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Weddings CommunityAdvocate February 6, 2015

Choosing a caterer 2 • Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 6, 2015

Ask the right questions when planning your day

E

ven though their methods for catering may be pretty similar, every restaurant is not the same when it comes to handling your wedding. There are numerous factors that come into play, ranging from cooking specialties to availability of resources. Before deciding on your final choice for caterer, make sure to ask the below questions along with any others specific to your wedding to make sure you find the one most aligned with your nuptial needs.

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Do you have a license?

Get this one out of the way quickly, because some venues will not allow an unlicensed food operation on their sites.

What is your price range, and can I get a quote on paper?

Making sure you have a written quote will help resolve any confusion come payment time.

How many weddings have you catered for in the past couple of years?

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This answer may be one of the most important, as you want to make sure the company is experienced and up to the challenge.

Are you specialized in a certain cooking style or methodology?

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This is crucial if you’re looking for a specific type of food for your reception, such as French cuisine or seafood.

Do you only cater one event per day?

you to find during the planning stages.

Will you be providing chairs, silverware, linens and equipment?

You want to make sure you have the full attention of the organization and its staff during your wedding.

Are you easy to get in touch with if I have questions throughout the meal-planning process?

A “no” answer to any of these questions could lead to higher costs for you and more stress in trying to coordinate different vendors to fulfill these needs.

Do you also do wedding cakes?

Having the same company handle snacks, dinner and the cake means one less vendor for

Every caterer will surely answer ‘yes.’ A good follow-up question is for a list of references, just to make sure you can conduct your own research.

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The importance of shooting engagement photos

M

ost couples hire a wedding photographer to shoot their wedding, but not every couple hires a professional photographer to shoot engagement photos. If that describes you, you might want to reconsider your decision.

“For couples who care about photography and want to look natural on their wedding day, the engagement session is the best way to get eased into being photographed and to establish a connection with the photographer,” photographer Mike Peyzner of Choco Studio, said. “It’s a chance for us to get to know the couple and the dynamics between them and capture their special bond and unique characters with more ease.”

Photographer Ben Evans of Photo Images by Ben agreed, and added, “When I photograph a wedding, I tell a complete story, and without engagement photos, a chapter in their story is missing.”

Shooting engagement photos is also an opportunity for you to get to know how your photographer works.

“Getting to work with them before the big day builds confidence and releases a lot of pressure,” Sofia Negron of Sofia Negron Photography, who finds that couples wonder how they will look in photos, said.

“This way, all those anxieties are swept away, because if your engagement photos look good, then your wedding photos will. It also allows everyone else to relax,” she added.

photographer.

“The engagement session is also a way for the photographer to know what to expect,” Negron explained. She noted the photographer can figure out the couple’s best angles, photo preferences and personalities during the engagement shoot.

It’s important to be happy at the end of the e-session.

“If you feel like you have just spent the whole day with your BFF, then the wedding day will be perfect,” Negron said.

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Ideal locations You probably know where you want to shoot your wedding photos, but what about your engagement photos?

Evans prefers outdoor settings with natural lighting.

“Great locations for these types of photos are a local park, near a lake, tree, water fountain, monument, historic house or one’s very own backyard,” he said. “The possibilities are endless.”

While nature settings are popular, so are urban shoots, such as those in the middle of the city.

“Urban settings can be really fun to work with because the shoots tend to be more spontaneous and offer more diversity in terms of settings, but the photography will be less emotional and more editorial,” Peyzner said.

You can also shoot your e-session images at various locations.

“The engagement session is also a great way to capture

things that are special to you as a couple but that you may not have time for on the wedding day,” Negron said. She said she has often shot at two or three locations that are meaningful to the bride and groom.

One thing to avoid? Experts recommend not shooting engagement photos in front of a landmark, such as the Golden Gate Bridge.

“The point is to capture the connection you have with each other,” Peyzner said. *When to shoot engagement photos If you decide to shoot engagement photos, do not wait too long.

