Illinois valley wedings 2018

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Illinois Valley

Weddings 2018

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ILLINOIS VALLEY WEDDINGS

Date set and venue reserved? The next step is hiring a caterer: Couples want good, quality food and excellent service ........................ 4 McConville Studio helps couples plan special day: Listening to a couple’s vision, then helping to achieve it .................................. 7 Flower power, and so much more: Valley Flowers and Gifts provides personal attention before and during your perfect day ......... 10 Working hard to give clients great memories: Travel agent having time of her life booking fabulous vacations .................................. 14 From frosting to full service: The success of Christy’s Kitchen has allowed for an expansion into event planning ................. 17

Eighteen tips for an affordable wedding ... 22 The countdown to the big day ................. 24 Groom’s checklist.................................... 26

Quite the Place: That Place on Palmyra hosts The bride’s trousseau .............................. 27 bachelorette parties, showers, rehearsal dinners .................................................... 18 More handy wedding checklists.......... 28-39 Editor, General Manager: Jim Dunn Advertising Director: Jennifer Heintzelman Reporters, Photographers and Writers: Lyle Ganther, Dave Cook, Cody Cutter, Peter Balser, Becky Kramer Page Design: Lucas Pauley • Cover photo: Nancey Dorner

Bureau County Republican, 800 Ace Road, Princeton, IL 61356 • 815-875-4461 Articles and advertising are the property of Bureau County Republican of Princeton and Sauk Valley Media of Dixon/Sterling. No portion of Illinois Weddings 2018 may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Bureau County Republican. Bureau County Republican cannot, and will not, be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this publication.

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ABOVE: Mindy and Mary Kramer stand at the Kramer’s Kitchen and Catering display at a bridal fair. Kramer’s Kitchen staff attend such shows and offer samples of their catered dishes. On the menu at this fair: chicken cordon bleu, garden wild rice and pasta salad. BELOW: Salad lovers would enjoy the offerings at this end of the Kramer’s Kitchen and Catering table, as lettuce, shredded cheese, croutons, dressing and a vegetable tray await them.

Date set and venue reserved?

The next step is hiring a caterer Couples want good, quality food and excellent service STORY BY BECKY KRAMER AND SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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ou have set your date and have reserved the venue for your special day, so what is the next step in planning your wedding?

The food!

Some venues have on-site food services, but many in our area require you to hire a catering service.

There are many catering options available in the area, but if you are looking for good, quality food with excellent

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service, then Kramer’s Kitchen and Catering, or Alexander Park Tavern, might be the right choice for you.

Some important information that you will need when talking to a prospective caterer includes the date and time of the event and the approximate number of guests. You will also need to know the place of the event, whether it will be indoors or outdoors, whether it will be casual or formal, and whether there are any special food requests.

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Kramer’s Kitchen and Catering Address: 421 S. Main St., Princton Phone: 815-872-2715 Website: kramers-kitchen.com Email: Kramerkitchen421@gmail.com

Food offered by Kramer’s Kitchen and Catering at one particular event included roast beef, garlic chicken breast, mostaccioli without meat, cheesy potato casserole, green beans, tossed salad and a veggie tray.

Reserving the caterer should be top priority after reserving the venue.

Caterers are often booked far in advance. Once your decision is made, you can cross one more thing off of your long to-do list.

Kramer’s Kitchen and Catering Princeton resident Mary Kramer began catering with her daughter, Mindy, for birthday parties and anniversary celebrations in 2003. People attending the events were impressed with the food, and the business grew quickly.

“It didn’t take long to realize we needed a place to continue the catering business so we could handle weddings and larger events,” Mary said.

On March 17, 2008, Kramer’s Kitchen opened its doors at 421 S. Main St. in Princeton with the help of daughter, Mindy and also son, Kenny.

The Kramer family is no stranger to business ownership. Mary and her husband, Roger, also own Kramer’s Garage Door, and son, Tony, works for this business.

“We understand that planning a wedding

or major event can often feel quite daunting, with an eye on creating that perfect night,” Mindy Kramer said.

“Kramer’s Kitchen strives to provide you with the finest premium menu, while keeping your hassle to a minimum, ensuring your special day is unforgettable!

“For such events, we offer a formal or casual buffet-style meal plan with your choice of disposable or real table settings, happily meeting the level of decorum you seek,” she said.

Though the catering menu has a wide variety of choices, there are a few favorites that get chosen over and over again.

“We are known for our garlic breaded chicken breast and home-style roast beef as well as our cheesy potatoes, green beans with bacon, and pasta salad,” Mindy said.

Though there are too many choices to list them all, some other favorites include chicken cordon bleu, ham, baked cod loin, roast pork, Italian beef, oven-roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables.

Kramer’s Kitchen caters at the following locations: The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens, The Cider Mill at Hundred Acre Orchard, The Kompany Down Under, the Bureau County Metro Center, Chapel Hill, or any other venue that is chosen by the bride and groom.

Kramer’s Kitchen will be at the Bridal Expos held at Hornbaker Gardens on Jan. 21 and at IVCC on Feb. 18. Mindy Kramer will be available to answer questions, and there will be food to sample.

You can also contact Mindy or Mary Kramer to make an appointment for consultation.

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Alexander Park Tavern Alexander Park Tavern has been a mainstay in Princeton since opening its doors in 1934.

Located next to Alexander Park and the Bureau County Metro Center, the Park Tavern has been treating customers like family for the past 84 years.

Princeton residents Shawn and Karen Nyman took over the business in May 2012.

Though there weren’t too many changes to the existing business, one major change was the addition of catering.

“We have never advertised our catering, but word of mouth keeps us busy,” Shawn Nyman said.

There are many choices on the catering menu that catch the attention of brides and grooms.

“Fried chicken is one of our most popular entrees, and it’s also what the Park Tavern is known for,” Nyman said.

Other menu favorites include chicken asiago, smoked brisket, roast beef and many others.

There are a wide variety of vegetables to choose from, but some of the most popular include twice baked potatoes, au gratins, and butter parsley potatoes.

