invite and the more expensive the venues you choose, the more your costs will increase. Most brides also find that their costs go over their actual budget, so try to plan accordingly. The largest single expense you’re faced with is the reception. Festivities at private clubs and four-star restaurants are pricier than those held in the church fellowship hall. Check rates at several types of reception sites so that you can find one within your budget. Many facilities offer excellent package deals. You’ll find everything completely organized, from tea and

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sandwiches at the church to a formal sit-down dinner complete with orchestra. Purchasing services separately is a lot of work! Many couples opt for at least a partial package—it saves time and energy. Costs for the reception room itself vary. Prices range from free to several hundred dollars per hour. Professional planners suggest the reception last from three to four-and-a-half hours. Any shorter, and people who have traveled from afar may feel cheated. Any longer, and guests tend to start leaving before it is over. Deciding whether or not to serve a meal depends on your ﬁnances and what is expected in your community. Many ethnic and religious cultures traditionally celebrate with a hearty meal. If many of your guests have traveled a long distance, it’s hospitable to feed them. If you plan your wedding during mealtimes, you are expected to provide sustenance. If this creates a ﬁscal panic, change your reception style, or invite fewer guests. One workable option—plan a large reception with light refreshments, then ask close family, friends and out-of-town guests to your parents’ house for a buffet dinner. Food and beverage costs vary greatly. Depending on whether you serve a buffet of hot appetizers, a complete buffet differ, or a multi-course seated dinner, prices can range from $10 to more than $100 per person. Caterers’ estimates usually include the cost of beverages, but do make sure. Some caterers include champagne, beer and wine, but charge extra for mixed drinks at an open bar. You may pay for drinks individually, or include the libations in the caterer’s package. Most professionals offer reasonable prices—they get it wholesale. With careful planning and a lot of investigating, you and your family can host the wedding you’ve always wanted—without ruining your budget. And you can go on dreaming about how special your wedding day will be. •

Tipping Tips • Caterer, hotel or club banquet manager, bridal consultant. 15 – 20% if not covered in fee. Reception hosts pay bill on receipt. Add any special tip to payment after reception. • Waiters, waitresses, bartenders, table servers. 15 – 20% of bill — given to the captain or maitre d’ of hotel to distribute to rest of staff. If included, reception hosts pay tips with bill. If not, right after the reception. • Powder room, coat room attendants in hotels or clubs. 50¢ – $1 per guest, or arrange a flat fee with hotel or club management. If a flat fee, reception hosts pay tips with bill. If not, right after the reception. • Florist, photographer, baker, musicians you hire, limousine driver. 15% for driver, others tipped only for extra special service, up to 15%. Ceremony hosts tip driver at reception site. Add other tips to bill payments. • Civil ceremony officials. Usually a flat fee. (Some judges cannot accept money; ask when you apply.) Groom gives fee to best man, who pays the official after ceremony. • Clergy members who perform the ceremony. Groom gives donation to best man who pays after ceremony. • Ceremony assistants. Sometimes covered by church fee—ask clergy member what’s customary. Ceremony hosts pay church fee when billed; separate fees and tips after service. • Custodians or kitchen help if reception is in church. Ask church secretary. Ceremony hosts pay when billed or after service.

The Wedding Budget ITEM Clothing Bride’s Attire Groom’s Attire Ceremony Clergy Fees Church Rental Reception Caterer/Food Wedding Cake Bar/Liquor Site Rental Waiters’ Tips Decorations, Centerpieces, Napkins, etc. Stationery Invitations Announcements Thank-You Notes Flowers Ceremony Bride’s Bouquet Bridesmaids’ Bouquets Groom’s Boutonniere Groomsmen’s Boutonnieres Mothers’ Corsages Reception Arrangements Music Wedding Reception Instrument Rentals Other Photography Formal Portraits Candids Videographer Extra Prints Other Transportation Limousines Travel For Out-Of-Town Guests Other Gifts Wedding Rings Bride’s Gift Groom’s Gift Bridal Attendants’ Gifts Groomsmen’s Gifts Other Rehearsal Dinner Flowers Attire Food Liquor Music Other Honeymoon Travel Accommodations Wardrobe Other Miscellaneous Marriage License Bridal Consultant Hotel Accommodations For Out-Of-Town Guests TOTAL

BUDGETED COST

ACTUAL COST

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Real Weddings:

Leslie Wall & Chris Elliott THE DATE: May 3, 2014 THE LOCATION: St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Dallas THE RECEPTION: Northwood Country Club PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY: Gary Donihoo, F8 Studio BAKERY: Delicious Cakes, Addison FLORAL: Garden Gate MUSIC: The Project Band LINENS: BBJ LIGHTING: Beyond RENTALS: Fauxcades INVITATIONS, MENU CARDS, PROGRAMS: Polka Dots BRIDAL GOWN: Amsale, from Neiman Marcus EVENT PLANNER: Events by Hala ALL PHOTOS BY F8 STUDIO

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ALL PHOTOS BY F8 STUDIO

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Wedding Venues

Find the perfect ceremony site!

Wedding

Venues

Will it be a religious or civil ceremony? Whatever your wish, the Dallas/Fort Worth area offers a splendid selection from over-the-top lavish to simple sophistication.

CLEBURNE CONFERENCE CENTER The Cleburne Conference Center is an ideal location to help make those precious memories of your wedding and/or reception even more special. Only minutes away from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, this beautiful facility is very conveniently located. With its 45,000 square feet of ďŹ&#x201A;exible event space, the conference center can handle anything, from a small intimate party of 20 to a gala reception for 600. A few of the many features at the center include three catering kitchens, a multi-tiered 2,000-square-foot lobby area perfect for wedding party photos and receptions, a 297-seat, state-of-the-art performing arts center, and free parking for more than 500 vehicles. The Cleburne Conference Center is ready to assist you with all your wedding needs, so contact us at 817.556.8860 or visit www.cleburneconference.com for more information. Cleburne Conference Center, Cleburne

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Wedding Venues COOPER HOTEL, CONFERENCE CENTER & SPA

PHOTO BY F8 STUDIO

Your special day deserves the ideal setting. At Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa, our lush 30-acre grounds provide a picturesque setting for your wedding or reception. Our experienced wedding coordinator will provide the personal touches and detailed service to make your day what it should be...perfect. Affordable wedding and reception packages include beautiful outdoor sites by ponds and fountains; newly-renovated indoor reception facilities that accommodate up to 200; rehearsal dinners and bridal luncheons; complimentary bridal suite; recently transformed, spacious guest rooms with preferred rates for guests; full-service catering; fullservice day spa; complimentary parking and Wi-Fi; complimentary three-month membership to Cooper Fitness Center for the bride and groom; and the option to provide your own bar. Take a tour of Cooper Hotel, located at Cooper Aerobics Center, and imagine the happiest day of your life. Call 972.490.9159, e-mail weddings@ cooperhoteldallas.com for availability and pricing, or visit www.cooperhoteldallas.com.

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa, Dallas

COURTYARD & TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT Plan your special day at the new and uniquely dual-branded Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott DFW Airport North/Grapevine, a stunning combination of comfort and connectivity in a contemporary design. They can help you make your dream wedding a reality. With their certiďŹ ed wedding planners and state-of-the-art facilities, including the Silverlake Ballroom with more than 10,000 square feet of space, nothing could be easier than hosting your event at Courtyard by Marriott Grapevine. Courtyard and TownePlace Suites Grapevine is conveniently located between Dallas and Fort Worth at 2200 Bass Pro Court in Grapevine, TX, just three miles north of DFW International Airport. For more information, contact Peggy Gutierrez, Senior Catering Sales Manager, at 817.251.9095, e-mail catering@marriottgrapevine.com, or visit www. marriottgrapevine.com. Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Grapevine

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Wedding Venues FARMERS BRANCH HISTORICAL PARK The 27-acre Historical Park has a variety of historic structures and is the perfect place for your wedding and reception. Whether you are looking for a traditional 1890s church that will accommodate up to 100, complete with center aisle; a quaint 1930s home; manicured grounds with an antique rose garden, complete with arbors; or a gazebo and meadows with a commercial kitchen, the Farmers Branch Historical Park has what you need. Plan your special event in a unique setting amongst history, and full of tradition. For more information, visit www.farmersbranch. info or call 972.406.0184.

Farmers Branch Historical Park, Farmers Branch

GREEN OAKS WEDDING CHAPEL

Green Oaks Wedding Chapel, Arlington

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Green Oaks Wedding Chapel, with its white stone exterior, offers you an elegant and romantic setting for the most memorable day of your life. Inside the professionally decorated chapel, which seats up to 200 guests, you will find white pews adorned with greenery, flowers and bows. Italian glass chandeliers add elegance and complement the altar which is beautifully lit by dozens of candles. A magnificent antique grand piano and state-of-the-art sound system convey just the right mood for your special day. Their exquisite Reception Room sets a lovely scene to greet and thank your guests for making your day such a grand occasion. Lighted trees, greenery, candles and round, skirted tables and chairs add warmth and elegance. Wedding and reception include a wedding coordinator, bride and groom dressing rooms, floral arrangements, wedding music, minister, punch, coffee, dance floor and setup and cleanup services. Green Oaks Wedding Chapel is located at 4115 S. W. Green Oaks Boulevard in Arlington. For more information, please call metro 817.572.4300 or visit www.greenoaksweddings.com.

Wedding Venues HILTON GARDEN INN DALLAS/DUNCANVILLE Whether planning rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions, or even honeymoon stays, in-the-know brides have learned that at Hilton Garden Inn, they can have the same on-site banquet halls, delicious food, and attentive service for a greater value. You can count on them to make your event a success. Their in-house catering offers menu options designed to help you create a delicious and memorable event in your personal style. And the meal is just one of the many ways they’re committed to make your event just right. Take advantage of their online planning tips and tools to create a personalized web page for your event, get great rates on rooms with group discounts and more. For more information, visit www.dallasduncanville.hgi.com or call 972.283.9777. Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville

HILTON GARDEN INN DENISON/SHERMAN AT TEXOMA EVENT CENTER The Hilton Garden Inn Denison/Sherman at Texoma Event Center opened in November 2014, and is where “happily-ever-after” begins. The Denison/Sherman wedding venue has everything you need to create your complete wedding experience. Whether your imagination takes you to an intimate afternoon reception, or a dramatic ceremony followed by a sit-down banquet for 850 guests, they can assist you in designing a seamless event. You can be conﬁdent in knowing that you are receiving the best, every step of the way—exceptional cuisine, outstanding service, and magical memories. They are also eager to help plan bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and/or a departure brunch to complete your Denison wedding. After he pops the question and you say “yes,” it all begins when their wedding specialist starts assisting you with everything, from selecting the appropriate room to orchestrating last-minute details. Let them recommend one of their preferred partners for cakes, ﬂoral, and music, so that every part of your day is spectacular. Their Executive Chef and Culinary Team are on hand to create the centerpiece of your celebration. The wedding experts at The Hilton Garden Inn Denison/ Sherman at Texoma Event Center are ready to help make your wedding dreams come true and turn moments into memories! For more information, call 903.463.3331 or visit www.DenisonShermanAtTexomaEventCenter.HGI.com.

Hilton Garden Inn Dennison/Sherman at Texoma Event Center

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Wedding Venues HILTON GARDEN INN LAS COLINAS Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas is located close to great shopping and excellent restaurants, in the midst of Irving/Las Colinas and minutes from the DFW airport. You are sure to have a rewarding experience at this beautiful hotel, with more than 3,000 square feet of event space. Let the Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas host your next intimate wedding, rehearsal dinner, or family reunion along with a small gathering. They have all the extras that will make your stay or event the talk of the town. Enjoy a full American breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order wafﬂes, pancakes, omelets, and French toast. There is complimentary parking, and internet is provided throughout the hotel and in all guest rooms. When booking 10 or more rooms, receive a room discount and a complimentary king suite for two. The hotel has an American Grill Restaurant with room service and a great bar, and an outdoor patio with a two-sided ﬁreplace. For more information, visit www.lascolinas.stayhgi.com or call 972.444.8434. Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas, Las Colinas

THE HYATT PLACE DALLAS/GARLAND/RICHARDSON AND FIREWHEEL CONFERENCE CENTER

PHOTO BY STATIC SIXX PHOTOGRAPHY

The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland

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The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson and the Firewheel Conference Center is conveniently located in the Dallas northeast suburb of Garland on the President George Bush Highway, easily accessible from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport. They are located in the prestigious Firewheel area, and the hotel is minutes from the world-class shopping, golf, and family fun of Firewheel Town Center Mall, the 63-hole Firewheel Golf Club, and the Hawaiian Falls Water Park. Your wedding guests will enjoy 42” ﬂat-panel HDTV, the Hyatt Grand Bed™, complimentary WiFi, and continental breakfast. They offer more than 15,000 square feet of ﬂexible event space, including a 7,632-square-foot ballroom. Their staff is always available to ensure everything goes exactly the way you want. Because when it does, great happens. The Hyatt Place is located at 5101 North President George Bush Highway, Garland, TX 75040. Call 972.414.3500 to book your event, or visit www. HyattPlaceDallasGarland.com.

