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Your Guide to Wedding Planning Winter 2016, Display Until March $4.25 Visit us online at www.brideandgroom.com

Wedding Gowns: What Style Is Best For You?

Bride’s Guide to Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

Top Local Ask The Experts: Your Wedding Questions Answered

Wedding & Reception Venues

COVER PHOTO BY RYAN O’DOWD PHOTOGRAPHY

Gown by Isabelle Armstrong Available at Neiman Marcus

ty & r a P y a d i l B ook a H o ce iv e : re d fro m a e r p s ’ s t e

ta ry ‘sw e n e m i lim en ta ry l p p m m o C Co & s B a k e r y F e e . ’ o m i s s a M Rental he air…ble date from now t n i s i e v Lo p vaila Book any ah 2016 and will comok a until Marc ony fee! - Plus, bo your cerem will lower e w d n a Saturday d beverage n the food a um by $500 minim

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PHOTO BY SOUTHERN FLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY

Taylor’s Rentals Fort Worth, 817.332.5258 www.trectx.net

Jewelry by Ivanka Trump Available at Bachendorf’s

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• PUBLISHED BY: Bride & Groom Magazine, Inc., P. O. Box 110918, Carrollton, Texas 75011 972.416.2090 or 1.800.723.8166. www.brideandgroom.com To order subscriptions or back issues, please mail a request stating which issue(s) you’d like, the address where the magazines are to be sent, and a check or money order for $6.50 per issue to cover the cost of the magazines, postage and handling. Bride & Groom Magazine is published quarterly in Dallas/Fort Worth. Copyright © 2015, Bride & Groom Magazine, Inc. Bride & Groom is a registered trademark of Bride & Groom Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. Printed in the USA.

Photo by The Click Chick Photography

lanc de Bleu Cuvée Mousseux

methode champenoise programs,” explains

continues to gain popularity in

Bob Stashak, champagne master for Bronco

the Wedding Community. Its

Wine Company. “We add just enough

delightful combination of taste, visual

natural blueberry ﬂavor to make a subtle im-

appeal and soothing color is what makes

pact. People are more pleasantly surprised

Blanc de Bleu the quintessential bubbly

to ﬁnd the wine dry and crisp, instead of

for the wedding toast. Its crystal-clear virgin

being another overly sweet, ﬂavored wine.”

glass bottle shows off the bubbly’s gemstone

Blanc de Bleu’s creator, Koh Ohsedo,

blue hue. This shade of blue symbolizes

“wanted to create something different and

loyalty and faith, exactly how couples feel

always wanted to give people a reason to

toward each other when they exchange their

celebrate.” Elegant packaging for this dry,

vows. When you combine its clear blue

crisp sparkling wine inside a striking bot-

color with its classy label, Blanc de Bleu

tle has captured the fascination of couples

looks as stunning as the newly married

everywhere. You should not be surprised

couple ready to toast a new beginning.

when you see Blanc de Bleu at the next

A Dry, Crisp Bubbly with a Hint of Blueberry

wedding or big celebration you attend.

As sparkling wine continues to grow in

We d d i n g s E v e r y D a y, E v e r y w h e r e

popularity, Blanc de Bleu is also winning

“Every day, everywhere, someone is getting

fans for its taste. Made with grapes grown

married. We want Blanc de Bleu to be the

in Northern California vineyards, known

sparkling beverage of choice at all wed-

for their cool and clear breezes, Blanc de

dings,” says Fred Franzia, CEO of Bronco

Bleu bubbly tickles the palate with a subtle

Wine Company, the worldwide supplier

natural hint of blueberry.

and marketer of Blanc de Bleu.

“The base wine of cuvée for Blanc de Bleu is the same fruit I use in our high-end,

Blanc de Bleu is available in 750ml and 187ml bottles. For more information, visit blancdebleu.com

Gown bybyIsabelle Armstrong Marketed Bronco Wine Company, Ceres, CA | 855.874.2394 | Sparkling grape wine with natural ﬂavors and certiﬁed color. | Drink responsibly. Drive responsibly. Available at Neiman Marcus 4 www.brideandgroom.com

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Winter 2015 December • January • February

Cover Photo: Ryan O’Dowd Photography Bride: Stephanie Piepenburg Gown: Madeline Gardner Location: NYLO Las Colinas PHOTO BY THISBE GRACE

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8 12 14 16 18 21 22 26 28 30 32 33 34 36 38 44 47

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WITH THIS RING ASK THE EXPERTS HOW TO BREAK IN WEDDING SHOES PICTURE PERFECT PLANNING YOUR WEDDING AND A SUGGESTED DAY-OF SCHEDULE CALENDAR OF EVENTS I’M READY TO SHOP FOR MY WEDDING GOWN! WHAT STYLE IS BEST FOR ME? THINGS TO DO MEMBERS OF THE WEDDING WEDDING WEAR BEAUTIFUL BRIDES PAMPERING PACKAGES FINANCIAL MATTERS THE BRIDE’S GUIDE TO BRIDESMAID DRESS SHOPPING WEDDING VENUES BRIDAL ARCHETYPES HOW TO RENT A PHOTO BOOTH FOR A WEDDING RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES WEDDING EMERGENCY KIT

page 36 PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY

GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS FLOWER POWER

66 69

WEDDING PAPERS

80 81

PARTY TIME MUSICAL NOTES

INTRIGUING INVITATIONS THE WEDDING SHOP: A comprehensive guide to local wedding merchants, featuring detailed descriptions of what they can do for you. DIRECTORY OF ONLINE ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY OF WEDDING PROFESSIONALS

PHOTOS BY CRYSTAL WILLIAMSON

58 60 62 63 64

page 44

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With This Ring A wedding ring is an endless circle that traditionally represents the love that you, the bride and groom, have for each other. It is wise to make a careful selection of these immortal tokens of love.

ince you are unique, your wedding rings should portray your uniqueness. Choosing or designing your rings can be one of the most pleasurable experiences of your engagement. The variety of styles is endless. Many couples prefer to visit the jeweler together to learn about each others’ style preferences. Your jeweler can advise you on the style and design most becoming to your lifestyle and tastes. Decide if you prefer a single wedding band, a wedding ring with a matching engagement ring, or an engagement ring with guard rings. Other decisions that will need to be made are what type, size and shape of gem you prefer; whether or not you would like smaller diamonds on your band to accentuate your main stone; and if you would like your ﬁancé’s ring to match. After you have searched for the ultimate rings and have found them, congratulations! If you cannot ﬁnd the perfect rings for you, then commission your jeweler to custom-design and create an original set of wedding rings for you. A custom jeweler can create magic by simply learning your preferences and designing your rings according to your liking. The jeweler will then hand-carve and create your perfect rings. Diamonds are an important part of engagement and wedding rings. You need to know a few basic facts and standards for diamonds. The most widely accepted diamond-grading standards were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the basic concepts can be mastered by you with the help of your jeweler. Diamond grading is divided into the Four C’s: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color.

www.CliqueGallery.com 214.219.7777

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Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. One carat weight is divided into 100 points of weight. A 25-point diamond can be referred to as a stone that weighs 0.25 carats. Size is determined by the weight and is also a factor in the price of a diamond because the larger the diamond, and the heavier it is, the more rare the stone, and the more valuable it becomes. Cut refers to the make and shape of your diamond. The make is the faceting or cutting of the diamond surface. Most round diamonds have 58 facets. A good cut, or make, allows for the maximum light reﬂection throughout the diamond. Some diamonds are cut shallow, some deep, while the superbly cut diamond achieves the most brilliance. The shape of the diamond is also a part of the cut. The most common shapes include the round brilliant, marquis, pear, oval, heart, emerald, and baguette. Diamond shapes are not limited to these. Diamonds have been cut in the design of stars, ﬂowers, trees, and even the state of Texas.

that weighs 1 carat, is SI1 clarity, K color and poor cut. The more informed you are about diamond basics, the better you can intelligently choose your diamond. ALTERNATIVES TO THE DIAMOND Another idea to consider when discussing your rings is the use of alternative stones instead of a diamond. The main reason that diamonds are the choice of most couples can be attributed to the fact that diamonds are the hardest stone known to man, thus they are better able to withstand the stress of daily wear. A myth exists about diamonds that they cannot be chipped nor can they break. But beware ... it is a myth. A diamond, like all gemstones, must be properly cared for by you. On a regular basis, preferably at least once every six months, ask your jeweler to clean and inspect your rings and stones so that you can maintain their glowing beauty. In between your visits to your jeweler, it does help to clean your wedding rings as often as you wish. Your jeweler can advise you as to the best way to clean your rings at home. The cleaner your rings are, the more they sparkle. Colored gemstones, such as ruby and sapphire, have also been used throughout history as a wedding ring center stone or as an enhancement to the center diamond. For example, you may choose an intense blue sapphire as your center stone and encircle it with smaller diamonds. After you receive your rings from your jeweler, you should check with your insurance agent as to how to insure your rings on your insurance policy. Inquire about an all-risk policy to fully insure your rings. Your insurance agent can give explanations and suggestions as to the best protection for you.

A good cut allows for the maximum light reflection throughout the diamond. Some diamonds are cut shallow, some deep, while the superbly cut diamond achieves the most brilliance. Clarity refers to the ability to see through a diamond, which is affected by internal identifying characteristics of flaws formed in nature in the diamond. The fewer and less visible the flaws, known as inclusions, the better and more valuable the diamond becomes. Diamonds are graded on 10X magnification under a microscope or jeweler’s loupe, with good lighting. It is important to examine your major diamond purchase under a microscope so that you can see the flaws, their sizes, and locations. Overall, the fewer the inclusions, the more brilliant and valuable the diamond. Color as a grading defines diamond color very critically. The closer a diamond appears to colorless, the better the color grade. Color grading is done by comparing the diamond to a color test kit with stones graded by GIA. The lights used in this process are highly specialized. All of the Four C’s affect the price of a diamond. For example, a diamond that weighs 1 carat, is VS1 clarity, G color and good cut will cost more than a diamond

OTHER WEDDING JEWELRY Your jeweler can assist you with other wedding jewelry, such as cultured pearls. This is a traditional wedding gift given by the groom to the bride to wear with her wedding gown. Pearls are an elegant jewelry gift and may be enjoyed for many occasions. The bride may appropriately choose a set of cufﬂinks or button covers as her gift to her groom to wear with his formal attire at the wedding and for future occasions. Your jeweler can guide you in making your choices. Check with your jeweler for bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s gift ideas and give a gift that will remind them of the special day they will share with you. Choosing your wedding and engagement rings can be fun and exciting! With the professional guidance of your jeweler, your wedding rings will become cherished reminders of the love you share. •

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Ask the Experts PHOTO BY JIM RODE PHOTOGRAPHER

HOW DO I CONVEY THAT I DO NOT WANT CHILDREN AT MY WEDDING? This is a question that has been asked many times. First and foremost, it is very important that it is done tactfully and respectfully. My ﬁrst suggestion is to add a line of text that speciﬁcally states “Adults only please” at the bottom of the invitation. Second, on your RSVP card, include the guests’ names and state “We are reserving __ spaces for you at the reception.” This makes it clear that seating is limited. Third, on your RSVP card, you can include “Please refrain from adding or substituting guests, as space is limited.” Lastly, just in case children do show up, you can hire a sitter to be on-site at the wedding venue, with games and pizza. You can also include on your RSVP card that there will be a sitter available to attend Lynda Jones-Owings to the children if guests need one, but children must be picked Essences of Design Event Planning up immediately after the reception. 469.348.4790 www.essencesofdesign-texas.com

Chase Day Photography by Chase Day 903.328.8481 www.chaseday.photography

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WHAT CHARACTER TRAITS SHOULD YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER POSSESS? You will spend more time with your photographer than with any other vendor. This is why it is extremely important for you to feel confident about the photographer you choose. Here are some character traits I suggest looking for: 1. Your photographer should be personable! People should feel like they are being approached by a friend when taking pictures, for more natural-looking photos. 2. Although honesty may be difficult to identify during your search, it’s an important characteristic every photographer should possess. An honest photographer can provide you with better guidance when shooting. Their priority is getting the best photo possible, after all. 3. Vision is such an important trait for wedding photographers to have! When looking at portfolios, look for shots that show the photographer thinks outside of the box. Creativity goes hand-in-hand with vision. Lean towards the photographers that give you more “oooh’s and aaah’s.” 4. Look for a photographer that is passionate about what they do every day. Their passion should be reflected in their work, and in the way they refer to their profession. If you find a wedding photographer with these characteristics, you will be one step closer to having a more enjoyable and memorable wedding day, as well as photos that will last forever!

Got a question? Hear what the experts have to say! IS IT NECESSARY FOR THE STRING QUARTET TO ATTEND THE WEDDING REHEARSAL? Generally, it is not necessary for the quartet to attend the wedding rehearsal. An experienced string group can time selections throughout the ceremony to coordinate with entrances and exits, helping to create a smooth, seamless ﬂow. At most, the leader of the quartet can attend the rehearsal, but this is only necessary for very complex ceremonies.

Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111 www.stradivariusmusic.com

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER AND USING THE ON-SITE COORDINATOR AT A VENUE? The difference between a wedding planner and an on-site coordinator is like the difference between an interior designer and a real estate broker. The on-site coordinator‘s responsibility is to ensure the correct food is served, venue staff are performing their duties, the facility is set up according to the agreed-upon floor plan, and that other specifications on the banquet event order are fulfilled. The wedding planner is responsible for checking that vendors deliver what’s specified in the contracts, overseeing décor, managing the wedding timeline, responding to emergencies, ensuring that key people don’t miss important events and keeping the mom and the bride from working so they can enjoy their guests and the celebration.

Danielle Hasting One Fine Day Weddings & Events 817.717.5478 www.oneﬁnedaytx.com

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How to Break In Wedding Shoes Courtesy of www.eHow.com

PHOTO BY CRYSTAL WILLIAMSON

n their wedding day, it is common for brides to spend hour after hour on their feet. From the aisle to the altar to the dance floor, the wedding day can take quite a toll on the tootsies. Brides must be confident that their shoes are broken in adequately before the big day. By following these simple steps, brides can avoid those dreaded honeymoon blisters.

Instructions: Step 1:

Start wearing your wedding shoes on different surfaces around the house several weeks before the wedding. Don’t wait until the last minute. Breaking in shoes takes time.

Step 2: Stand in your shoes in one place, as you would at the ceremony, and check your level of comfort. If you are not comfortable, you will need to continue wearing the shoes around the house.

Step 3: If you plan to wear hose on your wedding day, try on a similar pair with your wedding shoes and wear them around the house.

Step 4: Wear your wedding shoes on slippery surfaces to check if the bottoms are slick. If you are enrolled in a dance class, wear your wedding shoes to class. If not, do some dancing in your wedding shoes. Make sure they fit properly and don't fly off your feet.

Step 5: Place non-slip stickers on the bottoms of your wedding shoes to avoid taking a spill during the ceremony or reception. Another option is to scuff the bottoms with sandpaper to add traction. Remember that an unexpected fall might make for a humorous anecdote on your ten-year anniversary, but it certainly won’t be funny on the big day. •

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Picture Perfect A tender moment, captured in a silver frame on an ofﬁce desk. A special home movie to pop in the DVD player on a snuggly winter night. Wedding images keep the memories alive. Long after the wedding dress is packed away, the caterer is on to the next wedding, and the thank-you notes are mailed—the photographs and DVDs remain. The documentation of the beginning of your new family will be cherished for future generations.

idly improving the image detail and color. There are other benefits to digital versus film cameras. Not only can a photographer see immediately what the image will look like, he or she can correct the shot on-site as opposed to during the film-developing process. Brides will appreciate the speed and efficiency of digital cameras since they’ll be able to see their wedding proofs quicker. This digital process can give you an idea of what your wedding album will look like when complete. Choose a photographer with whom you are compatible and who puts you at ease. If there is a personality conflict between you and the photographer, you may end up with photos of your best sneer instead of your best smile!

