Impressions Bride Magazine 2010

VOLUME 1 / 2010

8

BRIDAL BEAUTY TIPS pg. 12

JEWELRY Big and Bold

pg. 7

TRENDY CAKES Seven Tasty Trends for 2010 pg. 16

GROOM HIM Getting your groom involved without really trying pg. 19

Fit for a Queen HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT DRESS THAT FITS YOU PERFECTLY pg. 4

Contents 4

IMPRESSIONS BRIDE VOLUME 1 / 2010

4

Fit for a Queen

7

Make it Bold!

8

The Suite Life

9

Etiquette Rules!

11

A Touch of Class

12

Eight Beauty Tips

14

Food 4 Thought

16

Trendy Cakes

18

Which to Choose?

19

Groom Him

20

An Elegant Place

22

Wedding Timeline

Fit for a Queen What do you do when you’ve tried on a lot of wedding dresses, but can’t seem to find “The One”? If you’re tall and slim, you could wear just about anything, and look great.

It’s not so easy, though, when you’re a bit shorter, hourglass-shaped, or even pear-shaped.

Not to mention being a plus size, as that too can be a challenge...

12

14

How to find the perfect dress that fits you perfectly.

Wedding jewelry goes big and bold for 2010.

Best Western Suites of Greenville—Where customer care comes first.

The FAQs on proper wedding standards.

awaits you at Greenville’s Brook Valley Country Club.

Follow these tips to look beautiful on your wedding day.

Questions to ask your caterer.

Seven tasty trends for 2010.

Questions to ask when selecting your wedding venue.

Getting your groom involved without really trying.

Rock Springs Center offers couples a special wedding venue.

Your Perfect Planning Checklist

Impressions Bride is published annually

by Impressions Group, LLC. Covers, contents and ads are copyright protected and may not be reproduced without consent of the publisher. Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

Eight Beauty Tips

Food 4 Thought

Follow these tips to look beautiful on your wedding day...

Questions to ask your caterer...

For information or to advertise, contact: Impressions Group, LLC PO Box 2627, Greenville, NC 27836 252-355-8345 • 252-355-4224 fax www.ImpressionsGroupLLC.com www.Impressions-Bride.com © 2010 Impressions Group, LLC

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Fit for a Queen

How to find that perfect dress that fits you perfectly.

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What do you do when you’ve tried on a lot of wedding dresses, but can’t seem to find “The One”? If you’re tall and slim, you could wear just about anything, and look great. It’s not so easy, though, when you’re a bit shorter, hourglass-shaped, or even pear-shaped. Not to mention being a plus size, as that too can be a challenge.

The way to tackle this task is by first establishing the best silhouette for your figure. In this article, I’ll outline the best

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design options for the various figure shapes, with the aim of helping brides who are not a standard size (and, in my opinion, that’s about 90% of us!)

Hourglass shape— the bust and hips are in proportion with a defined waistline.

Typically a girl who is hourglass-shaped is a size 14 or over, with a full bust and shapely hips. Contrary to popular opinion, girls of this shape are very often paranoid of their bust and would love to

reduce its size! Also of concern are the shapely hips. Girls, I have great news for you! The majority of styles look great on hourglass figures, provided you stick to a few basic rules.

DO wear strapless gowns! They look great on shapely girls! You’ll need some extra support in the bust area, but it’s worth the effort. The best look is strapless at the neckline, with an A-line skirt. Also a straight-through gown works best, as

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opposed to a two-piece gown. The twopiece will tend to cut you in half, which can accentuate the hourglass shape.

elaborate corset bodice with an A-line skirt, and it creates the illusion that the figure is in proportion. I know this sounds odd, but it really works!

If you’re not keen on strapless, a V-neckline is extremely flattering on a full bust.

The V-shape should be fairly low (as low as you’re comfortable with), as a higher neckline actually makes the bust appear even bigger. A particularly flattering look is an off-the-shoulder V-neckline.

Also appealing is a scooped, off-theshoulder neckline.

DO wear off-the-shoulder gowns, necklines that are scooped, spaghetti straps, and A-line skirt shapes. The best skirt shape is, in fact, a slight A-line, not too full. If the skirt is very full, you can almost look lost in the dress. The exception to this is the Cinderella gown, which is extremely full and can look very romantic and stunning on some girls.

But this look isn’t for every petite bride.

Being petite does mean you may need some padding in the bodice of the dress, to fill you out a bit. You do have many design options that would suit you, but beware of the ones that don’t work.

The best silhouette for the skirt of the dress is A-line, and it can be quite full.

As for having a train at the back or not, that is a matter of choice.

The current styles with lots of draping or ruching are an excellent choice for an hourglass-shaped bride. Despite what many may think, draping is very good at disguising those not-so-good bits, which we all want to hide.

DON’T head for straight or bias-cut designs! These are strictly for the tall, slim, or generally size 10 and under girls.

The only case where these designs work on an hourglass figure is if the girl is reasonably tall. I recently made a bias-cut cowl neck wedding dress for a size 14 girl, who was about 5 ‘ 11” tall. The style worked well on her. But on the whole, bias cuts are a no-no for shapely girls.

They’re too clingy and only accentuate the parts that most would rather hide.

Also, avoid gathered or pleated skirts, as they add bulk around the hips.

Pear-shaped figure—Similar rules apply as the hourglass shape. The idea here is to balance the top half with the bottom half of the body.

DO wear strapless and A-lines.They are excellent choices for a pear-shaped girl.

Off-the-shoulder scooped or V-necklines are also very good choices, with an A-line skirt, as it helps to balance the figure.

Two-piece gowns are a good choice for this figure shape, as the bust is smaller than the hips. You can have quite an

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with. Most people may think you can look good in just about anything, and you probably could. Your challenge is to choose the design silhouette that will look most flattering, given that you are small-framed.