“Typically, most couples I have photographed schedule their engagement photo session six months before their wedding day, and consideration should always be given to the weather,” Evans said.

When you shoot engagement images earlier, rather than later, you can then also use the photos for weddingrelated items such as “savethe-dates,” on your wedding website, and for engagement notices in your local newspaper.

You can dress and look any way you want for your engagement photos. Some couples like dressing up, while others keep things casual. You can even get professional hairstyling and makeup. Whatever you choose, just be comfortable in front of the camera and have fun!

; ;

Getting comfortable Did you ever pose for a photo and feel stiff ? That’s because you’re not comfortable in the moment.

“Portraits look much better when we feel at ease,” Peyzner said. “The engagement session helps change the relationship between the engaged couple and the photographer from that of strangers and turns it into a friendly rapport where everyone feels more comfortable to express themselves.”

The e-session, as it’s known in the wedding world, can also be an advantage for the

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4 • Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 6, 2015

Unique bridesmaids’ parties at Heart and Stone Jewelry Northborough – Looking for a way to personalize your jewelry for your wedding? Or maybe you want a one-ofa-kind gift for your bridesmaids?

Heart and Stone Jewelry in Northborough is the answer.

Their private silver metal clay classes are the perfect way to celebrate with a bridal party, while creating jewelry pieces that will help everyone remember the special day.

“It’s a cool thing to do, but few people know about it,” said Julie Booras, who opened the shop and studio in 2007.

The company reflects her creative spirit, artistic drive and desire to make a difference in people’s lives by creating unforgettable, meaningful jewelry that symbolizes the spirit of the wearer.

The private classes run for about 3 to 3 ½ hours and participants learn the basic

Some of the possible designs for make-your-own jewelry at Heart and Stone

techniques of working with silver metal clay to create pendants or earrings.

“If we know ahead of time,

we can customize pieces for a specific wedding theme,” Booras said. For example, one bride wanted magnolias

as a theme for her jewelry so Booras made a custom stamp with the flower.

Heart and Stone staff do the finish work for the jewelry, including firing in a kiln, and pieces are ready within a week.

Parties are for 6 to 8 people and guests may bring their own food and beverages.

Booras said that their website allows party guests to register and pay individually, making it easy for the brideto-be.

Call 508-466-8333 or visit www.heartandstonejewelry. com for more information or to book a party.

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With an outside wedding, nature can provide such a beautiful back drop,” said Andrea Rotolo, sales director at the Manor banquet facility in West Boylston.

“The smells, the sounds and the sights complete exactly what it is the bride is envisioning. However, there are those times when nature is working against you. When that is the case I think it’s always best to have plan B.” Many wedding planners suggest starting your plans with an outdoor ceremony before moving inside for the reception. Your guests will be happy to sit through chilled temperatures or a light drizzle to watch you get married but may not stick around in such conditions for a late-night party.

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of breaking it up. To be in one room for five-plus hours is a long time.”

The Manor has an outdoor gazebo which can be used for the ceremony or for photos.

“To this day, we have not had a ceremony preformed there,” she said. “We have had ceremonies scheduled to be held there, but the weather never seems to cooperate with us!”

In addition to the gazebo, the Old Stone Church in West Boylston is less than five minutes down the road.

“More than 85 percent of our onsite ceremonies choose to go to the church for pictures after the ceremony,” Rotolo noted. “It’s right on the water, with a breathtaking view.”

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What to do with your wedding gown after the big day

Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 6, 2015• 5

A

h, the wedding dress.

So many hours of research, fitting and refitting for only a few hours of glory. But once your special day comes and goes, deciding what to do with the gown can be a difficult choice for many brides. Should you keep it stored away as a memento of your wedding day or let it go?

Keep it When deciding to keep your gown, it’s important to determine why. Are you hoping to one day hand over your dress to your daughter? If so, keeping the gown in a basement, attic or back of the closet may not be an ideal storage option.

Garment professionals recommend you properly clean and store your gown for optimal life span. Simply shutting it away and forgetting about it can lead to a ragged, faded garment after even a short period of time.

