q Venue q Caterer q Cake
Reception
q q Bridesmaids’Bouquet q Corsages q Boutonnieres q Church Decorations q Centerpieces for Reception
Flowers Bridal Bouquet and/or Throw Bouquet
q q Bridal Shoes q Slip q Lingerie q Hosiery q Jewelry q Veil/Headpiece q Bridal Hairstyle q Garter and/or Throw Garter q Special Keepsake to Wear q Bridesmaids q Bridesmaids’Dresses q Bridesmaids’Shoes q Bridesmaids’Jewelry q Bridesmaids’Hairstyle q Groom’s Tux q Groom’s Shoes q Groomsmen Tuxes q Groomsmen Shoes q Flower Girl Dress & Shoes q Flower Girl Shoes q Ring Bearer Tux & Shoes q Usher’s Tux/Suit
Bridal Day Apparel Gown
q q Groomsmen Gifts q Flower Girl/Ring Bearer Gifts q Thank You Notes q Photographer q Keepsakes for Wedding Attendants q Witnesses for Wedding License q Gratuities
Other Bridesmaids’Gifts
q Church/Venue q Restaurant/Caterer q Tables/Chairs q Bartender
Rehearsal Dinner
q Church/Venue q Clergy q Rings q Unity Candle q Music q Guest Book/Pen q Reserved Seating q Aisle Runner q Wedding Director/Friend to help out
Ceremony
q DJ & Music List q Bartender q Cake Knife q Dishes and Silverware q Tables & Chairs q Linens q Guest Book q Limousine/Transportation q Decorations q Bubbles/Seeds
WEDDING CHECKLIST
Russell and Lesley Moore, (nee’ Harrington), stand beneath the Temple Theatre marquis on their wedding day, Jan. 4, 2014. The local pair held a 1920s-inspired celebration in Sanford.
Advertising Supplement Sunday, April 20, 2014
Bridal Guide
Central Carolina
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Vintage
Wedding Guide
Romance
Temple: All furnished by Mabyn Ludke Photography, including cover art. Couple, shoes, preacher: Wes Beeson. Transportation: Furnished by EcoStyle Chauffeured Transportation
Local couple ties knot in 1920s-inspired celebration BY JENNIFER GENTILE
JGENTILE@SANFORDHERALD.COM
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S A N F O R D
hen Lesley Moore pictured her ideal wedding day, the vision wasn’t modern or conventional. To the bride, “perfect” was a Prohibition era-style soiree, replete with colorful peacock feathers, pearls and all the trappings of the Roaring 20s. Her groom, Russell Moore, also favors the styles and elements of eras past. “Sometimes, we feel like we we should have been born in another time,” said the newlywed, née Harrington, “We love vintage things.” The pair’s old-school romance blossomed on the dating website Christian Mingle, where Russell saw Lesley’s profile and summoned the nerve to ask her to take a compatibility test. She responded with some recommended changes to his profile, not expecting a relationship to develop, but was surprised and pleased when he took her feedback to heart. Russell, who is employed as a site operations manager, was drawn to Lesley’s picture on the site. “It wasn’t overly done; she was looking very nice,” he said. “Her hair was pulled up with a black rose in it; she had a nice smile.” In addition, “I liked what she said about herself in her profile.” More correspondence followed until they had their first date at a Greensboro IHOP restaurant, followed by a shopping trip to Target — where Lesley purchased toys to use in her job as a pediatric physical therapist. “At the end, I told him I definitely would like to see him again and to see him only,” Lesley recalled on the couple’s wedding website. When it came time for Russell to propose, he saw a booklet in a display titled “1965 Remember When... A Nostalgic Look Back in Time” — recounting all of the highlights of Lesley’s birth year — and realized he’d found the perfect prop. On the last page, in tribute to his vintage-loving bride-to-be, he wrote, “Lesley, will you make memories with me for the rest of our lives?” ‘Perfect Timing’ The couple became engaged in July and married in January, Lesley noted, “so I didn’t give myself a lot of time.” She drew inspiration from bridal blogs and elsewhere online — honing in on photos and items that fit her 1920s aesthetic. “The Great Gatsby” was in theaters, she recalled, sparking a resurgence of interest in the Jazz Age. “I love the fashion; I love the dresses they wore,” she said. “That’s the thing that draws me; I think it was a fun time.”