There are too many choices to list them all!

“Karen and I let the couple customize their meal to their needs, and we strive for

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Alexander Park Tavern Address: 815 Park Ave. West, Princeton Phone: 815-872-9091 Website: alexanderparktavern.com

Alexander Park Tavern of Princeton caters special events such as weddings. Princeton residents Shawn and Karen Nyman have operated the business since 2012. “We have never advertised our catering, but word of mouth keeps us busy,” co-owner Shawn Nyman said. Popular entrees include fried chicken, chicken asiago, smoked brisket and roast beef. excellence with hot and on-time food service,” Nyman said.

The Park Tavern caters at the following locations: The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens, The Cider Mill at Hundred Acre Orchard, The Kompany Down Under, the

Bureau County Metro Center, Chapel Hill, The Port House in Dixon, or any other venue that is chosen by the bride and groom.

Contact Shawn or Karen Nyman to set up a consultation.

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McConville Studio helps couples plan special day Listening to a couple’s vision, then helping to achieve it STORY BY LYLE GANTHER AND SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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hil and Andrea McConville, owners of McConville Studio in Peru, specialize in helping couples plan their wedding day.

“The whole wedding is a huge educational process,” said Andrea, who helps brides-to-be develop their wedding day itineraries and create a timeline.

“I usually spend at least one hour with the potential bride at the first meeting discussing the schedule for the wedding day.

“We want them to create a reasonable expectation for what that day entails and create a vision for the day,” she said.

“We help them logistically and be excited for them and listen to their vision. Our job is to help them understand the details and logistics to achieve that vision.”

Phil opened his studio 12 years ago in Mendota, and moved his studio to LaSalle in 2007 inside the couple’s apartment on First Street.

In 2010, their studio was moved to the Westclox building. After a fire devastated a part of the building, McConville moved the studio to its current location in the building, which had been a beauty shop.

“I always thought this was a cool building,” Phil said. “We had a smaller location at first and then after time, we moved here after the fire because we were the only ones that didn’t move out. I liked the light in here.”

He received a degree in photography from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and helped someone in the city before moving back to this area to open his own studio.

Illinois Valley Weddings

Phil and Andrea McConville, who operate McConville Studio in the Westclox Building in Peru, are married and have two children.

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ABOVE: Andrea McConville and her husband Phil, operate McConville Studio in Peru. ON PAGE 9 (LEFT): Phil McConville of McConville Studio in Peru takes a picture of an engaged couple. ON PAGE 9 (RIGHT): Andrea McConville of McConville Studio in Peru takes a picture.

When McConville first attended Illinois Valley Community College, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life.

He first thought about going into forestry and thought it would be helpful to take photos in that field.

He then got into photography and decided to go into the photo program at IVCC. Phil first started working with film and then gradually got into digital photography.

Andrea was a voice major at Northern Illinois University and was raising support to become a missionary while living in Ottawa. “We met at a Bible study and

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eventually started to know each other,” she said.

Andrea started helping him out with administrative duties by answering customers’ questions and handling emails.

She then started getting interested in photography and started helping Phil out at weddings.

At their Peru studio, the McConvilles take family pictures, high school seniors, some commercial work, and corporate head shots in their 1,800-square-foot studio.

The McConvilles recently added another photographer to their studio, Kasey

Wilson, who mainly takes pictures of newborns and little kids, but also helps at weddings. Wilson is the sister of Phil’s best friend.

“We did 38 weddings last year, which was down from 75 the year before,” Andrea said. “We decided to scale back because Phil does all the post-production work, and he was never home.”

The McConvilles, who have been married for 11 years, are the parents of two children, Owen and Gwenna.

McConville Studio can be reached at 815-250-0019 or through its website at mcconvillestudio.com.

Illinois Valley Weddings

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Flower power, and so much more Valley Flowers and Gifts provides personal attention before and during your perfect day STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE COOK

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n the unlikely event you haven’t yet noticed, planning your wedding can be a stressful experience. This is why choosing to work with experienced and dedicated professionals is a wise decision.

Theresa Taliani, owner of Valley Flowers and Gifts, has dedicated herself to continuing the long tradition of personalized service established decades ago by the previous owners. They currently do more than 60 weddings a year, but each of those brides gets the attention she deserves.

“We only schedule one wedding a day, so I can keep the focus on them and do everything I can to ensure their day is as perfect as can be,” Taliani said.

And just as there are many petals to a flower, there are also many aspects to the service Valley Flowers and Gifts can provide.

Not only will Taliani ensure your wedding day flowers are bright and beautiful, but she also offers those special little touches provided through an array of decor available in different colors and styles.

She recommends starting to plan a year prior to the big day, and brides-to-be have their own quiet and private room for consultations, full of flowers and different decor, in which Valley Flowers will help plan their wedding.

RIIGHT: Valley Flowers and Gifts owner Theresa Taliani displays some of the more vibrantly colored flower choices which have recently become more popular with brides. BELOW: The private consultation room in Valley Flowers and Gifts (shown on page 11) contains examples of various floral ideas with an array of colors and complimentary additions such as feathers, which Taliani said have become more popular.

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ABOVE: Donna Rutgens (from left), owner of Something Different, a men’s formal wear store located next to Valley Flowers and Gifts, often works with Taliani on local weddings. Here they pose with one of the autumn-colored floral pieces which have gained in popularity. Another popular trend is “shabby chic” and one such piece available for rent is the rustic wine barrel the centerpiece is sitting on. ON PAGE 13: Pictured are some of the many vases, glassware and other decor available at Valley Flowers and Gifts. No matter what style or color a bride has in mind, their six showrooms will likely contain items which will catch her eye.

While the store appears small from the outside, there’s a surprising amount of choices within its six showrooms, including arches, tables, pedestals, vases and glassware, script decor, wine barrels, bird cages, picture frames, dozens of differently colored and styled bouquets and much more.

She said “shabby chic” is the current dominant trend in weddings, and the biggest of flowers rules them all.

