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Your local guide to all things wedding

I DO BLACK HILLS

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Look inside for the best of Black Hills

wedding professionals

TIPS & ADVICE to help you plan your perfect day 2016 - 2017 â€¢ Black Hills I DO

2016-2017

Reconnect I DO I’m getting married!

Your

BLACK HILLS

Wedding

Title ##

Index

Reconnect during wedding planning.........3

moment detail

EVERY

Required documents list..........................4 How to find the right vendors..................4 Guest book ideas...................................5

EVERY

Engagement announcement form............6 Trends in wedding cuisine....................8-9 Emergency wedding day kit....................9

Beautiful wedding reception and banquet rooms for intimate celebrations for indoor or outdoor ceremonies.

Tips: Choosing a photographer...............10 Weather considerations...................12-13 Wedding dress silhouettes.....................14

Honeymoon Packages & Catering Menus also available

Tips: Planning a honeymoon.................15 Wedding budget worksheet & notes...16-17

WWW. SPFCANYON .COM

Floral trends...................................18-19 Selecting a diamond............................19 Wedding announcement form................22 Make guests comfortable......................23 Changing your name............................24 Wedding day memorial ideas................25

605-584-3435 | 1-877-975-6343 Scenic Hwy. 14-A | Lead, SD

100 Tips: Planning your wedding......26-31

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

during wedding planning

edding planning can be intense and often requires dedication and many hours of work. Coordinating a wedding often requires that couples make many different decisions and spend a considerable amount of time in the wedding-planning trenches. Couples expend so much energy planning their weddings that it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture — namely the relationship that is the basis for the marriage in the first place. But as easy as it can be to get lost in wedding planning, couples can use this time together to connect on a deeper level and learn to work cooperatively. • Divide and conquer. Separate wedding planning duties so that both of you feel you are contributing equally and no one person gets overly stressed out. Stress can lead to short tempers and arguments. • Establish a mutual budget. Even the healthiest couple argues over finances from time to time, but budgetary debates should not set a negative tone for wedding planning. Couples should discuss their potential budget before they even begin to plan their weddings, and

both partners should do their best to compromise while also understanding where the other person is coming from. • Schedule time for fun. Do not let wedding planning be all-consuming. Schedule days that allow you to enjoy yourselves together without having to think about or discuss your pending nuptials. This may include date nights that may have fallen by the wayside since getting engaged or periodic day trips to get away from it all. Explore your mutual hobbies or try something new. • Learn to laugh at the little things. Not every detail will go off without a hitch. How you react as a couple may influence how much you enjoy your wedding. Recognize that certain things will not go your way, but that unforeseen circumstances will not ruin your wedding day, no matter how unpleasant they may seem. Laugh at what cannot be changed and recognize that, in the long run, the details you think are major today may actually prove trivial when you look back on your wedding day in the years to come. n

I’m getting married!

What documents are required? Marriage licenses may be obtained at your county’s Register of Deeds office. To receive the license: • Both parties must be present. • A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport is required. • The fee is $40, and can be paid by cash and usually credit cards. Checks are not accepted. • There is no blood test or waiting period required. • The license may be used the same day, and it must be used within 20 days from issue. • The license may be used anywhere within the State of South Dakota.

Vendors

How to find the right wedding

eddings are a careful balance of many elements that culminate on one special day. Making all of the components of a wedding come together seemlessly requires a well organized bride and groom and the cooperation of professional wedding vendors who understand their unique roles. Vendors, including florists, transportation companies, musicians, and dressmakers are essential to a successful wedding. Competent wedding vendors will remove much of the worry and work from a couple’s shoulders. Research, planning and verifying references are some ways to ensure your vendors make your wedding day that much more enjoyable. • Seek recommendations from trusted friends and family members. Talk to friends and family members whose insight you value about which wedding vendors they used. If you attend a wedding or another

party and find the flowers or the music particularly well done, ask for the name of the florist or band. • Always ask for references and don’t ignore them. Busy wedding vendors should provide you with a list of names of satisfied customers. Talk with couples who used the vendors’ services in the past and ask the questions that are most important to your decision-making process. • Deposits should be a fraction of the total price. A deposit is a goodfaith agreement to hold the date of the wedding, and it should be a small percentage of the overall cost of the services. • Do not pay balances too far in advance. Many wedding vendors require the balance be paid on the day of the wedding or shortly before. Good vendors realize couples will not want to pay the tally until they have received the products or services they signed up for. • Contracts are your friends. Every agreement should be in writing. • Consider wedding insurance. Even the best-laid plans can go awry on a wedding day. Anything from freak weather events to illness to vendor absences can wreak havoc. The Better Business Bureau advises purchasing wedding insurance to protect yourself when weddings are especially costly. Such insurance may cover vendors who fail to show up, cancellations, inclement weather, military deployment, medical emergencies, and travel delays. With wedding insurance, you won’t lose money if plans change. A basic insurance policy that covers loss of photos, videos, attire, presents, rings, and deposits usually costs between $155 and $550, depending on the amount of coverage you want. n

Sign the surfboard? Wedding guest books now take many forms (AP) — Alexis and John Roulette don’t have to look far to remember the love that friends and relatives showered upon them on their wedding day. The 7-foot-long surfboard mounted above their living room couch says it all. In silver Sharpie, guests wrote messages of love, congratulations and advice on the board that the couple used as a guest book at their wedding in Huntington Beach, California, last summer. “It’s a constant reminder of our special day and the love we had around us,” says Alexis Roulette, 30. As weddings have become highly personalized, the guest book, too, has come a long way. What was once a traditional white bound book has become elaborate and creative, often taking the shape of something that reflects the couple’s personalities or wedding theme. “What it’s morphed into is more of a way of delivering messages and notes and keepsakes for the bride and groom, while at the same time it’s become more interactive and creative in its display,” says Darcy Miller, editor at large of Martha Stewart Weddings. Guests might sign a giant wine bottle, a piece of sporting equipment, seashells or stones, maps, artwork, or fabric squares that get stitched together to form a quilt. Miller has seen a vintage typewriter displayed for guests to peck out messages, a dictionary in which guests circled words relevant to the couple, and a globe on which guests signed near places they felt the couple should visit. “If you love to ski, it’s signing vintage skis,” she says. “If you’re into boating and the nautical theme, then it’s a buoy.” Guests might snap an instant photo and leave it behind with a message,

to be compiled in a scrapbook. Or a couple might offer a published book for guests to sign, Miller says, such as a book on birds for a nature-inspired event. Because guest books are so individualized, they often become part of the couple’s home. “It becomes personalized decor you live with,” Miller says. “These are no longer things getting stuck in a box and never looked at ever again.” The Roulettes’ surfboard guest book fit the laidback feeling of their beachthemed wedding at Don The Beachcomber. “It’s a really nice piece that I appreciate that we have and can admire,” Roulette says. “I like that we can see it every day rather than a book. Any guest book, you normally put it away and won’t see it.”