Taking the time to pick the perfect dress for your body type will help make your grand entrance even more memorable.

As with hourglass figures, pear-shaped girls can certainly wear gowns with draping and ruching, provided it’s with an A-line skirt silhouette. The best draping option and most flattering is diagonal draping. Go for detailing in the bodice, as it will serve as the focus of the dress.

DON’T pick straight or bias-cut designs.

They look awful on pear-shaped girls, no exceptions! Even tall pear-shapes should avoid bias-cuts and straight designs, as they simply cannot hide your hips.

Also, stay away from halter-neck gowns as this design actually gives the appearance of even bigger hips. Steer clear of full gathered or pleated skirts as well, as this look adds bulk to the hips.

The short, petite bride—If you’re shorter than 5’5”, and quite petite as well, you have a different set of challenges to deal

DON’T choose slim, straight gowns as you will disappear in them. If you prefer a straighter look, a good option is the mermaid skirt, which is fitted to the mid-thigh, then flares out.

Bias-cuts may fit OK, but they could have the effect of being too minimal for a wedding dress. One option is to have a full cathedral length veil, which acts as an addition to the dress. This can make you look more like a bride! I find that many girls who are petite and want a slim styled dress don’t want a veil, but once they try one on, they fall in love with the look it creates.

The larger bride, over size 16—Girls who are a size 16 or over will probably struggle to find their perfect gown. To be quite frank, some designers put such girls in the “too hard” basket and avoid making gowns in larger sizes as much as possible.

It is a bit more challenging to find the right style for you, but with the right guidelines, you can truly look fabulous.

DO be realistic about what will work for you, and realize that the size 10 model in the magazine will look good in anything.

So picking out a dress from a magazine — continued on next page

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— continued from previous page

that you love is probably not going to work well for you. The idea is to choose designs that flatter your good points and hide your not-so-good points. Here are some suggestions.

with a slight A-line skirt with or without a train is an excellent choice for a larger girl. Or, a V-neckline and sleeves, if you prefer. A small cap sleeve is a nice look.

Two-piece gowns are often a good choice as well, but beware of the style.

DO look for designs with minimal detail, the less fuss the better. A scooped, offthe-shoulder neckline, fitted to the hips

The best option is a fitted bodice with some detailing, light beading or a light all-over lace, and an A-line skirt. Draped

styles can also look good, provided the drapes are diagonal, not horizontal.

DON’T go for full gathered or pleated skirts as it adds bulk to a larger girl.

Straight styles can look good on a larger girl, provided she is reasonably tall. A short size 18 girl would be best advised to avoid straight styles, though. Also strapless gowns mostly don’t suit large girls as the shoulders are usually sloped. If you have squareish shoulders, you could select a strapless gown. The main consideration with a strapless gown is the support needed, generally meaning it needs to be tight-fitting.

The best advice for larger girls is to pick a fabric you love and go for a simple, uncomplicated design. Choose trims or features to enrich the gown without making it fussy: light beading on neckline and hem; piping trim on neckline; buttons and loops at the back; perhaps a contrasting fabric on the train.

All in all, I believe every bride can and should look her best on her wedding day. Many girls nowadays are having their wedding gowns made, simply because they cannot buy a dress off-the-rack to fit or even suit them. Having a wedding dress made can be a good way to go, especially if you’re not a standard size.

Using these guidelines, you can make the most of your assets, to ensure you look your best on the biggest day of your life, your wedding day.

Article from Pat Giuliano of Pat Giuliano Couture. Giuliano is a designer-couturier who specializes in bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses and evening wear.

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Make it Bold!

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Wedding jewelry goes big and bold for 2010.

Now that 2010 is in full swing, designers everywhere are busy showing off their new collections. The fashion industry is buzzing with each designers’ prediction of what’s going to be “hot” this season.

Wedding trends are no different — this multi-million-dollar-a-year industry is excited about new, trendy fashions. With the recession still holding a lot of people (and wallets) down, accessories are huge.

Traditionally, wedding jewelry was kept simple and feminine to accentuate the bride and her gown. This year however, big, bold jewelry is really taking over the wedding scene. Layers have become hugely popular, and many brides will bring this into their wedding day attire.

Large “bib” necklaces are expected to be a huge hit with brides this year. Vintage designed necklaces embellished with sparkling gemstones and soft, feminine pearls are the perfect statement piece to add to any gown.

If a large statement necklace is a bit too bold for you, there are a lot of other options! You can easily bring layers into your bracelets. Pile on the bangles for an exciting addition to your wedding day.

A great way to achieve a flawless look is to mix and match styles. Instead of just wearing ten strands of white pearls, layer two or three pearl bracelets with a couple of sparkly bangles. For that extra touch of flair, throw in some unexpected pieces like one or two strands of black Tahitian pearls. It will be a standout statement but still feminine and sophisticated.

Big chandelier earrings are also huge this season. There is no reason to leave this trend behind on your wedding day.

Vintage is all the rage this year, so find long, dangling earrings with a vintage twist. Soft metallics like gold or bronze are good choices and white, ivory or rose pearls always scream vintage. When your

hair is in all of its up-do glory, chandelier earrings frame the face perfectly. What’s even better is that it’s likely, the earrings you find to wear on your big day will integrate flawlessly into your every day wardrobe, so splurge a little!

Last but not least, don’t forget your hair accessories. Short veils woven with soft pearls or worn with pill box hats are going to be hot this year. Accessories this season are all about femininity and sophistication.

To spice up your hair, wind a strand of pearls around a bun for a unique touch.

Or, find a beautiful comb or clip made of bronze or copper that is embellished with sparkly gemstones and pearls. No matter what accessories you choose to wear on your big day you are sure to be the star of the show!

Article by Piper Smith, Museum Way Pearls.

