Bridal Guide Spring 2018

Bridal INSIDE

PLANNING TIPS • BUDGET WORKSHEET • WEDDING CHECKLIST

102 N. Main St., Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-0400

Randy Mitchell

Kanisha Bevins kbevins@kpcmedia.com Special Sections Graphic Designer

Megan Knowles

randymitchell@kpcmedia.com

mknowles@kpcmedia.com

CEO/Publisher

Special Sections Editor

S. Rick Mitchell

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

rickmitchell@kpcmedia.com Chief Financial Officer

Terry G. Housholder thousholder@kpcmedia.com President

Daniel J. Tollefson dtollefson@kpcmedia.com Vice President of Sales

Joy Newman

Amy McCarty Mike Marturello Ashlee Hoos Kathryn Bassett ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Michele Trowbridge Jeff Jones Machele Waid Bobbi Jenks Mike Bowerman

jnewman@kpcmedia.com Advertising Director

Ann Saggars asaggars@kpcmedia.com Print & Design Manager

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Bridal Guide is a special supplement to The Herald Republican, The News Sun and The Star, which are publications of KPC Media Group Inc. ©2018 All rights reserved

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Everything from “I Will” to “I Do” Save the Dates Shower Invitations Wedding Invitations Bridesmaids Gifts Groomsmen Gifts

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http://www.monogramshoppe.com

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of

DANIELLE DOEPKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Save the Date ....................................................................... 5 Tossing Traditions ................................................................ 6 Wedding Checklist................................................................ 8 Flowers by Season................................................................ 9 Picture Perfect .................................................................... 12 The Good Groom ............................................................... 15 Budget Worksheet .............................................................. 17 Say Yes to the Dresses ........................................................ 22

ON THE COVER:

Kirk & Katie Howlett were married on December 2, 2017.

Photo by Danielle Doepke Photography Page 4

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

the

A few things to consider when pinning down a wedding date ou’re engaged and now it’s time to focus on the nuts and bolts and get down to planning. One of the first questions that comes to mind is “When is the big day?”

Making that decision will involve factors and priorities that will be different for each couple.

There are several things to consider when picking out a wedding date.

If you already know where you want to get married and where to host the reception, the venue’s calendar will have a major impact on when you will get married. Remember that venues can book up way in advance, so check availability.

Seasonal preference also may affect the date on which you decide to say “I do.” The season helps set the style, location and mood of a wedding, according to online wedding planner TheKnot.com.

Similarly, couples may select wedding dates based around holiday observances.

If your wedding style is opulent and full of sparkle, a winter wedding would be appropriate. For rich colors, nostalgia

and mulled apple cider, go for a fall wedding, The Knot suggests.

Your budget may play a large part in when you decide to get married. According to The Knot, December, July and May have shown to be popular months to marry, which typically means prices are higher. Days of the week also are things to consider if venues and vendors offer different rates for weekend versus weekday services.

Significant and symbolic dates also might be dates to consider for a wedding, such as the date you met or officially became a couple, The Knot states.

If there are guests who you absolutely must have at your wedding, you might want to check that there are no date conflicts with them.

Also consider activities and events going on locally around the dates you are considering, as this could affect the availability of vendors as well as accommodations for out-of-town guests.

— Kathryn Bassett kbassett@kpcmedia.com

ASOT PHOTOGRAPHY facebook.com/ASOTphotography 260.564.0961

DANIELLE DOEPKE PHOTOGRAPHY www.DanielleDoepke.com

STEPHANIE DEBOLT PHOTOGRAPHY www.StephanieDeBolt.com stephaniedebolt@gmail.com

NICOLE MOREHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY www.NicoleMorehead.com 419.786.8848

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

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STEPHANIE DEBOLT PHOTOGRAPHY

Tossing Personalizing your wedding to suit your unique style eddings today are becoming more personalized to meet the styles and personalities of the bride and groom.

As such, some couples are choosing to forgo long-standing wedding traditions in favor of something different.

DESSERTS

While a large layer cake can be a stunning part of any wedding, some couples are choosing different options to satisfy their guests’ sweet tooth.

“I’ve done weddings where I’ve just done the dessert for them and they’ve gotten just pies or cookies. I just did one where they got pies and doughnuts. So it’s definitely changing,” Dutch Heritage Baking and Catering owner Ruth Webb said.

Part of this is due to people’s personal tastes, she said.

