2016
Sun Community News & Printing Published by Denton Publications Inc. Visit us online at www.suncommunitynews.com
CONTENT 2016
Engagement Photo Tips The Dress
News & Printing
Inc. Sun Community om Denton Publications munitynews.c Published by at www.suncom Visit us online
About The Cover Photo taken by Aspiring Photography by Jessica
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Tips for trying on wedding gowns
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Twist on the traditional
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Let the countdown begin! 15
Couple: Matthew Hart & Josi Douglas-Hart at the Rainbow Room, in Altona, NY For more information see ad on page 38.
Handy Bridal Check List Feast on this Flower know how What’s that on your lapel? Sun Community News & Printing Published by Denton Publications Inc 14 Hand Avenue, Elizabethtown, New York 12932 Phone: (518) 873-6368 Fax: (518) 873-6360 www.suncommunitynews.com ©Copyright 2016 Denton Publications, Inc.
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Centrepieces on a budget For the guys Bridal photos displayed through!
For Jack & Jill, too
Accommodations 26
Wedding Favors
Relaxation, Romance or Recreation Your stay will be memorable
Merci!
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Photos by Aspiring Photography by Jessica
Engagement E
Photo Tips
ngagement photos may be part of a package negotiated with the photographer who will be covering the wedding day. Some couples enlist the help of a friend or a budding photographer to capture an engagement shot. The average cost of engagement photos can range from $200 to $500. Some couples opt to use a photographer who might specialize in other areas (i.e. fashion models) but may want to break into the wedding biz because of how lucrative it can be. Costs may be negotiated as a result. When shopping around for a photographer, there are certain things couples should keep in mind. The fi rst and most important is selecting a photographer you can relate to. If you don’t feel a connection with the photographer, he or she will have trouble coaxing the shots that will produce the best results. He or she should also be a professional and have some experience working with posing couples. This way the photos don’t look stiff or contrived. Here are some other tips that can lead to great photos.
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• Find a photographer who fits your style. If you’re a quirky couple, go with a quirky photographer. If you’re reserved and a follow-the-book type of couple, then select a more traditional photographer. Some photographers out there forget that this is your moment and want to impart their idea of what you want. Make sure he or she takes your ideas into consideration. • Select one who is open to different shoot locations and brainstorming. Some of the best photos occur in natural settings, where things aren’t entirely planned. If a photographer simply works out of a studio, you may want to select one who has more free reign with different locales. • Choose your location wisely. Certain locations will stand out in your minds because they are visually stunning or are special places where you have spent moments as a couple. By choosing a place that offers a personal connection, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate the photos in the long run. Also, be open to the fact that unplanned stops may offer a great background for the image. Be open to the unexpected. • Try random poses and some candid shots. Although you might have a vision of the perfect photo in your mind, experimenting with different ideas can sometimes lead to a great photo you really love. Expect to take your share of kissing, nose touching and portrait shots. But some fun poses, such as running or jumping (or rolling around on a beach full of waves) can produce candid shots that are truly masterpieces. Remember, sometimes photographers will pose you in positions that seem a bit awkward, but this is to get the best lines of the body and flattering images. • Choose clothing that fits the mood. If time and budget allows, have several different wardrobe changes so that you can see which outfits work and which ones don’t. A formal outfit, comfortable street clothes, something beachy or clothing that fits with your interests (such as polo or baseball) can make for interesting engagement photos. Avoid clothing that is too trendy or busy, which may take away from the actual images in the long run. Plus, you don’t want to look back at these photos in the future and say, “What was I thinking?” Avoid matchymatchy, though. If you are dressed alike, you may appear to be trying too hard. It’s the individual personalities you want to shine through.
