Spring 2013 Bridal Tab by Freeborn County Shopper

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 12, 2013/Page 8

Bridal Bouquets Brides have been carrying bouquets for hundreds of years. In ancient times, bridal bouquets generally consisted of garlic, herbs and spices to keep evil spirits away. By Victorian times, fresh flowers had replaced the garlic, herbs and spices, and many of these flowers carried special meanings, like innocence, faith and love. Floriography, the language of flowers, continues to this day, with some brides researching flower meanings and basing their bouquet selections on those meanings. Floriography isn't the only trend in bridal bouquets. There are many others. Here is a brief review.

Bridal bouquets are traditionally pale in color, but today’s brides are branching out and choosing bolder colors, like burgundy, red and purple. Bouquet color schemes can be monochromaticall shades of purple, for example-or complementary. With bouquets getting brighter, they have become a real feature in wedding photography, in particular black and white photography with selective coloring. Roses remain a bridal bouquet standard, but other flowers are starting to make their way into the mix. Daisies, hydrangeas, lilies, peonies and tulips are popular choices, as are orchids.

Many brides, in fact, are asking for more tropical flowers in their bouquets, either because of their theme or for a unique twist. While cascades of flowers were once the norm in bridal bouquets, many brides today are opting to take a simpler route. Hand-tied bouquets are a popular choice. With the flowers gathered together and wrapped in ribbon, the bouquets are easier to handle and have a contemporary look to them. While today’s bridal bouquets might be somewhat simpler in design, brides can still add some dazzle to them with beads, crystals, feathers, pearls, sequins

Wedding Day

and other accessories. Brides with themed weddings can take it a step further and incorporate extra special touches into their bouquets, like miniature seashells, pinecones or butterflies. Bouquets featuring vintage brooches are also becoming popular. Bridal bouquets can run the gamut from the traditional all-white hand-tied rose bouquet drenched in crystals to the sassy gold, red and purple bouquet cuffed by feathers. It is up to the bride how she wants her bouquet to be. Brides should check out some samples, talk to their florist and select a bouquet design that speaks to them.

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A Special Supplement To THE FREEBORN CO. SHOPPER

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www.SilhouetteWedding.com

February 12, 2013

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 12, 2013/Page 2

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 12, 2013/Page 7

Let's Hear Some Music! The to-do list for your wedding is slowly shrinking. You still need to decide what music to use during the ceremony and at the reception. Here are some suggestions to help you with this task. The location of your wedding ceremony may affect the type of music you can have. If you are not having your ceremony in a religious setting, you can probably have whatever type of music you want, as long as it is tasteful. If you are having your ceremony in a religious setting, you may encounter some restrictions regarding the type of music you can have. Secular music may be allowed before the ceremony while the guests are being seated but not during it. It is a good idea to check with the church for guidelines regarding the type of music you can and cannot use. The length of your wedding ceremony will

When is the Big Day?

determine the number of music selections you need. On average, you will need one to four. Your church may not allow recorded music, so you may need to hire an instrumentalist or a vocalist. If you decide to go with an instrumentalist, check with the church to see if you are restricted to using their organist or pianist or can bring in someone from the outside. If you decide to go with a vocalist, keep in mind that there may be restrictions as to when they can sing. Again, you will need to check with the church for guidelines. When choosing songs, you should look for ones that mean something to you. Ask your instrumentalist or vocalist for suggestions and page through their sheet music. If you find some songs you like, have them play or sing the selections. If they don't have anything that works for you, go to a store that sells sheet music and browse through their selections.

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In order to make your choice, talk with various DJs and bands. Find out about their music choices, schedules and fees. DJs are generally less expensive than bands. See if you can drop by a wedding they are working at. That way, you can see them in action and find out how the crowd reacts to them. Ask for references and follow up on them. The location and length of your wedding reception may affect your choice. The area may not be large enough for a band and a dance

floor. There may also be some restrictions on the type of music allowed. The average reception lasts about four hours. Can you imagine having to play an instrument longer than that? Having a DJ would be the wiser choice if you are planning a long reception. You want a DJ or band that is flexible and willing to work with you on your music selections. You want a performer that can keep the fun going and the audience motivated. You want a performer that can adapt to changes in the crowd's mood and keep the reception classy and memorable. When booking musical entertainment for your wedding ceremony and reception, you should do it early. It is not unusual for musicians to be booked a year in advance. The really good ones could be booked farther ahead than that. Happy hunting!

