AMERICA’S TOP WEDDING MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
BRIDALGUIDE.COM
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FEEL THE
How to create a celebration that's totally you.
Just bey yond! BRILLIANT NEW RUNWAY LOOKS
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celebrate our love
Mary Clarke
EDITOR IN CHIEF ART DIRECTOR Mary Cate Godfrey
FASHION AND BEAUTY
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TRAVEL
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ADVICE
etiquette
wedding Straight talk, smart solutions by Mary Clarke, Editor in Chief
VENDOR SEARCH
Q
I’m about to start planning my wedding. Any tips on how to nail down the best wedding pros?
PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL HAVEL PHTOGRAPHY
A
Finding the right pros does take some digging, but the effort will be well worth it in the long run. Start by doing online research and make sure you check out a vendor’s website and Instagram. Both should be up-to-date and feature their most recent work. We like to see galleries on vendor sites that effectively showcase their diverse talents. Look for positive online reviews as well. Word of mouth is always a plus, and if you liked a vendor’s work from a friend’s or relative’s wedding you attended, by all means seek them out. When you meet with vendors, ask to see complete portfolios of the weddings they planned, decorated or photographed. Keep in mind that good communication is key, and if your emails or phone calls are not answered promptly, consider it a warning that this unresponsiveness could be a potential problem down the road. When you meet with vendors, have a list of questions ready, and make sure you feel comfortable speaking with them. Are you hitting it off? Are they friendly and willing to take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns? Can they work within your budget? Do they make you and your partner feel special? If there is any hesitation or second-guessing, then it’s best to keep looking.
JUNIOR MISS
Q
Is my niece, who is 10, too old to be a flower girl, or should she be
considered a junior bridesmaid? If so, what is her role and should she be paired with a groomsman for the processional and recessional?
A
Your niece is just the right age to be a junior bridesmaid— flower girls are generally between the ages of 4 and 8, and junior bridesmaids are 10 to 14 years old. Your niece won’t have any specific responsibilities other than to participate in your rehearsal and ceremony. And although she can attend the bridal shower she’s not expected to contribute financially. As far as her position in the processional and recessional, she can either walk down the aisle before the other bridesmaids (a partner from the groom’s side is not needed), or after the bridesmaids and just before the maid of honor. The same procedure follows for the recessional. TAKE A SEAT
Q
Guests will be standing at our outdoor ceremony. However, we will have some chairs for our older relatives. How can we make sure the other guests will not take their seats?
A
Your best bet is to place “Reserved” signs on the backs of the chairs so others won’t assume it’s a first-come, first-served arrangement. You should also make sure your ushers know which relatives are to be seated so they can escort them to their seats. And should any of the other guests take the seats by mistake your ushers should politely inform them that the chairs have been reserved.
DIVORCE DILEMMA
Q
My divorced parents are not on good terms, and I’m worried about how they might interact with each other at my wedding. Have you any advice?
A
We assume you have a good relationship with both your mom and dad, so let each one know how you are feeling. It will help a great deal if they realize just how anxious you are about their displaying any animosity or unpleasant behavior on your wedding day. Stress how this will affect not only your enjoyment of the day itself, but also the memories you’ll have of what should be one of the most joy-filled days of your life. Let your parents know that you hope they will not let their emotions rule the day and will be able to let go of any anger or ill will. You want this to be a happy occasion for everyone. They may not realize how concerned you are, so addressing this issue now—openly and honestly—should persuade them to make every effort to be on their best behavior. ››› Go to bridalguide.com/QA for more etiquette advice. And send your planning questions to us at mail@bridalguide.com.
Sept/Oct 2023 BRIDALGUIDE.COM 13
wedding planning INFO
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Sweepstakes sponsored by Bridal Guide, New York, NY. Dates of entry: July 18, 2023 through September 19, 2023. Open to any legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who is 18 years or older, except where prohibited by law. For complete Official Rules see opposite page.
