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When a wedding day dream fails By Joellen Wankel Love leads to marriage, an event young girls have planned in their heads long before they meet the man who will stand waiting for them at the altar. However, the greatest plans can go astray, and below are one local story and several notso-local tales of weddings that went astray.
Local wedding woes Bradford resident Jamie Jackson had multiple issues on the day of her wedding. The day dawned with dismal weather and saw snow fall, disrupting the day’s schedule. Meanwhile, a wayward diamond from her engagement ring added to the downward spiral and her mom’s absence — which was as unexpected as the day’s snow — was the topping on the cake, so to say. Finally, the last straw came with uninvited guests who seemingly invited themselves to enjoy the day’s festivities. Jackson’s woes are an example of local celebration gone wrong. For other entertaining tales from across the wide world of the Internet, read on:
Maine: The day before the big event, the bridal party was put to work: they arranged bouquets, painted signs, and even purchased pallet boards to make a dance floor - and painted them. On the day of the wedding, guests were helping nail boards together to create dance floor.
The Wedding that didn’t happen
The wedding and the divorce
A cake maker crafted a cake for a couple. She drove the two hours to deliver her creation, only to find out the groom was drunk and the registrar refused to
marry the couple. The cake became a ‘narrow miss’ party food instead, as the bride celebrated with loved ones the fact that she did not get married.
The Procastinator’s DIY wedding
The bride’s parents, rather than toasting their daughter’s happiness the day of her wedding, announced their pending divorce.
The alcoholic photographer The photographer who was hired to capture the event got drunk - so drunk she couldn’t stand up by the end of the evening. She waived all fees and gave them what photos she took, releasing them in original format. However, it was a flash-free wedding venue so the results were not good.
Feuding family The bride didn’t like the groom’s father - who footed the bill. So he snuck in and sat in the back for the ceremony, then left. The reception had cake and punch and ended early. The groom’s family was told there would be a BBQ at the home of one of the bride’s family members but not which one - and the bride and groom disappeared and no one else was told where to go.
Momzilla In this case, the mother of the groom entered the ceremony late and interrupted by screaming at the bride and calling her names. She also screamed at the priest and attempted to hit him and anyone else that came near her. Eventually, she was removed and calmed down. The bride kept her cool and the couple remain happily married and have children, despite it all.
The cake caper The ring bearer, age 4, bumped the table where the cake was sitting and dropped the four-tier cake - on the bride. The bride cried, the groom yelled at the bride — and entire wedding was annulled. In conclusion, even if your wedding day didn’t go totally as planned, know that you are not alone.
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Made to order wedding provided at garden center By Kate Day Sager When Teri Everett Tominez visited her hair stylist a couple of years ago, she didn’t expect that by the time her hair was finished she would have made plans for a unique wedding venue. The plan devised by Everett Tominez of Olean with hair stylist Kim Graham, whose husband owns Graham’s Greenhouse & Landscaping in Bradford, was to stage the 2017 wedding at the greenhouse. The venue turned out to be a hit for all who were involved in the ceremony held under the redwood pergola surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants. Prior to making plans at the greenhouse on East Main Street, Mike Tominez and his bride-to-be tossed around a few ideas for venues. “We talked about having it on the overlook (on Route 16 in New York state) where we got engaged” or
Photos submitted Mike and Teri Everett Tominez of Olean, N.Y., have their first dance as husband and wife following their wedding at Graham’s Greenhouse & Landscaping in Bradford, Pa.
at a relative’s house, Everett Tominez recalled. Adding to complications was the fact they had only 10 days to plan their wedding. Mike, the owner of M.F. Tominez Promotions, LLC in Olean, N.Y., and Teri, a curriculum specialist at the Intermediate Unit Nine in Smethport, were engaged June 6 and planned to
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marry June 16. Their uncertainty was quickly dashed when Everett Tominez went to Graham, employed at Bella Capelli salon in Bradford, for a hair appointment. “I told (Graham), ‘We just got engaged and I don’t know where to get married,’” Everett Tominez remembered. “And she goes, ‘I have an idea … what about the greenhouse, we just got a parking lot (constructed) and it will be just fabulous.’” Graham said she double-checked with her husband, Bill, to make sure there were no plans at the greenhouse, and when he said, “No, why?” His wife replied, “Because we’re having a wedding.”
