Bridal Guide 2016

A8 | Monday, February 15, 2016

Daily Journal

Bridal Guide 2016 top 20 essentials

all the single women will try to catch when the time comes.

9. rental equipment. For the sound system, tableware and even the tables and chairs, opt for a local company with a trustworthy reputation.

PHOTOs: creaTas images / sTOckbyTe / cOmsTOck images / brand x PicTures / juPiTerimages / THinksTOck

for a successful wedding

10. Gift reGistry. By making this virtual document available to your guests, you won’t receive the same gift twice.

11. musiC and entertainment. Choose an expe­ rienced DJ who will take into account your needs and preferences.

So the question has been popped and joyfully accepted.

Now you both have to start thinking about what needs to get done to make sure this special day runs smoothly and that nothing is forgotten. Dear brides and grooms, here are the top 20 essentials to consider for a memorable wedding.

12. photoGrapher. Look through a photographer’s portfolio and ask for references before choosing the person who will immortalize this special event.

13. Cameraman. Watch videos made for previous clients before making your choice.

1. Guest list. This is your day, so only invite the people with whom you actually want to share the moment.

14. the Cake. Visit a few bakeries to find a cake that makes your mouth water and a baker skilled in cake decorating.

15. WeddinG favours. Don’t forget to give your guests a personalized memento of your wedding.

16. transportation. Would you prefer a limousine, a sports car or a vintage car?

Or maybe even a horse and carriage?

2. invitations.

Would you prefer to send out lavish printed invitations or simple virtual invitations? Whatever your choice, send them out as soon as you’ve set the date.

17. rinGs. Be sure to visit more than one jewelry store before mak­ ing your choices, and don’t skimp on the quality of these precious symbols.

3. WeddinG planner. This service can take quite a load off your shoulders so you can focus on the important stuff.

18. the Groom’s suit. The future husband should choose an outfit that shows him off to advantage without eclipsing the star of the day.

4. Groomsmen and bridesmaids.

Choose people you like and who aren’t afraid of being in the spotlight.

19. the bride’s outfit. This is the most beautiful day of your life, so you have a legitimate right to the dress of your dreams — and shoes and jewelry and veil.

5. Celebrant. Be sure that the person you choose to unite your destinies will allow you to personalize the ceremony.

20. hair and makeup. The bride should take this part of her preparations very seriously. Just think about all the photos that are going to be taken throughout the day!

6. loCation of the Ceremony.

Do you prefer a church, city hall or a beach?

7. reCeption venue. You can opt for a reception hall in the country, a posh hotel or simply a family member’s home.

Have you thought about a theme?

The location of the ceremony, flowers and decor will all depend on your choice.

8. floWers. Choose a bouquet that goes with the bride’s outfit — and choose one that

It’s time to choose a location for your reception. Are you thinking hotel, country inn or cruise boat? A marquee tent, commu­ nity hall or vineyard? Orchard, art gallery or golf club? There are so many great places to celebrate your wedding that sometimes it can be difficult to make a choice. Consequently, it’s always a good idea to establish a list of cri­ teria before starting your search. Here are some things you should take into consideration.

2. the capacity. Make sure the chosen place can comfortably accommodate all your guests.

1. the wedding theme. The chosen location must be suitable for the theme without

4. access and overnight accommodation.

Is there enough parking? Is it free? Is the reception hall close to where the ceremony will take place? Are there hotels nearby?

3. the meal. Is there a caterer on site? Can you choose a different one? Can you per­ sonalize the menu? Think about drinks: is there a liquor license? Can you bring your own wine or if it’s a vineyard, are you limited to certain products?

PHOTO: THOmas nOrTHcuT / THinksTOck

5. equipment.

What’s included? Are the dishes, chairs and tablecloths provided or do you need to rent some? Is all the necessary sound and ligh ing equipment provided? You’ll need to take into consideration everything that is not included in the rental price in order to calc late your budget.

requiring a huge makeover; otherwise your budget could explode. Find out about deco­ rating possibilities as well.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Is there a music curfew? Is the dance floor accessible at all times? Who is responsible for cleaning up after the party? One last thing: be sure to reserve as soon as you’ve made your choice, as your date may not be available for long.

