Wedding planner 2014

Table of

contents

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&5

9

Choose a date wisely

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Cover photo by: AC Ellis Photography

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Budget Planner

Wedding Checklist

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Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas

Engagement Announcement Form

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Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

Stay energized

Showers break from tradition

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2

6

&7

&21

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Calm those jitters

Veil & Tuxedo History

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&23 Makeup tips

The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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Choose a wedding date

m

Many couples find themselves bombarded with questions the moment they become engaged, and perhaps no questions is more common than, "When is the wedding?"

Although a number of couples would prefer to bask in the excitement of their engagement, some couples feel pressured to rush into picking a wedding date. Choosing a wedding date without giving it much consideration may make things more

wisely

difficult down the road. Rather than jumping head first into any decisions, couples should give thought to any and all dates and decide if there are certain times of the year they want to tie the knot or avoid.

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When thinking about potential wedding dates, it helps to have a place to start.

Some couples find it helpful to start with a particular season and then narrow it down from there. Decide if you prefer the lush greenery of summer or the amazing color spectrum of an autumn afternoon. Perhaps you envision arriving at the ceremony with a snowpacked landscape amid twinkling holiday lights? Think about the season when you feel most happy and then determine if that time of year is doable.

Some people would like to tie their wedding day to a particular holiday. Valentine's Day is popular for weddings thanks to the romantic sentiments synonymous with the holiday, while some couples prefer Halloween or Christmas weddings. Holiday weddings can be exciting, but they also produce significant obstacles that couples who choose to get married during other times of year don't have to worry about. Guests may not want to travel or spend time away from their families to attend a holiday wedding. Having a wedding during a holiday may mean competing for vendors and reception spaces. Prices on everything from food to flowers to airline tickets could be higher as vendors cash in on customer demand.

Season

2

Month

Certain months may seem perfect, but not for busy professionals or those with limited vacation time at their disposal.

For example, early spring may not be good for accountants tallying year-end numbers. Teachers may feel most comfortable tying the knot in the summer when they already have days off. If you run a pool business or a lawn maintenance company, then the summer might not be so good. Keep these factors in mind.

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Holidays

Day of the week

It's less expensive for couples to get married on Fridays and Sundays than Saturday afternoons or evenings. Couples may think that the money saved will be well worth it, but they also should think about how this decision may affect their guests. A Friday wedding requires people to take off from work or school. Sunday weddings may be slightly more convenient, but those who have to get back to work on Monday may be tired from latenight festivities. Couples should anticipate some guests not making it to their weddings when those weddings are not on Saturdays.

Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

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Did you

know?

Religious constraints

Couples having religious ceremonies should consult with their houses of worship as to which dates are acceptable.

Some will not have weddings on days of religious observation. It is wise to consult with a church, synagogue or mosque before booking any other components of the wedding so that you are certain your chosen day is acceptable.

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Any available dates Your wedding date may be dictated by your caterer or wedding hall. If you have a particular venue in mind, you may be limited by their availability. This is a concession you will need to make if your heart is set on this particular location.

Planning a wedding can be exciting. But the ball cannot get rolling until couples first choose the day they will tie the knot. BR141835

Symbolic gestures are commonplace during wedding ceremonies. The exchange of rings, stomping on a glass and lighting of candles are each among the various traditions associated with different faiths. Couples who would like to try something a bit different can opt for pouring sand.

Choose two different colored sands and decorative vessels that can hold the sand until a special time in the ceremony. You also will need another large, clear container that will contain the sand once it is poured. To symbolize the joining of two lives together, both the bride and groom can take one of the colors of sand and begin pouring them together into the larger container. The ribbons of sand will join and meld together, much as the couple's separate lives will now become one. The finished sand art can be kept on a mantle as a remembrance of the wedding day for years to come. BR141837

The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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Stay energized

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A couple's wedding day is the culmination of months and months of planning. For most, it is one of the most memorable, magical days of their lives, filled with fond moments of time spent with close friends and family.

As enjoyable as a wedding can be, most brides and grooms who have already tied the knot can attest that a wedding is a long, often tiring day. It is very easy for energy levels to wane. To ensure you have enough energy to last through to the final good-bye of the evening, follow these suggestions to remain energized.

throughout you wedding day

Recognize your wedding day is a very long day.