downtown venue was full of the historic character and charm that suited the couple’s tastes. “I knew Temple Theatre was built in the 1920s, and I thought, ‘wow, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have my wedding there?’” she said. “My husband and I like to be different.” Added Russell, “It was very unusual, where it was held. That made it extraordinary.” The groom said the highlight of the process for him came the day before the main event. Watching Lesley practice walking down the aisle during rehearsal, escorted by her father and carrying a bouquet of ribbons, was an emotional experience for the pair and their loved ones. “We connected,” Russell said. “I could see at one moment her eyes were swollen with tears. Knowing that we were meant for each other, I was joyful.” That happiness culminated on their Describing her decor on the website wedding day, Jan. 4. The pair rode to for Mabyn Ludke photography, which the Temple in a Model T, and Lesley she chose to capture the celebration, said the stage inside was [”made to] Lesley said, “We eventually decided to look like an old-world church,” using use the peacock feather colors of blue, gates bought from Hobby Lobby, green and purple for our wedding, and twinkling lights and lots of candles. white and black for our reception with Just as if they were seeing a real ostrich feathers. During the planning of Temple production, wedding guests each detail, I made sure that it was true received a program when they arrived. to who we were as a couple and unique The “playbill” was designed as a to us as far as our faith, background, guide to the couple’s joint production, favorite things and personalities.” “Perfect Timing.” When it came to a setting, a “We waited many years for God to
bring us together and find the right person,” Lesley said. After witnessing the couple’s “I dos,” guests were treated to a reception at the nearby the ArtStudio, located on the top floor of the Lee Building, which also dates to the 1920s. Ultimately, Lesley said, “my vendors, all of them, were very supportive of my vision” — and she especially wanted her attire to reflect the time period. She settled on an Art Deco-style Juliet cap, popular in the 1920s, and a lace fit-and-flare gown. She also incorporated the theme into her cascading bouquet, which contained retro elements like ostrich feathers and ferns. Family ties and traditions were honored, too, with a seagull pin that had belonged to Russell’s maternal great-grandmother, grandmother and mother, and pearl strands that were owned by his fraternal grandmother. An antique fabric myrtle flower garland, which circled Lesley’s forehead, paid homage to her groom’s German heritage. Overall, the bride said, “I think it came together well; when you plan a vintage wedding, it’s a little harder to plan. Everyone who came told me how much fun they had. “Another comment [we heard] was that they were really struck by the spiritual part of the wedding. They could see how much we love each other.”
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No wrong answer when it comes to wedding fare Food theme tables become popular at receptions
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BY AUDREY POE
Special to the Herald
S A N F O R D
ven at the most traditional wedding, the reception is the opportunity for the bride to show her whimsical side with flavored popcorns, cowboy caviar, favorite candies, nacho bars, theme tables and cheese fountains. According to area vendors, brides are opting for menus that reflect their tastes and are more individualized. With so much time and money invested in a wedding, many brides are having receptions that last for hours to give them more of an opportunity to spend time with their guests and enjoy the day they have spent hours organizing and planning. “One of the most popular appetizers we serve at receptions is cowboy caviar, which is a mixture of black eyed peas and vegetables in a dip that is served with tortilla chips,” said Luanne Moore, one of the co-owners of The Old Place Caterers in Bear Creek. “I think it is popular because it is delicious; it is different, and it is fun.” A wedding party may still be in the midst of photo-taking when guests arrive at the reception, Moore noted, so “having jars of flavored popcorn, a nacho bar with a cheese fountain, sweet or caramel nuts or jars of candy are ways to keep the guests busy while they wait.” Overall, she added, when it comes to each aspect of her wedding, “every bride is different and wants her day to be special.” “One of our brides chose to serve old-timey layer cakes, and another chose a variety of pies,” Moore said. “We made about eight varieties
Photos provided by Metro Creative Connection