Jane Kernen, a wedding planner with Austin Busy Brides in Texas, specializes in events held in nontraditional venues. Most of her couples shy away from the traditional guest book, she says. And while traditional guest books were often set out in church, her couples tend to display their alternative guest books during cocktails. “Couples want something for people to talk about and an activity during the cocktail hour,” she says. The nontraditional sign-ins also help guests get to know the couple better. Kernan once worked with a pair of pilots who were married in an airplane hangar; they asked guests to sign a propeller that was later hung over their mantel. A couple who married at a botanical garden put out self-addressed, stamped postcards featuring botanical prints, on which guests could write well wishes and marital advice. Such alternatives to guest books can become “a keepsake of something that’s personal to you, but made that much more personal because it’s been touched and signed by people you love,” Miller says. n

Photo courtesy Watson Photography

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

Wear Your

Engagement Announcements run free of charge in our Black Hills Pioneer Saturday edition or as space allows. NOTE: Submissions may be edited according to available space.

Engagement Information Bride’s Name and Hometown: ___________________________________________________________________________

Best Smile

The happiest day of your life deserves your brightest, most beautiful smile. Contact us today for a consultation, and get that picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted in time for your

big day!

COSMETIC DENTISTRY • Veneers • Tooth Colored Fillings • Tooth Colored Crowns • Whitening • Implants

Bride’s Parents’ Names and Residence(s): __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Groom’s Name and Hometown: _________________________________________________________________________ Groom’s Parents’ Names and Residence(s): ________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

1306 Main Street, Spearfish, SD 1814 5th Street, Rapid City, SD 605.642.7727 605.342.6038 www.danadentalarts.com

Date and Place of Wedding: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Bride’s Education: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Employment: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Groom’s Education: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Employment: _________________________________________________________________________________________ PHOTO ENCLOSED:

YES

We are here to help make your special occasion a lasting memory! ~ Full Service Bar ~ ~ Entertainment Package Available ~

NO q

If photo needs to be returned, please enclose self-addressed, stamped envelope. We strongly urge you to type this form or print neatly. Handwriting can be misinterpreted and if we can’t read your handwriting, mistakes can happen. We cannot re-run engagement news printed incorrectly if the mistake is caused by misinterpreted handwriting.

REHEARSAL DINNERS • WEDDING RECEPTIONS ANNIVERSARY PARTIES

Floral Designs for your Unique Style! 631 Main Street • Spearfish 605.717.0927

For details and reservations, call Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5969

Phone number and contact person if there are futher questions:_____________________________________________________________________________

605-722-9914

10 Pine St., Deadwood, SD

Please Return Completed Form To: Black Hills Pioneer, 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD 57783 • (605) 642-2761 – OR –

Black Hills Pioneer, 7 S. Main, Lead, SD 57754 • (605) 584-2303

Cynthia Massine

– OR –

Email: happenings@bhpioneer.com

Floral Designer bentwillowdesigns.com

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

Hot trends in wedding

Cuisine

nce 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.

mozzarella cheese makes a mini caprese salad. Turning favorite foods into bitesized adventures can add a touch of whimsy to the reception.

can be appetizing focal points around the room and ensure all guests get a bite of what they like best.

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER

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.

MINIATURE BITES

DIM SUM

Many people say good things come in small packages, and when it comes to miniature versions of favorite foods, they may be right. Instead 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

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.

Love AND a good travel agent!

All You Need is

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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.

FOOD WITH A SHOW If you like dining with us then you’ll love the way we cater to your wedding or special event. From a brunch buffet, hors d’oeuvres, sandwiches or black-tie affair, we’ll help you create a memorable reception that will fit into any budget.

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 flambé 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

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21415 US Hwy. 14A, Lead, SD • 605-584-3510 At the upper entrance to beautiful Spearfish Canyon

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

advice

FAMILY STYLE

FOOD AND BEVERAGE PAIRINGS

• needle and thread in white, black and the color of bridesmaid gowns • extra pairs of pantyhose • pain reliever pills/antacid • quick-clean detergent stick

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.

• bandages

NONTRADITIONAL ‘FAKE’ CAKES

• black buttons

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. n

“When traveling on your honeymoon, take along noise cancelling ear buds, ear plugs, headphones - whatever it takes. They can be a lifesaver when seated near crying babies and loud talkers.” - Nancee Kinghorn, Spearfish Branch Manager, AAA South Dakota

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

Pack an emergency wedding day kit

• powder • deodorant • double-sided tape • sanitary pads • mints/gum • makeup for touch-ups • extra cash • slippers or a change of shoes • umbrellas • hairspray • hair pins • names and phone numbers of all wedding vendors • static cling spray • hair dryer • contact lens solution/ eye drops • nail file/clipper • straws (to sip drinks without ruining lipstick) • safety pins • black socks • earring backs

s p i t 5 on choosing and working with a wedding photographer (AP) — Your wedding is fast approaching and you have an un-blissfully long to-do list, from finalizing your flower selection to choosing your menu to deciding on your dress. Near the top of that list you might want to put “select photographer.” That way, one of the most important parts of your wedding - the memories - will be preserved. Think about booking your photographer soon after you have selected your venue, and make sure he or she is a good fit with your personality. Look at potential photographers’ electronic portfolios, pricing and availability, and plan to meet several candidates to gauge their sensibility. Below are five tips on choosing and working with a wedding photographer: • Look for depth. Ask to see a complete portfolio from beginning to end for at least

advice 10

one or two weddings. You don’t want to see only a few “best” photos. “It’s easy to show a bunch of terrific single images taken at many weddings,” says Radhika Chalasani, “but a great wedding photographer has to capture an entire wedding beautifully from start to finish.” The New York-based Chalasani has been photographing weddings since 2004. Looking at portfolios will ensure that the photographer wasn’t just an assistant or a guest with a camera. You can see how the photographer handles all parts of the wedding, including the preparations, ceremony, cocktails, portraits, speeches, dancing and cake-cutting. • Get a contract. A wedding photographer without a contract (and without liability insurance) is likely not a professional. The contract should spell out what the photographer will provide, and whether the pictures will be on DVDs, an online gallery, a finished album, etc. It will include the hours worked, and what happens if you ask the photographer to work longer. In addition, you want to know how things will be handled if the photographer becomes unable to work on the wedding day due to illness or injury. He or she should have a back-up. The contract also should spell out the cost, the amount of any deposit and when the balance must be paid. Small, casual weddings might not seem to require a contract, but having one will protect both you and the photographer. • Don’t be shy about what you want. “There’s no harm in being specific,” says Chicago wedding photographer Candice C. Cusic, a photojournalist for 15 years and a teacher at Northwestern University. Tell the photographer what the most important aspects of the day are to you, whether it’s exchanging rings or walking down the aisle. “Brides should be realistic about their day and make every possible effort to help their photographer capture great imagery,” Cusic says. A bride or groom getting ready inside a messy hotel room, for instance, will not make for strong pictures, she notes. • Make sure your personalities jibe. Other than your significant other, the person