Large “bib” necklaces are expected to be a huge hit with brides this year. Vintage designed necklaces embellished with sparkling gemstones and soft, feminine pearls are the perfect statement piece to add to any gown.

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The Suite Life

Best Western Suites of Greenville — Where Customer Care Comes First! freshly baked Otis Spunkmeyer® cookies.

This time provides the perfect setting for relaxing with family members and friends and is BWS' way of thanking its guests for choosing their hotel.

To further ensure that guests continue to be as comfortable as possible, BWS “listens” to guest feedback and uses it to improve offerings. Breakfast and social time are everchanging to meet the needs and desires of guests.

B

Best Western Suites of Greenville (BWS) understands the meaning of hospitality and knows the importance of a wonderful night’s rest. A happy guest will hopefully be a repeat guest and a walking testament to our exceptional hospitality and superior customer service.

Every guest is unique in their needs. This is especially important when it comes to wedding guests. The BWS goal is to cater to guest needs and exceed their expectations. All staff are trained to go the extra mile to ensure that each guest has the opportunity to fully relax during this hectic time. By providing “little extras” that make life more enjoyable, BWS improves guests’ attitudes and increase the enjoyment of their stay.

The “little extras” at BWS begin the moment a guest walks in the door. Their front desk staff is trained to smile, speak cordially and make eye contact with each and every guest. In fact, all the staff undergoes hospitality training to ensure that each guest will receive a pleasant smile and a friendly face attentive to

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their needs throughout their stay on the property.

And, the “little extras” don’t end there.

BWS was the first hotel in Greenville to go 100% smoke free, so wedding guests can rest and breathe easy. Each guest room receives turn-down service, as well as in-room refrigerators, microwaves, tea/coffee makers, iron and ironing board, oversized desk and wireless hispeed internet. The hotel features duvets filled with deluxe down comforters, bedskirts, window treatments (traditional cornices/draperies) and freshly painted walls. BWS also offer guests the option of a pull-out sleep sofa if additional sleeping space is needed.

Beyond the guest room, BWS provides additional “little extras” throughout the property. They feature complimentary “Best Start” Breakfast with traditional continental breakfast offerings plus delicious Belgium Waffles and Seattle’s Best Coffee®. They also features a complimentary Social Time where guests can enjoy beer, snacks and scrumptious

The property also features a beautiful swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a complete business center and a spacious lobby with multiple seating areas and a gas fireplace for meeting or relaxing. For wedding guests in need of garment cleaning, they offer dry cleaning as well as fluff and fold services. The hotel can also pick your guests up at the airport... within 10 minutes of their call!

In addition, BWS strives to make every guest happy. If a guest seems to be having a rough day, hotel staff will bake them cookies. And, if a guest ever needs an issue resolved, BWS makes it a priority to come up with creative solutions to improve the situation. They understand that going the extra mile can vastly improve a guest’s attitude and win their loyalty to the hotel.

All in all, BWS, located in the heart of ever growing Greenville and eastern North Carolina, is the ideal balance of style, comfort and service... perfect for all your wedding guests. For information or to reserve space for your wedding guests, contact general manager Dawn BoydCribari at 252.752.BEST (2378).

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Etiquette Rules!

The numerous rules and standards of wedding etiquette can be worrisome for couples planning nuptials. Here are a few frequently asked etiquette questions.

Who should host the engagement party?

Traditionally, this is hosted by the bride’s parents, but recently this has opened up.

Now, just about any relative on either side can host the party, as well as friends of the bride and groom. Hosts should be thanked with a small gift, flowers or perhaps a dinner invitation.

What are appropriate attendant gifts?

Options would include: pearl earrings,

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The FAQs on Proper Wedding Standards.

a jewelry box, crystal vase, small silver clock or a nice pen and pencil set.

What are typical bridesmaids expenses?

Bridesmaids are responsible for purchase of their dress, shoes and all accessories.

They should pay for all transportation to and from the wedding. Etiquette also says they should purchase an individual gift for the couple and share the cost of a luncheon, shower or co-ed party.

My father passed away last year. How can I still include him in the ceremony?

A single rose at the altar and explanation in the program would be fitting. Also,

you might include a meaningful verse or quotation or a personal note. You can also dedicate a special song to him.

I’m having trouble narrowing down my attendants. How many is too many?

Select your top four and ask them first.

If one or more are unable to fill the role, then go down your list.

Q: Is it proper to send invitations to the caterers, photographers, disc jockeys etc.?

No, it's generally not necessary and isn't expected.

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— continued from previous page

In our wedding invitation, should we mention where we are registered?

Any mention of registries, gifts, etc., is considered improper within a wedding invitation.

My co-workers are throwing a shower for me. Am I obligated to invite them all to the wedding and reception?

No, you need not. If it’s a “work” shower, thrown with co-workers only, and not your main shower, you do not need to invite everyone.

How long does the bride have to send thank-you notes?

In times past three to four months was acceptable, but in our hurry-up society four to six weeks is more appropriate.

Etiquette dictates that all thank-you’s should be handwritten on nice paper.

Our pastor has no fee, but said we could

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make a donation toward the custodial services. How much should we donate?

Tipping the officiant is traditional and in good taste. The amount varies throughout the world. As a general figure, I’d suggest $100-$200. Have the best man give the money to the officiant and explaining that some is custodial and some is for his/her kindness.

I have both a father and step-father. How do I handle the father/daughter dance?

They could each get a full dance with you. If you select this option, dance with man you feel closest to first. If there’s any family friction (or this will cause friction) omit this dance from the event.

Should the meal choices be listed on response cards or should we just select one meal for everyone?

Both ways are completely acceptable.

As a side note, chicken is traditionally the most popular entree selection.

Article by Kathryn Lemmon. Ms. Lemmon is a staff writer from weddingzone.net.

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ATouch of Class

I

awaits you at Greenville’s Brook Valley Country Club.