PHOTOGRAPHY Book your photographer at least six months in advance to ensure availability for your wedding date. When choosing a photographer, there are several important things to remember. Select a photographer who works for a living, not as a part-time or weekend job. Do not entrust this blessed event to an amateur or friend. You don’t want to risk losing the recording of this once-in-alifetime occasion. Protect your wedding memories by using a professional. And make sure your photographer has extra cameras, lenses and lighting equipment on hand as backups in case of emergency. Most photographers now prefer to use digital cameras for wedding photography. Of course, no matter what style camera is used, make sure your photographer will also have an appropriate backup strategy to preserve the images from your precious day. Advances in digital cameras are rap-

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VIDEOGRAPHY Once a mere stepchild of photography, videography has quickly become an exciting, essential part of the wedding celebration. The guidelines for selecting a videographer parallel those for choosing a photographer. The number one rule—use a professional! Don’t be tempted to take advantage of your Uncle Joe’s camcorder. There are no “second takes.’’ Hire a professional with professional equipment, so your memories are safe. Make sure your videographer has top-notch audio-visual cameras and editing equipment. Your videographer must be experienced and well trained on the equipment. Different audio techniques include the use of wireless remote microphones, a feed from the church’s sound system, a shotgun microphone and ambient sound,

Select a photographer who works for a living, not as a part-time or weekend job. Do not entrust this blessed event to an amateur or friend.

PHOTO BY RYAN O’DOWD PHOTOGRAPHY

come prepared with pertinent information regarding your wedding. It’s also helpful if the photographer knows the style, color and setting of the wedding so that the mood and the moment can be captured. Let your photographer know the size of your wedding party and with whom you would like to be photographed. It’s helpful to designate a friend or relative to point out those special friends and relatives you want photographed during the reception.

Look for a photographer whose judgment and opinions you trust. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with the “camera person” on your wedding day, relying on that person to capture those special moments. When you meet with a photographer, view sample wedding albums to obtain a clear impression of the overall style in which the photographer covers a wedding. Look for color, sharpness and detail of the photographs. Determine the type of photographs you prefer—a formal posed look, candids, or a combination of both formats. Communicate clearly with your photographer to ensure the best results. Make sure your photographer knows exactly what you want—you only get one chance to make things right. Obtain information on package sizes and prices, deposits, retouching charges, travel expenses and any other costs. Wedding packages can range from several hundred dollars to well into the thousands. Make sure everything you need is included in your package—formal portrait, black-and-white print for the newspaper, wedding album, and anything else you are looking for. Find out the cost of additional prints and “mini-albums” for parents and close friends. Finally, be sure everything you’ve agreed to is written in a contract. Other details that should be in writing include: when the photographer will arrive at the wedding and leave the reception, how the photographer will be dressed, and the number of images that will be provided. When you meet with your photographer,

and a separate recording dubbed in during editing. Determine with your videographer the technique best suited to your wedding location. Ask to view DVDs of actual weddings that were shot and produced within the past year. By watching these samples, you’ll see ﬁrst-hand the videographer’s level of talent and professionalism. Look for sharp images, adequate lighting and clear sound. The video should ﬂow smoothly from scene to scene, with highlights fully covered to tell the whole wedding story. Look for special effects, such as fades, wipes, dissolves, multiple images, freeze-frames and background music. The videographer should dress appropriately, and be able to comfortably mingle with your guests. Wedding videography prices range from several hundred dollars to the thousands. Find out what’s included in the package deals, and if items such as duplicate DVDs, adding music and titles, special effects, overtime and second cameras are additional. Obtain a contract including date, time, location, cost, equipment used, editing time, deposits and delivery date. It’s so important to choose professionals to record your wedding celebration. The expense is well worth the future returns. Preserving the memories of your nuptials is too important to leave to chance. Take care to ensure that your photographs and DVDs are of the quality you’ll be proud to share with your family and friends. You’ll enjoy your memories for many years to come.•

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Planning Your Wedding and a Suggested Day-of Schedule with your wedding photographer and talk about what is most important to you on your wedding day. This should actually be talked about BEFORE you decide to book your photographer, but it also needs to happen again so you can map out the details for your wedding day. We (photographers) like to know what is important to both the bride and groom so we can schedule the day in a way that makes the most logistical sense. For example, if the bride decides to do a “ﬁrst look” with her father, then I would suggest you do that ﬁrst, ahead of the bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s pictures.

At this point you have booked most of your wedding services and you’re ready to start planning out your wedding day. But where do you begin? What should go ﬁrst? Maybe, you ﬁnd yourself wondering if there is a right or wrong way of laying out the details for your big day. All these questions and concerns would be handled by a wedding planner if you decide to hire one of those. However, for those couples who don’t choose that route, here is a suggested wedding day timeline from a photographer’s perspective. First, you need to sit down

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by Chase Day Photography by Chase Day e-mail: info@chaseday.photography www.chaseday.photography

This is a very intimate time for both the bride and the father, but it’s also a very stressful time for the bride. If you shoot this event ﬁrst, then you can follow it up with the bridesmaids’ pictures. It will lighten the mood for the bride and provide a fun shoot that follows up behind the emotional shoot. If you choose to do a bride and groom “ﬁrst look,” then you could do that one right after father/daughter. Then, proceed with your bridal party pictures before the ceremony starts. This is just one of the ways you can start your schedule. But, if I could have it my way, the schedule would go like this:

Sample Wedding Day Timeline 4:00 pm: Photographers arrive. 4:30 pm: Photographers start ﬁrst look with father/daughter. 4:45 pm: Photographers start ﬁrst look with bride/groom. 5:00 pm: Lead photographer starts bride’s pictures with her bridesmaids. 5:00 pm: Second photographer starts groom’s pictures with his groomsmen. 5:30 pm: Photographers start bridal party with bride/groom pictures.

6:15 pm: Ceremony ends and family pictures start. *Guests head towards the reception hall for cocktail hour with the DJ or band. 6:45 – 7:00 pm: Family pictures end (depending on number in both families).

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE DAY

6:00 pm: Ceremony starts.

7:15 pm: Bridal party introduction, followed by ﬁrst dance. 7:30 pm: Dinner until 8:15 pm (for approx. 125 guests, buffet style). 8:15 – 8:45 pm: Bride and groom walk around to greet tables. 8:45 pm: Father/daughter dance, mother/son dance. 9:00 pm: Cake cutting, followed by toasts. *If you are providing champagne, be sure to have your DJ or coordinator let the caterer know to start pouring the champagne before the toasts take place.

9:30 pm: Activity by DJ/band (Anniversary dance, group dance, etc.) followed by open dance ﬂoor. 10:00 pm: Garter toss/bouquet toss (if applicable) 10:15 – 10:45 pm: Open dance ﬂoor for guests and DJ/band. 10:50 pm: Last dance with guests, then guests get ready for bride and groom to exit.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE DAY

9:15 pm: Toasts *I prefer toasts after the cake cutting, to allow the caterer time to cut the cake for your guests while toasts are taking place. This avoids guests waiting in line for cake.

10:55 pm: Private last dance, just bride and groom with photographer. *I suggest a private last dance because it’s more intimate, a great way to end the night, and your pictures won’t have some random guests’ heads in the background of every shot

11:15 pm: Vendors pack up to leave.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE DAY

11:00 pm: Bride and groom exit.

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972.713.9920 Allen Event Center, Allen, TX September 25, 2016 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Dallas Market Hall, Dallas, TX January 30 – 31, 2016 and July 30 – 31, 2016 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX March 6, 2016 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Irving Convention Center, Las Colinas, TX January 10, 2016 and July 10, 2016 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Plano Centre, Plano, TX March 13, 2016 and September 11, 2016 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Times and dates are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend you check with the host of each event to conﬁrm. Bride & Groom is not responsible for inaccuracies.

Use offer code B&GMAG for any Bridal Shows, Inc. show and receive $1 OFF ADMISSION, for all adult tickets, courtesy of Bride & Groom Magazine. Tickets must be bought online: www.bridalshowsinc.com www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

I’m Ready To Shop For My Wedding Gown!

PHOTO BY SOUTHERN FLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY

What Style Is Best For Me?

GOWN AVAILABLE AT DISTINCT ELEGANCE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

By Frances Reed Owner, Distinct Elegance Bridal Boutique www.distinct-elegance.com

As you begin your wedding gown search, the most important thing to keep in mind is to be willing to try on a variety of different silhouettes and styles. Finding the perfect dress can appear to be a daunting task, so it is recommended that you visit a full-service bridal salon and welcome the expertise offered by the style consultants. They are experts in their field and will make your shopping experience enjoyable and stress-free by guiding you through the process. Here are four basic silhouettes that will help you determine what best flatters your figure:

MERMAID A mermaid silhouette is for the bride who doesn’t mind showing off her curves, regardless of her body type. This style is extremely fitted to the knees, flaring out at the bottom of the skirt. It is not the best style for women who are petite in height. A-LINE An A-line gown has a fitted bodice, and the skirt flares out towards the bottom, creating an “A” shape. The skirt can have a full or slim design (modified A-line). An A-line gown flatters all body shapes. If you are

Empire

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A-line

GOWN AVAILABLE AT DISTINCT ELEGANCE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

Mermaid

petite, try a modified A-line. With a small frame, a fuller, more elaborate gown can overwhelm you. If you have an hourglass (figure 8) or curvy figure, an A-line gown with a dropped waist can be very flattering.

Ball Gown

BALL GOWN If you want the fairy tale princess look—the ball gown is for you. The ball gown has a fitted bodice with a VERY full skirt. If you are tall and thin, a ball gown will add shape to your slight figure. This style also flatters figures that are pear shaped and voluptuous. At the end of the day, you want to have fun and enjoy your shopping experience. Be true to yourself and go with the gown you love! •

GOWN AVAILABLE AT DISTINCT ELEGANCE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

EMPIRE This gown has a high waist, which sits directly underneath the bust, and a skirt that ﬂows down to the hem. An empire gown suits brides who are lacking in height—the high waist will elongate your body and give you a taller appearance. If you are pear shaped or have a voluptuous ﬁgure, try the empire gown—it brings the attention to the upper body.

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PHOTO BY DUKE MORSE

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Gown by Binzario Couture

Courtyard by Marriott 817.251.9095 DFW Airport North, Grapevine, Texas www.marriottgrapevine.com

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Things To Do Use this handy checklist as a general information and scheduling guide, and tailor it to ﬁt the speciﬁc needs of your own wedding.

The Bride

The Groom

6 Months Or Longer

6 Months Or Longer • Prepare a budget for your share of the wedding and honeymoon expenses. • Purchase the bride’s wedding ring. • Begin interviewing travel agents to arrange your honeymoon. • Begin your guest list—ask the bride’s family the number of guests you can invite. • Ask your attendants to be in the wedding.

• Prepare a budget for the wedding and reception. • Begin your guest list. • Select the time and place for the wedding and reception. • Ask your attendants to be in your wedding. • Schedule consultation for selecting the color and style of wedding gown and attendants’ attire for a picture-perfect wedding. • Order your wedding gown and bridal accessories. • Interview ﬂorists, caterers, photographers, videographers, bakers and reception entertainers.

3 To 6 Months Before • Arrange lodging for attendants and close family members coming from out of town. • Ask the bride’s family to determine your share of the ﬂorist bill. • Reserve the restaurant or other facility for the rehearsal dinner; consider a limousine service for transportation. • You may want to go with your bride to register for china, crystal, and other items. • Make an appointment for you and your bride to visit your clergyman.

3 To 6 Months Before • Register for your china, crystal and other items. • Order bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories. • Order invitations and other stationery, including informals and map cards. • Meet with your clergyman and obtain a copy of the church’s wedding policies, if you plan to have your ceremony in a church. • Purchase the groom’s wedding ring. • Make your ﬁnal decisions on your ﬂorist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery and entertainment. • Make arrangements for accommodations for your out-of-town guests.

10 To 12 Weeks Before • You and your attendants must be measured for the tuxedos. • Inform the wedding party where and when the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner will take place.

10 To 12 Weeks Before • Arrange transportation to the wedding and reception for your attendants and out-of-town guests. • Choose your house party, such as friends and family to hand out programs, attend the guest book, and greet guests. • Meet with your music director. • Finalize the reception menu. • Begin ﬁttings for your gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses. • Coordinate showers with gift-registry sources. • Have your bridal portrait taken. • Address invitations and announcements. • Arrange a time and place for your bridesmaids’ luncheon. • Select gifts for your attendants. • Double-check arrangements with your ﬂorist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery and entertainment. • Schedule appointment with professionals for makeup and hair styling.

4 To 10 Weeks Before

Day Of The Wedding

• Mail invitations, weighing them for proper postage. • Send your wedding picture and announcement to the newspaper. • Finalize your ﬁttings.

• Give the clergyman’s check to the best man to handle. • Arrive at the wedding site, along with your attendants, 1.5 hours before the ceremony. •

• Finalize arrangements with your clergyman and music director. • Inform the wedding party and close family members of the time and place of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. • Apply for your marriage license with your groom. • Change your name on your social security card, driver’s license, credit cards and bank accounts, and file change-of-address cards with post office and correspondents. • Go over special seating arrangements for the wedding. • Finalize arrangements with the florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery, entertainers and gift registries. • Arrange for the pressing of your wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. • Arrange for someone to take your dress to be heirloomed or preserved after the wedding. • Arrange for someone to take your bouquet to be preserved or dried after the wedding, if you choose to do so.

Week Of The Wedding • Give the ﬁnal guest count to your caterer 72 hours before the reception. • Finalize direction of the rehearsal and wedding with your wedding consultant.

Day Of The Wedding • Mail wedding announcements (if you are planning to). • Arrive at the wedding site two hours before the ceremony.

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2 To 4 Weeks Before • Apply for your marriage license with your bride. • Ask your best man to prepare a toast to give you and your bride at the reception.

Week Of The Wedding • Give the final guest count to the caterer for the rehearsal dinner; confirm bridal party transportation. • Take your marriage license to the rehearsal. • Reconfirm honeymoon plans.

PHOTO BY MAGGSHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY, FLOWERS BY LIZZIE BEE’S FLOWER SHOPPE

2 To 4 Weeks Before

• Select gifts for your attendants. • Reconﬁrm honeymoon plans. • Book limousine service.

Allison gown by Isabelle Armstrong Available at Neiman Marcus

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Members of the Wedding Each member of the wedding party plays a part in the success of your event. Read on to ﬁnd out the responsibilities of everyone involved! BRIDE AND GROOM

BRIDESMAID

• Decide wedding plans and budget with parents if they are footing the bill. • Choose wedding party attendants. The bride helps her attendants in dress selection and the groom discusses appropriate attire with his groomsmen. • Purchase small gifts for their attendants. • Acknowledge receipt of wedding gifts with a personal note of appreciation.

• A bridesmaid has no particular pre-wedding responsibilities, but might offer to help the bride in any way she can, such as throwing her an engagement party or bridal shower, or helping stuff invitations. • Pays for and assembles her wedding outﬁt. • Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Walks in the processional and recessional. • May stand in the receiving line.

BRIDE • Discusses budget with ﬁancé and parents. • Sets date, time and place of wedding and reception. • Selects wedding dress and accessories, allowing at least three months for delivery. • Books caterer, wedding and reception entertainment, ﬂorist, photographers, videographer, and bakery. • Helps compile the guest list; chooses her attendants. • Orders invitations, thank-you notes and personal stationery. • Shops for trousseau. • Buys groom’s wedding band and arranges for engraving if desired.

GROOM • Discusses budget with ﬁancée and parents. • Buys bride’s wedding band and arranges for engraving if desired. • Gets the marriage license (with the bride) and obtains any other necessary legal documents. • Arranges and pays for honeymoon. Checks on available hotels for out-oftown guests. • Pays for bride’s bouquet and ﬂowers or corsages for both mothers and close female relatives on both sides. • Supplies boutonnieres for himself and male attendants.

JUNIOR BRIDESMAID • Wears a dress similar to that of a bridesmaid, but in an age-appropriate style. • Participates in the processional (recessional participation is optional).