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The
Dres s By Tresa Erickson You recently got engaged, and soon, you’ll be starting the search for a wedding gown. Whether you choose to shop at a local outlet store or an upscale bridal shop, you will no doubt have hundreds of choices before you, many of them soft and flowing, reflecting current design trends. The design of wedding dresses changes constantly. One year, straight, strapless dresses might be popular; the next year, long off-the-shoulder gowns might be popular. Recent trends include softer wedding dresses made of flowing fabric and sheer fabric overlays. Dresses may be floor or ankle length, feature an unusual neckline and have an A-line skirt with a short train. The look of today’s wedding dress is classically romantic. Dress details vary, but may include ruffled hems and satin sashes. Wraps made of faux fur, velvet, satin, organza, lace, tulle or chiffon may accompany the dress, adding to the romance. Veils may be short or long, and brides may accentuate the romantic look by wearing pearls, rhinestones or crystals.
While wedding dresses are traditionally white and many of today’s dresses follow suit, some designers have broken out of the box and created more colorful gowns, reflecting trends in Europe. It is not unusual to find wedding dresses in dreamy shades of blue, champagne, pink, platinum and even red. For brides who like just a little color, wedding dresses may also be trimmed in a particular shade like scarlet red or deep blue. Finding the right wedding dress can take a few hours or several months. Some brides discover the perfect gown within minutes of entering an establishment, while others spend countless hours trying on dresses in various places. With any luck, you will spot the right gown within a reasonable time. As you are shopping, keep the trends above in mind, but remember, they are trends, and as such, are subsequent to change. By the time you find a wedding dress, new designs may have made their way into the selection. While it’s good to be up on the latest wedding dress fashions, you want to pick a dress that suits you. Just because the current trend features an unusual neckline doesn’t mean that will work for you. Try on numerous gowns and select one that fits you well and reflects your personal style and tastes. You will be wearing the dress for much of your special day, so make sure you like it and feel good in it.
Tips for trying on
wedding gowns Many brides-to-be look forward to the day when they visit a bridal salon and are able to try on gowns for the first time. There are certain tips that can make the day go much more smoothly and potentially reduce the amount of time it may take to find the perfect gown.
Photos by Aspiring Photography by Jessica
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Wear a supportive, well constructed strapless bra or corset in your correct size. If you will be wearing a petticoat, also have the right size available.
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Go without face makeup when trying on gowns so they remain clean.
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Try to wear your hair similar to the style you have in mind for your wedding.
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Note that the size of the wedding gown you will wear is typically one to two sizes larger than your day- to-day clothes. Proper measurements can be matched to designers’ size charts.
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It’s best to limit the number of people with whom you shop to 1 or 2 trusted friends or family members. An entourage can be confusing.
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It’s always better to order a slightly larger gown and leave room for alterations if you are between sizes.
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t s i w T • On The Traditional •
By Tresa Erickson
It’s no secret. Wedding traditions tend to change with the times. Take the traditions of the bride wearing blue and waiting to see the groom until she walks down aisle, for example. The traditions continue today, but in a slightly different way for some brides. The tradition of brides wearing blue dates back to Roman times when brides wore the color as a symbol of love, modesty and fidelity. Blue was also a symbol of purity and heavily associated with the Virgin Mary. In the late 1800s, blue became a popular color for wedding gowns due to proverbs like, “Marry in blue, lover be true.” Of course, no one can forget the English adage, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” Brides choosing to honor this particular tradition usually wore just a hint of blue, in a ribbon or a garter for example. Many brides today still observe the tradition of wearing blue. Instead of their garter being blue, however, their shoes may be blue or feature a blue sticker on the bottom that says, “I do.” They might also have their wedding date stitched in blue inside their wedding dress. Brides who really want to break out of the box might actually wear a blue dress, hat or veil, or go with something a little less obvious like sapphire earrings, blue fingernail polish or a pale blue seashell clip in their hair. Many brides today are also opting to see the groom before the ceremony begins. The moment, often referred to as “the first look,” provides the bride and groom with a few minutes alone to take in the sight of each other in their formal attire. While some couples insist on total privacy, others invite their photographers/videographers along to capture their first look on film/video. Some may also invite their wedding party and close family members and friends along to share in the moment and get some of the photographs out of the way. That way, they will have more time to mingle with guests later. These are just two twists on some old traditions. Brides and grooms are free to add their own twists or stick to the traditions entirely. The sky is the limit!
