2018 Bridal Guide

Bridal Guide Not all bridal gowns are white. Page 3.

Comfort foods popular at weddings. Page 7.

The ring: Classic symbol of commitment. Page 10.

Is it safe to eat one-yearold cake? Page 12.

Unique gifts for attendants. Page 16.

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PAGE 2 ■ BRIDAL GUIDE

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

First dance moves beyond traditional steps

By TAWNY MCCRAY Creators.com Weddings are incredibly personal events, as they are crafted around the personality of the couple. One place to really put an extra personal stamp on things is the first dance, as well as the mothers’ and fathers’ dance.

Some couples might go all out and do the choreography to classics like the big dance number to “Time of Your Life” in “Dirty Dancing” — lift and all! Others may start with a more traditional song then break out and do some fun moves to their favorite hiphop or country song.

Others might get creative and write their own songs to dance to with their new spouses.

When Lynda Sterns married her husband, Michael, in March of 1969, their first dance was the first time they had ever danced together.

He was in college and she was in high school when they got together, so they never attended a school dance together. Lynda had only ever danced with her peers and on dates at summer dances in junior high and high school.

So her first dance with Michael — to The Beatles’ “Here, There, and Everywhere” — was especially meaningful.

“We were love birds when we got married, and we adored each other. I finally got to dance with my love.”

Sterns said that led to them taking several dance lessons, like swing dancing and line dancing, together over the years.

“The swing still serves us today because you can swing to

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Dance the night away with your friends, your spouse and your parents. rock, country or Duke Ellington.

Somehow Michael gets this kind of beat.”

Kristen Bollman married Bryan in November 2010. They danced to two songs together, from different genres, at different times in their ceremony. The first was “Come a Little Closer” by Dierks Bentley, and the second was “Faithfully” by Journey.

“We just really liked both of them,” she said.

When it came time for her to dance with her dad, Bollman said he surprised her a bit.

“My dad didn’t want to dance with me, because he doesn’t like to dance or be the center of attention. He saw me starting to dance with my father-in-law and said, ‘Hey, wait a minute, I’ll dance with you,’ and cut in. Super sweet of my dad.”

Sherry Engberg said a song she and her husband Bob loved listen-

ing to in college — Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s version of “Our Love Is Here to Stay” — ended up playing a role in their daughter Catherine’s wedding decades later.

“Bob would play it in his dorm room as a freshman,” she said “When it came to the line ‘the Rockies may tumble, Gibraltar may crumble, they’re only made of clay’ his roommate, a geology major, would interrupt and blurt

out ‘igneous intrusions!’”

Years later, Catherine got engaged to Tom — a geotechnical engineer.

“We knew what song should be played for the father-daughter dance,” Engberg said.

Catherine and her dad danced to the song at her wedding.

Maria Nieto Senour said she had a very moving first dance to one of John Lennon’s best songs with her son Carlos at his wedding a couple years ago.

“Carlos took my hand and led me to the dance floor as “Imagine” started playing. It surprised and moved me so much I both wept and laughed.”

Senour said it was one of the best days of her life and she fondly recalled her new daughter-in-law beaming at the two of them on the dance floor, “knowing that a man who loves and respects his mother is a man who will know how to love and respect his wife.”

When a bride or groom has lost a parent, that first dance might be omitted altogether.

One married couple — high school sweethearts who have been married for nearly two decades — said they skipped that part of the ceremony on purpose.

“I know it sounds bad, but my dad and I are not that close and I didn’t want to fake anything at my wedding,” said the bride. “And my husband’s mom passed away years before our wedding.”

She said when it came to her first dance with her hubby, they selected a song that resonated with them both.

“We chose “Luna” by Smashing Pumpkins. The chorus is ‘I’m in love with you, so in love.’”

Getting remarried: Tips for successful 2nd wedding

By CHELLE CORDERO Creators.com Second weddings are just as special as first weddings. Like any marriage, they represent a union between two people and a commitment to each other to love, cherish, support and be friends. If either partner has children from a first marriage, the new marriage is also the blending of families: a promise to not only be a good wife or husband but also a good father or mother. A second wedding should represent who the couple is and be the beginning of a family for the partners and children.

There are few, if any, hard-andfast rules for second weddings.

The couple can use their past experiences to plan the ceremony and reception exactly as they want it to be. Most likely the bride and groom will not be depending on parents to pay for the wedding and will feel freer to make choices without pressure. It is recommended that the ceremony and reception be different from the first time and that former spouses not be included (for comfort of the new spouse and guests).

The couple can decide on any venue: a restaurant or catering hall, a beachfront, a backyard, a park or the family living room. Couples may find it fun to plan a surprise wedding where an intimate group of guests are invited to a backyard barbecue or other occasion and the wedding “just happens.”

If they’re planning a religious wedding, it’s a good idea to contact the house of worship and officiate before choosing the ceremony site, because there may be some constraints depending on how and why the first wedding ended.

Brides and grooms can and should write their own wedding

vows; they have the confidence, experience and maturity to know why this wedding is important to them and what their expectations are. Some key words and terms the wedding partners could use in their vows are: “a new life together”; “starting over”; “a fresh start”; “drying tears and learning to laugh”; “loving with eyes wide open”; or “a new and exciting journey.” When there are children, in addition to promising to

be there for each other, the couple may want to promise their children, by name, they’ll be there for them as well.

Additionally, any children should be included in the wedding ceremony, and it’s a nice idea to incorporate a trinket or medal for them after the couple exchanges rings. That way the kids feel like part of the union, too.

The wedding dress can be any color or style the bride chooses, in-

cluding white (the use of a blusher veil, though, is discouraged). The groom is also free to choose his garment. Attendants could be given more leeway in choosing their garments, or the couple could offer to pay if the outfits are not apt to be worn again.

Intimate family destination weddings and “family-moons” are

ideal ways for new, blended families to begin their lives together.

Enjoying special time together, as a family for the first time, will create wonderful memories, which will be sure to set the mood for a lifetime of happiness. Resorts, theme parks and campgrounds can provide attractions and accommodations for couples and children.

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BRIDAL GUIDE ■ PAGE 3

Today, bridal gowns span the color spectrum

By SHARON NAYLOR Creators.com Not every bride wants to wear a white gown on her wedding day. It has been, over the past several years, a rising trend for brides to choose nonwhite wedding gowns.