with whom you’ll spend the most time on your wedding day might well be your photographer. He or she will be with you as you get ready and as you go through the emotional highs of the day. The photographer might guide you and your family through a portrait session, walk backward as you process up the aisle, and hang close by during your first dance. So this person’s personality - sense of humor, demeanor, even appearance - should be a good fit with both of you. Craig Warga, a New York-based wedding photographer, says “good photography happens when you can get close to your subjects, and they feel completely comfortable being natural and themselves in front of your lens. If you don’t like some one, you’re not going to have that level of comfort in front of them, and it will affect the pictures.” If you like a sassy personality who will add some color to your day, then by all means hire a vibrant, outgoing photographer who exudes energy. On the other hand, if you want a subtle documentary photographer who will capture important moments without being intrusive, go for someone who won’t talk loudly over you when you first meet, and who seems cool and composed. The right photographer, says Warga, is someone who leaves you thinking, “it’d be nice to have that person as a guest at my wedding.” • Sweat some details. Ask if the photographer has a full set of equipment: multiple bodies and lenses with back-ups. Will he or she be working with an assistant or second photographer? If so, what is the additional cost and does that person need to be there all day? If your venue will be dark, can the photographer handle it? Is the photographer able to work in adverse conditions such as rain at an outdoor ceremony? • Finally, make provisions for your photographer to eat; it’s hard to be “on” for eight to 10 hours straight. A 15-minute meal break might just be the best thing you do for the photographer. n

“You’re engaged! Now what? Set a wedding date as quickly as possible and call your venue selection to reserve your date. Have in mind a general idea on attendance numbers and they will help you with all the rest of the details.” - Katy Hemenway, Director of Sales & Marketing, Sturgis Holiday Inn Express & Convention Center

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

Saturday, November 12, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Spearfish Convention Center I-90 Exit 14, Spearfish Bridal Style Show: 2pm

All dresses available for try on before and after the syle show.

Admission: $2.00 at the door

Many more door prizes!

*Some restrictions may apply. Must be present to win.

Vendors to meet all your needs!

Dresses • Beauty • Photography • Catering Cakes • DJ’s • Venues • Flowers & Much More! For additional information or questions on showtimes, call 605-722-5100 and like us on Facebook at Black Hills Bridal Fair.

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

Bridal Boutique

644 Main, Spearfish, SD bridalboutiqueandbling.com

Spearfish weather at a glance Listed below are average temperature highs, lows and preciptation for the city of Spearfish throughout the year. Month High Jan.

Low

Save

Precip

40.2˚ 19˚ .51”

Feb. 41˚ 20˚ .71” Mar. 49˚ 27.1˚ 1.18” Apr. 58.7˚ 36.4˚ 2.47” May 58.6˚ 46.5˚ 3.88” June 78.5˚ 55.3˚ 3.65” July

87.5˚ 62.5˚ 2.21”

Aug. 86.7˚ 60.6˚ 1.64” Sept. 75.8˚ 50˚ 1.78” Oct. 61.4˚ 38.9˚ 2.05” Nov. 48.6˚ 28˚ 1.19” Dec. 40˚ 18.9˚ .61”

2016 BLACK HILLS I DO STAFF:

Letti Lister - Publisher Dru Thomas - Ad Director Chrissy Blair - Project Manager Mark Watson - Editor

ADVERTISING SALES: Chrissy Blair Dawn Hatch Sharon Mason Sona O’Connell

GRAPHIC DESIGN:

Melissa Barnett Katie Hartnell Amanda Knapp Grace McMillin

Black Hills I DO is published by Seaton Publishing, Inc. 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD 57783 (605) 642-2761

your rainy wedding day

ature can make a couple’s wedding day that much more special. Beautiful backdrops like ocean waves or rolling country hills lend a lot to a wedding, making the day even more special for couples and their guests. But Mother Nature is the inherent risk of hosting an outdoor wedding. Weather is unpredictable, and couples who hope to tie the knot in the great outdoors must develop a contingency plan just in case Mother Nature decides to rain on the parade. While outdoor wedding venues often have backup venues in place should the weather prove uncooperative, couples can take some additional steps to ensure their rainy wedding days still go off without a hitch. • Find a place to take photos. Wedding photos document a couple’s big day, and many couples arrange for outdoor photos whether they’re tying the knot indoors or outdoors. But couples must arrange for a place to take photos in case outdoors is not an option. If possible, walk the grounds of your ceremony or reception site with your photographer in the weeks before the wedding to scout out potential areas to shoot indoors in case the weather is not cooperating. Ask a representative from the venue to recommend potential photo locations around the building. • Consider a tent. Some wedding venues are exclusively outdoors, meaning they don’t have backup options indoors on their premises. If that’s the case, couples can rent tents to serve as their safety nets. Tents can be expensive, and some couples may not want

to pay for a tent they ultimately may not use. But tents may be a couple’s only option if their chosen venue has no indoor alternatives. • Establish a cutoff time. Depending on how remote the ceremony location is, couples might be able to wait until a few hours before their wedding to decide if they will still tie the knot outdoors. Make the call earlier if your wedding is to be held at an especially remote location. But no matter where the wedding is, establish a cutoff time to let guests know if the wedding will be indoors or outdoors. Include such information on your wedding website and/or invitations. Use a social media platform such as Facebook or Twitter to inform guests of your final decision. • Provide umbrellas. Some inclement weather may not be enough to deter couples or guests from braving the great outdoors. Couples getting married in the summer may be able to withstand a summer shower, but provide guests with umbrellas just to be safe. The umbrellas will make for a nice wedding gift, and hopefully couples and guests won’t even need to use them. • Insure the wedding. Couples who are hosting destination weddings on tropical isles should look into insuring their weddings. Such islands might be susceptible to harmful storms like hurricanes that can prevent weddings from taking place. Insurance can cover couples for a host of unforeseen circumstances, including weather. Outdoor weddings can be magical, but couples must build contingency plans in case Mother Nature proves uncooperative come the big day. n

Beat the heat during a summer wedding

ay, June and July consistently rank among the most popular months to get married. These months typically provide pleasant weather, and if it does rain, it’s often in the form of a brief thunderstorm. But summer weather can be extremely hot, and while sunny, warm days may be perfect beach days, such conditions are not always ideal for weddings, especially weddings that take place outdoors. If wedding-day weather threatens to be very hot, explore these methods to staying cool. • Choose a later start time. A late-afternoon wedding may be the way to go in the summertime. The temperature usually drops a bit in the early evening, even though the sun won’t set for a couple of hours. That lingering summertime sun allows the bride and groom to enjoy an outdoor ceremony and still take beautiful outdoor photos. • Rely on shade and proximity to water. Shade can be your friend when the sun is blazing. If your outdoor wedding is in the early afternoon, keep temperatures under wrap by seating guests beneath umbrellas or inside a tent. • Tie the knot near the water. Breezes off of the water also help combat the heat, so a creekside or lakeside wedding can make hot temperatures more manageable. • Wear breathable fabrics. Opt for lightweight fabrics instead of heavy gowns and full tuxedos for the bride, groom and wedding party.