“I’ve heard a lot of, we don’t even like cake, we’d rather have pie or something else,” Webb Page 6

said. “It just seems everyone wants something different than what everybody else had.”

But cookies and pies don’t have to replace the main cake either – Webb said she has seen more people using them as a complement to the cake or as a snack later on in the evening.

“Sometimes they’ll just come here to get different things to add to their dessert bar,” she said.

MUSIC

There’s a reason Richard Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” has become the wedding staple that it is. But while that song is lovely, some couples, though not all, want something a little more contemporary.

About 50 percent of the wedding ceremonies he does request traditional music, Randy Carey, owner of RnB Sound DJ Entertainment of Garrett, said. The other 50 percent, however, request other music, with Ed Sheeran being especially popular, he said.

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

ASOT PHOTOGRAPHY

Carey said another tradition that he is seeing change is the use of DJs for the ceremony as well as the reception.

“Twenty-five years ago I didn’t do near as many ceremonies, people were using more live music, whereas now they do use DJs more for the ceremony itself. Just the past few years is when we started doing more ceremonies,” he said. “I think it’s probably because they’re doing more non-church weddings so there’s more and more ceremonies that are not held in a church. The barn events are huge right now and have been for the past couple of years.”

RECEPTION ACTIVITIES

Some traditions still persist despite the rise of newer ones. One such reception favorite is the bouquet and garter tosses.

“That’s still an event that’s as popular as it has been. Everybody does the bouquet and garter toss still,” Carey said. “The things they don’t do as much are the dollar dance, that kind of stuff.”

A Pinterest favorite, the shoe game, is showing up more and more, however, he said.

The game involves the couple sitting back to back, each holding one of the bride’s shoes in one hand and the groom’s in the other.

They are then asked questions, such as who

is a better driver or who is more organized, and answer by holding up the appropriate person’s shoe based on who they think best matches the question.

“The shoe game seems to be fairly popular.

It’s not as consistent as your traditional bouquet toss and garter toss and that, but there is a decent amount of people who do the shoe game,” Carey said. “It’s just one more form of entertainment for the guests throughout the evening.”

“I would just recommend that people first have in mind what’s more important to them: having the things that they want or trying to please their guests, because those are not always the same thing and if they’re not, decide which is a priority and just organize or plan your wedding and reception accordingly,” he said. “I think too many people try to worry about pleasing their guests and doing what they think they are supposed to do or should do when it’s their day.

“I always recommend, do what you want, it doesn’t matter, there doesn’t have to be a tradition. This day is about the two of you uniting with God. Everything after that is not nearly as important, so focus on what is important and the other things will fall in line.”

— Megan Knowles mknowles@kpcmedia.com

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

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Before the wedding

o

checklist Select & book make-up & hair stylists.

o Determine the type of wedding you

o Choose music & hire musicians/soloists

o Select a wedding date & time.

o Get your engagement photos taken.

o Plan reception & look at locations.

o Find 3 hotels (at different price points)

for the ceremony.

want (size, degree of formality, setting).

(This should be booked as soon as the wedding date is set to ensure availability.)

o Start a wedding binder to organize all of your quotes, brochures and receipts.

o Book an officiate & determine any pre-marital requirements.

o Work out your budget & prioritize what is most important.

o Decide how expenses will be shared.

for out-of-town guests.

o Record clothing sizes for all party members.

o Purchase bride’s dress & headpiece. o Choose bridal party attire & accessories. o Schedule dress fitting & delivery date. o Start planning your honeymoon. o Start health and fitness program.

o Choose your wedding party: maid of

honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, flower girl & ring bearer.

o Hire a photographer. o Hire a videographer.

Before the wedding

o Refine the guest list. o Announce your engagement in the newspaper.

o Order wedding invitations & thank you cards.

o Begin compiling a guest list. Collect names & addresses of your guests.

o Create gift registries at 3 national retailers.

o Order Save the Dates.

Before the wedding

o Send thank you notes immediately upon receipt of gifts.

o Choose a color scheme.

o Book transportation to and from venues.

o Start shopping for wedding rings.

o Purchase wedding bands.

o Mail Save the Dates.

o

o Select wedding consultant.

o Reserve rentals for ceremony and

o Hire a caterer.

reception (chairs, linens, lighting, etc.).

o Select & book reception entertainment.

