Spring 2013 Bridal Guide

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On The Cover

The BloomWedding

On the cover: Felicia Prumm and David Bloom wed on June 16, 2012, at Three Rivers Wesleyan Church in Fort Wayne. Prumm is the daughter of KPC Media Group circulation account manager Patti Prumm, and Bloom is the son of KPC Media Group national sales manager Karen Bloom.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Felicia and David Bloom on their wedding day .

Welcome and best wishes to the happy couple!

Putting together the perfect wedding takes a lot of planning.

That’s why we created this guide.

We want to help you make sure your special day is an outstanding one — one that you will remember forever.

Our spring 2013 Bridal Guide will stimulate your imagination to make your wedding day memorable. We have created stories that will help you make many of the biggest decisions that lie ahead. We looked at everything, from practical concerns about budgeting and loans to the fun decisions about flowers, food and festivities!

We hope the information in this guide helps you create the wedding of your dreams — one that meets your budget and exceeds your expectations.

This wedding guide is also available online at kpcnews.com.

Best wishes to the happy couple, from all of us at KPC Media Group!

Page 2

Bridal Guide • Spring 2013 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Wedding Hotels

Guests’ rooms can be booked in blocks

BY BOB BRALEY

bobb@kpcnews.net KENDALLVILLE — It’s easy to help out-of-town guests get rooms for a stay for a wedding or reception, a Kendallville hotel spokeswoman said.

“Typically, guest rooms for weddings can be booked for block room rates,” said Kathleen Dues, general manager of the Best Western Kendallville Inn. “The rooms can be set aside prior to the wedding.”

Most hotels follow the same procedure as the Best Western, Dues said. The bride and groom can book a group of rooms and receive a significant discount on the rate.

That group is usually at least 10 rooms, Dues said. She’s booked as many as 30 rooms for weddings.

The couple can tell people hotel information when they send out their “Save the Date” cards, Dues said.

The individuals staying in the rooms will pay for their rooms, but still get the reduced group rate.

Best Western also offers a “bubble tub” room — a room with a jetted tub — as a guest room for the bride and groom, Dues said. If they don’t want to stay in the same hotel as their guests, they can offer that room to family or friends.

The hotel takes down information on where the wedding and reception will be, and has maps and directions ready for guests from out of to wn, Dues said. Best Western also uses digital signs inside and outside the hotel to welcome guests.

Another amenity the hotel offers is a room that holds up to 45 people, which the bridal party can use to get ready before the ceremony, Dues said.

For more information, go to bestwestern.com/innkendallville.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

This King Suite is one of the guest rooms available for wedding guests at the Best Western Kendallville Inn. Out-of-town wedding guests can take advantage of group rates to save money at a hotel, said B est Western Kendallville general manager Kathleen Dues.

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WeddingFlowers

Tying the knot requires flower power

BY JENNIFER DECKER

jdecker@kpcnews.net ANGOLA — When it comes to picking flowers for a wedding, the possibilities are infinite.

Julie Bordner, a designer at Out of the Woods, 1601 N. Wayne St., Suite 105, said she enjoys the challenge of trying to create what customers want.

“Your main thing is the flower in season. It’s mainly what they prefer. You want flowers that last a long time, like roses or alstroemerias,” which are in the lily family, she said.

Bordner said she’s noticed the hot color choices lately have been aqua, lime green, fuchsia and coral.

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WeddingFlowers

FLOWERS

Some flower power terms

From page 4

more than the bridal bouquet. There are corsages, boutonnieres, bridal party bouquets, centerpieces, head pieces, veils, pew bows, flowers for cake tops and church flowers.

“We have books” with ideas in them, Bordner said. “I have girls look on the Internet and bring in styles. They get ideas in their heads and we try to do our best.

When they come in, I try to have a lot of silks to see what it will look lik e.”

Bordner said if brides want to keep their bouquets, she suggests they go with silk flowers since they’re permanent. That is coupled with the fact no florists in the state freeze dry flowers anymore because it’s costly and time consuming, she said.

Most important for weddings, Bordner said, is that flowers should be ordered two months in advance of the ceremony.

Before buying flowers, many couples find it helpful to brush up on some terminology before visiting florists.

• Crescent: One full flower and a flowering stem wired together to form a slender handle that is held in one hand.

Knowing the terminology can help prepare a couple and ensure that money is spent in the best way possible.