USHER/GROOMSMAN • Pays for his own wedding attire (boutonnieres provided by the groom). • Seats guests at the church as they arrive — offers his right arm to each woman. Asks if they are friends of the bride or groom and seats them accordingly. Bride’s guests are seated to the left, the groom’s to the right; order is reversed in Jewish services. When one side has more guests than the other, the usher may begin seating guests on the side with fewer people. • Decorates the couple’s going-away car.

FLOWER GIRL Usually a young girl between 3 and 10 years old. • Carries a basket of ﬂowers, tiny nosegay or a basket of loose rose petals to strew in the bride’s path, if the ceremony venue allows.

MAID/MATRON OF HONOR

RING BEARER

Usually someone very close to the bride, such as her sister or a dear friend or relative.

Usually a young boy between 3 and 10 years old.

• Assists the bride in any way she can: helping plan the wedding, shopping, addressing invitations, taking charge of recording and displaying wedding gifts. • Lends the bride moral support. • Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. • Pays for her own gown and accessories (not including flowers). • Helps bridesmaids prepare for their wedding-day duties and organizes their fittings if necessary. Makes sure they arrive at the ceremony on time; confirms transportation arrangements. • Helps bride get ready before the ceremony and before departure from the reception. • Holds the groom’s ring during the ceremony until time to pass it to the bride. • Holds bride’s bouquet and arranges bridal veil and dress during the ceremony. • Is usually one of the two witnesses signing the marriage certificate. • Stands to the left of the groom in the receiving line; sits to the left of the groom at the honor table, if there is one.

BEST MAN Usually the groom’s best friend, brother, father or other close relative. • Assists the groom in any way he can. • Pays for his own wedding attire. • Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. • Holds bride’s wedding ring, producing it at the proper time in the ceremony. • Makes sure ceremony officiant is paid. • Sits to the right of the bride at the honor table; offers the first toast to the newlyweds. • Helps newlyweds prepare for the honeymoon departure. Takes care of luggage, makes sure car is ready to go — hands over keys to groom or makes sure limousine is ready and sees that the groom has travel documents in order. • Makes sure that all men’s rental clothes are returned the first business day after the wedding.

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• During the ceremony, carries a white satin pillow with two fake rings tied or sewn on. After the ceremony, the pillow is turned upside down so the dummy ring won’t show. The real rings can also be used if he is old enough.

CANDLELIGHTER Young boys or girls, usually between 9 and 14 years old. • Light the candles at the altar just before the bride’s mother is seated. Children should attend rehearsal to practice their parts, although it is optional for them to attend pre-wedding parties. After walking down the aisle, they might quietly slip into their parents’ pew to avoid disrupting the ceremony with ﬁdgeting. They need not participate in the recessional.

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE • Usually acts as hostess of the reception. • Helps the bride compile the guest list, arrange details of the ceremony and reception, and may help her select her wedding gown. • Is accorded special honor at the wedding service and is seated last, just a few minutes before the wedding begins. • Greets guests at the head of the reception line. Sits in place of honor at parents’ table. • Makes sure guests are having a good time and is on hand to bid them goodbye.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE • Rides to the ceremony with the bride; chauffeured transportation suggested. • Escorts the bride down the aisle, then joins his wife on the front row. • Acts as ofﬁcial host of the reception. • Keeps an eye on the bar and champagne supply. • Makes a short toast at the reception. • Is the last person to leave the reception; says goodbye to the guests. • Traditionally pays for the majority of the wedding. It is now appropriate for other ﬁnancial arrangements to be made. •

Cate gown by Isabelle Armstrong Available at Neiman Marcus

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Wedding Wear You’ve dreamt of how you would look and now it’s time to make the dream come true. Let your wedding dress and your bridal party’s attire make a statement of your personality and dreams.

PHOTO BY MAGGSHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY DRESSES BY CIRCLE PARK BRIDAL

ou may already have a mental picture of the look you want on your wedding day. It’s your job to choose the gown that makes fantasy a reality. But with all the styles, colors and fabrics around, finding the perfect dress may seem like “mission impossible!” Don’t despair. By following a few basic guidelines, you’ll find the look that suits your unique style. You’ll need to order your gown and veil six to nine months before the wedding. Make an appointment with a reputable bridal salon, and let the consultant know what type of wedding you’re planning before you arrive. Take along a friend or relative whose honesty and good taste you can count on — you’ll need an objective opinion. Bring your checkbook — a 50% deposit is customary when placing an order. Choose a gown that makes the most of your figure. Princess or Aline styles are slimming and create the illusion of height. A full skirt hides heavy legs and hips. Dropped waist

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styles flatter most figure types. A decorative bodice highlights the upper body, while a simpler style minimizes a heavy bust. There are many fabrics and shades to choose from — find the textures and hues that flatter your complexion. Choose a veil that’s appropriate to the style of your wedding. And remember, your back gets lots of attention during the ceremony — your dress, veil and train should look elegant from that angle. Check out store policy on alterations, and make sure there’s a good seamstress on hand. Examine the workmanship on the dress itself — all buttons and trim should be hand sewn, not glued. At dress fittings, wear the same heel height and type of undergarments you’ll wear on your wedding day. When shopping for veils and headpieces, style your hair as you’ll wear it at the ceremony. Every detail is important to the creation of a stunning package!

ATTENDANTS’ ATTIRE Now that you’re taken care of, it’s time to dress the rest of your bridal party. • Ask for help. Enlist the aid of your maid of honor or another friend, and choose styles and colors that flatter the face and figure of each attendant. As bridesmaids usually pay for their own dresses, shop conservatively. Carefully coordinate shoes and accessories to achieve a balanced look. • Be selective. Be just as careful in selecting attire for the groom and his attendants. Men’s wedding clothing is usually rented — place your order six to eight weeks before the wedding. • Tux tips. The groom may dress differently from his attendants, or wear the same tux as the other men. He might consider wearing a bow tie and cummerbund in a contrasting color or pattern from the others. The men’s attire should complement the bridal gown. Choose tuxedos appropriate to the style of your wedding. • Proper fit. Men have different builds, so shop accordingly. Your formal wear professional can offer great advice on which styles are appropriate, and properly fit the tuxedo you choose. Attention to detail is a must if you want a perfect wedding. Look around a lot, get some expert advice, and enjoy this shopping adventure. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience! •

Laurinda gown by Isabelle Armstrong Available at Neiman Marcus

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Beautiful Brides Look your best! Feel your best! It’s the most important day for your looks. Learn how to “wow” not only your groom, but all of your guests on the happiest day of your life! come away with having to resort to pencil lines.

Gown by Isabelle Armstrong, Available at Neiman Marcus

n the morning of the day of your wedding, you’ll wake up knowing that the cake will be delivered on time, that the reception venue will be completely decorated and waiting for your arrival, and that your dress will fit you perfectly. And you’ll be confident that you’ll look radiant and feel wonderful because professional makeup and hair artists will spend the time to soothe your nerves by accentuating all of your best features. Several types of makeup artists and hair stylists are out there, and to be sure you choose the right types for you, you’ll need to know a bit about them first. MAKEUP ARTISTRY Professional makeup artists have experience with all skin types and colorings, face shapes, and hair shapes. A licensed esthetician is one who has studied skin and skin care, has hours of training, is skilled in the sterilization process (to eliminate cross-contamination from tools), and has much practice and work experience with actual people. These exceptional artists have the talent and training to camouflage any scars or blemishes and to bring out your best facial features. You may wonder why you need

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a professional to do something for you that you do for yourself almost every day. After all, you can do your makeup just ﬁne for everyday wear, and sometimes even for special occasions. But consider this: what will you remember the most—how you know you looked on your wedding day, or how you looked in your photographs from

Trained makeup artists know how to make you look good, not only in person, but for photographs as well. your wedding day? Trained makeup artists know how to make you look good, not only in person, but for photographs as well. Makeup for photography is a learned skill and one most women don’t have. In planning what you want to look like, don’t forget your eyebrows! They can make all the difference in a polished look. If your brows look good and are shaped to complement your eyes, your whole face will look more ﬁnished. Have a professional do this, as often women tweeze too many hairs out of their brows and

HAIR ARTISTRY Many, many things can go wrong when people try to not only style their own hair, but also use harsh chemicals at home. A trained colorist has the chemistry knowledge to change the color of your hair slightly or altogether differently, while still making it look natural. Some eager people even try perming or straightening their own hair at home, and some of these people have horror stories to tell. Rather than becoming a casualty, hire a professional to design the look that’s right for you and your hair. If you’re one of the lucky women who has long, healthy hair, there are countless ways your hair can be styled. Be sure the hair artist in which you are interested has experience with long hair, whether you just want it styled or want a chemical process. It behaves nothing like short hair, and if you mess it up at home, it just takes that much longer to grow it back out to the same length again. SCHEDULING About six months before your wedding you’ll want to start a skincare program designed especially for you—and stick with it! During stressful times your skin can do all sorts of panicking on its own, so if you start being good to it you shouldn’t have as many problems when that special day arrives. Licensed estheticians can help devise such a regimen with you and can lead the way to healthy skin. If you are considering changing the look of your hair, whether it be the cut, style, color or texture, now is the time to book those appointments, too, so the person working on your hair can have the time to perfect your new look before the last minute. It is wise to choose your hair and makeup artists early so that you’ll be working with the same people throughout the whole process; not only because they will become familiar with your skin and hair, but be-

Pampering Packages cause when you look back at the photographs, you will be looking at your wedding as an event, rather than something occurring over a few months, and you’ll want to have the same look in all of them. Be sure to make all the necessary appointments to lead up to your wedding day. And don’t forget to include the appointments for that day, too! Some artists work only in their own studios; others will go on-location and meet you where you need to be. Make sure you confirm all of your plans with everyone involved. Once it gets closer to your wedding date, about three to four months prior to your wedding or when your tailored gown arrives, you’ll be having your bridal portrait taken. Make sure you confirm how long it will take for hair and makeup so you won’t be rushed trying to make the photographer’s appointment. Another good tip is to book a “trial run” appointment with both the makeup and hair people before your portrait day so they can decide how to make you look your best without your trying to race out the door. Be sure to bring your veil, tiara, or other accessories to all appointments so they can work around each one. About a month before the big day is the time to have any processes done to your hair that you are needing. You may think that this is too early, but in actuality, it is the prime time to have these processes done, so your hair will have a chance to get reconditioned and healthier afterward. Have all of your hair touch-ups done about a week before the wedding. When that day finally arrives and you wake up in the morning, you can be assured that absolutely everything has been taken care of for you, and there isn’t anything for you to worry about. Your skin and hair will be planned for, just as you planned everything else. Good skin care, makeup applied by a professional, and hair styled to perfection will not only help you look your very best, but will help ease that last-minute stress. After all, a relaxed bride is a beautiful bride. So enjoy a nice breakfast and get ready for the time of your life! •

Now that you have planned your hair and makeup for your big day, you need to turn your attention inside. All the stress of planning your wedding can leave you feeling depleted. A day of spa pampering is the antidote to stress and will leave you feeling like the most beautiful woman in the world. The number of men and women indulging in the spa experience is growing. From the day spas to destination spas to resort spas, those on the cutting edge are having to specialize in services to attract loyal clients. That means you will have no trouble ﬁnding a spa to meet your needs. Many spas offer “packages.” These are groups of treatments and pampering techniques. They include full-body massages, sugar scrubs, facials, waxing and body peels, to name a few. Prices can range from less than a hundred dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the package. A day at the spa makes a great wedding gift for your bridal party—including the men! The treatments are designed to soothe you and help you escape the chaos of wedding planning. So take a deep, relaxing breath and enjoy! Arrive at your appointment 10 – 15 minutes ahead of time. Firsttimers will be asked to ﬁll out minor but important health questions to determine the best treatments. Not all treatments are appropriate for heart patients, diabetics or people with other health considerations. This information also gives your therapist an idea of what your needs are. Some spas include warm, soothing showers after which you will be provided with a robe and slippers and escorted into a private room for your treatment. MASSAGE There are several styles of massage with varying intensity, so try a variety to learn how your body reacts to each. A massage helps loosen sore muscles and soft tissue. It can be targeted to certain body parts or lavished over the entire body. Aromatherapy by use of essential oils enhances the massage and deepens the sense of relaxation. Expect soothing, soft music to provide a nice backdrop to your experience.

SKIN CARE Facials can treat a myriad of imperfections, including acne, rosacea and dry skin. It is usually one hour, and includes cleansing, sloughing and moisturizing that you won’t soon forget. Creams, masks, peels and lotions are gently applied and massaged over the entire face and neck to maximize rejuvenation and relaxation. Essential oils, exfoliating cleansers, and TLC are combined in body peels and wraps to treat the rest of your body. This gentle pampering stimulates blood circulation, leaving behind a glowing you! Some salons also offer body waxing and permanent makeup. SCHEDULE It is recommended you start your facials at least two months prior to your wedding day. Hydrating body wraps should be started six months prior to your wedding. Massages should be started one month out. Make sure you schedule a massage for yourself one week before and then the day before your big day. Most importantly, drink plenty of water the entire time you are receiving treatments. Water helps get rid of toxins released during treatments and it also helps improve your mood. BEFORE YOU GO Many spas will offer special rates for bridal parties. Compare them, noting what spa services are included and what scheduling is necessary. Ask if gratuities are included in that price. Some packages include a gratuity. If not, use your discretion. Check to see if there is a cancellation or change policy. Some spas will charge up to 100% of the scheduled services if you miss your appointment. Certain spas offer lunch with gourmet dining. Find out what’s on the menu to make sure everyone in your party can enjoy a fun bite to eat while sharing their spa experience. Don’t forget—it’s all about you. The more you take care of yourself before your wedding, the better you will look and feel on the most important day of your life. •

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Financial Matters Dreaming about the perfect wedding is one thing—actually paying for it is another. Establish a realistic budget up front, and you’ll be able to create an affordable fantasy. You are in love—it’s the real thing. Now that you’ve found your partner in life, you want to share your happiness with everyone. You want your wedding celebration to be the talk of the town—the biggest and best ever. Before your fantasies get ahead of your checkbook, ask yourself: who’s paying for this wedding, and how much can you afford to spend? Traditionally, the bride’s parents paid the majority of the wedding costs. Back in the old days, the groom assumed full financial responsibility for his bride after they rode off into the sunset. He didn’t have to chip in much for the wedding—he paid his share later. It’s a different story now. Both partners in a modern marriage tend to go back to work after the honeymoon, and these newlyweds have a bit more financial independence. It seems only natural for both families to contribute to the wedding celebration. Decide the kind of wedding you’d like. Discuss your plans with those contributing to the cost, and determine a budget. Make everyone’s financial limitations clear at this point—it will prevent hard feelings later. Nowadays, the average wedding costs around $27,000. Remember, there are always places you can cut costs to save money if you are wanting to spend less. As a rule, the more guests you invite and the more expensive the venues you choose, the more your costs will increase. Most brides also find that their costs go over their actual budget, so try to plan accordingly. The largest single expense you’re faced with is the reception. Festivities at private clubs and four-star restaurants are pricier than those held in the church fellowship hall. Check rates at several types of reception sites so that you can find one within your budget. Many facilities offer excellent package deals. You’ll find everything completely organized, from tea and

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sandwiches at the church to a formal sit-down dinner complete with orchestra. Purchasing services separately is a lot of work! Many couples opt for at least a partial package—it saves time and energy. Costs for the reception room itself vary. Prices range from free to several hundred dollars per hour. Professional planners suggest the reception last from three to four-and-a-half hours. Any shorter, and people who have traveled from afar may feel cheated. Any longer, and guests tend to start leaving before it is over. Deciding whether or not to serve a meal depends on your ﬁnances and what is expected in your community. Many ethnic and religious cultures traditionally celebrate with a hearty meal. If many of your guests have traveled a long distance, it’s hospitable to feed them. If you plan your wedding during mealtimes, you are expected to provide sustenance. If this creates a ﬁscal panic, change your reception style, or invite fewer guests. One workable option—plan a large reception with light refreshments, then ask close family, friends and out-of-town guests to your parents’ house for a buffet dinner. Food and beverage costs vary greatly. Depending on whether you serve a buffet of hot appetizers, a complete buffet differ, or a multi-course seated dinner, prices can range from $10 to more than $100 per person. Caterers’ estimates usually include the cost of beverages, but do make sure. Some caterers include champagne, beer and wine, but charge extra for mixed drinks at an open bar. You may pay for drinks individually, or include the libations in the caterer’s package. Most professionals offer reasonable prices—they get it wholesale. With careful planning and a lot of investigating, you and your family can host the wedding you’ve always wanted—without ruining your budget. And you can go on dreaming about how special your wedding day will be. •

Tipping Tips • Caterer, hotel or club banquet manager, bridal consultant. 15 – 20% if not covered in fee. Reception hosts pay bill on receipt. Add any special tip to payment after reception. • Waiters, waitresses, bartenders, table servers. 15 – 20% of bill—given to the captain or maitre d’ of hotel to distribute to rest of staff. If included, reception hosts pay tips with bill. If not, right after the reception. • Powder room, coat room attendants in hotels or clubs. 50¢ – $1 per guest, or arrange a flat fee with hotel or club management. If a flat fee, reception hosts pay tips with bill. If not, right after the reception. • Florist, photographer, baker, musicians you hire, limousine driver. 15% for driver, others tipped only for extra special service, up to 15%. Ceremony hosts tip driver at reception site. Add other tips to bill payments. • Civil ceremony officials. Usually a flat fee. (Some judges cannot accept money; ask when you apply.) Groom gives fee to best man, who pays the official after ceremony. • Clergy members who perform the ceremony. Groom gives donation to best man who pays after ceremony. • Ceremony assistants. Sometimes covered by church fee—ask clergy member what’s customary. Ceremony hosts pay church fee when billed; separate fees and tips after service. • Custodians or kitchen help if reception is in church. Ask church secretary. Ceremony hosts pay when billed or after service.