If you are looking for a special setting to exchange your vows and celebrate the first day of forever, then a Brook Valley Country Club wedding and reception may be just what you are searching for.

hills not commonly found in eastern North Carolina. The clubhouse features Georgian columns, a marbled foyer and spacious rooms with expansive views of the course.

Every occasion shines at Greenville, North Carolina’s Brook Valley Country Club. The club offers an exceptional venue, with breathtaking scenery, ceremony and reception sites all on the same property, the benefit of an experienced culinary and events team and wedding packages priced more affordably than you would imagine. The club’s beautiful décor, fine cuisine, and unparalleled service ensure a delightful experience for every guest of your list.

Brook Valley features an Ellis Maple designed championship 18-hole golf course, an Olympic-size swimming pool with a baby pool, two year-round tennis courts, a first-rate fitness center, and a beautiful, fully staffed clubhouse that is perfect for engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions, socials, bridal luncheons and a host of other special occasions.

Conveniently located, this impressive club has the look and feel of a distinguished estate. The land on which Brook Valley sits weaves in and out of towering pines, mature hardwoods, and rolling

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The club’s picturesque Lakeview Room has the most exquisite view overlooking Taylor’s Lake and the fairways beyond and provides an impressive place for guests to enjoy special events. The club is open to members, as well as to the public for dining, parties, and banquet

events in the Greenville area.

The club caters to outside events with the same attention to detail and comfort that members enjoy, making this an ideal spot for the wedding of your dreams. Our experienced staff is totally dedicated to providing personalized service focused on your every need.

Culinary expertise and a reputation for excellence are provided by the club’s gourmet chefs. The staff keep a smile on their faces and look forward to making your event go smoothly and elegantly.

You and your guests will be treated to gracious service in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Let the staff at Brook Valley Country Club give your special occasion that touch of class that will truly make it shine. Call 252-756-4400 for additional information or visit their website at www.brookvalleycountryclub.com.

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Eight BeautyTips A

Follow these tips to look beautiful on your wedding day. point of a wedding is to celebrate. The bride must forget the negatives for the day and celebrate. What’s happening inside eventually manifests itself, so a wise bride will only allow herself to think about good things on her wedding day.

Yes, that’s a lot of water, but our bodies need that water to: 1. Give skin that soft, healthy glow, and 2. Flush excess salt and impurities. This ensures that the water composing our body is fresh, and it enables the body to work efficiently.

Every bride dreams of being gorgeous on her wedding day. She wants that healthy glow that comes as much from the beauty of her body as it does from her thrill over the big gala of her wedding day. More, she wants those long lean lines that will allow her to look back at her wedding pictures with true pride.

Food Choices — What we put into our bodies has a direct impact on how our body looks on our wedding day. During the final weeks prior to the wedding, if we concentrate on eating lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables as the bulk of our diet and cut out all the junk, we give our bodies the chance to tone up as much as time permits.

Be positive — A positive, upbeat person is always a more attractive person. So if one wants to be a beautiful bride, they must flush all negative thoughts down the drain. So what if every last detail is not exactly how they envisioned, the

Hydrate — Do this all the time anyway!

Since more than half of the human body’s composition is water, during the last week before the wedding be sure to drink a 64 ounces of water per day. That is just over three 20 ounce water bottles.

Salt — Salt is essential for the survival of the human body. But too much of a good thing is not a good thing, and most of us get too much. More to the point, as we approach our wedding day and want to look as slender and healthy as possible, we are well advised to avoid salty food entirely and only using the salt sparingly.

The more salt in our system, the more we retain water instead of allowing the water to flush our system of impurities as it is designed to do.

As a young girl, like every other future bride, I dreamed about my wedding. In my head I was a beautiful bride. I was stylish, stunning, smart, and slim.

Everything was just so. The luster of my skin served to help radiate my joy and revel in the elegance of the moment.

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Makeup — Makeup is possibly a bride’s greatest ally on her wedding day. It helps her look fresh, and it can also help to give

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her the appearance of having lost weight in time for her wedding regardless of whether she did or not. How? By the use of highlighting techniques in the area of the cheekbone. In the most basic terms, this bridal beauty tip involves using a lighter shade on the top of the cheekbones and a darker shade underneath to create the illusion of sunken cheeks. To pull this off a bride should: 1. Play with it in advance, 2. Stop by a cosmetics counter for a little free advice on pulling it off, or 3. Hire a specialist to do their makeup on the day of their wedding.

This is one reason so many brides choose to wear their hair up on their wedding day. Hair worn down can look nice, too, but it tends to create the illusion that the bride has little or no neck, though anyone who thinks about it can see otherwise!

Earrings — It may surprise some to hear that their choice of earrings can impact how thin they look. It’s really common sense, but it’s not something we tend to ponder. A bride trying to appear thinner on her wedding day should avoid dangly earrings. Visually they fill in the space around the neck making the individual appear fuller in the face! Choose earrings that stay on the lobe to draw attention to the difference distinction between the head and the neck. This is easily accomplished with larger, bolder earrings.

Good choices are their own reward.

Luckily, even last minute good choices reap some rewards. It only takes a couple of days to drink enough water to hydrate a bride’s skin and flush excess salt from a body to prevent excess water retention, thereby creating a bride that’s slimmer and healthier looking than she otherwise would be. Likewise, understanding how choices we make in styles and accessories impact our overall look is a simple and cost effective way to creating a slimmer looking, more beautiful bride — all by following these beauty tips.

Hairstyle — Just like earrings, hairstyles can accentuate the distinction between a bride’s head and neck or obliterate it.

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Shoes — We’ve heard the joke about not being over weight... just being too short!

Whether this problem is relevant in the case of any particular bride or not, it’s true that by choosing to wear high heeled wedding shoes a bride will end up creating a longer, leaner look.

Article by Jeanette Shinn, bridal professional.