According to Shane McMurray, lead researcher at the bridal industry statistics company The Wedding Report, here’s how the most popular colors of wedding gowns stack up in popularity: ■■ Rose/pink/mauve: 14.3 percent.

■■ Silver/gold/copper: 6.2 percent.

■■ Blush blue: 5.9 percent.

■■ Red: 2 percent.

■■ Blush yellow: 1.3 percent.

■■ Blush purple: 0.9 percent.

■■ Other shade: 4.2 percent, which may include the trend of watercolor-painted gowns — an artistic option for the bride who is so inclined.

Notice that those numbers don’t add up to 100 percent, as 65 percent of brides still prefer white gowns. But a number of brides are choosing tan or Champagnecolored dresses, providing a more flattering dress for a bride’s skin tone than stark white while still appearing more traditional.

Although not recorded in the survey, blush gray is making news as a popular and neutral bridal gown color, as it allows the bride’s shade of dress to complement bridesmaids’ gowns, which are now often in shades of gray and slate.

Bright, patterned gowns may not have achieved widespread popularity, but there are always artistic brides out there who love the idea. Florals and other delicate motifs — such as cherries — adorn the dresses of brides who really want to depart from the traditional white dress.

So, why have we witnessed this trend toward colorful and/or patterned dresses in recent years?

The bride’s reasons may include the following: ■■ Wanting something different that’s more in tune with her alter-

native preferences.

■■ Finding a gown that looks more flattering against her skin tone than white.

■■ Preferring a gown for her second (or third or fourth) wedding that’s completely different than the white gown she dutifully wore for her first wedding.

■■ Wanting to choose from the wide array of gorgeous gowns that today’s designers are presenting in blush, bold and metallic choices.

Jennette Kruszka, director of marketing and public relations for acclaimed gown shop Kleinfeld Bridal, says that each year, she sees gowns in color in the Bridal Fashion Week runway shows, with blush, metallic and blushblue dresses leading the trend and high in demand.

What else might be driving the trend for wedding dresses in color?

For some brides, the bridesmaid-dress rack delivers lessexpensive options in fabulous styles. With lovely, wispy fabrics and creatively twisted, one-shoulder sleeves, these gowns can fit a bride’s personal sense of style better than the collections of white gowns she has tried on at so many shops. This expansion of where brides can shop for budget-friendly dresses has played into the rise of gowns in color.

We’re also seeing more brides wanting to wear their mothers’ or grandmothers’ wedding gowns as a family homage, but the original gowns may be faded or stained — something a great alterations company can solve by dyeing the dress a different color. The heirloom dress becomes wearable once more.

And for the bride who wants a traditional white dress but would like to incorporate pops of color, other alterations are a great option: Colorful hand-sewn beading, sequins, crystals and appliques add a unique touch. Accessories, jewelry and shoes can complement these shades for a colorful wedding-day look.

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

How many friends do you need on stage?

By KRISTEN CASTILLO Creators.com After the initial excitement of your engagement, everyone will have lots of questions. Did you choose a wedding date? And what’s your venue? Those are big questions, but you still have more decisions to make, including how many people to have in your wedding party.

Big or small? Do you have to have an even number of attendants? What’s the etiquette?

“There is no magic number to determine the size of your wedding party,” says wedding planner Lauren Chitwood, owner of Lauren Chitwood Events, who has been coordinating weddings for over a decade. “Bridal party selections mostly depend on relationships and the pace and feel that the clients want for their wedding day.”

You need to discuss what each of you has in mind for the number of attendants and make sure there are not hurt feelings.

Every wedding is different and there’s no formula for assembling your bridesmaids, groomsmen and other attendants.

“What is best is what you and your fiance will enjoy,” says Viva Max Kaley, wedding planner and creator of Viva Max Weddings.

“If you like having lots of friends around you, then a big party is right for you. If you prefer a more quiet morning or don’t want to involve too many people on your day, then keeping the numbers low might make more sense.”

It’s often stressful to choose wedding attendants, but it’s even more nerve-wracking if you have lots of close friends and family who want to be included in your wedding party.

You think it’s tough cutting your guest list, but what do you do when you need to cut your wedding party? Who stays? Who goes?

“Often when groups of friends balloon in size, and clients experience hesitations, I encourage my brides and grooms to keep it simple and just include siblings and family,” says Chitwood. “It’s

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Take to ponder how many friends and family members you want by your side on the big day. an easy way to draw a line without hurting feelings.”

Wedding parties don’t necessarily need to be balanced, such as six groomsmen and six bridesmaids. Instead, couples are choosing to focus on including the people most important to them by their side.

Whether the number of attendants is odd or even doesn’t matter and neither does gender.

Co-ed wedding parties are gaining popularity.

“If you want your closest friends and family by your side, choose the people who will be most helpful and bring you joy on your wedding day, no matter their gender,” says Kaley. “If you prefer the ladies on one side and the guys

on the other, that is fine, too. Just know you should do what is right for you and your besties.”

Your wedding party size will likely be significantly smaller if you get married on location.

“We advise brides to limit to one or two members per side to avoid have half of your attendees being members of the wedding party,” says Sara Locke of BookBetterTravel.com, explaining a typical destination wedding has an intimate guest list, often between 20 to 60 guests.

Being a groomsman or bridesmaid is a fun and exciting honor, but it can also be expensive. Before you invite people to be members of your wedding party, consider whether you can afford to have a

large crew and whether each individual can afford it.

Here’s why: The more members of your wedding party, the pricier it’ll be. You’ll have to buy boutonnieres and bouquets, and thank-you gifts, for each of them, along with covering their expenses for the rehearsal dinner.

There’s financial strain on the attendants, too, such as paying for specific wedding attire, hair and makeup, and travel expenses.

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“You can have your besties around without having them walk down the aisle,” says Kaley.

If budget is a concern, invite your friends as guests and keep your wedding party small.

“Your wedding should be a fun time for all, and not too much of a financial stressor,” says Kaley.

“Be realistic and respectful of your friends’ financial pressures and keep it in mind when finalizing your wedding party numbers.”

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What will you need for your big day? Veteran wedding planner Vickie Good shares her top-10 list for the unsung hero of many a wedding day, the bridal emergency kit.