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Time to put those dreams to reality with this helpful bridal planner
Let the
Begin 12-9 Months Before ❏ Set an initial budget. ❏ Select a wedding date and time. ❏ Determine the type of wedding you want. (day/night, indoor/outdoor, formal/casual)
❏ Research availability of reception locations.
❏ Research availability of ceremony locations, if not included with your reception site. ❏ Select and book your ceremony location. ❏ Determine who will officiate at the ceremony, if not provided with the ceremony location. ❏ Determine how many guests you wish to invite.
❏ Select and book your reception location, or get a tent if that is what you decided upon.
❏ Set aside blocks of hotel/motel rooms for out-of-town guests.
❏ Find a caterer if not already provided by the reception facility.
❏ Get a band or DJ, get one early because they can get booked quickly.
❏ Decide if you want a bridal party, and if so, then how large. ❏ Start to research your bridal gowns. ❏ Start to research the grooms/ groomsmen formal wear/ tuxedo. ❏ Start to research bridesmaids’ dresses. ❏ Compare and find a photographer/ videographer. ❏ Find local florists and set appointments to look at their work.
Whatever, you decide research ❏ Set appointment with photographer for your formal thoroughly. bridal portrait.
6-4 Months Before
❏ Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state. ❏ Shop for wedding rings. ❏ Select and order the invitations and stationery. ❏ Make sure all the men’s attire has been ordered. ❏ Decide where to live after the wedding.
❏ Create a bridal registry, and/or an engagement registry.
❏ Complete the guest lists.
❏ Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
❏ Inform mothers to select their dresses.
Send To: Sun Community News, PO Box 338, Elizabethtown, NY 12932
9-6 Months Before
❏ Start compiling the guest list. (inform your families to do the same)
❏ Select the attendants for your wedding party. ❏ Purchase the bride’s gown. ❏ Purchase the groom’s tuxedo. ❏ Purchase bridesmaids’ dresses. ❏ Arrange for your groomsmen to be measured and reserve the tuxedos. ❏ Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, and other accessories. ❏ Order the wedding cake, if not provided by the caterer or reception hall. ❏ Choose and reserve your florist.
❏ Begin shopping for trousseau.
❏ Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations
4-2 Months Before
❏ Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state. ❏ Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception. ❏ Select your wedding rings. ❏ Buy a wedding guest book. ❏ Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal. ❏ Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon and any other parties. ❏ Determine resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony. ❏ Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
❏ The parents of the groom should begin to arrange the Rehearsal Dinner, and reserve a restaurant or make other arrangements.
❏ Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-oftown guests.
❏ Arrange for transportation for the wedding. Limousines, vans, etc.
❏ Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.
❏ Start planning for honeymoon, research your destinations. Will it be a Caribbean Island, the South Pacific, Hawaii, a cruise, or a trip through Europe. 16 | Exquisite Bridal Guide • 2016
❏ Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
8-6 Weeks Before
❏ Mail invitations and announcements.
❏ Prepare a portrait for the newspaper.
❏ Select gifts for all your attendants. ❏ Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists.
❏ Make sure all wedding attire fits. ❏ Finalize the seating arrangements. ❏ Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have necessary plane tickets.
❏ Call any guests who have not ❏ Hire the limousine or other responded. forms of transportation for the ❏ Wrap and present the wedding. wedding party gifts.
6-4 Weeks Before
❏ Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the expected number of guests. ❏ Buy a gift for the groom. ❏ Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it is ready for your formal bridal portrait. ❏ Pick up your wedding rings.
❏ Start packing for your honeymoon. ❏ Finish all the place cards for the reception. ❏ Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc. ❏ Give a final head count to the caterer. ❏ Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
❏ Purchase (borrow) all wedding ❏ Delegate responsibilities to accessories such as the ring reliable individuals on your pillow, garter belt, etc. wedding day. ❏ Confirm florist details and ❏ Finalize your rehearsal dinner delivery times. arrangements or other plans. ❏ Start writing placement cards.
2 Weeks Before
❏ Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home. ❏ Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc. ❏ Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper. ❏ Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready. ❏ Get your marriage license
1 Week Before
❏ Review any seating details with the ushers.