“Everyone wanted sunflowers this year,” she said.

Another rising trend, likely associated with the increasing cost of holding a classic spring wedding, are fall weddings.

“Fall weddings, mums, feathers, sunflowers and having a lot more color have all gotten more popular. Friday and Sunday weddings have also become more common because venue costs are often lower on those days,” she said.

For those going the classic route, Taliani said hydrangeas, lillies and especially garden roses continue to be popular choices.

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“We can work with anyone’s budget, and the more ideas a bride can bring to the table, the better, although everyone ends up making changes along the way,” Taliani said.

Valley Flowers and Gifts works with three flower vendors, and orders are placed one month before the wedding.

“After that, there’s no more changes.

Once the flowers arrive, I personally inspect them to ensure everything is as it should be,” she said.

One common misconception with wedding flowers is that the use of artificial flowers will lower the cost.

“They’ve come so far that you often can’t tell the difference from a real flower, and it’s not uncommon to mix in a few with a bouquet to help keep everything as fresh looking as possible if there happens to be a concern because of the heat or another issue,” she said.

Another benefit of using Valley Flowers and Gifts is the close proximity of another wedding vendor, Something Different,

Tuxedos & More, which is located next door and owned by Donna Rutgens. The two businesses often find themselves working together to help create a couple’s vision.

Something Different offers everything the men of the wedding will need for their formal wear, including on-site alterations. Rutgens is also on-hand during the day of the wedding so she can address any last-minute issues that may arise.

For Illinois Valley couples preparing to begin the first day of the rest of their lives, visiting both Valley Flowers and Gifts and Something Different is a way to ensure that first day is as perfect as it should be.

Valley Flowers and Gifts is at 130 E. Dakota St. in Spring Valley and can be reached at 815-664-5364 or by visiting www.valleyflowersandgifts.com.

Something Different, Tuxedos & More is next door at 128 E. Dakota St. and can be reached at 815-664-5236 or by visiting their Facebook page.

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Working hard to give clients great memories

Patty Austin of Princeton holds travel brochures that feature destinations that she can book for travelers, including honeymooning newlyweds. Austin is an independent travel consultant for Your Fairytale Vacation, an agency that specializes in the planning of Disney Vacations.

Travel agent having time of her life booking fabulous vacations STORY AND PHOTOS BY JIM DUNN

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atty Austin, a home-based travel agent for Your Fairytale Vacation, really likes what she does.

How much does she like it?

So much so that even a Labor Day fire at her family’s century-old home hasn’t stopped her from continuing to help people, including brides and grooms, plan their vacation getaways.

“I love helping people plan a vacation that could be, for them, a once-in-a-lifetime vacation that they will talk about for years to come,” Austin said.

While work crews restore their home, Austin and her family — husband Mark, owner of A&M Products in Princeton, and son Patrick — have lived in temporary quarters.

Thanks to computers, the internet and modern digital technology, however, Aus-

tin hasn’t missed a beat as she continues to serve her clientele.

“I will jump through hoops to get you where you want to go,” she said.

In a question-and-answer format, Austin explains more about how she can help travelers, including couples preparing for their honeymoons.

Illinois Valley Weddings: Tell us about the services Your Fairytale Vacation offers.

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Brochures show various exotic travel destinations. Planning honeymoon trips to the Dominican Republic and on Disney Cruise Line ships are among the services offered by Patty Austin of Princeton, an independent travel consultant for Your Fairytale Vacation.

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16 Austin: I am a full service travel planning agent. I take care of all the details with no added fees or charges.

IV Weddings: In particular, as far as soon-tobe-wed couples are concerned, what services can you offer them?

Austin: I am able to plan pretty much any type of honeymoon vacation that a couple can think of. We can plan an all-inclusive adult-only resort destination, a cruise to the Caribbean, a vacation to Sandals and/or Beaches. I can handle all of their travel plans, so that there is one less thing for the couples to worry about leading up to their big day!

IV Weddings: What are some of the typical honeymoon vacation destinations that couples in our region prefer?

Austin: Most couples want a relaxing, beach honeymoon, so Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, etc., those are the most-sought-after destinations. Â

IV Weddings: Tell us about your experience as an independent travel consultant.

Austin: I have been having the time of my life helping people plan their vacations. Helping people especially when they are not sure of the planning process or even where to start has been so enjoyable and rewarding.

IV Weddings: Your business card mentions that the agency specializes in the planning of Disney Vacations. Please describe some of those.

Austin: Disney is a multifaceted desti-

Your Fairytale Vacation Location: Home-based travel agent Agency owner: Patty Austin, independent travel consultant Contact information: patty@yourfairytalevacation.com; phone 815-303-0551 nation, whether it’s to the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Fla., or the original park, Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., not to mention the Disney Cruise line and Adventures by Disney. With the popularity of Disney and with so many things constantly changing, it’s extremely helpful to have someone that has plenty of experience with the Disney brand.

IV Weddings: Why would couples want to schedule their honeymoons through a travel agency, instead of making all the travel and lodging reservations themselves?

Austin: It’s always best to book any vacations with a travel agent, as most agents will not charge any more than if you book your vacation yourself online, but the best part is that if something should happen — like lost luggage, or flight cancellation — you have someone on your side doing all the work to find your luggage and get it to you or making sure you are getting booked on another flight, taking the stress and worry (a little, at least!) off of the couple.

IV Weddings: Talk a bit, in general, about the range of honeymoon travel costs, comparing newlyweds who are on a budget versus those who have more money to spend.

Austin: Vacations come in all sizes and budgets, so there is always a destination that can accommodate any budget. You might have to change a vacation length or maybe even a particular destination based on your particular budget, but there is someplace out there that will meet your needs and expectations. Sometimes you might have to wait a few weeks or months as well, based on the season, but I can work with just about any size budget and help find a couple what will work for them and make them happy at the same time.

IV Weddings: Do honeymoon travel destinations change with the seasons? For example, in the summer, do couples book honeymoon trips to Canada or Alaska? Or do they generally head to warm, tropical destinations, regardless of the season?