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Food 4Thought

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Questions to ask your caterer.

Food plays an major role in the wedding festivities, so you’ll want to take plenty of time and care when choosing a caterer.

Here are some great questions to ask to ensure that you have a great “wedding feast” without any surprises!

Menu Options and Reception Styles — There’s so much variety and choice when it comes to menu selection. It’s no longer chicken or beef. You can have traditional sit down dinners, buffets, food stations or cocktail receptions. It all depends on your personal preference and budget.

Budget — Let your caterer know your budget up front. Don’t assume that a buffet or food stations is less expensive than a sit down dinner. What type of

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food you serve that determines the price.

Food Preparation — Does the caterer use all fresh food and produce? Will any of the food for the reception be previously frozen? Most of the “top notch” caterers do not use any frozen foods or anything that comes from a can!

Taste Testing — Ask if your caterer will do a “tasting”, so the bride and groom can sample some of the caterer’s dishes.

Many couples don’t get a chance to eat much or really enjoy the food during the reception because they're so busy with their guests. So, ask your caterer to prepare a “leftover basket” with a sampling of all the hors d’oeuvres, main dishes and

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dessert. That night, the bride and the groom can enjoy a delightful, romantic picnic for two!

Family Recipes — Ask if dishes can be prepared that are not included on the regular menu. Some brides have a special family dish they’d like or a particular type of ethnic food prepared. This is a wonderful way to personalize your event.

Menu Board — A recent trend is to have a menu board at the reception, where the names of the menu items to be served are scrolled elegantly onto an elegant piece of paper that is displayed on a board or perhaps in a frame. Guests tend to love knowing the names of those delicious dishes they will be eating shortly.

Licenses — Caterers should be licensed by the state where the reception will be held.

If you’re not sure whether your caterer is licensed— Be sure to ask!

Article from www.usabride.com.

Guaranteed Numbers — Caterers often quote prices based upon a certain number or a minimum number of guests. Many caterers base their figures on a minimum.

If you’re final guest count is less, there may be an additional fee. It always pays to ask in advance!

Wedding Cake — Does the caterer offer cakes? If so, is a cake included in the catering price? Is there an additional cake cutting fee?

Tax and Gratuities — Are they included in the price? Are there additional fees? Ratio of Servers to Guests — This number can vary depending on the type of reception you have. One good rule of thumb is to have one server for every eight to ten guests.

Dress Code for Wait Staff — Will the wait staff be dressed formally in black and white ?

Decorations — Ask to see photos of their table displays. Some caterers will include floral arrangements and decorations. As your plans progress, talk to your caterer about your colors so that decorations and floral arrangements will coordinate.

Tableware and Linens — Does the price include linens, napkins, dishes and glassware? Ask to see samples.

If you don’t like what they offer, most everything can be rented, but usually at an additional price!

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and costs less than fondant. Now you can literally have your stylishly sleek cake — and eat it too.

Chocolate Face Brides have bucked the traditional white wedding cake for the last few years, but today’s brides are no longer hiding the decadent chocolate behind a shield of white frosting for appearances sake.

Dark chocolate is now front and center on the face of the cake, as chocolate or mocha cakes are appropriately decked in chocolate mousse or whipped chocolate frosting. The result is a chocolate dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Blue Rules Shades of blue dominate the wedding décor palette. Your wedding cake is a perfect canvas to incorporate this hot shade. Consider a cake that’s saturated in turquoise, periwinkle, or even navy, and embellish it with complimenting colors like silver, white, grey, or lavender.

Trendy Cakes M

Seven tasty trends for 2010

Much more than a sweet finale to the reception meal, wedding cakes are a major style statement. And trends in wedding cakes, like all wedding details, evolve with the times. The wedding cake presents a perfect opportunity for the creative bride to play with shape, color and embellishments. For those of you who need a inspiration, take a look at this list of top trends for wedding cakes in 2010.

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Back to Buttercream Buttercream was once the traditional frosting for wedding cakes, but sleek cakes came into favor, and rolled fondant became the frosting of choice. Not any more — thanks to advanced tools and techniques that allow buttercream to look as smooth as fondant, cakes iced in buttercream are again the norm. We love this trend, since buttercream frosting tastes better, has natural ingredients,

Square Mini Cakes Cupcake towers in lieu of wedding cakes have been around for awhile, but brides are making cupcakes interesting again by playing with shape and size. Brides are stacking square shaped mini-cakes (slightly larger than cupcakes) adorned with flowers or dressed as presents for a different take on the cupcake frenzy.

Think Pink Pink — a hot color for weddings — had begun to fall out of favor as many brides experimented with non-traditional hues like browns, grays, orange, and even black. But pink is back in a big way, and brides are incorporating the hue into their wedding cakes. Pink instantly freshens-up classic white: Tone down an all pink cake with white floral or lace details, or dress up a white cake with pink embellishments.

Scripted Text Wedding cakes adorned with calligraphy-style motifs and writing is one of the year´s hottest trends. Create an antiqued look with black writing on a

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white or ivory cake, and get creative with the text. Some options? Write a favorite poem or verse, your vows, or words to represent your wedding theme — such as names of flowers for a garden wedding or types of shells at a beach wedding.

Groom’s Cakes The Southern tradition of the groom’s cake is shedding its regional trappings and growing in popularity nationwide.

No, it doesn’t have to be that red velvet armadillo seen in “Steel Magnolias.”

Today’s grooms cakes, just as elaborate as the wedding cake itself, often reflect the groom’s interest—dramatic or whimsical expression— a deer groom’s cake for the hunter, a race car for an Nascar fan, or decked with his favorite sports logo.

Dark chocolate is now front and center on the face of the cake... for a dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Article by Cori Russell. Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine.

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IMPRESSIONS BRIDE 17

Which to Choose?

E Questions to ask when selecting your wedding venue.

