2011 Bridal Edition

Bridal Guide January 29, 2011

2 • THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TIMES • BRIDAL GUIDE • WWW.FRANKLINCOUNTYTIMES.COM

JANUARY 29, 2011

Respectful ways to honor a deceased parent

Weddings are supposed to be joyous events, which can make it difficult to honor a deceased parent.

Doing so in a way that does not compromise the upbeat mood of the event can prove quite a challenge to prospective brides and grooms.

The death of someone close is rarely easy to accept, especially when it happens close to a couple's wedding day. But there

are many ways couples can honor a deceased parent at their ceremony.

• Display pictures of the deceased with the wedding couple so that the memory of these people can be part of the festivities.

• Set up a table with a special floral arrangement and photo with a placard that states, "In memory of ..."

• Wear a piece of clothing or jewelry that belonged to the deceased. Cufflinks from a father or a veil from a mother.

• Ask the pastor or officiant to specifically mention the deceased in the wedding ceremony and offer a special prayer in that person's name.

• Add a memoriam line to the end of the wedding program. "Today we honor Mary Smith, mother of the bride who

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• Dedicate a special song during the reception in the person's name.

• A bride who will not be able to walk down the aisle with her father can choose to do so with her mother or another relative and carry something that belonged to their father.

• Set up a photo slide show that includes photos of the deceased. Choose poignant but upbeat music so that the moment is not overly somber.

• Light a candle at the ceremony for the deceased relative.

• Leave an empty chair and place setting at the reception for the person who could not be there.

• Display something that symbolizes the person at the wedding, such as a flag for a

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deceased veteran or an item that represents the person's favorite hobby.

There are many ways to remember a special loved one at a wedding without bringing down the mood of the event.

3 • THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TIMES • BRIDAL GUIDE • WWW.FRANKLINCOUNTYTIMES.COM

JANUARY 29, 2011

Wedding cake trends this season The multi-tiered cake that is a favorite wedding tradition that's often presented at the end of the night.

The happy couple takes a slice and enjoys the first piece.

In recent years, wedding cakes have become more of an artistic centerpiece than just a confectionary treat.

Couples often seek out renowned wedding cake bakers for a cake that will amaze the crowd and complete the theme of the wedding.

The average couple will spend between $700 to $800 for their wedding cake.

Although many catering halls or reception sites will include the wedding cake in a package deal, many couples choose to order their cake from a specialty bakery who creates culinary masterpieces.

If television trends are any indication, many people are opting to spend several hundred to thousands of dollars on a customized wedding cake.

These fondant and buttercream creations may be elaborate in nature, so much so they'll likely need to be ordered several months in advance.

Couples looking for something a bit different for their upcoming nuptials, many want to consider these trends in wedding cakes.

• 3-D accents on the cake, such as graphic appliques.

• A black-and-white motif that gives the cake a simplistic, yet trendy appeal.

• A lot of bold color in the cake, instead of just white or ivory.

• Dramatic monograms that can add class to the cake.

• Painted cakes with edible food coloring paint that feature beautiful landscapes or a portrait. A work of art, they're both delicious to eat and fun to admire.

• Cakes that mirror the style of the wedding gown, including fondant ruffles and appliques.

Many couples still opt for the traditional, and that is always in style.

Instead of experimenting with the outside of the cake, couples can be creative with cake flavor and fillings.

Imagine cutting open the cake to find red velvet or a chocolate ganache filling.

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4 • THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TIMES • BRIDAL GUIDE • WWW.FRANKLINCOUNTYTIMES.COM

JANUARY 29, 2011

Think outside the box when gifting today's newlyweds

Few, if any, days are as memorable as a couple's wedding day.

Months and sometimes years of anticipation finally culminate with a walk down the aisle, and wedding guests often look for ways to make the day even more memorable with a gift befitting their favorite newlyweds.

Just like many aspects of weddings have changed over the years, so, too, has gifting the bride and groom. In years past, guests simply chose a gift from the couple's registry and that was that.

However, today's couples often have little use for traditional registries, a byproduct of more and more couples living together before they get married.

"We're in our thirties and both had complete house-

holds when we moved in together," said newlyweds Mindee and Graham, who chose to forgo a traditional registry.

While it's understandable for today's couples to forgo traditional registries, that doesn't make it any easier for wedding guests to gift the bride and groom.

In an effort to remedy that very problem, couples and frustrated gift givers alike have increasingly been turning to Honeyfund.com, a free online honeymoon registry catering to couples who could use some help planning and paying for their perfect honeymoon, and guests who want to give something more meaningful than an envelope full of cash.

"We didn't need any more 'stuff,'" said Mindee.

"We needed an amazing honeymoon. Especially since we paid for the wedding ourselves, the added financial help made a big difference."

Wedding guests can conveniently choose from a host of activities listed by the newlyweds themselves, including dinners, local tourist attractions and even airline and train tickets.

In so doing, guests can ensure newlyweds have the honeymoon of their dreams, all the while not worrying about finances or bills when they return home. Newlyweds Sarah and Patrick enjoyed a dream honeymoon in Costa Rica, one made more memorable thanks to their guests' thoughtful contributions to the couple's honeyfund.