“I can’t tell you how many buttons I’ve sewn on,” says Good, making her first item the sewing kit, which at least needs to include safety and corsage pins, a needle with thread colors to match all outfits, and a small pair of scissors. “One time, the bride’s dress ripped and they had to sew her into it with fishing line.” Why, you ask? No sewing kit. The other essential items to keep in mind when preparing for the big day include, but are not limited to: Stain remover sticks and a cloth to get makeup off dresses and tuxes.

Tissues for when things become too emotional — nobody wants runny makeup and a mess on their best fabrics First-aid items including BandAids, smelling salts and a headache remedy of choice.

Bottled water and a white soda that won’t stain, especially if it’s a hot day or in case the nerves hit and someone isn’t feeling well. It would be wise to throw in a stick

of deodorant here as well — you never know.

Small collection of snacks that don’t stain or make a mess, such as soda crackers. “No one thanks they want to eat before the wedding, and they get hungry.”

For faces, hair and teeth — makeup, hairspray, toothpaste/

toothbrush, and mints. “No gum, absolutely no gum,” says Good.

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BRIDAL GUIDE ■ PAGE 5

What to groove to on dance floor — band or DJ?

By JEANELLE D. HORCASITAS Creators.com Everyone can agree that the best part of a wedding is all of the celebrating and partying that happens at the reception. These days, brides and grooms and even entire wedding parties often make quite a show of first dances. Whether it’s a slow waltz that speeds up into a hip-hop routine or a 10-minute dance-off between the groom and his groomsmen, there have been plenty of videos surfacing on the internet. What all of them have in common is music. What sounds better? The digitized beats of a DJ or the strumming of a real guitar from a live band?

A live band can be a great addition to a wedding party. Bands carry an aura of exclusivity; the feeling of having your own private concert will make the day even more memorable. There are plenty of bands that perform all types of musical genres, from ’80s covers to reggae to rock and roll.

Additionally, bands can perform cover songs at the request of the wedding attendees or the newly wedded couple. This can mix up the set list and provide some musical enjoyment for everyone.

Unfortunately, hiring a band can be quite costly. In fact, according to The Knot and WeddingChannel.com’s annual Real Weddings Study, the average cost for a band at a wedding reception

Emergency (Concluded from Page 4) worst nightmares.

Paperwork: an assignment list of people to gather up the flowers, rentals and decorations, etc.; a card with any original vows written on it; the order of the service and who’s who; essential phone numbers. It’s best to have all of this critical information on you in order to stay on top of things -- it’s these little things that add up!

Last, but certainly not least, bring the wedding license with you on the wedding day. You would think that would be obvious, but you’d be surprised.

For other professionals’ ideas, search “bride emergency kit” online, and you’ll find such online vendors as With You in Mind, Darice, Pinch, Yacanna, Philosophy, C.R. Gibson, Solemates (“S.O.S. Wedding Rescue”) and more. The Internet is full of wedding horror stories, and tips from brides, grooms and members of bridal parties -- along with a few good laughs -- so others can learn from their mistakes.

Of course, there are some things you just can’t plan for. One time, Good recalls, a bridesmaid misjudged her foot size when she ordered her shoes, and couldn’t keep her shoes on when it came time to dress for the wedding.

They had to tie her shoes on with ribbon from the church’s craft closet. And at more than one wedding, Good has wished for more long mirrors in dressing rooms, as well as a spare iron and steamer for pesky wrinkles. Bear these tips and tricks in mind when planning for the day of, and you’ll be better prepared than many.

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You’re going to dance the night away regardless, but do you hire a live band or make a mix for a DJ? is $3,084. Therefore, choosing a live band to perform at your wedding may be a deal breaker when it comes to budgeting and costs.

But this does not mean it is impossible. If you and your partner are open to the idea, check out local bands or ask friends and

family if they know of a group interested in performing. You can hold an audition or see if they’re playing somewhere nearby, and if you like them, ask if they are willing to negotiate. Although this may take a bit more research and work, it could save on costs and

you can have the live band you always dreamed of at your wedding.

One of the top choices for wedding reception entertainment is a DJ. If you choose the right one, they’ll know how to spice up the party with some amazing mixes.

The best part is that you and your

partner can submit a list of songs that you specifically want played at your wedding.

Another plus to hiring a DJ for your wedding is the cost. Compared to the cost of a live band, hiring a DJ is extremely affordable. The Real Wedding Study reports that the average cost for a DJ is $988. Therefore, if you’re looking for entertainment that won’t break the bank, hiring a DJ is the perfect solution. Moreover, finding a DJ has never been easier.

There are plenty of people, young and old, who perform at parties, nightclubs, restaurants and even gyms.

Similar to choosing a live band, finding a DJ will require a bit of research. Many DJs have pages on websites like SoundCloud where they share their mixes and you can listen instantaneously. So if you like what you hear, you can make the decision right then and there. Whether you’re looking to play some Top 40, jazz, techno or hip-hop, a DJ will deliver and keep your guests dancing all night long.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can try to incorporate both a DJ and live band. However, having both will raise the price. Overall, the choice is entirely up to you and your partner. Whether you enjoy the sounds of live instruments or the digital sounds of a mixer board — they both can bring the party to your special day.

Use proper correspondence for digital age

BY CHANDRA ORR Creators.com From email invites to blogging about the big day, brides are turning to the Internet to spread the word about their weddings, proper etiquette still applies: ■■ Do create a private wedding website. Facebook and Twitter are fine for posting news in the moment, but spring for a dedicated website to share official details of the big day.

■■ Don’t use the web for wedding invitations. For save-the-date announcements, bridal shower invites and photo sharing, the Web works wonders, but when it comes to the official wedding invitations, snail mail is still a must.

■■ Don’t over-share. Feel free to share the highlights of the wedding planning process, but save the details for phone calls and face-to-face conversations.

■■ Do consider the impact. Be respectful of your guests — and yourself — when sharing anec-

dotes and photos online.

■■ Don’t click too soon. Whether sending email invites or posting

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Proclaim your love while protecting the planet

By TERESA IQBAL Creators.com Planning a wedding can be a conflict of interest for those couples who have a wedding style in mind but are environmentally conscious. Traditions of elegant flowers, fancy invitations and flavorful food are not necessarily green-thinking. Luckily, there are a number of alternatives these days. With a little creativity and planning, couples can reduce their wedding carbon footprint and still express their personal style.