Wedding Venues MAPLE MANOR HOTEL

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Built in 1898, this turn-of-the-century Victorian hotel is located in the vibrant Dallas Arts District. Maple Manor is the most desirable setting for your rehearsal dinner or your wedding ceremony and reception. Available to you is a full-scale formal dining room with wood-coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, and a baby grand piano. A stone-walled garden boasts three waterfalls, two streams, flowers and fountains, and landscape lighting. Adjacent to the garden is a climate-controlled atrium complete with dramatic architectural lighting, arched ceilings, a full service bar and a large dance floor. All catering is provided by The Old Warsaw, so you can rest easy knowing that your guests will enjoy cuisine prepared by the most established restaurant in Dallas. The Maple Manor Hotel is located at 2616 Maple Avenue in Uptown Dallas between McKinney Avenue and Cedar Springs Road. To schedule your site visit, please contact our event’s coordinator at 214.871.0032. For more information visit www.TheMapleManorHotel.com or e-mail maplemanorhotel@yahoo.com.

Maple Manor Hotel, Dallas

MIDLOTHIAN CONFERENCE CENTER The Midlothian Conference Center offers small-town hospitality in a spacious, state-of-the-art facility designed just for your event. Within the 39,000-square-foot facility, they combine the best of technology with outstanding personal service by their experienced staff. The meeting spaces can accommodate groups from as small as a handful, to more than 1,000. Weddings are a dream come true in Midlothian. Along with providing beautiful spaces, the Midlothian Conference Center offers a wide variety of decorations, dance ﬂoors, table linens, locations for photographs, and more. They partner with the best in the area for all of your heart’s desires. Whether it is a wedding planner, ﬂorist, caterer, DJ, band, photographer, or baker, the center has several preferred partners that are ready to assist in assuring your wedding is a complete success. For more information, call 972.723.7919 or visit www. midlothiancenter.com. Special event! Visit Midlothian Conference Center on Sunday, March 1, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a bridal show!

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Wedding Venues PLANO CENTRE With 122,500 square feet of event space, Plano Centre offers a flexible layout for your dream wedding. From the bridal shower to the reception, Plano Centre can host it all! The beautifully landscaped courtyard is a magnificent setting for your wedding ceremony, and 17 additional rooms can be configured to meet any size or style. For large receptions, Collinwood Hall can provide seating for up to 1,400 guests. More intimate receptions can take place in the Windhaven Ballroom, for 200 guests, which has a view out into the gorgeous courtyard. Their professional event coordinators can assist you in all of your planning needs, from room set-up to catering and beverage services. Located at 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano Centre is just two blocks east of highway 75 and is close to a variety of Plano hotels. You can find a sense of ease when planning your wedding and reception at Plano Centre, as they have packages to fit every bride’s budget. Call 972.941.5840 and let them be at your service. For more information, visit www.planocentre.com. Plano Centre, Plano

RIVER ROAD CHATEAU

River Road Chateau, Anna

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How to have elegant country weddings? Live elegant-country for 18 years on a 75-acre farm, have family weddings….and THEN build a wedding chateau! River Road Chateau in Anna, Texas, opened October 1, 2014, just 15 minutes north of McKinney, and is now booking wedding ceremonies and receptions. Their country is genuine…pastures, creeks, woods, and hay bales. Their elegance is genuine…a circle drive, lush magnolias, two patios with Italian fountains, and a stucco Chateau. Through 100-year-old front doors from Belgium, enter the Great Hall with three huge iron chandeliers and European antiques, creating a focal altar for inclement weather ceremonies. Walls of windowed doors slide like barn doors, opening to spacious patios with incredible vistas for more than 200 guests. Mason jars and silver punch bowls are equally at home at River Road Chateau! Their warmth is genuine, as well. Their gift to newlywed couples is homemade jam, grown and canned from the orchard trees of the place they were married! For more information visit www.riverroadchateau.com or call Jessica Hulcy at 972.567.1001 to tour River Road Chateau.

Wedding Venues SOUTH GARLAND BAPTIST CHURCH South Garland Baptist Church welcomes couples to consider its facility as a lovely setting to pledge themselves to each other before God. The 400-seat worship center features a center aisle. The beautiful colors of fabrics, carpets, stained glass and woodwork in the sanctuary all enhance its desirability as a wedding setting. An elegantly decorated bride’s room offers a convenient location for the bride and her bridesmaids to dress for the ceremony. Davis Hall, on the lower level of the Family Ministry Center, is available for wedding receptions. The fellowship hall has a commercial kitchen for limited use by your caterer, as well as round or six-foot tables to use for the reception. This area will seat 200 comfortably for a plated meal or 250 for an hors d’oeuvre, cake and punch reception. A wedding consultant will work with you to facilitate the event, including all scheduling. The consultant will help interpret church policies applicable to your wedding and assist in determining decorations, content of ceremony, appropriate music, selections of minister and handling of fees and honoraria. The consultant will serve as coordinator, working with ﬂorist and photographer, and as liaison between you and the church concerning your wedding activities. For more information, call South Garland Baptist Church at 972.271.5428 or e-mail weddings@sgbaptist.org.

South Garland Baptist Church, Garland

TOWERING OAKS RANCH RESORT Towering Oaks Ranch Resort is a unique, beautiful 40-acre resort with lodging and outdoor wedding locations, which include a picturesque Victorian gazebo by the lake, a wedding chapel, and a banquet hall. The property has spectacular views with rolling hills, lakes, and large oak trees, which are great for photography. Evening provides a whole new ambience for Towering Oaks. The canopy of trees light up at night with sparkling lights and are decorated with seasonal ﬂowers which make the perfect backdrop for an outdoor evening wedding. The 6,500-square-foot, seven-bedroom lodge is elegant with old world rustic charm. Right outside the main lodge, by the pool, and with a view of the gazebo and lake, is a veranda with grapevines growing over a trellis, which is great for rehearsal dinners or bridal luncheons. The 3,400-square-foot reception hall can be transformed into any atmosphere from casual to an elegant affair. Affordable packages await you that include everything! For more information, call Kari Allen at 817.307.7376 or visit www.toweringoaksranchresort. com.

Towering Oaks Ranch Resort, Valley View

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Wedding Venues WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER

Waxahachie Civic Center, Waxahachie

Make your wedding day memorable at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Conveniently located at the intersection of I-35E and Highway 287, the center is within 25 minutes of the DFW Metroplex. The Waxahachie Civic Center has a 20,000-square-foot sub-dividing ballroom that seats up to 1,000 guests. The Crape Myrtle Room, showcased by elegant ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows throughout the room will be the highlight of your event. This opportune location makes the Waxahachie Civic Center the picture-perfect place for your event. From the wedding to the reception, our staff will work closely with each client to create a custom-tailored event that will exceed your expectations and leave you looking forward to planning your next event with us. Whether a small private wedding or a large reception, the Waxahachie Civic Center truly makes every event a special event. The Waxahachie Civic Center is located at 2000 Civic Center Lane in Waxahachie, Texas. For more information call 469.309.4040 or visit www.waxahachieciviccenter.org.

WILDHORSE GRILL AT ROBSON RANCH

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch, Denton

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Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding! With this grand occasion comes the grand responsibility of seeking out a location, food, and beverage for your ceremony/reception. Robson Ranch would be delighted to be the host of this chapter in your life’s most monumental occasions. The facilities at Robson Ranch have the capability of fitting your group with rooms comfortable for 30 to 300 people. For a more intimate group, the classically ambient restaurant may be the right fit, with a fireplace in every room and windows for walls. For the “more the merrier” personalities, the magnificent clubhouse is settled at the highest point in Denton, allowing the most beautiful panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets. Just inside is a long, wrap-around foyer, perfect for the prereception hors d’oeuvres and mingling. Once inside the 6,200square-foot ballroom, you will be overcome by the expansive wooden dance floor and stage area, as well as the warmth of the room despite its size. The professional, uniformed service staff will assist you with any needs you may have. They provide and set up all the essentials, such as banquet-style round tables and chairs, elegant bone china, glasses, tableware, linens, and napkins. The highly skilled chef employs a truly gifted culinary team. They will work with you to customize the perfect menu, all within your budget. Contact Rhett Hubbard to schedule a time to meet and tour the grounds, and to have your questions answered. For more information, contact WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch at 940.246.1080, e-mail rhett.hubbard@robson.com, or visit www.wildhorsegrill.net.

Wedding Venues WYNDHAM GARDEN DALLAS NORTH HOTEL Ah, the big day. THE big day, and so many burning questions. Where? How many? Who do we invite? Formal or casual? So many decisions. And yet, the decision is actually a very easy one: the Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel. Not only do they have an awesome location in hip, swish north Dallas (with easy access to I-635 and DFW Airport), but more importantly, they have jaw-dropping, breathtaking event space that is the stuff of which dreams are made. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the start. Have you dreamed of a celebration under the limitless cosmos with shimmering stars as your backdrop? Or with colors that inspire such beauty that it takes your breath away? Or are you seeking a more low-key celebration where you and your beloved are the focal points and the lighting is soft and creamy and all-embracing? Whatever your desire, they can accommodateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with their innovative, cuttingedge lighting system, designed to engender a mood that can only be described as sublime. Beyond compare. Perfect. Your perfect mood. For your perfect day. With event rooms that will accommodate intimate gatherings of 24 of your most precious loved ones, to their grand ballroom that seats up to 400 for a posh dinner or 500 for a swanky cocktail reception, their north Dallas hotel has it all. Add cuisine that is meticulously prepared and artfully presented, a wine list that is the envy of north Dallas and service that is discreet and attentive, and your recipe for an extraordinary event is complete. Call their wedding professionals today at 972.243.3363. Let them begin to guide you through the limitless opportunities to make your event the kind of event of which you have always dreamed.

Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel, Dallas

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Inside our doorway awaits a romantic journey back to the elegant Victorian style of 1898…outside our doorway is the vibrant Dallas Arts District, offering you the best of both worlds and the opportunity to treasure the most exclusive day of your life. Maple Manor is the most desirable setting for your wedding ceremony and reception or your rehearsal dinner. Available to you is a full-scale formal dining room with wood coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, and a Baby Grand piano. A stone-walled garden boasts three waterfalls, two streams, and fountains, with landscape lighting. Adjacent to the garden is a climatecontrolled atrium complete with dramatic architectural lighting and arched ceilings with a oversized dance floor. All catering is provided by The Old Warsaw, so you can rest easy knowing that your guests will enjoy cuisine prepared by the most established restaurant in Dallas. The staff at Maple Manor is ready to host your event from beginning to end and ensure that it will be a day to treasure for eternity. Come enjoy the Maple Manor Hotel.

Above Photos by Helmut Walker Photography

MAPLE MANOR HOTEL 2616 Maple Avenue Dallas, Texas 75201 214.871.0032 www.themaplemanorhotel.com

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Find the perfect place to celebrate!

Reception & Rehearsal Dinner Sites No matter how informal the party, there’s more to planning your reception and rehearsal dinner than just the menu. Plan an event they won’t soon forget. As you ﬂip through these pages, you will be inspired by the many venues the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex has to offer to complement your special day!