Sell it Another option for your gown after your wedding is selling it to make back some of your own costs. This may be a

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great option if the dress is very valuable and if the company you bought it from has a flexible buy-back program. There are also a variety of online options for selling your gown. Many companies buy and sell pre-owned wedding dresses. Just don’t expect to get top-dollar out of these.

Donate it If you have no future plans to give away your dress to

a family member or friend, why not donate it to charity?

Organizations such as Brides Against Breast Cancer use donated dresses to put on their Nationwide Tour of Gowns effort, which raises funds to contribute to programs for cancer patients and their families. Check in with your local charitable organizations or consignment shops to see if there is a need for donated dresses in your area.

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he planning is over, and the big day has come to an end. It’s time to reward your efforts with a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Choosing where your honeymoon will take place can be a challenge — but try to make it a fun one. If you’re not sure where to spend your postwedding experience, consult with a wedding planner or travel guide. They will have many options across different locations and price points.

Stay closer to home You may think beaches and warm weather when trying to figure out the perfect honeymoon spot. Don’t forget that we have both right here at home. Many brides and grooms are ditching the idea of international travel for an old-fashioned road trip, which can make for great conversation, stops in historic locations and intimate stays in luxurious hotels across the country. You can start with the West Coast if you’re looking for the sandy stuff, as the springtime climate in California is much warmer than the national average.

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such as downtown Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Pier, you can be in honeymoon heaven without even hopping on a plane. A trip out east can be just as beautiful along the historic highways that connect our country’s most illustrious cities. Opt for an all-inclusive stay in one of the many elegant tourist towns of South Carolina to make your honeymoon extra special.

Go global With temperatures in the low 80s and hurricane season months away, the spring is the perfect time for a trek to the Caribbean. From casinos

and restaurants to sailing and water festivals, the Caribbean is loaded with opportunities for exciting honeymoon fun.

If you don’t mind chillier conditions, Europe can be your best bet. You may actually experience a warm spell if you decide to check out Ireland or Italy, but odds are you won’t be spending much time soaking in the sun.

Choosing a location for your honeymoon is all about your personal preferences. So make a list of what you’ve always wanted to see and experience, and work with your soon-tobe spouse to decide on the best option.

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Creating your perfect engagement ring 6 • Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 6, 2015

PHOTO/SUBMITTED

Stephanie Goldberg, owner of Stephanie G Jewelers

Hopkinton – An engagement ring can vary in style from a simple diamond set on a band to a one that incorporates a variety of stones which may or may not include diamonds.

According to Stephanie Goldberg, owner of Stephanie G Jewelers and the fourth generation of jewelers in her family, everyone has a vision of what their “perfect” ring should be.

“We want to help grooms give their brides what they truly want,” she explained. “The women c a n come in and make a ‘wish list ’ of the different options that really appeal to them.”

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“We don’t discuss prices at that point with the bride-tobe – we just discuss with her what she loves about different styles. We then work with the groom to help them design a beautiful

ring that will really be the perfect choice,” she added.

Although the bride is most certainly the star of the big day, Stephanie can help make the other ladies in the wedding party feel special, especially the mothers.

“We want Moms to know that this is your time too!” she said. ““We specialize in taking pieces and putting a new spin on them. So we can help moms redesign their current

rings, perhaps adding pieces from any other jewelry they might have,” she said. “That way they have a beautiful piece of jewelry to not only celebrate this special day in their children’s lives but also the next step in their lives too. “ Stephanie G Jewelers is located at 77 Main St., Hopkinton. For more information call 508-435-4444 or visit www.stephaniegjewelers.com.

Mugford’s Flower Shoppe offers special flowers for that special day Westborough - For the bride-to-be, choosing flowers for her big day is one of the most important elements in creating the perfect wedding.

Not only do flowers provide color and ambience, but they symbolize life, growth, and rebirth. From the flowers at the ceremony to the groomsmen’s boutonnieres to the centerpieces at the reception and of course, the ultimate, the bride’s bouquet, flowers are a focal point of any wedding.