Photo courtesy Watson Photography

Cotton and linen allow air to flow through clothing, helping people to stay cool. Light colors also will help deflect the sun. Bridal gowns made of chiffon, silk or satin may feel luxurious and help tame the heat. • Have beverage tables. Keep canisters of cold beverages at the ready so guests can easily quench their thirst. Fresh lemonade, iced tea and water with a few sprigs of mint can help guests ward off dehydration. • Make fans and hand these out to guests. Homemade fans of thick cardstock and popsicle sticks can keep guests comfortable. Such cards can double as thank-you messages or ceremony programs. • Tailor the reception menu to the weather. A large, heavy meal may not be what guests are hoping

for when temperatures are especially hot. In such situations, provide some cool, light fare, such as chilled salads or cold soups, as first courses. Sorbet can be a cool palate cleanser, and grilled meats and vegetables will make for a satisfying, light main course. Ice cream cake may be a decadent option in lieu of more traditional wedding cake. • Choose hairstyles and makeup wisely. Brides may prefer up-dos to keep hair off of their necks and allow for breezes to cool their bodies. Rely on makeup primers and powdered foundations so that makeup does not melt in the heat. Waterproof cosmetics are adviseable so that perspiration won’t cause makeup to run. n

~ Since 1876 ~

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

Wedding dress

Silhouettes

ew wardrobe decisions are scrutinized as much as a bride-to-be’s choice of wedding gown. Finding the perfect gown that flatters the future bride’s figure while stunning her guests and soon-to-be husband is a labor of love for many brides. The Bridal Association of America estimates a bride-to-be will spend between $1,500 and $2,000 total on her gown, veil and accessories. Brides often spend months, if not years, shopping for the right gown. Finding the right gown means having an understanding of what silhouettes are available and what flatters certain body types. After all, you want to look like the best version of yourself when getting married. Here is a look at of some of the common types of gown silhouettes and why choosing this shape might be right for you.

BALLGOWN

MODIFIED A-LINE

A balance between a traditional A-line and a more fitted gown, the modified A-line does not flare out as much. But it does flare out enough from the waist to hide areas around the hips and thighs. This is another good choice for a wide array of figures.

TEA LENGTH

gradually fan out from the hips to form the outline of an uppercase “A.” When in doubt, A-line gowns are classic and sensible and a favorite among brides.

Brides who do not want a gown that reaches the floor can opt for a tea length dress, on which the skirt generally falls between the ankle and the knee.

TRUMPET

SHEATH

Women who prefer something a little more form-fitting may select a trumpet silhouette. This dress is fitted through the body and then the gown flares out at mid-thigh level. Women with taught stomachs and hourglass figures can benefit from this style gown, but those who do not want anything tight in the hips and thighs will want to select something else.

MERMAID

A bit more fitted than the trumpet, this silhouette is close to the body from the chest down to the knee. The skirt then flares out slightly by the knee. Tall, thin women generally look best in this type of gown.

Lean brides who want simplicity in their gowns can opt for a sheath silhouette. The narrow shape of the gown from the neckline to the hem will definitely accentuate the body shape. Therefore, women who are shy may want to select a different option. Petite women who may be overwhelmed by more fabric can usually wear a sheath gown with success.

s p i t 7 for a great honeymoon

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

Although a bride may have a wedding gown style in mind, it is a good idea to try on a number of different silhouettes to find the one that is most flattering. Bridal salon employees are usually well-versed in matching body type to a gown and can prove invaluable when selecting a dress. n

getaway as husband and wife goes off without a hitch might want to heed the following advice. 1. Start saving early. 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. 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 overpack. 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. 6. Splurge on something. 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. n

for your rustic, western, or country wedding.

A ballgown dress is truly a classic style, evoking images of fairy tale princesses. With a fitted bodice and full skirt that flairs at the waist, this silhouette is usually good for all body types. Because the full skirt is typically poofed-up by crinoline, and will hide the hips and thighs, women with a pear shape might gravitate toward this style. The ballgown style may not be ideal for petite women, as the skirt may overwhelm their figures.

Shade Valley is nestled along the beautiful Bear Butte creek and is an ideal location for your laid back, relaxed, private wedding. • 14,000 sq. ft. Log Events Center (holds up to 600 guests) • Waterfront area with Bear Butte as the backdrop • Gazebo area • 102 camping cabins, RV sites and tent camping available for your guests • Easy access from I-90

A-LINE

Another silhouette very forgiving or appropriate for many body types is the A-line gown. A-line cut dresses should be the go-to style for anyone looking to minimize perceived flaws. The cut of the dress will fit to the waist and

2 0 1 5 8 1 3 7 TH P L | S T U R G I S , S D 6 0 5 . 3 4 7 . 5 5 5 6 | S H A D E VA L L E Y. C O M 14

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

budget Ceremony

Use this list to help you develop a budget and keep track of spending as you plan for your wedding.

BUDGETED:

Venue Fee....................................... _____________ Officiant Fee/Donation............. _____________ Ceremony Décor......................... _____________

ACTUAL COST:

_____________ _____________ _____________

Reception Venue Fee....................................... _____________ Rentals............................................ _____________ Food & Service............................ _____________ Beverages & Bartenders........... _____________ Cake & Cutting Fee................... _____________ Reception Decor.......................... _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Attire & Beauty Gown & Alterations.................. _____________ Veil................................................... _____________ Jewelry............................................ _____________ Bride’s Accessories...................... _____________ Hair & Makeup.......................... _____________ Pre-wedding Pampering........... _____________ Groom’s Tux or Suit.................. _____________ Groom’s Accessories.................. _____________ Shoes................................................ _____________ Undergarments............................ _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

_____________ _____________

Photo + Video Photographer................................ _____________ Videographer................................ _____________ Prints & Videos........................... _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________

Flowers Bride’s Bouquet............................ _____________ Bridesmaid Bouquets................. _____________ Groom & Groomsmen Boutonnieres................................. _____________ Flower Girl Flowers................... _____________ Additional Boutonnieres & Corsages................................... _____________ Ceremony...................................... _____________ Reception ...................................... _____________ Centerpieces.................................. _____________

2018

ACTUAL COST:

_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Music Ceremony Musicians................. _____________ Cocktail Hour Musicians......... _____________ Reception Music......................... _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________

Transportation + Lodging Limo or Car Rental.................... _____________ Guest Shuttle or Parking.......... _____________ Bride/Groom Hotel Room(s)............................. _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________

Gifts Attendant Gifts............................ _____________ Favors.............................................. _____________ Parent Gifts................................... _____________ Flower Girl & Ring Bearer Gifts................... _____________