• Garden: A centerpiece featuring wildflowers.

Here are some flower definitions that are helpful to know: • Biedermeier: A nosegay arranged tightly with concentric circles of different colored flowers. The flowers are wired into a holder with only one type of flower in each ring.

• Bouquet: A dense bunch of blooms that are kept together in a bouquet folder, wired or tied with ribbon.

Flowers are then ordered from her Fort Wayne supplier two weeks in advance.

Some flowers are supplied from all over the world.

• Nosegay: Small, round bouquets composed of densely packed round flowers and fill.

• Oasis: Specialized foam that is used in bouquet holders and centerpieces to retain water and keep blooms fresh.

• Pomander: A flower-covered ball that is suspended from a ribbon. It is often carried by child attendants.

• Posies: Smaller than nosegays but similar in design.

Bordner said she suggests wedding couples bring in color examples of dresses and the tuxedo, if possible. That way, colors can be coordinated better.

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Decorations, Linen Rentals, Arches, Tents, Centerpieces, Tableware, Chairs Bridal Guide • Spring 2013 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 5

Wedding Receptions

Location and costs affect wedding reception decision

BY BOB BUTTGEN

designed specifically for wedding receptions.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn is used by many couples looking for a large hall that offers flexibility for a reception, said Alyssa Miller, events and marketing manager for the museum.

“Proximity and costs are the two biggest factors our customers take into account when choosing a hall,” she said. And even with that mind, many people choose the ACD museum even though they don’t live in DeKalb County, she added.

When choosing a reception venue, Miller and other local venue managers say couples must consider a host of factors that stretch beyond a location’s aesthetic appeal. Here are some of the factors that come into play: • ACCOMMODATIONS — The facility

bbuttgen@kpcnews.net Engaged couples must make assorted important decisions with regard to their wedding day. For some, the process of planning a wedding can be overwhelming, while others revel in each and every decision.

Among the many decisions couples must make is which venue to use for their reception. The wedding reception venue is where most of the day will be spent, and where the majority of the people will do their mingling.

There are dozens of choices in northeast Indiana for couples searching for the right venue to hold their reception. Choices range from churches and civic buildings, to restaurants, museums and event centers that are

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Couples must consider a host of factors when choosing a reception venue for their wedding. They should search for a spot that lends itself to being fun as well as having pleasing aesthetics. itself should be able to accommodate the wedding size. Some weddings are grandiose events with large guests lists, while others are more understated and intimate with only a small number of family and friends in attendance. Couples should know which type of wedding they will be having, and should have at least an estimate figure in mind of the number of guests before visiting any facilities.

Once that estimate has been made, look for a facility that can comfortably accommodate that number of people, and ideally find one that has a done so in the past. Couples w on’t want a facility where everyone is crammed together, nor will they want one where a relatively small number of guests are in a lar ge ballroom with lots of empty space.

More minor details regarding the facility must also be considered. Ask if the facility is handicapped accessible. If the wedding is in the warmer months, make sure the venue is air conditioned. Since most weddings have a break in between the ceremony and the

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Bridal Guide • Spring 2013 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

See RECEPTIONS page 7

Wedding Receptions

Think about foods you love for your wedding r eception Despite the months of planning and poring over every minute detail of a wedding, it has often been said that what people remember most about wedding receptions is the food and if they had fun. Therefore, instead of worrying about choosing Jordan almonds over chocolate truffles, or whether the cake should have an extra tier, couples may want to pay more attention to selecting their reception menus.

courses, keep portion sizes small to offer a taste of the different items offered.

• Classic foods can work well as wedding fare. Roasts, barbecued meats and favorite pasta dishes can make guests feel like they’re dining at someone’s home and not at a wedding.

Although certain foods are wedding staples, it could pay for couples to think with their stomachs instead of their heads when selecting wedding day fare. Having a selection of foods that taste as good as they look is a wise idea over having cert ain foods simply because they are trendy.

• Choose items people have heard of.

Instead of tornadoes of beef, select a hearty prime rib. Just because a dish sounds fancy doesn’t make it taste better. If a guest doesn’t know what he or she is eating, it can be uncomfortable. Now is not the time to experiment with exotic foods, either.

Otherwise, some picky eaters may be left hungry.

Whether you are cooking yourself, having a family member serve as chef or relying on the menu of the reception hall, think about foods that will please guests and select those items, regardless of them being fancy.