Chris Bakutis is the owner of Mugford’s Flower Shoppe in Westborough. The business features many flowers that are grown on their own location, allowing floral designers to have control over the quality of the flowers they can offer to their customers. During the spring, summer and fall, their property boasts more than an acre of home grown flowers offering brides a large

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selection of local, in-season flowers for their wedding.

They also produce their own compost on site and grow as eco-friendly as possible.

Mugford’s professional staff can offer advice for all types of weather-conditions.

“Planners must use decorations that will stand up in different temperatures and possible precipitation,” Bakutis said. “There are certain types of weather that are detrimental to floral decorating, such as that on arches and chuppahs.”

“If [flowers] are going to be in direct sun, wilting can be a problem,” she noted. “We have to be finished setting up 45 minutes before the ceremony. Then, of course, there is the rain issue. If it rains hard enough, it will ruin the flowers.”

But no matter your needs or the weather, the professionals at Mugford’s will work with you to ensure your flowers are as special as your day.

For more information visit www.mugfords.com or call 508- 836-5554 or 800-6456495. Mugford’s is located at 8 Warburton Lane, Westborough.

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DJ orTheband? pros and cons B

rides and grooms planning their wedding receptions know that it’s the music that makes the celebration unforgettable.

With great entertainment, guests fill the dance floor and have the time of their lives, and the couple themselves dance to “their song” in a moment that’s captured forever on video.

The big question facing these brides and grooms: Should we hire a disc jockey or a band?

Both options have pros and cons. Music played by a DJ is instantly recognizable, with the celebrity singer’s voice filling the room. It’s almost as good as having Beyonce, Celine Dion, U2 and The Jackson 5 performing live for you. The artist versions you know - and that may have played a part in your love story, from the first date to the first mix you made

for your partner to the songs played on the night you got engaged - become highlights of your reception.

A band’s pros include that undeniable dynamic of the live performance, the energy a great group gives off as it blasts out a hit song, the vibration of the bass, the beat of the drums, the blare of the trumpet and the amazing collection of talented singers.

A live band treats guests to a concert and creates an entirely different, charged vibe in the room.

The DJ or band leader will act as your emcee for the event, introducing you into the room, interacting with guests and inviting them onto the dance floor, even inviting guests to spin music or sing.

The personality factor of DJ versus band depends on the personalities of the professionals involved. So that part

is evenly matched. Hiring the perfect entertainer revolves around the entertainer’s personality.

The next consideration is the purse strings. A DJ almost always costs less to hire than a band. According to the Wedding Report, the average price of a DJ ranges from $800 to $1,000 for a four-hour package, which is approximately 30 percent of the cost of a live band. A band that is composed of 10 members obviously commands a higher booking price than a solo DJ. And don’t forget that each of your entertainers needs to be fed at the reception.

Wedding experts advise that you should make your selection based on which option works best for the style of wedding you have in mind. Fran Hansen, author of “Our Wedding Wish Book & Keepsake Planner,” said,

Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 6, 2015• 7

“Your typical DJ will have hundreds, maybe even thousands, of songs available. Your best options for entertainment should always include a large selection of musical styles.”

A DJ, then, could play songs ranging from the top 40 and hip-hop music your younger crowd likes to Motown songs your parents’ generation likes to big band swing - and maybe even cultural music, such as polka. Bands filled with talented musicians and singers may have great range, as well, so have your wish list handy when interviewing potential bands.

The first dance is an integral part of your decision. Stacie Ivers Francombe, founder and editor-in-chief of Get Married magazine said, “Something to take into consideration - your first dance. I went to a beautiful wedding that had a terrific band, but when the bride and groom started the routine that they had practiced for months - and mastered, with the help of a dance instructor - they could not make it happen. That’s because they had practiced with a CD of the song, and the band played in a slightly different beat.”

The perks of both a DJ and a live band or musicians have inspired the latest trend: having both.