Event Planner............................... _____________ Marriage License......................... _____________ Dance Lessons.............................. _____________ Rehearsal Dinner ....................... _____________ Rentals & Lighting.................... _____________ Tip Money for Vendors............ _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

notes

Travel.............................................. _____________ Lodging.......................................... _____________ Entertainment.............................. _____________ Souvenirs........................................ _____________

_____________ _____________

Other

_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

____________............................... _____________ ____________............................... _____________ ____________............................... _____________ ____________............................... _____________ ____________............................... _____________ ____________............................... _____________

_____________ _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Honeymoon

_____________ _____________

Stationary Save-the-Dates ............................ _____________ Invitations & Reply Cards...... _____________

BUDGETED:

Rehearsal Dinner Invites.......... _____________ Ceremony Programs.................. _____________ Thank You Cards....................... _____________ Postage............................................ _____________ Guest Book.................................... _____________

2017

Miscellaneous

Wedding Rings Her Ring........................................ _____________ His Ring......................................... _____________

2016

BUDGETED:

TOTAL:.............................................. _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ ACTUAL COST:

_____________

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

Succulents:

The Four C’s

Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut

lending rustic, elegent chic to modern weddings

ucculents are showing up everywhere in the world of weddings, from bouquets and boutonnieres to centerpieces and even take-home favors. They’re dainty yet hardy, and come in a surprising array of colors and textures. Best of all, they’re eco-friendly and can be replanted at home after your nuptials as a reminder of the special day. “Succulents add a modern look,” says Viva Max Kaley, a New Yorkbased wedding planner. “Instead of pretty petals, it’s a cool geometric use of lines. My clients tend to gravitate toward that aesthetic, so it’s been a really popular choice.”

BRIDAL BOUQUETS

Many wedding florists recommend

sprinkling succulents among traditional flowers rather than creating an all-succulent bouquet, which can get heavy and bulky-looking. The plants’ vibrant green and sometimes purple colors pair especially well with jewel tones, burgundy and apricot shades. According to Debra Prinzing, Seattle-based author, succulents are a particularly nice complement to dahlias, hydrangeas, lilies, orchids, roses and spring bulb flowers.

BOUTONNIERES AND CENTERPIECES

Succulents can feel like a more “masculine” floral accent and have become a popular choice for boutonnieres as a result, says Anastasia Stevenson, a wedding planner.They’re sturdy and can

Buying a diamond ring can be intimidating. Demystify the process by learning about the four C’s. This system of grading diamonds was developed 60 years ago by the Gemological Institute of America.

stand up to the rigors of being pinned to a jacket that’s tossed about all day. Succulents make good corsages for the same reason.

OTHER USES

How about succulents as jewelry? Wiring and flower glue are keys to this recent bridal trend, which includes everything from rings and necklaces to bracelets and headpieces, says Prinzing. Other couples have said their vows before a wall of succulents or used them as eco-friendly wedding favors - a parting gift that’s “unlikely to be tossed in the trash when the guests arrive home,” says New York-based wedding-trends expert and editor Anne Chertoff. n

Wild, natural & local:

Photo courtesy Watson Photography

trends in floral centerpieces

(AP) — Whether designing with flowers for a huge formal event or a small casual affair, the trend is toward a more wild and natural look, according to floral designer Ariella Chezar of the FlowerSchool in New York. That can include blooms, branches, fruit and foraged materials, like rosemary and jasmine, she said. “It’s important to consider the setting before deciding on the arrangement. Mason jars are great, but they wouldn’t work at the Waldorf,” said Chezar, who has designed floral arrangements for hundreds of weddings as well as for the White House. The most crucial element is finding out what flowers are in season in the vicinity of the wedding, said Chezar, who is also a flower grower. “About 80 percent of the flowers used in the U.S. come from abroad, and there’s a real interest now in using locally grown flowers,” she said.

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

“Just as there is a ‘slow food’ movement, there is also a ‘slow flowers’ movement,” she explained, and local or foraged varieties are “very much the look du jour pretty much anywhere you go.” Chezar says that look can be attained through a generous use of foliage, branches and vines, as opposed to “just stuffing the flowers together tightly. People don’t necessarily think about the foliage, but it’s what breaks up and highlights the flowers and gives them a more natural look.” Containers are also important. “The idea is to let things extend beyond the edge of a vase, to give a sense of movement and direction. Cylindrical vases are the least friendly to this because they are too vertical. Urns or bowls or anything that allows flowers to extend outward is much more wonderful to work with,” Chezar says. n

• Carat is a weight measurement. A 1-carat diamond weighs 200 milligrams. But there’s no ideal size for a diamond. It depends on your budget and taste. • Color is graded by letter, starting with D for rare, colorless diamonds. E and F are considered excellent, but G or H diamonds will look just as good to the naked eye. Farther down the scale, you’ll notice differences. “If you put a K color beside a G color, you’ll notice more yellow in the K,” said Russell Shor, senior industry analyst for the Gemological Institute. • Clarity measures diamond flaws, called inclusions, which might appear as tiny spots, clouds or cavities in the stone. The clarity grade SI stands for “slightly included.” VS is a better grade, “very slightly included.” VVS is even higher, “very, very slightly included.” Most inclusions in the VVS-SI range cannot be seen by the untrained eye “unless someone tells you where it is,” Shor said. • Cut measures workmanship, rather than a diamond’s inherent qualities. The way a stone is cut enhances sparkle and luminosity and can hide flaws.

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

Provide guests with

added comfort

at your wedding

Wedding Announcements run free of charge in our Black Hills Pioneer Saturday edition or as space allows. NOTE: Submissions may be edited according to available space.

Wedding Information Bride’s Name and Hometown: ___________________________________________________________________________ Bride’s Parents’ Names and Residence(s): __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Groom’s Name and Hometown: _________________________________________________________________________ Groom’s Parents’ Names and Residence(s): ________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date and Place of Wedding: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Wedding Party:________________________________________________________________________________________ Wedding Colors:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Bride’s Education: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Employment: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Groom’s Education: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Employment: _________________________________________________________________________________________ PHOTO ENCLOSED:

YES

NO q

If photo needs to be returned, please enclose self-addressed, stamped envelope. We strongly urge you to type this form or print neatly. Handwriting can be misinterpreted and if we can’t read your handwriting, mistakes can happen. We cannot re-run wedding news printed incorrectly if the mistake is caused by misinterpreted handwriting.