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Maple Manor, Dallas 2616 Maple Avenue 214.871.0032

our wedding reception can seem overwhelming, but never fear. Start with the basic guidelines, and let your creative juices flow. Your reception could include a formal sit-down dinner or an authentic Texas bar-be-que. Have the party at a first-class hotel, or take your guests on a riverboat cruise. Hire a disc jockey or a 30-piece orchestra for your dancing pleasure. The choices are unlimited — you can fashion the festivities to fit your personal-

ity and your budget. Popular locations for receptions include hotels, restaurants, and private clubs. These party places can often provide the complete facilities and food services you require. Other options to consider: private homes, church halls, fraternal organizations, park pavilions, and art galleries. If your reception site doesn’t offer all the services you need, ﬁnd a competent wedding consultant, caterer or party rental store that can provide food, equipment,

and stafﬁng. It’s important to be well-informed when you plan your reception. In order to negotiate with caterers, hoteliers, entertainers, and the like, you’ll need to provide them with some basic information. Essential data includes the date of the event, how many guests you expect, your budget range, and the reception style you’re planning. After you’ve told your story, ﬁnd out what you need to know.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: • • •

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• Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott 2200 Bass Pro Court, Grapevine, TX 817.251.9095

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What is the facility rental fee? What is included in the cost? How many guests can the space accommodate (including table and chair availability)? How long does the fee reserve the space for and what are the overtime charges? What time can setup begin? What time must the space be vacated? Who’s responsible for cleanup? How far in advance must reservations be made? Are parking, rest room and changing room facilities adequate? Are air, heating and electrical (outlets) systems adequate? Is the dance ﬂoor adequate? Can you review staging, lighting, audio and video needs? Is there a public address system or microphone available? Is it necessary to use in-house catering: if so, will beverages and hors d’oeuvres be served before dinner? Are security guards, coat check, parking attendants, bartenders and similar services provided? How much is the deposit; when is it due; and when is the remainder due? What is the cancellation policy and is their liability insurance adequate? Is there a security deposit; if so when will it be refunded? Are there special rules and regulations that may affect the party?

RECEPTION STYLES The time and formality of your wedding determines what kind of reception will follow. Early Morning: Breakfast gathering at local restaurant. It’s unnecessary to serve alcoholic beverages at this early hour. Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.): Afternoon tea; serve coffee, tea or punch with light hors d’oeuvres.

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Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa, Dallas 12230 Preston Road 972.490.9159 PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s important to plan at least nine months in advance. Book your reception site as soon as you set the big date. If your location is in demand, you may have to set the wedding date around its availability. If an outdoor wedding and reception is on your agenda, consider the possibility of inclement weather. Rent a tent or arrange for a back-up inside site — you don’t want your party called off because of rain! Now that you know how to book your reception, you may have questions about what goes on at this once-in-a-lifetime event. Read on for details about the order of activities at the reception, and other guidelines to follow when planning your festivities.

Late Afternoon (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.): Cocktail party; feature 11 to 12 varieties of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Alcoholic beverages are served — an open bar is usually provided. Evening: Serve a full meal; a cocktail hour often precedes dinner. Anything from a buffet to a sit-down meal is appropriate. RECEPTION TIMETABLE Here is a basic guide to the timeframe of a typical wedding reception. Upon Arrival At Reception Site Bridal party forms the receiving line, if you choose to have one. Guests pass through into the reception area where drinks and hors d’oeuvres are waiting.

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After One Hour Buffet or dinner is served; the best man starts the toasting by offering the first good wishes to the bride and groom. After One-and-a-Half Hours The first course is cleared from the head table; the first dance begins. Guests then join in the dancing. After Two Hours Tables are cleared of food; it’s time to cut the cake! The Last Half Hour The bouquet and garter are thrown; the grand march (optional) takes place. The bride and groom bid farewell to their guests.

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville, Duncanville 800 N. Main Street 972.283.9777

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RECEIVING LINE The receiving line allows parents and principals to greet guests and receive their good wishes. The line usually begins just inside the reception site; it may also be held at the church immediately following the wedding ceremony, if you choose. A church reception line is appropriate when not all guests are invited to the reception. An alternative way to greet guests at the church: the bride and groom re-enter after the recessional, greeting guests as they ﬁle out. This method is appropriate if the gathering is not too large, and eliminates awkwardness if parents are divorced or don’t wish to participate in a formal receiving line. In a traditional receiving line, the mother of the bride, as hostess, is ﬁrst to greet guests. Following her are the groom’s mother, the bride, the groom, and maid of honor. Fathers of the bride and groom, the best man, bridesmaids and groomsmen may also be included. Children in the wedding party do not stand in the receiving line. Make sure guests sign your guest book before they enter the receiving line. Place an attendant near the book to remind them to sign. Guests should move quickly down the line, saving conversation for later at the reception.

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS Place cards should be set by the caterer at the head table and honor tables to avoid confusion and embarrassment. At the rest of the tables, feel free to allow guests to choose their own seats. The head table showcases the bride and groom, who sit in full view, facing the guests. The best man flanks the bride, while the maid of honor is seated next to the groom. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are seated, alternating males and females. At a small wedding, the parents of the bride and groom may sit at the head table, as well as the officiating clergy and spouses of married attendants. Otherwise, there is a separate honors table, with the bride’s parents at opposite ends. The groom’s father sits to the right of the bride’s mother; the wedding officiant to her left. The groom’s mother sits to the right of the bride’s father, the wedding officiant’s spouse to his left. You may also arrange two parents’ tables, with the bride’s parents at one, while the groom’s mother and father head the other. In this arrangement, more friends and relatives may be given a seat of honor at these tables. Divorced parents should be seated at separate tables, among their own friends and family. The bride and groom should divide their time between their families. CUTTING THE CAKE The cutting of the wedding cake is a charming ritual, and the highlight of the reception. Guests are signaled by the best man tapping his glass, or by an announcement from the band. Using a special knife, the bride and groom cut the first slice. He offers her a bite, and she presents a piece for him to sample, symbolizing their willingness to share their lives. The rest of the cake is sliced by an at-

tendant and served as dessert. It’s an extra treat to have a groom’s cake — usually a chocolate cake — contrasting with the bride’s cake, which is usually white, although it comes in all colors and flavors nowadays. The groom’s cake may also be served for dessert, or packed in small boxes for guests to take home as a memento. WEDDING CAKES: A SLICE OF LIFE The wedding cake has long served as a symbol of fertility and good luck. The first piece is shared by the bride and groom as they cut the cake. Guests then partake of this tasty good luck charm, joining in the couple’s happiness. Start shopping for your cake about four months before the wedding if you can. Look at pictures or models of cakes, and compare quality and workmanship. Many bakers allow potential customers to sample cakes before ordering. What a delicious way to shop! Wedding cakes are traditionally composed of white or yellow layers, filled with custard or jam, then frosted in white. Current fashion allows for more unusual flavors, even a different flavor in every tier. Chocolate, banana, cherry, even carrot cake, are popular options. Liqueur-laced fillings add extra zip. A multi-colored cake is an elegant favorite — some cakes are even four, five, or more tiers! A modern wedding is not molded by tradition — flowers, ribbons, seashells and other imaginative shapes are often seen at receptions. Traditional cake-toppers include a bride and groom, but today’s toppers may include fresh flowers or the couple’s monogram. In addition to the wedding cake, you can have a groom’s cake. This cake sits on a separate table, and can be chocolate or the groom’s favorite flavor. The theme may depict his favorite hobby. Wedding folklore holds that an unmarried person who sleeps with a sliver of the groom’s cake under their pillow will dream of his or her future mate. Give your cake a place in the

spotlight, on its own table — perhaps in the center of the dance floor during the cutting ceremony. Guests love to watch the newlyweds cut it and take the first bite. It’s long been customary to freeze the top layer of the cake for your first wedding anniversary. Your bakery can give you tips on how to best wrap it for keeping. Or, many bakeries now offer to recreate a miniature version of the original cake for your oneyear celebration.

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After all guests have arrived, the line disperses. The bridal couple takes their place at the head table, if they have chosen to have one. Some couples elect to eliminate the receiving line, circulating with their guests throughout the reception instead.

DANCING If a reception features a buffet, the bride and groom may dance their first dance as soon as they’ve recovered from the rigors of the receiving line, or, if they are not having a receiving line, when they first enter. When a full meal is served, dancing usually begins after the last course is cleared. After the newlyweds begin the first dance, others may join in as follows: Second Couple The bride’s father cuts in and dances with his daughter. Third Couple The groom asks the mother of the bride to dance. Fourth Couple The groom’s father dances with the bride. Fifth Couple The father of the bride cuts in on the groom and dances with the bride’s mother. Sixth Couple The groom dances with his mother.

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None of the ﬁrst couples must dance a full dance. After a few minutes, other guests are invited to join in the dancing. Ethnic dancing may be featured, or a grand march may also be formed well into the reception. As the activities end, a second receiving line is sometimes formed beside a small table ﬁlled with cake boxes, favors, or a last drink for the guests as they depart. This gives guests a chance to say goodbye to the newlyweds, who then have a last dance and prepare to depart the reception.

PHOTO BY KYLE COBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

TOSSING THE BOUQUET AND GARTER The bouquet and garter are usually tossed just before the end of the reception. All of the single men and women gather in a semi-circle. The bride tosses the bouquet over her shoulder — the lucky girl who catches it is supposedly the next to be married. The groom tosses the bride’s garter into the crowd of bachelors; the recipient, according to the myth, will become the next groom.

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The Old Warsaw Restaurant, Dallas 2610 Maple Avenue 214.528.0032

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LEAVING THE RECEPTION After the bouquet and garter ceremony, the bride and groom can opt to change clothes, or remain in their wedding attire. In a shower of rose petals, birdseed, sparklers, or anything else you can imagine, the happy couple heads for their car or limo, which has often been decorated by the groomsmen and ushers. The newlyweds leave the reception for a local hotel, or for their honeymoon, ready to start their new life together. CATERING CONNECTION: FOOD FOR THOUGHT Wining and dining your wedding guests takes the largest bite out of your wedding budget. A well-planned reception is crucial to the success of your marriage celebration. Choose your caterer with care — a talented, well-organized culinary artist can create a fabulous feast you’ll never forget. If you’ve chosen a hotel or restaurant for your reception site, they’ll probably provide their own food and beverage services. If you’ve chosen a different type of facility — such as a church hall or park pavilion — you’ll need to arrange for catering. Book catering services well in advance; six to nine months before the wedding is ide-

al. Give your caterer the pertinent data — date, time, place, reception style, budget, and the number of guests attending. For food service, most caterers charge a ﬂat fee per person; liquor costs are usually by the bottle or per drink. Waiters may be paid by the hour or be included in the package. Your caterer can help you determine the kind of food to serve, and provide china, glasses, and everything else you need. He or she can usually arrange for servers, bartenders and valet parking services as well. Be sure charges for these services are included in your cost estimate. Check to see if gratuities are automatically added to the ﬁnal bill. Your contract should specify the food and beverages to be served and the guest count. Look into postponement and cancellation policies before you sign. A deposit is usually required when you sign the contract. By all means, comparison shop — it’s important to get the most for your money. Just make sure the caterer you choose has a reputation for quality and service — the success of your reception depends on it! I’LL DRINK TO THAT: THE TRADITION OF TOASTS No matter how informal the party may be — it’s traditional to toast the bride and groom at their wedding reception. The festive air that toasting lends to pre- or postwedding celebrations creates a feeling of shared good will for everyone present. Toasts are a tribute to the bridal couple and the wedding party. Champagne is usually used for toasting — the bubbly brew is synonymous with romance and gaiety. If alcohol is not a part of this party, well-wishers can toast with sparkling cider or ginger ale. Toasting can begin after the receiving line breaks up, and can be made all throughout the reception. At a less formal function,

toasts are presented just before the cutting of the cake. The best man acts as master of ceremonies, offering the ﬁrst toast. This toast may be just for the bride, or aimed at both newlyweds. The best man gets everyone’s attention by clinking on his glass. He may introduce himself and others in the wedding party, and explain his relationship to the newlyweds. At this time he may tell an amusing anecdote about the bridal couple, making a wish for their future happiness. The toast may be in the form of a poem, quotation or the like — it should be brief and sincere. Those offering toasts should plan what they wish to say ahead of time. It’s important to speak loudly and clearly when making the toast — everyone wants to hear this! After the best man’s tribute, the groom usually responds with toasts honoring his wife, parents and new in-laws. The bride may then rise to offer toasts to her husband, the couple’s families, attendants and guests. (A special thank-you is expressed particularly well in the form of a toast.) The fathers of the bride and groom may propose toasts to their new

son and daughter, and other members of the wedding party may then offer their own toasts. When you’re the object of a toast, remain seated, and don’t sip from your glass — you’re allowed to imbibe between toasts. Smile and nod at who¬ever is offering the toast. The tradition of toasting is one to treasure — long after your wedding day, you’ll look back and smile when you think of those ¬special words: the funny stories the best man told about you; the love your parents expressed as they welcomed your spouse into the family. Above all, remember the tide of good wishes from all those present as they raised their glasses and drank to your happiness ¬during every toast that was made. TOASTS WITH THE MOST Best Man To Couple “And now, ladies and gentlemen, I shall ask you to rise.” Give guests adequate time to respond. If they are already standing, say: “I now ask you to raise your glasses.” Turning to the couple, say: “May your