Wedding invitations are one of the most important aspects of the planning process. They introduce your wedding theme and inform your guests of your pending nuptials, including logistical information about the big day. There are a number of paper components: save-thedates, the formal invitation and RSVP cards. To avoid waste, create invitations online. You can consolidate everything onto one central Evite, or even create a wedding website. The Knot is the nation’s largest source for wedding news and inspiration.

It offers many templates for couples’ personal sites. Besides event details and an RSVP function, you will be able to upload directions, information on accommodations, bios of those in your wedding party, a link to your wedding registry and photos. You could upload a whole collection of photos of you and your honey, from your first date to your engagement!

One design aesthetic that can be altered for eco-friendliness is flowers. They are used everywhere, from the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets, to the groom’s

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There are many ways to proclaim your love while following eco-friendly practices. and groomsmen’s’ corsages, to the petals thrown down the aisle, to the centerpieces. Fresh flowers are often grown specifically to be cut and used for weddings and other events. Many couples encourage guests to take the centerpieces home to enjoy, thinking it is less wasteful. But there are many other decorative options that leave flowers out altogether.

Succulents are a great alternative to a living centerpiece. They survive only by being watered

very little, in fact. Succulents come in many looks and sizes, so altogether they are a somewhat eclectic aesthetic. Try placing one oversized succulent across a table, or scattering three or four. Terrariums are large glass containers that can house succulents, making a beautiful modern centerpiece that can double as wedding favors.

The big day is another page in each couple’s love story. Why not include other stories as a decora-

tion? Antique books make for a great centerpiece. Find them at thrift stores, yard sales and the library discard pile.

One article on Martha Stewart Weddings called “19 Non-Floral Centerpiece Ideas for a Wedding” lists clever centerpieces for couples to “think outside the bloom.” Ideas include spraypainting game pieces white, or spray-painting faux bay-laurel twigs gold; collecting seashells to display in vases (Why not take

a walk on the beach with your betrothed to collect them?); filling Champagne flutes with ornaments; and arranging rows of tea candles. Not all are considerably eco-friendly, but what’s great about them is they can all be brought into the home for later use, whether for special holidays or table decorations.

Couples can also outfit the wedding party with alternative wardrobe accessories. Bouquets made out of paper flowers or feathers are becoming increasingly popular for brides and bridesmaids. In place of corsages for the groomsmen, many are choosing novelty pins, such as navy boats for a nautical themed wedding. Visit the Etsy website to customize your own for a reasonable price.

Oftentimes, flower girls throw flower petals as they walk down the aisle. But couples can get creative with this, too. Fallen leaves or pinecones, for example, are a simple, natural touch appropriate for weddings in fall or winter. And seashells can do just the trick for a beach ceremony.

As far as cuisine goes, it’s a well-known fact that environmental impact rises the farther food has to be transported. As a way to lessen environmental influence, choose a caterer who specializes in using local, seasonal produce.

This is also a terrific way to share delicious cuisine that’s special to your area (or the area of the ceremony) and may not be accessible to the guests who’ve come from other places.

Though the saying “one step forward and two steps back” is often seen in a negative light, when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint of wedding decor, the more steps back, the better.

Add own spin to wedding vows

By TOM ROEBUCK Creators.com Each segment of the ceremony plays an important role in making a wedding memorable, but it’s when the couple faces each other and pledges their love in front of family and friends that’s the most emotional. Usually followed by a kiss, the marriage vows represent the bond between two people that is meant never to be broken.

It used to be that couples simply would recite the traditional wedding vows that were given to them by the officiant.

But starting in the 1950s, couples began to disregard tradition and compose their own vows.

Sometimes they ditch the traditional vows altogether and choose their own words, or they stick with the script and add a little at the end. Because each couple is unique, as is their relationship, it is understandable that they would want to express in their own words what they mean to each other.

Some churches and officiants only allow traditional vows, but many officiants allow couples to write their own. Either way, couples should go over the vows with the officiant so there are no surprises on the big day, advises Diane Warner, author of “Complete Book of Wedding Vows.”

“If the officiant is open to your writing your own vows, it’s important to meet with him or her to go

over the wording,” Warner says.

“The officiant may have suggestions as to the flow of the wording, plus it’s important to practice the vows with the officiant ahead of time.”

Warner says that there are three formats that usually are followed when couples compose their own vows: question-and-answer, monologue and dialogue. With the question-and-answer format, the officiant does most of the talking. This format is a good choice if the bride or groom is petrified of public speaking. The monologue format is perfect for a couple who wish to keep their vows a secret from each other.

“If you have agreed to do the traditional vows and add your personalized part at the end, that is the surprise, the gift,” says Sharon Naylor, author of “Your Special Wedding Vows.” “A lot of grooms don’t have the money to give the diamond earrings or diamond necklace they were giving in the ‘80s. The gift is: ‘Here are my words.’”

It is important for the couple to rehearse their vows, but Naylor advises against memorizing them verbatim.

The words should come from your heart, not from a notecard. If you stumble, the officiant can help you get back on track so you can get your point across without rambling. The marriage should last a lifetime, but the vows shouldn’t

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last more than two minutes.

“The first thing they need to do is not put too much pressure on themselves to speak for too long,” Naylor says. “It literally is a two-minute, if that, section of what to say.”

When the time comes to sit down and write, you should ask yourself some questions.

“What do you want to promise each other? What out of the traditional vows rings true for you?

What is a strong priority,” Naylor says. “It could be the forsaking of all others. Do you want that in there?”

Keeping in mind what makes your relationship special will give the vows a personal touch.

“There’s a lot more assessing these days about what the relationship is built on. ‘We have a lot of fun together. I promise to always make you laugh,’” Naylor says. “They’re really looking at the top-five building blocks of their relationship.”

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BRIDAL GUIDE ■ PAGE 7

Menu trends: Tasty appetizers, divine dinners

By KRISTEN CASTILLO Creators.com Expect to be hungry on your wedding day. From tasty appetizers to divine dinners and delicious desserts, your wedding will be one yummy celebration.

“A lot of couples we work with want their individualities and personalities to shine, so they look for menus that reflect their own interests,” says Joyce Malicse of PopKitch, a boutique catering and events company. Malicse finds that couples often choose “elevated versions of their favorite everyday foods,” like grilled cheese, barbecue and chicken and waffles.

Stylish service Plated dinners may be traditional, but these days, wedding food service isn’t predictable.

“People want to switch it up.