Phone number and contact person if there are futher questions:_____________________________________________________________________________ Please Return Completed Form To: Black Hills Pioneer, 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD 57783 • (605) 642-2761 Black Hills Pioneer, 7 S. Main, Lead, SD 57754 • (605) 584-2303 – OR –

Email: happenings@bhpioneer.com 2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

guests will have an easy time getting to and from the room. Are paths easily accessible for those with mobility issues? Are restrooms located close enough to seating areas so elderly guests won’t have to walk far to use the bathroom? Put yourself in your guests’ shoes and figure out solutions to any potential obstacles that might affect your guests. • Offer welcome drinks and snacks. A cocktail hour might be on the horizon, but guests may arrive with an appetite. Make a few light refreshments available, such as crackers, chips, pretzels, and some soft drinks. Ice-cold water or lemonade can make an outdoor cere-

• Verify basic needs can be met. When selecting venues or ceremony sites, investigate whether

advice

– OR –

eddings are special days in couples’ lives. No wedding would be complete without the witnesses, including the happy friends and family members who are anxious to celebrate the special day. While weddings are largely about the couple tying the knot, it’s important the couples do not overlook the comfort of all of the well-wishers at the ceremony and reception. Every effort should be made to ensure guests are comfortable and feel welcomed at the event. • Choose a venue that can support your guest list. Guest comfort can be compromised if everyone is packed into a reception room that is much too small. Everyone should be able to sit and move around freely. This notion also applies to the dance floor. Be certain guests can dance comfortably and have a good time.

mony more comfortable in the heat. Conversely, hot chocolate or coffee warms up a body in chilly weather. • Consider ice-breaker games. Little games can help guests who have never met get to know one another. Games also may help pass the time until the reception begins. • Provide a program of events. Clue guests into what will happen and when. This way they can adjust their schedules around the wedding. If photos of the bridal party will take place immediately following the ceremony, mention it on the program. Guests will appreciate knowing what to expect and when to expect it. • Provide other creature comforts. Stock extra toiletries in the restrooms, and consider making inexpensive sandals available for guests with sore dancing feet. Weddings may focus on the couple tying the knot, but guests play a key role in the festivities as well. Keeping them happy and comfortable is a benefit to all. n

“Wedding planning can be stressful. Keep a regular workout schedule of three to five times per week. Stay hydrated, eat healthy and keep a positive body image. You’re beautiful inside and out!” – Stephanie Reid, Fitness Coordinator, Spearfish Rec & Aquatics Center

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

Name

Changing your A

fter months of planning your wedding and all the details that go along with making your special day one to remember, you’re finally able to relax and enjoy spending time with your new spouse. But if you or your spouse plan on changing your name, there is more work to be done. How does that work, exactly? From changing your driver’s license, to bank account, Social Security card, and more, getting your name changed on all official documents can be a process, but it is important to ensure accuracy. Don’t try to start the name change game before you say, “I do.” It’s a waste of time and you have plenty of other priorities to take care of. Instead, start after you say your vows. First, stop by your county’s Register of Deeds office and get at least two certified copies of your marriage license. It is a good idea to make several more non-certified copies as well. One of the first documents that should be changed is your Social Security card. This should be on the top of your to-do list as some banks want your new name on your Social Security card before opening an account. Updating your card will also ensure your wages are posted correctly to your Social Security records. Changing your Social Security card cannot be done online; however there is no charge to make the changes. To change your name on your Social Security card you will need to complete Form SS-5. These forms can be obtained at http://www.

socialsecurity.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. rity number. For more information Additionally, you will need proof of on what documents are needed, visit your identity. Sometimes you also http://dps.sd.gov. may need to prove your current U.S. Now that you have a new Social citizenship or lawful noncitizen staSecurity card and driver’s license, tus. This can be done with a driver’s other documents can be updated. license, passport, or state-issued, If international travel is in your non-driver ID card. Mail your applifuture, be sure to update or receive a cation to your local Social Security passport. You may run into troubles office. if you have a passport in one name To change your driver’s license, and a driver’s license in another. stop by your local department of Find need to know info at http:// motor vehicles office. You will need travel.state.gov. It does take a while to bring a certified copy of your for your passport to be issued - four marriage license. If your license has to six weeks, however expedited a gold star in the processing can be upper right corner, requested for a you will also need charge. to bring your curIf you are rent driver’s license honeymoonor ID card, two ing abroad and documents proving are using your your residential maiden name and • Thank you notes address such as a will later change utility bill, bank your name, don’t • Vendor reviews stub, phone bill worry about losamong other items. ing all your visas • Dress cleaning and/or If your license and stamps. Your preservation does not contain old, cancelled • Gift returns the star you will passport can be need to bring sent separately • Registry completion more items. This from your new includes a docupassport. ment that proves Other docuyour date of ments should be birth, identity and changed such citizenship. This can be a valid and as bank accounts and mortgages, unexpired U.S. Passport, a certified credit cards, investments, utilities, copy of your birth certificate as well health insurance, voter registration, as other items. other legal documents and with your You will also need to bring docuemployer. ments that prove your Social Security Each entity seems to have its own number. This can be your Social policy when it comes to the name Security card, a W-2 form, pay stub change game, but relax, and enjoy with your name and full Social Secuyour new spouse. n

Wedding day memorial ideas

eddings are momentous occasions that are full of happy sentiments. But for couples who recently lost loved ones, an undercurrent of sadness may make wedding ceremonies and receptions somewhat bittersweet. Loss touches everyone at one point or another, but it can be particularly sorrowful when the loss of a loved one occurs close to a couples’ wedding day. Even though it can be challenging to acknowledge that someone close is no longer around to participate in a wedding, there are plenty of ways for couples to express their heartfelt sentiments for lost loved ones on their wedding days. • Establish a memory table. A memory table is a place

More Post-Wedding Tasks to Tackle

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

where you may put a photo of a loved one or items he or she may have given you that mean something special. • Play an upbeat song. Invite guests onto the dance floor and request the DJ or band plays a song in your lost

loved one’s honor. Perhaps it is a song that contains that person’s name or is a tune he or she just loved. • Keep a memento close by. Sew something symbolic of your lost loved one into your wedding gown or tuck it into a pocket of your tuxedo so you know he or she is always nearby. • Reserve an empty chair. Keep a chair at the ceremony and the reception empty for your departed loved one. • Dove or butterfly release. Symbolize unending love by releasing doves or butterflies in honor of your lost loved one. This can be both a touching tribute and also a beautiful spectacle that couples and their guests will remember forever. n

Photo courtesy Watson Photography

Your

Reception and Our Lodge

It’s A Perfect Match! If you’re looking to hold your Wedding Reception or Rehearsal Dinner on Historic

Deadwood’s Main Street, Please call

605-578-1333

Deadwood Elks Lodge #508 696 Main St., Deadwood 2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

100 tips Being well informed about every detail - big or small - will make all the difference.