The Wedding Budget ITEM Clothing Bride’s Attire Groom’s Attire Ceremony Clergy Fees Church Rental Reception Caterer/Food Wedding Cake Bar/Liquor Site Rental Waiters’ Tips Decorations, Centerpieces, Napkins, etc. Stationery Invitations Announcements Thank-You Notes Flowers Ceremony Bride’s Bouquet Bridesmaids’ Bouquets Groom’s Boutonniere Groomsmen’s Boutonnieres Mothers’ Corsages Reception Arrangements Music Wedding Reception Instrument Rentals Other Photography Formal Portraits Candids Videographer Extra Prints Other Transportation Limousines Travel For Out-Of-Town Guests Other Gifts Wedding Rings Bride’s Gift Groom’s Gift Bridal Attendants’ Gifts Groomsmen’s Gifts Other Rehearsal Dinner Flowers Attire Food Liquor Music Other Honeymoon Travel Accommodations Wardrobe Other Miscellaneous Marriage License Bridal Consultant Hotel Accommodations For Out-Of-Town Guests TOTAL

BUDGETED COST

ACTUAL COST

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The Bride’s Guide to

Bridesmaid Dress

SHOPPING by Lynette Coughlin, Providence Place You have selected your venue and wedding dress, and now it is time to start thinking about your bridesmaids. You do not need to let the process of selecting bridesmaid dresses become a stressful and overwhelming experience. Here are some tips to ensure that your shopping experience is smooth and stress-free. First ﬁrm up how many bridesmaids you are going to have at your wedding. Research online bridal shops’ websites so you know what designers they carry and their price point. When you approach your bridesmaid about being in the wedding, you should be up front about the cost of their dress so they know ahead of time and can start putting money aside for the dress order. This is especially helpful for the girls on a tight budget or that are in college. Do not wait until the last

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minute to select your bridesmaid dresses. You should order the dresses at least three months out. Five months out is actually best, especially if any dresses are going to be mailed to out-of-state bridesmaids, and it will also allow plenty of time for alterations. When you’re ready to start shopping for your bridesmaid dresses, you will want to make an appointment with a bridal shop. It is usually easier to ﬁrst come with your mother or your maid of honor and maybe a couple of your bridesmaids. They can help you to narrow down which dresses you like. This is especially helpful when you want all your bridesmaids to wear the same style dress. When selecting dresses, think about your dress style and venue. You may not want a long satin or taffeta dress for an outdoor summer wed-

ding. Also, think about the color you choose. Blush and taupe are very hot colors for the season, but they do not suit every skin tone and can wash some people out. Some brides are opting to let the girls pick whatever style ﬁts their body type and then ordering them all in the same color. If you are wanting to bring in a large party, call the bridal shop and ask if they will do “off hour” appointments. This is a fun way to let them pick their dress while sipping champagne and having the ultimate shopping experience. Warn your bridesmaids ahead of time that the dresses run one to two sizes smaller than what they normally wear. If a bridesmaid wears a size 8 in street clothes, she will probably be a size 10 or 12 in her bridesmaid dress. Once the dress or dresses are selected, it is time to take their measurements.

PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY

It is important to have your bridesmaid dresses professionally measured. Measurements should be done without their clothes on and in their bra and panties. Bridesmaid dresses are being made to order, however the customer is not getting a custom dress. Instead the bridesmaids are measured and then ﬁt into pre-existing sizes, which usually range from 2–26. Standard dress measurements are the bust, waist and hips. The sales associate will show you the size chart. It is important that each girl take an active part in selecting the dress size. If she is between sizes, it is always best to go with the larger size. It is always easier to take the dresses in than to let them out.

You will want to order all your bridesmaid dresses from the same store. This is so you can ensure the dresses will all be in the same color and same dye lot. If you have out-of-town bridesmaids, this is not a problem. Simply have the sales associate send measurement instructions or have the girls get their measurements done at another store or an alteration place. Once they have their measurements, have them call and talk with the bridal store sales associate who will go over the size chart. Most bridal stores are used to dealing with large parties that are spread throughout the U.S. The dresses will be delivered to the bridal shop. The bridal shop or the bride will

then mail the bridesmaid her dress. Bridesmaids are an integral part of the wedding process and have duties to uphold for the bride. Your girls should be involved without overstepping boundaries. Dress shopping for bridesmaids should be fun and laid-back, especially with the right group of girls. Once you’ve decided on a color and style, ﬁnd the right wedding shop to help you and the girls through the process so you are happy and conﬁdent in your decision. The pictures from your wedding will last a lifetime and you want to be able to look back and still love how everything turned out, your bridesmaids’ dresses included. •

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Wedding Venues

Find the perfect ceremony site!

Wedding

Venues Will it be a religious or civil ceremony? Whatever your wish, the Dallas/Fort Worth area offers a splendid selection from over-the-top lavish to simple sophistication.

CLEBURNE CONFERENCE CENTER

Cleburne Conference Center, Cleburne

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The Cleburne Conference Center is an ideal location to help make those precious memories of your wedding and/or reception even more special. Only minutes away from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, this beautiful facility is very conveniently located. With its 45,000 square feet of ďŹ‚exible event space, the conference center can handle anything, from a small intimate party of 20 to a gala reception for 600. A few of the many features at the center include three catering kitchens, a multi-tiered 2,000square-foot lobby area perfect for wedding party photos and receptions, a 297-seat, state-of-the-art performing arts center, and free parking for more than 500 vehicles. The Cleburne Conference Center is ready to assist you with all your wedding needs, so contact us at 817.556.8860 or visit www.cleburneconference. com for more information.

Wedding Venues COURTYARD & TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT Plan your special day at the new and uniquely dual-branded Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott DFW Airport North/Grapevine, a stunning combination of comfort and connectivity in a contemporary design. They can help you make your dream wedding a reality. With their certiďŹ ed wedding planners and state-of-the-art facilities, including the Silverlake Ballroom with more than 10,000 square feet of space, nothing could be easier than hosting your event at Courtyard by Marriott Grapevine. Courtyard and TownePlace Suites Grapevine is conveniently located between Dallas and Fort Worth at 2200 Bass Pro Court in Grapevine, TX, just three miles north of DFW International Airport. For more information, contact Peggy Gutierrez, Senior Catering Sales Manager, at 817.251.9095, e-mail catering@marriottgrapevine.com, or visit www.marriottgrapevine.com. Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Grapevine

FARMERS BRANCH HISTORICAL PARK The 27-acre Historical Park has a variety of historic structures and is the perfect place for your wedding and reception. Whether you are looking for a traditional 1890s church that will accommodate up to 100, complete with center aisle; a quaint 1930s home; manicured grounds with an antique rose garden, complete with arbors; or a gazebo and meadows with a commercial kitchen, the Farmers Branch Historical Park has what you need. Plan your special event in a unique setting amongst history, and full of tradition. For more information, visit www.farmersbranch. info or call 972.406.0184.

Farmers Branch Historical Park, Farmers Branch

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Wedding Venues HIDDEN CREEK

Hidden Creek, Heath

Hidden Creek is a gorgeous, spectacular venue, located 30 minutes east of Downtown Dallas in Heath, Texas, and could be just the right setting for you to host your wedding ceremony and reception. Many couples envision their wedding as memorable and beautiful, but making that a reality can be stressful, without the perfect venue and support. At Hidden Creek, you can choose from several different ceremony sites: a beautiful, intimate setting, or a large, open area where you can take in the stunning views. After the ceremony, all of your guests can make their way to the 8,000-square-foot premier reception facility to continue the celebration. The spectacular ballroom boasts soaring ceilings, plenty of natural light, beautiful wrought-iron chandeliers, and warm candlelight, which create an unforgettable atmosphere. The beautiful grand staircase would be the perfect place to enter the room as you are introduced as “Mr. and Mrs.” for the ﬁrst time. Hidden Creek is the premier destination for your special occasion, and the only thing missing is YOU! Learn more by calling 1.800.706.4421, e-mailing info@hiddencreekevents.com, or visiting www.hiddencreekevents.com.

HILTON GARDEN INN DALLAS/DUNCANVILLE Whether planning rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions, or even honeymoon stays, in-the-know brides have learned that at Hilton Garden Inn, they can have the same on-site banquet halls, delicious food, and attentive service for a greater value. You can count on them to make your event a success. Their in-house catering offers menu options designed to help you create a delicious and memorable event in your personal style. And the meal is just one of the many ways they’re committed to make your event just right. Take advantage of their online planning tips and tools to create a personalized web page for your event, get great rates on rooms with group discounts and more. For more information, visit www.dallasduncanville.hgi.com or call 972.283.9777. Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville

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Wedding Venues THE HYATT PLACE DALLAS/GARLAND/RICHARDSON AND FIREWHEEL CONFERENCE CENTER

PHOTO BY STATIC SIXX PHOTOGRAPHY

The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson and the Firewheel Conference Center is conveniently located in the Dallas northeast suburb of Garland on the President George Bush Turnpike, easily accessible from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport. They are located in the prestigious Firewheel area, and the hotel is minutes from the world-class shopping, golf, and family fun of Firewheel Town Center Mall, the 63hole Firewheel Golf Club, and the Hawaiian Falls Water Park. Your wedding guests will enjoy 42” ﬂat-panel HDTV, the Hyatt Grand Bed™, complimentary WiFi, and continental breakfast. They offer more than 15,000 square feet of ﬂexible event space, including a 7,632-square-foot ballroom. Their staff is always available to ensure everything goes exactly the way you want. Because when it does, greatness happens. The Hyatt Place is located at 5101 North President George Bush Turnpike, Garland, TX 75040. Call 972.414.3500 to book your event, or visit www.HyattPlaceDallasGarland.com.

The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland

MAPLE MANOR HOTEL

PHOTO BY WWW.COBURNPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Built in 1898, this turn-of-the-century Victorian hotel is located in the vibrant Dallas Arts District. Maple Manor is the most desirable setting for your rehearsal dinner or your wedding ceremony and reception. Available to you is a full-scale formal dining room with wood-coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, and a baby grand piano. A stone-walled garden boasts three waterfalls, two streams, flowers and fountains, and landscape lighting. Adjacent to the garden is a climate-controlled atrium complete with dramatic architectural lighting, arched ceilings, a full-service bar and a large dance floor. All catering is provided by The Old Warsaw, so you can rest easy knowing that your guests will enjoy cuisine prepared by the most established restaurant in Dallas. The Maple Manor Hotel is located at 2616 Maple Avenue in Uptown Dallas between McKinney Avenue and Cedar Springs Road. To schedule your site visit, please contact our event’s coordinator at 214.871.0032. For more information visit www.TheMapleManorHotel.com or e-mail maplemanorhotel@yahoo.com. Maple Manor Hotel, Dallas www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

Wedding Venues MIDLOTHIAN CONFERENCE CENTER The Midlothian Conference Center offers small-town hospitality in a spacious, state-of-the-art facility designed just for your event. Within the 39,000-square-foot facility, they combine the best of technology with outstanding personal service by their experienced staff. The meeting spaces can accommodate groups from as small as a handful, to more than 1,000. Weddings are a dream come true in Midlothian. Along with providing beautiful spaces, the Midlothian Conference Center offers a wide variety of decorations, dance ﬂoors, table linens, locations for photographs, and more. They partner with the best in the area for all of your heart’s desires. Whether it is a wedding planner, ﬂorist, caterer, DJ, band, photographer, or baker, the center has several preferred partners that are ready to assist in assuring your wedding is a complete success. For more information, call 972.723.7919 or visit www.midlothiancenter.com. Also, check out the new Courtyard by Marriott, directly adjacent to the Midlothian Conference Center, opening in January 2016. Currently under construction. For more information, e-mail kristy.jackson@cymidlothian.com or call 225.802.2796. Midlothian Conference Center, Midlothian

PLANO CENTRE

Plano Centre, Plano

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With 122,500 square feet of event space, Plano Centre offers a flexible layout for your dream wedding. From the bridal shower to the reception, Plano Centre can host it all! The beautifully landscaped courtyard is a magnificent setting for your wedding ceremony, and 17 additional rooms can be configured to meet any size or style. For large receptions, Collinwood Hall can provide seating for up to 1,400 guests. More intimate receptions can take place in the Windhaven Ballroom, for 200 guests, which has a view out into the gorgeous courtyard. Their professional event coordinators can assist you in all of your planning needs, from room set-up to catering and beverage services. Located at 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano Centre is just two blocks east of highway 75 and is close to a variety of Plano hotels. You can find a sense of ease when planning your wedding and reception at Plano Centre, as they have packages to fit every bride’s budget. Call 972.941.5840 and let them be at your service. For more information, visit www.planocentre.com.

Wedding Venues WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER Make your wedding day memorable at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Conveniently located at the intersection of I-35E and Highway 287, the center is within 25 minutes of the DFW Metroplex. The Waxahachie Civic Center has a 20,000-square-foot subdividing ballroom that seats up to 1,000 guests. The Crape Myrtle Room, showcased by elegant ﬂoor-toceiling windows throughout the room will be the highlight of your event. This opportune location makes the Waxahachie Civic Center the picture-perfect place for your event. From the wedding to the reception, our staff will work closely with each client to create a customtailored event that will exceed your expectations and leave you looking forward to planning your next event with us. Whether a small private wedding or a large reception, the Waxahachie Civic Center truly makes every event a special event. The Waxahachie Civic Center is located at 2000 Civic Center Lane in Waxahachie, Texas. For more information call 469.309.4040 or visit www.waxahachieciviccenter.org.

Waxahachie Civic Center, Waxahachie

WENDY KRISPIN CATERER; SEVEN FOR PARTIES Wendy Krispin operates a fantastic party venue in the Dallas Design District, called Seven for Parties, which features a fun, Alice-in-Wonderland, Victorian feel. Some say “princess.” Huge paintings and custom furniture by the late Dallas artist Reg Land can be arranged to the client’s liking. Lights, projectors, ﬁgurines, vases and gewgaws round out the décor. It accommodates 300 seated, or up to 450 for a reception. For more information, visit www.wendykrispincaterer.com or call 214.748.5559.