1 Day Before
❏ Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself. ❏ Stay with your family the night before and sleep early. ❏ Review and rehearse all the details of your participants. ❏ The Big Day! ❏ Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate. ❏ Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed. ❏ Be sure to eat properly. ❏ Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments. ❏ Rest and relax with a good bath. —You need it!
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ON THIS
By Tresa Erickson
You just got engaged... and already friends are asking you when the big day is, where the wedding will take place, who is going to be your best man and maid of honor, and so forth. You have so many decisions ahead of you, including the food you serve at your reception.
might call for a formal meal, whereas a more casual affair on the beach might call for a clambake or barbecue. Are you planning to get married in blue jeans in a local park? Then sub sandwiches or fried chicken might do the trick. There are many factors that could influence the menu choices for your wedding from your cultural heritage to your budget. Some cultures have traditional wedding foods. Some don’t. Some brides have more to spend than others and can afford to hire a world-famous caterer to host a seven-course meal for their family and friends. In addition to culture and budget, the tone of the wedding venue will play a role in your decision as well. Formal venues like banquet halls and hotel ballrooms Sun Community News & Printing
Timing is also a factor. A late morning wedding might call for a brunch buffet, whereas an evening wedding might call for a sit-down dinner. A wedding at 1 p.m. might not call for anything but wedding cake and punch, while a wedding at 8 p.m. might call for drinks and hors-d’oeuvres. If you’re not serving a meal, make sure you make that clear on the invitations. You don’t want guests to have to leave early just to fill up their empty tummies. What you serve may also be dictated by who is doing the serving. If you have the funds for a 2016 • Exquisite Bridal Guide | 19
caterer, then you might have more choices available as to what you serve. Just make sure you select a reputable caterer and get all the details in writing. If you are planning to do most of the cooking yourself, then you will have to choose foods you can make within the time frame you have. You may want to enlist the help of others to ensure you have great food for your big day. As you are reviewing your options, don’t forget about your own preferences. If you’re not one for formality and your groom isn’t either, then by all means, skip the formal sit-down dinner and opt for a buffet instead.
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If you thirst for adventure, make sure you reflect that in your food selections. Go ahead and serve squid along with the usual seafood fare. The sky is the limit when it comes to reception food. You can serve practically anything you want, whether your grandma’s chicken and dumplings or a local caterer’s seafood faves. Just make sure you take your budget, tastes and other factors into consideration. And yes, it may be your wedding, but you will not be the only one eating at your reception. Remember your guests too and try to choose foods that will accommodate a wide range of tastes.
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Photos by Aspiring Photography by Jessica
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Floral
Know-How
Whether you carry a single calla lily or a bouquet of white roses, the flowers you choose for your wedding should serve as a symbol of your love. They should be beautiful and dramatic. Before choosing a florist, do some homework and learn the lingo.
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Bridal bouquets are typically designed in one of four basic shapes: • Cascade, in which the flowers fall forward in a pendulous manner. • Nosegay, the most common choice, in which the flowers form a large, round, upright shape with the stems forming a cone. • Asymmetrical, a very informal design composed of a collection of blooms in an irregular shape. • Pomander, a ball of blooms carried by a loop of a ribbon, making a lovely accessory for flower girls.
