JANUARY 2015
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Ceremony Creative ways to make a memorable entrance ...........................................................................
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Did You Know? The timing of when a couple cuts the wedding cake can have a specific meaning. Long ago, the cake was usually cut at the very end of the reception and would signal to the guests that it was the end of the festivities. Today, cutting the cake is an unspoken signal that represents that the formal wedding is nearing a close, and guests who would like to leave can do so without worry of being rude. Many couples will cut the cake right after dinner as a courtesy to older guests who may want to get started on their trips home. This affords them the chance to make an earlier exit, rather than staying through the dancing that could extend into the wee hours of the night or missing the cake entirely. Cutting the cake mid-reception also serves another practical purpose for couples who are paying a photographer by the hour. Photographers typically go home after the cake-cutting, so a mid-reception cutting can save couples a substantial amount of money.
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How to Preserve Wedding Bouquets and Arrangements A bride’s gown may garner its share of attention come her wedding day, but floral arrangements also tend to impress guests. Fresh flowers make a wedding and the ensuing reception more inviting and appealing. According to The Knot.com, couples can expect to spend 8 percent of their wedding budget on flowers. For the average wedding, that equates to roughly $2,000 for various arrangements and bouquets. That can be a considerable expense for fragile flowers with a shelf life of only a day or two. But instead of tossing beautiful bouquets and other flowers into the garbage once the wedding day has come and gone, couples can employ various methods to preserve those impressive displays for years to come. Air drying One of the easiest ways to preserve flowers is to dry them out. This is best done by hanging blooms upside down so they will remain straight and not warp or wither while drying. Secure flowers in small bundles and hang from an out-of-the-way spot in a cool, dry area. The flowers may need to remain hanging for up to three weeks before they are completely dried out. After which, gently remove the flowers and arrange them in a vase or another container. Otherwise, reassemble a bouquet how it was and carefully display. Pressing Pressing is another way to preserve floral bouquets and arrangements. To press flowers, find a few heavy books to stack or another weighted object. Place the flowers between parchment paper or waxed paper and lay the heavy items on top. You also can place the flowers in tissue paper between the pages of a book so they are not jostled. Leave the blooms for a week or two and then check on them before putting them in a shadow box or photo frame. Chemical drying Silica gel, borax and regular sand can be used to dry and preserve flowers as well. These can be handy for people who desire to preserve an entire bouquet as-is. Silica gel is a desiccant commonly found in small packets inside of new shoes and purses. It also can be purchased at home improvement retailers and is used to dry out musty basements and other areas. Fill a deep container halfway with the silica gel or other drying material. Put in the bouquet and then gently add more product to the top of the flowers so they are completely submerged. Place a snug cover over the top of the container and let everything sit for about a week. Slowly the moisture will be absorbed from the flowers. Some people choose to spray dried flowers with a sealant to keep them looking nice longer. An all-purpose craft spray might work. You also can ask for recommendations from the florist who handled your arrangements, and that florist may even preserve the flowers for you for an additional fee.
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7 Tips for a Great Honeymoon A couple’s honeymoon is their first real chance to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle of wedding planning. Couples who want to make sure their first getaway as husband and wife goes off without a hitch might want to heed the following advice. 1. Start saving early. Honeymoons are expensive, so to afford the vacation of your dreams it’s wise to begin saving for the honeymoon as early as possible. It may be well worth it to compromise and make sacrifices in other areas to ensure you have enough funds for your dream honeymoon getaway. Do not expect cash gifts at your wedding to pay for your trip. If you do, you may be sorely disappointed when the time comes to take off. 2. Read online reviews. Online reviews can paint an accurate picture of a potential honeymoon destination. Look at vacationer-supplied photographs to see how the accommodations match up to the resort’s own marketing materials. You don’t want too many surprises, such as service fees, dirty rooms or a lack of beach amenities, to ruin your trip. 3. Plan at least one exciting outing. While on
your honeymoon, be sure to go on at least one adventure. Try an activity you have never done before, such as snorkeling, traveling a zip line or swimming with stingrays. 4. Pack early. After a long wedding day and reception spent dancing into the wee hours of the morning, you probably do not want to spend time packing. Pack your suitcases and travel essentials in advance of your wedding day so you have more time to sleep in before you depart for the airport. Also, remember not to over-pack. You want to have room for the souvenirs you purchase along the way. 5. Enjoy your surroundings. Put down the smartphone or tablet enough to truly enjoy your surroundings. A honeymoon is an opportunity to relax, and that may not be possible if you’re tied to your devices. Friends at home can wait for your status updates and wedding pictures. 6. Splurge on something expensive. Whether it’s an ultra-fancy dinner or an exotic souvenir, indulge. 7. Leave your itinerary open. After scores of wedding appointments and watching the clock, it’s nice to fly by the seat of your pants. _____________________