She said YES! The next question is, “When’s the Big Day”? When it comes to picking the date for a wedding, many factors could be considered. Some choices might include:

The parents or grandparents wedding date (a great way to honor their marriage!).

A date pulled from a hat (for the very indecisive).

Date when the desired reception site is available

The least expensive month (January, March and December are usually open).

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beliefs (seven days of creation, Seven Wonders of the ancient world, seven deadly sins, seven last words of Christ, Seven Seas, seven levels of heaven, 007, etc.) found the date to be a good choice for their wedding also-and even more so since it fell on a Saturday.

In a preferred season (Chance of snow? Will the cake melt?). When the families will be available to come.

The least expensive night. (anything but Saturday).

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On or near a favorite holiday (A Fourth of July early afternoon celebration allows for a full day of festivities).

The anniversary date of when the couple met.

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Once you have your ceremony music under control, you can concentrate on your reception music. You will probably have a diverse group at your reception, so you want music that will appeal to everyone and guarantee they have fun. There are two major choices for musical entertainment: a DJ or a band. Which one should you choose?

Sometimes a date is just obvious. July 7, 2007 was the pick of a record number of couples (who can forget that anniversary?). Those couples who considered seven to be a lucky number found themselves in Las Vegas, hoping to increase their chances of a long-lasting marriage. Others who regarded seven significant due to religious or cultural

In selecting a date, couples should consider avoiding Memorial Day or Labor Day weekend since many families use those particular threeday weekends for family holidays. A Super Bowl Sunday date would probably find many men feeling a headache come on, preventing their attendance at a non-family member’s nuptials. September 11, April Fool’s Day and Halloween, as well as cultural or religious holidays celebrated by family members,

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A wedding day is obviously more than a date-it’s a whole day of celebration. However, anything to make that day even more memorable will make the anniversary date easy to remember-and both husband and wife will win with that! (Hint: 11/12/13 is a Tuesday-if the day of the week doesn’t matter.)

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Of course, if the marriage date is limited to only a few attendees, any date goes. However, if a date is selected for a memorable reason, it might be interesting to include that information in the program to give the guests a glimpse into a bit more personal side of the couple.

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could also be risky dates to attempt a gathering.

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After you have talked about your plans with your families, create a tentative budget using the budget worksheet in this book. List what you expect to pay for each item. Record price quotes there also. As you fill out this sheet, it becomes a complete financial picture of your expenses. Working carefully with a wedding timetable allows you to get the best values, best dates and best services.

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 12, 2013/Page 6

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 12, 2013/Page 3

Wedding Day Countdown

Wedding Budget Wedding Announcements Save-The-Dates Wedding Invitations & RSVP's Thank-Yous Postage Rings Photographer (Wedding & Engagement) Videographer Rehearsal Dinner Food/Caterer Beverages/Liquor Cake & Cake Topper Bride’s Dress & Veil Bride’s Hair & Make-Up Accessories/Shoes Grooms Tux Flowers Rentals Decorations Transportation Reception Site Fee Church Fees/Officiant Entertainment/Musicians/DJ Attendants Gifts Marriage License

Estimated

Actual

Paid

Due

Twelve to Eighteen Months ❏ Set the date ❏ Determine wedding budget ❏ Select wedding site ❏ Select officiant(s) ❏ Select & reserve a reception site ❏ Choose a caterer ❏ Select ceremony musicians ❏ Select reception entertainment ❏ Choose attendants ❏ Choose ushers and helpers ❏ Select photographer ❏ Select videographer ❏ Choose a wedding consultant Six to Twelve Months ❏ Choose wedding style and color scheme ❏ Decide on the size of the wedding ❏ Determine guest list ❏ Choose a florist ❏ Order your wedding dress ❏ Select & order bridesmaid dresses ❏ Confirm delivery date for dresses

❏ Update your passports, if needed ❏ Plan rehearsal/grooms dinner with fiance & all parent Three to Six Months ❏ Purchase gifts for attendants & fiance ❏ Select men’s formal wear ❏ Choose reception decorations ❏ Reserve rented items ❏ Order invitations & announcements ❏ Select & order the wedding cake ❏ Purchase wedding bands ❏ Select a transportation service ❏ Plan the honeymoon, make reservations ❏ Register with bridal registries ❏ Arrange out-of-town guest accommodations ❏ Buy your trousseau ❏ Have mothers buy dresses ❏ Make wedding day salon