Seven for Parties, Dallas

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Wedding Venues

Bridal Archetypes By Style Network’s Celebrity Wedding Planner, Donnie Brown Brides come with many different personalities, backgrounds, and levels of taste. There truly are significant bridal personality types. Do you fit in one or more of these categories? THE SUPER-ORGANIZED BRIDE: In your hand you always carry your wedding planner book, completely intact and perfectly organized. It is filled with all the information you have collected over the years to make your wedding the perfect event. You have control of every detail, and when you meet with the right vendors, you book their services because they fit within your wellstructured wedding ensemble perfectly. Your big day will go perfectly and will be a detail-driven and exciting event for all to see first-hand. For example, what would happen if an invited guest

The SUPER-ORGANIZED BRIDE will have every detail planned perfectly, including the ﬂowers, the church, and the jewelry.

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arrives with a date who was not RSVP’d in advance? Well, the retentive goddess in you will meet them at the door and scold them like no other. That is, if you have finished directing the photographer through the post-ceremony photo shoot with a loud snap of your finger. Your reception would be nothing less than a seated dinner with lots of people, multiple courses, including soups, salads, various entrée options, perfectly selected desserts and wedding cakes, and plenty to drink. THE INCESSANT DREAMER: You have spent the past twenty-plus years cutting pictures from magazines and creating your dream wedding book. You finally wrangled yourself a groom and now you spend lots of time looking at many pictures in Martha Stewart’s wedding

publications. You love all of Martha’s ideas, even those which are just not realistic. The tulip boutonniere is your favorite. Who cares if it falls apart before the men walk down the aisle? Martha said that it would be okay, so it will! I’ll bet you even have a cake topper that you have been saving since you were six years old! It does not matter how tacky it is, just use it! It cost $1.99 in 1980, but now it is priceless! Your reception will consist of a buffet with many appetizers and other assorted cocktail treats and with fifty percent guest seating. You are terrified that your wedding attendees will simply sit down and not mingle and mix. After all, it is such fun to sit at an unset table or to stand and hold your glass with one hand and your plate with the other. Several guests will be sniffing their plates, because they will not have any

Wedding Venues way of actually getting the food into their mouths! However, it will be festive! THE INDECISIVE SCHIZOPHRENIC: You have absolutely no idea what you want. You see sample after sample of ideas and still cannot make a decision. You leave with ideas and come back to the table needing more because none of the previous ones “spoke” to you. The voices were talking but nothing actually got through. You do not want a cookie-cutter wedding. However, you must see photos of something that you do want, even though you don’t know what exactly it is that you want. I think that you know what I mean when I say that you do not know what you want, even though I know that you know what I mean, ya know? You will not have food at the reception because you never made a decision to begin with and the caterers ﬁnally gave up and took the evening off. CROUCHING BRIDE, HIDDEN MOTHER DRAGON: You have an idea of what you want, but will never see any of your ideas come to fruition because of your mother dragon that lurks in the shadows demanding that this is her wedding and not yours. Consistently and continually,

your mother tells you, “When you have a daughter, and are therefore paying for it, then you can decide.” Until then, you will do what “Mommy Dearest” says. Your mother will make it clear that it will be her sole mission in life to destroy the vendors or planner should they defy her wishes in favor of what it is you prefer. For your reception, you would love a selection of tasty, hot and cold passed hors d‘oeuvres and a buffet presentation. However, your dear mother will have something to say about that as well. You will end up having a seated dinner with all of your mother’s favorite selections, and you must like it…or else! THE WANT IT BUT CAN’T AFFORD IT BRIDE or THE BEER-POCKET BUDGET BRIDE: You are pleasant and very sweet. However, you might bend the truth when you say that you will be faxing over the contract as soon as you hang up the phone with your wedding planner or vendors. You will not. You have every intention of making your payment installments on time. But, somehow you will not. Alternatively, when you say you will do your required homework and get your planner what they need in order to get their job done…you won’t. Then, all of a sudden, two weeks before the wed-

ding, you turn about face and scream when nothing is done on your timeline; you fail to realize that you are only behind schedule because of your indecisiveness. You just want to keep up with the other ten brides that you previously stood for as an attendant, even though your limited budget cannot afford the related expenses. Not to worry, you will find the funds somehow. You made money at the blood bank earlier in the day, but if you still fall short, perhaps your wedding planner or professional vendors will take pity on you and help you in some way. Overall, this is not going to be the most stress-free wedding you, your vendors or your guests will ever witness. You want an elegant buffet of carved beef tenderloin and a selection of sushi and shellfish. However, what you will have in the end is an array of beanie weenies and spam meatballs smothered in a lovely “Mad Dog 20-20” reduction. Now, you may or may not find any of yourself in these above-mentioned categories. Or perhaps, you are there and everyone else sees it. Regardless, it was fun realizing that your own well-hidden neuroses happen to other people too, not just you. • ALL PHOTOS BY CRYSTAL WILLIAMSON

The WANT IT BUT CAN’T AFFORD IT BRIDE will want the tallest cakes, the fanciest chandeliers, and plenty of hors d’oeuvres.

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Wedding Venues

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Lailee gown by Winnie Couture

Wedding Venues

How to Rent a Photobooth for a Wedding By Lauren Agra, eHow Contributor Have guests put their photos in a scrapbook for a fun wedding souvenir! Renting a photo booth is a popular way to keep guests entertained at wedding receptions. The photos they produce are fun wedding favors. The photo printing paper and backgrounds often can be customized to your wedding. Booths are rented by the hour and generally are suitable only for indoor receptions. Because of printing and transportation expenses, expect to spend at least several hundred dollars. 1) Conﬁrm your wedding’s major details, such as date, time, venue, budget and guest list. 2) Check your budget to determine how much you can spend on a photo booth. Expect to spend a minimum of several hundred dollars on rental fees for each booth, including a deposit.

3) Call your venue’s manager and coﬁrm they allow photo booths. If so, ask how early the photo booth can be set up, when it must be removed, how many photo booths the venue allows and whether there will be extra fees for having a photo booth. 4) Consult your guest list to determine how many hours you will need your photo booth, or booths, for all your guests to take pictures. Photo booths generally can accommodate 35 to 50 sessions an hour, depending on the machine. Each session generally snaps four to six photos and prints two copies of the pictures. Many guests will take group photos, increasing the number of guests photographed in each session. 5) Search for photo booth companies in the phone book or with an online search engine. Find out whether going with a local company can cut down on travel fees or mileage charges.

6) Call at least two companies to discuss their rates, travel or mileage fees and services. Compare the companies and choose the one that best fits your budget, needed amount of photo booths and other requirements. 7) Book with your chosen company. Sign the contract and pay the deposit, which will be a percentage of your final bill. Read your contract carefully to ensure your requirements are listed and correct. Keep a copy of the contract for reference. 8) Call the photo booth company a week or two before the wedding to confirm your wedding day rental and any transport details. Give the company the name and number of someone the company can contact in case of an emergency on the wedding day. 9) Make the final payment to the photo booth company at the time designated in the contract.

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The Maple Manor Hotel â€Ś most desireable setting for any event..

The Old Warsaw â€Ś a landmark of elegent dining.

Inside our doorway awaits a romantic journey back to the elegant Victorian Style of 1898â€Ś Step inside and enjoy a full-scale formal dining room with wood covered ceilings, hardwood floors and a Baby Grand piano. A stonewalled garden boasts three waterfalls, two streams and fountains all with landscape lighting. Adjacent to the garden is a climate-controlled atrium complete with dramatic architectural lighting and arched ceilings with an oversized dance floor. All catering is provided by the Old Warsaw, so you can rest easy knowing that your guests will enjoy cuisine prepared by the most established restaurant in Dallas.

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Find the perfect place to celebrate!

Reception & Rehearsal Dinner Sites No matter how informal the party, there’s more to planning your reception and rehearsal dinner than just the menu. Plan an event they won’t soon forget. As you ﬂip through these pages, you will be inspired by the many venues the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex has to offer to complement your special day!

PHOTO BY SHARI HUNT PHOTOGRAPHY

Maple Manor 2616 Maple Avenue, Dallas 214.871.0032

our wedding reception can seem overwhelming, but never fear. Start with the basic guidelines, and let your creative juices flow. Your reception could include a formal sit-down dinner or an authentic Texas bar-be-que. Have the party at a first-class hotel, or take your guests on a riverboat cruise. Hire a disc jockey or a 30-piece orchestra for your dancing pleasure. The choices are unlimited — you can fashion the festivities to fit your personal-

ity and your budget. Popular locations for receptions include hotels, restaurants, and private clubs. These party places can often provide the complete facilities and food services you require. Other options to consider: private homes, church halls, fraternal organizations, park pavilions, and art galleries. If your reception site doesn’t offer all the services you need, ﬁnd a competent wedding consultant, caterer or party rental store that can provide food, equipment,

and stafﬁng. It’s important to be well-informed when you plan your reception. In order to negotiate with caterers, hoteliers, entertainers, and the like, you’ll need to provide them with some basic information. Essential data includes the date of the event, how many guests you expect, your budget range, and the reception style you’re planning. After you’ve told your story, ﬁnd out what you need to know.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: • • •

•

• • • • •

PHOTO BY MAGGSHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY, FLOWERS BY LIZZIE BEE’S FLOWER SHOPPE

Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott 2200 Bass Pro Court, Grapevine, TX 817.251.9095

• • • • •

•

• •

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What is the facility rental fee? What is included in the cost? How many guests can the space accommodate (including table and chair availability)? How long does the fee reserve the space for and what are the overtime charges? What time can setup begin? What time must the space be vacated? Who’s responsible for cleanup? How far in advance must reservations be made? Are parking, rest room and changing room facilities adequate? Are air, heating and electrical (outlets) systems adequate? Is the dance ﬂoor adequate? Can you review staging, lighting, audio and video needs? Is there a public address system or microphone available? Is it necessary to use in-house catering: if so, will beverages and hors d’oeuvres be served before dinner? Are security guards, coat check, parking attendants, bartenders and similar services provided? How much is the deposit; when is it due; and when is the remainder due? What is the cancellation policy and is their liability insurance adequate? Is there a security deposit; if so when will it be refunded? Are there special rules and regulations that may affect the party?

It’s important to plan at least nine months in advance. Book your reception site as soon as you set the big date. If your location is in demand, you may have to set the wedding date around its availability. If an outdoor wedding and reception is on your agenda, consider the possibility of inclement weather. Rent a tent or arrange for a back-up inside site — you don’t want your party called off because of rain! Now that you know how to book your reception, you may have questions about what goes on at this once-in-a-lifetime event. Read on for details about the order of activities at the reception, and other guidelines to follow when planning your festivities.

Early Morning: Breakfast gathering at local restaurant. It’s unnecessary to serve alcoholic beverages at this early hour. Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.): Afternoon tea; serve coffee, tea or punch with light hors d’oeuvres. Late Afternoon (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.): Cocktail party; feature 11 to 12 varieties of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Alcoholic beverages are served — an open bar is usually provided.

FLOWERS BY LIZZIE BEE’S FLOWER SHOPPE; PHOTO BY KELLY ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY

RECEPTION STYLES The time and formality of your wedding determines what kind of reception will follow.

Hidden Creek 215 Chris Cuny Pkwy, Heath, TX 972.846.4862

Evening: Serve a full meal; a cocktail hour often precedes dinner. Anything from a buffet to a sit-down meal is appropriate. RECEPTION TIMETABLE Here is a basic guide to the timeframe of a typical wedding reception. Upon Arrival At Reception Site Bridal party forms the receiving line, if you choose to have one. Guests pass through into the reception area where drinks and hors d’oeuvres are waiting. www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

After One Hour Buffet or dinner is served; the best man starts the toasting by offering the first good wishes to the bride and groom. After One-and-a-Half Hours The first course is cleared from the head table; the first dance begins. Guests then join in the dancing. After Two Hours Tables are cleared of food; it’s time to cut the cake!

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 800 N. Main Street, Duncanville 972.283.9777

The Last Half Hour The bouquet and garter are thrown; the grand march (optional) takes place. The bride and groom bid farewell to their guests.

Blanc de Bleu Cuvée Mousseux Brut A sparkling wine with an added hint of blueberry, reserved for memorable celebrations. www.BlancdeBleu.com

RECEIVING LINE The receiving line allows parents and principals to greet guests and receive their good wishes. The line usually begins just inside the reception site; it may also be held at the church immediately following the wedding ceremony, if you choose. A church reception line is appropriate when not all guests are invited to the reception. An alternative way to greet guests at the church: the bride and groom re-enter after the recessional, greeting guests as they ﬁle out. This method is appropriate if the gathering is not too large, and eliminates awkwardness if parents are divorced or don’t wish to participate in a formal receiving line. In a traditional receiving line, the mother of the bride, as hostess, is ﬁrst to greet guests. Following her are the groom’s mother, the bride, the groom, and maid of honor. Fathers of the bride and groom, the best man, bridesmaids and groomsmen may also be included. Children in the wedding party do not stand in the receiving line. Make sure guests sign your guest book before they enter the receiving line. Place an attendant near the book to remind them to sign. Guests should move quickly down the line, saving conversation for later at the reception.

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SEATING ARRANGEMENTS Place cards should be set by the caterer at the head table and honor tables to avoid confusion and embarrassment. At the rest of the tables, feel free to allow guests to choose their own seats. The head table showcases the bride and groom, who sit in full view, facing the guests. The best man flanks the bride, while the maid of honor is seated next to the groom. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are seated, alternating males and females. At a small wedding, the parents of the bride and groom may sit at the head table, as well as the officiating clergy and spouses of married attendants. Otherwise, there is a separate honors table, with the bride’s parents at opposite ends. The groom’s father sits to the right of the bride’s mother; the wedding officiant to her left. The groom’s mother sits to the right of the bride’s father, the wedding officiant’s spouse to his left. You may also arrange two parents’ tables, with the bride’s parents at one, while the groom’s mother and father head the other. In this arrangement, more friends and relatives may be given a seat of honor at these tables. Divorced parents should be seated at separate tables, among their own friends and family. The bride and groom should divide their time between their families. CUTTING THE CAKE The cutting of the wedding cake is a charming ritual, and the highlight of the reception. Guests are signaled by the best man tapping his glass, or by an announcement from the band. Using a special knife, the bride and groom cut the first slice. He offers her a bite, and she presents a piece for him to sample, symbolizing their willingness to share their lives. The rest of the cake is sliced by an at-

tendant and served as dessert. It’s an extra treat to have a groom’s cake—usually a chocolate cake—contrasting with the bride’s cake, which is usually white, although it comes in all colors and flavors nowadays. The groom’s cake may also be served for dessert, or packed in small boxes for guests to take home as a memento. WEDDING CAKES: A SLICE OF LIFE The wedding cake has long served as a symbol of fertility and good luck. The first piece is shared by the bride and groom as they cut the cake. Guests then partake of this tasty good luck charm, joining in the couple’s happiness. Start shopping for your cake about four months before the wedding if you can. Look at pictures or models of cakes, and compare quality and workmanship. Many bakers allow potential customers to sample cakes before ordering. What a delicious way to shop! Wedding cakes are traditionally composed of white or yellow layers, filled with custard or jam, then frosted in white. Current fashion allows for more unusual flavors, even a different flavor in every tier. Chocolate, banana, cherry, even carrot cake, are popular options. Liqueur-laced fillings add extra zip. A multi-colored cake is an elegant favorite—some cakes are even four, five, or more tiers! A modern wedding is not molded by tradition—flowers, ribbons, seashells and other imaginative shapes are often seen at receptions. Traditional cake-toppers include a bride and groom, but today’s toppers may include fresh flowers or the couple’s monogram. In addition to the wedding cake, you can have a groom’s cake. This cake sits on a separate table, and can be chocolate or the groom’s favorite flavor. The theme may depict his favorite hobby. Wedding folklore holds that an unmarried person who sleeps with a sliver of the groom’s cake under their pillow will dream of his or her future mate. Give your cake a place in the

spotlight, on its own table—perhaps in the center of the dance floor during the cutting ceremony. Guests love to watch the newlyweds cut it and take the first bite. It’s long been customary to freeze the top layer of the cake for your first wedding anniversary. Your bakery can give you tips on how to best wrap it for keeping. Or, many bakeries now offer to recreate a miniature version of the original cake for your oneyear celebration.