A dress for everyone Bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, flower girl: how should all these people dress in order to create a harmonious wedding party? Should the bridesmaids all wear the same model of dress? And what about matching colours? the bridesmaids The bridesmaid dresses should blend in with the wedding colours but not with the tablecloths. In other words, be inspired by the decor, but don’t replicate it. Even better, for

PHOTO: sTOckbyTe / THinksTOck

Choosing the site of your wedding reception

everyone to feel comfortable, avoid imposing one particular dress on your bridesmaids, unless they all have the same figure and enthusiasm for the idea.

Instead, think about choosing a colour, fabric and basic style of dress and allowing each bridesmaid to choose the model that suits her best. This way the visual harmony of the wed­ ding party will be maintained while you still have beautifully unique bridesmaids. Note that specialty stores offer collections of different dresses cut from the same fabric. the mothers of the bride and Groom The mother of the bride plays an impor­ tant role on the big day, and it is essen­ tial to differentiate her from the brides­ maids. This can be done especially with the colour of her dress. Her outfit could take into account the main colours of the wedding party and blend in with them; however the style of her dress is always her own choice. When choosing her outfit, the groom’s mother’s goal should be to harmo­ nize so as not to look the odd one out in the wedding photos. the floWer Girl The little flower girl, walking down the aisle in front of the bride, is usually dressed in white.

She’ll love wearing her perfect little princess dress!

Gift ideas to thank your guests

Start by setting your bud­ get; this will narrow down your choices and save you time. Then think about the theme of your wedding, if you have one. You could have pretty candles for a romantic wedding, a small cactus for an eco­friendly or exotic wedding, wine

glasses for a wedding reception at a vine­ yard, packs of cards for a wedding with a Las Vegas theme — the possibilities are endless if you use your imagination.

There are gourmet treats (truffles, candies, jams), decorative trinkets (photo frames, magnets, vases) and useful objects (coast­ ers, fans, notepads). You could give a short­lived gift, such as a box of cookies, or an object that your loved ones will be able to keep as a souve­ nir for a long time. Don’t forget that the gifts should include the date of the wedding and both your names. And get some coloured pencils, lollipops or soap bubbles to treat

PHOTOs: jOHn fOxx / bananasTOck / THinksTOck

Gourmet, eco-friendly, original, unusual — there’s no lack of choice when searching for the perfect wedding favour for your guests.

Your small gesture will go a long way in thanking them for being with you on one of the most important days of your life. But despite all the choices, choosing the right favour is never an easy task. Here are a few ideas to point you in the right direction.

your young­ er guests.

So, bath salts, coffee, a travel diary — what will you be giving your guests?

Go window shopping and search through some spe­ cialized stores to find inspi­ ration. You could also ask friends or fam­ ily which favours they prefer among those they’ve received at other wed­ dings. Also, think about what you would like to be given if you were a guest, and then add your personal touch. After all, your gifts should reflect your personality.

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Monday, February 15, 2016 | A9

Daily Journal

Bridal Guide 2016 Five tips for finding the perfect wedding dress

1. Think before you shop. It’s exhausting trying on dozens of dresses at random in the hopes of finding the perfect one. Before going shopping, be sure to browse some magazines and search the Internet to narrow down the styles you prefer.

2. Shop well in advance. Most people get

married in the summer, so dressmakers’ agendas soon fill up and the prettiest dresses fly off the racks quickly. Make sure you plan enough time for the fittings.

3. Choose carefully who you shop with.

Don’t shop with a crowd of friends who will confuse you with all their comments and diverging opinions. Choose one or two people who know you well and who have good taste. You’ll want them to be able to give you some honest feedback.

4. Choose a dress that you like. Your dress should make you feel good and allow you to be yourself. You also want to be comfortable walking up the aisle and dancing. Naturally, you’ll also want to choose a model that flatters your figure.

5.

Bear in mind the general atmosphere. Your outfit should harmonize with the wedding theme and the reception hall.

For instance, a formal sequined dress is not really appropriate for a country setting.

PHOTO: micHael blann / THinKSTOcK

One last tip: decide how much you want to spend on your dress before you begin your search. That way you won’t ruin your whole wedding budget by splurging on an expensive dress.

Does your wedding have a theme?