It's possible to rise quite early in the morning to begin prepping with makeup, hair styles, wardrobe and more. If the party is an evening reception, it could last until the wee hours of the night. You may find yourself up for nearly 24 hours, when the cameras will be flashing and the video rolling throughout.

Naturally, you'll want to look your best throughout.

Get a good night's sleep the night before.

Get to bed early the night before so you will get ample sleep and look rested. It is understandable that nerves and excitement may get the best of you and make it difficult to fall asleep. If you often grow anxious and struggle to fall asleep before big events, talk to your doctor prior to the wedding to ask if you can be prescribed a one-time-only sleeping pill that will ensure you get to sleep promptly. Do not take this medication with alcohol, and be sure to take it only if you can get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Otherwise you may experience medicine hangover.

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Enjoy a hearty breakfast.

At breakfast on the morning of your wedding, consume a combination of carbohydrates and protein. The carbs will provide the initial burst of energy you need to get going, and the protein will keep you feeling full. A combination of whole wheat toast, fresh fruit and Greek yogurt makes for a filling start to the day.

Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

Stay hydrated Although drinking a lot of water can result in more frequent trips to the bathroom -- which can be cumbersome for brides wearing their gowns -- it is essential to stay hydrated. Dehydration can result in headaches, weakness and dizziness and may make you feel cranky. Be sure to consume water throughout the day.

Eat dinner When family is beckoning and the photographer needs to get yet another pose, it is easy to skip dinner. Be firm with your decision to enjoy your meal. After all, you paid for it and it should not go to waste. Besides, sitting down to dinner enables you to rest and absorb the atmosphere of the wedding.

Pack some snacks The time between breakfast and the cocktail hour of a wedding may be significant. In your wedding "survival" kit, be sure to pack some easy snacks to eat.

Trail mix can be nibbled for a boost of energy, and a banana can take the edge off of hunger pangs. Avoid anything messy that can drip onto clothing or get stuck in your teeth. Have snacks stowed in the limousine or another mode of transportation so that you can refuel on the way to the ceremony or reception.

Don't overdo it with caeine It may be tempting to lean on an energy drink or a super-size cup of coffee to give you the boost you need. But caffeine is only a temporary fix. After the effects of the caffeine wear off, you could find yourself more tired than be-

Continue to drink plenty of water throughout the night Alcoholic beverages may be flowing, but too many spirits can compromise your energy levels. Be sure to balance the booze with hydrating fluids, such as water or juice. fore and crash at an inopportune time during the day. Time spent on the dance floor enjoying the reception will likely stimulate some adrenaline to keep you going

Weddings take up the entire day. But by heeding a few tips, it's possible to remain in top form throughout the entire wedding. BR141839

The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

Wedding showers continue to

r

break from tradition

Rain showers on a wedding day may bring good luck, but they are seldom coveted. However, a different type of shower altogether is often highly anticipated.

Wedding showers are gift-giving parties held for couples about to get married.

The custom began in the nineteenth century and continues to present day, primarily in North America and Australia. Guests traditionally "shower" the bride-to-be with all the necessities (and some fun extras) that she will need after she ties the knot. These gifts will help the soon-to-be-married couple establish a home together.

Nowadays, bridal showers feature fun and games much like a party having nothing to do with a wedding. TheKnot.com, a Web site that aims to help couples plan their weddings and all the events leading up to the big day, identifies these key trends in modern bridal showers.

Couples' showers Modern couples who like to be all-inclusive are now planning bridal showers that cater to mixed audiences. These parties include female and male friends and relatives. Gifts are still the main focus of the event, but they're varied and include guyfriendly items.

Destination/activity showers Rather than having guests hang around a restaurant watching gift after gift get unwrapped, some bridal parties opt to throw an activity shower. For example, ladies may be treated to a day at the spa.

Other ideas include horseback riding or a day at the ballpark. Because hosting an activity shower for dozens of

people may get expensive, these types of showers may be reserved for only your closest friends and family.

Bride-involved showers The idea of walking into a room and being surprised by friends and family members is appealing to some brides-tobe but not everyone. Some brides prefer not to be surprised by a shower and actually would like to have a role in the planning of the party. However, this is delicate ground on which to tread, considering there may be differences over where the party is held and even the overall experience of the party. These type of showers should be discussed before any plans are made, and tasks should delegated in accordance with those plans. BR141876

Music for every mood

Playlist

Music often plays an important role on festive occasions, and wedding days are no exception.

