Forever Bridal 5

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B r i d e ’ s

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12 FUN CATERING ALTERNATIVES

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WEDDING

GUESTBOOK ALTERNATIVES

32 HAVE YOUR GROOM'S CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO

e l b a r o m e M g n i d d e W

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contents 22 W EDDING GUESTBOOK ALTERNATIVES 24 F LOWERS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS 26 W EDDING INVITATIONS: CHOOSING THE PRINTING STYLE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

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WHAT 'S HOT WHAT 'S NOT

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TABLESCAPES

GREAT PHOTO IDEAS FOR A MEMORABLE WEDDING

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FUN CATERING ALTERNATIVES

DEADLINES & DETAILS

30 HOTTEST ACCESSORIES 32 H AVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO: CHOOSING THE PERFECT GROOM’S CAKE 34 THE WEDDING BUDGET

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T h e

B r i d e ’ s

Executive Publishers GREG AND SUZANNE FOX Managing Editor SUZANNE FOX Editor LIZ MCGEHEE Creative Director DIANNE WALLER Art Director JENNIFER CABALLERO

R e s o u r c e

Design TRA PHAM Web/Digital NEAL BOYD Writers SARIKA MIRCHANDANI LAURA FURR MERICAS MICHELE ROBERT POCHE PATRICIA DANFLOUS

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©2017 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC. • PO Box 8, Mandeville, LA 70470 All rights reserved. • info@foxprintservices.com

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This is the perfect time of year to experiment with color. Combine blushcolored roses, deep red viburnum, dusty green ferns, pomegranates, multicolored dahlias, succulents and eucalyptus garland for a truly striking centerpiece. Deep purples and reds look amazing with faded green and white.

Tablescapes

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THANKS TO THE AMAZING WEATHER IN EARLY FALL, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER ARE TWO OF THE MOST POPULAR MONTHS TO GET MARRIED. WHILE FALL CAN OFTEN CONJURE IMAGES OF RED LEAVES, ORANGE PUMPKINS AND BROWN TURKEYS REMINISCENT OF AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S CLASSROOM WALLS, THIS SEASON ACTUALLY OFFERS THE MOST VERSATILE COLOR PALLETS AND CENTERPIECE OPTIONS AROUND.

By Liz McGehee

IF YOU’RE HAVING A COUNTRY WEDDING THIS SEASON OR PLAN TO HAVE THE RECEPTION IN A BREATHTAKING BARN, IT’S EASY TO GO RUSTIC.

Try wood elements and natural autumn flora like twigs, apples, vines, burnt orange flowers or leaves, tree stumps, tiny squash painted over in gold pears and wheat. If you’re feeling bold, use faux fur as table runners. Faux antlers also add a rugged touch.

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ANOTHER LOOK WE LOVE THIS FALL IS SIMPLE WHITE LINEN PAIRED WITH

TRANSLUCENT BLUE ACCESSORIES.

Transparent blue mason jars, vases and glassware are the way to go.

These colors really brighten up a room, and they’re easy to pair with nearly any fall centerpiece. You can keep it simple with a few vases here and there or go big with a showstealing centerpiece.

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FUN CATERING Alternatives

Today, ice cream bars, candy bars, sushi bars, charcuterie bars, popcorn bars and everything else in between, have set the bar even higher!

By Laura Fur Mericas

Whether or not you are traditional, your wedding food should reflect something special about you and your new spouse on the big day. So don’t be afraid to throw out the rule book, and show them what you’re really made of. Maybe you went to a baseball game on your first date or walked along the beach. Place cards at a food truck or hot dog stand that explain the significance of the meal.

Let your food tell the story of you.

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MOBILE MUNCHIES The best thing about you and your beau’s favorite food truck is that ... it’s a truck! It can go just about anywhere, including your wedding reception. The trend has taken off quickly in recent years, so be sure to start coordinating as soon as you get the green light on your wedding date. And if your date or venue can’t accommodate, you can always consider using the truck for your day-after get together!