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How to Build a Wedding Registry Many once-popular wedding traditions have fallen by the wayside. But one wedding tradition that has withstood the test of time is the wedding registry. Couples about to tie the knot still build a wedding registry so their guests know what to buy them as wedding gifts. This saves guests the trouble of agonizing over what to buy the couple getting hitched and also ensures that couples won’t receive two or more of the same item. Building a registry can be fun, as couples can act like kids in a candy store and add items they might otherwise not be able to afford. But there is a method to building a registry that can ensure the process of giving and receiving gifts is comfortable and convenient for everyone involved. --Choose a national chain. Many stores will allow couples to establish a registry, but it behooves couples to choose a national chain or chains for their registry. A local boutique store might sell several items you would love to have, but that store may only be accessible to guests who live nearby, and such stores may be more expensive than larger national chains that can afford to charge less for similar products. Choosing a national chain ensures all of your guests will be able to access and purchase a gift from your registry, and make those purchases without breaking the bank. --Choose a store with an online presence. When choosing a store for your registry, it also helps to choose a store with an online presence that’s user-friendly. Ideally, pick an online retailer you have already had positive experiences with. This not only will make it easier for your guests, but also for you should you decide to return items down the road. --Choose more than one store. You also want to choose more than one store when building a registry. Some guests will prefer to shop in-store rather than online, so you want to give them some options so they don’t have to drive far
and wide to find the lone brick and mortar store for your registry. --Visit the stores and do your homework. Though some stores allow you to develop a registry entirely online, it still helps for couples to visit the store together and build their registries in the more traditional way. Visiting a store as opposed to browsing the store website allows you to touch and feel products, which can give you a more accurate idea of their quality. In addition to seeing the products in person, read online reviews of products before putting them on your registry so you can ensure you’re getting quality items. --Choose items that vary in price. Many couples are sheepish about putting expensive items on their registries. That’s not surprising, as the cost of attending a wedding, especially one that features lots of out-of-town guests, can be substantial. But some guests, such as the bride and groom’s parents and siblings, may want to give a more high-end gift, so don’t be afraid to include items in a range of prices, from the inexpensive to the more costly, on your registry. --Don’t abandon the registry after your big day. You won’t end up getting everything you include on your registry, but that doesn’t mean you should just forget about those items that never made their way into your home. Many retailers offer couples significant discounts on items from their registries that were never purchased, and those discounts may extend for as long as a year after the big day. Revisit your registry after the wedding to see if you can find great deals on those items you never received, and continue to do so until the registry expires. Building a registry can be a fun activity for couples about to tie the knot. But there are some guidelines to follow to make the process go smoothly for guests and couples alike.
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Make Your Engagement Bachelors in Fine Art/Photography Sam Houston State University Photo Shoot a Success Engagement photos vary depending on the couple. Often reserved for save-thedate cards and now commonly used to spruce up wedding websites, engagement photos can range from formal shoots in which couples are dressed to the nines to more laid back shots featuring couples in more everyday attire. When planning an engagement shoot, couples should give themselves carte blanche with regard to style, as the photo shoot need not follow many of the more accepted rules that the wedding itself will ultimately adhere to. Once couples have settled on a style for their photo shoot, there are additional ways to ensure the session is a success. --Find a photographer who shares your sensibilities. Photographers can vary greatly in style, and an engagement photo shoot will be most successful when couples find a photographer whose style matches the theme they are looking for with their photo shoot. You likely would not hire a nature photographer to photograph a basketball game, so don’t hire someone who specializes in posed shots if you want your photos to be more lively and spontaneous. Before you
hire anyone, ask for samples of each photographer’s work to be certain you’re getting someone who has experiencing shooting the type of photos you want to take. --Solicit ideas from the photographer. Some couples already know exactly where they want their engagement photos to be shot and which poses they want to be arranged. However, many couples have little or no experience with professional photo shoots, and such couples should solicit ideas from each photographer they are considering hiring. A skilled and/or seasoned photographer should propose several ideas. Be wary of photographers who offer little input, as you may ultimately be dissatisfied with their work once the shoot has come and gone.
Many engagement photos will never be seen by anyone other than the photographer and the couple he or she is shooting, so don’t be bashful during candid shots for fear of being embarrassed down the road. Have fun with the candid shots, and your other photos are likely to come out better as a result. An engagement photo shoot should be fun and reflect the personalities of the couple. A few simple strategies can ensure couples’ shoots accomplish both of those things.