Here are some other tips.

• Think about the foods you love and see if they can be incorporated at the wedding.

Although a breakfast bar at an evening event may seem funny, waffles and omelets may appeal to a greater number of guests than a gourmet fish creation.

• You want foods to be filling but not so much so that guests have to waddle to the dance floor. If you’re planning on several

• Don’t make vegetarians an afterthought.

Too often, vegetarians must eat whatever the kitchen can pull together, which is usually a

RECEPTIONS From page 6

reception, ask if the facility has a room in which the bride and groom can freshen up before the reception begins.

• LOCATION — ˜The facility’s location should be a priority. Couples won’t want their guests to have to drive too far from the wedding venue or from the reception venue back to the hotel. Since many wedding guests come from out of town, they likely won’t know the area well and could get lost if the facility is too far away from their hotel. Keep things simple by finding a reception venue that’s close to the hotel or hotels where guests will be staying.

• PRICE — Many facilities offer a flat rate to rent the venue. When discussing the rate, be sure to ask what’s included. Will food, flowers, venue decor, and even staff tips be included in the rental fee? If not, is there room for negotiation? When facilities expand the services they include in their rental fee, that can save couples substantial amounts of money.

compilation of the vegetable garnishes from the meat dishes. Make an effort to have a true vegetarian dish that is intricate and delicious.

• Mashed potatoes are a crowd pleaser.

Serve little portions of mashed pot atoes in cocktail glasses and enable guests to top as they see fit with bacon bits, cheese or chives.

• No idea is silly, and serving any type of food in a hors d’oeuvre style can make it acceptable at a formal affair, whether that food is pizza or caviar-topped crackers.

• If you have a favorite rest aurant that serves delicious food, find out if they will cater your wedding.

• Just because it isn’t on the menu doesn’t mean it cannot be prepared. Talk to the catering manager and let him or her know your preferences. Provided you’re willing to pay a little more, there’s a good c hance you can have items that aren’t on the st andard catering menu.

– Bob Buttgen

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Bridal Guide • Spring 2013 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 7

A Photographer’sWedding

‘Today my best friend has given me his love and care for the rest of his life’ Photographer recalls joys of wedding day

BY ABBEY GRIM “We are a family, and I will put you first.

I promise to take care of you the best that I know how.” Caleb’s voice shakes and we both brush away tears as he reads me his handwritten vows. “I love you, and I will always love you; today I am giving you my heart.”

A few months ago, before this moment, my mom and I ran around the house lik e chickens with their heads cut off. So much to do! So much to worry about! Will the bridesmaids’ shoes match? Did our

musicians get the sheet music? Will their microphones work? Does the DJ know what songs to play?

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen my share of wedding day disasters. I’ve seen wedding cakes fall to the floor, power outages during the first dance, unzippable bridal dresses and forgotten rings. After each catastrophe, I told myself, when I got married, I would be prepared! I would have everything taken care of down to the last detail! I wanted everything to be just right.

I designed our invitations myself and had them printed on heavy paper. Our guests were greeted with a three-page bulletin and map of campus, which I also designed. Each bridesmaid looked perfect with matching

yellow shoes and a dress in just the right shade of teal. In their hands was a bouquet my maid of honor and I spent hours wrapping in ribbon.

My mom and I met with the caterers to make sure the food would be just right and that they used the right color of napkins and beverage dispensers. Each table at the reception had the perfect number of vases in just the right color holding flowers that were just the right height. I made trivia cards and puzzles for the guests which I printed and meticulously rounded their corners to make them look professional. We filled dozens of antique bowls and vases with teal and yellow candy and arranged them for hours so the guests would enjoy and admire the display.

And of course, as a photographer myself, I made sure we would have the best photos to remember our wedding. I worried myself for days picking the right group of photographers (five of them who work together!), figuring out where they should stand, what photos they should take and if the weather would allow for us to have the best lighting.

See WEDDING DAY page 9

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Caleb and Abbey Grim kiss for the first time as a married couple.

Page 8

Bridal Guide • Spring 2013 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

A Photographer’sWedding

WEDDING DAY From page 8

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Caleb Grim and Abbey Meyer take their vows to become husband and wife.