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The online honeymoon registry also helps guests forgo the troubles of shipping gifts or, worse yet, bringing them aboard a flight, where they're likely subject to airline baggage fees.

Robert, who took his new bride, Kili, as well as an extra $5,300 earned from their honeyfund, on a Mediterranean Cruise, notes that his guests appreciated the user-friendly nature of Honeyfund.com and the hassle-free nature of gifting online as opposed to carting gifts cross-country.

"Kili is from California and I am from Washington, D.C.," says Robert. "Because of Honeyfund our guests didn't have to lug gifts cross-country or worry about shipping. And we didn't have to make one return or worry about lost gift receipts."

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5 • THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TIMES • BRIDAL GUIDE • WWW.FRANKLINCOUNTYTIMES.COM

JANUARY 29, 2011

Wedding day transportation options abound

Couples have many decisions to make regarding their wedding ceremony and reception.

One of those decisions conerns transportation to and from the special event.

There are many options in wedding transportation.

The more traditional options include renting a car or limousine. The Bridal Association of America reports that the average couples spends $400 to $500 for an automotive rental.

However, prices may vary depending on geography and the type of vehicle rented.

Wedding transportation is perhaps

something grooms-to-be can get excited about. After all, we're talking about cars - some fancy, some large, and many decked out with different features.

Plus, it's traditionally the responsibility of the groom to arrange transportation to and from the ceremony, reception and the hotel or honeymoon destination.

Grooms responsible for arranging transportation can consider the following options.

• Limousine: A limo is one of the most traditional methods of transport on a couple's wedding day. A limousine's size enables them to carry the bridal party in its entirety.

Because the bride and groom often do not see each other before the ceremony, two limos may be rented, one larger for the bridal party, and one smaller for the bride and her parents, depending on personal preference.

• Classic car: Sports car enthusiasts may want to make an entrance -- and exit -behind the wheel of a sporty vehicle.

These can include a high-end Ferrari or an Aston Martin.

Because of their high purchase price, sports car rentals may carry a premium.

• Stretch SUV: The traditional limo has morphed into the stretch SUV of popular models, including the Cadillac Escalade, F o r d Expedition or even a

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Because of their popularity, these rentals may be snatched up quickly. Be sure to book well in advance of the big day.

• Party Bus: Many couples are leaning toward a party bus rental, which may be a single- or double-decker bus that can fit scores of people inside.

These are particularly attractive to couples with a very large bridal party, or those who hope to begin the celebration even before reaching the reception hall.

• Horse-drawn carriage: Some couples truly want the fairytale feel on their wedding day. A horse-drawn carriage can evoke feelings of a Cinderella-type day.

The carriage tends to be best suited to warm weather.

For winter weddings, a horse-drawn sleigh might make a better alternative.

• Motorcycle: Exciting couples may want to ride off into the sunset on the back of a roadster or sports bike.

• Horses: Horses can haul more than just a carriage. A bride and groom atop a handsome steed can make for a memorable wedding transportation option and

equally memorable photos.

• Boat: Individuals getting married by the sea or another body of water may want to consider attending the festivities via boat, be it a large vessel or a more intimate canoe or rowboat.

Wedding day transportation varies depending on each couple's preference.

Here are some other things to keep in mind concerning transportation.

• Be sure to have transportation options at the ready for guests who may have overindulged on alcoholic beverages.

• Wedding party participants who arrived at the wedding by a limo or other source will need a ride home somehow.

• Find out if a hotel nearby offers complementary transportation to and from the reception hall.

6 • THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TIMES • BRIDAL GUIDE • WWW.FRANKLINCOUNTYTIMES.COM

JANUARY 29, 2011

Financial tips for cost-conscious couples In a recent survey released

by Visa Inc., 88 percent of couples believed they overspent on some aspect of their wedding.

Over the years, weddings have become a major financial commitment, in many instances ensuring a couple's first task as man and wife will be paying off the mountain of bills they accrued to achieved their dream wedding.

In today's economic climate, the cost of weddings is even tougher to swallow, as both the domestic and global economy remains difficult to predict.

Economic uncertainty has left many young couples fearful of making a big financial commitment to their weddings. But it's still possible for couples to make the most of their wedding without landing themselves in heavy debt once the honeymoon is over and the bills must be paid.

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• Limit beverage availability. In the Visa soaking up some sun, a more local getsurvey, respondents felt they overspent away for a couple of days can be just as more on food, drink and cake than any relaxing and save couples substantial other aspect of their wedding. The bar tab amounts of money.

Once the bills have been paid, couples can quickly add up at the end of the night, but couples can limit the bar expense by can then enjoy a more traditional honeymaking on a few different types of drinks moon, possibly in celebration of their first anniversary. available.

• Limit the guest list. Inviting all friends Offer just two or three drink options instead of a full bar. Couples can also con- and family members might be a nice gessider a cash bar for mixed drinks to help ture, but it's also an expensive one. Costconscious couples can save a good deal of lower the bar tab by the end of the night.

• Switch fromSaturday. Saturday wed- money by only inviting those friends and dings are not only the most popular, but family members who are closest to them.