Though personal preference often determines a playlist the following tunes can make for an eclectic mix.

Ceremony When choosing music for the ceremony, couples should first consider the venue where they are tying the knot. Some, such as houses of worship, may have rules pertaining to what can and cannot be played inside the venue. Classical, hymnal or processional music often makes the best fit when weddings are taking place in more formal venus.

Outdoor weddings tend to give couples more leeway. But in general couples don't want to choose any music that's too loud or over-the-top for their ceremonies.

Brandi Carlile

The Temptations

Heart’s Content

My Girl

Green River Ordinance

Phillip Phillips

Dancing Shoes

Home

Extreme

Tim McMorris

More Than Words

Overwhelmed

Sonny & Cher

Elvis Presley

I Got You Babe

Love me Tender

Shania Twain

Etta James

You're Still The One

At Last

Sister Sledge

OK Go

We Are Family

This Will Be Our Year

Reception When discussing music to be played during the reception, couples must consider their own musical tastes as well as those of their guests. A wide range of popular music tends to go best at wedding receptions, as guests are more likely to dance to songs they recognize. Avoid any music that has the potential to offend guests, opting for lighter, happier tunes instead. Couples should also make a list of no-play songs or artists and make sure that such lists are included in their contracts.

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The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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BudgetPlanner

t

There’s no getting around the fact that weddings can be expensive. It’s quite easy for individuals to go over budget on their wedding day if they do not carefully keep track of what has been spent on all the elements of the big day. Use this budget planner to keep all of the costs associated with the wedding in one easy-tomanage place. (MS) Wedding Items VENUE AND RENTALS FOOD AND SERVICE BEVERAGES CAKE MISCELLANEOUS FEES GOWN AND ALTERATIONS HEADPIECE AND VEIL ACCESSORIES MAKEUP AND HAIR GROOM’S TUX OR SUIT GROOM’S ACCESSORIES FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS BOUQUETS BOUTONNIERES / CORSAGES RING PILLOW RECEPTION DECORATIONS LIGHTING CEREMONY MUSICIANS RECEPTION MUSICIANS PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY TRANSPORTATION FAVORS CEREMONY FEES INVITATIONS / STATIONERY WEDDING RINGS HONEYMOON

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Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

Budgeted

Spent

The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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Wedding checklist 16 to 12 Months ■ Start a wedding inspiration

folder.

Clip ideas from magazines or download inspiration from web sites—and don’t just stick to the bridal ones. Some of the best ideas can be found in fashion, garden, design and food magazines.

■ Reserve a block of hotel rooms.

Pick three hotels at different price points close to the reception venue.

■ Register.

Sign up at a minimum of three retailers.

■ Launch a wedding website.

7 to 6 Months

■ Pick your wedding party.

■ Select and purchase

Keep organized by creating a spreadsheet with columns for contact information, RSVPs, gifts received, thankyous sent, etc.

■ Hire a planner.

If your budget allows, a planner will have the right connections and will ease some of the stress throughout the process.

■ Contact a church and

reception decorator.

invitations.

■ Start planning a honeymoon.

Update passports and get the required shots.

■ Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses.

Keep in mind time for alterations.

■ Meet with the officiant.

Plan the specifics of the ceremony and confirm that you have all the official documents required for your particular county and religion.

■ Reserve your date and venus.

■ Send Save the date cards.

■ Book your officiant.

■ Reserve structural and

■ Research photographers,

bands, florists, and caterers.

Keep track of their contact information, costs, availability, etc.

■ Throw an engagement party,

if you wish.

Make sure these guests are put on the wedding guest list too.

11 to 8 Months ■ Hire a photographer and

videographer.

■ Book the entertainment.

■ Meet caterers.

■ Purchase a dress.

Purchase a dress early enough for alterations and fittings.

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start dress fittings.

■ Choose your music.

3 Months ■ Finalize the menu and flowers.

■ Order favors, if desired.

■ Work out your budget.

■ Start the guest list.

■ Purchase wedding shoes and

electrical necessities.

Book portable toilets for outdoor events, extra chairs if needed, lighting components, and etc.

■ Book a florist.

■ Arrange transportation.