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wedding day be the threshold of a wonderful future of sharing as you walk together through life, hand in hand. To Jane and John.” Groom To Bride “Here’s to the prettiest, here’s to the wittiest, here’s to the truest one of all who are true, here’s to the neatest one, here’s to the sweetest one, here’s to them all in one — here’s to you.” Bride To Groom “I wonder if you realize how much you mean to me, how wonderful you’ve been, how dear you’ll always be. You’ve brought such love and happiness into my life. No wonder I’m so thankful and so proud to be your wife. To John!” Bride’s Father To Couple “To Jane and John. May your lives be full of the kind of happiness we are enjoying here today.” Bride To Parents “To my new family, with thanks for raising such a loving and supportive person, and to my parents, for all the love and strength they’ve given me. May we all have many more memorable days together.” THE REHEARSAL DINNER: A TIME TO RELAX WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

The groom’s family or a close relative or friend usually hosts the rehearsal dinner. The dinner is usually given after the wedding rehearsal, an evening or two before the actual ceremony. Rehearsal dinners are sometimes two-part affairs. A cocktail party may be held before the rehearsal and dinner. This is especially helpful in introducing the two families, who may not live in the same town. The cocktail party acts as an icebreaker for all members of the wedding — it can help

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the rehearsal proceed smoothly. Invitations to the traditional dinner should be sent about two weeks in advance. The guest list includes all members of the wedding party, both sets of parents and immediate family, and officiating church members. Spouses and dates of these guests should also be invited. Another thoughtful gesture — invite those guests who have traveled from out-oftown. Since the rehearsal dinner is not ruled by convention, it can be very casual or ultra-formal. You can plan a picnic, buffet, or a sit-down dinner. If the occasion warrants, consider putting place cards at each seat. The bridal couple usually sits together at the head table, with hosts of the opposite sex seated at either side. Parents and grandparents of the bride and groom complete the table. The host, or the best man, offers the first toast to the bridal couple. Other guests may then follow with their own toasts. To achieve the best results, prepare toasts before dinner. Add a special touch to the festivities — have guests bring pictures of the bridal couple when they were younger, and make a collage for the newlyweds. Or have the rehearsal dinner videotaped. To make the occasion especially memorable, hand out notecards on which guests may write good wishes directed to the bride and groom. Each note should be sealed by the author, and kept safe by the hostess for presentation to the bridal couple on their first anniversary. The rehearsal dinner also presents an opportunity for the bride and groom to give presents to their attendants, and thank everyone for their participation in the wedding ceremony. •

Wedding Emergency Kit • Non-allergenic makeup remover • Makeup/eye shadow/mascara • Hair products: gel, hair spray, combs, pins • Tampons/pads/painkillers • Facial tissue/bandaids • Cold/allergy tablets • Travel-size sewing kit (including an assortment of safety pins) • Nail glue/polish/remover/ﬁle • Earring backs • Toothpaste/mouthwash/breath mints • Cotton balls/swabs • Antacid tablets • Deodorant/body powder • Cologne/after-shave/body lotion • Extra car keys!

Minimergency Kits for Brides, from Pinch Provisions www.pinchprovisions.com

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Guest

Accommodations Keeping your guests comfortable makes that special weekend extra pleasant for everyone involved. Show your hospitality by making guest room arrangements for them.

You’ve got it all under control, right? Your invitations have been ordered and you were thoughtful enough to include maps to your ceremony and reception sites to avoid confusion and lost friends and relatives. Think you’ve got your bases covered? Where are your out-of-town guests going to stay? Streets that may look familiar to those friends and relatives who live nearby may look confusing, and even imposing, to those unfamiliar with the area. Having all of your guests stay at one appointed hotel can help calm the nerves of those people so close to you who live so far away. Fortunately, there are several different types of hotels from which to choose. Because all hotels offer different amenities, consider those things you think your guests may ﬁnd important. The last thing by which you’d want your guests to remember your wedding would be that they had an unpleasant stay in an unfamiliar town.

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa Dallas, 972.490.9159

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Booking Guest Rooms •

Ask the hotel if they provide invitation inserts with hotel name and phone numbers for your “out-of-town” guest list only. Or make them yourself!

•

Try to minimize the number of hotels that you select for your guests. You usually get the best rates if you have more rooms blocked off.

•

Decide whether you are looking for a full-service hotel or a limited-service hotel for your guests. Do you need a hotel with a restaurant, bar, or banquet facilities? Are you looking for upscale, economy, or mid-level hotels?

•

Encourage your guests to book at the hotel of your choice and to book EARLY. It is easier to cancel a reservation at the last minute than to try to get a room at the last minute.

•

Hotels will have “cut-off dates.” This is the last date that special rates and availability are guaranteed for your event.

•

If you want to ensure your guests’ requests for speciﬁc room types (king/double/non-smoking or rooms all on the same ﬂoor, etc.), make the reservations at one time. Have each person’s special request listed and the credit card information for payment of room all at the time of making the reservation.

•

Remember that hotels are NOT in the transportation business. If you want to ensure that your guests arrive to and leave from your ceremony/reception at a designated time, hire a professional transportation company.

•

Ask the hotel to keep you informed as to how many guest rooms are reserved in your block. They can run a report.

•

Encourage your family and friends to ONLY book under your block of rooms to get the negotiated rate.

•

Ask the hotel if it provides a special reservation code that you can give the guests to put into their reservations if they want to book through the hotel’s direct web site. This code ensures they get the negotiated rate and they are assigned to your block of rooms.

•

Ask the hotel if it offers the negotiated rate if someone needs to check in one or two days prior to the original block or if they want to stay a day or two later. Rates can vary greatly if this is not discussed at the time of the booking.

•

Ask what you have are not penalty? •

happens if all the rooms asked the hotel to block reserved. What is the

Some things to consider when making arrangements for your guests: • •

• • •

• • • • • • • • •

How convenient is the location to your ceremony and reception sites? Does your wedding date coincide with any conventions that may be booking all of the choice rooms? Is there a shuttle to and from the airport and/or around town? Does the location offer rooms and/or suites? How much are the rooms? They may offer a group rate, depending on how many rooms you need. If you need just a few rooms, do they have special weekend rates? Can you reserve a wedding block of Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights? Do they offer a hospitality room where all of your guests can meet to pick up anything left speciﬁcally for them, or for just spending time together? Do they have smoking and non-smoking rooms? Do they provide irons/hair dryers/an in-room safe? Is there cable TV with movie channels? Is there a coffee bar/small refrigerator/ freezer/microwave in the rooms? Do they have free local calls/internet access/voice mail? Is a complimentary continental or buffet breakfast offered? Happy hour? Do they have an on-site swimming pool/hot tub/exercise facilities? Do they have a guest laundry or valet service? Is there a charge for additional services, such as for delivering gift baskets?

Estimate how many rooms you may need and remember to reserve a block of rooms three to six months prior to your wedding date to avoid any confusion. Forward the room information to your out-of-town guests as soon as possible so that they may conﬁrm the room at least two weeks prior to the wedding. Your guests will truly appreciate knowing in advance that you have taken their stay into consideration. Adding guest accommodations to your list of things to do is small in comparison to making your guests feel as important as you know they are! •

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville Duncanville, 972.283.9777

Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grapevine, 817.251.9095

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Flower Power PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY

A bountiful array of beautiful blossoms creates an atmosphere of romance! On your wonderful wedding day, pretty posies tell the world how you feel about each other! flowers. BRIDE’S FLOWERS: BRIDAL BOUQUET You’ll want to carry a bouquet that complements your wedding gown and is scaled to your proportions. Traditional bouquets are composed of all white and ivory blooms — roses, orchids, stephanotis, lilies of the valley and gardenias are commonly used. Today, brides often carry bouquets in colors taken from their wedding palette. One currently popular style is the natural-look bouquet — an airy arrangement which may include wildflowers with stems showing. This type of bouquet can be held in front or draped over the bride’s arm. Other favorite arrangements include a round or crescent-shaped bouquet, a nosegay, a single flower or a flower-covered prayer book.

lowers speak a language all their own — we use them to say so many things: “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” or “Get better soon.” Every flower holds meaning all its own — take the time to choose the kinds and colors that express your personal sentiments. Flowers play a major role at your wedding; arrangements may be as simple or elaborate as you desire. A professional florist’s advice is invaluable — working together, you can achieve the perfect ambiance for your wedding. Choose your florist three to six months before the big day if possible. He or she may wish to visit the wedding and reception sites to view the layout. Provide photos and fabric swatches if possible from your wedding gown and attendants’ dresses if you can. Details on the groom’s and mothers’ attire are helpful in planning your wedding decorations. Decide if you wish to use fresh or silk flowers. Fresh flowers add fragrance and a more natural look to the ceremony, while silk flowers hold up better in hot weather and are available in any color. Descriptions of floral arrangements should be written into your contract. Total cost should also be included — make sure the document is complete before you sign. Take care to choose a reputable, talented florist — one who can express your deepest feelings through the language of

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BRIDE’S THROWAWAY BOUQUET Although some brides may toss their actual bridal bouquet, most prefer to keep that arrangement. At the bouquettossing ceremony, a detachable section or another small bouquet may be thrown. BRIDAL ATTENDANTS Bridesmaids and maid of honor usually carry similar arrangements; the maid of honor’s may be more elaborate. Attendants may carry traditional bouquets, or alternative arrangements: baskets of blooms, long-stemmed flowers over one arm, or a single, perfect rose. If the bride wears a floral headpiece, attendants may wear a single bloom, spray or wreath of the same blossoms. GROOM AND MALE ATTENDANTS The groom and each male member of the wedding party, including fathers, customarily wear a boutonniere in the left lapel. Traditionally, the bloom was a white rose or carnation, but as bridal bouquets have become more colorful, so have boutonnieres. The groom’s boutonniere should differ from the others — he might consider wearing a flower from the bride’s bouquet. YOUNG ATTENDANTS Flower girls traditionally carry baskets of loose petals to be strewn in the bride’s path, but may also carry a miniature bouquet in a basket or a small nosegay. They also might wear a single flower, or a

wreath of flowers, in their hair. The ringbearer should wear a boutonniere just like the groom. You may wish to decorate the ringbearer’s cushion with a sprig of flowers. MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS & OTHER VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE It is customary to present the mothers and grandmothers of the bridal couple with flowers to wear at the wedding. These arrangements may be made up of flowers that coordinate with their dresses; personal preferences should also be considered. If grandfathers are present, they, too, would receive boutonnieres. A corsage or boutonniere is a perfect way to honor others who contribute to your wedding. The guest book and gift table attendants are examples of special helpers to thank. CEREMONY SITE Flowers at the ceremony vary considerably depending on location and style of the wedding. If the marriage takes place in a church, at least one arrangement should decorate each side of the altar. Adorn the ends of pews with flowers and ribbons if you choose. If your ceremony is held at a private home, club, hotel or other secular location, flowers and greenery are especially important. The arrangements serve as a romantic backdrop, taking the place of the church altar, and can be used to mark aisles. RECEPTION SITES Some brides may wish to use the altar arrangements from the wedding to decorate the reception area; this is perfectly acceptable. Others feel ceremony and reception flowers should be considered separately. Remember you may want to keep your ceremony flowers in place for photos with your wedding party, while guests go on to the reception, which would mean you would need separate arrangements. Church flowers should relate to the ceremony, arranged in a more serene, subtle fashion, while reception flowers would promote an unrestrained air of celebration. This is strictly a matter of personal preference. As more time is spent at the reception than at the ceremony itself, many brides elect to concentrate the majority of their decorating efforts on the party facility.•

Through the ages, ﬂowers have become symbolic of the qualities we value in ourselves and others. Flowers at your wedding symbolize the beauty of the ceremony

PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY

The Language of Flowers

and a union growing in love and devotion. blooms

Combining and

their

different meanings

expresses the unique feelings of the bridal couple, sending a message of special signiﬁcance to everyone present at the wedding. Apple Blossom GOOD FORTUNE

DOMESTIC HAPPINESS

Orange Blossom FERTILITY, HAPPINESS

Bluebell CONSTANCY

Honeysuckle FAITHFUL AFFECTION

Orchid BEAUTY

Buttercup RICHES

Ivy FIDELITY

Red Rose I LOVE YOU

Camellia GRATITUDE

Jasmine GRACE, ELEGANCE

White Rose YOU ARE HEAVENLY

Carnation PURE, DEEP LOVE

Jonquil

Red & White Roses Together UNITY

Daisy

Holly

AFFECTION RETURNED

SHARE YOUR FEELINGS

Purple Lilac FIRST LOVE

Forget-me-not TRUE LOVE

Lily PURITY

Gardenia JOY

Lily of the Valley HAPPINESS

Violet FAITHFULNESS Water Lily A PURE HEART

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County Clerks’ Ofﬁces COLLIN COUNTY

MCKINNEY COLLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE 200 SOUTH MCDONALD STREET, #120 972.424.1460 X 4185

Wedding Papers The big announcement! Here’s how to get your big news in the papers and get that all-important document — your marriage license!