By Doris A. Black
When choosing the flowers for your bouquet, consider the type of ceremony planned, the location of the ceremony and the style of dress you will be wearing. For example, a formal church wedding requires a more formal bouquet than an informal mountaintop wedding. An elegant ballroom gown should be complemented by a bouquet of proper proportions. This rule applies to all bridal gowns. The bridal bouquet should never outshine the gown. The bouquet should also be proportional to the bride’s height. A cascading bouquet may be more appropriate to a tall bride than to one of smaller stature. Bridesmaid’s bouquets are typically smaller than the bride’s bouquet. They may match in color but should not be identical. A good florist will vary the bridesmaid’s bouquets slightly. The groom’s boutonniere will cor-
respond to the bride’s bouquet and the groomsmen to the bridesmaids. Again they should vary slightly so as to not look repetitive. Corsages have been traditional favorites for mothers of the bride and groom, but small nosegays are also appropriate. Flowers to enhance the ceremony can be as simple or elaborate as your budget allows. Traditionally for a church ceremony there are altarpieces, aisle arrangements, door decorations and candelabra decorations. Before ordering, find out what your church allows for wedding flowers. Some have strict guidelines. For daytime ceremonies, almost any color combination is magnificent, but for an evening ceremony, an all-white altarpiece really stands out. If you are tight on funds, you may prefer to keep ceremony florals to a minimum and put the bulk of your floral budget into flowers for the reception, where
you’ll be spending the most time. Table centerpieces are the norm at receptions with the largest arrangement at the head table. The florist can help you create elegant arrangements, but many brides like to do this themselves. It saves a little money and is a fun, creative endeavor. If you elect to create your own designs, follow these few simple rules of design. The head table should naturally have the largest arrangement but not so large that it blocks everyone’s view. Centerpieces on guest tables may hold various flowers in different containers to help keep the reception lively and fresh. A simple vase tied with ribbon is adequate. Additionally, consider providing candles to enhance a romantic atmosphere at the head table and at guest tables. When selecting a florist, look for a designer with wedding experience. A professional wedding floral designer knows the ins and outs of creating beautiful arrangements
for such a special event. They understand the pressures of dealing with nervous brides and will recommend certain flowers based on what types are in season to coordinate with the wedding theme. They know the importance of delivering on time the freshest florals that will last the whole day. Interview several to view previous designs. Discuss your budget and ask the florist for recommendations to help stay within that budget. Call at least two previous clients to establish if they were happy with the service they received. After you hire a professional florist, listen to their suggestions. With all their experience, they know how to enhance the ceremony and reception. Flowers have long been a wedding tradition. They enhance the look of a church and the throwing of the bouquet is a time-honored tradition. Who wants to break with tradition?
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What’s That...
On Your Lapel ? Free-style wedding décor calls for free-style boutonnieres. Consider these options: • For a seaside-themed wedding, a group of unique shells or a small starfish with a clasp glued to the back • For a Fourth of July or other patriotic-themed wedding, a small flag or a red, white and blue looped ribbon • For a poolside wedding, a paper umbrella with a small ribbon accent • For an Irish-themed wedding, a four-leaf clover (plastic is acceptable if it’s a fun-loving group) • For a music-themed wedding, miniature instruments or eighth notes • For a summer wedding, bumble bees and butterflies • For a Vegas-themed wedding, dice or dominoes • For a sports-themed wedding, miniature baseball and bat, basketball and hoop or bowling pins and a ball • For a theater-themed wedding, comedy/tragedy masks
Other options for traditional weddings might include: • Feathers that complement the bridesmaids’ feathered bouquets or hair wear • Charms hanging from a ribbon bar • Beads threaded onto wire and shaped like a flower, leaf, heart, etc. • Ribbon color-coordinated with bridesmaids’ dresses, stitched in a floral shape with a button center Any of these items could be combined with greenery or simple floral pieces to create interest and fun. Most of the supplies required can be found in craft stores; florists will happily include the piece with their creation, giving a unique flair and personal touch to the grand occasion.
By Ann Bare
Traditionally the groom, groomsmen and male family members of the wedding couple wear a floral boutonniere on their lapel, but times change—and so do boutonnieres. The word “boutonniere” looks difficult to pronounce since it’s actually a French word; however, think BOOTIN-EAR, and the word will just flow off the tongue (just make sure there are no French-speaking individuals within earshot). Boutonniere actually means “buttonhole” in French— the site of the men’s floral contribution to the ceremony. However, as traditional styles go by the wayside in wedding planning, so does the traditional flower/ leaf/ribbon/pearl-ended straight pin assembly. Most men comply with whatever “pretty thing” the bride wants to add to their attire, but how thoughtful and accommodating it would be to pin something less frilly and more suitable to their masculine side on their lapel. The personal touch will only add to their smiles as they stand in the receiving line and answer the question, “What is that on your lapel?”