They are done with boring plated meals and they want their guests to be able to taste food from the destinations they’re hosting in,” says event planner and designer Alison Laesser-Keck of VLD Events, who notes that familystyle dining is also popular because it’s intimate and interactive.

She says farm-to-table cuisine is also trendy as it showcases local food.

Pairings are popular as well.

“It’s no longer just about an appetizer spread but passed apps that have beverage pairings,” says Laesser-Keck, noting pairings may include sushi and sake or charcuterie displays served with wine from different regions.

Comfy cuisine Comfort foods are a big part of many wedding menus.

“Couples are steering clear of the pricey, traditional feasts and opting for comfort, finger foods,” says Jessica Newton of Pechanga Resort & Casino, noting one of their couples served up Mexican food featuring tacos with madeto-order meats, fish and veggies wrapped inside mini corn tortillas.

Menus are full of flair and flavor.

“Our clients also try to incorporate the international flavors that were part of their childhood,” says Malicse, who’s dishing up global dishes including tandoori chicken skewers, Korean gochujang dumplings and tequilamarinated chicken sopes for traypassed appetizers.

Other comfort foods include mac and cheese, cornbread, tater tots and candy snacks.

Fair-ly fun Even fair snacks are taking center stage at receptions.

“Carnival food such as Cracker Jacks, funnel cakes and cotton candy are go-to carnival necessities and now they’re perfect for your formal affair,” says Kim Forrest, editor and trends expert at WeddingWire.com. You can dress up the carnival classics to make them a bit fancier or simply serve mini versions.

Suspended snacks Make a statement by hanging wedding treats on the wall at the reception.

Kerri Sholly at Four Seasons Hotel Austin says the hotel gets many requests to hang or “float” food. For example, doughnut walls are fashionable, where doughnuts can be suspended on shelves hanging from the ceiling. Additionally, guests can nibble snacks from “clotheslines” of candied bacon and late-night pretzels.

Dietary choices It’s easier than ever if you or your guests have dietary concerns or allergies. Many caterers can serve up vegetarian options,

Comfort foods like tacos, mac and cheese and candy stations are trendy wedding foods.

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“When we create these high-end cakes, we use the highest quality products that make it difficult for anyone to detect that the cakes are gluten-free.”

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

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With this ring: A classic symbol of commitment

By CHELLE CORDERO Creators.com Marriage, ideally, is something that is without end, just like the closed circle of a wedding band.

Engagement rings, wedding bands and wedding rings symbolically promise an eternity shared between two people who love each other.

There are three different types of wedding jewelry. The engagement ring, usually featuring a diamond, is given at the time of the proposal. The wedding band is given during the marriage ceremony.

And the wedding ring, which is really a more ornate wedding band, can be given at the ceremony or as a gift later on (such as for an anniversary).

Several ancient cultures looked at the circle as never-ending and its center as a doorway to an unknown and promising future. It’s believed that the original tradition of the wedding band was started in Egypt nearly 5,000 years ago. At that time, the band was made from reeds woven together into a circle.

Eventually, rings were made from other, more-durable materials, such as leather, bone, ivory and wood. Expensive rings became status symbols. Romans made betrothal rings of iron for permanence and engraved the metal to show their ownership of the women they claimed.

Around A.D. 860, the church started using ornate metal rings as part of marriage ceremonies, but in the 13th century the church discouraged the use of showy rings, preferring simple bands to signify a pure union. Some cultures today still dictate that a wedding band be plain, to emphasize that the union is for love and not for riches.

Modern couples have a variety of band materials to choose from, including gold (yellow, rose or white), platinum, zirconium, tungsten, titanium, steel and ceramic.

While diamonds are the most traditional for engagement rings, many other precious gemstones can be used. Many brides-to-be

also give their fiancés gemstone engagement rings. The couple should look at the cut, color and clarity of the stone. A reputable jeweler can advise about the quality of gemstones.

Aside from personal aesthetic preferences, other factors should be considered when choosing wedding bands and rings, such as one’s work, lifestyle and budget.

Tungsten carbide is exceptionally strong, scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for someone who uses his hands a lot, such as a building contractor. While silver is a popular and economical choice, it will tarnish faster and is also more pliable. This may not be a good choice if one’s work or activities put a lot of stress on the hands.

In different time periods and cultures, the wedding band has been worn on different fingers and on either hand. There have been varying explanations given for which finger gets adorned by the ring, such as the location being more protected from work and weather. You may have heard that a vein runs from the fourth finger on the left hand directly to the heart and that the wedding ring is placed there to keep the wearer and the ring giver close to the heart. But this is not true. The artery considered the closest bloodline to the heart actually runs in the right index finger (which is where the ring is worn during Jewish wedding ceremonies).

Whether the husband wears a ring has also changed over time.

In the United States it wasn’t popular to place matching rings on the bride and groom until World War II, when the sentiment arose that wearing a ring kept spirits up, reminding a soldier he had someone to return home to. Nowadays there are more double-ring ceremonies than single in America.

Fittingly, although the materials, styles and customs of wedding bands and rings have changed over the years, the symbolism has remained the same: Marriage is a never-ending bond.

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BRIDAL GUIDE ■ PAGE 11

Traditions, modern spins for sending the couple off

By DIANNE CROWN Creators.com

ding. For fall weddings, consider gathering beautifully colored leaves to throw. For a garden wedding, give guests dried lavender to

The send-off of the bridal couple can be one of the most exciting moments of a wedding. Friends and family members watch the newlyweds set off for their new life together. There are many traditional symbolic gestures for this moment, some of which were borne of practicality and patriarchy. Nowadays, many couples are choosing fun, festive, progressive ways for guests to wave goodbye.

Throwing rice Tossing rice at the couple, sometimes called an “exit toss,” gets everyone involved in the wedding celebration. According to one article on the Martha Stewart Weddings website called “How Throwing Rice Became a Wedding Tradition,” in olden times, marriage meant expansion (of family, assets, etc). It says, “Rice (most likely chosen for its availability and low cost) symbolized both fertility and prosperity, and tossing it at couples implied best wishes and good luck — for newborns, good harvests and everything in between.”

Nowadays, the tradition ap pears in many forms. Guests throw candy and sugared nuts in Italy (for sweetness), and guests in Morocco throw figs and raisins (for fruitfulness). In America, creative couples are offering guests things like rose petals and paper airplanes that are less messy and hazardous. No one wants guests to slip on candy and twist an ankle, or feel the sting of a grain of rice in the eye.