PLANO COLLIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 900 EAST PARK, SUITE 140 PLANO, TEXAS 75074 972.424.1460 X 3025

DALLAS COUNTY

DOWNTOWN DALLAS RECORDS BUILDING 509 MAIN STREET, SUITE 120 214.653.7559 EAST DALLAS EAST DALLAS GOVERNMENT CENTER 3443 ST. FRANCIS AVENUE 214.321.3182 NORTH DALLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 10056 MARSH LANE, SUITE 137 214.904.3032

DENTON COUNTY

1029 W. ROSEMEADE PKWY. CARROLLTON, TX 75007-6251 972.434.7170 1400 FM 424 CROSS ROADS, TX 76227-7284 940.349.4400

PARKER COUNTY

1112 SANTA FE DRIVE WEATHERFORD, TX 76086 817.594.7461

ROCKWALL COUNTY

1101 RIDGE ROAD ROCKWALL, TX 75087 972.722.1855

TARRANT COUNTY ARLINGTON 724 EAST BORDER 817.548.3928

DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH 100 WEST WEATHERFORD, ROOM 180 817.884.1195 HURST 645 GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY 817.581.3625

Placing wedding and engagement announcements is a piece of cake. Simply contact the paper(s) of your choice and request an announcement form, e-mail them, ﬁll it out online, or stop by in person. Complete the form and return it with a photograph (some papers print the bride’s picture only). Most newspapers prefer black-and-white glossies or high-resolution photos e-mailed to them. Engagement announcements are usually short, listing only the names of the prospective bride and groom, their parents’ names and the wedding date. Pictures are sometimes published with engagement announcements. Wedding announcements go into more detail, featuring the couple’s names, parents’ names and their city and state if they’re from out of town. Also listed are the church, wedding date and members of the wedding party. A photograph may be included at this time. Information deadlines vary by publication. Engagement information may be required up to seven weeks in advance, while wedding announcements might be accepted up to a month or two after the celebration. The dailies have more rigid deadlines. Contact each newspaper for speciﬁc deadlines. THE MARRIAGE LICENSE: YOU CAN’T BE WED WITHOUT IT! The hard part is almost over — the

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bridal gown has been bought, the invitations are in the mail, and the caterer is cooking. Getting your marriage license is one of the last tasks before you can say, “I do.” The procedure for obtaining your license is basically the same all over Texas. Together, the prospective bride and groom must visit the office of the county clerk. Bring a valid form of identification — a driver’s license, certified copy of your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or military ID. Also be sure to bring your Social Security Card. Cost for the license — $71, cash. They don’t take checks. However, there is a new premarital education program sponsored by the state of Texas called “Twogether in Texas” that is only $50. Take the class, and receive a $60 discount on your marriage license. Visit www.BeTheChampion.org, call 214.426.0900, or e-mail parer@anthemstrongfamilies.com for more information. There’s one important detail you must not forget: a 72-hour waiting period is required after the license is issued. Your license is good 30 days from that date. Good news — blood tests are not required in the tri-county area. Most county clerks’ offices are open Monday through Friday. In downtown Dallas, hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The other Dallas, Collin and Tarrant County offices are open longer, until 4:30 p.m. Some sub-courts in Tarrant County may close for lunch. Call ahead to make sure they’re open before you make the trip. •

Event planners and wedding coordinators will be a big help in generating ideas, making contacts and setting up reservations for those trendy dinner and entertainment spots for the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Ask them to contact your maid of honor and best man to coordinate your parties. Then sit back and be surprised. A day at the races or attending a professional football, basketball or baseball game is a natural for a men’s outing. If the man in your life is more of a doer than a watcher, a day at the golf course might be in order. Friends might meet for breakfast, head for the golf course, and enjoy lunch and a party at the “19th” hole. They might arrange for the golf pro to play with them, helping everyone with their game. This could tie in with the ladies spending an afternoon of pampering at a sauna or salon following their own golf game, or on the tennis court. A more mature groom might enjoy a gentlemen’s night at a wonderful restaurant. A “tasting” of scotch, wines, or cordials might be arranged with the maitre d’. Some restaurants have a private room, allowing for cigars, preselected by the groom for each of his guests. Perhaps friends and other members of the wedding party might meet to finish the evening with dancing and a nightcap. For the ultimate “bachelor” gettogether, a weekend spent at a cabin for fishing, card playing, and reminiscing about the “good ol’ college days” is hard to beat. The boys might have so much fun that it could become the traditional party each year, even after everyone is married! An outing (prearranged with instruction) at a skeet range provides an opportunity for camaraderie and, later, greatly exaggerated stories of shooting prowess, even if no one has ever shot before. If the bachelor party takes place the day before the wedding, it might start with a trip to the tuxedo shop where any last-minute alterations could be made while there’s still time before the big day. After ensuring their fit, the men are off to the golf course while the store manager arranges for the tuxedos to be delivered directly to the hotel or the groom’s home. Your bridesmaids will enjoy a day at the spa for some long-overdue pampering. Cap it off with a light lunch or early dinner at your favorite food spot. For the more active ladies, plan a

PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY

Party Time!

Finally! The details have all been taken care of. Now, it's time to relax and have some fun. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are designed to send off the bride and groom into their new lives with one last outing. Get your wedding party to plan the time of your life with creative outings and entertainment.

golf outing, a day of shopping at an outlet mall, or tickets to a live theatre show or comedy club. Make it extra special by hiring a limousine to deliver your party in a safe manner. The worst time for a bachelor or bachelorette party is the night before the wedding. Everyone needs to be at their best for the big day, without worrying about headaches, lack of sleep or a queasy stomach. Plan the parties several days or weeks ahead. If all the participants live in the same city, the weekend before is a perfect time. If travel plans preclude “getting that old gang together” until the day before, all the more reason for an afternoon outing that leaves everyone ready for the rehearsal and dinner to follow. The bachelor/bachelorette party

has long been regarded as the last great fling before the fun is over forever. Today’s couples don’t regard marriage and family as the end of freedom, but the beginning of a relationship that is its own fulfillment. Relationships of commitment change one’s perspective on many facets of life. A bachelor or bachelorette party that everyone feels comfortable discussing and participating in, is a part of that commitment. Throughout marriage there will be many times that couples see things differently—even vehemently differently. Use this as an opportunity to find a compromise that is mutually acceptable and that sets a pattern for discussion instead of arguing.•

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Musical Notes Set your wedding-day memories with your wedding music and relive those special moments every time you hear “your song.”

PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY

countless wedding ceremonies, Clarke’s “Prince of Denmark’s March” or Wagner’s “The Bridal Chorus’’ (“Here Comes The Bride’’) is the processional song of choice. Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Handel’s “Hornpipe in D” from Water Music Suite is often played during the recessional. It’s tradition, right? Not always. The type of music played at your wedding is a matter of personal choice. While there may be some restrictions due to religious considerations, there is an abundance of music appropriate to any style of ceremony. Enlist the aid of your church or-

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ganist, clergy, choir director or bridal coordinator in making musical decisions. Your ceremony might feature an organist, pianist, harpist, string or woodwind quartet, or vocal performers. The musical program should begin 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony, as guests arrive. At the rehearsal, you may want to spend a little time practicing walking to the music you have chosen. Wedding music is highly emotional, and many brides have cried their way to the altar because of the sudden effect the music has had on them. It might also be a good idea to tell your

father you need practice walking on his arm to the music, giving him a chance to get used to it, too. Elaborate wedding walks are unpopular today, but a lovely bride will want to have an aura of confidence about her ability to float down the aisle to the music she has chosen. Select a processional march that’s joyous, yet dignified. Your recessional music should be livelier in tempo — after all, you’ve just been married! RECEPTION CONSIDERATIONS Music sets the mood for your reception—consider your selections carefully. You might have

PHOTO BY ROBIN SHERMAN

Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111 www.stradivariusmusic.com Comprised of full-time professional musicians from the area’s major symphony orchestras, Stradivarius String Quartet offers artistry and commitment to quality, as well as a well-rounded repertoire from Bach to blues. The timbre of this string quartet will add a classic elegance to your special day. a DJ spinning discs, or a jazz musician tickling the ivories. A 30piece orchestra or a rowdy rock band might play “your song.” Just remember to feature a variety of music—slow romantic numbers as well as rousing dance tunes. Music should entertain both younger and older guests. Plan some selections for dancing, others just for listening. The band shouldn’t be so loud as to hinder conversation. At a small wedding, a pianist or jazz trio is a good choice. A “wedding band” is a popular choice— they’re trained to play to all different age groups. When interviewing musicians, ﬁnd out the size of the group, instruments played, and whether or not they feature vocalists. Ask to see a current song list. You’ll want to have a large variety of music to choose from, including selections from the following categories: Top 40, showtunes, ballads, rock & roll, and country. If possible, catch the band in a live situation for a sneak preview of their performance style.

Make sure the group can acmood of your party. commodate your personal prefInform the band manager erences. Indicate songs you’d whom to contact at the receplike played during special motion site so they can check out ments. You might request one of the facilities ahead of time for the groom’s favorite tunes as the acoustics, lighting arrangements, wedding party sits down to dinetc. If you’re planning an outdoor ner. Music is also played during reception, decide where the parthe cake cutting, when the bride’s ty will move in case of rain. bouquet and garter are tossed, Don’t leave any of the details and to signal that it’s time for the to chance or memory—write bride and groom to leave. them down in a contract. Your You should expect a profescontract with the band should sional attitude and appearance include the date, time, location, in the musicians you hire. Ask if set-up time, number and length one of the band members can of sets, payment, overtime fees, act as master of ceremonies, if cancellation and postponement you need one. Determine how policies, musicians’ attire, and long the band plays and learn any special considerations. how many breaks they will take. If live entertainment doesn’t Make sure they can provide reﬁt into your reception plans, concorded music during breaks. sider hiring a professional disc From setting up the musical jockey. These entertainers can equipment to tearing it back provide a great variety of music, down, the band will spend four from rock & roll to waltzes, usually to six hours at your reception, and at a lower cost than a live band. they will get hungry. It’s customMany disc jockeys can also proary to provide them with refreshvide lighting effects and act as a ments—sandwiches and nonmaster of ceremonies.• alcoholic beverages, or a plate from the buffet. A happy band contributes greatly to the festivewww.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw 65

Intriguing Invitations A wedding invitation peeking out of the mailbox is always a pleasant sight. Make sure your message expresses the warmth and happiness you wish to share with your guests.

s with every aspect of planning a wedding, traditional guidelines exist for wording, paper and engraving of wedding invitations and announcements. Many couples, however, come up with informal and creative variations. A very formal wedding still commands the use of very proper wording engraved on thick, creamy paper. A less formal celebration might call for pastel ink on parchment. THE GUEST LIST After you’ve decided on a budget and the number of guests to invite, ask your ﬁancé and his family to make up their list. Let them know how many you hope they’ll invite. Normally, each family invites half the guests. Another option: divide the guest list into

three sections. The groom’s family, the bride’s family and the bridal couple each invite a third. As a rule of thumb, expect about three-fourths of those invited to attend. Invitations should be sent to your wedding officiant and spouse, your fiancé’s immediate family, and members of your wedding party and their parents. You are not obligated to invite companions for single friends on your list. If you do wish to invite the friend or fiancé of a single guest, ask for that person’s name and address and send a separate invitation. If the couple lives together, mail a joint invitation, as you would for a married couple. While drawing up your invitation list, put together your announcement list, if you are planning to send an-

Enchanted Garden Invitation by Carlson Craft, www.carlsoncraft.com Wrap up that natural wedding look with romance. The laser-cut, kraft paper wrap opens to reveal the wording beneath a sweet lovebirds design.