“Mixing a DJ and a band - and not just having one or the other play at different times -- is an option most couples forget to consider,” said Meredith Bodgas, wedding blogger for Glamour magazine’s website. “Many entertainment companies will edit recorded song tracks and add the missing pieces back in with live musicians.

The DJ and live musicians play together throughout the reception (except when the live musicians need the occasional break). It costs less than a band; the songs still sound like the originals; and you get the upscale feeling a band provides.”

Another twist on hiring both a DJ and live performers is having live musicians play during your cocktail hour and dinner hour of the reception and then having a DJ take over for the dancing hours of the reception.

Find professional entertainers to interview and audition through a wedding coordinator or friends’ referrals, or see them in action at free bridal expos.

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Juniper Hill offers a beautiful country setting for weddings means there are no membership charges. Reserved weekend tee times are available on a seasonal basis and they also offer weekday value cards.

Gift certificates for golf, lunch or equipment are available in the course’s Pro Shop as well.

Prospective brides and grooms are invited to schedule a tour of tour of the facilities by calling 508-393-2444 or email info2@juniperhillgc. com. Visit www.juniperhillgc. com to learn more about the facility and to view photos and sample menus.

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Juniper Hill Golf Course offers options for weddings of many sizes.

Northborough - Juniper Hill Golf Course, located at 202 Brigham St., Northborough, offers couples a lovely setting in a casual country setting for wedding up to 300 guests.

Dudley Darling is the facility’s general manager.

“We offer the Harvest Room with its own balcony overlooking the golf course for small weddings, and the

three-season outdoor Pavilion for large weddings,” he said.

Wedding showers are also popular events held at the club.

The outside areas are also the perfect spot to take both professional and candid photos.

In 2014 Juniper Hill partnered with Peppers Fine Catering of Northborough to better service their weddings guests, according to Darling.

“Looking forward to 2015, we are excited to continue that relationship to provide great service and award winning cuisine,” he said.

Of course, the course also offers opportunities to hit the links, which is a perfect way to send time with your groomsmen or bridal attendants before the big day. The course is a “Daily Fee Facility” – which

Westborough – After the wedding, one of the highlights is looking through your photo proofs and picking those perfect shots that truly captured the magic of that special day.

Those photographs deserve a frame as special as they are.

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“We specialize in custom picture framing,” owner Ed Turner said. “Our knowledgeable and experienced framing consultants will help you choose from our huge selection of highest quality frames and archival mounts,

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The store also offers other services such as caricaturists, calligraphers, and artists to do freelance work to prep for weddings such as paintings and caricatures, etc.

“We also specialize in sign-in mats for the wedding,” Turner added. “And we are great problem solvers when it comes to creating that special wedding.”

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Who picks up the tab for the big day?

A

gown, shoes, a venue, music, transportation and food. Yikes! Weddings are expensive.

Paying for all the details of the day definitely adds up, so who’s picking up the bill?

It used to be that the bride’s parents almost always paid for the whole wedding, but that’s changing.

“The biggest change I’m seeing is in the age of engaged couples,” said Meaghan Schmaltz, a wedding and event planner for Weddings Made Splendid. “The average age of an engaged couple is now 28 years old, whereas 10 years ago, it was 23 years old. Today’s ‘average’ engaged couple is now, oftentimes, self-sufficient enough to host their own wedding.”

Schmaltz said half her brides and grooms have paid for their own weddings; 38 percent of weddings are paid for by the bride’s parents; and 12 percent of couples split the costs themselves and with both the bride’s and groom’s parents.

When a bride and groom pay the bill, they get to take charge, too.

“By hosting their own wedding, a couple can make important personal decisions regarding style, theme and guest count, whereas when parents hosted the weddings in the past, the parents’ wants were a larger consideration,” Schmaltz said. “As a result, I’m seeing a larger focus on a couple’s personal tastes, whether it’s through theme, meal selection or ceremony style.”

Weddings are not so cookiecutter these days, and that

means couples have the freedom to do things their way.

