2010 Wedding Planner - Texarkana Area

Wedding planner

2010

A guide

to your

dreAm Wedding

t e x a r k a n a

,

,

contents

contents

table of CONTENTS getting STARTED The Plan

the LOOK The Dress

4 19 The Invite The Flowers 12 25 The Registry The Photography 14 29 The Guests The Videography 17 31 The Ring 32

the EVENT

THE JOURNEY

The Location

35 Catering 38 The Cake 40 Music 43

The Honeymoon

45 After the Honey46moon DIRECTORY

FREEZE FRAME PHOTOBOOTH

Putting your reception in the SPOTLIGHT

903.691.9046 903.244.2391 freezeframephotobooth@yahoo.com

Freeze Frame www.sayfreeze.com wedding receptions. corporate events. birthday parties. family reunions. fundraisers. weddingplannerco.com | 2010 | THE WEDDING PLANNER | texarkana | 3

the plan

getting STARTED

Bride Wedding Date Number of Guests Rings (p. 32)...........................................................................

Invitations/Stationery (p. 12).............................................

Church Fee..............................................................................

Marriage License...................................................................

Photo/Videography (p. 29/31)........................................

Bridal Gown/Accessories (p. 21)...................................

Tuxes..........................................................................................

Flowers (p. 25)......................................................................

Wedding/Reception Music (p. 43)................................

Transportation.........................................................................

Reception Hall........................................................................

Decorations..............................................................................

Rental Items.............................................................................

Food/Drinks (p. 38)............................................................

Cake (p. 40)...........................................................................

Wedding Night & Honeymoon (p. 45).........................

GRAND TOTAL......................................................................

BEFORE you say “I do” Before you say, “I do,” you need to make sure you know your potential mate well. You can probably learn a great deal about them just by noting how they live their life. But whether it’s by observing or by discussing, you want to make sure you have a clear picture of their character, their lifestyle and their expectations. Here are some questions to get you started. The answers can help you determine in what areas you mesh, and what areas are “red flags.”

LIFESTYLE • Are they a morning person or a night person?

• Are they neat or messy? Do they pick up after themselves?

• How often will they want to go out socially as a couple, on their own, or with their friends?

• How much TV do they watch?

• Do they want to live in the same town or are they open to relocating?

• Do they want to live in the city, the country or the suburbs?

CHILDREN

Groom Wedding Location Number of Wedding Party BUDGET

ACTUAL

$

$

$

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$

$

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$

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$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

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$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

• Do they want children?

FAITH • What are their religious beliefs?

FINANCIAL • Do they have debt? What kind of debt? Credit card debt?

Student loans? Car loans?

• Who will handle the bill paying in your marriage?

ETHICS AND CHARACTER • How would they describe a person of good character?

• Are they willing to do hard work or do they want instant success and quick money?

PERSONALITY TRAITS • Do they have a quick temper?

• Are they open to discussing sensitive subjects or do they get defensive and withdraw?

• Do they hold a grudge or are they forgiving?

• Do they criticize others — pointing out their flaws and shortcomings?

If you would like to attend a workshop where you talk and discuss some of these and other important relationship issues.

Contact 903-232-1700 or go to wevownow.com

4 | texarkana | THE WEDDING PLANNER | 2010 | weddingplannerco.com

Bride

the plan

Bride

All eyes on the

Bridal Specials • 30% off all packages • Wedding Botox Parties • Red Carpet Facial • Gift Certificates

COUNTDOWN TO

C

the big day

Congratulations! You’re in love and you’re planning to get married! Planning a wedding--whether big or small--is a big task. It is smart to begin early so you are not rushed.

Services • Massages • Laser Hair Removal • Microdermabrasion • Lipo-Ex • Laser Services • LED Lightwave Therapy • Chemical Peels • Dermal Fillers • Botox • Fractional CO2 Laser

9-12 MONTHS before wedding

 Pick your Wedding date now! Wedding dates can be booked years in advance; be sure to have a date in mind when you looking at venues.  Share the news, by announing your engagement in local newspapers.  Sit down with the groom to discuss the budget and each other’s ideas or expectations for the wedding, reception, and parties.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Wedding planners would be ideal, however, if your budget does not allow, be sure to ask friends or family members to help with specific tasks.  With the groom, start getting the guest list ready. Be sure that the out-of-town guest have plenty of time to make travel plans.  Reserve the reception venue.  Choose your attendants. (continued on page 6)

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renewmedicalspa.net weddingplannerco.com | 2010 | THE WEDDING PLANNER | texarkana | 5

the plan (continued from page 5)  Time to pick out your wedding gown, shoes, and accessories.