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Choose the men’s wedding attire and reserve the right sizes.

o Explore wedding day hair & makeup

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

styles with stylists.

o

checklist

Book rehearsal dinner venue.

o Meet with officiant to discuss ceremony

Before the wedding

plans.

o Choose cake style & schedule tastings.

o

Finalize honeymoon plans & ensure all documents are in order.

Before the wedding

o

Purchase accessories such as toasting flutes, cake knives and servers, ring pillow, flower basket & candles.

o

Finalize reception menu.

o

Order menu cards.

o

Schedule dress fittings.

o

Order wedding cake.

o

Book honeymoon flights & hotels.

o

Book a room for the wedding night.

o

Order wedding favors.

o

Choose flowers for wedding party, attendants, venues, cake, etc.

o

Mail wedding invitations.

o

Finalize guest list.

o

Begin writing vows.

o

Assemble rehearsal dinner guest list.

o

Review ceremony details with officiant.

by Year-Round Calla Lily Carnation Freesia

Gardenia Lily Jasmine

Spring Cherry Blossom Daffodil Dogwood Forsythia Hellebore Hyacinth Lilac Muscari Peony Quince Sweet Pea Tulip Viburnum

Orchid Ranunculus Rose

Stephanotis Succulent Veronica

Summer

Fall

Winter

Astilbe Cosmos Dahlia Daisy Delphinium Gladiolus Hollyhock Lady’s Mantle Larkspur Marigold Scabiosa Snapdragon Violet

Anemone Aster Astilbe Autumn Leaves Chrysanthemum Dahlia Hydrangea Marigold Nerine Seasonal Berries Sunflower Verbena Zinnia

Amaryllis Anemone Dendrobium Orchid Eucalyptus Evergreen Forced Bulbs Hellebore Holly Juniper Paper-white Poinsettia Snowberry Stephanotis

Source: Martha Stewart Weddings & ProFlowers.com Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc. Page 9

checklist

o

Lay out content for wedding programs.

o

Apply for marriage license (order 2-3 extra).

o

Finalize seating arrangements.

o

Finalize playlists for musicians.

o

Finalize fittings for wedding party & parents.

o

Book spa & beauty treatments for bride & bridal party.

o

Book wedding day transportation.

Before the wedding

o

Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d.

o

Give final count to caterer.

o

Update registries.

o

Begin breaking in wedding shoes.

o

Give your photographer & videographer your image & video requests.

o

Send playlists to DJ/band/ceremony musicians.

o

Continue writing thank you notes for gifts received.

o

Get final haircut & color.

o

Confirm all honeymoon reservations & accommodations. Pick up tickets & travelers checks.

Delegate wedding day duties (gift table, guestbook, etc.).

o

Delegate someone to return tuxes, rentals & tend to wedding dress.

o

Pick up marriage license.

o

o

Final dress fitting.

Send directions to wedding day limo/ transportation driver.

o

Pick up wedding rings.

o

Plan seating arrangements.

o

Have final fitting for wedding attendants.

Before the wedding

o

Order wedding programs.

o

Confirm date, times & location with vendors.

o

o

Purchase gifts for wedding participants.

o

Purchase gift for fiancée.

o

Have bachelor/ette parties.

o

Make a calendar of events for your wedding day.

o

Before the wedding

o

Prepare final payments to vendors & cash tips for service personnel.

o

Review details on last minute arrangements and timetables with all service companies.

o

Make sure you have your marriage license.

o

Pick up wedding attire & make sure everything fits properly.

Print a map to direct guests to the ceremony and reception site.

Page 10 Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com •

©KPC Media Group Inc.

checklist

o

Pack your suitcase for your honeymoon.

o

Groom’s parents should be seated 5 minutes before the ceremony.

o

Rehearse wedding ceremony with all participants in attendance.

o

o

Attend rehearsal dinner.

The bride’s mother should be seated immediately before the processional, before the aisle runner is rolled out.

o

Finalize details of transportation for out-of-town guests.

o o

Get a good night’s sleep the night before your wedding day.

o

Write and mail all thank you notes as soon as possible.

o

Take care of business, banking, insurance & legal affairs (change name if necessary on records and legal documents) as soon as possible.

o

Ensure tuxes & rentals have been returned.

o

Have bridal gown professionally cleaned and preserved.