Graham said her husband was excited about a wedding at the greenhouse as it was the first to be held at the business. Everett Tominez said her husbandto-be wasn’t completely sold on the idea at first, until he saw the site. “When we drove down, he said, ‘Oh, my gosh, it is so beautiful.’” The Grahams embellished the pergola by placing trees near the front area where the ceremony was conducted. Adhering to tradition, Everett Tominez was driven to the greenhouse by Graham so no one would see her in her dress before the wedding. She was escorted down the aisle by her oldest brother and her ...continued on next page
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With love to Suzi By Kate Day Sager My earlier memories of my daughter Suzi’s childhood consists of seeing her come out of a storage closet wearing my old bridesmaid dress along with the accompanying lacey gloves and one of my locket necklaces. She completed the outfit by putting on a flowered straw hat and held a bouquet of dried flowers while hobbling around the house in a pair of my high heels. She would often stop, tip her head to the side and ask me how she looked. The parade through the house in the dress and accoutrements was a regular occurrence for at least a year, until she moved on to other playtime activities. Because of her early proclivities for wedding garb, it came as no surprise when Suzi approached us last year announcing she wanted to have a big wedding with her beloved fiance, Eric. As my own wedding was small, the concept of helping organize a bigger affair was a little out of my comfort zone, but one I soon embraced because of the happiness it brought to my daughter. The happy, fun moments that included picking out the dress and having it fitted, has been mixed with a bit of stress involved with planning the wedding — as any mother of the bride can attest to. Some of the stressful aspects of planning a wedding comes from the little things, and knowing what
is acceptable in this day and age. For example, most people have heard over the past couple of decades that rice is not the appropriate material to throw at the bride and groom anymore as they exit the church, because of its supposed environmental unfriendliness. Apparently, back in the mid-1980s it was determined by someone that birds ingesting raw rice thrown at weddings are unable to digest the material. While some ornithologists have disputed these claims, our modern wedding culture has adopted an anti-rice stance, even if for reasons of sidewalk safety. Those darn little white, hard slivers are slippery and can cause falls. This leaves the amateur wedding planners with the task of coming up with other creative stuff to throw at, or in some cases, blow at the bride and groom. During my niece’s wedding last fall, the guests were all given cute little bottles of soap bubbles, which were a tad messy but fun to blow at the newlyweds. Finding little bubble bottles was easier said than done, at least using the old-fashioned method of shopping. When I called a local store and asked if they had small bubble bottles for weddings, the clerk apologized, telling me there were only a few left and it would take awhile to order more. “We do have poppers in a tube that throw out confetti,” the clerk offered.