of layer cakes, like coconut, hummingbird cake, chocolate layer cake with chocolate icing, lemon cake — just to name a few. The bride had a small, decorated tier cake to cut later, and the guests got to sample some of their old favorites.” The bride who served pie chose flavors favored by her family and the groom’s family, including pecan, chocolate chess, buttermilk, apple, lemon meringue and chess, and Moore said cupcakes remain popular and usually are done in three or four flavors. Faye Schulz, owner of Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House., said she’s noticed brides “are picking one [area] to do something different, like using a theme table and targeting a particular type of food.” “We did a whole table of salads at one, with Caesar, pasta, macaroni, toss and potato salad,” she added. “We have also done ice cream tables, candy tables and even a Mexican table with tacos and quesadillas.” Both Moore and Schulz stressed that if a couple has a caterer in mind for their reception, contact her as soon as possible. A year in advance
is not too early, they agreed. Wedding receptions once featured the basic five — cake and punch, peanuts, mints and pickles, but today, the food choices are much more varied and can be very casual or extremely formal, according to area caterers. “You don’t see chips, nuts and mints among the menu anymore. Brides are moving away from meatballs and vegetable trays and using fresh pineapple with arranged fruit,” Schulz said. “Carving stations are still elegant, and chicken tenders are popular. The time of day for the wedding impacts how hungry people will be and how heavy the food should be. “You can have a simple, elegant wedding without spending a ton of money.” In addition, brides often choose a small wedding cake and have multiple flavors of cupcakes or layer cakes like Red Velvet, chocolate, coconut, lemon and pineapple to slice for guests at the reception. To help brides select their menu, The Old Place hosts tasting parties the second Saturday of each month by reservation only where the bride and groom or the bride
and her parents can come sample a variety of appetizers and entrees. Even with the new trends in food, Moore said, “we still get a lot of orders for sausage balls, mini ham biscuits, cheese balls and cucumber biscuits, and, of course, the ever-popular green punch. “More and more brides are having meals at their receptions than in times past. Brides want to make the reception fun for their guests and for themselves. After all the work and expense of having a wedding, they don’ want the ceremony and reception to be over in an hour.” With more than 30 years of experience in the food industry, Moore, along with her late parents and her daughter, Laura, built The Old Place into a destination restaurant,
as her patrons came from the neighborhood as well as an hour away to eat at her Southern traditional buffet. For the past 10 years, she has operated The Old Place Catering out of the site of the former restaurant. Brides can make reservations for a second Saturday tasting by calling (919) 837-5131. For almost 20 years, Schulz has owned Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House on Carthage Street, which is open for lunch and does catering for weddings and many other special events. The restaurant can be reached at (919) 777-6787. “Brides just want their reception to be remembered,” Schulz said. “If the setting is gorgeous, they have good music and the food is good, people will remember having fun.”
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Here come the —
Wedding Guide
FLIP FLOP S
Some brides are thinking outside the heel when it comes to wedding footwear BY AUDREY POE
Special to the Herald
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S A N F O R D
ith all eyes on the wedding dress, it is easy to overlook the shoes — and sometimes boots, sneakers and ballet slippers — brides choose to wear down the aisle. At one time, brides primarily wore silk or peau de soie slippers that matched a pure white or ivor y dress. They often sacrificed comfort for the conventional option — which left them with blisters or sore feet by the wedding’s end. Today, local pur veyors say brides are branching out in an effort to balance the style and comfort of their nuptial footwear — and as a way of conveying their personal style. Even the bridesmaids are less likely to wear the shoes dyed to match their dresses; and as soon as the vows are spoken, both brides and their attendants may be donning cowboy boots. “For a couple of years now, brides have also chosen brown cowboy boots to wear at the wedding and reception, especially if the wedding is a countr y theme and the guys are wearing camo tuxedoes,” said Michelle Bentley, store manager of Shoe Dept. in Sanford. “We have even had brides select Chuck Taylor Converse basketball shoes for the wedding, as well as flip