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Centerpieces On A Budget By Tresa Erickson
You’ve been working on your wedding for months now and it is na getting down to the wire ou can t put o se ecting the centrepieces or the tab es at the reception an onger our budget is tight so ive ora arrangements are simp out o the uestion uck or ou there are hundreds o ideas or ine pensive re ception tab e centrepieces search through brida maga ines shops and on ine wi provide ou with hundreds o ideas or wedding centrepieces some traditiona and some not so tradi tiona
Here are some ideas:
• Ba oons • Baskets o arti cia owers • Birdcages • Bow s o ruit • Board games and pu es especia or kid s tab es • Cand es with arti cia greener • Cards received prior to the wedding • Champagne buckets • ishes o persona i ed choco ates or other candies • ish bow s • ass bow s with oating cand es • urricane g obes with sand and seashe s • d books and maps • ens and ourna s or guests to write their good wishes • icture rames with various photos o the coup e • acemats eaturing artwork rom the coup e • otted p ants • Scrapbooks o the coup e s chi dhoods • Straw hats • ooden hearts and ove poems
o save even more mone ou might want to consider having centrepieces that wi serve a doub e purpose or e amp e the persona i ed choco ates cou d serve as wedding avours whi e strawberries dipped in choc o ate cou d work as a pre or post dinner treat nother trend is to have cakes on ever tab e as centrepieces which the guests can then eat at their eisure he wed ding cake can be sma er and with various avoured cakes at each tab e ou re sure to o er something that wi suit ever tongue uests wi en o comparing and sharing cake avours he sk is the imit when it comes to ine pensive wed ding centrepieces epending upon what ou decide ou ma even be ab e to create them ourse and save ourse even more mone
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Photos by Howard Jennings Photography
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Photos by Aspiring Photography by Jessica
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for
Jill
&
Jack, too... By Tresa Erickson
You’ve probably been to a bridal shower at least once and you may have even hosted a few. While bridal showers in general tend to be for the bride, these days more and more showers are including both the bride and the groom. Known as Jack-and-Jill showers, these events can be fun to host.
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If you’re hosting a Jack-andJill shower, there are some things you need to keep in mind. As with any shower, you need to keep the guest list small, five to 25 guests, and mail invitations three to six weeks in advance. You also need to plan a menu and arrange for some games and gifts. Sounds much like
a traditional shower, right? try and asked to bring a gift There are some differences, from the country, or around however. the clock in which guests are assigned a particular time of In all likelihood, the guest list day and are asked to bring a will contain men and wom- gift for that time. While tradien, so the games you choose tional themes such as these should be geared toward will work for Jack-and-Jill both. Games for Jack-and- showers, you may want to Jill showers vary. You could go a step farther and choose play the newlywed game in a more specific theme. You which the bride and groom could go with a names theme take turns answering ques- in which guests are assigned tions about each other and a letter of the bride’s and the then try to guess how the groom’s names and asked to other answered, with guests buy a gift starting with that serving as moderators. This letter. You could also choose game works well at couples a home theme and assign only parties-everyone can guests a certain room of the get involved. You could also home, including the garage, play the bride and groom and ask them to buy a gift trivia game in which guests for that room. If the couple are asked to answer certain shares a special interest, you questions about the bride could even go with a special and groom, such as where interest theme and ask guests they met, who asked out to buy a gift that deals with whom first, etc. You could that interest. even conduct a photo scavenger hunt in which guests Jack-and-Jill showers are are divided into teams and not really that much different given a certain amount of from traditional showers. Just time to find a list of items and remember that both men take pictures of them. The and women will be present team with the most photos and try to plan for both. at the end of the time limit wins. In addition to games, traditional showers often include a theme for gifts, such as around the world in which guests are assigned a coun-
Luck
Good
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Photos by Aspiring Photography by Jessica
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Wedding Favors
That Won’t Break The Bank
By Tresa Erickson
You’re a crafty person, and because you have such a tight budget for your wedding, you have decided to make as much as possible for the event, including your wedding favors. Lucky for you, there are hundreds of ideas for do-it-yourself favors that won’t break the bank.