PHOTO BY MAGGSHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY

After all guests have arrived, the line disperses. The bridal couple takes their place at the head table, if they have chosen to have one. Some couples elect to eliminate the receiving line, circulating with their guests throughout the reception instead.

DANCING If a reception features a buffet, the bride and groom may dance their first dance as soon as they’ve recovered from the rigors of the receiving line, or, if they are not having a receiving line, when they first enter. When a full meal is served, dancing usually begins after the last course is cleared. After the newlyweds begin the first dance, others may join in as follows: Second Couple The bride’s father cuts in and dances with his daughter. Third Couple The groom asks the mother of the bride to dance. Fourth Couple The groom’s father dances with the bride. Fifth Couple The father of the bride cuts in on the groom and dances with the bride’s mother. Sixth Couple The groom dances with his mother.

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None of the ﬁrst couples must dance a full dance. After a few minutes, other guests are invited to join in the dancing. Ethnic dancing may be featured, or a grand march may also be formed well into the reception. As the activities end, a second receiving line is sometimes formed beside a small table ﬁlled with cake boxes, favors, or a last drink for the guests as they depart. This gives guests a chance to say goodbye to the newlyweds, who then have a last dance and prepare to depart the reception.

PHOTO BY KYLE COBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

TOSSING THE BOUQUET AND GARTER The bouquet and garter are usually tossed just before the end of the reception. All of the single men and women gather in a semi-circle. The bride tosses the bouquet over her shoulder—the lucky girl who catches it is supposedly the next to be married. The groom tosses the bride’s garter into the crowd of bachelors; the recipient, according to the myth, will become the next groom.

PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY

The Old Warsaw Restaurant 2610 Maple Avenue, Dallas 214.528.0032

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LEAVING THE RECEPTION After the bouquet and garter ceremony, the bride and groom can opt to change clothes, or remain in their wedding attire. In a shower of rose petals, birdseed, sparklers, or anything else you can imagine, the happy couple heads for their car or limo, which has often been decorated by the groomsmen and ushers. The newlyweds leave the reception for a local hotel, or for their honeymoon, ready to start their new life together. CATERING CONNECTION: FOOD FOR THOUGHT Wining and dining your wedding guests takes the largest bite out of your wedding budget. A well-planned reception is crucial to the success of your marriage celebration. Choose your caterer with care—a talented, well-organized culinary artist can create a fabulous feast you’ll never forget. If you’ve chosen a hotel or restaurant for your reception site, they’ll probably provide their own food and beverage services. If you’ve chosen a different type of facility— such as a church hall or park pavilion— you’ll need to arrange for catering. Book catering services well in advance; six to nine months before the wedding is ide-

al. Give your caterer the pertinent data—date, time, place, reception style, budget, and the number of guests attending. For food service, most caterers charge a ﬂat fee per person; liquor costs are usually by the bottle or per drink. Waiters may be paid by the hour or be included in the package. Your caterer can help you determine the kind of food to serve, and provide china, glasses, and everything else you need. He or she can usually arrange for servers, bartenders and valet parking services as well. Be sure charges for these services are included in your cost estimate. Check to see if gratuities are automatically added to the ﬁnal bill. Your contract should specify the food and beverages to be served and the guest count. Look into postponement and cancellation policies before you sign. A deposit is usually required when you sign the contract. By all means, comparison shop—it’s important to get the most for your money. Just make sure the caterer you choose has a reputation for quality and service—the success of your reception depends on it! I’LL DRINK TO THAT: THE TRADITION OF TOASTS No matter how informal the party may be—it’s traditional to toast the bride and groom at their wedding reception. The festive air that toasting lends to pre- or postwedding celebrations creates a feeling of shared good will for everyone present. Toasts are a tribute to the bridal couple and the wedding party. Champagne is usually used for toasting—the bubbly brew is synonymous with romance and gaiety. If alcohol is not a part of this party, well-wishers can toast with sparkling cider or ginger ale. Toasting can begin after the receiving line breaks up, and can be made all throughout the reception. At a less formal function,

Wendy Krispin Caterer: Seven for Parties 150 Turtle Creek Blvd. Suite #107, Dallas 214.748.5559 toasts are presented just before the cutting of the cake. The best man acts as master of ceremonies, offering the ﬁrst toast. This toast may be just for the bride, or aimed at both newlyweds. The best man gets everyone’s attention by clinking on his glass. He may introduce himself and others in the wedding party, and explain his relationship to the newlyweds. At this time he may tell an amusing anecdote about the bridal couple, making a wish for their future happiness. The toast may be in the form of a poem, quotation or the like—it should be brief and sincere. Those offering toasts should plan what they wish to say ahead of time. It’s important to speak loudly and clearly when making the toast— everyone wants to hear this! After the best man’s tribute, the groom usually responds with toasts honoring his wife, parents and new in-laws. The bride may then rise to offer toasts to her husband, the couple’s families, attendants and guests. (A special thank-you is expressed particularly well in the form of a toast.) The fathers of the bride and groom may propose toasts to their new

son and daughter, and other members of the wedding party may then offer their own toasts. When you’re the object of a toast, remain seated, and don’t sip from your glass—you’re allowed to imbibe between toasts. Smile and nod at who¬ever is offering the toast. The tradition of toasting is one to treasure—long after your wedding day, you’ll look back and smile when you think of those special words: the funny stories the best man told about you; the love your parents expressed as they welcomed your spouse into the family. Above all, remember the tide of good wishes from all those present as they raised their glasses and drank to your happiness during every toast that was made. TOASTS WITH THE MOST Best Man To Couple “And now, ladies and gentlemen, I shall ask you to rise.” Give guests adequate time to respond. If they are already standing, say: “I now ask you to raise your glasses.” Turning to the couple, say: “May your

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wedding day be the threshold of a wonderful future of sharing as you walk together through life, hand in hand. To Jane and John.” Groom To Bride “Here’s to the prettiest, here’s to the wittiest, here’s to the truest one of all who are true, here’s to the neatest one, here’s to the sweetest one, here’s to them all in one—here’s to you.” Bride To Groom “I wonder if you realize how much you mean to me, how wonderful you’ve been, how dear you’ll always be. You’ve brought such love and happiness into my life. No wonder I’m so thankful and so proud to be your wife. To John!” Bride’s Father To Couple “To Jane and John. May your lives be full of the kind of happiness we are enjoying here today.” Bride To Parents “To my new family, with thanks for raising such a loving and supportive person, and to my parents, for all the love and strength they’ve given me. May we all have many more memorable days together.” THE REHEARSAL DINNER: A TIME TO RELAX WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

The groom’s family or a close relative or friend usually hosts the rehearsal dinner. The dinner is usually given after the wedding rehearsal, an evening or two before the actual ceremony. Rehearsal dinners are sometimes two-part affairs. A cocktail party may be held before the rehearsal and dinner. This is especially helpful in introducing the two families, who may not live in the same town. The cocktail party acts as an icebreaker for all mem-

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bers of the wedding — it can help the rehearsal proceed smoothly. Invitations to the traditional dinner should be sent about two weeks in advance. The guest list includes all members of the wedding party, both sets of parents and immediate family, and officiating church members. Spouses and dates of these guests should also be invited. Another thoughtful gesture—invite those guests who have traveled from out-oftown. Since the rehearsal dinner is not ruled by convention, it can be very casual or ultra-formal. You can plan a picnic, buffet, or a sit-down dinner. If the occasion warrants, consider putting place cards at each seat. The bridal couple usually sits together at the head table, with hosts of the opposite sex seated at either side. Parents and grandparents of the bride and groom complete the table. The host, or the best man, offers the first toast to the bridal couple. Other guests may then follow with their own toasts. To achieve the best results, prepare toasts before dinner. Add a special touch to the festivities— have guests bring pictures of the bridal couple when they were younger, and make a collage for the newlyweds. Or have the rehearsal dinner videotaped. To make the occasion especially memorable, hand out notecards on which guests may write good wishes directed to the bride and groom. Each note should be sealed by the author, and kept safe by the hostess for presentation to the bridal couple on their first anniversary. The rehearsal dinner also presents an opportunity for the bride and groom to give presents to their attendants, and thank everyone for their participation in the wedding ceremony. •

Wedding Emergency Kit • Non-allergenic makeup remover • Makeup/eye shadow/mascara • Hair products: gel, hair spray, combs, pins • Tampons/pads/painkillers • Facial tissue/bandaids • Cold/allergy tablets • Travel-size sewing kit (including an assortment of safety pins) • Nail glue/polish/remover/ﬁle • Earring backs • Toothpaste/mouthwash/breath mints • Cotton balls/swabs • Antacid tablets • Deodorant/body powder • Cologne/after-shave/body lotion • Extra car keys!

Minimergency Kits for Brides, from Pinch Provisions www.pinchprovisions.com

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Booking Guest Rooms

Guest

Accommodations

Keeping your guests comfortable makes

•

Ask the hotel if they provide invitation inserts with hotel name and phone numbers for your “out-of-town” guest list only. Or make them yourself!

•

Try to minimize the number of hotels that you select for your guests. You usually get the best rates if you have more rooms blocked off.

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Decide whether you are looking for a full-service hotel or a limited-service hotel for your guests. Do you need a hotel with a restaurant, bar, or banquet facilities? Are you looking for upscale, economy, or mid-level hotels?

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Encourage your guests to book at the hotel of your choice and to book EARLY. It is easier to cancel a reservation at the last minute than to try to get a room at the last minute.

•

Hotels will have “cut-off dates.” This is the last date that special rates and availability are guaranteed for your event.

•

If you want to ensure your guests’ requests for speciﬁc room types (king/double/non-smoking or rooms all on the same ﬂoor, etc.), make the reservations at one time. Have each person’s special request listed and the credit card information for payment of room all at the time of making the reservation.

•

Remember that hotels are NOT in the transportation business. If you want to ensure that your guests arrive to and leave from your ceremony/reception at a designated time, hire a professional transportation company.

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Ask the hotel to keep you informed as to how many guest rooms are reserved in your block. They can run a report.

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Encourage your family and friends to ONLY book under your block of rooms to get the negotiated rate.

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Ask the hotel if it provides a special reservation code that you can give the guests to put into their reservations if they want to book through the hotel’s direct web site. This code ensures they get the negotiated rate and they are assigned to your block of rooms.

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Ask the hotel if it offers the negotiated rate if someone needs to check in one or two days prior to the original block or if they want to stay a day or two later. Rates can vary greatly if this is not discussed at the time of the booking.

•

Ask what you have are not penalty? •

that special weekend extra pleasant for everyone involved. Show your hospitality by making guest room arrangements for them.

ou’ve got it all under control, right? Your invitations have been ordered and you were thoughtful enough to include maps to your ceremony and reception sites to avoid confusion and lost friends and relatives. Think you’ve got your bases covered? Where are your outof-town guests going to stay? Streets that may look familiar to those friends and relatives who live nearby may look confusing, and even imposing, to those unfamiliar with the area. Having all of your guests stay at one appointed hotel can help calm the nerves of those people so close to you who live so far away. Fortunately, there are several different types of hotels from which to choose. Because all hotels offer different amenities, consider those things you think your guests may ﬁnd important. The last thing by which you’d want your guests to remember your wedding would be that they had an unpleasant stay in an unfamiliar town.

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happens if all the rooms asked the hotel to block reserved. What is the

Some things to consider when making arrangements for your guests: • •

• • •

• • • • • • • • •

How convenient is the location to your ceremony and reception sites? Does your wedding date coincide with any conventions that may be booking all of the choice rooms? Is there a shuttle to and from the airport and/or around town? Does the location offer rooms and/or suites? How much are the rooms? They may offer a group rate, depending on how many rooms you need. If you need just a few rooms, do they have special weekend rates? Can you reserve a wedding block of Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights? Do they offer a hospitality room where all of your guests can meet to pick up anything left speciﬁcally for them, or for just spending time together? Do they have smoking and non-smoking rooms? Do they provide irons/hair dryers/an in-room safe? Is there cable TV with movie channels? Is there a coffee bar/small refrigerator/ freezer/microwave in the rooms? Do they have free local calls/internet access/voice mail? Is a complimentary continental or buffet breakfast offered? Happy hour? Do they have an on-site swimming pool/hot tub/exercise facilities? Do they have a guest laundry or valet service? Is there a charge for additional services, such as for delivering gift baskets?

Estimate how many rooms you may need and remember to reserve a block of rooms three to six months prior to your wedding date to avoid any confusion. Forward the room information to your out-of-town guests as soon as possible so that they may conﬁrm the room at least two weeks prior to the wedding. Your guests will truly appreciate knowing in advance that you have taken their stay into consideration. Adding guest accommodations to your list of things to do is small in comparison to making your guests feel as important as you know they are! •

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville Duncanville, 972.283.9777

Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grapevine, 817.251.9095

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Flower Power A bountiful array of beautiful blossoms creates an atmosphere of romance! On your wonderful wedding day, pretty posies tell the world how you feel about each other! PHOTO BY MAGGSHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY, FLOWERS BY LIZZIE BEE’S FLOWER SHOPPE

BRIDE’S FLOWERS: BRIDAL BOUQUET You’ll want to carry a bouquet that complements your wedding gown and is scaled to your proportions. Traditional bouquets are composed of all white and ivory blooms—roses, orchids, stephanotis, lilies of the valley and gardenias are commonly used. Today, brides often carry bouquets in colors taken from their wedding palette. One currently popular style is the natural-look bouquet—an airy arrangement which may include wildflowers with stems showing. This type of bouquet can be held in front or draped over the bride’s arm. Other favorite arrangements include a round or crescent-shaped bouquet, a nosegay, a single flower or a flower-covered prayer book.

lowers speak a language all their own—we use them to say so many things: “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” or “Get better soon.” Every flower holds meaning all its own—take the time to choose the kinds and colors that express your personal sentiments. Flowers play a major role at your wedding; arrangements may be as simple or elaborate as you desire. A professional florist’s advice is invaluable—working together, you can achieve the perfect ambiance for your wedding. Choose your florist three to six months before the big day if possible. He or she may wish to visit the wedding and reception sites to view the layout. Provide photos and fabric swatches if possible from your wedding gown and attendants’ dresses if you can. Details on the groom’s and mothers’ attire are helpful in planning your wedding decorations. Decide if you wish to use fresh or silk flowers. Fresh flowers add fragrance and a more natural look to the ceremony, while silk flowers hold up better in hot weather and are available in any color. Descriptions of floral arrangements should be written into your contract. Total cost should also be included—make sure the document is complete before you sign. Take care to choose a reputable, talented florist—one who can express your deepest feelings through the language of flowers.