Thoughts of sweeping up confetti after the wedding didn’t sound too appealing, so I went back to square one and asked the clerk what she thought of usThe author’s daughter, Suzi, is shown in ing rice. her early bridal party outfit, taken from her “I don’t mother’s closet. know, but I feel like rice hurts one noticed, or mentioned, when it’s thrown at you,” the absence of the rather the clerk said, giving anexpensive piece of wispy other reason for abstaining material that likely was from that tradition. left on a couch or chair in a After telling my daughdressing room. ter of my inability to find It probably was with the bubbles locally, she disthat in mind that my missed my failed attempts daughter decided to skip with a casual, “That’s OK, wearing a veil with her they probably have it onoutfit. line,” which turned out to I’m sure she’ll look just be the case. as beautiful, as did my A problem like this a niece. few decades ago would not While the little tradihave been fixed quickly tions, and whether to with a couple of keystrokes change them or forego on the computer or iPhone. them, will always be a part There are other small of the decision making, and differences I’ve noticed stress, of weddings for each between the modern bride new generation, the one and her counterpart of the constant that should be at past. The traditional bridal the forefront is love. If not, veil being one of them. all of the traditions, pomp The veil, described as and circumstance are not one of the oldest parts of the bridal ensemble, seems worth the fuss and worry to be going by the wayside put into the wedding day. When Suzi walks down for some brides. the aisle this month, with My niece had arEric waiting at the altar ranged to have a veil with with the wedding party her beautiful outfit, but and their beautiful little somehow forgot to wear it son, Leo, we know that love during the nuptials. While will abound. it was upsetting to her And afterward, let the when she later realized the bubbles fly! omission, one interesting Love you, Suz! fact came out afterward. No
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Factors that can affect the length of your engagement Each year, millions of couples around the world tie the knot. But before couples walk down the aisle, the proposal to get married must take place. Many couples mutually agree to get engaged, while the experience may be a surprise for others who have thought about it, but may not have been sure when one partner or another would “pop the question.” Upon getting engaged, couples may ponder how long their engagement should last. There is no perfect answer, and engagement length typically depends on personal prefer-
ence and the needs of the couple. In fact, according to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average length of an engagement is 14.5 months. A number of factors affect the length of a couple’s engagement, and couples should not feel as if they need to hurry down the aisle. For example, couples who will be financing their own weddings may need a longer engagement than those whose parents will be chipping in. In such instances, longer engagements give couples more time to save and may help them ensure their weddings are every-
thing they hoped for. Others may prefer a shorter engagement if they are financially stable and prepared to tie the knot. Couples in their late 30s may feel the tug of a biological clock and want to ensure there is ample time to get married and have children. A shorter engagement can facilitate that. Some couples may have little choice in the matter, as the length of their engagements may be dictated by the availability of their favorite venues. Military deployment, work commitments, medical issues, or travel respon-
sibilities also may affect the length of an engagement. Some couples may feel that an especially lengthy engagement diminishes their excitement about getting married. That “new engagement shine” can wear off as family and friends wait months or years for the wedding to take place. Couples generally are advised to stick with what feels right to them regarding the length of their engagements. Just like all aspects of the wedding, couples can weigh the opinions of others but follow through with what works best for them.
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Secrets to at-home weddings Many couples preparing for their trip down the aisle follow the familiar sentiments expressed by Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” Such couples feel “there’s no place like home” when hosting a wedding ceremony or reception. There are many benefits to hosting a wedding at home. Homes often hold couples’ most cherished memories, and hosting a backyard celebration or an intimate indoor ceremony at your own home or the abode of a loved one can be a cost-effective way to have a good time. Here are some tips to help couples navigate hosting an at-home wedding.
Assess the space The average home is
not equipped to handle hundreds of guests, wait staff, caterers, and parked cars. Concessions in regard to comfort and safety will have to be made when drawing up the guest list. The wedding resource The Knot advises the general rule is six- to 10 square-feet of floor space per guest for row seating. You’ll probably need even more space for buffet tables, seating and a dance floor. You will likely need to temporarily move furniture to comfortably fit everyone indoors — or rent a large enough tent for a backyard wedding.
at home. A cleaning service will conduct a thorough cleaning before and after the festivities, freeing up your time for last-minute tasks or to embark on your honeymoon.
at a nearby lot (like a school closed on the weekend) and shuttle people to your home.
Book an officiant early
Inquire if having such a large party at home is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, particularly if your home is damaged or someone gets injured during the festivities. Supplemental liability insurance or an umbrella policy may offer greater protection.
Confirm with an officiant that they can oversee the wedding proceedings at your home. Many religious officials are not able to perform ceremonies outside of a place of worship.
Learn if it’s legal
Certain municipalities may require permits for parking on street, noise Hire a cleaning service past a certain hour, closing of streets, and much more. It’s important to presDo your research. You may ent a clean, inviting space when hosting a wedding need to coordinate parking
Consult with an insurance carrier
Weddings at home can be a unique opportunity for couples who love the comfort and familiarity of their homes.