 Choose the readings for your wedding and write your wedding vows.

 Start shopping for bridesmaids’ dresses.

 Plan the rehearsal dinner and reserve the location.

 Determine what type of theme you want with the food, table settings, flowers and entertainment.

 Start arranging hotel accommodations for members of the wedding party and guests who live out of town. Inquirer about group discounts, special packages and block room availablity.

 Begin interviewing and getting written estimates for caterers, musicians, florists, photographers, videographers, and bakers.

 Reserve all wedding-day transportation and wedding-day rental needs.

6 MONTHS

 Make appointments for all gown and tuxedo fittings.  Check your state requirements for obtaining marriage license.

before wedding

 Time to select the caterer. Be sure to get a written contract.

 Complete all contracts and finalized all arrangements with every service provider.

 Reserve the music entertainment.

3 MONTHS before wedding

 Book your photographer and/or videographer.

 Be a good host. Design a map and include venue driving

 Select the baker and order your cake.

directions for your guests.

 Choose a florist.

 Begin working on all invitations and announcements. Invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks prior to the wedding.

 Decide on your color scheme.  Start shopping for wedding rings.  Pick out your ideal honeymoon destination, and work with a travel agent to book your travel accomodations.  Select the wedding invitations. Be sure to have personal stationery ready for thank-you notes.

4 MONTHS before wedding

 Register for bridal gifts.  Ensure both mothers are shopping for their dress.  Select specific music for your ceremony and reception.

 Give the caterer an estimated number of guests to ensure enough food is ordered.  Confirm honeymoon reservations.  Check with bridesmaids have received their gowns and made the necessary adjustments.  Start shopping for bridesmaids’ gifts, and offer to help the groom select gifts for his attendants too.  Make an appointment to have formal portraits taken by your photographer.  Make an appointment to have your hairstylist for the photo session and again before your wedding. Consider arranging a spa day for your bridesmaids before your wedding. (continued on page 8)

6 | texarkana | THE WEDDING PLANNER | 2010 | weddingplannerco.com

M J

icah’s ewelers

2812 Richmond Road | 903.735.2336 | micahsjewelers.com

the plan (continued from page 6)

2 MONTHS before wedding

 Mail out wedding invitations.

 Confirm dates and times of flower deliveries.  Confirm transportation arrangements.  Start making plans for change of names and change of dresses.

ad-

 Take wedding portraits.

 Discuss with your photographer the type of formal and candid shots you expect to be taken at the event.

 Submit the bridal portrait and your wedding announcement to local news papers.

 Discuss creative ideas with the videographer.

 Finalize music for the wedding ceremony.

2 WEEKS before wedding

 Meet with the musicians to plan out exactly what you expect for your reception: preferences, volume, favorite songs, and even songs you don’t want to hear.

 Keep writing thank-you notes for incoming gifts.

 Plan your rehearsal dinner.

 Pick up rings.

 Purchase all special accessories for your wedding-day attire.

 Start packing for honeymoon.

 Plan a luncheon for your bridesmaids.

1 WEEK

 Make all appointments for your beauty services: hair, makeup, and nails.  Finalize honeymoon plans. Double check to make sure your passport is up-to-date and that you have all required documents for travel.  Gather necessary birth or baptismal certificates that may be required to obtain the marriage license.

before wedding  Time for final checks with all your vendors; officiant, musicians, florist, photographer, videographer, transportation provider, caterers and baker.  Ask a friend to take charge of gifts that need to be brought to the reception and those that need to be delivered to your home.  Have bridal gifts ready for the rehearsal dinner.

1 MONTH before wedding

 Purchase travelers’ checks and reconfirm honeymoon travel.

 Get your wedding license

 Take care of all the financial obligations to the service providers.

 Schedule a final fitting of your gown and make sure your attendants have theirs.

 Relay the confirmed number of guests to the caterer. Confirm hotel accommodations for guests.

 Double check menu selections and service plans with the caterer.

1 DAY

before wedding

 Keep track of wedding gifts has they arrive.  Write thank-you notes daily.  Make a seating plan and place cards for the dinner reception.