Lay out wedding clothes.

day of the wedding

o

Remain calm and try to relax.

o

Double check that you have the wedding rings & your marriage license.

o

Give wedding rings & officiant fee to best man.

o

Check with the florist to ensure that flowers will be delivered on time.

o

Apply makeup and style your hair at least 3 hours before the ceremony, sooner if you’re doing pictures before the ceremony.

o

Start dressing at least 2 hours before the ceremony, sooner if you’re doing pictures before the ceremony.

o

If pictures will be taken before the ceremony, the entire wedding party should be dressed & ready 2 hours before the ceremony.

o

Mail the wedding announcement.

o

Have music start 20 to 30 minutes before the ceremony begins.

o

the wedding

Family

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Have guests seated as they arrive.

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

*20 guests or more

Page 11

Picture Perfect

NICOLE MOREHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY

Finding the perfect photographer to capture memorable moments our wedding should be one of the most memorable events of your lifetime, which begs the question – are you making capturing the memories of your day a priority in your wedding planning?

Couples often make sure they book their church, reception venue and baker, but what about the photographer? When the cake is gone and the doors to the reception hall have closed, what will you use to remember your special day?

Fort Wayne wedding photograper Nicole Morehead, of Nicole Morehead Photography, says choosing a wedding photographer is something that couples should give careful consideration to.

“When looking for a photographer, the couple should consider if their personalities mesh with the photographer. They will be spending their entire wedding day with them, so they will want to make sure they feel comfortable and relaxed around them,” she said. “Another thing to consider is the photographer’s style of images. If a couple enjoys bright, airy images, they won’t want to hire a photographer who shoots dark, moody images.”

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Photography is something that also needs to be considered early in the wedding planning process.

“A couple should book their photographer immediately after they book their venue, anywhere from six months to a year in advance,” Morehead said. “The earlier the better, to ensure they get the photographer of their choice.”

A common concern of couples is the cost of wedding photography. But local photographers say it isn’t something couples should skimp on. There is a photographer for every budget, but keep in mind you get what you pay for.

“Budgets are important for weddings, and I believe there are photographers for everyone’s price point. People will pay for what they feel is important, and sometimes it’s not photography … and that’s OK,” Morehead said. “If you have to convince someone to pay your prices, then they aren’t the right client for you.”

One of the newest trends in wedding photography are unplugged weddings.

Couples are asking guests to leave their electronic devices at home or in their bags

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

NICOLE MOREHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY

and let the photographer do his or her work. This new trend is becoming a favorite among photographers who often have to shoot around people or find valuable time lost as family and friends try to shoot their own photos of the day.

“I love unplugged weddings,” Morehead said. “Too many times images have been ruined because all of the guests have their phones out and in the way, especially when the brides walks down the aisle.

“Guest should be present, and you can’t really be present when you are trying to take images on your phone. Leave the pictures of the ceremony to the one who is getting paid to capture the moment and get your phones out at the reception.”

As soon as couples announce their engagement on social media, family and friends begin to come out of the woodwork to offer to “shoot” their weddings. Some will offer this at a discounted rate, or even for free. While the offer may be tempting, couples should use caution. When searching for a photographer, Morehead encourages the newly engaged to do their homework.

“Couples can protect themselves from amateur photographers by getting referrals from people they trust, researching the photographer’s website and making sure the photographer has a solid contract,” she said. “Keep in mind, photographers have to start somewhere and amateur photographers should disclose that they are just starting and their price point should reflect that as well.”

When planning wedding photography, take time to be sure you know exactly what you are getting from your photographer, she added.

“Important questions to ask your photographer are, ‘Do you backup your images while shooting? Do you have an assistant or second photographer? How many years of experience do you have? Do you get images of all of the details of the wedding day? When should we expect our images back?’ All of this should be discussed in the contract,” she added.

At the end of the day, what couples really want is to remember special moments that have happened. This is often difficult with all that is happening around them. Couples have friends and family to greet, dinner and dancing to participate in and the one thing they often don’t have an opportunity to do is take in all of the little moments that are happening throughout their special day.

“Photography is very important on the wedding day because after the cake is gone and the last song is danced, looking at the wedding pictures can bring you right back into those wonderful memories,” Morehead said.

— Amy McCarty amccarty@kpcmedia.com

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 13

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Page 14

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

good What he can do to make your wedding truly memorable. itch Davis of Mitchell’s Men’s Clothing and Tuxedos in Angola has seen and heard a lot over the years from grooms of all ages.

Most of the questions come from grooms and their fathers as they try to get outfitted for the big day.