Go to bridalguide.com/getinfo to get FREE information from these Bridal Guide preferred vendors for your wedding, your home and your honeymoon. YOUR WEDDING
990. Send all information for gowns/formalwear/accessories.
GOWNS/FORMALWEAR/ACCESSORIES
100. Adrianna Papell Platinum combines the elegance, sophistication and exclusivity of Adrianna Papell with the reputation of House of Wu. house ofwu.com/collection/adrianna-papell-platinum/ 101. Christina Wu Brides dresses brides with dreamy wedding gowns that are crafted to perfection, with decadent beading and luxurious fabrics. houseofwu.com/christinawu 102. Christina Wu Celebration features an eclectic variety of designs that are fashion-forward, adorned with feminine details, and effortlessly wearable from day to night. houseofwu.com /collection/christina-wu-celebration-dresses/ 103. House of Wu carries 19 designer labels, each catering to a specific niche, including bridal, bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride, prom, pageant, and quinceanera. houseofwu.com 104. Justin Alexander Signature redefines luxury. A collection designed for the modern bride seeking a wedding gown that expresses her lavish and on-trend sense of style. jasignature.com
YOUR HOME
991. Send all information for china/crystal/ giftware.
CHINA/CRYSTAL/GIFTWARE
105. Denby USA Limited Designed for living, built to last. Denby prides itself on the strength and quality of their stoneware that has been produced in England for 200 years. 1-800-DENBY-4U. denbyusa.com
106. The Homer Laughlin China Company Fiesta Dinnerware, an American icon, proudly sustainable and made in the USA. Available in over 85 items and 15 vivid colors. Lead free, microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. fiestafactorydirect.com 107. Noritake For over 100 years Noritake has been a leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality tableware. Choose from an extensive array of designs and styles. noritakechina.com
ding to life at Grand Lucayan. With our experienced wedding planners, you can rest assured that your big day will be flawless. grandlucayan.com 111. Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau Nestled across a gorgeous stretch of beach in the heart of downtown Nassau, Margaritaville is the perfect spot to tie the knot. margaritaville beachresortnassau.com 112. Sandals Royal Bahamian in colonial Nassau, and Sandals Emerald Bay in the Exumas, are close to home, yet far from the ordinary. 1-800SANDALS. sandals.com
992. Send all information for planning my destination wedding/honeymoon to the Caribbean or Mexico. 993. Send all information for planning my destination wedding/honeymoon to the United States. 994. Send all information for planning my destination wedding/honeymoon to Europe.
BARBADOS
YOUR HONEYMOON/ DESTINATION WEDDING
ANTIGUA
108. Sandals Grande Antigua Sophisticated travelers are lured to Dickinson Bay where the famous beach at Sandals Grande Antigua is renowned for its calm, crystal-clear water. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com
ARUBA
109. Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino Perched on 15 tropical acres on the pristine white sands of Palm Beach, say “I do” to your dream wedding and create unforgettable memories at Hilton Aruba. hiltonaruba.com/weddings
BAHAMAS
110. Grand Lucayan Bring your fairytale wed-
113. Sandals Barbados where exclusive is always inclusive, is now joined by Sandals Royal Barbados. Stay at one, play at both! 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com
CARIBBEAN
114. Palladium Hotels Group The Weddings by Palladium team of experts provides individualized service and a full line of customizable packages in an idyllic setting for your destination wedding. PalladiumWeddings.com
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
115. Excellence Punta Cana This adults-only resort in Punta Cana features idyllic locations for you to tie the knot, from a stunning beach paradise to a charming gazebo. excellenceresorts.com 116. Finest Punta Cana Our inspired Punta Cana wedding packages were curated to ensure a stress-free experience, from the onset of preparations until the moment you say “I do.” finestresorts.com 117. Sanctuary Cap Cana On the magnificent shores of the Dominican Republic, adults-
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only Sanctuary Cap Cana all-inclusive resort can bring your wedding fantasies to life. sanctuary capcana.com
GREECE
118. Grecotel Hotels & Resorts In magnificent Greek locations, luxurious details create fairytale hotel weddings and honeymoons, each as exceptional as the couple living it. www.grecotel.com
GRENADA
119. Sandals Grenada located on the island’s best beach, defies every convention of traditional design to bring you the Sandals of tomorrow, today. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com
JAMAICA
120. Beaches Resorts are the world’s #1 allinclusive family resorts where everything’s included for all guests. Generation Everyone. Also #1 for destination weddings and honeymoons. 1-800-BEACHES. beaches.com 121. Jamaica Inn Exchange vows barefoot in the sand at sunset on a private peninsula overlooking the Caribbean Sea or in our glorious gardens. jamaicainn.com 122. Sandals Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Negril, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Ochi Beach and Sandals Royal Plantation, Jamaica’s only five-star Luxury Included® Resorts. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com 123. Sunset at the Palms This award-winning, all-inclusive, adults-only, beachside Negril retreat includes Fast-Track service at the airport, 85 elegantly appointed treehouse style accommodations, superb dining and more. thepalms jamaica.com