Austin: In my experience, so far I’ve only had requests for a tropical destination.

IV Weddings: Anything else you would like to say about Your Fairytale Vacation?

Austin: This is a family-owned agency, and we work extremely hard to make sure all of our clients come away with great memories of a fabulous vacation and wanting to come back again and again.

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Christie Pasieka and her daughter, Michelle Olson (pictured), have worked hard to grow their initially home-based bakery into a popular store-front bakery located along Route 6 in Peru.

From frosting to full service The success of Christy’s Kitchen has allowed for an expansion into event planning STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE COOK

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hat started as a small, homebased family bakery quickly grew into a successful storefront bakery. From there, the owners of Christy’s Kitchen have parlayed their experience into a new, full-service event planning service.

Christie Pasieka and her daughter, Michelle Olson, began their venture into baking in January 2012.

“We worked farmer markets and shows to get a feel of what customers liked, and we went to a storefront in May 2013. We outgrew that location and moved to our current location in 2016 and have now expanded with our event design and planning business, Event Pros Boutique,” Pasieka said.

Event Pros Boutique has three service packages available for brides-tobe, and each can also be customized as needed.

Illinois Valley Weddings

Floral designs remain a popular choice for brides and the details on this cake include frosting piped in the style of large roses and smaller ones which are reminiscent of paperwhites or jasmine.

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The packages offered include a full-service plan, which will handle every aspect of the wedding from the initial consultation to the final tear-down after the reception; a “Week Before” plan, which allows brides to delegate the stress of those final days to Pasieka and her team of event professionals; and a “Boutique Add-ons” package offering an array of individual and additional services to help add those special touches.

“The most important part for a bride to consider is to find a vendor who makes the process stress-free, is reliable, and has a lot of options to choose from,” Pasieka said.

Many brides have chosen to move away from the classic, oversized wedding cakes, and Pasieka said the popular new trend is to have dessert tables with a small cake. These tables allow couples to offer their family and friends a variety of different dessert choices, and Christy’s Kitchen can customize them as needed.

“We do a lot of dessert tables and offer desserts from basic to gourmet. If a bride is looking for something special, we create that recipe and dessert just for her. A dessert layout is designed with decor and elements reflecting the theme of the wedding, the bride’s style, or how the couple met,” she said.

For brides on a budget, Pasieka said it’s important to find a creative bakery that can work within your budget, and Christy’s Kitchen is happy to help brides realize their idea of a perfect day.

Both Pasieka and Olson enjoy working with brides and going over design elements to help create the cake of their dreams.

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RIGHT: Brides have begun to choose more vibrant colors for their weddings and Christy’s Kitchen can easily incorporate the latest styles and trends into a variety of cakes and dessert tables. LEFT: Christy’s Kitchen can design a cake to match a bride’s chosen colors and wedding style and are happy to work with those on a budget.

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19 “We try to create elements in the bridal cakes that make them unique just for the bride,” Pasieka said.

As an example of that commitment, they’ve even hand piped a five-tier wedding cake to replicate the bride’s dress down to the lacing.

“That’s also the most extravagant cake we’ve made,” she added.

Event Pros Boutique also handles corporate and social events, as well as other types of parties, such as anniversaries; bridal and baby showers; birthday, retirement, holiday and graduation parties; quinceaneras and any other event where professional assistance is desired.

Some of the ways Pasieka and her dedicated team can help plan your event include an initial consultation; assistance with venues; decor and design development; vendor recommendations and referrals; budget planning and management; event timeline development; invitations and signage; logistics management; venue diagrams; coordination with vendors as the primary contact; and venue setup and teardown.

Christy’s Kitchen is at 2204 4th St. in Peru, and they can be reached at 815-7802204.

Event Pros Boutique can be reached at the same phone number; via email at eventprosboutique@yahoo.com; or by visiting their website at www.eventprosboutique.com or their Facebook page.

Christy’s can tailor their cakes to include intricate design work with their piping and have even replicated the lacing on a bride’s wedding dress.

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Quite the Place

Photos by Peter Balser/For Illinois Valley Weddings

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That Place on Palmyra hosts parties, showers, rehearsal dinners

BY CODY CUTTER For Illinois Valley Weddings

J

ust west of Dixon on Palmyra Road sits a place where lasting memories have been made for the past 80 years.

The Brown Shingle occupied that spot for most of those years.

Since 2015, it is home to That Place on Palmyra.

The log cabin-like structure was built about 10 years ago by the owners of BombDigity Bar and Grill.

After that venture failed, new owners Tom and Robin Canode of Dixon decided to change the feel up to more of a restaurant. They got that far, but couldn’t quite figure out a name.

“It came down to the wire and we needed to find something,” General Manager Courtney Edge of Sterling said. “People could never find this place, because it’s outside of town. ... So with Palmyra being the road where it’s at, that’s how we came up with That Place on Palmyra.”

Edge and her staff of about 50 hope their establishment can become more known than just “that place” when it comes to hosting rehearsal dinners, gift exchanges or bachelorette parties.

Patrons can enjoy the rustic appearance of the restaurant’s banquet room, which seats 50 people in a comfortable setting complete with a fireplace and sliding side doors, which gives the room more privacy.

The banquet area can spread out to other places in the restaurant, with a maximum capacity of 300 people.

Events can be held outdoors as well. The restaurant’s outdoor patio, which holds about 100 people, provides a breathtaking, panoramic backdrop of the nearby Plum Creek Arboretum.

Edge said he patio is a big draw and reservations are made often during warm weather.

“In the summer time, the patio is a really big hit,” said Edge, who likens the scene to that of the Colorado outdoors. “Visually, it’s so nice. It’s comfortable having the birds, the weather, and the green.”

Edge been in the restaurant business for 14 years. She worked at restaurants while studying marketing and business administration in college, and has ascended the ranks after starting out as a bartender under the establishment’s previous ownership.