Tying shoes to the vehicle The forerunner to tying cans onto the getaway car bumper was tying shoes. According to the BrideandGroom website, a “bride’s shoes were considered to be symbols of authority and possession.”

They were “taken from her when she was led to the wedding place, and given to the groom by her father, effecting the transfer of his authority to her husband and as a sign that the husband now had possession of her.”

According to Mental Floss, however, this tradition started during the Tudor period in England. Guests would throw their shoes at the couple as they left because it was considered good luck to hit the vehicle. Today, however, “that would be considered a lawsuit, so we tie them to the car instead.” And Americans began using aluminum cans because “walking home from a wedding with only one shoe is no fun.”

Doves and butterflies For many, though the symbolism intended with a live animal release is that of love, devotion and inspiration, the act is often far from inspiring. Many animal rights groups argue that doves that are bred in captivity are often confused and vulnerable to predators upon release. In fact, the National Animal Protection Agency released an open letter to Pope Francis in 2014. He and two children released doves in St. Peter’s Square, and the doves were attacked by a seagull and a crow.

Butterflies aren’t a better solution, as they often arrive dazed, crushed and cold, only to wilt sadly and die when released.

Alternatives to these traditions are aplenty. Couples nowadays often have different considerations than before, such as social change, environmental sustainability and animal rights. And creative couples tie their choice in with their wedding theme.

Balloons were once thought a better option than animals. To make them even more environ-

toss instead.

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Sparklers are a modern way to send the married couple off on their new life together. mentally friendly, consider using biodegradable balloons filled with helium or vinegar and baking soda and tied with compostable string or ribbon.

Send the newlyweds off in style with paper party crackers, dazzling sparklers, streamers or confetti. These favorites of New Year’s Eve celebrations will be a loud, vibrant, fun symbolic ges-

ture of a new start.

Another option is to move the tried and true unity candle ceremony to the end of the service and invite all adult guests to light candles. Provide bubbles for kids to blow.

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PAGE 12 ■ BRIDAL GUIDE

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Happy anniversary: Is it safe to eat 1-year-old cake?

By SHARON NAYLOR Creators.com The time-honored tradition of freezing the top layer of a wedding cake to share on a first anniversary gives many couples a chance to relive a wonderful moment. For decades, couples have joyfully defrosted the leftover cake and dug in with hopes that it will taste just like it did on their big day. And many couples have been left disappointed when their cakes were dry, stale and tasted of the cardboard layers they had been sitting on for a year.

Beyond taste, another concern is how healthy it is to eat a year-old cake. Though not usually considered, this should be a concern. Any food frozen for a long time can turn rancid. When a cake isn’t properly wrapped, air can get into the cake, transforming it into a stomach-churning disaster.

Certain types of cakes, fillings and frostings freeze better than others. For example, lighter cakes will not hold up well. This is especially true if the cake has a filling such as custard, cream or pudding. Richer, denser, moister cakes will tolerate an extended freeze much better. Cakes such as

on risks of ingredients breaking down, drying out or tasting “off,” which can lead to stomach upset and disappointment. Even with the most careful, multilayered steps of wrapping your cake, the results can be mixed. And a loss of power in your home, especially during a time when you were on vacation, could have defrosted and then refrozen your cake.

One option is to give that anniversary tradition a twist, and defrost your cake layer on your one-month anniversary instead.

You still get to experience the romantic ritual, and your cake, with only one month in the freezer, will be more enjoyable.

Alternatively, according to the experts at Pink Cake Box bakery, “you may wish to take on the new trend of ordering a freshly baked, new cake layer for your anniver-

originally ordered for your big day will factor into you a successful preservation.

By freezing the cake, you take

Changing your name after saying ‘I do’

By CHELLE CORDERO Creators.com There are many decisions to work out when a couple decides to get hitched; one of those complicated decisions is the choice of surname.

Couples can choose to both use one name belonging originally to either partner or use both names (with or without a hyphen). The names should be decided before applying for the marriage license,

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Freezing the top layer of your wedding cake might not be a great idea. chocolate and carrot are known to stay moist and have a longer shelf life than cakes such as fruit or angel cake. So the type of cake you

as these will be the names used on the marriage certificate.

Some people equate surrendering one’s name upon marriage to chattel, a loss of personal identity; others fear losing important professional reputations, and some want to keep their birth family’s name alive, especially when there are no sons to do so traditionally.

Surprisingly, even though women are no longer forced to lose their names when they gain husbands, more women are choosing to use

their new husbands’ names as at least part of their new surnames.

Whatever option the married couple chooses, each partner’s name goes onto the marriage certificate, and this will be used to change names on official records, drivers’ licenses, passports, bank accounts and more. Women will be able to use any of these options without any hitches; however, a few states do require husbands and samesex partners to get a court order, so check your local laws.

sary.” It may not be the exact one from your wedding day, but you can order it in the same flavors, fillings and frosting, giving you that chance to recreate your cake cutting. A freshly baked, filled and frosted cake layer can still carry the good luck that you assign it, and the one-month mark of your marriage is a fine time to rekindle that magic of your wedding day.

And digging into a delectable, fresh dessert takes the worry out of eating old cake.

A bad cake experience — whether from food-borne illness or simple discontent — doesn’t make for a romantic and meaningful moment. So put down those forks. There’s no need to have even a bite of stale, awful-tasting cake in an effort to ensure a marriage filled with good luck and great happiness.

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BRIDAL GUIDE ■ PAGE 13

Nontraditional desserts for sweet receptions

By CHELLE CORDERO Creators.com Here come the bride and groom to cut the cake. Wait. Perhaps that isn’t their style. Maybe the couple want something that fits their personality better — a little whimsy, a bit of easygoing finger foods or something sophisticated and unique. The traditional wedding cake isn’t a given anymore.

When it comes to the sweet touch, couples have choices. There are no rules.

Yes, there are still traditional three-, four- and five-tier wedding cakes, but they aren’t necessarily all frosting and flowers anymore. The superhero groom, for example, could have a cake that reveals its own Batcave entrance.

Cakes can be made to look like scenic adventures. They can have surfboards, tourist attractions, piano keyboards — the list is almost endless. The cake can fit the wedding theme, whether it’s castles, beaches, computers and technology, or skydiving.