flops.” And while silk slippers may no longer be the norm, many women gravitate toward today’s more typical styles. “Most of the brides that come into the store go for the ver y high-heeled shoes in clear, silver or white and are dazzled with rhinestones, silver jewels or just blinged shoes,” Bentley said. “Some
brides pick a high-heeled shoe for the wedding and a similar flat or low heel for the reception since they will be on their feet for hours.” As for the bridal party, Bentley said, “What you have to remember is that it is the bride’s choice … .” “We’ve had our share of attendants who weren’t happy when they saw what the bride had chosen. We can offer our opinions all day long, but most brides know what they want their day to be like,” Bentley said. “Some of the brides really don’t care if their attendants all wear identical shoes; they just specify that it should be a silver sandal, for example, and the attendant can then pick one that is comfortable.” Depending on the time of the wedding, store managers recommend selecting the shoes well in advance, maybe as much as three to four months ahead, because many of the same shoes are worn at area high school
proms. The location of the wedding also affects shoe decisions, with those having beach weddings leaning toward flip flops and couples planning outdoor, countr y weddings opting for brown cowboy boots. “We probably have about 15-20 styles that are popular for weddings,” Bentley said. Tim Hobbs, store manager at Rack Room Shoes, said in his
experience, “We sell more heels than flats for wedding parties.” “With our ever y day, buy one, get one half price [deal], it helps with costs if they are planning to wear heels for the wedding and cowboy boots at the reception,” he said. For about the past two years, Hobbs said, sparkly metallic shoes in silver, gold or pewter, and also black
with sequins, have been popular. Wedding vendors generally advise against procrastination, but Hobbs said it is not uncommon. “We get a lot of bridesmaids that wait until the last minute to get their shoes,” he said. “What we don’t have in our store, we can quickly go online see which other stores may have the style and size they are looking for.”
Getting it covered In the event of wedding mishaps, insurance can be a lifesaver BY AUDREY POE
Special to the Herald
SANFORD — In some parts of the country, where wedding costs run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, brides are purchasing wedding insurance for protection against caterers who go bankr upt, bridal boutiques who don’t deliver the wedding dress, venues that overbook the site and even bridegrooms who don’t show up for the wedding. That is not the case in this region. Several area insurance companies say their version of wedding insurance covers only liability risks that may arise and often is required by certain venues.
Those pairs whose wedding or reception involves the release of butterflies or birds probably won’t incur any added liability. However, if their plans include fireworks or ser ving alcohol that would include beer and wine, then they may need a special event liability insurance policy to protect them from unwanted lawsuits. “In the past three to five years, we have begun to see more and more brides needing special event policies because more couples are opting for non-traditional venues other than churches,” said Charlene Ray, an agent with Bankingpor t Insurance.
Ray explained that the policy is pretty simple and quick to complete and can cover both the wedding and reception. The price varies based on whether coverage is needed for one or two days and the number of people expected to attend. “This type of policy offers protection in case someone has too much to drink, or someone falls and is injured and sues,” she said. “This is a negligence policy to protect the couple if something goes wrong, like a grill that could cause a barn to burn at a farm wedding.” Ray continued, “Venues like hotels and restaurants all have liability insurance, but venues like
civic centers and parks may require proof of the coverage more than three weeks before the event.” Homeowners’ insurance may provide coverage if the reception or wedding is at someone’s residence, but couples would need to check with their insurance agent and go over the details of the event to make sure that it would be covered, Ray advised. For those needing the additional event coverage, Ray said, it would only take about 30 minutes to complete the paper work, and depending on the venue, it could be required fur ther in advance than a few weeks.