The That Place on Palmyra strives

Illinois Valley Weddings

Courtney Edge, general manager of That Place on Palmyra in Dixon, poses in the banquet room at the restaurant. to make the restaurant’s atmosphere and camaraderie as comforting as possible Of the nearly 30 wedding-themed banquets the restaurant has hosted, one of the best bits of feedback Edge has received has been how the staff becomes happily involved with what’s going on.

“I really like to see the hostess having a good time,” Edge said. “A lot of times the hostesses can be stressed, but they actually get to enjoy it when things are going well and get to mingle with everybody,” she said. “Our staff really likes what we do. So it’s not like work. They get involved with it, too, and that makes a difference.”

When Edge makes initial arrangements for prospective parties, she will ask how many people will be attending, what the event is, and work with the customer on food options for parties of more than 25 people – which can include either light appetizers, full dinners or a buffet. Limited menu options include steaks, wraps, flatbreads, burgers, salads, and finger foods. Pulled pork sliders, brisket sliders, onion rings and chicken tenders are popular buffet items.

If it’s not on their menu, the kitchen staff will make arrangements. Assistance with meal options can be pro-

vided upon request.

For those on a budget, Edge and her staff can help get the most out of what customers have to spend by going over all of the options.

Planning everything out carefully is a process Edge takes a lot of pride in.

Locals know That Place on Palmyra for the mouthwatering food, but its aiming to provide more than just that.

The banquet aspect of things wasn’t quite thought of a whole lot when marketing the restaurant, but reservations have picked up once the staff got a feel of how to excel at it.

“That’s a market that we didn’t really hit at the beginning,” Edge said.

“We didn’t realize that we could cater to people doing weddings, and things like that.”

Now, with many successful events under the restaurant’s belt, that’s changed.

“Our staff, since we’ve done so many parties, we plan well in advance,” Edge said. “It makes it so much easier to enjoy themselves and not worry about if things are set up. I go over whoever we have the party for a couple of days in advance and make sure things are in line. If there’s decorations, we’ll help out with that. Our staff is very hands-on, so that makes for a very good event.”

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Forgo the cost of renting a venue and have your wedding outdoors, especially in a place that holds special memories. (Metro photo)

18 tips for an affordable wedding 1. Avoid guest list bloat.

For some people, it can feel very tempting to invite hundreds of people to the ceremony. With each addition to your guest list, though, you’re adding a person that’s of lesser importance to you, compared to the people you’ve already invited. Instead of just adding more and more people, consider inviting fewer people and making the event more intimate. Try cutting your list in half, and see if you’re happy with it.

reduces the food costs for the ceremony. If this isn’t your forte, look around your community for a family-owned restaurant and ask the owners directly to cater your wedding. Family-owned restaurants are always the first place to check – they will almost always go the extra mile to make your wedding special and will also charge a reasonable rate.

5. Go minimal with flowers.

Instead of having huge piles of flowers everywhere (something that 2. Ask for wedding help instead will really last for only an afternoon), instead simply go with a single of wedding gifts. rose for each bridesmaid and a very small bouquet for the bride. If you Do you have friends or family blessed with musical talent? Ask them to know someone with a rose bush, you can actually easily make your own provide the musical accompaniment for your ceremony. How about a pal bouquets the day before the ceremony by cutting the roses yourself and who’s a good amateur photographer, or videographer? Let them give the trimming away the thorns. gift of their talent, offer to pay for their supplies, or work out a nominal fee or a trade of talents (they shoot your wedding, you sing at theirs...)

6. Choose very personal books for services.

3. Have the ceremony at home, or outdoors.

4. Do catering yourself, or hire a family-owned restaurant.

With a quality home printer and some time, you can make very classy invitations on your own. You can also pick up a simple blank invitation kit at an office supply store and make your own invitations. No pictures or anything – just a very classic font and simple text. It looks stylish and doesn’t cost much at all.

You may find that the cost of renting a building for your ceremony and reception is expensive. Instead, consider using your own home (or the home of a parent) for your ceremony, or perhaps a public park with a beautiful view. In each case, you can also have your reception outdoors, often eliminating the cost of renting a place as well as creating a memorable ceremony.

If you have a flair for cooking, you can handle your own food preparation with the help of family and friends. This drastically 22

groomsmen/bridesmaid gifts.

It’s often customary to give gifts to one’s bridesmaids or groomsmen.

One very effective (and frugal) gift is to give personally important books to each person. Choose one that expresses something personal that you feel is appropriate for each member of the wedding party and hand-write an inscription on the inside, noting that the gift is for the wedding and why it’s an appropriate book.

7. Make your own invitations.

Illinois Valley Weddings

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8. Use a good home stereo system for the reception music.

11. Patiently shop for any decoration needs.

Rather than hiring a DJ, just use your own home stereo (or the stereo of a close friend).

Put speakers around the dance floor area – there’s no need to spread them around the reception room. Then just create a few mix CDs from your own collection, or set up a playlist in a program on your computer – there’s all the music you need.

Many area merchants have sales somewhat regularly throughout the year – and they all sell supplies that can be helpful with your wedding.

Know what you’re looking for as far in advance as possible and let the sales come to you.

9. Have “vendor cards” in exchange for reduced rates.

If you’re hiring people to provide services for your reception (musicians, a DJ, florists, caterers, photographers, etc.), offer to advertise for them in exchange for reduced rates. At the reception, put a small card in each person’s place that lists the businesses responsible for each service at the wedding, along with their contact information. Since this tends to be very effective advertising, many businesses will happily provide services at reduced rates in exchange for this opportunity.

10. Contact the local university for musical accompaniment needs.

If you’d like live musical accompaniment for the ceremony (and perhaps for the reception), one place to look for low-cost musicians is at the local university’s music department. Contact them and ask if there are any students who are studying a particular instrument or vocal work and see if they’re available to provide music for your wedding. It can help them with their resume and save you on this part of your wedding.