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--Avoid studio shots. Many couples prefer their engagement photos be taken somewhere they have a personal connection to, such as the sight of their first date or a park they frequently visit. Studio photo shoots might provide the best lighting, but couples have no connection to such spaces, and down the road they may regret not taking the photos in someplace that’s a little more meaningful. In addition, a photo shoot outside the studio affords couples and their photographer more opportunities to experiment and improvise, which can produce a wider array of shots than a studio photo shoot is likely to deliver. --Don’t forget candid shots. Candid shots make the photo shoot more fun and loosen couples up a little bit.
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Be Smart About Wedding Beauty Preparation All eyes are on the bride and groom on their wedding day. Feeling beautiful and dapper can boost a couple’s confidence and ensure they look back on their wedding photographs and videos with pride. Certain beauty basics and makeup and hair strategies can help any bride look spectacular on her wedding day. The following are some dos and don’ts of wedding day beauty preparations. DO employ the services of a professional hairstylist and makeup artist. Professionals have the experience and tools of the trade to help you to look your best. From contouring to make your face seem slimmer to enlarging the appearance of small eyes, some tricks of the trade are best left to the pros. DON’T forget to schedule a trial run. Make this appointment several months before the wedding day so you have ample time to work with your stylists and experiment with colors and hair arrangements to fit your personality and the style of your gown. Take plenty of pictures and notes so you will remember what needs to be on hand for the wedding day. DO allot enough time for the wedding day beauty appointment. If you will be going to a salon, block out two or more slots instead of one. This way the stylist does not overbook and will not feel rushed. Many brides opt to have stylists come to their homes. There may be an extra charge for this service, but it may be well worth the cost. DON’T make any drastic changes to your appearance right before the wedding. This includes changing your hair color or texture, extreme tanning, using colored contact lenses, or chopping off all of your hair. It’s better to wait until after the wedding to change your style. DO bring a veil, headpiece, hair extensions, and any other accessories to your hair consult. This enables the stylist to practice working with these items. DON’T tweeze or wax brows too close to the start of the ceremony. Redness and swelling are common side effects of
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tweezing and waxing, and they can be difficult to mask with makeup. Instead, take care of hair removal a day or two prior to the wedding. DO exfoliate your skin prior to the wedding. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should endure a harsh fruit acid peel or another procedure. You can exfoliate with a gentle washing of your skin with a nubby washcloth to remove any dryness and errant flakes. Moisturize well to ensure a smooth palette for makeup application. DON’T wash or condition hair the day of the wedding. Intricate styles tend to stay better when hair has a little grip. “Dirty” hair is easier to work with than shiny, freshly washed locks. If you must wash, remember to thoroughly dry your hair before going to your appointment. DO wear a little extra makeup than you are accustomed to wearing because it will show up better in photos. However, do not wear so much that you look clownish. A makeup artist can help you achieve the right balance. DON’T have bridesmaids wear makeup that is bolder than yours, especially red lips. No one should upstage the bride. DO experiment with any products you haven’t used before to test for allergic reactions and see how well they wear. DON’T wear too much under-eye concealer or one that is too light of a shade. This can draw more attention to problem areas than remedy them. DO bring a pain relief medication in case a tight hairstyle or headpiece causes a headache. DON’T forget that men need a little help as well. Exfoliation and moisturizing can help dry skin. Guys should use a new razor and plenty of cream before shaving to avoid irritation. A dusting of finishing powder can banish shiny noses and foreheads for photo-ready faces. Chances are more photographs will be taken of a newlywed couple than at any other moment in their lives. Certain beauty dos and don’ts should be followed so couples put their best faces forward.
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Wedding Invitation and Postage Tips Whether a couple is planning a lavish wedding or a more low-key affair, the wedding invitations are an essential part of keeping guests informed about the big day. While couples can now share details of their wedding through email or even digital invitations, many still prefer to go the traditional route and send paper invitations. In addition to the cost of the invitations themselves, couples need to factor postage into their wedding budgets. It may not seem like much, but the cost of postage can add up quickly. The following are a few postage pointers for couples about to tie the knot. --Choose envelopes wisely. The size of your envelopes contributes to the cost of the postage necessary to mail your invitations. Postal services have specific size and shape parameters that govern postage. Envelopes that are oddly shaped or fall outside of these strict measurements are usually susceptible to additional postage charges. That’s because the envelope cannot run through standard sorting machinery and must be hand-processed.