And there doesn’t even have to be a cake. Weddings can feature doughnut walls, cupcake towers, trays of petits fours or icecream parfaits. Having an earlymorning wedding? Try serving Belgian waffles with ice cream.

Nighttime weddings are perfect for milk and cookies, such as chocolate chip cookies, shortbread cookies, snickerdoodles or colored sugar wafers. Young couples with lots of college friends attending might even enjoy serving alcoholic, as well as nonalcoholic, Jell-O shots.

Another terrific alternative can be Bundt cakes. Put a full-size cake on each table to let the guests help themselves, or put mini Bundt cakes on the dessert table with a choice of toppings. The fullsize Bundt cakes can serve as part of the centerpiece. Try mini angel food shells with fruit and whipped cream for a delicious and light taste. Top a stack of Rice Krispies bars with a traditional or notso-traditional cake topper; no one is too old to appreciate this sweet and slightly gooey treat. A good idea when serving sticky-finger sweets is a basket of wet wipes for your guests.

Parfaits can be served in Champagne flutes, wine glasses, mini or full-size sundae glasses, or even shot glasses. Parfait fillings can be ice cream, pudding or

cheesecake. A delicious dessert starts with small juice glasses and a base of crushed graham crackers. Fill it with creamy cheesecake, and top it with blueberries, strawberries or raspberries. You can use colors that match the colors of the bridal party, wedding theme or season.

Even more wedding dessert ideas include small scoops of ice cream on palette-shaped cookies, made-to-order dessert crepes, macaroons and homemade toaster pastries. Couples have even had “cakes” made of multiple-tiered cheese wheels and served their guests small wedges of cheese with grapes or sliced apples and bread or crackers. Depending on the venue, wedding desserts are the perfect setting for your favorite aunt’s blue-ribbon blondies and brownies. Say “yes” to your friend who wants to bring her homemade rugelach and mini pastries.

If you or your guests are healthconscious or require gluten-free desserts, try yogurt and fresh fruit parfaits. Pair up doughnut holes, fresh fruit pieces, marshmal-

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Blueberry cheesecake shots are a fun and delicious wedding dessert that can be made with a variety of fruit toppings to please multiple palates or continue the color themes of the wedding. lows and even pretzel sticks with chocolate and caramel fountains,

whipped toppings or syrups for fun do-it-yourself wedding sweets

that your guests will love. Outdoor weddings with fire pits are perfect settings for s’mores. Give each guest an individual s’mores kit and watch the fun. What is a more perfect fit at a summer beach wedding than small pastel-colored cotton candy cones?

Couples who opt for nontraditional desserts can have a traditional cake cutting and photo opportunity if they want with a small one-layer cake or big cookie cake. Both can be adorned with cake toppers and later cut into small bite-size pieces to be served at the dessert table along with other goodies. The ceremonial cake cutting and photo op can also be done with a deep-dish fruit or custard pie.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it can also be a time to insert some nontraditional memories. Weddings should be as individual as the couples and their personalities. Traditions can be a guide, but they’re not necessarily a mandate. The bride and groom should plan the wedding that they will remember as theirs in every way.

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Look up: Ceiling décor popular reception trend

By SHARON NAYLOR Creators.com There’s a new and exciting focus in wedding décor: the ceiling. A myriad of online wedding forums, Pinterest pages, blogs and other wedding planning platforms feature ceiling decorations for ballrooms or tents. You might find lush, blooming floral designs so extravagant they seem like upside-down gardens. And billowy drapes add an ethereal feeling to your wedding.

Wedding planner and designer Kristin Rockhill, creator of the “Details of I Do” blog, attributes this new wedding design trend to a change in the desired look and feel of spaces, saying that “Couples are moving away from oversized ballrooms and looking for romantic, intimate settings that have a homespun feel with nature-infused decor and organic touches.”

According to Rockhill, “Ceiling decor is quickly replacing tall centerpieces. Now brides are opting for low, lush arrangements that allow for easy conversation and adding decorative touches to the ceiling instead to create depth and drama.”

Utilizing the space above is a wonderfully fresh way to liven up a venue or transform a blank space like a tent or industrial loft.

Rockhill suggests “having lush floral chandeliers, ceilings draped with greenery or unexpected unique lighting fixtures like crystal-draped wagon wheel chandeliers.” Beyond these suggestions, here are some top trends in wedding ceiling décor: ■■ Create a ceiling garden using one type of flower, one flower hue or multiple coordinating flower types.

■■ Play on the just-picked wedding bouquet trend by creating a ceiling garden with an eclectic assortment of flowers.

■■ Use greenery of different styles and textures to create an all-green ceiling cover. This simple blanket look may be balanced with lavish table centerpieces featuring dramatic florals with pops of color and texture.

■■ Decorate only above the dance floor to create drama.

■■ Draw attention to your sweetheart table by hanging a flower arrangement above it.

■■ Using clear wire, create an effect of flowers “raining” from the ceiling.

■■ Hang indoor or outdoor crystals in a carefully lit space to add an extra sparkle.

■■ Drape lofty fabric swags from the ceiling center to the venue walls for a warm yet ornate look.

Or fix sheer fabric in undulating

wave patterns across the ceiling for a modern, trendy look.

■■ Dangle bistro light strings or lanterns to establish a homey and comfortable ambience.

■■ Extend floral or greenery garlands from the ceiling center to the outer walls.

■■ Design a projected light show to liven up any blank wall or ceiling: Project your names, wedding date or any custom pattern up above, rather than on the dance floor where this has been seen many times over. This can be a budget-friendly accent. Consider contacting a lighting company for assistance, especially to accom-

modate vaulted ceilings and balance out other lighting effects.

As you ponder these options, take a few things into consideration to avoid any wedding planning woes: Make sure to inquire about any rules or restrictions for altering your space. Discuss your ideas with the venue organizer or even obtain a rendering of your imagined decor from your florist or wedding planner. Additionally, you or your planner will need time to plan the setup and takedown of the decorations on the day. Lastly, leave enough time to concept a few different executions to, hopefully, find a budget-friendly design.

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A decorated chandelier adds visual interest above the wedding guests.

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

BRIDAL GUIDE ■ PAGE 15

Getting guests off social media during wedding

By JULIA PRICE Creators.com With so much of the world now incorporating social media into social engagements, you may want a break from the real-time posting on your wedding day. In fact, many wedding photographers have complained that they now have difficulty getting the perfect shots of couples getting hitched because smartphone cameras tend to pop up all over the place, either blocking their view or adding lessthan-romantic technology in the foreground of the capture. We all know you want that perfect picture for the ’Gram, but come on!