 Relax!  Traditionally, this day is for your rehearsal ceremony and rehearsal dinner. (continued on page 10)

8 | texarkana | THE WEDDING PLANNER | 2010 | weddingplannerco.com

Fairytale Memories Created at

S B W

Storybook Weddings

By Appointment

www.storybookweddingsvenue.com

(903) 832-7990

4031 New Boston Rd Texarkana, Texas

the plan (continued from page 8)

THE DAY!  Allow enough time for dressing, makeup, and hair.  If you plan on photography before the ceremony, allow plenty of time, an hour or two, so that you are not in a rush.  Enjoy your special day. Do not let small stuff stress you out.

This is the day you will remember for the rest of your life.

d www.weddingplannerco.com | 903.200.6006

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10 | texarkana | THE WEDDING PLANNER | 2010 | weddingplannerco.com

2011

the plan BRIDESMAIDS/GROOMSMEN

WEDDING PARTY

roles

MAID/MATRON OF HONOR The maid/matron of honor plans the bridal shower, helps the bride write and address invitations and other correspondence; helps the bride dress before the wedding; holds the groom’s wedding ring; helps make sure the bride’s dress is positioned correctly; arranges veil and holds bouquet during ceremony; holds the bride’s flowers; and signs the marriage certificate.

USHERS Ushers seat guests; distribute programs at the ceremony, and escort the groom’s parents and bride’s mother to the front row.

BEST MAN The best man organized the bachelor party; holds the bride’s wedding ring; signs the marriage certificate; gives officiant honorarium; toasts the couple at the reception; and returns the groom’s tuxedo to rental location.

RING BEARER The ring bearer walks down the aisle with the flower girl.

FLOWER GIRL The flower girl walks immediately before the bride, usually carrying a basket of flowers.

GUEST BOOK ATTENDANT The guest book attendant looks after the guest book and accepts wedding gifts on behalf of the couple.

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the invite Decide on a budget. { Step 5 } Pick a theme for the invitations and place an order with a merchant.

Tip: stay with standard sizes to save a bundle. { Step 6 } Hire a designer to create a custom invitation or announcement if you don’t find the standards appealing. He or she will be able to create unique, fun, elegant or whimsical looks to meet your theme.

Inviting

DESIGNS

F

From traditional to contemporary, invitations make a statement. They are ther first impression given to your guests, and they hint at the design of your wedding. Choosing invitations can be an overwhelming         

 

 





 

{ Step 7 } Explore printing effects. options. process, but here is some helpful Traditional engraving, elegant letterpress, and relatively inexpensive advice. thermography are all classy extras.

However, plain offset printing with { Step 1 } Start desiging wedding invitations as black ink is the least expensive. soon as you’ve reserved the date { Step 8 } and location, at least five months ahead of time. Invitations should be Proofread. Proofread. Proofread. mailed four to six weeks before the Then have fresh eyes read it too. wedding. { Step 9 } Consider hiring a calligrapher to ad{ Step 2 } “Save the date” cards need to be dress the envelopes for achieving mailed three to six months ahead beautiful extra attention to detail. for guests who will be traveling in A professional may charge $6 or $7 per envelope. from out of town. { Step 3 } Finalize the guest list to determine how many invitations you will need.

Print 20 to 30 extra invitations and envelopes in case of late additions or accidents.

{ Step 10 } Be thrifty. There is no rule stating you have to have more than one envelope. Save money by using just one outer envelope and enclosing a prestamped RSVP postcard.

{ Step 4 }

12 | texarkana | THE WEDDING PLANNER | 2010 | weddingplannerco.com

the invite OPTION 1 Invitation Shop Contact Address Phone Price Date Ordered Arrival Date Style Ink Color Paper Color Quantity Price Wording

INVITATION

checklist

d

w w w.cristilyndesigns .com { mention this ad & get 10% off }

OPTION 2 Invitation Shop Contact Address Phone Price Date Ordered Arrival Date Style Ink Color Paper Color Quantity Price Wording

{

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invitation designs: wedding save the date showers bachelorette parties thank you notes

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weddingplannerco.com | 2010 | THE WEDDING PLANNER | texarkana | 13

the registry

WEDDING GIFTS you’ll enjoy

Creating Your Wedding Registry

R

Receiving wedding gifts is always a lot of fun, but even more if they are the gifts you actually want!

It is very important to register for bridal gifts, and make people aware of the stores where you have registered.

This is a win-win situation; not only do you make things easier for your guests by creating a wedding registry but also for yourself. You will receive only things you really want and you won’t end up with six of the same thing. Here are some things to Most people find it difficult to choose a wedding keep in mind when creating your wedding registry. gift for a couple. Worrying about things like whether the couple will like it, can it be exchanged, and 1} Create your wedding registry with a store that similar things can make the shopping expedition has a wide variety of things. A large and popular quite tiresome. You can make things much easier store like Dillard’s is a good option to create your for your guests by creating a wedding registry. wedding registry with.