--Consider the weight. Mailings that exceed one ounce will require additional postage, even if they are in standard envelopes. Invitations, with their various components and thick card stock, typically weigh more than one ounce. Never purchase postage in advance, as you will not know what the completed invitation costs prior to mailing. Always weigh the invitation with all inserts included to get an accurate estimate of postage. Then purchase stamps accordingly. --Get to know your local postal employee. Many postal employees, especially those who work at the smaller branches, grow accustomed to seeing the same customers over and over. They can be very helpful and good resources when it comes to saving money on postage. Strike up a conversation with the person behind the counter and ask advice on the best way to mail invitations and ensure they arrive looking beautiful. Choose an off-peak time so the postal employee can give you his or her full attention and will not feel rushed by a line forming behind you. The employee may suggest hand-canceling envelopes, which means the invitation will be
processed by hand rather than run through machinery to avoid damage.
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--Stamp the return envelope. Invitations typically include response cards that guests will send back to confirm if they will be attending the festivities. To facilitate the RSVP process, stamp the response card.
--Do a test run. You may want to send a complete invitation to yourself just to see how it arrives in the mail. This way you can check the level of damage and have an opportunity to make any changes, such as adding a piece of vellum to prevent ink from smudging or to place bows or adornments in another area.
--Prep invitations six to eight weeks in advance. Invitations should be mailed nearly two months prior to the wedding. This allows guests to plan and respond accordingly. --Double-check envelopes before sending. Ensure that postage is sticking well and that envelopes are well-sealed. In addition, verify that you have the most current addresses for recipients. If invitations get returned to sender, they can cost you even more time and money to resolve any issues. --Consider custom postage. The post office should carry several attractive options for wedding invitation stamps. However, you also may be able to go online and purchase custom postage that features a graphic or an
--Give your mail carrier a heads-up. Let your assigned mail carrier know that response cards will be on the way. They tend to be small and can get lost in among other letters and mail. A small token of gratitude, such as a gift card, for your mail carrier may ensure all of your response cards arrive. A wedding just isn’t the same without the guests. Make sure friends and family are well informed about the wedding by sending out invitations in advance and ensuring the proper postage will get those invites where they need to go.
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Guide to Choosing the Right Groomsmen Music Mistakes to Avoid Wedding guests are usually anxious to head to the reception, where they can let loose and party. Music is an essential component of a lively and fun wedding reception, and there are some musical miscues couples should look to avoid to ensure the music is not memorable for all the wrong reasons. --Blocks of silence: Nothing makes time seem interminable more than silence. Always have a constant flow of music to avoid awkward silences. This includes the time guests are waiting prior to the ceremony as well as when they’re entering the cocktail hour. Music will help everyone feel comfortable, and it creates a pleasing atmosphere, so make sure music plays throughout the festivities. --Second-guessing a professional: In an effort to curb costs, some couples provide their own playlists via an mp3 player or a streaming service for the music. This is often a mistake. Hiring a professional means you will not have to worry about managing music on top of your many other wedding day responsibilities. A band or deejay usually also serves as the emcee for the event, announcing key moments of the reception as well as getting guests up on the dance floor. --Playing only one type of music: Playing too many songs from one genre of music will alienate some of the guests who simply are not interested in that type of music. Professional deejays or performers know how to offer a great mix that will appeal to the masses, and they are often well worth the cost. Try to span different decades and genres to keep as many of your guests on the dance floor as possible. --Failure to make a song list: Some songs you may feel are essential to the wedding and others may be on a do-not-play list and are associated with negative memories. Band leaders and deejays are not mind readers. Give your band leader or deejay ample time to review your requests so that he or she has time to find a song that may not be in his or her collection. --Dancing to long songs: Pay attention to a song’s length, and choose spotlight dance songs wisely. Remember that guests will be watching you dance with parents or each other, and a five-minute song can seem never ending while others are waiting around. Avoid very long songs, as the mix of music should be upbeat. The wedding isn’t the time to play “American Pie” by Don McClean, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” or Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.”
Grooms-to-be face many decisions regarding their pending nuptials, but few may prove as delicate as choosing the groomsmen for the big day. Friends who expect to be groomsmen may be disappointed if they are not ultimately chosen, while brothers may feel left out if they are not asked to walk a bridesmaid up the aisle. Choosing groomsmen should not be taken lightly. Groomsto-be who are facing some difficult choices with regard to that decision can follow a few pointers to ensure they make the right call. --Pick a number. Before you even consider who you want your groomsmen to be, speak to your fiancé about how many bridesmaids she hopes to have. The number of groomsmen and bridesmaids typically matches, so your fiancé’s intentions may make your decision a lot easier. For example, if you have two brothers and several friends you’re considering, but your fiancé only intends to have a maid of honor and one bridesmaid, then you can just ask both of your brothers to serve as groomsmen. Friends are unlikely be offended if family members get the nod ahead of them, so discuss numbers with your fiancé before you begin trimming your list of candidates. If you already have an idea of who you want to be your groomsmen but your choices outnumber your fiancé’s, see if she has anyone else she can add to her party so no one is left out. --Choose the best man for the job. Many grooms pick a brother to serve as their best man, and while that’s a nice sentiment, it’s important that grooms recognize that being a best man carries with it some responsibility. A best man will organize the bachelor party, give a toast at the wedding and handle any post-wedding duties, such as returning the tuxes or arranging for the newlyweds’ transportation to the airport. If your brother is already incredibly busy or if you doubt he is up to the task of being a best man, then you might be better off asking him to be a groomsman and finding another best man who’s more capable of juggling the numerous responsibilities that come with being best man. --Don’t forget your fiancé’s family. While you should not feel pressured to pick anyone in particular as your best man, if your fiancé has any brothers, ask her if she had her heart set on including any of them in the bridal party. Some brides want their brothers to be groomsmen, so discuss this with your fiancé before asking anyone to line up beside you. This discussion can go both ways as well, as you can ask your bride-to-be to include a favorite sister in her bridal party if you so desire.