MEXICO
124. Excellence Riviera Cancun Imagine your big day with the Riviera Maya as a backdrop and your toes in the sand. Your perfect venue awaits at Excellence Riviera Cancun. excellence resorts.com 125. Finest Playa Mujeres Wedding planning professionals will ensure the flawless execution of your day through a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by friends and family, at a unique Cancun destination. finestresorts.com 126. Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts Spectacular wedding venues in Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Let the talented Hilton All-Inclusive wedding team take care of every detail. hilton byplaya.com 127. Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Incredible wedding venues in Cancun, Los Cabos, Montego Bay and Puerto Vallarta. Choose from wedding packages or customize nearly every detail for your dream wedding. allinclusive.hyatt.com 128. Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun The pictureperfect seaside backdrop for your destination wedding, romantic honeymoon or cherished anniversary celebration. Luxurious inclusions, expert wedding specialists, custom options and free packages. resortsbyhyatt.com/ziva-riviera-cancun /weddings-all-inclusive 129. Wyndham Alltra All-Inclusive Resorts The new Wyndham Alltra All-Inclusive Resorts in the heart of Cancun and famous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen are Mexico’s two hottest wedding destinations. alltrabyplaya.com
SAINT LUCIA
130. Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa The Caribbean’s top honeymoon and wedding destination. This four-star beachfront property is perfect for your fairytale Saint Lucia wedding. www .baygardensresorts.com 131. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa Begin your love journey on Saint Lucia. Discover this all-inclusive resort where stress-free wedding packages and picturesque settings combine for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. cbayresort.com 132. Fond Doux Eco Resort Fond Doux Eco
Resort is a 19th-century eco-friendly boutique resort ideal for any dream wedding, honeymoon, vow renewal, anniversary, babymoon or soft adventure. fonddouxresort.com 133. Ladera Resort On a lush volcano ridgeline above the sea, each suite features an open wall, heated plunge pool, and breathtaking panoramas of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. ladera.com 134. Saint Lucia Lauded by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, boasting some of the finest romance settings, and providing a lifetime of cherished memories. stlucia.org 135. Sandals Resorts Stay at one of the Sandals in Saint Lucia and play at all three— Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Regency La Toc. 1-800-SANDALS. sandals.com
TURKS & CAICOS
136. The Sands at Grace Bay Sapphire sea, white powder beach, and gracious suites. The Sands at Grace Bay is the perfect prelude to the rest of your life. thesandstc.com 137. The Somerset on Grace Bay Say I do at The Somerset on Grace Bay. Stunning outdoor event space. Accommodations for up to 200 guests. Handcrafted wedding packages. Every detail personalized. thesomerset.com
USVI
138. The Buccaneer Family owned and operated, this renowned historic 340-acre estate offers St. Croix’s finest accommodations, three beaches, golf, tennis, spa, pools, superb cuisine, and water sports. thebuccaneer.com
UNITED STATES FLORIDA
139. The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel The words “I do” come naturally on The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Live the day of your dreams on warm white sands. fortmyers-sanibel .com/weddings 140. Florida’s Sports Coast Unique event venues from country barns, picturesque beaches and chic golf courses partnered with unrivaled outdoor adventures awaits you on Florida’s Sports Coast. flsportscoast.com 141. Martin County Office of Tourism A picturesque place to host the wedding of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for a rustic outdoor space, a luxury mansion or the perfect beach. discovermartin.com 142. Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach From secluded islands, to stunning beachside settings, to unforgettable eco-adventures for your whole party, Punta Gorda/Engelwood Beach awaits to steal your heart. pureflorida.com/weddings 143. Visit South Walton Say “I do” on South Walton’s sugar-white sand beaches, just steps from turquoise water. It’s so effortless; your honeymoon starts before your wedding ends. visit southwalton.com/weddings
GEORGIA
BRIDAL GUIDE WEDDING PLANNING INFO OFFICIAL RULES (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY)