Every bride, at some point in their quest to find the perfect wedding venue, is faced with the question, “Which to choose?” Every venue is different and, each offers features that make it unique.

accommodations for groups or for individuals. Wedding and social events may be an afterthought of a hotel owner is trying to maximize their space and increase their revenues.

Indoor vs Outdoor?

Outdoor weddings are truly beautiful and certainly unique. The obvious draw back to outdoor wedding is the weather.

Does the venue have “back up space” in case of inclimate weather? How far is the kitchen from the serving area? Will hot food stay hot and cold food stay cold? “Road noise” can be yet another consideration—Is the venue close to a highway, airport or industrial area?

Parking, too, is consideration—Do your guests have to pay to park? Is the venue’s parking convenient to the venue itself?

Is the parking paved or otherwise?

Truth is, hotels may be the best suited of all venues for several reasons. Hotels have an on-site kitchen and permanent staff—both culinary and wait. Typically hotel pricing includes all that you will need to make “your special day” its most memorable and its easiest. There are no hidden charges for tables, chairs, silverware, linens, centerpieces, etc. Also, hotels offer rooms for wedding parties, usually at a discounted rate, making it even easier on out-of-town guests. Plus, you can usually strike a better financial deal if you hold your wedding and rehearsal functions at a hotel plus they provide sleeping rooms; the proverbial “one stop shop”!

Hotel vs Banquet Hall?

There is always the stigma of hosting a wedding inside a hotel. The primary function of a hotel is to offer sleeping

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After all, it’s their business. These can range from rustic to modern; from wide open spaces to more traditional settings.

They may be more photo appropriate— with gazebos, grand staircases, and of course “mother nature” as the backdrop.

When choosing one of these wedding venues, make sure the price you receive is all-inclusive; make sure you have the option to bring in your own items, such as wedding cakes, centerpieces, etc., with no additional charges. Also, verify the time which you have reserved for your event space—You don’t want to be rushed out during “your special day” so that another party can come in.

At the end of the day, the main question will always be, “Which wedding venue will provide me the lasting memories of my special day at a price that I can afford and where we will all have a great time?”

Good luck and happy hunting!

There are many unique wedding venues that do a wonderful job with weddings.

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I

Groom Him

Getting your groom involved without really trying.

It probably won’t come as much of a surprise to you that your fiancé, the prospective groom, has decidedly not been dreaming of a perfect wedding since he was a toddler. The good news is that your fiancé has been dreaming of a perfect match, and by virtue of his marriage proposal to you, he has signaled that you’re “the One.” However, to bridge the divide between a perfect match and a perfect wedding, your fiancé may need to be coached. To use a sports metaphor, you’re the coach, and your fiancé is a player on the team— the most important, underrated player.

What follows will help you to coach your groom-to-be. It was written by me, Michael Arnot—a married guy, a former groom and founder of Groom Groove, a wedding and engagement web site for men.

Define His Duties To get your groom involved in wedding planning without even really trying, the first thing you should do is define the tasks you'd like your fiancé to tackle and make your expectations clear. Believe it or not, if your fiancé has a number of defined tasks, he’ll make sure to get them done right, if for no other reason than to impress you (and your mother). Think of it as a grocery list.

Let Him Execute Once you’ve outlined potential tasks for your fiancé to tackle, give him free rein to execute and plan. Perhaps he could consider the wedding transportation options. Your trusty fiancé will figure out what transportation is needed and when, as well as options for your wedding.

Trust him to get it right and fulfill the

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requirements the vendor needs.

One task that brides often want a say in is getting the best man and groomsmen organized for wedding day. Whether it’s because you’re worried the guys won’t deliver or because you’ve got your own ideas about their ties and cummerbunds, but the task of organizing groomsmen is perfect for delegating to your fiancé.

There is more to do than just getting the groomsmen fitted for their tuxedos. The

best man and groomsmen need to know where to be, when to be and whether or not they're required to make a toast, etc.

Put your fiancé in charge of organizing the guys. You’ll still have your say in how they’re dressed. Follow this advice and you’ll be on your way to getting your groom involved in your wedding planning—without even really trying.

Article by Michael Arnot, the founder of GroomGroove.com.

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IMPRESSIONS BRIDE 19

An Elegant Place

Rock Springs Center offers couples a special wedding venue. brides and grooms with every step of the wedding planning process, their dedicated catering and events team make your day flow smoothly and your wedding unforgettable—from your custom designed menu to your elegant and unique decorating options.

The Center offers exquisite buffets, fine dining table service or selections of delicious hors d’oeuvres for your consideration. Off-site catering at your location is also offered, if you prefer.

E

Every wedding should be a special and unique celebration. So, why not choose a special, elegant and versatile venue?

Rock Springs Center, located in a lovely 500-acre estate community near Greenville, is a superb facility with expansive traditional design to provide a truly elegant setting for your special wedding.

To ensure your wedding celebration menu pleases even the most discerning of palettes, Rock Springs Center’s chef and kitchen staff use only the finest and freshest ingredients available. From the first savory bite to the last slice of wedding cake, your wedding celebration will be deliciously effortless.

The Center has the ability to host 10 to 1000 guests at a variety of events. Known

for its beautiful weddings and elegant black tie affairs, Rock Springs Center also hosts bridal parties and luncheons, rehearsal dinners, socials and more.

Rock Springs Center also offers brides and grooms a variety of options to help create the magical wedding event of your dreams. These special options include: audio/visual equipment, stages, parking attendants, bartenders, chefattended food stations, valet service and coat checks.

Dressing rooms for both the bride and groom are also available on-site for your added convenience. And, the Center’s landscaping provides numerous locations for your wedding photographer and videographer to capture memories of your special day.

With its lovely manicured grounds and

Personalized service is the specialty at Rock Springs Center. Their trained event coordinators will work closely with you to ensure that every event detail is addressed to your complete satisfaction.