12. If you’re getting married in your church, ask the ladies’ auxiliary for help.

Most churches have a women’s organization that is very happy to help with wedding preparation in exchange for a reasonable small donation. Get them involved – they can take a lot of worry off your shoulders for a relatively low price. At our wedding, the “church ladies” were a great help with church decoration and other helpful things on the day of the ceremony.

13. Buy dresses together when a sale is on.

Similar to the tip for shopping for decorations, you can often save a significant amount of money by shopping patiently for dresses as well. Many dress stores have sales on holidays such as Memorial Day – keep an eye out for such sales. You may also want to shop together so that you can all save during the sale.

14. Rent tuxedos as a group.

Unless you have a specific reason for owning a tuxedo (and few people do), you should rent one. It’s often useful to rent the tuxedos as a group through the same business, as you’ll often get a group rate. It’s often useful to rent through a place that’s fairly close to the site of the wedding so last minute adjustments can easily be made.

15. Make a simple honeymoon, not an ostentatious one.

A huge, over-the-top honeymoon might sound fun, but it’s far, far cheaper (and often more enjoyable) to have a much more laid-back honeymoon. Instead of planning a big trip, just hop in the car and spend a week or two together just driving around and enjoying being married. The fewer plans, the better – and the cheaper.

16. Involve your close friends and family in the preparation.

As you’re developing plans, you should get your closest friends and family involved with the details.

Quite often, they’ll have surprisingly good ideas that can save you money and effort – perhaps they’ll know someone that can cut you a deal on a certain part, or maybe they’ll just volunteer to help out with that piece. Good friends and family are always there to help, so you might as well use it.

17. Plan, plan, plan.

List everything you can think of and walk through these items step by step. The earlier you get started – and the more things you think about early on – the less “last minute stress” you’ll have and the more time you’ll have to find sales and discounts and other good ideas.

18. Don’t stress.

Something will probably go wrong at the last minute – a little detail of some sort won’t work out.

Don’t worry about it – just assume something little is going to go wrong and don’t respond by throwing cash at it. Most likely, no one will even notice the little issue, and quite often someone in your wedding party (or someone helping out) will come up with a pretty good solution to fix things.

To save money on the honeymoon, plan something simple and laid-back. The fewer the plans, the better.

Illinois Valley Weddings

Source: www.thesimpledollar.com

Metro

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The countdown to the big day CTW Features

Congratulations! You’re in love, you’ve set a wedding date and soon you’ll be married.

Between the romance and the ritual, however, you must survive a potentially harrowing experience: planning your big day.

Pulling together a wedding celebration can be a hectic, intimidating task.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Planning for the perfect wedding starts with the bride and groom agreeing on a unified vision before they begin booking caterers, bands and photographers. This will deter stressful disagreements while planning the minutia of the ceremony and reception.

When you’ve decided on the overall tone for your special day, it’s time to get down to business.

Think of yourself as a project manager. Establish an overall framework for completing the work and set specific deadlines, schedules and goals. Taken one small job at a time, the detail-laden task becomes less overwhelming.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help keep the stars in your eyes, your feet on the ground and your wedding plans on track.

9 months before your wedding ❐ Choose your wedding date. If you plan to be married in a church or temple, clear the date and time with the clergy. ❐ Announce your engagement in local newspapers. ❐ Set your budget. Take time for a heart-to-heart talk with your fiancé about the budget and style of your wedding, reception and wedding-related parties, and who pays for what.

Enlist help. Consider hiring a bridal consultant. If your budget won’t stretch that far, don’t despair.

Enlist relatives and close friends to assist you in specific 24

Remember to get a written contract. ❐ Choose your musician(s). ❐ Book your photographer and videographer. ❐ Select your baker and order the cake. ❐ Choose your florist. ❐ Decide on your color scheme. ❐ Shop for wedding rings with your fiancé. ❐ Decide on your honeymoon destination. Work with a travel agent to book your travel and accommodations. ❐ Select your wedding invitations. Don’t forget to purchase personal stationery for the thank-you notes you’ll need to write.

4 months before your wedding ❐ Register for gifts at one or more bridal gift registries. ❐ Help both mothers to coordinate and shop for their wedding-day attire. ❐ Select music for the ceremony and reception. ❐ Choose readings for your wedding and write your wedding vows. ❐ Plan a rehearsal dinner for members of your wedding party, your family and out-oftown guests. Reserve the location. ❐ Arrange hotel accommodaMetro tions for members of the wedSix months before your wedding is a good time to shop for wedding rings ding party who live out of town. with your fiancé.

Reserve a block of rooms for tasks – selecting a dress, inter- mood you’d like to establish other out-of-town guests, and viewing caterers, etc. – espewith the food, table settings, let them know the rooms are cially in areas where you feel flowers and entertainment at available. Remember to ask for you need support. your reception. any group discounts or special packages. ❐ Compose your guest list. ❐ Interview caterers, musiLet out-of-town guests know cians, florists, photographers, ❐ Reserve your wedding-day your wedding is in the works so videographers and cake maktransportation and any other they can make travel plans. ers. Get written estimates of wedding-day rental needs. ❐ Reserve your reception site. their costs. Keep track of your ❐ Make appointments for discussions and their bids gown fittings. ❐ Choose your wedding in a notebook or with wedattendants. ❐ Check the requirements for ding-planning software. a marriage license. ❐ Select your wedding gown, shoes and accessories. ❐ Make sure contracts and 6 months before arrangements are complete ❐ Decide on bridesmaids’ with all of your service providyour wedding dresses. ers. ❐ Determine the theme or ❐ Choose your caterer.

Illinois Valley Weddings

25 3 months before your wedding ❐ Carefully prepare directions, including simply drawn maps, if necessary, to help guide guests to the wedding and reception, and to hotels. For guests who will travel a long distance to your wedding, consider assembling an information package on fun things to do and see in your area. ❐ Begin addressing invitations and announcements. Select a special stamp at the post office.