BRUNCH — Equally delicious and cost effective is the revamped trend of daytime or Sunday weddings. And nothing says Sunday Funday quite like waffles, pancakes, coffee and mimosas. So, if you’re an early riser, or a firm believer that the first meal of the day is the most important, a brunch bash could be the perfect plan for you.

AD FRESH OFF THE GRILL Foodies will fall in love with immersive food stations. Whether it’s a pig roast, pizza tossing, barbecue grilling or fondue dipping, couples and guests who want to do more than dance the night away can enjoy these new, interactive options.

SETTING THE BAR A bar is where many couples can get their creative juices flowing. Usually the personalized take on the bar includes custom “his” and “hers” cocktails that play off the newlyweds’ drinks of choice. But today, ice cream bars, candy bars, sushi bars, charcuterie bars, popcorn bars and everything else in between, have set the bar even higher!

A grand exit. For day weddings, give your guests something colorful to throw as you leave the reception. For night, providing them with something illuminated, such as sparklers, lights the way beautifully in photographs.

A “thank you” picture. Before you take off your elegant wedding duds, take one minute to pose for a picture together holding a thank you sign (prepared in advance) so you can include the photo with your thank you notes.

An aerial view.

Of the ceremony, the first dance or the cutting of the cake. It’s all about the dress really. You definitely want to catch it in all its glory from this impressive angle.

A “first look” shot. The look on anyone’s face when the fully-bedecked bride is first presented is always priceless. Be sure to capture the expressions of the bridesmaids, the groom and especially the father of the bride.

A generational moment. Capture three (or more) generations on the bride or groom’s side. The women could opt for something different and include simply their hands and wedding rings. Or the couple could pose together each holding a wedding photo of his or her parents.

t a e r G PHOTO IDEAS FOR A MEMORABLE WEDDING ALBUM

DON’T BE ONE OF THOSE COUPLES WHO THINK OF A GREAT WEDDING SHOT AFTER THE CAKE HAS BEEN DEVOURED, THE RICE THROWN AND THE DRESS HEIRLOOMED. TAKE SOME TIME TO BRAINSTORM AND COME UP WITH A LIST OF THE SHOTS YOU WANT SO YOU DON’T MISS THAT PERFECT MOMENT.

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Sleeve it up to 2017 to bring us more nude illusion fabric with floral and precious gem detail.

We’re not mad at it though; this ethereal style has the capability to transform every bride into a modern-day Aphrodite. But this fall is going further than ever before with couture works of art Princess Kate would happily rock.

If you’re not that into vintage, there’s no need to get up in arms. There are still plenty of dreamy, contemporary styles to choose from.

What’s Hot, What’s Not

SO MANY STYLES, SO LITTLE TIME. LUCKILY, WE’VE GOT A FEW TRICKS UP OUR SLEEVE TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THIS YEAR’S FALL BRIDAL TRENDS.

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Brides are opting for chic, yet practical knee, above-knee and tea length hems as well.

We’re also digging the sophisticated, yet elegant jumpsuit this year. This one-piece is one way to truly express your style in a bold, modern way. Add a dash of femininity with bows, cutouts, sheer fabrics and/or floor-length trains.

Peplum tops, opaque overskirts, boleros and statement pieces completely tailor this look to your personal style.

This is the season of statement sleeves. Boho sleeves are making a comeback for fall, and we couldn’t be more excited. These flowy, 70s-style sleeves are effortlessly feminine, a touch traditional and a dash dazzling.

Texture is a key player in the dress game right now.

Look out for ornate beading, feathers, ruffles, embroidered florals, satin, tulle and organza, which form stunning contrasts when mismatched.

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Brides are also creating dynamic levels with asymmetrical skirts, oneshoulder sleeves and two-toned gowns. We’re also seeing many a sheer-backed dress with simple lines, floating buttons and climbing florals that really drive home this season’s goddess vibe. Baby got back, and we are here for every minute of it!