{

TIMING is everything

Begin registering at least 2 months before a wedding shower, to allow time for you to think through the items you need. Don’t rush!

2} Let your guests know about your wedding registry at least 2 months in advance. If a guest has already bought you a gift, it is highly unlikely that she would buy another one from your wedding registry.

3} Ensure that you have gifts in your wedding registry from a wide price range. Choosing only high priced wedding gifts as part of your wedding registry could be considered to be in bad taste.

4} Create a wedding registry with a store that allows you to merge the registry online and offline.

This will make it easy for guests from out of town

14 | texarkana | THE WEDDING PLANNER | 2010 | weddingplannerco.com

the registry to shop for you.

5} Ensure that your wedding registry includes items that can be easily shipped. While most guests are willing to spend on the wedding gift itself, if they have to pay extra for shipping and handling they may not be so excited about it.

6} When creating your wedding registry make sure you specify your name as well as that of your spouse.

numbers

10

19billion

dollars are spent annually buying presents at registries

percent discount is available at some retailers for registry items remaining after the wedding

2-4

the average number of stores at which couples register

12

the ideal number of place settings for which a couple should register

{

7} Creating a wedding registry online has many benefits. The online wedding registry keeps track of who bought you what. Also, you can email thank you notes directly from the website.

THE

8} You can also create multiple wedding registries with different stores. However, be careful that the items you choose do not overlap since there is no way you can integrate different stores into one wedding registry.

Creating a wedding registry is as easy as cake. In addition, it saves you and your guests a whole lot of trouble. If you want to get wedding gifts of your choice (and not another toaster!), create your wedding registry today. You’ll be glad you did, and so will your guests.

Lane’s

720 Realtor Ave Texarkana, Arkansas 870.773.2123

Gifts & Collectibles

Lenox | Noritake | Waterford | Vera Wang by Wedgwood Mikasa | Spode | Vietri | Wilton Armetale & Whimsical Items Galore weddingplannerco.com | 2010 | THE WEDDING PLANNER | texarkana | 15

the registry

REGISTRY checklist FORMAL DINNERWARE  8-12 Place Settings (setting should include dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread and butter plate, teacup and saucer)  Accent Plates  Pasta/Soup Bowls  Sugar Bowl and Creamer  Serving Bowls  Serving Platters FORMAL CRYSTAL (same quantities as your china)  Water Goblets  Wine Glasses  Champagne Flutes  Iced Beverage Glasses BARWARE (same quantities as your china)  Highball Glasses  Double Old-Fashioned Glasses  Brandy Glasses

include dinner fork, salad fork, tablespoon, teaspoon, and knife)  Butter Knives  Serving Utensils  Soupspoon  Cold Meat Server EVERYDAY DINNERWARE  8-12 Place Settings (setting should include dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, soup/cereal bowl and mug)  Cereal Bowls  Sugar Bowl and Creamer  Salt and Pepper Shakers  Serving Bowls  Serving Platters EVERYDAY CRYSTAL & GLASSWARE (same quantities as everyday ware)  Tall Beverage Glasses  Juice Glasses

EVERYDAY FLATWARE SILVER  8-12 Place Settings  8-12 Place Settings (setting should  Serving Set

 Hostess Set  Entertainment Set KITCHENWARE  Blender  Hand Mixer  Waffle Iron  Rice Cooker/Vegetable Steamer  Toaster/Toaster Oven  Food Processor  Juicer  Coffee and Tea Makers  Sauce Pans  Sauté Pans  Stockpot/Dutch Oven  Tea Kettle  Steamer/Double Broiler  Wok/Stir Fry Pan  Casserole Dishes  Grill/Griddle  Cake and Pie Pans  Pizza Pans  Lasagna/Baking Pans  Bread Pans  Knife Set  Roasting Pans  Cookie Sheets  Muffin Pans  Measuring Cups and Spoons  Mixing Bowls  Cooking and Serving Utensils  Dishtowels  Hot Pads  Canisters  Colander BED AND BATH  Sheet Set  Comforter  Bedskirt  Blankets  Pillows  Towels  Bath Rugs  Shower Curtains