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nouncements. This list should include acquaintances not invited to the wedding with whom you wish to share the good news. Neither an invitation nor announcement requires a gift — feel free to send them to everyone. Order about 50 extra envelopes to allow for addressing mistakes. PAPER AND PRINTING While handwritten invitations are appropriate for a small ceremony — 50 guests or less — for a larger wedding, you’ll want printed invitations. A classic formal invitation is printed or engraved on the top page of a folded sheet of white or off-white paper. A small inner envelope, ungummed and unsealed, encloses the invitation or announcement. This is placed inside a larger envelope which is addressed and stamped. Add a personal touch to your invitations using translucent or shiny paper, colored ink or a special border. If you select colored ink, use the same shade to address the envelopes. Select someone with beautiful handwriting, perhaps a professional calligrapher, to address envelopes or write invitations. Order invitations and announcements at least three months before the wedding to allow time for printing, addressing and mailing. Engraving may take longer. Have the envelopes delivered early for addressing ahead of time. ADDRESSING Compose a master list on index cards; make sure all names and titles are spelled correctly. Address all invitations by hand, in blue or black ink; never use a computer. The only abbreviations used are Mr., Mrs., Ms. and Jr. Most elected ofﬁcials are addressed as The Honorable; the clergy as The Reverend Father, Pastor or Rabbi; and high-ranking military personnel as Commander, Colonel, etc. A single woman, even a child, is addressed as Miss or Ms. Young boys are addressed as Master. Try to avoid nicknames or initials. Spell out streets, cities and states in full, and don’t forget zip codes.

Thank-You Notes So many people will make your wedding-day dreams come true: Vintage Pearls and Lace Invitation by Carlson Craft, www.carlsoncraft.com Vintage elegance is deﬁnitely present on this invitation with pearls and laser-cut lace accenting your wording. If several members of a family are invited, avoid using the phrase “and family.” You want each person to feel the invitation is meant especially for them. On the inner envelope, include the name of each child invited: Mr. and Mrs. Parks Sam, Charlotte, and Stella Adult members of a family should receive separate invitations, whether or not they live with their parents. Send one joint invitation to two brothers or two sisters living at the same address. Invitations should be mailed four to six weeks before the ceremony. Two months is courteous if you plan to marry during the holidays. Allow people time to consider your invitation and word their replies. Depending upon the formality of your invitation, they’ll respond with formal written acceptances or regrets, informal notes, phone calls or response cards. If you haven’t had a response from a guest two weeks before the wedding, call and check. When each invitation is accounted for, tell your caterer how many guests to expect. Formal announcements, created in the style of your invitation, should be mailed the day of the wedding or immediately afterward if you plan to send them. Ask a bridesmaid or family member to do this if you don’t have time. KEEPING TRACK As soon as your invitations are sent, you’ll begin receiving calls and notes from guests, saying they can hardly wait. Promptly record who’s coming, and who won’t be able to attend. Allow space in your ﬁling system to describe gifts received, and make a notation when a thank-you note is sent.

SPECIAL ENCLOSURES Enclosures are printed in the same style as the invitation itself. At-home cards may be enclosed with formal invitations, but are usually sent with announcements. These are small cards informing everyone of your new address and the date you’ll be ready to receive mail and visitors there. Ceremony cards are sent if there’s a chance that uninvited persons may try to attend, or if the wedding is held in a public or historic place. Engraved cards may be enclosed with the invitations, to be presented at the door for admittance. For other types of enclosures you may wish to ask your printer, stationer or wedding consultant.

your family, friends, co-workers and wedding professionals. What better way to single them out for their hard work than to send a heart-felt “thank you.” Choose formal thank-you notes for both of you, since your groom will be writing thank-you cards as well. Your note paper may be engraved with your new address, in which case you could use it after the wedding. City and state names are printed out in full with

WEDDING PROGRAMS A program is extremely helpful in guiding your guests through the ceremony and is a wonderful memento of your wedding. It provides vital information and might be an elaborate booklet, a calligraphy-inscribed scroll, or a preprinted wedding bulletin with your wedding service photocopied inside. ANNOUNCEMENTS Normally, announcements are not mailed to anyone who has been invited to the wedding. But they may go out after an intimate ceremony for family only, after an elopement, or a wedding so far away that many people could not attend. Business associates with whom the couple work day-to-day might also receive announcements. (Remember, no one receiving an announcement need feel obligated to send a gift.) Printing and paper for the announcements are the same as for invitations. Announcements should be addressed like invitations and, whenever possible, mailed out immediately after the ceremony.•

no abbreviation. A street number may be spelled out or shown in numerals.

Stationery

imprinted

with your married name or initials is never used until after the wedding. One final, important reminder to help your wedding run smoothly: make sure each piece mailed has sufficient postage. It would be terribly embarrassing if your invitations and thank-you notes were returned by the post office! •

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Wedding Shop

Noella Gown by Winnie Couture www.brideandgroom.com Fall68 2015 collection

The Wedding Shop Bridal Salons A CURVY BRIDE Every bride deserves to feel her absolute most beautiful on her wedding day. Whether her budget is generous or limited, whether she is tall or short, whether she is thin or curvy, the philosophy of A Curvy Bride is that every bride should have a wonderful experience shopping for her wedding gown. A truly one-of-a-kind salon, A Curvy Bride offers gowns size 16 and up from some of the bridal industry’s most celebrated designers. The specialty salon offers exquisite gowns in styles ranging from vintage romance and classic elegance to modern sophistication and rustic chic. These luxurious, couture gowns provide a variety of silhouettes to choose from such as ball gowns, mermaid, A-line and fit & flare. The gown samples range in sizes 18 – 26, though most are sizes 20 and 22, enabling brides to try on gowns that will allow them to truly visualize how each gown will look and help them select their own dream gown. Brides will be impressed with the fabulous selection of designers the Curvy gowns hail from: Birnbaum & Bullock, Casablanca Couture, James Clifford Collection, Mikaella by Paloma Blanca, Augusta Jones, Ysa Makino and Watters. With elements such as waist-accentuating belts, bodyslimming ruching and curveskimming silhouettes, these collections provide exceptional quality gowns in styles that both fit and flatter brides with voluptuous figures. Curvaceous brides will be wooed by the genuine customer service and skillful styl-

Wedding Shop

Your comprehensive guide to merchants in the wedding world.

ing the staff at A Curvy Bride offers to each and every bride. Gowns at A Curvy Bride range in price between $1,500 and $8,000. Make a bridal gown appointment at A Curvy Bride online at www.acurvybride.com, or by calling 972.388.5230. See ad on page 5 and editorial on pages 4, 13, 22–23, and 27. Bridal Shows BRIDAL SHOWS, INC. Bridal Shows, Inc. has been producing quality bridal shows since 1988, helping the bride to plan her complete wedding in one location in one weekend. Upcoming shows produced by Bridal Shows, Inc. in the Dallas/ Fort Worth Metroplex are as follows: The 4th annual Las Colinas Bridal Show is coming up on January 4, 2015, at the new Irving Convention Center, with more than 100 quality wedding businesses. Every bride will want to attend the 26th annual Dallas Bridal Show™ on January 24 – 25, 2015, at Dallas Market Hall! Known as the most beautiful bridal show and the third largest bridal show in the U.S., the Dallas Bridal Show will help every bride plan her perfect wedding with more than 300 quality wedding businesses, and during these two days will give the bride time to make buying decisions, including photographers, gowns, tuxedos, cakes, caterers, reception halls, hotels, restaurants, musicians, videographers, DJs, ﬂorists, invitations, limos, wedding planners and designers, photobooths, formal

beaded attire, travel and cruises, clubs and resorts, bridal registries, jewelry, cosmetics, nails, balloons, rentals, china, gifts, bridal publications, and much more! Then, in July the next Dallas Bridal Show™ will be July 25 – 26, 2015. The 18th annual Fort Worth Bridal Show™ will take place on February 1, 2015, at the Fort Worth Convention Center, with more than 100 quality wedding businesses. The 26th annual Plano Bridal Show™ will take place on March 8, 2015, at the Plano Centre, with more than 100 quality wedding businesses. See stunning fashion shows! Lots of incredible door prizes! Make plans for your wedding day at these amazing bridal events, where all of your wedding dreams come true! For more information about the shows, call Bridal Shows, Inc. at 972.713.9920, or visit them online at www.bridalshowsinc. com. Adult tickets can be purchased online at www.bridalshowsinc.com. Also view “Tips For The Bride — What To Do At A Bridal Show” on their website. Visit bridalshowsinc on Facebook. See ad on page 20 and editorial on page 21. Entertainment STRADIVARIUS STRING QUARTET As you plan for your wedding, you’ll want to use only the highest quality experienced professionals, and your musical needs are no exception. Stradivarius String Quartet has performed hundreds of weddings and re-

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Wedding Shop ceptions in a variety of settings with a variety of music. Comprised of full-time professional musicians from the area’s major Symphony Orchestras, Stradivarius String Quartet offers artistry and commitment to quality, as well as a well-rounded repertoire from Bach to blues. The timbre of the string quartet, considered by renowned composers to be the highest form of musical expression, will add a classic elegance to your special day. Whether you choose to have Stradivarius String Quartet play everything, or if you would like to complement the group with other instruments or singers, allow them to assist you in selecting the perfect music and the perfect musicians for your ceremony or reception. For more information on the group as well as a quote of their competitive rates, please call 972.949.4111 or visit www.stradivariusmusic.com. See editorial on pages 12 and 65. Guest Accommodations COOPER HOTEL, CONFERENCE CENTER & SPA 972.386.0306 or 800.444.5187; Dallas www.cooperhoteldallas.com See ad on page 71 and editorial on pages 12, 32, 39, 51, and 58. Party Rentals TAYLOR’S RENTALS Taylor’s Rentals is one of the largest rental facilities in Fort Worth. Their showroom features a wide variety of wedding and reception items: fountains, silverware, glassware, arches, linens,

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candelabras, and even cribs for your out-of-town guests. Planning a wedding has never been so easy. Taylor’s has everything you need to put together a complete wedding and reception without the hassle of store-to-store shopping. The dedicated and friendly staff will assist you with all your rental needs. Taylor’s offers pickup and delivery of equipment to your location. Whether your function is indoors or outdoors, they have the items you’re looking for at a price you can afford. Taylor’s is located near the Arts District of Fort Worth at 220 University Drive. Call 817.332.5258 or visit www.trectx.net for more information. See editorial on page 2. Reception & Rehearsal Dinner Sites CLEBURNE CONFERENCE CENTER Cleburne is the ideal location for your wedding and/or reception, located only minutes away from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The City of Cleburne is proud to present its 45,000-square-foot Cleburne Conference Center, capable of meeting the most discerning needs of wedding event planners. The facility includes a 4,386-square-foot Texas room that divides into two rooms of 1,275 square feet and 3,111 square feet, a 10,302square-foot exhibit hall, a 297seat state-of-the-art theater, two smaller meeting rooms as well as two large prep kitchens and one small prep kitchen, giving the ability to hold three separate food functions at the same time, and a 2,000-square-

foot multi-tiered lobby area ideal for wedding photo shots and receptions. The facility has Wi-Fi throughout the building. The center also provides more than 500 free parking spaces, making parking for wedding attendees easy and economical. Combine all the above advantages with a variety of inviting hotels representing most of the major chains as well as several B&B’S, and you have a facility that is ready to assist you with all your wedding needs. Please contact them at 817.556.8860 or visit www.cleburneconference. com for more information. See editorial on page 38. COOPER HOTEL, CONFERENCE CENTER & SPA Your special day deserves the ideal setting. At Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa, our lush 30-acre grounds provide a picturesque setting for your wedding or reception. Our experienced wedding coordinator will provide the personal touches and detailed service to make your day what it should be...perfect. Affordable wedding and reception packages include beautiful outdoor sites by ponds and fountains; newly-renovated indoor reception facilities that accommodate up to 200; rehearsal dinners and bridal luncheons; complimentary bridal suite; recently transformed, spacious guest rooms with preferred rates for guests; full-service catering; full-service day spa; complimentary parking and WiFi; complimentary three-month membership to Cooper Fitness Center for the bride and groom;

Wedding Shop

and the option to provide your own bar. Take a tour of Cooper Hotel, located at Cooper Aerobics Center, and imagine the happiest day of your life. Call 972.490.9159, e-mail weddings@ cooperhoteldallas.com for availability and pricing, or visit www.cooperhoteldallas.com. See ad on page 71 and editorial on pages 12, 32, 39, 51, and 58. COURTYARD & TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT DFW AIRPORT NORTH/GRAPEVINE The perfect beginning to “happily ever after…” Plan your special day at the new and uniquely dual-branded Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott DFW Airport North/