Splendid vintage, classic sophisticate and trailblazing fashionista are breakthrough trends for fall.

Whatever your preferred style, there is something magical for every bride this season. So don’t sleeve it up to chance, start looking for your dream gown, now!

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Deadlines & Details

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING. TO ENSURE SUCCESS – AND YOUR SANITY – THE KEY IS ORGANIZATION. WE’VE COMPILED A DETAILED CHECKLIST THAT PAYS SPECIAL ATTENTION TO TIME-SENSITIVE DEADLINES, SO YOU CAN CREATE A FOOLPROOF CALENDAR AND TO-DO LIST.

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12 months +

 Select date, time and place.Then reserve venues!  Decide on wedding size and style.  Hire wedding consultant (if applicable) and create wedding website.  Shop for gown.  Begin guest list.

9-12 months

 Research honeymoon destinations.  Book musicians, DJ, florist, photographer, videographer and limousines.  Order invitations.  Purchase gown and begin alterations.  Ask friends to be in wedding party and order bridesmaid dresses.

6-9 months

 Finalize guest list and send save-the-date cards.  Book appointments for hair, nails and make-up.  Reserve attire for groom and groomsmen.  Order cake(s).  Purchase rings.

3-6 months

 Secure bridal accessories (such as shoes, jewelry, garter and mementos)  Give musicians a list of songs you want them to play (or to avoid).  Make food choices with venue.

2 months

 Mail invitations.

1 month

 Give photographer a list of pictures you want taken.

1 week

 Give final head count to reception venue.

The day before

 Hold rehearsal ceremony and dinner.  Deliver everything to site and work out any kinks.  Give marriage license to officiant.  Present gifts to wedding party, parents and any other honored guests.

The day of

 Give rings and officiant’s fee to best man.  Designate liaison for photographer to ensure all necessary pictures are taken.  EXHALE! NOTE: Larger cities have long waiting lists for wedding vendors so you may need to act sooner!

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WEDDING GUESTBOOK Alternatives

By Michele Robert Porche FORMAL OR RUSTIC. LEATHER BOUND OR ENGRAVED METAL. LINED OR UNLINED. THERE ARE MANY CHOICES TO BE MADE WITH THE TRADITIONAL SIGN-IN BOOKS YOU PROVIDE FOR YOUR GUESTS. OR … YOU CAN GO AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT ROUTE FOR YOUR WEDDING WITH ONE OF OUR CREATIVE ALTERNATIVES.

GROW YOUR ART COLLECTION. Provide a large canvas (or several), paint and brushes for your guests and invite them to create art for your home. Customize it to your taste by selecting the paint colors and furnishing a grid or design to guide your “artists.” Or display a completed painting and simply ask guests to sign their names to a certain section (ex. blank leaves on a tree, etc.)

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CREATE A BUCKET LIST. Ask your guests to flip through the pages of an atlas (bonus points for vintage) and leave their names and messages on one destination they’ve visited and wish to recommend (or on a destination they hope to visit and why). Selecting your vacation spot using this unique keepsake each year will be a lovely reminder of your wedding day.

DECK YOUR HALLS. More than likely, you don’t have a great deal of holiday decorations for your home just yet. Why not let your guests take care of that for you by supplying them with boxes of blank ornaments and colored Sharpies at the sign-in table? Invite them to sign and design the pieces personally to create the most memorable Christmas tree ever!

EXPAND YOUR VOCABULARY. Purchase a hardcover dictionary and place it on the sign-in table with an assortment of colored pens. Ask your guests to find and circle a word that best describes you both as a couple and leave their messages there.

Imagine your delight when thumbing through its pages for the proper spelling of “ubiquitous” and you happen upon your grandmother’s warm sentiments.

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FLOWERS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

By Laura Fur Mericas

ALL OF THE ELEMENTS OF YOUR WEDDING DAY SHOULD SAY SOMETHING ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PARTNER’S LOVE STORY. SOME OF THOSE ELEMENTS — LIKE FLOWERS — WILL SPEAK LOUDER THAN OTHERS.