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BRIDE’S THROWAWAY BOUQUET Although some brides may toss their actual bridal bouquet, most prefer to keep that arrangement. At the bouquettossing ceremony, a detachable section or another small bouquet may be thrown. BRIDAL ATTENDANTS Bridesmaids and maid of honor usually carry similar arrangements; the maid of honor’s may be more elaborate. Attendants may carry traditional bouquets, or alternative arrangements: baskets of blooms, long-stemmed flowers over one arm, or a single, perfect rose. If the bride wears a floral headpiece, attendants may wear a single bloom, spray or wreath of the same blossoms. GROOM AND MALE ATTENDANTS The groom and each male member of the wedding party, including fathers, customarily wear a boutonniere in the left lapel. Traditionally, the bloom was a white rose or carnation, but as bridal bouquets have become more colorful, so have boutonnieres. The groom’s boutonniere should differ from the others—he might consider wearing a flower from the bride’s bouquet. YOUNG ATTENDANTS Flower girls traditionally carry baskets of loose petals to be strewn in the bride’s path, but may also carry a miniature bouquet in a basket or a small nosegay. They also might wear a single flower, or a wreath of flowers, in their hair. The ringbearer should wear a bouton-

niere just like the groom. You may wish to decorate the ringbearer’s cushion with a sprig of flowers. MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS & OTHER VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE It is customary to present the mothers and grandmothers of the bridal couple with flowers to wear at the wedding. These arrangements may be made up of flowers that coordinate with their dresses; personal preferences should also be considered. If grandfathers are present, they, too, would receive boutonnieres. A corsage or boutonniere is a perfect way to honor others who contribute to your wedding. The guest book and gift table attendants are examples of special helpers to thank. CEREMONY SITE Flowers at the ceremony vary considerably depending on location and style of the wedding. If the marriage takes place in a church, at least one arrangement should decorate each side of the altar. Adorn the ends of pews with flowers and ribbons if you choose. If your ceremony is held at a private home, club, hotel or other secular location, flowers and greenery are especially important. The arrangements serve as a romantic backdrop, taking the place of the church altar, and can be used to mark aisles. RECEPTION SITES Some brides may wish to use the altar arrangements from the wedding to decorate the reception area; this is perfectly acceptable. Others feel ceremony and reception flowers should be considered separately. Remember you may want to keep your ceremony flowers in place for photos with your wedding party, while guests go on to the reception, which would mean you would need separate arrangements. Church flowers should relate to the ceremony, arranged in a more serene, subtle fashion, while reception flowers would promote an unrestrained air of celebration. This is strictly a matter of personal preference. As more time is spent at the reception than at the ceremony itself, many brides elect to concentrate the majority of their decorating efforts on the party facility.•

The Language of Flowers PHOTO BY MAGGSHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY FLOWERS BY LIZZIE BEE’S FLOWER SHOPPE

Through the ages, ﬂowers have become symbolic of the qualities we value in ourselves and others. Flowers at your wedding symbolize the beauty of the ceremony and a union growing in love and devotion. Combining different blooms and their meanings expresses the unique feelings of the bridal couple, sending a message of special signiﬁcance to everyone present at the wedding.

Apple Blossom GOOD FORTUNE

Holly DOMESTIC HAPPINESS

Orange Blossom FERTILITY, HAPPINESS

Bluebell CONSTANCY

Honeysuckle FAITHFUL AFFECTION

Orchid BEAUTY

Buttercup RICHES

Ivy FIDELITY

Red Rose I LOVE YOU

Camellia GRATITUDE

Jasmine GRACE, ELEGANCE

Carnation PURE, DEEP LOVE

Jonquil AFFECTION RETURNED

Daisy SHARE YOUR FEELINGS

Purple Lilac FIRST LOVE

Forget-me-not TRUE LOVE

Lily PURITY

Gardenia JOY

Lily of the Valley HAPPINESS

White Rose YOU ARE HEAVENLY Red & White Roses Together UNITY Violet FAITHFULNESS Water Lily A PURE HEART

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County Clerks’ Ofﬁces COLLIN COUNTY

MCKINNEY COLLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE 200 SOUTH MCDONALD STREET, #120 972.424.1460 X 4185

Wedding Papers The big announcement! Here’s how to get your big news in the papers and get that all-important document—your marriage license!

PLANO COLLIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 900 EAST PARK, SUITE 140 PLANO, TEXAS 75074 972.424.1460 X 3025

DALLAS COUNTY

DOWNTOWN DALLAS RECORDS BUILDING 509 MAIN STREET, SUITE 120 214.653.7559 EAST DALLAS EAST DALLAS GOVERNMENT CENTER 3443 ST. FRANCIS AVENUE 214.321.3182 NORTH DALLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 10056 MARSH LANE, SUITE 137 214.904.3032

DENTON COUNTY

1029 W. ROSEMEADE PKWY. CARROLLTON, TX 75007-6251 972.434.7170 1400 FM 424 CROSS ROADS, TX 76227-7284 940.349.4400

PARKER COUNTY

1112 SANTA FE DRIVE WEATHERFORD, TX 76086 817.594.7461

ROCKWALL COUNTY

1101 RIDGE ROAD ROCKWALL, TX 75087 972.722.1855

TARRANT COUNTY ARLINGTON 724 EAST BORDER 817.548.3928

DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH 100 WEST WEATHERFORD, ROOM 180 817.884.1195 HURST 645 GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY 817.581.3625

Placing wedding and engagement announcements is a piece of cake. Simply contact the paper(s) of your choice and request an announcement form, e-mail them, ﬁll it out online, or stop by in person. Complete the form and return it with a photograph (some papers print the bride’s picture only). Most newspapers prefer black-and-white glossies or high-resolution photos e-mailed to them. Engagement announcements are usually short, listing only the names of the prospective bride and groom, their parents’ names and the wedding date. Pictures are sometimes published with engagement announcements. Wedding announcements go into more detail, featuring the couple’s names, parents’ names and their city and state if they’re from out of town. Also listed are the church, wedding date and members of the wedding party. A photograph may be included at this time. Information deadlines vary by publication. Engagement information may be required up to seven weeks in advance, while wedding announcements might be accepted up to a month or two after the celebration. The dailies have more rigid deadlines. Contact each newspaper for speciﬁc deadlines. THE MARRIAGE LICENSE: YOU CAN’T BE WED WITHOUT IT! The hard part is almost over—the

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bridal gown has been bought, the invitations are in the mail, and the caterer is cooking. Getting your marriage license is one of the last tasks before you can say, “I do.” The procedure for obtaining your license is basically the same all over Texas. Together, the prospective bride and groom must visit the office of the county clerk. Bring a valid form of identification—a driver’s license, certified copy of your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or military ID. Also be sure to bring your Social Security Card. Cost for the license: $71, cash. They don’t take checks. However, there is a new premarital education program sponsored by the state of Texas called “Twogether in Texas” that is only $50. Take the class, and receive a $60 discount on your marriage license. Visit www.BeTheChampion.org, call 214.426.0900, or e-mail parer@anthemstrongfamilies.com for more information. There’s one important detail you must not forget: a 72-hour waiting period is required after the license is issued. Your license is good 30 days from that date. Good news—blood tests are not required in the tri-county area. Most county clerks’ offices are open Monday through Friday. In downtown Dallas, hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The other Dallas, Collin and Tarrant County offices are open longer, until 4:30 p.m. Some sub-courts in Tarrant County may close for lunch. Call ahead to make sure they’re open before you make the trip. •

Party Time! Event planners and wedding coordinators will be a big help in generating ideas, making contacts and setting up reservations for those trendy dinner and entertainment spots for the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Ask them to contact your maid of honor and best man to coordinate your parties. Then sit back and be surprised. A day at the races or attending a professional football, basketball or baseball game is a natural for a men’s outing. If the man in your life is more of a doer than a watcher, a day at the golf course might be in order. Friends might meet for breakfast, head for the golf course, and enjoy lunch and a party at the “19th” hole. They might arrange for the golf pro to play with them, helping everyone with their game. This could tie in with the ladies spending an afternoon of pampering at a sauna or salon following their own golf game, or on the tennis court. A more mature groom might enjoy a gentlemen’s night at a wonderful restaurant. A “tasting” of scotch, wines, or cordials might be arranged with the maitre d’. Some restaurants have a private room, allowing for cigars, preselected by the groom for each of his guests. Perhaps friends and other members of the wedding party might meet to finish the evening with dancing and a nightcap. For the ultimate “bachelor” gettogether, a weekend spent at a cabin for fishing, card playing, and reminiscing about the “good ol’ college days” is hard to beat. The boys might have so much fun that it could become the traditional party each year, even after everyone is married! An outing (prearranged with instruction) at a skeet range provides an opportunity for camaraderie and, later, greatly exaggerated stories of shooting prowess, even if no one has ever shot before. If the bachelor party takes place the day before the wedding, it might start with a trip to the tuxedo shop where any last-minute alterations could be made while there’s still time before the big day. After ensuring their fit, the men are off to the golf course while the store manager arranges for the tuxedos to be delivered directly to the hotel or the groom’s home. Your bridesmaids will enjoy a day at the spa for some long-overdue pampering. Cap it off with a light lunch or early dinner at your favorite food spot.

Finally! The details have all been taken care of. Now, it's time to relax and have some fun. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are designed to send off the bride and groom into their new lives with one last outing. Get your wedding party to plan the time of your life with creative outings and entertainment.

For the more active ladies, plan a golf outing, a day of shopping at an outlet mall, or tickets to a live theatre show or comedy club. Make it extra special by hiring a limousine to deliver your party in a safe manner. The worst time for a bachelor or bachelorette party is the night before the wedding. Everyone needs to be at their best for the big day, without worrying about headaches, lack of sleep or a queasy stomach. Plan the parties several days or weeks ahead. If all the participants live in the same city, the weekend before is a perfect time. If travel plans preclude “getting that old gang together” until the day before, all the more reason for an afternoon outing that leaves everyone ready for the rehearsal and dinner to follow.

The bachelor/bachelorette party has long been regarded as the last great fling before the fun is over forever. Today’s couples don’t regard marriage and family as the end of freedom, but the beginning of a relationship that is its own fulfillment. Relationships of commitment change one’s perspective on many facets of life. A bachelor or bachelorette party that everyone feels comfortable discussing and participating in, is a part of that commitment. Throughout marriage there will be many times that couples see things differently—even vehemently differently. Use this as an opportunity to find a compromise that is mutually acceptable and that sets a pattern for discussion instead of arguing.•

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Musical Notes Set your wedding-day memories with your wedding music and relive those special moments every time you hear “your song.”

countless wedding ceremonies, Clarke’s “Prince of Denmark’s March” or Wagner’s “The Bridal Chorus’’ (“Here Comes The Bride’’) is the processional song of choice. Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Handel’s “Hornpipe in D” from Water Music Suite is often played during the recessional. It’s tradition, right? Not always. The type of music played at your wedding is a matter of personal choice. While there may be some restrictions due to religious considerations, there is an abundance of music appropriate to any style of ceremony. Enlist the aid of your church orPHOTO BY ABSOLUTE PHOTOGRAPHY

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ganist, clergy, choir director or bridal coordinator in making musical decisions. Your ceremony might feature an organist, pianist, harpist, string or woodwind quartet, or vocal performers. The musical program should begin 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony, as guests arrive. At the rehearsal, you may want to spend a little time practicing walking to the music you have chosen. Wedding music is highly emotional, and many brides have cried their way to the altar because of the sudden effect the music has had on them. It might also be a good idea to tell your

father you need practice walking on his arm to the music, giving him a chance to get used to it, too. Elaborate wedding walks are unpopular today, but a lovely bride will want to have an aura of confidence about her ability to float down the aisle to the music she has chosen. Select a processional march that’s joyous, yet dignified. Your recessional music should be livelier in tempo—after all, you’ve just been married! RECEPTION CONSIDERATIONS Music sets the mood for your reception—consider your selections carefully. You might have

PHOTO BY ROBIN SHERMAN

Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111 www.stradivariusmusic.com Comprised of full-time professional musicians from the area’s major symphony orchestras, Stradivarius String Quartet offers artistry and commitment to quality, as well as a well-rounded repertoire from Bach to blues. The timbre of this string quartet will add a classic elegance to your special day. a DJ spinning discs, or a jazz musician tickling the ivories. A 30piece orchestra or a rowdy rock band might play “your song.” Just remember to feature a variety of music—slow romantic numbers as well as rousing dance tunes. Music should entertain both younger and older guests. Plan some selections for dancing, others just for listening. The band shouldn’t be so loud as to hinder conversation. At a small wedding, a pianist or jazz trio is a good choice. A “wedding band” is a popular choice— they’re trained to play to all different age groups. When interviewing musicians, ﬁnd out the size of the group, instruments played, and whether or not they feature vocalists. Ask to see a current song list. You’ll want to have a large variety of music to choose from, including selections from the following categories: Top 40, showtunes, ballads, rock & roll, and country. If possible, catch the band in a live situation for a sneak preview of their performance style.

Make sure the group can accommodate your personal preferences. Indicate songs you’d like played during special moments. You might request one of the groom’s favorite tunes as the wedding party sits down to dinner. Music is also played during the cake cutting, when the bride’s bouquet and garter are tossed, and to signal that it’s time for the bride and groom to leave. You should expect a professional attitude and appearance in the musicians you hire. Ask if one of the band members can act as master of ceremonies, if you need one. Determine how long the band plays and learn how many breaks they will take. Make sure they can provide recorded music during breaks. From setting up the musical equipment to tearing it back down, the band will spend four to six hours at your reception, and they will get hungry. It’s customary to provide them with refreshments—sandwiches and nonalcoholic beverages, or a plate from the buffet. A happy band

contributes greatly to the festive mood of your party. Inform the band manager whom to contact at the reception site so they can check out the facilities ahead of time for acoustics, lighting arrangements, etc. If you’re planning an outdoor reception, decide where the party will move in case of rain. Don’t leave any of the details to chance or memory—write them down in a contract. Your contract with the band should include the date, time, location, set-up time, number and length of sets, payment, overtime fees, cancellation and postponement policies, musicians’ attire, and any special considerations. If live entertainment doesn’t ﬁt into your reception plans, consider hiring a professional disc jockey. These entertainers can provide a great variety of music, from rock & roll to waltzes, usually at a lower cost than a live band. Many disc jockeys can also provide lighting effects and act as a master of ceremonies.•

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Intriguing Invitations A wedding invitation peeking out of the mailbox is always a pleasant sight. Make sure your message expresses the warmth and happiness you wish to share with your guests.

s with every aspect of planning a wedding, traditional guidelines exist for wording, paper and engraving of wedding invitations and announcements. Many couples, however, come up with informal and creative variations. A very formal wedding still commands the use of very proper wording engraved on thick, creamy paper. A less formal celebration might call for pastel ink on parchment.

PHOTO BY THISBE GRACE

THE GUEST LIST After you’ve decided on a budget and the number of guests to invite, ask your ﬁancé and his family to make up their list. Let them know how many you hope they’ll invite. Normally, each family invites half the guests. Another option: divide the guest list into

three sections. The groom’s family, the bride’s family and the bridal couple each invite a third. As a rule of thumb, expect about three-fourths of those invited to attend. Invitations should be sent to your wedding officiant and spouse, your fiancé’s immediate family, and members of your wedding party and their parents. You are not obligated to invite companions for single friends on your list. If you do wish to invite the friend or fiancé of a single guest, ask for that person’s name and address and send a separate invitation. If the couple lives together, mail a joint invitation, as you would for a married couple. While drawing up your invitation list, put together your announcement list, if you are planning to send an-

Map: CW Designs by Carol Wilmot-Sullivan

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nouncements. This list should include acquaintances not invited to the wedding with whom you wish to share the good news. Neither an invitation nor announcement requires a gift—feel free to send them to everyone. Order about 50 extra envelopes to allow for addressing mistakes. PAPER AND PRINTING While handwritten invitations are appropriate for a small ceremony—50 guests or less—for a larger wedding, you’ll want printed invitations. A classic formal invitation is printed or engraved on the top page of a folded sheet of white or off-white paper. A small inner envelope, ungummed and unsealed, encloses the invitation or announcement. This is placed inside a larger envelope which is addressed and stamped. Add a personal touch to your invitations using translucent or shiny paper, colored ink or a special border. If you select colored ink, use the same shade to address the envelopes. Select someone with beautiful handwriting, perhaps a professional calligrapher, to address envelopes or write invitations. Order invitations and announcements at least three months before the wedding to allow time for printing, addressing and mailing. Engraving may take longer. Have the envelopes delivered early for addressing ahead of time. ADDRESSING Compose a master list on index cards; make sure all names and titles are spelled correctly. Address all invitations by hand, in blue or black ink; never use a computer. The only abbreviations used are Mr., Mrs., Ms. and Jr. Most elected ofﬁcials are addressed as The Honorable; the clergy as The Reverend Father, Pastor or Rabbi; and high-ranking military personnel as Commander, Colonel, etc. A single woman, even a child, is addressed as Miss or Ms. Young boys are addressed as Master. Try to avoid nicknames or initials. Spell out streets, cities and states in full, and don’t forget zip codes.