16 | texarkana | THE WEDDING PLANNER | 2010 | weddingplannerco.com

the guests

WEDDING guests GUESTS

Y/N

GUESTS

Y/N

GUESTS

Y/N

weddingplannerco.com | 2010 | THE WEDDING PLANNER | texarkana | 17

the LOOK styles for the big day

18 | texarkana | THE WEDDING PLANNER | 2010 | weddingplannerco.com

the dress

Dress Available at Traditions 4038 Summerhill Square, Texarkana 903.793.1570

the dress

Dress Available at Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane, Texarkana 903.838.3886

the dress

M

dream wedding dress

Many brides have had visions of wearing a wedding gown since they were little girls. Whatever their vision - from a fairy princess to a sleek starlet - choosing the perfect wedding gown can be hard work. We will show you the steps involved to making your dream gown a reality.

You Will Need:

The A-line (or Princess) silhouette is the most popular silhouette - it flatters just about everyone. It can make shorter brides appear taller, and help hide larger hips because of the way the fabric flares over them, rather than hugging them. The A-line can also add feminine curves to a straight figure.

{

CHOOSING YOUR

dress SHAPES

BALL GOWN: A fitted bodice and a waistline that leads to a very full skirt EMPIRE: A high waistline that falls to a slim skirt

A-LINE/PRINCESS: Vertical seams that flow to a flared skirt (creating an A=shape) SHEATH: A silhouette that closely follows the line of the body

MERMAID: A fitted dress through the bodice, down through the hips and to about mid or lower calf where the skirt flares out

The Ball Gown silhouette offers a classic, elegant, Cinderella look - great on  your wedding style average-height to tall brides. It’s espe  your wedding date cially good at concealing large hips as  your wedding budget it draws the eyes up from the lower ber what you liked about each one. body to the bodice.

STEP 1: Pick Your Style Remember to wear undergarments, Your wedding gown should mirror The Mermaid silhouette, sometimes shoes, and a hair style similar to what your ceremony and reception. Will the called the fit-and-flare, hugs the body you plan to wear on your wedding wedding be a formal evening? Or an to just past the hips where it flares out day. Skip the makeup, and the lipstick. informal afternoon outdoor wedding to a full hemline. If you want to show Cosmetics may damage the gowns. in nature? These decision will help you off your perfect figure, these gowns Here’s an insider’s tip: visit bridal salons pick out the appropriate dress. are great, as they leave little room for on weekdays rather than weekends when the stores are busy. imagination.

STEP 2: Find Your Favorites Look through bridal magazines and The Empire Waist silhouette has a STEP 5: Zero In On Your Favorites cut out pictures of the gowns you like. small bodice, and a high waist, which Difficult as it may be, narrow down Make a scrap book of your favorites. begins just under the bust line. The your choices. If you fall in love with Check out the wedding gown sites Empire make petite brides look taller a dress, buy it! You’ll be disappointonline as well, such as theknot.com and bustier, and de-emphasizes a thick ed when it’s gone. And, do tell your or weddingchannel. com. Find bridal waist. salesperson that your wedding gown gown salons in your area, that you budget is less than what it actually is. want to visit.

The Sheath silhouette is an elegant, It’s their job to persuade you to buy straight - fitted gown, often floor- above your budget.

STEP 3: Understanding Gown Ba- length. It’s flattering to tall and thin sics brides, but also makes petite brides STEP 6: Close The Deal The anatomy of a wedding gown boils look taller.

Ask the store about the dress’s manudown to six main categories: silhoufacturer and how long it will take to ette, neckline, sleeve, train, fabric, and STEP 4: Try On Some Gowns get the dress after it’s ordered. Inquire color. The gown’s silhouette is by far Visit local stores and see how the about the store’s payment policies. the most important as it determines dress looks off the hanger, in real life. Get a written estimate for alterations. the overall shape of the gown. And as Be sure to take along a close friend Make sure to get everything in writing. each silhouette flatters different body or family member whose advice you Paying with a credit card, not a debit types, it’s vital to choose the right silrespect. Don’t try on too many dresses card, can protect you in case somehouette for your figure. in one day. Take notes when you are thing goes wrong with your purchase. trying on the gowns, so you’ll rememweddingplannerco.com | 2010 | THE WEDDING PLANNER | texarkana | 21

the dress

bridesmaid STYLE

S

So, you’ve figured out who will be the lucky bridesmaids- that’s the easy part. Finding outfits you and your bridesmaids are happy with is the tricky part, but don’t worry, we have some tips.

Traditions

Bridesmaids no longer have to be unhappily forced to squeeze into matching gowns that were tossed into their wardrobes after the wedding, never to be worn again.