■ Draw up a timeline for the

day-of events.

5 to 4 Months ■ Book the rehearsal and

rehearsal-dinner venus.

■ Check on the wedding

invitations.

■ Select and order the cake.

■ Send your guest list to the host

of your shower.

Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

■ Make a list of the people

giving toasts.

■ Finalize the readings.

■ Finalize the order of the cere-

mony and the reception.

■ Print menu cards and

programs.

■ Purchase the wedding bands.

■ Send your event schedule to

the vendors to allow time for adjustments.

2 Months ■ Touch base again with all the

vendors.

Get all the questions answered.

■ Meet with the photographer.

Discuss specific shots, and walk through the locations to note spots that appeal to you.

■ Review a loose playlist with

the band or deejay.

■ Send out the invitations.

Mail invitations six to eight weeks before the ceremony, setting the RSVP cutoff at three weeks after the postmark date.

■ Submit your wedding

announcement to your desired newspapers.

See page 18 for a submission form for The Brookings Register.

■ Enjoy a bachelorette party.

1 Month ■ Enter RSVPs into

your guest-list database.

Make follow-ups.

■ Get your marriage

license.

■ Mail the rehearsal-

dinner invitations.

■ Visit the dressmaker

for your final fitting.

■ Stock the bar. Now

that you have a firm head count you can order accordingly.

■ Send out as many

final payments as you can.

■ Confirm times for

hair and makeup and all vendors.

■ E-mail and print

directions for drivers of transport vehicles.

■ Assign seating.

■ Purchase bridesmaids’

gifts to present at the rehearsal dinner.

■ Write vows, if

necessary.

■ Get your hair cut

and colored.

Week of the Wedding ■ Reconfirm arrival

times with vendors.

■ Delegate small

wedding-day tasks.

■ Send a timeline to

the bridal party.

Include every member’s contact information, along with the point people you’ve asked to deal with the vendors.

■ Pick up your dress.

■ Check in one last time

with the photographer.

Provide a list of pictures you want.

■ Set aside checks for

the vendors.

■ Book manis and

pedis and maybe even a massage for some last minute stress relief.

■ Send the final guest

list to the caterer and all venus hosting your wedding-re lated events.

■ Break in your shoes.

■ Pack for your

honeymoon.

The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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9 tips for an

c

eco-friendly

Couples about to tie the knot may be preoccupied with finding the right color palettes for their wedding days. While is has long been a favorite wedding day color, many couples are now looking for ways to go green at their weddings, as more and more couples want to make their ceremonies as ecofriendly as possible.

wedding

While it might once have been difficult to make weddings environmentally friendly affairs, today's couples have many eco-friendly options at their disposal.

There are plenty of ways to turn weddings into entertaining and eco-friendly affairs.

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Reduce reliance on stationery Couples hoping to be more eco-conscious can cut back on the amount of paper they use at their weddings and throughout the planning process. Invitations can be printed on recycled stock, and couples can avoid using the envelope within an envelope that is often used when mailing wedding invitations. Furthermore, reduce what you place inside the invitation, including direction cards. Have guests visit a Web site to learn about hotel accommodations and respond to the wedding invite.

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Cut down on waste Do you really need four courses at the reception and a complete dessert display? Food that goes uneaten will likely end up in the garbage.

If you cannot arrange to have food delivered to a soup kitchen or another charitable group, scale back on how much is served.

Chances are guests will not even miss the extra food.

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Encourage guests to carpool to your wedding You may want to make a flashy entrance at the ceremony, but you can curb emissions by having as many people travel together as possible.

Ditch the sedan or limousine and rent a party bus that can fit many of your guests.

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Rethink wedding favors Instead of trinkets that are produced overseas and likely to end up in the trash, opt for edible favors, seeds or plants or even donations to charitable organizations.

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4

Light beeswax . candles Candles are an ecofriendly way to provide romantic lighting at the wedding. Opt for non-toxic beeswax candles rather than paraffin candles.

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Pick owers that are in-season Much like produce, certain flowers are grown out of season with the use of pesticides and herbicide.

Imported flowers have high carbon footprints due to the distance they have to travel.

Cut down on how far flowers have to travel and the use of potentially harmful chemicals by buying locally grown, in-season flowers.