• Order less extravagant floral arrangealso the most expensive. Couples with some flexibility can save money by mov- ments. Floral arrangements for a wedding ing their wedding to a Friday or Sunday. can prove very expensive. But couples can Couples who move their weddings to trim those costs using more greenery in Friday often find they get to spend more the floral displays and ordering less time with their friends and families the fol- expensive, seasonal flowers. When dislowing day, as guests are more inclined to cussing arrangements with the florist, stay in town an extra day than they are on explain that the budget can only allow so much for flowers, and work together to Sunday afternoons following a wedding.

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7 • THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TIMES • BRIDAL GUIDE • WWW.FRANKLINCOUNTYTIMES.COM

JANUARY 29, 2011

Invite only: pare down your wedding guest list Couples are faced with many decisions when planning a wedding.

One often overlooked decision concerns the guest list. Ideally, couples would love to invite all their friends and family to share in their special day.

Realistically, however, budget often dictates just how many guests a couple can invite.

That reality has led to a disagreement or two over the years, as both the bride-to-be and her future husband make their case for who makes the cut.

To help avoid such disagreements, couples should consider the following tips when paring down their guest list.

• Make a master list as early as possible.

It's impossible to pare down a guest list if there's no list to begin with.

Once the planning process begins, couples should separately write down all the

guests they would like to invite. Once each is finished with their list, the hard work of paring that list down can begin.

• Consider who's footing the bill. If Mom and Dad are paying for the wedding, then their suggestions for the guest list should carry most of the weight.

Weddings are very expensive, and if Mom and Dad are paying they should have a significant say who will in attendance.

The same principle can be applied if the couple is paying for their own wedding. If the costs are being split down the middle, then both the groom- and bride-to-be should be allowed to invite the same number of guests.

• Ask that kids stay home. Many couples request that their guests leave the kids at home. While nieces and nephews might make the cut, it's perfectly acceptable for

couples to state their preference that children not attend. This can be noted on the invitation, addressing friends as "Mr. John Doe and guest" or "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe." Guests should take the hint, but if any RSVPs with their kids, be sure to call them immediately and explain the situation. Friends and family should understand the preference, particularly in the current economic climate.

• It's not a reunion. Couples are often tempted to invite long-lost friends to their wedding. But cost-conscious couples must recognize their wedding is not a reunion. If the goal is to keep the guest list under control, only invite close friends and family members who have kept in touch with over the years.

• Stick to your guns. Couples vary greatly with what they want out of their wed-

ding. Some want a grandiose affair they can share with their whole family and all of their friends.

Other couples want a more laid-back affair with only those closest to them in attendance. Whatever their preference, couples should remain firm and not feel guilty no matter how many guests they choose to invite or not invite.

• Cut back in other areas. If it's proving simply impossible to agree on a reduced guest list, consider inviting everyone and cutting back in other areas.

Before signing any contracts, closely examine each one for items that can be removed without drastically changing the ceremony and celebration.

Chances are there are savings to be had, and those savings might make the difference between inviting and not inviting another friend or family member.

8 • THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TIMES • BRIDAL GUIDE • WWW.FRANKLINCOUNTYTIMES.COM

JANUARY 29, 2011

Honeymoon planning how-to With all the work that goes into planning a wedding, it can be easy for couples to overlook their own honeymoons.

But in the middle of all those seating arrangements and reception hall negotiations, couples also need to plan and look forward to the rest and relaxation that awaits, which will no doubt be a welldeserved escape once the wedding has come and gone.

Couples can take the following advice to ensure their getaway goes off without a hitch.

• Be budget-conscious. Many couples could enjoy a honeymoon to Siberia in the dead of winter after their big day has passed.

After all the stress of planning and paying for the wedding, couples will likely just enjoy the time away.

Take this into consideration when planning a honeymoon. If a dream trip isn't in the budget after all the wedding bills have come due, don't fret.

A less expensive getaway is still a get-

away, and couples will enjoy their welldeserved break no matter where it is they're putting their feet up.

• Plan an off-season honeymoon. That dream honeymoon might be affordable after all if couples can wait till it's not the height of tourist season.

Most weddings occur during the summer months, when tourist season is in full swing.Couples who can put off their honeymoon until the off-season will no doubt find their dream honeymoon is much more affordable.

• Start early. It's never too early to start planning the honeymoon. The earlier couples begin to research possible destinations, the better feel they will have for what they can and can't afford.

Research can be done well in advance to give couples an idea of what their dream trip will cost. But don't book any flights or make any reservations too far in advance. The best deals are often available a few months before the trip.

• Spread the news that you're newly-

weds. Hotels love hosting newlyweds, and many will upgrade rooms for recently married guests.

Couples should not be too brash about it, as fully booked hotels won't be able to upgrade their guests.

But let the hotel know you're on your honeymoon when checking in, and they might just upgrade your room and comp you a bottle of champagne as a gift.

• Think outside the box. When asked about a dream honeymoon, couples will often bring up Hawaii or even Paris.

While those are beautiful places to spend

a honeymoon, they're also expensive.

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