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Lasting L VE ‘Like two teenagers’ found Cameron couple late in life
BY GINA EAVES
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GEAVES@SANFORDHERALD.COM
hen Mack Womble made a routine stop at the Cameron Post Office in May 2011, he didn’t expect to embark on a courtship that would culminate in a marriage certificate six months later. Yet postal clerk Kim Willard had different plans for the 82-year old former mayor of Cameron and her grandmother, Millie Rigsbee. “Kim told me, ‘I have someone I’d like you to meet. She’s older than you are,’” Mack recalled of the matchmaking conversation responsible for his first date with Millie, who is 10 years his senior. “But that didn’t bother me. Age is a number, and we all have one.” The soon-to-be suitor joined Kim for dinner at Bay Breeze Seafood. Following the blind date, they agreed to have dinner together again — this time without Kim. “Mack told me that if I wouldn’t mind riding in his truck, we could go to dinner again. It could have been a T-Model Ford,” Millie said, followed by a giggle. “He picked me up in an El Camino!” Nearly three years after that first of many rides in Mack’s El Camino, both husband and wife claim that marriage wasn’t the motive behind their courtship. “I was just interested in company when I met Millie. That didn’t take long to change,” Mack explained, adding with a chuckle, “Gas was so high, I could feed her cheaper than I could drive to see her!” Both said dating in their senior years evoked similar experiences and emotions as dating in their youth — and was as enjoyable as ever. “I looked forward to every evening call and ... to him coming by,” Millie said. “We were like two teenagers.” However, according to Mack, age contributed to a quicker courtship. “When I was young, I dated longer because I had more time. But I didn’t know how much time we had together, so I decided we better get on with the program,” he said. Like many
modern-day marriages, Mack and Millie inherited a blended family with their nuptials — and initial resistance from their families. Their children voiced concerns over the late-life marriage and questioned its sustainability. “Some people let their children control them; first, give God his due,” Mack said. “If your children can’t accept your feelings for each other, it’s more important for you to be happy than satisfy your children or anyone else.” In time, their children have embraced Mack and Millie’s marriage and have established relationships with their respective stepparents. While family plays an important role in the couple’s marriage, the foundation of Mack and Millie’s marriage rests in their Christian faith. “I didn’t want to date someone who didn’t go to church and didn’t know the Lord,” Millie said. “I thank the Lord every day for my health and ask if there’s something else I’m meant to do, I want to do it before he calls me home. Maybe I was
meant to marry Mack so I can fix him breakfast.” Millie, reared in the Pentecostal denomination, now attends church services with Mack — a member of Cameron Presbyterian Church. “I’m not Presbyterian, but if you’re worshiping God, you’re not worshiping the church,” she said. Millie’s move to Cameron Presbyterian wasn’t the only compromise the couple faced. After two years of living in Mack’s Cameron residence, the couple relocated to Millie’s home in Spout Springs. “I’m fine living here,” Mack said of his Harnett County home. “One of the problems that elderly people have is they’re too set in their ways and there’s no compromise.” Although the couple believes that compromise is key to a successful marriage, Millie said that she and Mack agree on most everything. “And if we don’t, it’s not that important,” Mack added. The pair notes that their common interests are critical to the success of their marriage, and
each agreed that their shared life experiences augment that success. “We both like a lot of the same things. We enjoy sitting and talking, and we enjoy each other’s company,” Millie said of the friendship that is the cornerstone of
their relationship. “It’s nice to be with someone who grew up in the same area, had the same problems and same experiences,” Mack added. Although Mack and Millie have long returned from their honeymoon at
Linville Falls, the couple who say they were meant for one another also claim they’re still on their honeymoon. “It started in November,” Mack says, reaching over to hug Millie. “And it’s still going on.”