Choose earth-friendly fabrics When selecting gowns and other attire, lean toward natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, hemp, or linen, each of which are eco-friendly fabrics.

Rent or borrow whenever possible Rented items are reused over and over, while items couples buy specifically for their weddings are liable to be used once and then discarded. Opt for rentals when possible.

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Style your hair naturally Although many hair products have reduced or eliminated their use of CFCs, which can enter the atmosphere and damage the ozone layer, harmful chemicals are still used in many products. Brides can skip the elaborate up-do that requires a lot of hair spray for a more natural, free-flowing look.

BR141847

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Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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Engagement announcement

y

You may include either a black and white or color photograph with your announcement. Your engagement photograph may be picked up at our office after it appears in the paper. If you would like your photograph mailed back to you, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. High quality photographs (at least 300dpi) can be e-mailed along with this form to dkott@brookingsregister.com.

_________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

BRIDE-TO-BE

GROOM-TO-BE

_________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

PARENTS OF BRIDE-TO-BE

PARENTS OF GROOM-TO-BE

_________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

CITY, STATE

CITY, STATE

THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS TO BE MADE BY:

■ Couple

■ Bride’s Parents

■ Parents of Both

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

EDUCATION AND OCCUPATION OF BRIDE-TO-BE _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

EDUCATION AND OCCUPATION OF GROOM-TO-BE _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

WEDDING DATE AND LOCATION (if known)

We may have questions. Please provide us with contact information in case we need to reach you to clarify submission information: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT NAME _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT PHONE NUMBER AND/OR EMAIL ADDRESS PHOTO ENCLOSED

■ YES

■ NO

RETURN ENVELOPE

■ YES

■ NO

312 Fifth Street • PO Box 177 • Brookings, SD 57006 605.692.6271 • 800.568.5032 dkott@brookingsregister.com (email) 605.692.29789 (fax) • www.brookingsregister.com

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Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

Calm those

b

last-minute jitters

Brides- and grooms-to-be are often nervous when the day they will tie the knot finally arrives. The realization that months and months of planning and anticipation are finally about to come to a head often inspires some jitters in the days leading up to the wedding. The following is a few ways couples can calm their nerves.

• Get a good night's rest. Make your last their wedding days. Bridesmaids and night as an unmarried couple an early night so you will look your best and have plenty of energy on your big day, which will no doubt start early and end late.

groomsmen can no doubt handle any outstanding tasks that don't require any input from the bride or groom.

• As the start time for the ceremony ap-

• Spend time with family and friends. proaches, couples about to tie the knot Chances are your closest friends and family members are playing significant roles in your wedding, and spending time with them is a great way to keep your nerves in check.

• Don't be afraid to delegate responsibilities. In spite of months of planning, couples will still have a to-do list come

should take time to sit down and relax.

Once their hair and makeup is finished, brides-to-be should sit down and exhale or arrange for the photographer to snap some fun pre-wedding photos. Groomsto-be can do the same with their groomsmen, sharing a few last-minute jokes to ensure everyone is relaxed and ready to go. BR141880

The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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History behind the

w

bridal veil

Wedding day attire has changed in many ways, but one component of getting dressed up for a wedding that has withstood the test of time is the wearing of a wedding veil.

Though many brides know it is tradition to wear a bridal veil, many do not understand why. Here is a look at the history behind the veil and why it is continued to be worn today.

The veil and the bouquet that a bride carries may predate the wearing of white. Although there is no definitive reason for the wearing of a veil, many surmise it has to do with ancient Greeks and Romans' fear of evil spirits and demons. In fact, this is where many of the bridal traditions actually come from, including bridesmaids wearing similar dresses in order to serve as decoys for the bride. In an effort to

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frighten away or disguise the bride from evil spirits, brides-tobe were dressed in brightly colored fabrics like red and obscured by a veil. But in many cases, the veil prevented the bride from seeing well. That is why her father or another person "gave her away." He was actually escorting her down the aisle so she wouldn't bump or trip into anything. The veil also served as a method of shielding the bride's face from her future husband, especially in the cases of arranged marriages.

Superstition has it that it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride prior to the wedding. A veil hiding her face also ensured that the groom would not see his soon-to-bebetrothed up until the ceremony.

Eventually the meaning behind the veil transformed as weddings evolved into religious ceremonies. The veil came to symbolize modesty and obedience. In many religions it is seen as a symbol of reverence for women to cover their heads.