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How to create a wedding day schedule Wedding days can be hectic. In fact, many couples note after tying the knot that their wedding days were so busy that the ceremonies and receptions were over before they knew it. Creating a wedding day schedule can seem like a daunting task. Couples tend to have lots of things to do before saying “I do,” and organizing everything
so ceremonies begin on time can seem as puzzling as a brain teaser. But certain scheduling strategies can help couples ensure they look their best and make it to the altar on time. • Start with the ceremony. Couples can establish a framework for their wedding day schedule by working back from the ceremony. Once the ceremony
time is set, couples who plan to take photos before their ceremonies can then work with their photographers to determine how much time they will need for photos and where they want to take the photos. Bridal parties may need transportation to the photo session, so determining when and where to take photos
before the ceremony gives couples an idea of when to arrange for pickup. • Confirm when the wedding venue is open to the wedding party. Before booking hair and makeup appointments, couples should confirm when they will be able to access ...continued on next page
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their wedding venue. Brides may want to get their hair and makeup done at the ceremony sight, but that may only be possible if the venue opens early for the wedding party. If it does not, then brides must account for transportation time to the ceremony sight when making their wedding day schedules. • Determine how much time is needed for hair and makeup. Weddings that feature large bridal parties will require more time for hair and makeup than ceremonies with small bridal parties. Grooms and groomsmen often take care of their own hair, though some grooms might want to
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schedule hot shaves for themselves and their groomsmen. Grooms should ask groomsmen if they want a hot shave and then work with their barbers to determine how much time it will take to tend to all participants. Brides with large bridal parties may need to book more than two hair and makeup artists so everyone can get done on time. Wedding hair and makeup sessions can last several hours for large bridal parties, so brides should schedule their sessions early if their parties are big. • Make lunch arrangements. Some couples choose to tie the knot and host their receptions at the same
venue. In such instances, if brides are getting their hair and makeup done at the venue, ask the venue representative if lunch can be provided to the bridal party. Some venues may include small lunch buffets in their reception costs, while others might charge extra. Confirm the availability and costs, and if it’s unavailable or too expensive, then arrange for lunch to be delivered. Either way, couples should not skip lunch, as it may be their only chance to eat until after the ceremony. • Distribute your schedule to one another and the bridal party. Once the wedding day schedule has been de-
vised, couples should share it with each other and their wedding parties. Grooms’ wedding day to-do lists might not be as extensive as brides’, but grooms should still be kept in the loop regarding the schedule so they can help if anyone has questions or if something goes awry. Sharing the schedule with the wedding party decreases the chances of someone being late or missing an appointment. Couples can solve the riddle of scheduling their wedding days by working backwards and asking their vendors to cooperate in laying out the day’s events.
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Say ‘sew long’ to ill-fitting wedding attire
Seamstresses and tailors are sometimes the unsung heroes of weddings. These individuals often work tirelessly under pressure to ensure that tuxes are taken in at the right places and that gowns are hemmed to perfection. People may underestimate the importance of good wedding ensemble alterations, but having someone whose skilled with a needle and thread is essential to looking your best on such a momentous day. Proper fit can be as important as the gown or suit. Although some couples will spend thousands of dollars on wedding attire, many will not research the person to handle any necessary alterations. Few, if any, wedding ensembles can be purchased right off the rack and worn without custom tailoring. The scope of the alterations will depend on the desired changes and how well the clothing initially fits. Timing is crucial, and these guidelines can facilitate the process of wedding alterations.
advises allowing between two and three months from a first fitting to the last as It’s difficult to say how long alterations will take, as an ideal timeline to make it depends on the extent of all of the alterations. For the work and how busy the complicated gowns, brides seamstress or tailor is. And or bridal party members until the alterations have may need three or four fitbegun, seamstresses and tings, with the last occurtailors may not know how ring a few weeks before the long the job will take. The bridal resource The Knot wedding.
Length of time
Brides also can add straps, beading, lace, or other detailing, but it will affect the cost.