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Wedding Guide
Getting married, staying married
The secret to happiness in wedlock, says one local minister, is realistic expectations BY THE REV. RONALD E. STOKER
together? Do you expect that person to meet Special to the Herald your needs? Are you o doubt you are getting married to ser ve excited about or be ser ved? Potential the big day. You heartbreak lurks if you stressfully juggle your expect someone else own preferences with to do for you what you that of your parents, must do for yourself. friends and that special Happiness is what someone. So much work, you bring worr y and marriage Beware of marrying to expense — not what someone who is more you get will be invested busy blaming others out of it. into this rather than working Happiness once-inis not what on themselves. If a-lifetime you have experience. they are not willing or who you Sadly, for to be the change they are with; many wellwish to see in others, it’s who we intentioned are on the couples, the what makes you think inside. The path ahead they will work hard to greatest can dissolve stay happily married? gift you can into a give to your lifetime potential spouse is to of frustration and work on your own life. disappointment. What Are you committed is the secret that takes to spiritual growth, a couple from getting financial responsibility married to staying and physical health? married? One of my counseling Many times, one spouse goes to church, hits goals with couples is the gym or spends to explore marriage prudently while the expectations. Do you other goes off in expect that person to another direction. If make you happy? Do there is not a common you feel better about commitment to personal yourself when you are
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growth, drifting apart is a real possibility. Beware of marr ying someone who is more busy blaming others rather than working on themselves. If they are not willing to be the change they wish to see in others, what makes you think they will work hard to stay happily married? No
matter how much they promise you things will change, don’t fall for it. Don’t marr y potential. The good news is that when we make a serious commitment to personal growth, we attract like-minded people. Next, what you are willing to live with after you take your vows? Could you stay married
if a certain issue stayed the same? So many couples believe they have the magical power to fix each other. Can you stay committed if things never change — or change for the worst? Life is not fun when happiness is dependent on waiting for something that may never happen.
Can you love someone as they are instead of what you want them to be? Can you love enough to let go of your dreams so that the other person may realize their own dream? Being flexible is a must if you want to nurture a strong relationship. Are you the type of person who always must be right? Is it the end of the world when others don’t see things your way? Those in long-lasting and happy marriages find ways to be open and accepting. Will your marriage sur vival be contingent on always having your way? If it is, a life of suffering awaits you. Finally, don’t underestimate your ability to create martial problems. What we call problems are often distinctly selfish interpretations of events. When we don’t get our way, it’s a problem. When someone doesn’t love us the way we want, it’s a problem. When someone doesn’t live up to my standards, it’s a problem. Remember, what we dislike in others usually resides in ourselves. Other people ser ve as a personal reflection our own brokenness. People in great marriages are committed to selfimprovement rather than fault-finding. When two people are driven by personal growth, their relationship grows stronger. So what is the secret of staying married after getting married? It begins with looking in the mirror and assessing your own life. Ask yourself the hard questions and wrestle with the truth of your life. Are you getting married to run away from something else? Are you walking down the aisle to get your own unmet needs met? Are you tying the knot because you are afraid you can’t make it on your own? Can you love this person as they are right now forever? So as you go on planning for your special day, listen to the truth of your life so that your marriage will last long beyond the fanfare! The Rev. Ron Stoker is minister at First Presbyterian Church, Sanford. He is always happy to help couples prepare for a lifetime of marriage. He can be reached at ronstoker@ bellsouth.net.
Wedding Guide
Sunday, April 20, 2014 /
TRANSPORTATION
Essential, but often overlooked BY JENNIFER GENTILE
“We’re seeing a lot more group movement,” Tyler said. S A N F O R D “We’ve seen a heavy increase he need of a bride in requests for larger, and groom to move executive mini buses.” The themselves, and their company’s fleet ranges from wedding parties, from site to town cars and Cadillacs to site on their big day hasn’t larger vehicles like limo vans changed. and SUVs. But the modes of Explaining that shift, Tyler transportation they are using, said, “Overall, they just like to and the personalized touches be more efficient, to not have they employ, evolve with the as many moving parts and times and are unique to each simplify it.” couple, area experts say. They Ken Jernigan, general also urge couples not to rank manager of Sanford-based getting around too low on Fleming Transportation, their list of nuptial priorities. said he’s also noticed more “Transportation is often couples are looking for something that is overlooked, “higher-passenger vehicles” but it’s one of the most — which he attributes largely important elements to a to affordability. successful wedding,” said “It cuts down cost,” he Scott Tyler, co-founder said. “The limousines with of EcoStyle Chauffeured more capacity are more Transportation, which expensive, but if you have acquired Sanford-based Prime [a lot of people], it’s more Time Limousines and Sedans. feasible as far as cost.” As far as trends, Tyler Some couples also want said, it seems that bigger is to create a nostalgic vibe, becoming more popular. Jernigan said, or have other JGENTILE@SANFORDHERALD.COM