Sponsored by Bridal Guide, New Rochelle, NY. Entries must be received by September 19, 2023. 1. The Sweepstakes is open to any legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who is 18 years or older except where prohibited by law. Employees of Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, and any and all of their related companies and corporate suppliers are not eligible. Sweepstakes void where prohibited by law. All federal, state and local laws apply. Winners agree to publication and/or display of their name, likeness and entry form to be made at the discretion of Bridal Guide without further compensation. Participants are subject to official rules. 2. The Sweepstakes runs from 9:01 AM Eastern Time on July 18, 2023 through 9:00 AM Eastern Time on September 19, 2023. To enter, complete the order form at bridalguide.com/ getinfo, or print your name, street address, daytime telephone number, mobile phone number, email, wedding date and the words "Sonesta SO23" on a 3" x 5" plain index card and mail to: Bridal Guide SO WPI Sweepstakes, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. Only one entry per household. Entries must be received by September 19, 2023 and become the property of Bridal Guide, who assumes no responsibility for illegible, late, misdirected or lost entries. 3. One grand prize winner will be selected in a random drawing the week of October 2, 2023, under the supervision of Bridal Guide, whose sole decision will be final. By accepting the prize, winner and travel companion agree to release Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, and their affiliates, agents and employees from any and all liability, claims, injuries, actions or proceedings arising out of and/ or sustained in connection with use, acceptance or possession of prize. Potential winner will be notified by email. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, does not respond within 5 days from the date the Sponsor first tries to notify him/her, and/or the prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, such potential winner forfeits all rights to win the Sweepstakes or receive the prize, and an alternate potential winner may be selected. Potential winner and guest will be required to sign Bridal Guide's Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability within 14 days of notification, or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen. Original Affidavits must be notarized and mailed to: Bridal Guide, ATT: SO23 WPI Sweepstakes, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. A copy of the Bridal Guide Affidavit of Eligibility may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope (VT residents may omit postage) to Bridal Guide, ATT: SO23 WPI Affidavit, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. The number of eligible entries received will determine odds of winning. Limit one prize per family or household. If through a printing, production or other error more winners are notified than the rules state, the actual number of such winners, per the rules, will be selected in a random drawing from among those notified. Bridal Guide, RFP Corp., and Sonesta Ocean Point Resort make no warranties with regard to any prize. Prize is nontransferable by winner, has no cash value, and cannot be redeemed for cash. There are no substitutions for prize or changes to available dates. 4. Grand Prize: Six-night accommodations in a butler-serviced suite at the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort in Sint Maarten, welcome amenity and champagne upon arrival, couples massage at Serenity Spa, private romantic dinner, stocked wine fridge based on guest preference from the house wine menu, 24-hour room service and nightly turndown service. Estimated ARV $4,599. 5. The Grand Prize winner will be responsible for the following: Roundtrip airfare and airport transfers, airport taxes, any and all local, state and/or federal taxes, ground transportation, food and beverages, tours, gratuities, personal expenses and any other expenses not specified as part of the prize. Amendments to confirmed travel arrangements may result in forfeiture of trip or administrative fees. Winner will be issued an IRS 1099 form for prize value.
144. Golden Isles is a magical setting for any coastal wedding. Breathtaking beaches, historic churches and picturesque landmarks create the atmosphere of a bygone era filled with romance. www.goldenisles.com
6. Travel can be taken January 5, 2024 through December 22, 2024. No extension will be given after the prize has expired. Package inclusions may be subject to change. Accommodations are based on availability at time of booking and blackout dates that include but are not limited to holidays and February 13-24, 2024.
NORTH CAROLINA
7. Entrants agree that by entering the Promotion, they agree to add their contact information to the Bridal Guide and the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort mailing lists, subject to Entrant’s right to thereafter opt out or unsubscribe to such lists at any time.
145. North Carolina’s Crystal Coast To find out everything the Crystal Coast has to offer couples seeking a destination wedding and unforgettable honeymoon, visit crystalcoastnc.org.
SOUTH CAROLINA
146. Explore Charleston Charleston is waiting to welcome you. From iconic portrait spots and unique venues to endless activities—the Low Country is your ideal destination wedding getaway. CharlestonWeddingGuide.com
8. The name of the winner may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope after October 2, 2023 to Bridal Guide, ATT: SO 23 WPI Winner, 1333A North Avenue #706, New Rochelle, NY 10804. Requests for winner must be received by December 31, 2023.