Whom to choose
Alteration costs Cost alone should not dictate where to go for alterations. The costs can include many factors, including which fabrics are used in the gown or suit, which types of alterations are requested (minor tweaks or a major overhaul), proximity to the wedding date, and even geographical location.
Many bridal salons and formalwear retailers will have someone on staff who can handle alterations. If a store doesn’t have a tailor or seamstress, or if this person isn’t able to provide what is needed, take clothing to a professional who specializes in wedding wear. Gowns can be complex, with wedding gowns featuring bustles, intricate hems, boning, beading, and much more, so try to work with experienced professionals who have seen it all. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or find out if wedding planners or retailers who sold you the dress recommend anyone. When attending a fitting, bring along the shoes and undergarments that will be worn on the wedding day so the fit can be matched accordingly. Also take one friend or family member who can offer an extra opinion on how the clothing falls and fits. Brides may want to bring a maid-(matron)-of-honor if she needs to learn how to bustle a gown. Skilled tailors or seamstresses help couples look their best on their wedding days, and finding reliable professionals should be part of wedding planning.
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Factors to consider before choosing a honeymoon destination Engaged couples spend lots of time and money planning their weddings. The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study found that the average couple who married in 2017 spent more than $33,000 on their weddings. If that figure raises eyebrows, couples may be even more surprised to learn it does not include the cost of a honeymoon. Honeymoons often mark couples’ first trip together after tying the knot. The 2017 Real Weddings Study found that the average engagement length in 2017 was 14 months, and many couples are no doubt ready for a getaway after spending more than a year planning their weddings. Whether couples are working with shoestring budgets or have some financial flexibility, it’s wise to consider various factors before choosing a honeymoon destination.
Distance A remote, exotic island might sound like the perfect place for couples to visit on their honeymoons. However, couples who spent more than a year planning their weddings may prefer somewhere less remote than an exotic isle that requires multiple flight transfers and possibly even days of travel to get to. Couples should discuss how much travel they’re willing to endure during their honeymoons, and then find somewhere that both partners are excited about.
Amenities Many resorts offer honeymoon packages that include
a host of amenities, including all-inclusive food and beverage, spa access, access to water sports, and even airport pickup and dropoff. Such packages can save couples substantial amounts of money, which can help those who might have spent more on their weddings than they initially intended.
Recreation Couples also may want to consider the accessibility of local recreational activities before choosing a honeymoon destination. Some couples may just want to spend the duration of their honeymoons unwinding on a beach, while others may want to mix relaxation with exploration. All-inclusive resort packages may or may not include offsite resort activities. Couples who want to do some exploring away from their resorts should investigate both the accessibility and safety of doing so.
Budget If budgets were stretched for the wedding, couples should not discount the benefits of planning a post-wedding weekend getaway and then saving some money for a more traditional honeymoon down the road. This option still affords couples a chance to spend a few post-wedding days away from home and can help them save for a honeymoon trip they will never forget. Couples should consider a host of factors before choosing a honeymoon destination.
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Tux-renting basics Brides-to-be may invest thousands of dollars into their wedding day ensembles. Online wedding resource The Knot says that the average cost for a wedding dress is $1,469. Grooms generally have a much easier and less expensive experience with their wedding day attire. In fact, grooms often rent their tuxedos for minimal cost. Renting a wedding tuxedo has its advantages, namely in the cost savings. However, it’s easy for a guy to fall into the trap of renting something that will not help him look his best if he isn’t educated about the process. Looking sharp involves a little more than just showing up to the shop and picking a tux off the rack.