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Proper planning can prevent hassles, holdups, on the big day
back and forth may be special requests or desires. “As far as we’re concerned, desirable depending on the circumstances. we do what we can to accommodate individual • Arranging for pick-up and drop-off ser vice only will needs,” he said. ensure that drivers aren’t In the way of overall advice, Jernigan doesn’t waiting around (and getting paid) for the duration of the mince words: “Plan ahead — plan well ahead, and ceremony and reception. “If there will be no cars expect the unexpected.” waiting, the couple should Echoing that admonition, Tyler said, “don’t be assured a ride home delay; we’ll walk Wedding website you through the theknot.com urges (hotel, airport, etc.) when the process.” couples to firm up Wedding festivities are their arrangements over,” the site website theknot. com urges with vehicle vendors adds. “This is something an couples to four to six months attendant firm up their prior to the wedding. honor arrangements (usually the best with vehicle man) should provide or oversee.” vendors four to six months • Those getting married prior to the wedding. The during prom or graduation site also offers the following season, which runs from transportation tips: • Consider the needs of March to late June, will want guests, and time the wedding to book all the further in and reception accordingly. advance (five to six months at minimum). Hiring a bus or a couple of • Couples should prepare minivans to shuttle guests
a call sheet containing all pickup and drop-off addresses and times, and call to confirm with the transportation provider on the day before or the morning of the wedding. Drivers should have these details well in advance, as well as detailed directions to the ceremony and reception venues. Ever yone getting a ride should have a copy of the directions, as well as an emergency contact number in case the driver gets lost. • Transportation should be provided for the bridal party and wedding VIPs, like both sets of parents and grandparents. • Cars may be the most practical means of getting around, but couples have virtually infinite options for movement unique to their wedding style — including horse and buggy, sleigh, motorcycle and side-car, roller skates, skateboards, scooters, canoe, and even tractors.
Maid of honor: A role not to be taken lightly BY AUDREY POE
Austin said. With this in mind, S A N F O R D brides are advised to select their maids of hile being honor carefully, as chosen maid a bad choice could of honor at a impact their special day. wedding is regarded as an honor, the distinction The maid of honor’s main responsibility is can come with a pretty being supportive of the sizable price tag — which is why experts say bride and making sure the wedding goes as the position should be offered — and accepted planned. Typically, she attends — with great care and all the wedding parties consideration. and often either hosts By the time special the event or contributes clothing, luncheons, to them. And, this means parties, gifts, travel and she usually gives a gift at other costs are factored in, the cost may be hefty, each occasion and is the key player in organizing even prohibitive. But the bachelorette party. being a bride’s main During the six attendant is about more than money — as it also months leading up to carries numerous duties. the wedding, a maid of honor may find that Totaling up the costs of ever ything from attire many of her weekends are taken with various to hair appointments parties, often out of to presents, the honor town. In addition, she of being the maid of may be by the side of the honor could run close bride when she selects to $1,000, according her gown and when the to Yolanda Austin, bride is shopping for one of the owners of other accessories and Sanford-based L yon even the bridesmaids’ Event Planning. dresses. And this does not On the day of the include the cost of the wedding, the maid of wedding cake, which honor is expected to traditionally is a gift to the bride and groom and keep up with the flower could run $400 or more, girl, keep the bride away Special to the Herald
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from the groom, corral bachelorette party all the bridesmaids to (plane fare) $300 make sure they are ready on time, keep up with the groom’s ring and keep the bride from losing her cool. At the reception, she’s expected to be eloquent when she gives a toast to the couple. Some possible costs a maid of honor might incur are: Engagement party gift $50 Dress $175 Shoes $50 Alterations and dr y cleaning $50 Wedding shower (decorations, cakes, food, etc.,) $75-$100 — this depends on whether she is hosting or contributing Wedding shower gift (lingerie, cookware, etc.) $50 Bachelorette party (decorations, alcohol, etc.) $300 Beautification (hair, nails and makeup) $200 Wedding cake (wedding gift to bride and groom) $400 Travel to wedding destination (plane fare) $300 Travel to wedding shower and/or
* Costs were supplied by L yon Event Planning
and are merely a budgetar y estimate.