--Confirm their availability. When asking friends or family members to be groomsmen, it’s best to ensure they can actually make it to the ceremony. This is a concern for grooms who are planning a destination wedding or those getting married in their fiancé’s hometown and not their own, as some guests, including potential groomsmen, may not be able to afford to attend an overseas or faraway ceremony. When asking, explain the situation to them, and let them know you fully understand if they cannot commit to being a groomsman due to travel or financial concerns. Confirm their availability as soon as possible, as you don’t want to be down one groomsman come your big day. For those who you want • Aa Membe to be a groomsman but are unable to make it, it can be nice gesture to buy them a groomsmen gift as a token of your • Bridal Re appreciation for their friendship. Many grooms face difficult decisions when choosing their groomsmen. But there are ways to make such decisions a lotfor a easier than they may seem.
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--Inappropriate lyrics and volume: Keep the music at an acceptable volume, and avoid songs with suggestive language or curse words that are inappropriate in a family setting.
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Once wedding vows and rings have couples think it might be fun to have want their bridal party members to been exchanged, many couples join each member of the wedding party enter in a more traditional way before their friends and family to celebrate enter with a different song. Not only the newlyweds do something more Court Armetaledramatic and humorous. with a wedding reception. ManyArthur will this take a• Wilton lot of coordination brides and grooms eagerly await the on the part of the deejay, but it can --Include the entrance in your moment when they can make their make the entrance choppy as well. planning. If you want to follow a grand entrance to the reception, Introductions go & more smoothly certain theme, such as “Star Wars” Oneida •may Reed Barton, and over the years it has become if couples have the entire wedding or “Mission Impossible,” coordinate customary for couples to make a party enter to a particular song that in advance with a deejay or band 903-389-3018 bit of a splash when makingOXO their • revs up the crowd and gets them members. Talk about what, if any, Nordic-Ware • LeCreuset •www.accessoriesetcfairfield.com Henckel first appearance as husband and excited for the grand entrance. At props you plan to use and the type of wife. Some enter with a special the height of the song, the bride music that will be playing. If entrances song. Others prefer something a bit and groom will enter. The entrance involve choreography, be certain to Willow Tree Angels • Tyler Candles more theatrical. Explore these ideas typically segues into a couple’s first practice in advance of the wedding so for memorable wedding reception dance. everything will work out well and look entrances. --Go with people’s strengths. A professional. However, even stunts Infant - 9showcase mos. special that go awry can be entertaining and --Catch guests by surprise. couple may want to Wedding guests will probably expect skills as they enter the reception hall. funny for guests. the wedding party to enter through a There’s no limit to what couples can --Low-key entrances are certain door and the bride and groom do, from acrobatic techniques to tap acceptable, too. Couples who to follow afterward. An element of dancing to juggling. If it’s entertaining, aren’t into much fanfare should not surprise, such as the couple rising it very well may prove memorable. feel pressured to make an entrance from the floor or appearing from a --Make sure everyone is on board. with a dance routine or to have any different area in the reception hall, Couples should recognize that some stunning visual effects. If you want may not require a lot of planning members of the wedding party may a low-key introduction, arrange for but can have a dramatic effect. be uncomfortable acting like clowns such an entrance with the emcee. Unpredictable entrances also in front of a crowd. Do not force Wedding entrances are what a include unexpected song choices or anyone to participate in crazy antics couple makes of them, and they dramatic lighting to immediately draw if they do not want to. Find things can run the gamut from traditional everyone’s attention. each member of a wedding party introductions to theatrical skits and --Stick to one or two songs. Some feels comfortable doing. Couples may dance routines.