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Everything was to go smoothly and look perfect. It had to! This was to be a wedding photographer’s wedding! I worked and worried myself into panic attacks and sleepless nights. I wondered if I would even be able to focus on the ceremony itself with so much I might want to oversee, adjust, and scrutinize taking place in the background.

Yet, now, as I stand here at the altar in my ivory dress, facing of the love of my life, the world has melted away. “I promise to love you with everything I have, to love you when you are happy, sad, stressed, excited, and everything in between,� Caleb says with certainty in his voice. “God has made us for each other, and I will never leave you.�

Pastor Jim wraps part of his robe around our hands and announces that we are no w bound to one another as husband and wife.

As Caleb leans in to kiss me, his ne w wife, I am startled to hear an eruption of applause behind us. I had forgotten there was anyone else in the chapel.

At this moment I’m not thinking about the details around me. I’m not thinking about the photographers using the right equipment or the musicians playing the right chords. I could care less what color my bridesmaid dresses are or if the DJ is set up and ready for us across the street.

The music, the colors, the food, the flowers — all those little details I w orried so much about — are blurred into the background. I am now Caleb Grim’s wife!

Today my best friend has given me his love and care for the rest of his life. Today I have gained a lifelong partner and companion.

Today, before God, we promised to never leave each other, to never give up. Today nothing else means more than our marriage to each other.

I wish I had realized this before no w.

Abbey Grim is the owner of A. Meyer Photography. More information can be found at ameyerphoto.com or facebook.com/ameyerphoto. Grim is a former KPC Media Group intern.

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Page 9

WeddingBudgets

Budgeting important when planning nuptials

BY DENNIS NARTKER

dennisn@kpcnews.net

An average U.S. couple spends about $25,000 for their wedding not including the honeymoon.

The majority spend between $19,000 and $32,000.

That’s a lot of money in most cases when engaged couples are increasingly choosing to pay for the wedding themselves. It used to be tradition for the bride’s parents to handle the bill for the occasion. Not anymore.

With that kind of outlay in mind, engaged couples should make a wedding budget detailing estimated costs for everything and select a source to pay for it. Man y times couples make a specific wedding budget in mind and while some stick to their b udget, the reality is things add up quickly and often exceed the original budget. “It’s emotional.

Practicality goes out the window,” said David Jones, president of the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.

Engaged couples may be swayed by advertising like the Royal Bank of Canada’s promotion of a special pay-now-pay-later My Project MasterCard with images of a dazzling bride.

To meet the financial demands of the modern wedding, some individuals turn to loans for financing a portion or all of the wedding. Financial institutions can offer personal loans for weddings, but there are pros and cons to this method of paying for that special event, according to area banking representatives.

Campbell & Fetter Bank loan officer Chris Desper said those seeking to borrow money for a wedding would apply for a personal loan. If it’s a loan for $20,000, the engaged couple or their parents would probably need a secured loan, and borrow on their house with fixed line of credit.

A wedding loan will need to be paid back with interest fees. By the end of the payback period, the now married couple would have spent thousands of dollars repaying the principal and and thousands more paying off

the interest. “There are a lot of dif ferent variables regarding the interest on the loan,” said Desper. The term of paying off the loan can also vary, but he would recommend a term as short as possible. Repayments can be set up monthly or bi-weekly.

A loan may be an option that w orks.

Couples who anticipate considerable monetary gifts from guests attending the wedding can use the gifts to offset the loan. Other couples may have saved money for the wedding, but want to use a loan, too, to establish a strong line of credit.

Some couples may take out a loan because it is the only way they can pay for the wedding. In these cases, the couple start out life together in debt.

If a loan is necessary, wedding planners recommend couples shop around for the best rates and terms, and take out a loan only for the amount they can pay back. Portions of the wedding can be scaled back to make the finances work.

Security for the loan may be a home or car .

It may be worth taking out a loan with low annual for a wedding rather than use credit cards with much higher interest rates.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Caleb and Abbey Grim enjoy their first dance at their reception.

Page 10

Bridal Guide • Spring 2013 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

WeddingTradition

Did you know?

BY MERTRO CREATIVE CONNECTION One enduring tradition is to throw rice at the newly betrothed. For the safety of birds and other animal life, rice has been switched to birdseed in recent times.

Everyone attending the wedding gets to participate in throwing rice, or whatever is being used in lieu of rice, be it birdseed, confetti or even bubbles.