“A lot of people ask my opinion. They don’t always take it of course, but I try to help,” Davis said.

Most of the questions Davis gets are about the clothing, of course. But there will be those who ask about other parts and pieces that go into making the wedding day special. For those, he keeps on hand names of other companies throughout the area where couples can pick up wedding supplies.

The many other duties of a groom have not changed much over the years, but those that have tend to be in line with changing times and advances in technology. And many couples are doing the planning together or with their families, so many of the traditional duties of the past have gone by the wayside (like taking your bride on a surprise honeymoon that she did nothing to help plan).

Here are a few do’s and don’ts compiled from a variety of wedding-oriented websites:

WHAT TO DO

ASOT PHOTOGRAPHY

• Choose your groomsmen, based on the number of bridesmaids your bride has decided to include. Brothers and close friends are obvious choices, but remember, if your bride has brothers, include them, too.

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 15

STEPHANIE DEBOLT PHOTOGRAPHY

• Many couples plan a special dance or take dance lessons so they can do more than jump up and down during the reception. If you plan on doing a special dance on your entrance or with your first dance as a couple, make sure you take this seriously. Practice!

• Give your bride a gift. Make this special — not overly expensive or flashy — and choose a special moment to present it.

• Try to ease any stress your bride might experience. There are bound to be glitches and if both you and your bride are freaking out over tulips on the tables instead of the daffodils you ordered, remember, it’s not a big deal. The big deal is that you’re getting married. Years from now, the glitches, hopefully, will bring some laughs.

• Give your groomsmen thank-you gifts, particularly if they had to travel great distances to share the special day.

• Make sure you dress the groomsmen.

And determine who is returning the tuxes afterward.

WHAT NOT TO DO

• Don’t be on your phone. And make that a rule for everybody in your wedding Page 16

party. Keep your phone handy, for wedding issues (on vibrate!) but stay off social media, don’t stream any games and don’t play Candy Crush. You don’t want to see candid shots of everyone at the bridal dinner table checking their Twitter accounts.

• Don’t get drunk. Sure, there will be toasts during the reception, but resist the temptation to start drinking prior to the event. There will be plenty of time afterward. Know your limit and try to stay under it because there will undoubtedly be many toasts, unless you are having a dry wedding, and times that you have to share the stage with your bride. Try to make sure your best man and groomsmen stay under control, too.

• Don’t hide your feelings. Even though the bride usually takes center stage, this is about getting married. Make sure you let your wishes be known for the wedding while you are planning with your bride. If your bride wants help in planning certain aspects of the wedding or she wants your opinion, by all means cooperate. Otherwise she would not have asked.

— Mike Marturello mmarturello@kpcmedia.com

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

worksheet TOTAL BUDGET STATIONERY

Budget

Actual

Budget

Actual

Invitations Save-the-Date Cards Reply Cards Thank-You Notes Postage Guest Book Wedding Programs Place Cards Menu Cards Other: Total

PHOTOGRAPHY Engagement Formals Candids Videography Extra Prints Photo Albums Other: Total

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 17

worksheet APPAREL

Budget

Actual

Budget

Actual

Wedding Rings Bridal Gown & Alterations Veil/Headpiece Bridal Accessories Hair & Makeup Groom’s Tux/Suit Groom’s Accessories Bridesmaids’ Dresses & Shoes Groomsmens’ Tuxes & Shoes Other: Total

FLOWERS Bride’s Bouquet Bridesmaids’ Bouquets Corsages & Boutonnières Flower Girl Basket Ceremony Reception Other: Total

Page 18

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

worksheet CEREMONY

Budget

Actual

Budget

Actual

Rehearsal Dinner Location Rental Marriage License Officiant Fee Music for Ceremony Ring Pillow Decorations Other: Total

RECEPTION Transportation Venue Rental Table & Chair Rental Catering & Service Liquor Non-alcoholic Beverages Cake Cake Serving Set Cake Topper Band or DJ Bartender Fee Decorations Other: Total

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 19

worksheet GIFTS & FAVORS

Budget

Actual

Bride & Groom Gift Bridesmaids’ Gifts Groomsmens’ Gifts Ring Bearer Gift Flower Girl Gift Gifts for Out-of-Town Guests Favors for Guests Other: Total

MISCELLANEOUS

Budget

Wedding Coordinator Engagement Party Bridal Shower Bachelor/ette Parties Hotel Rooms for Out-of-Town Guests Transportation for Out-of-Town Guests Other: Total

Page 20

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

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POKAGON STATE PARK 6 Lane 100 A Lake James Angola, IN 46703 www.indianainns.com (260) 833-1077 Toll Free Reservations 1-(877)-563-4371 Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 21

Say Yes

STEPHANIE STEPHANIE DEBOLT DEBOLT PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

Keep the quest for perfect dresses fun and stress-free.

or a bride, perhaps the most important part of her wedding, other than the groom, is having her dream wedding gown.