Invitations should go in the mail 6 to 8 weeks before your big day. ❐ Give the caterer or other food suppliers a close idea of the number of guests you expect. ❐ Make sure all reservations are in place for honeymoon travel. ❐ Check with bridesmaids to make sure they have their gowns and are getting them adjusted. ❐ Shop for gifts for your bridesmaids. Offer to help your fiancé select gifts for his attendants. ❐ Select your “going away” outfit and special items for your trousseau. ❐ Make a date with your photographer for any formal portraits you desire. ❐ Make an appointment to have your hair done just before your portrait session and again the day or so before your wedding. Consider including your bridesmaids in a “day of beauty” before your wedding, with manicures, hair styling, massages and makeup sessions.

2 months before your wedding ❐ Mail out your wedding invitations and announcements. ❐ Have wedding portraits taken. ❐ Send your bridal portrait and wedding announcement to newspapers for publication. ❐ Finalize the music that will be played during your wedding ceremony. ❐ Meet with musicians who will provide entertainment during your reception and orchestrate precisely what you Illinois Valley Weddings

1 week before your wedding ❐ Make final checks with all your vendors: officiant, musicians, florist, photographer, videographer, limousine or other transportation provider, caterers and baker. ❐ Ask a friend or family member to arrange for wedding gifts that may be brought to your reception to be delivered to your home or another safe spot. ❐ Wrap gifts for bridal attendants and have them ready for the rehearsal dinner. ❐ Purchase traveler’s checks and reconfirm honeymoon travel and hotel plans. ❐ See that checks are writMetro ten and ready to be given to Check with your florist one month before your wedding to confirm dates vendors at the agreed-upon time. and times of flower deliveries. ❐ Inform your caterer of the ❐ Keep writing those thankwant and when you want it final number of guests. Conyou notes on a daily basis! played. firm that out-of-town guests ❐ If you plan a formal dinner ❐ Don’t be shy to voice your are set with hotel accommodafor your reception, it’s time to preferences, down to the voltions, transportation and weddraw up a seating plan and ume, favorite songs you’d like ding-day directions. make up place cards. to hear, or even songs you don’t want played. ❐ Check with your florist to The day before confirm dates and times of ❐ Plan your rehearsal dinner your wedding flower deliveries. and a brunch or fun activity for ❐ Take time to relax and enjoy out-of-town guests to enjoy on ❐ Review your wedding day a massage, manicure and pedthe day after your wedding. transportation plans and make icure. ❐ Buy special accessories for sure drivers are clear about addresses, times and number ❐ Traditionally, this is the your wedding day attire. of passengers. day for your rehearsal cere❐ Plan a luncheon for your mony and rehearsal dinner. ❐ Make name or address bridesmaids.

Have fun! changes official on documents, ❐ Make appointments for a including driver’s license, Social ❐ Turn in early for a good hairdresser, makeup artist and Security forms and financial night’s sleep. manicurist. accounts. Fill out change❐ Finalize honeymoon plans. of-address forms at the post On your If you’re traveling overseas, office. check again that your passwedding day ❐ Meet with your photogports are current and that you ❐ Allow plenty of time for rapher to specify the formal have any necessary visas. dressing, makeup and hair shots you want taken of the ❐ Gather necessary birth or bridal party, as well as specific, styling. baptismal certificates you may candid shots you’d like taken ❐ If you plan on photogneed for your wedding license. during the reception. raphy before the ceremony, ❐ Review the video plans with allow ample time so you’re not 1 month before your videographer. rushed. ❐ Relax, and remember: This your wedding is your special day, the result of 2 weeks before ❐ Get your wedding license. all your careful planning. Now your wedding ❐ Have a final fitting of your it’s time to enjoy. gown and make sure your ❐ Keep writing those thankTake a deep breath. attendants have theirs. you notes for wedding gifts!

Refuse to let any glitch get to ❐ Check that your menu ❐ Pick up your wedding rings. you. selections and service plans are Make sure any special engravSavor every moment of this locked in place with the caterer. ing appears precisely as you sacred day. ❐ Purchase a special book to wished.

Let your joy and happiness keep track of wedding gifts as ❐ Begin packing for your hon- shine through.

Best wishes! eymoon. they arrive.

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Groom’s Checklist

BY ROBERT MORTIZ The Knot

So, you finally got up the nerve to pop the big one.

Now it’s time to start doing some heavy wedding lifting.

Here’s a list of your most essential to-dos.

12 months before

3 months before

n Figure out where you’re going to have your ceremony and reception.

The best spots fill up fast, especially for summer and fall, so decide your wedding size and start looking. n Organize your guys. After you ask your best man to do the honors, make up your groomsman list. For crowd control, you’ll want at least one usher per 50 guests. n Get what you want. Crazy as it seems, people start buying you gifts immediately, and registering may be the only way to keep your friends’ and relatives’ questionable tastes in check.

n Get ready for the freeloaders. Your out-of-town guests need a place to stay, so unless you’ve got a couple dozen spare bedrooms, decide on a hotel and reserve a block of rooms. Let them know this in your invitations. n By this time, the guest list should be finalized – i.e., it has the bride, groom and parents’ approval. Time to send out the invitations. n Get dressed. So what will it be?

Tails and top hat or traditional Scottish kilt? Decide and buy (or rent), then pick out your groomsmen’s getups. n Give a jeweler your finger to be measured. Let your fiancée do the same, and then order your wedding rings. Decide on inscriptions. n If you’re going to tie the knot, you may have to get your blood tested. It’s the law in some states.

9 months before n Meet and greet suitable officiants.

Priest, rabbi, justice of the peace, officially sanctioned Elvis impersonator – the choice is yours. n Book the talent. It’ll probably fall to you to choose the band or disc jockey. Be sure to get references and hear music beforehand – and run it by your bride before you sign on the dotted line. n Start drawing up your guest list.

This is something you’ll probably want to get your parents in on, too.

6 to 8 weeks before

n Have a good time, but don’t do something stupid. It’s your bachelor party and last chance to go crazy without the ball and chain legally attached.