Their goal is to exceed expectations, and their expert staff is known for providing personalized customer service. Helping

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Wimpies Steam Bar & Grill stylishly appointed interior; Rock Springs Center is an exceptional choice for elegant weddings, receptions and more. As your guests enter the grounds via the cedar-lined drive, they will be greeted by colorful blooms and a lush green lawn.

Let Rock Springs Center make your wedding day one that you will cherish.

The Center’s expert staff will help you to choose just the right touches to create a unique wedding experience you’ll never forget. For information, call 252830-8900 or visit rockspringscenter.com or email event@rockspringscenter.com.

For Tasty Event Catering...

Your Site or Ours.

Oysters, Shrimp, Clams, Crab Legs, Seafood Entrees, Steaks, Chicken, & much more!

206 Main St. Winterville

252.355.4220

The Center will proudly present the 14th Annual Carolina Bridal Show on Sunday, October 3, 2010, from 1 pm to 5 pm. It will feature over 70 vendors to help brides plan their wedding. A live fashion show will be presented and door prizes will be provided. For details, call 252-830-8900 or email event@rockspringscenter.com.

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P

WeddingTimeline

Your Perfect Planning Checklist

Planning a wedding can be very stressful with tons of details to take care of. The most important thing is stay organized. Checklists help you understand what you need to do and when. Follow this timeline to help you track what’s done and what’s left to do.

10-12 Months Before The Big Day K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Introduce the families; officially announce the engagement.

Find out who pays for what and start a budget.

Create a guest list and manage it with our easy-to-use tool.

Compare calendars and select a tentative date.

Choose your wedding party.

Create a wedding website to share your engagement.

Consider whitening your teeth for parties and photographs.

Interviews and hire a wedding coordinator, if needed.

Decide if you want premarital counseling.

Start looking photos of wedding dresses for inspiration.

Send your engagement photo to the local paper.

Begin thinking about where you want to honeymoon.

Visit and book your reception site, and arrange for parking.

Visit and book your ceremony location and rehearsal time.

Create a save-the-date guest list.

6 -9 Months Before K Alert out-of-town guests of wedding date and/or send a FREE save-the-date email.

K Find a bridal salon and begin trying on dresses and veils.

Bring stockings, heels, strapless bra, and hair clip with you.

K Get in shape for your gown by starting an exercise routine.

K Get ideas for honeymoon locations and research pricing.

K Start looking at floral designs and interview florists.

K Search for menu ideas and start meeting with caterers.

K Research and interview photographers/videographers.

K Get ideas for music and interview bands/DJs. K Finalize flower and décor ideas, and select a florist.

K Sign a caterer.

K Order your gown and wedding veil.

K Shop for and select the perfect bridesmaid dress.

K Book your honeymoon!

K Find out if your ceremony location requires insurance.

K Finalize photographer and videographer contracts.

K Book your DJ/band.

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K K K K

Purchase dress accessories: shoes, lingerie, purse, and gloves.

Choose your officiant and discuss ceremony ideas.

Start thinking about all of your gift registry options.

Select hotels (varying price ranges); reserve guest rooms.

4 - 5 Months Before K Start thinking about cultural traditions for your wedding.

K View wedding invitation styles; research proper wording.

K Look at photos to get ideas for wedding cake designs, and meet with bakers to taste samples.

K Discuss menu ideas with your catering manager.

K Shop for wedding rings.

K Look for the groom’s and groomsmen’s tux or other wear.

K Confirm bridesmaids ordered gowns; decide on accessories.

K Have your mother and future mother-in-law coordinate and select their dresses.

K Compare pricing, place your wedding invitation order, and book your calligrapher, if needed.

K Purchase your rings and send for engraving, if applicable.

K Get ideas for wedding favors.

K Confirm dates for bridal showers and bachelorette parties.

K Start registries before bridal shower invitations are sent.

K Choose your baker and finalize your wedding cake.

K Reserve rental equipment: chairs, tables, linens, tents, etc.

K Research and book your rehearsal dinner location.

K Get ideas for wedding hair and makeup.

K Notify family or friends whom you’d like to give readings, sing solos, serve as guest book attendant, etc.

K Interview; hire additional staff and babysitters, if needed.

K Give your guest list to shower hostesses and check that your registry has enough items. Update wedding website.

K Consider getting wedding insurance.

2 - 3 Months Before K Finalize guest list and submit invitations to calligrapher.

K Book makeup artist and hairstylist.

K Order your wedding favors… Buy wedding accessories!

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K K K K K K K K K K

Consider signing up for dance classes.

Schedule your last tasting and finalize menu.

Find bride/groom gifts, attendants, hostesses, and parents.

Confirm tuxes have been ordered for groom/groomsmen.

Prep for honeymoon – do you have everything you need?

Choose your getaway! Finalize wedding transportation.

Look into bank accounts, insurance, and merging money.

Select all music and review with musicians, singers.

Check the options on registry, and update wedding website.

Finalize rehearsal dinner plans; order rehearsal invitations, menus, table numbers, escort cards, and other stationery.

K Mail invitations eight weeks before your wedding day.

1 - 2 Months Before K Have first bridal gown fitting. Bring stockings, shoes, bra, hair accessories, jewelry, camera, and mom or best friend.

K Finalize readings and songs; review with performers.

K Order liquor/beverages not handled by caterer.

K Meet with officiant; finalize ceremony and formations.

K Begin writing your vows if applicable.

K Begin writing thank-you notes for bridal showers and early wedding gifts, and update your registry at the same time.

K Research where to get your marriage license.

K Prepare a photo/video shot list, naming family and guests.

K Schedule bridesmaids’ luncheon and buy attendant gifts.

K Begin whitening your teeth for your wedding day.

K Consider liability insurance for your reception location.