Flowers can provide a great deal of meaning and symbolism to your wedding design. Selecting the flowers you will carry down the aisle toward your soulmate and the others that will deck your reception hall, can go much deeper than just choosing color, size and texture. So in order to help you think before you speak, we’ve narrowed down some of our favorite fall floral choices so that your flowers can say everything you want them to, in addition to “I do.”

DAHLIAS — These bold buds typically signify standing out from the crowd and following one’s own unique path despite challenges — a perfect fit for the more offbeat bride. This multi-layered and robust flower can also represent kindness and grace in its pink hues, strength when red and new beginnings when green or blue.

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ROSES — The rose has widely been accepted as a symbol of love, but roses of all sorts have different meanings. In general, this romantic flower signifies an achievement, such as committing to the love of your life.

Each rose color has an even deeper meaning of its own. The classic red rose represents beauty and purity. Fallinspired yellow roses signify friendship and new beginnings, while orange roses are meant to show feelings of passion and desire.

SUNFLOWERS — With their bright and radiant petals, sunflowers are meant to be a symbol of one’s adoration. And just as their namesake rises every day, these flowers are meant to represent longevity and loyalty — two qualities all hope to find in their marriage.

CHRYSANTHEMUM — This fall favorite looks like a cross between a pom pom and a daisy. With a wide variety of purples, oranges and greens, this flower stands out on its own, or you can use these to add a punch of pigment to your bi-color rose bouquet.The chrysanthemum aptly symbolizes optimism and joy, which is a must for your wedding day and the start of your new life together.

The striking amaryllis stands out in a bouquet, and it knows it! These beauties, most often seen in a deep burgundy or orange color, signify confidence and radiant beauty. Doesn’t everyone want to feel that way on their wedding day?

CALLA LILLIES — Stylish, sleek and simple, calla lilies can make for some of the most sophisticated floral designs with an array of meanings. The traditional white calla lily signifies purity and faithfulness while blooms with warm, purple hues represent charm and yellow alludes to gratitude.

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WEDDING INVITATIONS:

CHOOSING THE PRINTING STYLE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU LETTERPRESS  Description: A raised metal plate of the invitation is created then inked and pressed onto the paper leaving a deep impression on the typically thick cardstock.  Advantage: Sophisticated, timeless look and texturized feel.

Process requires heavy, quality stock (typically cotton) adding a tactile benefit.  Disadvantage: Only one color can be applied per run through the antique printing press thus this method can be pricier and more time-consuming for invitations using multiple ink colors.

Pricing: $$$

EVEN IF YOU’RE NEW TO WEDDING PLANNING, YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNOW THAT THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO PRINT YOUR INVITATIONS. BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT THE COSTS OF PRINTING CAN VARY RATHER DRAMATICALLY? IT’S IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET CAREFULLY AND DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT IN AN INVITATION WHEN MAKING THE DECISION BETWEEN THE PROCESSES OF LETTERPRESS, THERMOGRAPHIC AND FLAT PRINTING.

THERMOGRAPHY  Description: The artwork is printed on the paper then dusted with a powder and heated resulting in a raised effect.  Advantage: Offers a raised effect for a fraction of the cost of other techniques.  Disadvantage: Pricier and more time-consuming for invitations using multiple ink colors. Raised effect has shiny look and rubbery feel. Best with light paper and dark ink so somewhat restrictive.

Pricing: $$

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FLAT PRINTING  Description: Also called digital printing, the process transfers a digitally-based image to paper creating a smooth result with no impressions or raised text.  Advantage: Numbers of ink colors used does not affect the price. Least expensive. Fastest turnaround time.  Disadvantage: No raised or impressed texture. Typically requires thinner paper styles that can be fed through the machines.

Pricing: $

“I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.”

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

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PEARLFECTION A spin on your mother’s classic strand, pearls are appearing in ear cuffs, oversized necklaces, fascinators and intricate caplets.