They can spend their wedding budgets any way they want.

Some couples may hire a band to rock the reception; others may focus on creating a tasty and memorable menu.

“They are working harder to find the deal that will fit their budgets to achieve their wedding day priorities, whereas in the past, the wedding budget seemed a bit more ‘bottomless’ when the parents were hosting the events,” Schmaltz said.

Wedding budgets vary from couple to couple, but the need for a budget is universal.

The wedding reception - including food, alcohol and staffing - is the biggest expense, often taking more than half of a couple’s budget.

“I ask couples to talk about their wedding priorities and to define what these priorities are,” Schmaltz said. “For example, if a couple say that their priority is ‘food,’ I ask them to be specific. Are they looking for an out-of-thisworld display of hors d’oeuvres at cocktail hour? Or are they looking for the best cut of filet mignon for the entree course?”

When it comes to honeymoon relaxation, couples also are picking up the check more often these days.

“I definitely don’t see Mom and Dad pitching in,” said travel planner Ann Petronio.

“I mostly see the bride and groom paying for the honeymoon themselves. It’s not just the groom’s responsibility. It’s the bride and groom together.”

Petronio said she sees a range of budgets but finds that

couples are willing to spend money for a nice honeymoon.

“Five thousand dollars is a good average,” she said. “That’s higher than a normal trip. They definitely are willing to spend more on a honeymoon.”

Europe has become a popular honeymoon destination,

especially for its sightseeing.

But all-inclusive resorts are trendy, too.

“All-inclusive is always a popular honeymoon choice, especially because you know the budget ahead of time,” Petronio said.

Paying for the trip doesn’t necessarily happen all at once.

Some couples pay upfront when they book the trip; others book travel options that require payment within 60 days of travel; and other couples set up a payment plan with a travel agent.

Every wedding decision has a price tag. The person paying the bill gets to decide what is and what is not a wedding must-have.

Schmaltz suggested setting and sticking to a budget, researching the true price of products and services, and getting details in writing.

“Get contracts in writing from every vendor that outline the full costs of products and services to avoid nasty financial surprises at the end of the event,” she said.

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Big-day tips from wedding professionals 10 • Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 6, 2015

E

ven if you just got engaged, chances are you’ve been planning your wedding for a long time.

You know what you want to wear, the menu for the reception and your first dance song.

Still, you might not even think about some of the planning tips wedding professionals want to share.

Set a budget Outman also recommends “creative planning” through Web resources to help figure out your budget.

“There are many great tools out on the Web right now, at the Knot, WeddingWire, etc.,” she said. “Experiment with these tools to get an idea of how best to allot the money available.

Take these budgets and the estimates provided by the vendors you’re speaking to and see how they are comparing.”

Look for quality Don’t just hire the first wedding vendor you meet. Be choosy to get the best options for your event.

“Find quality vendors who know what they are doing,” said operations coordinator Beth Outman. “Take the time to research them and ask for references. Once you have quality vendors, it will make planning the party a piece of cake!”

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Get a sneak peak Check out entertainment professionals before you hire them.

“See how they act and how they carry themselves,” said Peter Merry, author of the new book “The Best Wedding Reception ... Ever!”

“Get a taste of the people, their skills and capabilities,” said Merry, who recommended watching unedited video of the entertainers in action.

“The biggest thing to know is you’re hiring entertainment, not just music,” Merry said.

“You need to think about the person on the mic, the master of ceremonies.”

Prioritize your day “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” said photographer Laura Parker. “I tell them they need to prioritize what the three most important things are to them.”

She finds that most couples already know what they want.

Be a good communicator You need to feel comfortable with your wedding vendors and be able to communicate with them.

Ask your vendors how they prefer to communicate with you. Outman said she prefers email. “It allows both the bride and vendor to have written documentation of discussions for future reference. (It) also allows both the flexibility of sending at any time of day or night.”

Let your vendors know how frequently you want to be in touch, and find out how soon they’ll get back to you.

Take charge Parker suggests brides and grooms check out vendor reviews from recent newlyweds.