PHOTO BY STUDIOSTARLING

Thank-You Notes So many people will make your wedding-day dreams come true: your family, friends, co-workers Invitation: CW Designs by Carol Wilmot-Sullivan If several members of a family are invited, avoid using the phrase “and family.” You want each person to feel the invitation is meant especially for them. On the inner envelope, include the name of each child invited: Mr. and Mrs. Smith Harper, Charlotte, and Stella Adult members of a family should receive separate invitations, whether or not they live with their parents. Send one joint invitation to two brothers or two sisters living at the same address. Invitations should be mailed four to six weeks before the ceremony. Two months is courteous if you plan to marry during the holidays. Allow people time to consider your invitation and word their replies. Depending upon the formality of your invitation, they’ll respond with formal written acceptances or regrets, informal notes, phone calls or response cards. If you haven’t had a response from a guest two weeks before the wedding, call and check. When each invitation is accounted for, tell your caterer how many guests to expect. Formal announcements, created in the style of your invitation, should be mailed the day of the wedding or immediately afterward if you plan to send them. Ask a bridesmaid or family member to do this if you don’t have time. KEEPING TRACK As soon as your invitations are sent, you’ll begin receiving calls and notes from guests, saying they can hardly wait. Promptly record who’s coming, and who won’t be able to attend. Allow space in your ﬁling system to describe gifts received, and make a notation when a thank-you note is sent.

SPECIAL ENCLOSURES Enclosures are printed in the same style as the invitation itself. At-home cards may be enclosed with formal invitations, but are usually sent with announcements. These are small cards informing everyone of your new address and the date you’ll be ready to receive mail and visitors there. Ceremony cards are sent if there’s a chance that uninvited persons may try to attend, or if the wedding is held in a public or historic place. Engraved cards may be enclosed with the invitations, to be presented at the door for admittance. For other types of enclosures you may wish to ask your printer, stationer or wedding consultant.

and wedding professionals. What better way to single them out for their hard work than to send a heart-felt “thank you.” Choose formal thank-you notes for both of you, since your groom will be writing thank-you cards as well. Your note paper may be engraved with your new address, in which case you could use it after the wedding. City and state names are printed out in full with

WEDDING PROGRAMS A program is extremely helpful in guiding your guests through the ceremony and is a wonderful memento of your wedding. It provides vital information and might be an elaborate booklet, a calligraphy-inscribed scroll, or a preprinted wedding bulletin with your wedding service photocopied inside. ANNOUNCEMENTS Normally, announcements are not mailed to anyone who has been invited to the wedding. But they may go out after an intimate ceremony for family only, after an elopement, or a wedding so far away that many people could not attend. Business associates with whom the couple work day-to-day might also receive announcements. (Remember, no one receiving an announcement need feel obligated to send a gift.) Printing and paper for the announcements are the same as for invitations. Announcements should be addressed like invitations and, whenever possible, mailed out immediately after the ceremony.•

no abbreviation. A street number may be spelled out or shown in numerals.

Stationery

imprinted

with your married name or initials is never used until after the wedding. One final, important reminder to help your wedding run smoothly: make sure each piece mailed has sufficient postage. It would be terribly embarrassing if your invitations and thank-you notes were returned by the post office! •

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Wedding Shop

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Wedding Shop major chains as well as several B&B’S, and you have a facility that is ready to assist you with all your wedding needs. Please contact them at 817.556.8860 or visit www. cleburneconference.com for more information. See editorial on page 38. COURTYARD & TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT DFW AIRPORT NORTH/GRAPEVINE The perfect beginning to “happily ever after…” Plan your special day at the new and uniquely dual-branded Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott DFW Airport

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See editorial on page 41. MAPLE MANOR HOTEL

Wedding Shop tion. This area will accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated dinner. The pavilion is furnished with audio and video equipment. A private, stone-walled garden boasts three wa-

THE PERFECT BEGINNING

terfalls, two streams, ďŹ‚owers

to Happily Ever After

and fountains. It creates an elegant site for photographs

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and your intimate ceremony or smaller reception. In the original dining room area of the hotel, you may utilize the winding staircase for your grand entrance. -- ,) )/,. 3 , * 0$( 2 )'

This area seats 120 of your guests. French doors lead to a glassed-in conservatory. Catering is provided by The

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tation is available for your

Old Warsaw.

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guests staying in area ho-

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tels. For more information,

has six suites that are deco-

editorial on pages 41, 48,

please call 214.528.0032 or

rated in the late 1800â€™s motif,

and 49.

visit

reďŹ‚ecting French, American

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THE OLD WARSAW

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RESTAURANT

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The Old Warsaw Restaurant is located at 2610 Ma-

Since 1948, its rich, oldworld

atmosphere

has

ple Avenue, next to Maple Manor Hotel in the heart of

The Maple Manor Hotel

made it a favorite for wed-

assures personalized service

ding celebrations. With ďŹ ve

and is wheelchair-accessi-

private areas, the entire fa-

ble. It is located at 2616 Maple

cility seats approximately

Avenue in Dallas. Please call

300 people. The nearby gar-

214.871.0032. Visit them at

den is also available for out-

With 122,500 square feet

www.themaplemanorhotel

side wedding ceremonies.

of event space, Plano Cen-

.com or e-mail them at

Complimentary

tre offers a ďŹ‚exible layout for

transpor-

Uptown Dallas. See editorial on pages 41, 48, and 54. PLANO CENTRE

www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

Wedding Shop your dream wedding. From the bridal shower to the reception, Plano Centre can

www.planocentre.com. See editorial on page 20,

event a special event.

21, and 42.

The

host it all! The

Center truly makes every Civ-

ic Center is located at land-

WAXAHACHIE

2000

scaped courtyard is a mag-

CIVIC CENTER

niﬁcent

Waxahachie

beautifully setting

for

Civic

Center

Lane

Waxahachie,

Texas.

your

Make your wedding day

For

wedding ceremony, and

memorable at the Waxa-

call

17 additional rooms can

hachie Civic Center. Con-

www.waxahachieciviccen-

be conﬁgured to meet any

veniently located at the

ter.org.

size or style. For large recep-

intersection of I-35E and

tions, Collinwood Hall can

Highway 287, the center is

provide seating for up to

within 25 minutes of the DFW

WENDY

1,400 guests. More intimate

Metroplex. The Waxahachie

SEVEN FOR PARTIES

receptions can take place

Civic Center has a 20,000-

in the Windhaven Ballroom,

square-foot

for 200 guests, which has a

ballroom that seats up to

in the Dallas Design Dis-

view out into the gorgeous

1,000 guests. The Crape

trict, called Seven for Par-

courtyard. Their professional

Myrtle Room, showcased by

ties, which features a fun,

event coordinators can as-

elegant ﬂoor-to-ceiling win-

Alice-in-Wonderland,

Vic-

sist you in all of your planning

dows throughout the room

torian

say

needs, from room set-up to

will be the highlight of your

“princess.” Huge paintings

catering and beverage ser-

event. This opportune loca-

and custom furniture by the

vices.

tion makes the Waxahachie

late Dallas artist Reg Land

Civic Center the picture-per-

can be arranged to the cli-

fect place for your event.

ent’s liking. Lights, projectors,

Located at 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano Cen-

sub-dividing

information

469.309.4040

visit

See editorial on page 43. KRISPIN

CATERER;

Wendy Krispin operates a

fantastic

feel.

party

venue

Some

tre is just two blocks east of

From the wedding to the

ﬁgurines, vases and gew-

highway 75 and is close to a

reception, our staff will work

gaws round out the décor. It

variety of Plano hotels. You

closely with each client to

accommodates 300 seated,

can ﬁnd a sense of ease

create a custom-tailored

or up to 450 for a reception.

when planning your wed-

event that will exceed your

For more information, visit

ding and reception at Plano

expectations

www.wendykrispincaterer.

Centre, as they have pack-

you looking forward to plan-

ages to ﬁt every bride’s bud-

ning your next event with

See ad on page 9, and

get. Call 972.941.5840 and

us. Whether a small private

editorial on page 43 and

let them be at your service.

wedding or a large recep-

55.

For more information, visit

tion, the Waxahachie Civic

www.brideandgroom.com

and

leave

com or call 214.748.5559.

Wedding Shop Digna gown by Isabelle Armstrong Available at Neiman Marcus

Wedding Venues

you are looking for a tra-

zebo and meadows with

FARMERS BRANCH

ditional 1890s church that

a commercial kitchen, the

HISTORICAL PARK

will accommodate up to

Farmers

Historical

100, complete with center

Park has what you need.

Park has a variety of histor-

aisle; a quaint 1930s home;

Plan your special event in a

ic structures and is the per-

manicured grounds with an

unique setting amongst his-

fect place for your wedding

antique rose garden, com-

tory, and full of tradition.

and

plete with arbors; or a ga-

The

27-acre

reception.

Whether

Branch

Historical

For more information, visit

www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

Wedding Shop www.farmersbranch.info or

port. At Hidden Creek, you

The beautiful grand stair-

call 972.406.0184.

can choose from several

case would be the perfect

different ceremony sites: a

place to enter the room as

beautiful, intimate setting,

you are introduced as “Mr.

HIDDEN CREEK

or a large, open area where

and Mrs.” for the ﬁrst time.

Hidden Creek is a gorgeous,

you can take in the stun-

Hidden Creek is the premier

spectacular venue, located

ning views. After the cere-

destination for your special

30 minutes east of Down-

mony, all of your guests can

occasion, and the only thing

town Dallas in Heath, Texas,

make their way to the 8,000-

missing is YOU! Learn more

and could be just the right

square-foot premier recep-

by calling 1-800-706-4421,

setting for you to host your

tion facility to continue the

e-mailing

wedding

and

celebration. The spectacu-

creekevents.com, or visiting

reception. Many couples

lar ballroom boasts soaring

www.hiddencreekevents.

envision their wedding as

ceilings, plenty of natural

com.

memorable

beauti-

light, beautiful wrought-iron

See ad on page 5, and

ful, but making that a real-

chandeliers, and warm can-

editorial on pages 40 and

ity can be stressful, without

dlelight, which create an

51.

the perfect venue and sup-

unforgettable atmosphere.

See editorial on page 39.

ceremony

and

www.brideandgroom.com

info@hidden-

Wedding Shop PHOTO BY DUKE MORSE

MIDLOTHIAN CONFERENCE CENTER The Midlothian Conference Center offers smalltown hospitality in a spacious, state-of-the-art facility designed just for your event. Within the 39,000-squarefoot facility, they combine the best of technology with outstanding personal service by their experienced staff. The meeting spaces can accommodate groups from as small as a handful, to more than 1,000. Weddings are a dream come true in Midlothian. Along with providing

beautiful

spaces,

the Midlothian Conference Center offers a wide variety of decorations, dance ﬂoors, table linens, locations for photographs, and more. They partner with the best in the area for all of your heart’s desires. Whether it is a wedding planner, ﬂorist, caterer, DJ, band, photographer, or baker, the center has several preferred partners that are ready to assist in assuring your wedding is a complete success. For more information, call 972.723.7919 or visit www.midlothiancenter. com.

Gown by Binzario Couture

Also, check out the new Courtyard

Marriott,

or call 225.802.2796. See editorial on page 42.

directly adjacent to the Midlothian

Conference

Center, opening in January 2016.

Currently

under

construction.

For

information,

e-mail

kristy.

jackson@cymidlothian.com www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw

Wedding Shop

Directory of Online Advertisers For more information on these wedding professionals, visit www.brideandgroom.com! ACCESSORIES

HONEYMOONS & DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Clique Gallery-Boutique: 214.219.7777

MK Travel, Inc: 972.256.3879

Dr. J’s Shoes, Bridal Shoes & Accessories: 972.496.4396

Special Moments Travel: 817.821.2344 You Deserve It! Vacations: 972.830.2040, ext. 1

ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDINGS MK Travel, Inc: 972.256.3879

INVITATION SERVICES & CALLIGRAPHY

Special Moments Travel: 817.821.2344

Calligraphy by Angela: 214.957.2155

You Deserve It! Vacations: 972.830.2040, ext. 1 OFFICIANTS & PREMARITAL COUNSELING BABYSITTING

4Romantic Weddings.com: 214.282.5354

Black-Tie Babysitting: 214.450.1245 PHOTOGRAPHY & GREEN SCREEN PHOTOS BEAUTY/SPA Carol

Short,

Memory Makers Photography: 940.391.3494 Independent

Mary

Kay

Sales

Director:

Triana Studios: 214.369.3375

214.693.3473 Clique Gallery-Boutique: 214.219.7777

QUINCEAÑERAS, BAR & BAT MITZVAHS

Dr. J’s Shoes, Bridal Shoes & Accessories: 972.496.4396

Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642 Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660

BRIDAL SALONS & TUXEDOS, BRIDAL ALTERATIONS

One Fine Day Wedding & Events: 817.717.5478

Clique Gallery-Boutique: 214.219.7777

Paragon Event Planning & Catering: 972.370.8439

Dr. J’s Shoes, Bridal Shoes & Accessories: 972.496.4396

Skycreek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414

Providence Place Bridal Boutique at The Harbor: 214.435.8962 RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES BRIDAL REGISTRY

1899 Farmhouse: 469.212.6975

Clique Gallery-Boutique: 214.219.7777

Frisco Heritage Center: 214.718.4668 Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642

BRIDAL SHOWERS & LUNCHEONS

Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660

1899 Farmhouse: 469.212.6975

Occasions at Stone River: 214.674.0818

Frisco Heritage Center: 214.718.4668

Skycreek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414

Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642

Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa,

Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660

Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn):

Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414

info@waltersweddingestates.com

Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa, Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn):

WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING

info@waltersweddingestates.com

Essences of Design Event Planning: 469.348.4790 One Fine Day Wedding & Events: 817.717.5478

CATERING

Paragon Event Planning & Catering: 972.370.8439

Culinary Art Catering: 972.744.0660 Paragon Event Planning & Catering: 972.370.8439

WEDDING VENUES & OUTDOOR WEDDINGS 1899 Farmhouse: 469.212.6975

ENTERTAINMENT

Frisco Heritage Center: 214.718.4668

4HarpMusic.com: 214.282.5354

Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642

Carol Marks Music Entertainment Agency: 972.231.4091

MK Travel, Inc: 972.256.3879 Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660

GUEST LODGING

Occasions at Stone River: 214.674.0818

Hampton Inn Dallas/Las Colinas: 972.753.1232

Skycreek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414

Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa,

Special Moments Travel: 817.821.2344

Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn):

You Deserve It! Vacations: 972.830.2040, ext. 1

info@waltersweddingestates.com

Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa, Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn): info@waltersweddingestates.com

www.brideandgroom.com

Directory of Wedding Professionals Tell all your wedding specialists you saw them here in Bride & Groom Magazine! BRIDAL SHOWERS & BRIDAL LUNCHEONS Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne Hidden Creek 972.846.4862; Heath Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

PARTY RENTALS Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/ Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville

PHOTOGRAPHY Photography by Chase Day 903.328.8481; DFW

Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/ Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

QUINCEAÑERAS, BAR & BAT MITZVAHS Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Seven for Parties 214.748.5559; Dallas

Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine

Old Warsaw Restaurant 214.528.0032; Dallas

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Hidden Creek 972.846.4862; Heath

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

BRIDAL SHOWS Bridal Shows, Inc. 972.713.9920; DFW

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/ Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville

Seven for Parties 214.748.5559; Dallas

Great Bridal Expo 800.422.3976; DFW

Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/ Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

CATERING Blanc de Bleu www.blancdebleu.com; DFW

Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Wendy Krispin Caterer 214.748.5559; DFW

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

ENTERTAINMENT Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111; DFW

Seven for Parties 214.748.5559; Dallas

FAVORS/FINE WINES & SPIRITS Blanc de Bleu www.blancdebleu.com; DFW

Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie WEDDING VENUES/ OUTDOOR WEDDINGS Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine Farmers Branch Historical Park 972.406.0184; Farmers Branch Hidden Creek 972.846.4862; Heath Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/ Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville

GIFT REGISTRY/NEW HOME Blanc de Bleu www.blancdebleu.com; DFW

Wendy Krispin Caterer 214.748.5559; DFW

GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine

RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES Cleburne Conference Center 817.556.8860; Cleburne

Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/ Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville

Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine

Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian

Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/ Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland

Farmers Branch Historical Park 972.406.0184; Farmers Branch

Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano

Hidden Creek 972.846.4862; Heath

Seven for Parties 214.748.5559; Dallas

Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas

Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/ Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas

Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie

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