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appointment ❏ Have a complete physical exam One to Three Months ❏ Select wedding reception music ❏ Have final dressing fittings ❏ Address wedding invitations ❏ Mail wedding invitations 4 to 6 weeks, no later than 3 weeks ❏ Get marriage license ❏ Confirm appointments & arrangements ❏ Confirm honeymoon arrangements ❏ Prepare and send newspaper announcement ❏ Make arrangements for parking, traffic Two Weeks ❏ Confirm details with photographer and videographer ❏ Pick up wedding rings (if engraved)

❏ Organize your trousseau and pack ❏ Purchase travelers checks ❏ Plan a seating arrangement for reception One Week ❏ Talk with caterer, give final guest count ❏ Have groom’s formal wear fitting ❏ Have groomsmen try on and pick up their formal wear ❏ Confirm duties and time schedule with attendants and helpers ❏ Firm up any last minute arrangements for music, flowers, cake Your Wedding Day ❏ Bring your wedding guide for important names & phone numbers ❏ Stay calm and enjoy, this is your wedding day!

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Honeymoon Timeline You are nearly done planning your wedding, but wait, haven't you forgotten something? The honeymoon. By setting up everything in advance, you won't find yourself stuck out in the middle of nowhere in the most unromantic spot in the world.

• Set a budget. Figure in different expenses such as plane tickets, meals, car rental, taxes and gifts.

As with planning a wedding, there is a timeline for planning a honeymoon. It generally goes like this:

Four to Six Months in Advance

Six to Eight Months in Advance • Determine the type of honeymoon you would like to have. • Begin investigating possible destinations.

• Find a travel agent who specializes in the type of honeymoon you want to take. • Check out your frequent flyer miles. • Book your tickets. Ask about special honeymoon discounts or packages. Get confirmation numbers. • Reserve your hotel room. Be specific about your requirements, such as a non-smoking room with an ocean view. Ask about any honeymoon specials or discounts. Get a confirmation number.

• Book your car rental, if needed. Once again, get a confirmation number.

• Make sure you have valid passports and the names match those on your tickets.

• Make a list of all confirmation numbers. Take the originals with you and leave the list with a friend or relative.

• Stop newspaper deliveries.

• Make sure all of your credit cards are valid.

• Make arrangements to have your mail held. • Pick up tickets from your travel agent.

• Reconfirm any overseas flights.

• Confirm your reservations with the airline.

• Book any tours, theater tickets or activities that need advance reservations. This especially true during peak travel seasons.

• Buy any reading material for the trip.

• Consider getting travel insurance.

• Confirm all reservations.

• Make copies of your passports, credit cards, insurance, traveler's check numbers and will. Keep one in your luggage and give one to a friend or relative.

• Finish up any needed reservations.

• Make arrangements for the boarding of pets.

• Make sure you have applied for all needed visas.

• Find out what vaccinations and health certificates are needed. Unless you are going to certain third-world countries, you do not need to be vaccinated this far in advance. Your doctor will know when your vaccinations will need to be administered.

One to Two Months in Advance • Buy your luggage and all other travel accessories you will need (camera, film, electrical adaptor).

• Start learning the language if you are going to a non-English speaking country. Three Months in Advance

• Stop at the bank and get currency of

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• Give someone a copy of your itinerary. Be sure to include the phone numbers of where you will be staying. One to Two Weeks in Advance

• Make sure you have enough medication to last you while you are gone. Keep all medication in their original bottles. • Confirm that the house or pet-sitter has keys and knows when to come over. In the case of a pet sitter, make sure they have the vet's phone number.

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• Set out clothing to be packed. Pack your carry-ons. Three Days in Advance

• Make arrangements for transportation to and from the airport. • Check the weather forecasts. • Prepare a list of people to send postcards to. • Get your home ready for departure. Eat or throw out perishable food. Water the plants. Set any timers.

Day of Departure • Confirm domestic flights. • Make sure all luggage is labeled with your names and the phone number of where you will be staying. Do not put your home address on your luggage. • Get to the airport early. • Let the ticket agent know you are on your honeymoon. Sometimes, you may get an upgrade or special V.I.P. treatment. Now there is nothing left to do but sit back, relax and enjoy your honeymoon. Bon voyage!

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The right pair of shoes are the final wedding day accessory. But uncomfortable shoes can be a pain for the bride. Break in shoes by wearing them around the house for several hours each day leading up to the wedding. If they're slippery and you could risk a fall going down the aisle, try placing adhesive strips on the soles of the shoes.