“Reviews are the biggest new virtual marketing hiring tool for brides and grooms,” she said.

Don’t wait a long time to make a decision. The longer you wait the smaller your chances are of getting the vendor you want.

Deal with stress Wedding stress is inevitable for most brides and grooms.

Whether you exercise, take power naps or get a massage, find a way to work through your stress.

Outman recommended delegating planning tasks to your parents and taking a break from wedding planning for a date night.

Avoid sparkles Parker said she advises brides to stay away from shiny, glittery makeup.

“I’m not a fan of glittery makeup because it sparkles in photos and needs to be Photoshopped,” she said.

Parker also suggested professional makeup.

“I’m a big fan of eyelash extensions. They’re spectacular.” Parker said. “Professional makeup is exceptional.”

Be prepared “Fun doesn’t just happen,” said Merry, who reminded brides and grooms to focus on the wedding they want to have. “It requires planning and preparation.”

“Most couples want to make the wedding unique to them,” Merry said.“They want to make sure what they’re delivering feels like them.”

Maximize photo opportunities “Shooting engagement photos is a getting-to-know-you session,” said Parker, who uses these sessions to teach grooms how to dip the bride.

She also suggested that couples enjoy their first kiss.

Holding the kiss for a moment should result in great kiss photos, but Parker said there’s more to it: “This kiss sets the tone for the rest of your marriage.”

Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 6, 2015• 11

Associations have much to offer brides and wedding planners alike over and are ready to help put your worries to rest. Certified wedding planners have undergone professional training and have had their hands in many successful celebrations.

The wedding industry is ripe with professional associations that boast highly qualified rosters of experts ready to help.

Key partners Bridal consultant associations are generally linked with key vendors are proven to enhance and support a great wedding. Musicians, catering operations and floral businesses are

all on the list of associations, which will be able to point you toward quality options.

Other partnerships often held by professional associations are ones with honeymoon or travel agencies. You can save time and costs by consulting your local association for ideas on your dream experience. Consultants also will be able to give you ideas for great trips and the most popular locations for an unforgettable honeymoon.

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re you an up-andcoming wedding planner looking to make your mark? Maybe you’re a bride-to-be hoping to find a certified, highly trained planner to make your wedding dreams come true.

The wedding industry is ripe with professional associations that boast highly qualified rosters of experts ready to help guide both junior planners and brides through the planning process.

For the planner If quality training from a panel of experts is what you’re after, you should consider joining a professional association. Organizations such as the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) have launched careers in the wedding industry for decades and can help grow your expertise in the field, too. The ABC fields more than 4,000 members across 50 states and 27 countries. Other associations

exist throughout the nation, giving you plenty of options to choose from when trying to get your career off the ground.

For the bride Experience, experience and experience — this is what a bridal consultant has to offer a bride-to-be who may be confused or overwhelmed at the thought of throwing an amazing wedding.

Consultants have been there and done that multiple times

Wedding fairs offer resources and connections

I

magine a place with unlimited and free expertise that can help you build your dream wedding. Now imagine that such a resource is right in your backyard.

Odds are, you’re in luck. Many bridal associations and local tourism organizations partner on an annual basis to bring spring wedding fairs to their areas. The fairs are filled with vendors and consultants ready to give you great resources and connections for building the perfect wedding. Check in with your local tourism group to find out when and

where the closest bridal show is scheduled. Then make a list of questions and potential ideas for your celebration.

Attending a bridal fair is a unique experience because of the energy and enthusiasm in the room, as many potential brides buzz through the venue with questions and excitement. Not getting married anytime soon? That’s OK. Even if a wedding for you, a friend or family member is not in the immediate future, your local wedding fair can still be a fun experience filled with games, food and drinks.

Face-to-face interactions The greatest benefits of attending a spring bridal fair involves the face-to-face interaction you will be able to experience. Caterers, cake designers, photographers, DJs and floral designers fill the rooms at bridal fairs, ready to offer ideas, pricing plans and samples of their work. You will be able to interface with these professionals to build relationships, helping you decide if you can see yourself working with them on something as large as your wedding.