There is a lot to consider when buying a dress: what style, price point, when does it need ordered, what size and what accessories are you going to wear, to name a few.

On top of planning an entire wedding, buying the dress can be a stressful moment, but it doesn’t have to be. Take some tips from some fellow brides-to-be and some already married ladies to make it the most enjoyable experience possible.

Bride-to-be Megan Sparkman of Churubusco recommends not listening to everyone else and their opinions on what you should be Page 22

wearing.

Amber Mays, a bride-to-be from Kendallville, now living in Michigan, agreed. She said you’ll just know when the dress you’re trying is “the one.”

It’s perfectly acceptable to not settle on a dress because it’s inexpensive or because everyone but you loves it.

“Remember, this is your day and what you wear is your choice,” Paige Shipe of Waterloo said.

To shop, Sparkman recommends taking a small entourage because the more people present, the more conflicting opinions there could be.

“I took my mom and two bridesmaids,” she said. “That was perfect.”

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

A bride, no matter what, should feel beautiful, confident and comfortable in whatever she chooses.

Keep location in mind as well. A large ballgown might not be appropriate at a July outdoor venue, especially with petticoats under the gown. However, it may be completely appropriate for a princess castle destination wedding or an indoor, winter ceremony.

Try on a variety of styles, even styles you’re positive you won’t like. Dresses look completely different on a body than they do on a hanger, and that dress you thought you’d hate could turn out to be “the one” you have to have.

Most dresses aren’t conducive to a traditional bra, so purchasing one through the

bridal salon or bringing a special one may be in order when trying on dresses.

Make sure if you already own the lingerie and the shoes you plan to be married in to bring each along when trying on and buying dresses as well as when it comes time for alterations.

Also, stick to your budget.

“Yes, the dress is one of the main items for the wedding, but remember there is also catering, hall rental and more,” said Sparkman.

Blowing your budget on a dress may mean skimping elsewhere on the day, causing more undue stress.

No matter where you shop, how you shop or how much you spend, remember to make the dress-buying experience enjoyable.

ridesmaids dress shopping should be kept simple, especially compared to the rest of wedding planning.

A few tips for shopping for bridesmaids dresses, both for brides and her bridesmaids, focus on style, price, alterations, color and body types to make sure the photos of everyone in the dresses are cherished, not later hated due to the way someone or something looks.

Kris Frye of Fort Wayne advises bridesmaids to pay the extra money for alterations. The dress will look more flattering, fit properly and will make sure you look like you belong in the bridal party.

Bridesmaids should also coordinate their dresses. Just because the bride said to wear a certain color doesn’t mean that color will automatically look great with any dress in any fabric.

Abby Conover of Fort Wayne recommends coordinating with one another in this case to ensure each girl is buying the same fabric, be it taffeta, chiffon or another, so the wedding party doesn’t look awful.

Bridesmaids should have a voice in the process, but shouldn’t dictate over what

the bride desires, Karen Dennis of Fremont said.

Dennis recommends a bride talk with her bridal party and see what they’re comfortable in, what they know does and doesn’t look good on their body and shop from there.

Fremont native Kelsey Tyte recommends letting the bridesmaids choose their dresses, but with direction. Her wedding party had a new mom, a pregnant bridesmaid and several varying body sizes, and she said she couldn’t imagine making one dress work, so she gave the five girls she had a total of 13 dresses to pick from.

“They were all different and they looked beautiful,” she said.

Some bridal parties even make the same dress worn in different ways work.

Also, brides shouldn’t try to break their bridesmaids’ bank on a dress they will only wear once.

But, regardless of the shopping, it’s up to the bridesmaids to help the bride make her day truly magical, and the shopping should be fun, not stressful.

— Ashlee Hoos ahoos@kpcmedia.com

Bridesmaids

Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

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Bridal Guide • Spring 2018 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.