BACK IN BLACK Expect to see black accessories this season. Earrings and shoes add just the right amount of color.

Hottest

s e i r o s s e c Ac WE’RE S-MITTEN Out of all the trends we expected to make a comeback, gloves weren’t one. But we’re totally in love with these lacy accoutrements.

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TAKE THE THRONE Crowns of every kind are in this season. Simple headbands, flower crowns, tiny tiaras and crown braids will make you look like royalty.

FLOWER POWER Match your hair piece or crown with your bouquet to really wow your wedding crowd.

ASPIRATIONS Many women are opting for messy fishtail braids, untidy side buns and even natural styles. Hair ornaments are also huge right now.

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Have Your Cake and Eat It Too:

Choosing the Perfect GROOM’S CAKE

By Sarika Mirchandani

Since then, the (oddly messy) tradition has turned into a way to showcase the groom’s personality and favorite interests at the wedding, which is usually otherwise representative of the bride’s choices. Here are a few ways to make sure that choosing your groom’s cake goes off without a hitch!

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK If you’re trying to keep the groom’s cake a surprise for him as many brides do, asking the groomsmen and the groom’s siblings to help you decide can be a fun way to bond with those who mean the most to your future hubby. Not only will your list of ideas multiply, but you’ll also show them you acknowledge their significance in the groom’s life. If you aren’t set on keeping it a surprise, ask your groom!

It’s a great way to include him in the wedding planning where the decisions are heavily based on the bride’s taste.

DECIDING ON A GROOM’S CAKE IS ONE MORE DETAIL TO CHECK OFF THE LIST WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING. THIS TRADITION BEGAN IN THE VICTORIAN ERA AND WAS NAMED THE GROOM’S CAKE BECAUSE IT WAS BELIEVED THAT IF UNMARRIED WOMEN SLEPT WITH A PIECE OF THIS CAKE UNDER THEIR PILLOWS, THEY WOULD DREAM OF THEIR FUTURE HUSBANDS THAT NIGHT.

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MIX IT UP Do a fun flavor different from your wedding cake so your guests have options.

Also, try to include not just one but several of the groom’s interests into one cake to really show your groom how well you know him.

LET THE DIPPING BEGIN Cookies and milk, an alternative to traditional cake, is popular among the non-cake-eating crowd. When served with milk in small mason jars, an Oreo cookie cake tower is a huge hit! Plus, it’s simple to make. Try a mini crème brûlée doughnut tower or a chocolatecovered strawberry bar.The important thing to remember is that the cake should reflect the personality of the groom.

COOKIES & MILK

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The

g n i d d e W get Bud Invitations & Stationery Save the Date cards Invitations, Reply Cards Postage Programs Menu Cards Place Cards Thank You Cards Calligraphy Miscellaneous TOTAL Bridal Attire & Beauty Gown Veil / Headpiece Alterations Shoes Lingerie Accessories Jewelry Makeup Hair Nails Miscellaneous TOTAL Groom’s Attire Tuxedo / Suit Shoes Cuff Links Grooming Accessories Miscellaneous TOTAL

Ceremony Location fee Officiant fee Marriage License Rings Music Miscellaneous TOTAL

Reception Location fee Food Drink Rentals Wedding Cake Groom’s Cake Favors Music Security Gratuities Miscellaneous

TOTAL Flowers Ceremony Reception Decorations Bridal Bouquet Attendant Bouquets Boutonnieres Flower Girl Parents & Grandparents Miscellaneous

TOTAL

Photography Photography Videography Albums Miscellaneous

TOTAL Transportation Limousine(s) Miscellaneous TOTAL Gifts Wedding Party Parents Bride & Groom Miscellaneous

TOTAL Honeymoon Airline tickets Accommodations Car Rentals Food Entertainment Excursions Souvenirs Passports Clothing Miscellaneous TOTAL Miscellaneous Wedding Consultant Gown Preservation TOTAL TOTAL BUDGET:

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