Open houses Some of the most creative — and marketing-effective — spring bridal fairs take place at popular wedding venues.

Included with their fair activities is a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities and amenities offered. Getting such an exclusive look into what has made the venue such a popular hotspot can help you narrow down your options.

You will also gain information on pricing or availability that may influence your decision.

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Here comesHowthe groom guys are helping plan the wedding 12 • Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 6, 2015

W

and he’s going to make his mark on his wedding.

Just ask recent groom Jeff Kear.

“I think guys want to have more of a say in what goes on,” he said. “Women are asking guys to be involved, wanting to ask his opinion.

They’re pitching in.”

Between creating a guest list and coordinating activities and other wedding tasks, Kear, who had a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, realized planning a wedding is a lot of work.

“One thing I learned about PHOTO/SUE WAMBOLT

hen it comes to wedding planning, if you think your groom should just nod his head, agree with you and write a check, think again. Today’s grooms are more involved in wedding planning than ever before.

Grooms even have their own planning resources, such as the website the Man Registry, which was founded by Chris Easter and his brothers-in-law Jimmy and Bobby Horner in March 2008.

“Couples are getting older and spending their own money,” Easter said. “They’re really paying attention to money. If I’m spending my own money, it leads to more hands-on involvement.”

Plus, Easter finds that more than ever, guys care about the wedding.

“A new sense of manliness wants to tackle this,” he said, noting that marriage is a 50-50

split, so why shouldn’t wedding planning be split, too?

“A guy can really have fun and learn a lot about the wedding process,” Easter said.

From cakes to color schemes, a new groom is emerging,

the whole planning process: It’s not easy!”

Many brides are excited, if not relieved, to have the groom’s help.

“I think it is great for a bride to have her groom take on some of the responsibilities and not have to solely do it by herself,” said wedding and event planner Kathryn Kalabokes. “It makes the bride calmer, and she feels that her husband-to-be really cares about her and the wedding.”

Kalabokes said many of her brides and grooms are paying for the wedding.

“They want to have more of a say in where the money will be allocated and what the wedding will look like.”

Nowadays guys can get very involved in everything from choosing the theme to hiring the florist.

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“It is natural for the groom to be interested in the food, bar and music, but I really like getting their input on colors, invitations and some personal touches that represent them,” Kalabokes said. “Sometimes their suggestions can make the bride cringe, but other times, they can have some really great input.”

Although brides typically take the lead, Kear said more and more guys are interested in planning their weddings.

“I’m starting to see it more and more,” he added.

He said brides and grooms are questioning traditional wedding roles and doing things their own way.

“I think people have a lot of expectations of what it should be,” Kear said. “Throw that out, and make it what you want it to be. It’s your day. I think it should just be fun.”

he springtime has a way of awakening and unleashing the natural beauty around us. Unfortunately, it can have the same impact on your hair. Humidity and warmer weather can send your hair into a frizz— the last thing you want to worry about on the day of your wedding.

No one knows your hair better than you, so being prepared for potential issues can help save you a hair headache. The key to applying the right product or employing the most effective treatment method is trying them out weeks or months

ahead of your wedding day.

Be patient if you’re forced to try many different options and products. Your hard work and persistence will be rewarded with the perfect hair day on your special day.

Apply the right product With a bevy of options on the market, staying local can be your best choice when it comes to purchasing the right anti-frizz solution. Your local beauty supply store will have many choices in stock, and its professionals can walk you

Know your hair No matter what you’re working with, it’s important to understand how your hair reacts in springtime situations.

Curly and straight hair react differently to humidity, so know what to expect if you’re planning on changing up your usual hair style for your wedding day. In most cases, frizz is caused by hair trying to soak in the moisture from the air.

The coarser and dryer your hair, the worse the frizz buildup can be. That’s why using a moisture-infusing product can make such a big difference in fighting fly-aways.