Choose your retailer wisely Many stores sell or rent suits and tuxedos. As is the case with many aspects of wedding planning, getting a recommendation from friends or family members can help grooms identify the shops that offer exemplary service. When attending others’ weddings or special events, pay attention to the look of the groom and his groomsmen. Find out where they got their tuxes. Price alone should not dictate where to shop. Once bridesmaid dresses have been selected, the groomsmen can begin to shop around for tuxedoes. This way ties and vests will
coordinate. Initial tux selection should begin between four and six months before the wedding.
fitting suit or tux can make a gentleman look sloppy. It is key to pay attention to sizing and use a shop that has a variety of styles that fit various body types.
fittings. The groom should call the store at least a month prior to the wedding to ensure that everyone has been fitted. Tuxes should Get a proper fitting be picked up a few days in advance of the wedding The experts at Men’s Choose a classic style and tried on to ensure that Wearhouse say that it is everything fits and all acNo one wants to look important to be fitted for a cessories are included. This outdated in their wedding tux or suit properly. Their pictures. By choosing a clas- way last-minute alterations professionals can handle sic cut and color in a suit or or substitutions can be the measurements, or men made. shopping elsewhere can use tux, guys will look stylish no matter the year. Fun can a tailor of their choosing. Grooms and groomsmen be had with vest colors or Shoulders should be close can look dapper by selectbow ties. to the body in the jacket ing a classic suit or tuxedo, but not restrictive. Sleeves having it properly fitted Confirm the order should fall so that they and confirming that all show a quarter- to a halfThe entire wedding wardrobe components are inch of shirt sleeves when party can visit the tuxedo ready to go in time for the arms are at the sides. An ill- shop for selections and big day.
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Overcome wedding weather obstacles Summer approaches with the promise of warm temperatures. Weather is one reason why summer is such a popular season to tie the knot. But just because sunny skies and rising mercury are par for the course, that does not mean Mother Nature won’t invite herself to the festivities — and attempt to upstage happy couples in the process. Some feel it’s good luck for couples to get rain on their wedding days, but many couples would trade in a little of that luck for clear skies. However, weather can be fickle, and couples who build contingency plans into their wedding festivities are much more likely to overcome inclement weather than couples without such plans. • Have solutions for sun and heat. Couples don’t want their wedding
guests or bridal party members passing out due to heat exhaustion. Make sure to offer shade if the ceremony or reception is outside. Stock the area with cold bottles of water or a chilled lemonade stand. Have fans and umbrellas available just in case guests need a way to protect themselves from the sun. • Strong storms. Over the course of hot and humid days, storm clouds can develop and roll in. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common on summer days. Accommodate for sudden downpours by hosting early luncheon receptions or ensure there is a plan B that includes a covered area. Couples can stash spare shoes or even rain
slickers in a car to keep their wedding attire protected against rain as they dash between venues or take photos. • Embrace the rain. Vivid skies with lightning or overcast days can make for unique and striking wedding photography. Couples needn’t look at the downside of rain, but rather they should see the opportunities for one-of-a-kind memories. • Keep a generator on standby. Storms may knock out power. Some reception halls or banquet facilities may have their own backup power, but be sure to address how power outages are handled. If need be, bring in a portable generator to keep the reception room cooled by fans.
• Plan for wind. Coastal outdoor weddings present beautiful backdrops for weddings. But being near the shore may mean accepting windy conditions. Tie down tents and use weights to keep wedding programs or other papers from catching a current. The bride and her wedding party should opt for free-flowing tresses so they needn’t worry about intricate updos coming undone. • Maintain a sense of humor. It’s impossible to predict wedding day weather, but staying calm, going with the flow and laughing at things they can’t control can help couples make memories that last a lifetime.
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Determining wedding day dress codes Wedding invitations do more than merely announce that a celebration is on the horizon. Invitations provide key information about the ceremony and festivities to follow. Many details, including the location, time and date of the wedding, are spelled out on the wedding invitations. However, invitations can sometimes leave guests confused about the appropriate style of attire for the occasion. Even though wedding invitations rarely offer specific information regarding attire, chances are the wording will provide clues that can help guests interpret the desired dress code.
Casual If the invitation mentions casual attire, it’s important to realize that everyday casual is different from wedding casual. Jeans, shorts and tank tops are unacceptable unless otherwise noted. Err on the side of caution and go with business casual, which includes chinos, slacks, a polo shirt or button-down shirt for men. Women can wear a sundress or slacks or a skirt and an attractive blouse. If the invitation mentions beach casual, shorts and even sandals are likely acceptable.