People are trying to remember this moment for the rest of their lives!

There are several ways to get your guests to go off the grid while you tie the knot. The first one is to prepare them ahead of time.

Make sure you note on the wedding invitations that this will be a Wi-Fi-free event and that all social media posting is either prohibited entirely or prohibited until after the event. You can make it feel a little less rule-ish and a lot more fun by using language that is playful yet direct. For example, you can say: “The theme of this wedding is throwback! No, don’t worry; that doesn’t mean the bridesmaids will be wearing huge neon green dresses with puffed sleeves.

But it does mean that we will request you to leave your cellphones in your car or in a cute little box at the entrance of the ceremony.”

If you don’t want to actually request that guests leave their phones in a box or bin at the front, then you can give them personal cellphone holders with their names on them ­something satin or silky or whatever goes with your theme. Once someone drops his phone into the pouch (which will have his name on it), you can have a greeter collect it and place it at his reception table. If you’d like to remove yourself from any responsibility of holding the phones at all, have multiple greeters who will welcome the guests and then ask them to put their phones on airplane mode. Should a guest have an emergency reason to keep a phone on their person, ask them to keep the phone on vibrate and respect the wishes of

Making your wedding Wi-Fifree is a great way to force guests to be present during your big day.

JULIA PRICE CREATORS.COM

the bride and groom by refraining from taking photos and posting anything to social networking sites.

Another way to limit guests’ access to their phones is to go off the grid. You can search for locations where there is not any service or barely any at all. Though this may not free you from those annoying shots of phones taking photos while your photographer is taking photos, you’ll have a lot less to worry about when it comes to having your guests wait to post their photos. You may want to warn guests that there will be spotty service. That way, they can handle any personal or professional stuff that needs to be put in order before your day of love.

And of course, this opens the door to have a lot of fun with creating the theme and vibe that really celebrates the beauty in detaching from the outside world.

Overall, you have to ask yourself what is more important.

Would you rather have guests be totally present with you and your loved ones as you exchange vows to your sweetie, or do you want to have a special hashtag where

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you can search and find a bunch of photos that your guests took — photos that the photographer possibly didn’t capture. Because though you’ll gain quality over quantity by leaving the pictures up to the professionals, sometimes the people who know you best are looking for special moments that

can only be seen by someone who truly knows you. If going off the grid is what you’re looking for, perhaps you can gift guests with disposable cameras so they can still add their very special memories to your very special day.

For a list of locations that are remote and far from the grid,

you can find a number of options simply by searching “off-the-grid locations” in your search bar of your browser. You can then call and double-check that you’ll be as far away from Wi-Fi as possible, just to ensure that you’ll have all the phone-free fun that you’re looking for on your special day.

PAGE 16 ■ BRIDAL GUIDE

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Don’t forget gifts for attendants

By GINNY FRIZZI Creators.com

Though generally on the receiving end when it comes to wedding presents, brides and grooms must do some shopping of their own in connection with the big day. Gifts for attendants — including the maid or matron of honor, bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen — are a traditional way of thanking them for being in the wedding party and providing mementos of the day.

When it comes to selecting the gift, the most important thing is to be thoughtful, no matter what your budget, according to Anna Post of The Emily Post Institute.

“It’s a good idea for the bride and groom to get their respective attendants the same gift or a variation of the same gift,” says Post, the great-great-granddaughter of etiquette expert Emily Post.

“This includes the maid or matron of honor and the best man. It is important that no one feels that they are being treated differently.

You don’t want to get one an engraved pen and another a book,” although variations of the same basic gifts are fine.

“An example would be if a bride gave all of her bridesmaids a pashmina shawl. She might get the same shawl in different colors to suit the individual coloring of each woman,” Post says.

“A groom might choose to give each usher a CD of his favorite music. Again, the basic gift is the same, but the choice of music makes it personal.”

Traditional gifts include those that can be monogrammed with the attendants’ initials or the wedding date. Popular choices include sterling silver necklaces or bracelets for women and cuff links, pens, business card cases and lager glasses for men.

There is a growing interest in nontraditional gifts for attendants, according to Candice Lapin of Para ti Novia, a Web site for Latina brides.

“What we are seeing in terms of trend are a lot of do-it-yourself or eco-friendly gifts from the heart, totally eco-friendly and reusable gifts, such as homemade jam or jelly in a recycled jar or hand-sewn totes,” she says.

Lapin says that popular gifts are also ones that have an “oldtime” feel, such as handkerchiefs with embroidery and handmade frames, and anything that looks vintage, such as old aprons, journals and photo albums.

Couples who are ecologically conscious or having green weddings have various attendant gift options — such as Earth to Gert reusable bags, which are made from cotton organically grown in the United States or from recycled plastic cloth. The bags can be personalized with the wedding date, a favorite quote or an image and can be reused long after the happy day.

Other environmentally conscious gifts are personalized reusable drinking bottles or coffee tumblers engraved with the wedding date or a special message.

Michael A. Aaron, president of Greensender.com, says his company has received orders of up to a dozen bottles for attendants’ gifts.

Personalized bottle orders have included a fishing image with each groomsman’s name engraved on the bottle and a peace sign with the name of each bridesmaid.

There are gift options that are appropriate for attendants of both

sexes, such as photo albums customized with individual names.

Freeze Frame Publishing produces a range of albums in various sizes and prices.

The PortaPocket is one attendant gift that could come in handy during the wedding. A lightweight carrying case designed to be strapped on a leg or arm, it keeps keys, cellphones, sanitary products, lipstick or medicine out of sight on the wedding day and afterward when jogging or traveling.

One unique way to mark the day is to provide attendants with commemorative coins. Coins for Anything has seen a marked increase in wedding orders for its custom-designed coins. A photo inset technology is used to create the image desired, such as the bride and groom.

Gifts to attendants normally are presented about the time of the wedding, Anna Post says. “The gifts can be given in private but are usually presented as a group, such as at the rehearsal dinner,”

You should give the members of your wedding party similar gifts, but they can be customized.

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she says. “It’s all right to give a gift for them to wear the next day at the wedding, such as necklaces, bracelets or cuff links.”

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“The bride and groom should think carefully and ask them-

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