Rice was traditionally used to symbolize fertility and prosperity. Wheat was also very much used in ancient wedding ceremonies for the same reasons. When guests threw rice at the bride and groom at a wedding, the y were symbolically wishing them a lifetime full of children and good fortune. Some cultures even ate a meal of rice before the wedding to guarantee further prosperity.

Different cultures have long harbored

different perspectives on throwing rice.

Some even believed it fed the evil spirits that, though uninvited, crashed the wedding. It was thought that well-fed spirits would not wreak havoc on the happy day.

Couples can even borrow from traditions in other countries. In France, people throw wheat, a symbol of bounty, after the ceremony. Italians toss candy and sugared nuts over couples, for sweetness in marriage.

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Page 11

WeddingFun

Social media can make wedding more fun great way to organize more informal wedding festivities.

Twitter: Come up with a hashtag and live-tweet your wedding festivities. This could be especially fun when you’re getting ready and during the reception.

Spread the word about the hashtag at the reception and invite your guests to share their thoughts and photos, and retweet the best ones.

Pinterest: This site seems tailor-made for the planning stages of weddings.

Make “pinboards” for your cake, dresses, color schemes, reception hall themes and more, and then show your vendors your favorite “pins” when you meet with them.

Skype: If your friends are scattered across the country, you can use Skype to

BY JENNY KOBIELA-MONDOR

jennyk@kpcnews.net Using social media when you’re getting married is much more than just changing your relationship status and posting pictures of the festivities.

There are many great ways to use Internet sites to plan, execute and remember your special day.

Facebook: Sure, you can update your status and post pictures, but Facebook has more helpful uses, too. You can set up a private group and invite your bridal party to join, so you can k eep in touch, exchange news and freak out as often as you like without clogging your news feed. You can also set up events, and although you wouldn’t want to invite people to your wedding that way, it’s a

meet for wedding planning, or even hold a virtual prewedding party. Have everyone bring their favorite beverage and meet at the computer for a fun chat.

Or, if you have family members who can’t travel to your wedding, set up a feed and let them attend virtually!

Blog: There are several free, easy blogging programs that let you set up a wedding blog. You can post about every detail of your journey to the altar, complete with pictures, videos and more, and even ask for your followers’ input.

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You’re understandably excited about your upcoming nuptials, but to avoid being unfollowed, defriended or just plan annoying, consider these tips: DON’T update too often. People will be happy to hear about the big things — getting engaged, finding the dress, booking the venue — but nobody but the bride, groom and parents really cares about the smallest details.

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Bridal Guide • Spring 2013 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

DO be sensitive to people who aren’t invited. Unless you have a very carefully curated Facebook feed or Twitter followers, you probably won’t invite everyone.

Think about their feelings as you write updates.

DON’T use social media to t alk about wedding gifts. It’s rude to ever mention gifts in relation to your wedding, so don’t post a link to a wedding registry or talk about the haul you hope to get.

DO take a social media break during the honeymoon. Don’t worry — the sites will still be there when you get back, and you will have fun remembering the ceremony as you post the photos when you get back.

WeddingFavors

Wedding favors can be a feast

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Do you have a shelf or cabinet that’s filled to the brim with wedding f avors such as engraved ice cream scoopers, cake servers, cheese spreaders or tea light candle holders? If you do, you’re not alone. As couples pore over guest favor options, many select trinkets or knickknacks that, while thoughtful, end up collecting dust in someone’s home.

Edible gifts also can be thoughtful — and flavorful!

Guests may look forward to an edible favor because it’s a memento of the special occasion and it won’t become a permanent fixture in their homes. There are many edible favors from which to choose. They can also be customized according to the theme of the wedding.

different shapes. Professionally iced, these cookies can be a masterpiece to behold. Some couples opt for customized fortune cookies that express personalized sentiments to guests.

Make-your-own

Sometimes it’s less expensive to give guests kits that they can take home to create their own edible treasures. Options abound and can include everything from personalized packets of hot chocolate to tea bags. Other couples choose among mixes for making cookies or cakes.

Because your big day is a historic occasion.

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Chocolate It’s difficult to find an edible favor more universally beloved than chocolate.

Rich and inviting, chocolate has long been given as a symbol of love and devotion. Chocolate candies and baked goods can work well for wedding favors, provided the favors are refrigerated to avoid melting.