• Bubbles • Candles • Coffee mugs; coffee beans or hot cocoa mixes • CDs • Magnets • Miniature champagne or wine bottles • Ornaments • Pens • Personalized sodas • Recipes • Seed packets • Shot glasses • Soaps • Tea or coffee tins • Wine stoppers You can find most of these items in bulk at various stores. Then all you have to do is decorate and personalize them any way you want.
Merci!
By Tresa Erickson The wedding was beautiful and the honeymoon was a blast. But now those fun-filled days are over and you’re back home. Time to start your new life, and one of the first tasks you face is dealing with your wedding gifts. Remember that pile of gifts you received at your wedding? Well, not only do you have to open them, but you have to thank the people who gave them to you, and doing so by phone or e-mail just won’t do. A handwritten note on formal stationery is the best way to say thank you. Fortunately, thank-you notes don’t have to be long. Most new wives have far too many things to do than to sit down and write each of their wedding guests a two-page thank-you letter. A few sentences of appreciation will suffice. You can also enlist the help of your husband to complete this task.
Few people like to write thank-you notes, but it’s a task that’s got to be done. The more organized you are, the better your thank-you notes will be and the faster you will finish them. So grab your stationery and your husband and get busy!
Sun Community News & Printing
Organization is the key to writing thank-you notes. Hopefully, you’ve been keeping track of the gifts you have received up to this point and may have even sent thank-you notes for those already. If you haven’t, now’s the time to do so. Grab a notebook, sit down with your husband and write down the following for each gift: • Giver’s name and address • Where the gift was purchased (if you can determine that) • Description of the gift • Date the thank-you note was sent After you’ve completed this step, you can start writing thank-you notes. Share the task with your husband. Let him do the notes for his family, while you do the notes for yours. Divide the notes for your friends between the two of you. Start off your thank-you note with a personal greeting and then name the gift you received, thank the giver for it and for attending your wedding, and tell them how you plan to use the gift. If the gift was monetary, you don’t need to state the amount, just how you plan to use it. Write thankyou notes for the gifts you received damaged or plan to return the same as you would for any other gift. Be gracious, warm and appreciative. Do not, under any circumstance, inform the giver that their gift was damaged or that you intend to return it. Mail your thank-you notes no later than two to three months after your wedding. The sooner you get them done, the better. Not only will the givers appreciate your prompt response, but they’ll be happy to know you enjoyed their gift and you’ll be relieved to have one more task out of the way.
2016 • Exquisite Bridal Guide | 47
48 | Exquisite Bridal Guide • 2016
Sun Community News & Printing
HONEYMOONS On A Dime
Honeymoons don’t have to break the bank. You can still have fun and celebrate the beginning of your life together on a shoestring budget. It just takes some advance planning and creative thinking.
Cut costs where you can Off-season prices are far cheaper than peak season prices. Schedule your honeymoon during the off-season, and to save more cash, consider going to a less popular destination. The rates will be cheaper, and there will be less people to contend with.
You don’t have to go all out to have a good time on your honeymoon. Think about your plans and find ways to save. Choose less expensive accommodations, especially if you intend to be out and about much of the day. Pack lunches instead of eating out. Take advantage of all free or low-cost activities.
Book way in advance
Stay close to home
Go during the off-season
By Tresa Erickson
While some newlyweds can still afford to cap off their big day in grand style with a trip for two to someplace exotic, there are many that can’t. Once they’ve paid for the wedding, there is little left for a honeymoon. Fortunately, you can still have a great honeymoon on a shoestring budget. Here’s how....
Leave at a later date
Who says you must leave for your honeymoon immediately following your wedding reception? Enjoy your big day and postpone the honeymoon of your dreams until you can afford it. Wait six months or a year to book the trip. You’ll have more cash to spare and more time to find the best deals.
Generally, the earlier you book your honeymoon, the cheaper the rates will be. Start looking for a destination long before your expected departure date and shop around for the best deals.
If you are really short on cash and can’t afford to go away, stay in. Check out the deals in your area and arrange for a mini staycation. Book a room at an inexpensive hotel and spend the day checking out attractions and activities you’ve never had time for. If you can’t afford a hotel room, stay at home and have a candlelit dinner. It doesn’t really matter where you are as long as you are together.