Do you dream of a fairy tale wedding? A party that features vibrating disco rhythms? Or a cultural-themed wedding? If you haven’t chosen a theme yet, that’s okay. But if you’d like a little pizzazz on your big day, choosing one will certainly help.

1. Take into account the wedding theme.

Romantic, retro, country, glamour: once you’ve decided on the style and theme of the day, you’ll be able to choose between a suit and a tuxedo.

6. Make the most of your build. A checkered pattern makes you look bigger; black slims you down, and a long jacket lengthens the torso.

7. Make sure you feel comfortable. Choose an outfit that suits your personality. Above all, you don’t want to give the impression of being in disguise.

Happy shopping!

2. Imagine your total look. Don’t just focus on the type of suit, but rather on the general impression you want to give. Don’t forget that what you wear around your neck will set the tone for your outfit. Also think about the combination of fabrics and colours.

3. Choose the right fabric. Adapt your outfit to the season. Cotton or lightweight wool is appropriate for summer weddings. Linen, on the other hand, is perfect for a country wedding.

4. Don’t forget the accessories. Tie, suspenders, pocket handkerchief: your accessories should reflect the mood of the wedding. Choosing them before your outfit will give you an idea what colour the latter should be.

5. Don’t clash with the dress. Shop for your outfit with either your future wife or a person who has seen her dress. A swatch of her dress fabric could also come in handy.

An outdoor wedding? Be prepared Are you dreaming of a wedding in the sunshine and a reception under the stars? For your big day to be as magical as you’d hoped, you’re going to have to think of everything beforehand.

The layouT of The SITe Choose an easily accessible area that is as flat as possible to avoid wobbly tables or runoff if it rains. Also, be sure to notify any neighbours of your plans so they can be respectful of your need for a peaceful ambiance.

The weaTher Don’t bury your head in the sand; the weather could thwart your plans in lots of different ways.

Choose heavy decorations that will stay in place if it gets windy. A warm, sunny day would be fantastic, but a heatwave could make your guests feel really uncomfortable. For a summer wedding, make sure you have some shady corners, parasols

and cold refreshments.

fairy lights, candles with covers for the flames and lanterns In case of rain, a marquis tent or other shelter will set the mood. And don’t is essential for guests, musicians and caterers. forget to light the paths to the Be sure to organize a supply of umbrellas at toilets and parking area. the entrance, as well as mats and towels. The evening could be cool, so providing shawls or Make sure you plan enough blankets for your guests is also a good idea. And time and helping hands to set don’t forget that mosquitoes could turn up at everything up. Transforming the party uninvited; it’s another thing to think a backyard into an idyllic about and prepare for. reception area isn’t something that can be done overnight.

The faCIlITIeS Toilets, water, and electricity: do you have everything you need? The caterers may need to rent a refrigerated truck, so be sure to let them know which facilities will be at their disposal.

Set up a sturdy dance floor as well for all those ladies in stiletto heels.

Next comes some ambient lighting: strings of

PHOTOS: micHael blann / THOmaS nOrTHcuT / ryan mcvay / THinKSTOcK

A common threAd Organize your wedding with a specific theme in order to have a common thread throughout all the elements. That includes centrepieces, decorations, bride and groom outfits, menu, reception hall and music — the possibilities are endless.

A theme also helps you choose from among all the ideas you’re thinking of, not to mention that your suppliers will be able to make more appropriate suggestions. You don’t need to choose an extravagant theme; you can simply choose a colour that sets the tone for your wedding, from the flowers to the bridesm a i d s ’ dresses, cake, invitations and wedding favours.

Even though the love of your life will be the star of the show at your wedding, you, as her future husband, must also look great. Need a hand? Here are some rules for looking your best and being stylish on your big day.

PHOTO: juPiTerimageS / THinKSTOcK

As the bride, you will be the focus of everyone’s attention on your big day, including all the guests as well as your beloved, of course. But in order to be the most beautiful woman in the room, the star of the celebrations must choose her dress carefully. Here are a few tips to help you.

Seven rules for choosing your groom’s outfit

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You might also be inspired by the season of your wedding or by the reception hall. In fact, the hall should be taken into consideration when choosing the theme, and vice versa — let’s just say that organizing a wedding with a western theme in a fancy hotel could pose a few problems. And don’t forget to make sure that your theme fits with the budget that you’ve set.

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