Ideas for chocolate favors include individually packaged truffles, gourmet brownie bites, candy-covered chocolates with an inscription, chocolate covered apples, chocolate coins, and other similar creations. Chocolate molded designs (much like those chocolate Easter bunnies) are another idea.

Cookies Sweet cookies also make good edible favors. Butter cookies are a favorite because they are sturdy enough to cut into

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Page 13

WeddingHealth

Be realistic about dieting, stresses

BY AMY OBERLIN

amyo@kpcnews.net Looking great in a wedding dress means a lot to many brides-to-be.

Dieting and stress can take a toll during the months leading up to a wedding. Local health professionals suggest taking it easy and staying realistic.

Amanda Bolen, registered dietician at Parkview Noble Hospital, plans to marry in April. The 27-year-old will tie the knot with her fiance, Ben, in their native hometown, Indianapolis. Bolen moved to the Kendallville area after starting her job at Parkview Noble a year ago. She said she enjoys the community atmosphere in the small, local hospital.

Hamilton Life Center

When it comes to looking and feeling one’s best for a wedding, Bolen says eating right every day can create good habits.

“Look to see what you are doing currently and start making some changes there,” she said.

“There are always some things that you would like to improve on and I’m trying to use exercise a little more in that area.”

For some, cutting out a sugary soda a day could make a difference.

“Along with letting a dress fit correctly, having clear skin is certainly a bonus,” Bolen noted.

Drinking plenty of water is also a diet tip, and creates a healthy glo w.

A good breakfast is the best way to

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create solid eating habits. It helps reduce cravings later in the day, and minimizes the chance one will reach for a high-carbohydrate treat to stave off aching hunger.

Counting calories can help some, said Bolen, noting that there are a number of online resources for tracking one’s food intake.

Sometimes, a little more exercise every day can get one moving toward a smaller waist size. Don’t overdo it, Bolen said. Ramp up an exercise regimen incrementally.

Support from a friend or family member helps keep a bride on track, said Bolen. “Maybe your mother or soon-to-be-mother-in-law,” she said. A bridesmaid may take the diet challenge too, and work out and count calories along with her friend.

The pressure of trying to look one’s best, keep track of a multitude of details and interface with the many people involved in wedding planning could take a toll as well. Stress is a danger for a bride, and could be a detriment to all relationships.

Rita Lechleidner is program director at Cameron Counseling Center in Angola and a licensed minister who does premarital counseling and performs weddings. She said the couple need to, first and foremost, discuss issues that could come up in their future. They need to understand how they will work together and what their expectations are.

As far as the big day, she said there are some potential pitfalls to avoid.

“You are combining two different families,” she noted. “Oftentimes you have fathers, stepmothers, stepgrandmothers. It can be a challenge to f igure out where everyone will fit.”

Family stresses can be intensified at a wedding, so Lechleidner suggests

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Page 14

Bridal Guide • Spring 2013 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

See DIETING page 15

WeddingHealth Tips for trying on wedding gowns

DIETING From page 14

predicting issues that might arise and trying to avoid them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The should talk to each of their families to see what their families would like,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keep in mind that this a day for the couple.â&#x20AC;?

A bride may have been thinking about her wedding for many years, and hopes for a perfect day. Just because someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get spelled right in a program or if something doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go just right, â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the end of the world,â&#x20AC;? said Lechleidner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing is perfect.â&#x20AC;?

Through the whole wedding planning process, Lechleidner said it is important to keep the relationship happy and comfortable. The couple should keep in mind why they are getting married. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take time just to enjoy one anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company,â&#x20AC;? she said.

And when the day comes, enjoy it for what it is, the beginning of a life together.

Many brides-to-be look forward to the day when they visit a bridal salon and are able to try on gowns for the first time. There are certain tips that can make the day go much more smoothly and potentially reduce the amount of time it may take to find the perfect gown. Wear a supportive, well constructed strapless bra or corset in your correct size. If you will be wearing a petticoat, also have the right size available. Go without face makeup when trying on gowns so they remain clean. Try to wear your hair similar to

the style you have in mind for your wedding.

Note that the size of the wedding go wn you will wear is typically one to two sizes larger than your day-to-day clothes. Proper measurements can be matched to designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; size charts. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to limit the number of people with whom you shop to 1 or 2 trusted friends or f amily members.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always better to order a slightly larger gown and leave room for alterations if you are between sizes.

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Abbey Grim shows off her bouquet.

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Page 15

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