Bridal

These days, the rules have changed. Brides are choosing less formal but more fashionable outfits for their bridesmaids. Dresses are now available that can be worn to other events, not just the wedding.

& Formal

OPTIONS When it comes to shopping for bridesmaids’ outfits there are a few options. You can choose gowns – either matching or in the same fabric but different styles; buy the fabric and have them made by a dressmaker; or buy an evening or cocktail dress from a fashion boutique or designer label. A popular trend is for the bride to choose a color theme and let her bridesmaids choose a style.

WHO PAYS? There are no strict rules on who should pay for the dresses – it can be the bride, mother of the bride, or the bridesmaids themselves. But, it is usually the bridesmaids who pay for their dresses.

4038 Summerhill Square 903.793.1570 | www.traditionsbridal.net

IN STYLE A popular style is the cocktail dress with a knee or mid-calf hemline and an emphasis on the waist – often cinched and highlighted with belts, bows or a fuller skirt – in satins and silks.

Colors themes range from muted tones like champagne, gun-metal grey, sage, vintage rose and mushroom to stronger hues like royal blue. Prints are also a unique trend.

Remember, the most important thing is that you and your bridesmaids are all happy with the dress choice.

!

Call for your

FREE

CONSULTATION! 22 | texarkana | THE WEDDING PLANNER | 2010 | weddingplannerco.com

the dress

h

Dresses Available at Bridal Castle 3209 Kennedy Lane, Texarkana 903.838.3886 (Clockwise from top left)

- Mori Lee’s Affairs Collection in Royal - Alfred Angelo’s Separates in Ivory & Black - Alfred Angelo’s Collection in Clover & Ivory - Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner in Strawberry & Silver -

h

weddingplannerco.com | 2010 | THE WEDDING PLANNER | texarkana | 23

the dress Bridal Shop Address Phone Consultant Refund Policy GOWN Designer Style Size Color Fabric Date Ordered Fitting Date Pick-up Date Total Cost Deposit Notes

BRIDE’S attire VEIL/HEADPIECE Designer Style Color Length Date Ordered Pick-up Date Total Cost Deposit

BRIDESMAIDS NAME Style Dress Size Shoe Size Date of Fitting Cost NAME Style Dress Size Shoe Size Date of Fitting Cost NAME Style Dress Size Shoe Size Date of Fitting Cost 24 | texarkana | THE WEDDING PLANNER | 2010 | weddingplannerco.com

OTHER  Shoes  Necklace  Earrings  Slip  Hosiery  Bra/Bustier  Garter  Something Old  Something New  Something Borrowed  Something Blue Total Cost

the flowers

the flowers

T

YOU WANT

To get the flowers you really desire, you should consult a professional for design ideas. Here’s a few hints to get exactly what you want: 1) THEY’RE BUSY During the holidays, Christmas-Valentine’s Day, florists are super busy. It may not be a good idea to drop in unannounced. If at all possible, try to wait until after the holidays and be sure to make an appointment.

2) SUPPLY A PICTURE OF THE GOWN Having pictures of the wedding gown can be extremely helpful. Florists are visual people, and they need to see what you have in mind.

3) FLOWERS ARE SEASONAL Like fruit, prices of flowers fluctuate. If you want to 6) WHERE TO SAVE save money, keep this in mind when you are choosing No one will remember the centerpeice, however, evthe perfect flower. eryone will have pictures of you and the bridal bouquet.

If you’re on a tight budget, cut down the centerpieces.

4) SWATCHES! Plum isn’t the same lavender. Pink can be hot pink or 7) HAVE EVERYTHING READY BEFOREHAND pastel pink. Even white can be eggshell or slate. Have Where is the wedding? Where is the reception? Who swatches all all dresses to ensure the flowers match is attending? What is the date? These are very simple beautifully. questions and it would amaze you to know how many people don’t know the answers. Florists are always 5) A QUESTION OF EXPERTISE happy to help you with ideas. However, when it comes Tulips are beautiful. However, during the summer the time to book the busy florist, you should be able to heat can quickly destroy tulips. If you touch a gardenia, answer all of these question. the oil from your skin is going to turn the flower brown.

You need to trust that the florist is going to know these 8) REVIEW THE ORDER things. They’re not trying to spoil your fun. They simply You should get a copy of the flower order. Review it know what works and what doesn’t. (continued on page 27) weddingplannerco.com | 2010 | THE WEDDING PLANNER | texarkana | 25