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January 28, 2015 www.FreestoneCountyTimes.com
Hidden Expenses that can Sink Your Wedding Budget In the days of yore, the responsibility of paying for a wedding fell to the bride’s parents. But that tradition has largely fallen by the wayside in recent years, when more and more couples have used their own savings to finance their weddings. Few couples enter the process of planning their weddings unaware of just how expensive weddings can get, but costs can easily begin to escalate if couples are not careful. Couples know that certain wedding expenses, such as the cost of booking a reception hall, will eat up a large portion of their budgets. But there are some hidden expenses that couples must build into their budgets to avoid finding themselves in debt as they walk down the aisle as husband and wife. --Taxes: Sales tax might not seem so significant when you’re buying everyday items, but the taxes add up quickly when paying for a wedding. Depending on where you live, state and local sales tax can exceed 9 percent in the United States, and some Canadians pay as much as 15 percent in combined sales taxes depending on where they live. Before signing contracts with any vendors, couples should get the price including sales tax written into their contracts, as failing to do so may result in a several thousand dollar surprise when the time to pay up arrives. --Gratuities: Gratuities are another potentially hefty expense that often takes engaged couples by surprise as they start to plan their weddings. Some reception halls build gratuities for staff into their estimates, and these tips for the staff can be as high as 25 percent at some venues. But even if gratuities for reception hall staff are already accounted for, don’t forget to include tips for additional vendors the day of the wedding. Couples may be expected to tip the florist, photographer, band or deejay and even the reception hall maitre d’ if his or her gratuity is not included in the aforementioned staff tip. Brides-to-be typically tip their hairstylist and makeup artist on the day of the wedding as well. --Postage: Couples who plan to invite guests via email or online invitations can skirt the cost of postage. But many couples still prefer traditional paper invitations, which include return envelopes that tradition suggests should also be stamped. Save-the-date cards have grown in popularity as well, and these cards must also be stamped and mailed. Depending on the size of your guest list, postage can cost several hundred dollars before you mail your last invitation. And don’t forget to save some money for postage to mail thank-you cards once the big day has come and gone. --Overtime: Overtime fees for reception hall staff and additional outside vendors are typically written into contracts, but few couples imagine needing more than the predetermined allotment of time noted in their contracts. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, as unanticipated events such as a misplaced wedding license or heavy traffic on the way to the venue can force the party to start late and thus extend past its deadline. Set aside some money for overtime so you don’t find yourselves scrounging for dollars or charging the extra few hundred dollars on your credit cards. Weddings are expensive, and even more so when hidden fees start to make their presence felt. Couples who build such fees into their budgets will find it easier to avoid breaking the bank than those who don’t.
Choosing a Wedding Photography Package --Engagement photoshoot: Couples who want to do an engagement photoshoot may want to negotiate such a shoot into their photography package. Some agencies include engagement shoots in their packages while others do not. If the engagement photoshoot is on your list of needs, then look for an agency that provides such services as part of its packages or agencies willing to include the engagement photoshoot for free or for an added fee. --Party size: The number of people on the guest list should factor into your choice of wedding photographer. If your guest list is especially large, then you might want to consider hiring two or more photographers to document the day. Many agencies offer separate packages for couples who want one photographer and couples who prefer two or more photographers, so it pays to examine the price differences between such packages to see if more than one photographer can fit into your budget. Couples with relatively small guests lists can typically get by with just a single photographer to document their ceremonies and receptions. --Travel: When discussing a wedding photography package, ask how much travel is included in the package. This is important for couples whose ceremonies are in a separate location from their receptions. If the distance between the ceremony site and the reception venue is considerable, you may have to pay extra for the photographer to travel between both sites. While a reasonable amount of travel is typically included in a photography package, it’s best that you confirm this prior to signing an agreement.