Grapevine, a stunning combination of comfort and connectivity in a contemporary design. They can help you make your dream wedding a reality. With their certified wedding planners, state-of-the-art facilities, and an expert staff waiting to serve you, nothing could be easier than hosting your event with at Courtyard by Marriott Grapevine. The conference center offers 20,000 square feet of flexible event space that includes the magnificent 10,000-square-foot Silverlake Ballroom, crowned with a chandelier made with 974,000 sparkling crystals, and is the perfect setting for your rehearsal dinner, wedding, and wedding reception. Their exceptional event planning staff, Executive Chef, and culinary

team can help you with all the details and provide custom menus as well, which makes this hotel the ideal place to host your event! Courtyard and TownePlace Suites Grapevine is conveniently located between Dallas and Fort Worth at 2200 Bass Pro Court in Grapevine, TX, just three miles north of DFW International Airport. For more information, contact Peggy Gutierrez, Senior Catering Sales Manager, at 817.251.9095, e-mail catering@ marriottgrapevine.com, or visit www.marriottgrapevine.com. See ad on page 75 and editorial on pages 39, 50, and 59. HILTON GARDEN INN DALLAS/DUNCANVILLE Whether planning rehearsal

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Wedding Shop dinners, weddings ceremonies and receptions or even honeymoon stays, in-the-know brides have learned that at Hilton Garden Inn, they can have the same on-site banquet halls, delicious food, and attentive service for a greater value. You can count on them to make your event a success. Their in-house catering offers menu options designed to help you create a delicious and memorable event in your personal style. And the meal is just one of the many ways they’re committed to make your event just right. Take advantage of their online planning tips and tools to create a personalized web page for your event, get great rates on rooms with group discounts, and more. For more information, visit www.dallasduncanville.hgi.com or call 972.283.9777. See ad on page 77 and editorial on pages 41, 52, and 59. HILTON GARDEN INN DENISON/ SHERMAN AT TEXOMA EVENT CENTER The Hilton Garden Inn Denison/Sherman at Texoma Event Center opened in November 2014, and is where “happily ever after” begins. The Denison/Sherman wedding venue has everything you need to create your complete wedding experience. Whether your imagination takes you to an intimate afternoon reception, or a dramatic ceremony followed by a sit-down banquet for 850 guests, they can assist you in designing a seamless event. You can be conﬁdent

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in knowing that you are receiving the best, every step of the way—exceptional cuisine, outstanding service, and magical memories. They are also eager to help plan bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and/or a departure brunch to complete your Denison wedding. After he pops the question and you say “yes,” it all begins when their wedding specialist starts assisting you with everything, from selecting the appropriate room to orchestrating last-minute details. Let them recommend one of their preferred partners for cakes, ﬂoral, and music, so that every part of your day is spectacular. Their Executive Chef and Culinary Team are on hand to create the centerpiece of your celebration. The wedding experts at The Hilton Garden Inn Denison/Sherman at Texoma Event Center are ready to help make your wedding dreams come true and turn moments into memories! For more information, visit www.DenisonShermanAtTexomaEventCenter.HGI.com. See editorial on page 41. HILTON GARDEN INN LAS COLINAS Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas is located close to great shopping and excellent restaurants, in the midst of Irving/Las Colinas and minutes from the DFW airport. You are sure to have a rewarding experience at this beautiful hotel, with more than 3,000 square feet of event space. Let the Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas host your next intimate wedding, rehearsal dinner, or family reunion along with

a small gathering. They have all the extras that will make your stay or event the talk of the town. Enjoy a full American breakfast buffet with cookedto-order waffles, pancakes, omelets, and French toast. There is complimentary parking, and internet is provided throughout the hotel and in all guest rooms. When booking 10 or more rooms, receive a room discount and a complimentary king suite for two. The hotel has an American Grill Restaurant with room service and a great bar, and an outdoor patio with a two-sided fireplace. For more information, visit www. lascolinas.stayhgi.com or call 972.444.8434. See editorial on page 42. THE HYATT PLACE DALLAS/GARLAND/RICHARDSON The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson and the Firewheel Conference Center are conveniently located in the Dallas northeast suburb of Garland on the President George Bush Highway, easily accessible from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport. They are located in the prestigious Firewheel area, and the hotel is minutes from the world-class shopping, golf, and family fun of Firewheel Town Center Mall, the 63-hole Firewheel Golf Club, and the Hawaiian Falls Water Park. Your wedding guests will enjoy 42” flat-panel HDTV, the Hyatt Grand Bed™, complimentary Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast. They offer more than 15,000 square feet of flexible event space, including a 7,632-

Wedding Shop PHOTO BY DANNY CAMPBELL

Gown by Binzario Couture

square-foot ballroom. Their staff is always available to ensure everything goes exactly the way you want. Because when it does, great things happen. The Hyatt Place is located at 5101 North President George Bush Highway, Garland, TX 75040. Call 972.414.3500 to book your event, or visit HyattPlaceDallasGarland.com. See editorial on page 42. MAPLE MANOR HOTEL Built in 1898, this turn-of-thecentury Victorian hotel is located in the heart of downtown Dallas. The recently added climate-controlled pavilion with dramatic architectural lighting and arched ceilings makes a wonderful spot for your wedding ceremony and reception. This area will accommodate up

to 150 guests for a seated dinner. The pavilion is furnished with audio and video equipment. A private, stone-walled garden boasts three waterfalls, two streams, ﬂowers and fountains. It creates an elegant site for photographs and your intimate ceremony or smaller reception. In the original dining room area of the hotel, you may utilize the winding staircase for your grand entrance. This area seats 120 of your guests. French doors lead to a glassed-in conservatory. Catering is provided by The Old Warsaw. The Maple Manor Hotel has six suites that are decorated in the late 1800’s motif, reﬂecting French, American and Italian themes. Their wedding packages include one complimentary night in a bridal suite.

The Maple Manor Hotel assures personalized service and is wheelchair-accessible. It is located at 2616 Maple Avenue in Dallas. Please call 214.871.0032. Visit them at www.themaplemanorhotel .com or e-mail them at maplemanorhotel@yahoo. com. See ad on page 1 and editorial on pages 43, 48, and 49. THE OLD WARSAW RESTAURANT Since 1948, its rich, old-world atmosphere has made it a favorite for wedding celebrations. With ﬁve private areas, the entire facility seats approximately 300 people. The nearby garden is also available for outside wedding ceremonies. Complimentary transportation is available

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Wedding Shop for your guests staying in area hotels. For more information, please call 214.528.0032 or visit www.theoldwarsaw.com. The Old Warsaw Restaurant is located at 2610 Maple Avenue, next to Maple Manor Hotel in the heart of Uptown Dallas. See editorial on pages 48 and 54. PLANO CENTRE With 122,500 square feet of event space, Plano Centre offers a flexible layout for your dream wedding. From the bridal shower to the reception, Plano Centre can host it all! The beautifully landscaped courtyard is a magnificent setting for your wedding ceremony, and 17 additional rooms can be configured to meet any size or style. For large receptions, Collinwood Hall can provide seating for up to 1,400 guests. More intimate receptions can take place in the Windhaven Ballroom, for 200 guests, which has a view out into the gorgeous courtyard. Their professional event coordinators can assist you in all of your planning needs, from room set-up to catering and beverage services. Located at 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano Centre is just two blocks east of highway 75 and is close to a variety of Plano hotels. You can find a sense of ease when planning your wedding and reception at Plano Centre, as they have packages to fit every bride’s budget. Call 972.941.5840 and let them be at your service. For more information, visit www.planocentre.com.

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See editorial on page 20, 21, and 44. WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER Make your wedding day memorable at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Conveniently located at the intersection of I-35E and Highway 287, the center is within 25 minutes of the DFW Metroplex. The Waxahachie Civic Center has a 20,000-squarefoot sub-dividing ballroom that seats up to 1,000 guests. The Crape Myrtle Room, showcased by elegant ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows throughout the room will be the highlight of your event. This opportune location makes the Waxahachie Civic Center the picture-perfect place for your event. From the wedding to the reception, our staff will work closely with each client to create a custom-tailored event that will exceed your expectations and leave you looking forward to planning your next event with us. Whether a small private wedding or a large reception, the Waxahachie Civic Center truly makes every event a special event. The Waxahachie Civic Center is located at 2000 Civic Center Lane in Waxahachie, Texas. For more information call 469.309.4040 or visit www.waxahachieciviccenter.org. See editorial on page 46. WILDHORSE GRILL AT ROBSON RANCH Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding! With this grand occasion comes the grand responsibility of seeking out a location, food, and beverage

for your ceremony/reception. Robson Ranch would be delighted to be the host of this chapter in your life’s most monumental occasions. The facilities at Robson Ranch have the capability of fitting your group with rooms comfortable for 30 to 300 people. For a more intimate group, the classically ambient restaurant may be the right fit, with a fireplace in every room and windows for walls. For the “more the merrier” personalities, the magnificent clubhouse is settled at the highest point in Denton, allowing the most beautiful panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets. Just inside is a long, wrap-around foyer, perfect for the prereception hors d’oeuvres and mingling. Once inside the 6,200square-foot ballroom, you will be overcome by the expansive wooden dance floor and stage area, as well as the warmth of the room despite its size. The professional, uniformed service staff will assist you with any needs you may have. They provide and set up all the essentials, such as banquet-style round tables and chairs, elegant bone china, glasses, tableware, linens, and napkins. The highly skilled chef employs a truly gifted culinary team. They will work with you to customize the perfect menu, all within your budget. Contact Rhett Hubbard to schedule a time to meet and tour the grounds, and to have your questions answered. For more information, contact WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch at 940.246.1080, e-mail rhett.hubbard@robson.com,

Wedding Shop or visit www.wildhorsegrill.net. See editorial on page 46. WYNDHAM GARDEN DALLAS NORTH HOTEL Ah, the big day. THE big day, and so many burning questions. Where? How many? Who do we invite? What do we serve them? Formal or casual? So many decisions. And yet, the decision is actually a very easy one: the Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel. Not only do they have an awesome location in hip, swish north Dallas (with easy access to I-635 and DFW Airport), but more importantly, they have jaw-dropping, breathtaking event space that is the stuff of which dreams are made. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the start. Have you dreamed of a celebration under the limitless cosmos with shimmering stars as your backdrop? Or with colors that inspire such beauty that it takes your breath away? Or are you seeking a more low-key celebration where you and your beloved are the focal points and the lighting is soft and creamy and all-embracing? Whatever your desire, they can accommodateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with their innovative, cutting-edge lighting system, designed to engender a mood that can only be described as sublime. Beyond compare. Perfect. Your perfect mood. For your perfect day. With event rooms that will accommodate intimate gatherings of 24 of your most precious loved ones, to their grand ballroom that seats up to 400 of your admiring bon vivants for a posh dinner or 500 for a swanky cocktail reception, their north Dallas

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hotel has it all. Add cuisine that is meticulously prepared and artfully presented, a wine list that is the envy of north Dallas and service that is discreet and attentive, and your recipe for an extraordinary event is complete. And if that were not enough, easy access to the Big D and its wealth of modern charm, cool diversity, shopping, and dining, and 350 non-smoking guest rooms complete with plush bedding, 42-inch ďŹ&#x201A;at-screen HDTV, and a cornucopia of upscale, voguish services and amenities, this Dallas North hotel is quite simply the only place to make your vision an enchanting reality. Call their wedding professionals today at 972.243.3363.

Let them begin to guide you through the limitless opportunities to make your event the kind of event of which you have always dreamed. See editorial on page 47. Wedding & Event Planning_ WEDDINGS BY STARDUST 972.781.1619; Plano www.weddingsbystardust.com See editorial on page 13. SUE KELSON EVENTS Details, details, details! When you hire Sue Kelson Events, Sue and her team will not miss one detail when planning the most important day of your life. Organization and anticipating your needs are trademarks of Sue Kelson Events. With 30 years of experience in the hospitality

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Wedding Shop and pour that glass of champagne! Full Service Planning and Day-of Coordination provided. Call 972.447.8300, or visit www. suekelsonevents.com, to schedule your complimentary consultation. See editorial on pages 9 and 13. Wedding Venues FARMERS BRANCH HISTORICAL PARK The 27-acre Historical Park has a variety of historic structures and is the perfect place for your wedding and reception. Whether you are looking for a traditional 1890s church that will accommodate up to 100, complete with center aisle; a quaint 1930s home; manicured grounds with an antique rose garden, complete with arbors; or a gazebo and meadows with a commercial kitchen, the Farmers Branch Historical Park has what you need. Plan your special event in a unique setting amongst history, and full of tradition. For more information, visit www.farmersbranch.info or call 972.406.0184. See editorial on page 40.