When white wedding dresses were worn to symbolize chastity, the white veil followed suit.

Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

There are others who say that before the advent of shampoo, people didn't wash their hair as often and it could get quite dirty. The veil may have been a method to covering up unsightly hair.

Regardless of the origins, veils continue to be sported by today's brides, who choose from a few different styles. A flyaway is a short veil that ends at the shoulders, while a sweep veil ends at the floor. Chapel and cathedral veils follow the bride at a significant length (nine and 12 feet, respectively). A blusher is a very short veil that covers just the bride's face as she enters the ceremony. With a fingertip veil, the veil reaches the bride's waist and brushes at her fingertips.

The veil will coordinate with the style of the gown, and many wedding attire consultants suggest choosing the gown prior to the headpiece and veil.

SB137306

Tuxedo History The origins of the modern tuxedo remains a topic for debate, but one of the more widely known tales of the tuxedo's beginning traces this classic look to a wealthy tobacco magnate of the 19th century. Pierre Lorillard lived with his family in a residential colony called Tuxedo Park, which was roughly 40 miles northwest of New York City. The Lorillards were popular in social circles, and Pierre helped establish the area as a prime hunting and fishing destination. Lorillard also developed a social organization called the Tuxedo Club, which regularly hosted balls. At the time, men wore dinner jackets with long tails to formal events. However, Lorillard wanted something different and modern, and he commissioned a tailless black jacket to wear to the Tuxedo Club's Autumn Ball. Lorillard got cold feet in time for the ball and did not wear the shorter jacket. However, his son, Griswold, did wear the short jacket and received much praise. Soon the style was copied and worn invarious social circles across the country. The "tuxedo" was born, and soon became a timeless classic.

The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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Makeup tips

v

for brides and bridesmaids

Very often the key to wedding makeup is simplicity. Brides want their best features enhanced and have the makeup add to their beauty rather than outshine it. Brides want guests to notice their faces and gowns and not their makeup. Here are some tips brides can employ in an effort to put their best faces forward.

Begin preparations a few days prior to the wedding.

If you will be enhancing your skin color with a spray-tan, do so at least two days prior to the wedding. By the third day the color will set and appear more natural. The same idea applies to your brows. Have your brows professionally shaped a few days before the wedding. This allows your skin to recover and redness to dissipate.

Moisturize and prime.

Start out with well hydrated and moisturized skin by applying a few layers of moisturizer.

When the moisturizer is completely absorbed and dry, use a skin priming product that will help keep your foundation in place.

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Wedding Planner • The Brookings Register

Match your foundation color.

If you will be tanning, then find a shade that matches the tanned color. Apply the foundation thoroughly and be sure to blend it well at your neckline. Set the foundation with a matte powder.

Conceal undereye circles or redness.

Putting on the concealer after the foundation means you will probably need less and won't look like you're caked with product.

Use an eyebrow pencil or brow powder.

This is a must for your wedding day and can really help to frame your eyes. Use small, light flicks rather than long strokes to make the color blend naturally.

Finish with a gel that will set the hairs into place.

Lengthen lashes.

Use mascara to lengthen lashes. If you will be using false lashes, apply them now. Lashes that are too long or full may appear cartoonist and can be uncomfortable to wear. Connect your lashes together with the false ones with another application of mascara.

Kisses and smiles.

Choose a long-lasting lip color that will hold up throughout the day. Lip stains work very well, as they provide that hint of color but wear well during the day.

Try to perform a practice run prior to the wedding, taking some photographs to see how the makeup looks in pictures. Cameras and flashes can wash out makeup, so sometimes you need to apply just a little bit more than usual for it to show up on film. Also, certain makeup products will reflect light more. Don't forget to stock up on oil-blotting papers to touch up your face during the day.

Complement your eyes.

Many brides like to play up their eyes on their wedding days.

Neutral colors look best and will not appear dated in photos.

Stick with matte shades of eye shadow, with the exception of one pearlescent shade that is lightly dusted right in the center of the lid from the lashline to the crease. This will add just a touch of luster to catch the light and make eyes sparkle.

Be subtle with blush.

Use subtle blush in a peach-pink color to achieve that blushing bride appearance. Smile and apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks.

The Brookings Register • Wedding Planner

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