The Many Ways to Recycle or Repurpose a Wedding Gown Brides want to look their best on their wedding days. In addition to professional hairstyling and makeup, many brides invest in extravagant wedding gowns. Estimates suggest the average wedding gown costs $2,000. Brides who indulge by purchasing a designer dress can pay upward of $5,000 for their gowns. But even the most expensive dress will only be worn once by the blushing bride. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways brides can reuse or recycle their wedding gowns. Heirloom One of the easiest ways to get more from your gown is to pass it down to another bride after your wedding day. Brides frequently save and preserve their gowns with the intent of passing it down as an heirloom to a daughter or another family member. Maintain the beauty of the gown by hiring a professional dry cleaner or wedding gown preservation service to treat and package the gown before storing it for some lucky lady’s future use. Religious outfit If you feel the style of the gown won’t keep up with the times, the fabric of the gown can be repurposed into a baptismal outfit or a communion dress or suit. Christian children are welcomed to the faith in white clothing, which is a symbol of purity and cleansing of sin. Seamstresses can fashion beautiful dresses or suits from original wedding gowns. Play clothes Many little girls and boys like to play dress-up. And rather than have a gown sitting in the closet, use it to make play clothes for little ones. The gown can be turned into a dress for a fairy princess or an ice queen. Ornaments or favors Lace from gowns can be turned into doilies, accents on other clothing, undergarments or decorative pieces for the home. A lace-covered lampshade can be a creative way to commemorate your wedding day for years to come. Art Use the gown as a background for artwork. Simply stretch it across a wooden frame and staple on the back. You then have a handy canvas at the ready. Nursery dÊcor Decorate a baby’s nursery with a portion of the wedding dress, which can be turned into a crib skirt or pillow. The dress can also be used to create frilly curtains. A white dress will blend with just about any pattern. Anniversary tablecloth Measure out the length of a dining table, and cut and sew the gown into a special occasion tablecloth. Take it out each year on your anniversary. Stuffed animals Present children with cozy friends that they can love for years. Cut out a pattern for a bunny or bear and use it to craft a stuffed toy from the gown. Visit a local craft shop for stuffing fill and buttons for eyes. Donation Some less fortunate people cannot afford a gown. Work with a church or shelter and find out where you can donate the gown to be used by someone who normally would not wear something so lavish.
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Theater prop Many plays and musicals feature wedding scenes. An upstart theater company may benefit from having a wedding gown in their costume department. Handkerchief Cut out a piece of the gown and sew the hem. Offer it as the “something old� or “something borrowed� for a loved one’s wedding. Wedding gowns do not need to be relegated to a closet once a bride has said “I do.� Turn that dress into something useful for years to come.
-Wedding-
January 28, 2015 www.FreestoneCountyTimes.com
Transportation Tips: Getting to and from Your Wedding Transportation can be easily overlooked when couples plan their weddings. Couples may recognize they may have to hire a car or limousine to get them to their ceremonies and then their receptions, but what happens when the limousine calls it a night? While some couples immediately depart for their honeymoons after saying good-bye to their wedding guests, many build a day in between the wedding and honeymoon, giving them a chance to rest, take stock of their wedding gifts and finish packing. That leaves the question of how a couple will return home from the reception or get to the airport. The best man may offer to drive the bride and groom where they need to go. But if the best man is from out of town, he may not have a chariot awaiting to escort the newly christened husband and wife to the airport. As a result, all members of the wedding party should discuss their post-wedding travel plans in advance. Any person who will be arriving in a hired car will need to make arrangements to have their own vehicle available at the end of the wedding or be able to call a taxi or car service to get a safe ride home. Some wedding party members may decide to park a car at the reception site or a hotel the day prior to the wedding so they will have a return ride. It’s also a good idea to ask friends or family members who are not in the bridal party for a ride home. Safety is an utmost concern after the wedding. Even if wedding party members have a car available, no one should drive when intoxicated. Couples may want to include the phone number of a local taxi service in their hotel gift bags just to be safe.
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Did You Know?
Origins of the Word: Honeymoon There are various theories as to the origin of the word “honeymoon.” One such theory suggests the word traces its origins to the Old English phrase “hony moone,” which suggests the honeymoon was initially steeped in cynicism. “Hony” is a reference to honey and, the theory suggests, refers to the strong feelings of affection and sweetness newly married couples harbor and display for each other. However, “moone” is a reference to how fleeting this period of time is and how it is likely to change as quickly as the moon changes. One rosier theory as to the origin of the word “honeymoon” suggests the word dates back to the fifth century, when calendars were based on the moon cycle. During this period, newly married couples drank mead (which accounts for the “honey”) throughout their first month of marriage (or for a full cycle of the moon), as mead was a beverage many believed to be an aphrodisiac.
Modern Trends
Some videographers will edit portions of the ceremony and preparations for the big day in the time between the ceremony and reception. This gives all guests, including those who may not have been able to make the ceremony, the chance to view the nuptials. --Unobtrusive technology: This trend relates to the equipment used to capture wedding memories rather than the actual finished product. No one wants their view of the ceremony or reception to be marred by a big, bulky camera. Smaller video cameras enable videographers to seamlessly blend in and perhaps capture shots that larger cameras could not. Preserving wedding memories takes on new meaning when couples explore the growing collection. However, few trends in wedding videos. people want the stark reality _____________________ of a high-definition camera that highlights every flaw. --Film chapters: Dividing segments of the video into different chapters allows viewers to fast forward to the parts they want to see and pass those they can skip. This saves the hassle of having to watch the video in its entirety. --Cinematic styling: Instead of a stationary camera on a tripod, this method of filming incorporates different angles and close-up shots to give the video a modern feel. It’s shot more like a movie than a documentary, allowing viewers to feel as though they’re really experiencing the event. --Artistic, indy feel: Film buffs may want a wedding video that breaks the mold. Ask videographers to create something that would fit in at the Sundance or Tribeca film festivals. --Same-day editing: Want to revisit the ceremony at your wedding reception?