Semiformal Semiformal dresswear, sometimes referred to as “dressy casual,” is a step up from casual clothing. Cocktail dresses or a more elegant skirt and top are the norms. Gentleman generally wear a suit and tie.
Coordinate the colors of clothing to the time of day. Fabrics should represent the season. For example, a linen suit will not pass at a winter wedding.
Formal Formal attire is the default dress code for the majority of weddings. When the invitation does not specify a dress code,
it is safe to assume formal attire is expected. Men can choose among a dark suit and tie or a tuxedo. Women can opt for a formal cocktail-length dress, a classic suit or a long dress. Select among tones that are gray, black or brown.
Black tie Black tie events also require formal attire. Black tie typically goes hand-in-hand with an evening wedding. Black tie is more rigid for male guests, who should wear a tuxedo, black bow tie, cummerbund, and patent leather shoes. Women have a little more leeway with their attire at such gatherings. A long evening gown might be preferable. However, a chic cocktail dress also can be acceptable, and darker, neutral colors are most appropriate. Some invitations may reference “Black Tie Preferred.” While men may opt for a tuxedo, a black suit also can be worn.
White Tie The most formal of occasions will request white tie attire. Ball gowns and tuxedoes with tails are the norm, as are dramatic jewelry and hairstyles. White tie attire is akin to what one might see worn to awards shows. When attending a wedding, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Guests can consult with fellow guests or the bride and groom if they are unsure of the dress code.
Bradford Publishing Company
Get married to the idea of hiring a wedding planner Couples see their weddings as not only the start of a new life together, but also as one of the most important organizational jobs they may ever encounter. Looking at weddings in the latter light makes it easy to see why many couples hire professional wedding planners. Many couples initially eschew the idea of hiring wedding planners. But when it comes to wedding expertise, professional planners can guide couples in all the right directions — ultimately helping them save money overall. Expertise is not the only advantage to hiring a wedding planner. These people are often skilled at negotia-
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tions and can serve as buffers between couples and vendors. Brides and grooms also can rely on wedding planners to avoid to succumbing to the stress of planning their weddings. The following are some other reasons why hiring a wedding planner can be a smart move. • Planners handle the notso-fun parts. Trying cake flavors and picking out bouquet colors might be exciting, but figuring out how many tipsy wedding guests can fit in a shuttle bus back to a hotel may not. Wedding planners can step in when necessary to handle the more mundane tasks, like organizing receipts or putting
together guest toiletry baskets. • Planners may be privy to discounts. Some planners may have long-lasting professional relationships with vendors, and these relationships may help couples get better prices on certain services. Planners also have the expertise to advise on which purchases are smart and which may be unnecessary. • Properly vet vendors and stay on top of deadlines. Wedding planners can investigate all vendors and be in charge of getting them paid on time. Planners also can keep track of upcoming deadlines, ensuring that all parties arrive on time to rehearsals, fittings, appointments, and, of course, the wedding.
• Planners can help establish a budget. Wedding planners can assist couples in developing their wedding budgets. Because they know how much many services cost, planners can provide accurate estimates on wedding bills and how to allocate funds. • Planners can free up time. When couples are not bogged down with running errands or scheduling every detail of the wedding, they can enjoy the time leading up to their weddings even more. That means more time can be spent planning the honeymoon. Weddings are multifaceted events that require substantial forethought. Wedding planners help keep couples on task, on budget and less stressed.
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Bradford Publishing Company
Wedding Cakes Guaranteed Freshness · Personal Service · Delivery Available Our custom designed Wedding Cakes are the perfect finishing touch to a wonderful wedding reception. As beautiful as they are tasteful, our cakes are prepared using only the finest, freshest ingredients and skillfully decorated to complement the look of your unique wedding. You can select from traditional sizes, shapes and tastes or we’ll design a special cake to fit your specifications.
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