3 - 4 Weeks Before K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Finalize jewelry, ... old, new, borrowed and blue.

Prepare must-have shot list for photographer/videographer.

Finalize your music lists and review with musicians.

Practice your first dance wearing your bridal shoes.

Design and order your wedding program.

Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements.

Call guests who haven’t RSVPed. Pick up your wedding rings.

Get marriage license, no more than 30 days before wedding.

Research how to change your name.

Mail your rehearsal-dinner invitations.

Purchase candles, candies, and mints for guest bathroom.

Meet with stylist to discuss and test the makeup and hair.

1 - 2 Weeks Before K Have your final wedding gown fitting.

K Finalize wedding-day schedule (receiving-line order) and share with attendants, parents, and all vendors.

K Confirm all of your beauty appointments.

K Confirm pick-up times, schedules, and addresses with your

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K K K K K K K K

K K K K K K

wedding-day transportation.

Pick up your wedding dress and accessories.

Pick up the groom’s outfit, make sure it fits, and accessories.

Finalize your vows for the ceremony.

Get hair colored and trimmed (don’t wait until it’s too late).

Confirm final head count.

Give final attendance numbers to vendors and confirm final date/time for deliverables and pick-ups after wedding.

Pack for your wedding night and honeymoon.

Create a “wedding box” to gather ceremony accessories (marriage license, candles, ring pillow, basket, guest book) and assign someone to transport.

Prepare a “reception box” for accessories: guest books, cake topper, cameras, goblets, etc.,; assign someone to transport.

Prepare wedding favors for transportation to reception venue and assign someone to move them.

Finalize your seating arrangements (making sure you involve both sets of parents) and submit to your caterer.

Prepare place cards.

Confirm dates/times/locations for photo/video sessions.

Confirm dates/times/locations with all vendors.

The Day Before K Prepare payment envelopes/tips; indicate distributor.

K Hand out assignment lists and checklists to all parties.

K Give ceremony box, reception box and favor box to the appropriate parties for transportation.

K Assign someone to mail your announcement cards.

K Gather your dress, accessories, and bridal emergency kit.

K Get a manicure, pedicure, and massage.

K Rehearse ceremony with officiant and wedding party.

K Try to relax and get a good night’s sleep.

The Wedding Day K Your big day is finally here! You may be nervous, but try to eat breakfast and lunch, if applicable; drink plenty of fluids.

K Take a lavender bath – it’s very relaxing.

K Wear a button-down shirt for hair/ makeup appointments.

After the Wedding K K K K K K

Get your wedding dress cleaned and preserved.

Preserve your bouquet.

Write and mail your thank-you notes.

Complete your name-change kit.

Check into your store’s bridal registry completion program.

Meet with photographer and videographer to finalize albums/video.

K Begin your new life as a married couple ... Good Luck and Best Wishes for a Long and Happy Marriage.

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Bridal Directory

A Proper Setting

Hilton of Greenville

Arlington Village, Greenville, NC 252-756-3363 / 800-633-1943 www.apropersetting.com

207 SW Greenville Boulevard, Greenville, NC 252-355-5800

Best Western Suites of Greenville 2310 NE Greenville Boulevard, Greenville, NC 252-752-2378 / 800-723-0344 (reservations) www.brookvalleycountryclub.com

Brook Valley Country Club 311 Oxford Road, Greenville, NC 252-756-4400 www.brookvalleycountryclub.com

200 Golf Club Wynd, Greenville, NC 252-752-4653 www.ironwoodgolf.com

Lautares Jewelers 640 Arlington Boulevard, Greenville, NC 252-756-0083 www.lautares.com

Maleku Jewelry

Chefs 505 505 Red Banks Road, Greenville, NC 252-355-7505

City Hotel & Bistro 203 West Greenville Boulevard, Greenville, NC 252-355-8300 www.cityhotelandbistro.com

252-717-5418 www.malekujewelry.com

Robinson Jewelers 633 Red Banks Road, Greenville, NC 252-321-7000 www.robinsonjewelers.com

Rock Springs Center

Finelli’s Cafe 511-G Red Banks Road, Greenville, NC 252-341-1484 www.finelliscafe.com

Grand Rental Station 6195 Highway 264 West, Washington, NC 252-974-1030 www.grandrental.com/enc

Gregg Ward Photography 118 N Market Street, Washington, NC 252-974-1226 www.greggward.com

Greenville Country Club 216 Country Club Drive, Greenville, NC 252-756-1237 www.greenvillecountryclub.com

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Highway 43 North, Greenville, NC 252-830-8900 www.rockspringscenter.com

St. Timothy’s Chapel Corner of 14th Street and Firetower Road, Greenville, NC 252-355-2125 www.st-tim.org/chapel

Wimpie’s Steam Bar & Grill 206 Main Street, Winterville, NC 252-355-4220 www.wimpiescajun.com To advertise your business, contact: Impressions Group, LLC PO Box 2627, Greenville, NC 252-355-8345 www.ImpressionsGroupLLC.com www.Impressions-Bride.com

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you and your guests

deserve something suiter!

For a memorable stay with the personal touch, reserve your suites at the Best Western Suites of Greenville.

Our award-winning hotel offers much more than traditional hotels. We’re all-suites, all interior rooms and all non-smoking. Located less than 10 minutes from Yankee Hall, our hotel features fine amenities, including: complimentary breakfast with Belgium waffles and Seattle’s Best® coffee, whirlpool suites, wi-fi, valet laundry, fitness center and banquet facilites, plus in-room refrigerators, microwaves, hair dryers, coffee makers and more.

Call Dawn Boyd-Cribari, our general manager, to book your wedding stay today!

Best Western Suites of Greenville 2310 NE Greenville Blvd., Greenville, NC www.bestwesternsuitesgreenville.com 252.752.2378 (BEST) • 800.723.0344 (Reservations)