Start Today! Plan your perfect day with the

Black Hills I DO Wedding Planning Directory

found exclusively on the Xplore Black Hills App powered by the Black Hills Pioneer.

get the

app

Text “XBHAPP” to 313131

3 Decide on the size and formality of your wedding. 4 Interview party planners or wedding consultants with a reputation for a job well done. If time is at a premium for you or distance is a problem, a professional planner is well worth the fee. With so many details to look after, their experience can help save you costly mistakes. 5 Consider unusual locations to hold the celebration. Contact your local parks department or historical society. 6 Select the place you’d like to hold the reception. Make reservations if it is in a club, hotel, catering hall or restaurant. If it is to be at home or at a place that does not provide food, check into catering services and book them. Ask to see a variety of possible menus; inquire if a wedding cake is This checklist is packed with all included or if one must be arranged the essential steps you need to know for separately. about during planning. The more time 7 Start shopping around for your you have, the more opportunity you’ll wedding dress, headpiece and veil. have to comparison shop. And you’ll 8 Make alternate plans for an also feel less pressured to commit to outdoor wedding in case the weather something that does not seem right is bad. The most logical options for you. However, if your timetable include a very sturdy tent and a is condensed, simply move the steps platform that withstands rain, or an up. For a much shorter schedule, a indoor, alternative location that is wonderful wedding can still be had indicated on the reception invitation. by making some 9 Invite relatives and/ logical compromises. or friends to be in For example, plan your wedding party. on a morning/noon Talk over finances wedding, with a of brides use Pinterest with them and be breakfast or brunch/ to communicate their considerate of their luncheon reception, wedding-day vision to limitations. or a Friday or Sunday planners and vendors. 10 Select two or evening ceremony and three possibilities reception. In some for your attendants’ areas of the country gowns and arrange an there is also more flexibility for appointment with the shop to bring hiring choice resources for a Saturday your attendants in to see their choices. wedding on shorter notice during Because they pay for their own the months of January, February and dresses, it’s thoughtful to do this, if March. Happy planning! possible. After a review of the styles, the final decision is yours. 12 to 24 MONTHS 11 Buy calendars for attendants BEFORE THE WEDDING and immediate families and mark important wedding-related dates for 1 Visit your clergy together and set them in red. As other dates are made the date for the ceremony. during the planning they can plug 2 Discuss expenses with all concerned them into their calendar. and establish a firm budget. 12 Draw up the guest list. Notify

hen was the last time you planned a party this big? If you’re like most brides, this event is a first in size, details - and pressure! Because wedding planning is so time consuming, being well organized is the only way to keep things under control. Most weddings, especially large ones, require lots of advance planning in order to book the best bridal resources, many of which are reserved one or two years before the event. Today’s long engagements — 14 months on average — allow couples time to pull the details together and save for the expenses they may be handling or sharing with parents.

your fiancee’s family to do the same. 13 Interview photographers, videographers, musicians and florists. Make a separate folder for each service you select. Keep contracts, notes, questions and all pertinent data in them for a handy and quick reference.

6 to 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

14 Select and order your invitations. Include extra envelopes in case of mistakes, and a few extra invitations to have as mementos for you and your family. If you want calligraphy and find handwork too expensive, look into computer resources. Ask for envelopes to be delivered early so you can address them leisurely. At the same time, order personal stationery (an ample supply of both letter and notepaper) for writing thank-you notes. 15 Have mothers select their dresses. Your mother has the

privilege of first choice so that she 4 MONTHS can have the color and style she BEFORE THE WEDDING prefers. The groom’s mother chooses a dress similar in formality and in a 19 Address invitations and complementary color. Both should announcements. All addressing, blend with your bridal-party color stuffing and stamping should be scheme. completed in time to mail the 16 Decide upon the men’s attire. invitations four to six weeks before Accompany your fiancée to a the wedding. If you have an “A” and formal-wear specialty shop in your a “B” list, you may mail “A” eight locale to select what the groom, best weeks in advance. When you receive man, ushers and regrets, you may invite fathers will wear. people on “B” four 17 Register with weeks (and no less than Besides the reception, the bridal gift three weeks) before the most expensive parts registry in your the wedding. Prepare of the wedding are favorite store. Meet engagement rings ($5,002), maps and directions to with the director photography and video include with invitations. ($3,378), music ($1,297), of the registry and 20 Check with the post & wedding rings ($1,727). her trained staff for office for the postage help choosing your needed to mail the china, crystal, linens invitation when all the and other household pieces are enclosed in the envelope. preferences. Indicate engagement Purchase pretty “Love” stamps for an and shower gift choices, as well as appropriate wedding touch. wedding presents. 21 Schedule professional dance lessons 18 Reserve the location for your to make your first dance memorable. rehearsal dinner.

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2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

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22 Meet with the caterer to firm up the menu and all the details. If any guests require special food, arrange that now. Be sure all your expectations are clearly defined in a written contract, which should include taxes, any service charges, and additional fees to bartenders and waiters, if not included in the package. Also, you should make certain that the location — which should be a licensed catering establishment — carries basic liability insurance. 23 Engage a baker to create a special wedding cake, if you want something more elaborate than what your caterer offers. Inquire about a cake-cutting charge if you bring in the wedding cake from elsewhere. 24 Investigate having air-conditioning in a tent when the wedding is to be held in warm weather. 25 Plan a rehearsal dinner. Members of the wedding party, their spouses, fiancee’s or significant others should be invited, along with both your

immediate families. If possible, invite this information, might be a refreshing basket of fruit, snacks or other food out-of town guests, too. 26 Arrange accommodations for that your region is known for. 28 Ask a friend or relative to check attendants who do not live in town. If neither you nor any of your on your out-of-town guests to be family, friends or neighbors have the sure they are comfortable and answer facilities to house them, make hotel any of their questions. Provide that reservations. Your fiancée does the person’s name and phone number in same for his attendants. your letter because you will be so busy those last few days. 27 Reserve a block of rooms at a 29 Visit your florist with dress-color hotel for out-of-town guests. Most swatches to help with hotels offer discounts the selection of flowers to guests for a for your wedding wedding weekend. In and reception. Ask advance of mailing of marrying about providing the invitations, write couples choose to aisle runner for the to your guests and write their ceremony. Again, be enclose the hotel own vows. sure everything is information so clearly itemized in a they can make their contractual agreement. reservations directly. 30 Decide on your Once they arrive, honeymoon destination. Consult a have waiting for them a complete travel agent. Traditionally, the groom information packet, including city makes these arrangements, but if maps, transportation schedules and you’re better at that, don’t hesitate to prices, sights to see and restaurants. offer. An additional courtesy, included with 31 Hire limousines or other specialty cars for the wedding party members. 32 Investigate resources for designing and printing a program to distribute at the ceremony. Desktop publishing should make that possible at a reasonable cost to you. 33 Consult with your officiant about any restriction on photography and videography. 34 Discuss with helpful family or friends the possibility of their inviting out-of-town guests to dinner the night before the wedding, if you can’t include them at your rehearsal party. Also, they might host a breakfast or lunch for travelers, if the wedding is late in the day.