in Wedding Videography A couple’s wedding day is often a whirlwind for the bride- and groom-tobe. Happy couples hope to remember every little detail, but that can be difficult when so much is going on. That is why many brides and grooms hire videographers to preserve the memories of their weddings. A professional videographer can be a wise investment. Today’s wedding videos have come a long way from their poorly produced predecessors. Gone are the potentially cheesy soundbites and elevator music. Many of today’s videos are artfully edited and highly cinematic productions that could have couples wishing they were viewing videos in theaters. The following are some wedding video trends popular among today’s couples. --Brief clips and highlights: Few people want to sit through their entire wedding day frame-by-frame. Montages of key elements of the day are much more popular than a chronological unfolding of the ceremony and reception. Some videographers like to show snippets of what’s to come at the start of the wedding video, then go into more extensive segments later on. --Special filters or film: Filters and lighting effects can give a wedding video an entirely different feel. For example, filming in 8mm can lend a grainy touch to the video and make it seem ethereal or even part of a home movie
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-Wedding-
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January 28, 2015 www.FreestoneCountyTimes.com
Hot Trends in Wedding Cuisine Once a couple has officially tied the knot, the newly recognized man and wife and all of their guests will retire to a party room where they can mingle, dance and enjoy a good meal. In the past, standard fare like prime rib and roasted chicken dominated wedding menus. But today’s weddings cater to people of various culinary tastes, and couples and their
guests can expect more upscale and creative cuisine to be rolled out for wedding receptions. The following are a handful of the more popular trends with regard to wedding cuisine. Miniature bites Many people say good things come in small packages, and when it comes to miniature versions of favorite foods, they may be right. Instead
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of large meals that fill guests up fast, they can munch on smaller bites of their favorite dishes. How about a piece of meatloaf topped with whipped mashed potatoes? A cherry tomato with a small piece of mozzarella cheese makes a mini caprese salad. Turning favorite foods into bite-sized adventures can add a touch of whimsy to the reception. Breakfast for dinner Some couples are circumventing high price tags for their weddings by choosing to hold the festivities at less expensive times of day. Brunch-themed weddings are a big hit with those who would much rather dine on a stack of pancakes than a dish of pasta. Omelet stations, croissants and a bevy of other breakfast table fare can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Dim sum Dim sum allows guests to sample different foods without filling up. Carts of dumplings and other small plates of appetizers can be wheeled around so everyone can choose what they want and what they want to avoid. Gourmet comfort food People love familiar comfort foods, but now gourmet comfort foods are shaking up wedding receptions. Macand-cheese with gouda and brie or chicken pot pie with a puff-pastry crust are a few offerings that can add glamour to down-home cooking. Food with a show Instead of passed foods or buffet stations, couples are opting to make food an experience for guests. An oyster bar with a chef serving fresh seafood or a dessert master whipping up flambŽ
is a feast for the eyes and mouth. Interesting buffet stations Keep guests on their toes with various meal stations. A bountiful display of artisanal cheeses, fruits and breads will be a cheese lover’s dream. These stations also can be appetizing focal points around the room and ensure all guests get a bite of what they like best. Family style Rustic and informal weddings have grown in popularity. Rather than food being brought to the guests or participants lining up in buffet lines, family-style dining allows guests to share conversation and pass the peas at the same time. Larger, rectangular tables allow more guests to sit with one another and serve themselves food from
community plates located in the center of the tables. Food and beverage pairings Food-forward wedding couples are offering guests mouthwatering appetizers matched with a cocktail. A slider and a craft beer or a dumpling and a shot of saki are examples of this trend. Nontraditional “fake” cakes Instead of a multi-tiered cake or the cupcake fad that is starting to fizzle, couples are now opting for something new. Desserts that mimic the look of cake, but aren’t quite that combination of sponge and frosting are trending. Crepes, pies, cookies, and doughnuts are acceptable and can add a creative spark to the cake-cutting ceremony. When offered along with dessert stations, guests can certainly get their fill of sweet delights. Vegan and gluten-free options Chances are one or more people attending the reception will be on a restricted diet. Rather than relegate these guests to dining on side dishes and patchwork meals, certain couples are building entire offerings around vegan and gluten-free foods. Couples are getting creative with their food and beverage offerings at their weddings. Guests never know which culinary wonders they will encounter as they gather to wish the newlyweds well. _____________________
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