ﬁeld, and a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from one of the ﬁnest colleges in the country, you can trust Sue, as planning weddings is her passion. Your engagement and wedding are one of the most exciting times of your life, and also can be very overwhelming. To minimize the stress, hiring Sue

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and her team will be one of the best decisions you will make. A motto of Sue Kelson has always been, “The only thing you should have to do on your wedding day is drink a glass of champagne while taking a bubble bath!” Sue and her team will manage the details, and your stress level, so you may relax and enjoy your family and guests. Go ahead

GREEN OAKS WEDDING CHAPEL Green Oaks Wedding Chapel, with its white stone exterior, offers you an elegant and romantic setting for the most memorable day of your life. As you enter, you and your guests will be greeted with a beautifully decorated entry hall with a stunning staircase leading to a balcony in the chapel. Once inside the professionally decorated chapel, which seats

Wedding Shop up to 200 guests, you will find white church pews adorned with greenery, flowers and bows. White Italian-glass chandeliers add beautiful elegance to your wedding. The altar area, breathtakingly lit by dozens of candles and professionally designed floral arrangements, offers you a picturesque setting for this special moment. A magnificent antique grand piano and stateof-the-art sound system add the finishing touches for your wedding. A large private dressing room with makeup table and full-length mirrors is provided for the bride and bridesmaids. A separate dressing area for the groom and groomsmen is also provided. Your reception in the exquisite Reception Room is a lovely way to greet and thank your guests for making your wedding day a special occasion. Lighted trees, greenery, decorated candles and round, skirted tables with chairs provide an elegant atmosphere. The lights are on dimmers, allowing you to control the perfect setting for your reception. The skirted serving tables are beautifully decorated with flowers, greenery and candles, and set with silver serving platters, chaffing dishes, silver punch bowl and other lovely appointments. A state-of-the-art sound system surrounds you and your guests with beautiful music for listening or dancing. Green Oaks Wedding Chapel is located at 4115 SW Green Oaks Boulevard in Arlington. Please call metro 817.572.4300 for more information or visit www. greenoaksweddings.com. See editorial on page 40.

MIDLOTHIAN CONFERENCE CENTER The Midlothian Conference Center offers small-town hospitality in a spacious, state-of-theart facility designed just for your event. Within the 39,000-squarefoot facility, they combine the best of technology with outstanding personal service by their experienced staff. The meeting spaces can accommodate groups from as small as a handful, to more than 1,000. Weddings are a dream come true in Midlothian. Along with providing beautiful spaces, the Midlothian Conference Center offers a wide variety of decorations, dance ﬂoors, table linens, locations for photographs, and more. They partner with the best in the area for all of your heart’s desires. Whether it is a wedding planner, ﬂorist, caterer, DJ,

band, photographer, or baker, the center has several preferred partners that are ready to assist in assuring your wedding is a complete success. For more information, call 972.723.7919 or visit www.midlothiancenter. com. Special event! Visit Midlothian Conference Center on Sunday, March 1, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a bridal show! See editorial on pages 21 and 43. RIVER ROAD CHATEAU How to have elegant country weddings? Live elegant-country for 18 years on a 75-acre farm, have family weddings…. and THEN build a wedding chateau! River Road Chateau in Anna, Texas, opened October 1, 2014, just 15 minutes north of McKinney, and is now booking

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Wedding Shop wedding ceremonies and receptions. Their country is genuine… pastures, creeks, woods, and hay bales. Their elegance is genuine … a circle drive, lush magnolias, two patios with Italian fountains, and a stucco Chateau. Through 100-year-old front doors from Belgium, you enter the Great Hall with three huge iron chandeliers and European antiques creating a focal altar for inclement weather ceremonies. Walls of windowed doors slide like barn-doors opening to spacious patios with incredible vistas for more than 200 guests. Mason jars and silver punch bowls are equally at home at River Road Chateau! Their warmth is genuine, as well. Their gift to newlywed couples is homemade jam, grown and canned from the orchard

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trees of the place they were married! For more information visit www.riverroadchateau. com or call Jessica Hulcy at 972.567.1001 to tour River Road Chateau. See editorial on page 44. SOUTH GARLAND BAPTIST CHURCH South Garland Baptist Church welcomes couples to consider its facility as a lovely setting to pledge themselves to each other before God. The 400-seat worship center features a center aisle. The beautiful colors of fabrics, carpets, stained glass and woodwork in the sanctuary all enhance its desirability as a wedding setting. An elegantly decorated bride’s room offers a convenient location for the bride and her bridesmaids to dress for the ceremony.

Davis Hall, on the lower level of the Family Ministry Center, is available for wedding receptions. The fellowship hall has a commercial kitchen for limited use by your caterer, as well as round or six-foot tables to use for the reception. This area will seat 200 comfortably for a plated meal or 250 for an hors d’oeuvre, cake and punch reception. A wedding consultant will work with you to facilitate the event, including all scheduling. The consultant will help interpret church policies applicable to your wedding and assist in determining decorations, content of ceremony, appropriate music, selections of minister and handling of fees and honoraria. The consultant will serve as coordinator, working with ﬂorist and photographer, and as liaison between you and the

Wedding Shop church concerning your wedding activities. For more information, call South Garland Baptist Church at 972.271.5428 or e-mail weddings@sgbaptist.org. See editorial on page 45. TOWERING OAKS RANCH RESORT Choosing a site for your wedding day will set the theme not only of the wedding but what you and your guests will enjoy for the wedding day and/or weekend. Towering Oaks Ranch Resort is a unique, beautiful 40acre resort with lodging and outdoor wedding locations, which include a picturesque Victorian gazebo by the lake, a wedding chapel, and a banquet hall. The property has spectacular views with rolling hills, lakes, and large oak trees, which are great for photography. Evening provides a whole new ambience for Towering Oaks. The canopy of trees light up at night with sparkling lights and are decorated with seasonal ďŹ&#x201A;owers which make the perfect backdrop for an outdoor evening wedding. The 6,500-square-foot, sevenbedroom lodge is elegant with old world rustic charm. Right outside the main lodge, by the pool, and with a view of the gazebo and lake, is a veranda with grapevines growing over a trellis which is great for rehearsal dinners or bridal luncheons. The 3,400-square-foot reception hall can be transformed into any atmosphere from casual to an elegant affair. The reception hall can also be set as a wedding chapel for those who prefer an indoor ceremony. Outside vendors are wel-

come. Bring in the alcohol of your choice, and use the Tuscan Wine Bar. Wrought-iron candle holders, lighted trees, candelabras, elegant fabrics, skirted tables and linens will make your day special and beautiful. Affordable packages await you that include everything!

For more information, call Kari Allen at 817.307.7376 or visit www.toweringoaksranchresort. com. See editorial on page 45.

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ACCESSORIES Dr. J’s Bridal Shoes & Accessories: 972.496.4396

OFFICIANTS & PREMARITAL COUNSELING 4Romantic Weddings.com: 214.282.5354

ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDINGS MK Travel, Inc: 972.256.3879 You Deserve It! Vacations: 972.830.2040, ext. 1

PHOTOGRAPHY & GREEN SCREEN PHOTOS Memory Makers Photography: 940.391.3494 Triana Studios: 214.369.3375

BABYSITTING Black-Tie Babysitting: 214.450.1245

QUINCEAÑERAS, BAR & BAT MITZVAHS En Pointe Weddings & Events: 817.909.2036 Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642 Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660 Poetry Place: 972.494.2500 Skycreek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414 Storybook Ranch: 972.369.0874 Sue Kelson Events: 972.447.8300

BEAUTY/SPA Carol Short, Independent Mary Kay Sales Director: 214.693.3473 Dr. J’s Bridal Shoes & Accessories: 972.496.4396 BRIDAL SALONS & TUXEDOS, BRIDAL ALTERATIONS Distinct Elegance Bridal Boutique: 972.299.6444 Dr. J’s Bridal Shoes & Accessories: 972.496.4396 Margo Bridal Alterations: 972.918.9750 Providence Place Bridal Boutique at The Harbor: 972.989.2474 BRIDAL SHOWERS & LUNCHEONS 1899 Farmhouse: 469.212.6975 City Café: 214.351.3367 Frisco Heritage Center: 214.718.4668 Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642 Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660 Poetry Place: 972.494.2500 Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414 Storybook Ranch: 972.369.0874 Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa, Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn): info@waltersweddingestates.com BRIDAL SHOWS Posh Bridal Shows: 469.554.8804 Soiree Bridal Shows: 866.242.8078 ENTERTAINMENT 4HarpMusic.com: 214.282.5354 Carol Marks Music Entertainment Agency: 972.231.4091 GUEST LODGING Hampton Inn Dallas/Las Colinas: 972.753.1232 Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa, Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn): info@waltersweddingestates.com HONEYMOONS & DESTINATION WEDDINGS MK Travel, Inc: 972.256.3879 You Deserve It! Vacations: 972.830.2040, ext. 1 INVITATION SERVICES & CALLIGRAPHY Calligraphy by Angela: 214.957.2155 INVITATIONS En Pointe Weddings & Events: 817.909.2036

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RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES 1899 Farmhouse: 469.212.6975 City Café: 214.351.3367 Frisco Heritage Center: 214.718.4668 Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642 Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660 Occasions at Stone River: 214.674.0818 Poetry Place: 972.494.2500 Skycreek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414 Special Moments Chapel: 817.307.1454 Storybook Ranch: 972.369.0874 Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa, Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn): info@waltersweddingestates.com WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING Day of Divas: 817.909.2036 En Pointe Weddings & Events: 817.909.2036 Special Moments Wedding & Event Planning: 972.896.6525 Sue Kelson Events: 972.447.8300 WEDDING VENUES & OUTDOOR WEDDINGS 1899 Farmhouse: 469.212.6975 City Café: 214.351.3367 Frisco Heritage Center: 214.718.4668 Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642 MK Travel, Inc: 972.256.3879 Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660 Occasions at Stone River: 214.674.0818 Poetry Place: 972.494.2500 Skycreek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414 Special Moments Chapel: 817.307.1454 Storybook Ranch: 972.369.0874 You Deserve It! Vacations: 972.830.2040, ext. 1 Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa, Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn): info@waltersweddingestates.com

Directory of Wedding Professionals Tell all your wedding specialists you saw them here in Bride & Groom Magazine!

South Garland Baptist Church 972.271.5428;Garland

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville

Towering Oaks Ranch Resort 817.307.7376; Valley View

Hilton Garden Inn Denison/Sherman at Texoma Event Center 903.463.3331; Denison

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Wedding & Event planners A Curvy Bride 972.388.5230; Dallas

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

En Pointe Weddings & Events 817.909.2036; DFW

River Road Chateau 972.567.1001; Anna

Sue Kelson Events 972.447.8300; DFW

Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth

Wedding Venues Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

Towering Oaks Ranch Resort 817.307.7376; Valley View

Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel 972.243.3363; Dallas

Soiree Boutique Bridal Shows 866.242.8078; DFW

Reception & Rehearsal Dinner Sites Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.490.9159; Dallas

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Posh Bridal Shows 469.554.8803; DFW

Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine

Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel 972.243.3363; Dallas

Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton

Guest Accommodations Cooper Hotel, Conference Center & Spa 972.490.9159; Dallas

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton

Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas 972.444.8434; Las Colinas

Great Bridal Expo 800.422.3976; DFW

Entertainment Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111; DFW

Gown by Winnie Couture, Fall 2015 collection Inspired by Danish choreographer August Bournonville’s romantic ballet, La Sylphide

Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine

Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine Farmers Branch Historical Park 972.406.0184; Farmers Branch

Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas 972.444.8434; Las Colinas

River Road Chateau 972.567.1001; Anna

Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

South Garland Baptist Church 972.271.5428;Garland

Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas

Towering Oaks Ranch Resort 817.307.7376; Valley View

Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Old Warsaw Restaurant 214.528.0032; Uptown Dallas

WildHorse Grill at Robson Ranch 940.246.1080; Denton

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel 972.243.3363; Dallas

River Road Chateau 972.567.1001; Anna

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Dallas/Fort Worth Bride & Groom Winter 2015 Wedding Planner Volume XXV, Number 1 WWW.BRIDEANDGROOM.COM

Ariana Gown by Winnie Couture Fall 2015 collection

Winter 2015 $4.25

Display Until March Visit us online at www.brideandgroom.com

Five

Top Local Wedding & Reception Venues Hiring Vendors for your Big Day Brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

Essentials for the

Perfect

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Beautiful New Gowns cover photo by absolute photography