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35 Compile a list of all the friends and family members you would like to have invited to showers. 36 Tell the hostess for parties in your honor where you are registered. That store may be indicated right on the shower invitation, but not on the

wedding invitation. 37 Now’s the time to put your wedding invitations into the mail. 38 Record your wedding gifts as they arrive. Note the giver’s name, address, type of gift, date received and date you acknowledge them. 39 Write thank-you notes promptly. Within two months of returning from your honeymoon, you should acknowledge all wedding gifts. 40 Call to confirm the exact date and time of rehearsals with your officiant. Notify attendants and family of the time and place. 41 Send out all invitations to the rehearsal dinner. 42 Plan a get-together party for your attendants. 43 Select gifts for wedding attendants. Your fiancée does the same for his. 44 Begin trousseau shopping for lingerie, honeymoon clothes and other items you’ll need depending on where you plan to live. 45 Purchase a pretty wedding guest book for friends and family to sign at continuous music and overtime. Get it the reception. all in writing. 46 Check with local authorities to see 50 Speak with the caterer about whether a blood test is needed for a the food you want to serve to marriage license. your photographer and musicians. 47 Make an appointment with your Something simple to eat, a beverage doctor for a complete physical. See and a place to sit that’s away from your dentist, too. your guests are 48 Meet with the considered sufficient. organist and anyone The reception 51 Meet with the accounts for else you have asked person handling your to play or sing at the reception and firm up service to determine every detail. If rental of wedding costs, the music. equipment is required, with an average price tag 49 Meet with the make arrangements of $12,343. musicians or DJ for it. engaged to play at 52 Select your the reception to plan wedding ring(s). the selections you and your fiancée Arrange for engraving. want, from your song to the dance 53 Set a date with your photographer tempo you expect them to maintain. for a formal bridal portrait to be Plan a variety of songs so there’s made four weeks before the wedding. something older guests will enjoy as 54 Discuss having a portrait of well as what’s hot among your peers. both of you done for the newspaper Caution the musicians about excessive announcement. This is an alternative volume — it can ruin a reception. to the traditional formal newspaper Tell them about any ethnic favorites photo. Or you may submit a wedding you may want so they’ll be familiar photo of the two of you taken on your with the music. Inquire about breaks, wedding.

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Photo courtesy Watson Photography

2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

Photo courtesy Watson Photography

55 Check with your local newspaper for the form and timing of your wedding-announcement submission. 56 Select party favors to present to your guests to thank them for sharing your happiness. For this purpose, a groom’s cake, in a traditional fruitcake or deep, rich chocolate, may be ordered from your baker. Guests take a piece home in little boxes. 57 Give thought to your cake top. Porcelain figurines are beautiful and will be a lasting memento. A creative baker will most likely have other ideas to present to you. 58 Talk about ways to personalize your ceremony and then discuss your ideas with the officiant. 59 Check with the church sexton and manager of the reception location for accessibility to accommodate handicapped or elderly guests. Inform ushers of this. 60 Buy fake rings to sew on your ring bearer’s pillow. The best man carries the real ones.

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1 MONTH

BEFORE THE WEDDING

61 Finalize plans with your photographer and draw up a list of pictures you definitely want taken during the ceremony and reception. 62 Ask a relative or friend who knows the family well to help the photographer identify the people to be included in your photos, especially if there is a divorce or remarriage, or any type of sticky situation among the parents of the couple. 63 Develop an orderly system of tracking guests’ responses and any special information you need to remember. 64 Discuss the bachelor party with your fiancée. Suggest the event be scheduled at least a week before the wedding day so there’s plenty of time to recover from the revelry. 65 Have a final fitting on your gown and make certain it will be ready to take to your bridal-portrait sitting. 66 Make an appointment to have your hair styled just before your

for those in the wedding party. formal portrait is taken, and again the 72 Select a special wedding gift to day before or day of your wedding. give each other. 67 Check apparel for the wedding 73 Go over all procedures of the party. Have bridesmaids’ gowns wedding ceremony and receiving line fitted. Get swatches of material and with each other. have shoes dyed to match. If any 74 Make seating plans for the attendants live out of town, send their rehearsal dinner, ceremony and dresses to them to be fitted. Check reception. mothers’ dresses and 75 Write out place accessories. cards, if you plan to 68 Call the caterer While May (15 percent of have a bride’s table and make a final weddings) has taken the top and a parent’s table. decision on the spot over June as the most Also complete table reception menu. Be popular month to get number cards for sure that the cake has married, September and guests if you’re hosting been ordered. October (each at 13 percent) a sit-down dinner. 69 Give your caterer aren’t far behind. a reliable estimate 76 Decide which of the number of members of the wedding will be guests expected at the wedding reception, so they can give included in the receiving line and plan their positions. you a written confirmation of cost per 77 Keep gift checklist up to date, and person with an itemized accounting write thank-you notes daily. - to the smallest detail - of what they 78 Consult professional movers for promise to provide. estimates to move your gifts and 70 Confer with the florist to be sure personal belongings to another town, everything is ordered. Confirm the if you’re relocating. time that flowers will be delivered and 79 Make certain you are insured decorations will be completed. against damage or loss in transit. 71 Arrange a transportation schedule

2 WEEKS

BEFORE THE WEDDING

80 Set a date with your fiancée to get your marriage license. 81 Be sure that the clothing and accessories for all members of the bridal party are in order. 82 Check with the society editor of your local newspaper and your groom’s hometown paper to find out what form they wish you to follow to submit your wedding announcement and photograph. Mail the materials soon. 83 Change your name on your bank account, Social Security card, license, insurance and other important documents, if you are assuming your husband’s name.

1 WEEK

BEFORE THE WEDDING

84 Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements. 85 Wrap gifts purchased for your

attendants and groom. Present them at the rehearsal party. 86 Make plans to transport any gifts brought to the reception to your parents’ home or other designated place. 87 Call guests who have not responded to their invitation to ask if they’ll be attending. 88 Add last-minute acceptances and phone your caterer with the final guest count. 89 Confirm ceremony vocalists and musicians, and recheck your musical selections. 90 Arrange your gift display. All cards should be removed. Checks are not displayed, but a card stating “Check from Aunt Louise” may be substituted. Insure gifts. 91 Invite friends and relatives to drop by to see your gifts. 92 Present a small gift or note of appreciation to friends and relatives who did special favors that made planning run smoothly. 93 Do a final check on details with your florist, caterer, sexton, clergy,

musicians and photographer. 94 Finalize your honeymoon plans and begin packing.

1 WEEK

BEFORE THE WEDDING

95 Have a manicure, pedicure and even a massage to pamper yourself and help you feel relaxed. 96 Attend the rehearsal. Review all important duties with the principals in the wedding party. 97 Give ushers the list of guests to be seated in the reserved section. THE

WEDDING DAY 98 Rest and thoroughly relax in a nice warm bath. 99 Allow plenty of time to dress about two hours before the ceremony begins, if possible. 100 Have a wonderful wedding day and enjoy every beautiful moment! n

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2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO

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2016 - 2017 • Black Hills I DO