1 week before

n Get ready to relax. Double-check n Get a sparkling smile. Cut down on the honeymoon reservations, start packing your bags, and pick up travelcoffee and try a whitening toothpaste.

Want to really shine? Consider a profes- er’s checks. sional bleaching with a dentist or use an n Pay your officiant. Put his or her fee over-the-counter whitening system. in an envelope and give it to your best man for post-vow delivery. n Don’t be cheap. This is one of the most important moments in your life, so n You are expected to speak to the put some real thought into the matter crowd at your wedding reception. and then buy your bride a wedding gift. Sound sensitive and intelligent, start 6 months before coming up with that impromptu toast n Don’t be cheap, part 2. Search n Plan your honeymoon. If you’re to her family now. high and low for the perfect groomsleaving the country, now would be a men gifts. These guys are going to put n Rally the troops. Give your groomsgood time to check or find your passout come D-Day to make sure you look men the rehearsal dinner low-down port – or get them if you and your girl your best. Make sure you get them and make sure everybody’s got his don’t have ’em – and see what kind of something decent to show for it. monkey suit pressed and ready. By the shots or visas you might need. n Don’t lose it. Pick up your wedding way, get a haircut already. n Who’s driving? Arrange for transrings and put them in a safe place. portation to the ceremony and recepWhile you’re at it, check the engraving The day before tion. Think limousine or horse and carefully for typos. n Make her cry. Write a sweet little “I buggy. love you” note (or other touching trick) While you’re at it, figure out where 2 weeks before and leave it somewhere she’ll find it you’re going after the reception – airon wedding morning, particularly if you n Do something really romantic with port? hotel? – and make plans for won’t be seeing her before the ceregetting there. FYI, tradition dictates that your wife-to-be. But before you do, mony. pick up your marriage license. your best man drives you.

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Illinois Valley Weddings

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The Bride’s Trousseau Bridal Gown Store: _________________________________________________ Phone/Email:____________________________________________ Address: __________________Consultant:___________________ Gown Description: _______________________________________ Date Ordered: ____________Date Promised:___________________ Price: ___________________________________________________ Fitting Appointments: (Bring proper undergarments and shoes) Date/Time:_________________________________________________ Date/Time:____________________________________________________ Date/Time:____________________________________________________ Date/Time:____________________________________________________

Bridal Accessories ❐ Headpiece and Veil – Price: _________________________________ ❐ Bra/Bustier – Price: ______________________________________ ❐ Teddy/Body Stockings – Price: _________________________ ❐ Stockings/Pantyhose – Price: ________________________ ❐ Garter – Price: ___________________________________ ❐ Petticoat/Slip – Price: ___________________________ ❐ Shoes – Price: ______________________________ ❐ Jewelry – Price: ___________________________ ❐ Wrap/Cape – Price: _____________________ ❐ Other – Price: ________________________ ❐ Something Old – Price: _____________ ❐ Something New – Price: ___________ ❐ Something Borrowed – Price: _____ ❐ Something Blue – Price:_________ Illinois Valley Weddings

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Bride’s Attendants Bridesmaids Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________

Flower girl Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________

Gowns Store: _________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ____________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Consultant: _____________________________________ Gown Description: ______________________________________________ Price:___________________________________________ Date Ordered: __________________________________________________ Date Promised: __________________________________ Fitting Appointments: (Bring proper undergarments and shoes) Date/Time:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date/Time:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date/Time:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Accessories ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Shoes:________________________________________________________ Price:___________________________________________ Jewelry:_______________________________________________________ Price: __________________________________________ Undergarments: _______________________________________________ Price: __________________________________________ Handbags: ____________________________________________________ Price: __________________________________________ Wrap: ________________________________________________________ Price: __________________________________________ Other: ________________________________________________________ Price: __________________________________________

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Illinois Valley Weddings

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The Groom’s Attendants Tuxedos Store:____________________________________________________ Phone/Email:______________________________________ Consultant: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Description:________________________________________________________Price_____________________________________ Date Measurements Needed By: ________________Pick-Up Date: _________________ Return Date: ______________________

Groomsmen Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________

Ring Bearer Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________

Ushers Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________ Phone/Email: _________________________________________

Illinois Valley Weddings

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THE SUPPORTING CAST

Asked to be part of a friend’s wedding? Here is a list of traditional responsibilities for members of the wedding party. Of course, it is up to the bride and groom to determine exactly what each attendant will do.

Maid of honor Helps the bride select bridesmaids’ attire and wedding dress.

■ Helps address invitations and place cards.

■ Attends as many prenuptial events as possible.

■ May host a shower, but not mandatory.

■ Organizes bridesmaids’ gift to the bride and usually gives an individual gift to the couple.

■ Pays for own wedding attire and transportation to wedding.

■ Attends the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

■ Walks in processional and recessional.

■ Holds the groom’s wedding ring.

■ Helps with the bride’s ■

gown.

■ Arranges the bride’s veil and train before the processional and recessional.

■ Makes sure the bride’s gown is picture perfect throughout the day.

■ Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony.

■ Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate.

■ Stands in receiving line.

■ Helps the bride change into her going-away clothes.

■ Takes care of the bride’s gown and accessories after the reception.

■ Walks in processional and recessional.

■ May participate in receiving line.

■ Helps gather guests for the first dance, cake-cutting and bouquet toss.

■ Pays for own dress and transportation to the wedding.

Best man Organizes any pre-wedding party for the groom.

■ Coordinates the ushers’ gift to the groom and usually gives individual gift to the couple.

Bridesmaid ■ Attends the rehearsal and ■ Helps the bride and maid rehearsal dinner. of honor in many ways.

■ Makes sure the groom ■ Takes care of own dress has the marriage license with and accessories fittings. him at the ceremony.

■ May help with a shower ■ Delivers any payment to for the bride, optional. officiant, sexton and cere■ Assists the bride with mony musicians, as prearerrands. ranged.

■ Contributes to brides■ Holds the bride’s wedmaids’ gift to the bride and ding ring during the ceremousually gives an individual gift ny until the vows are spoken. to the couple.

■ Walks in recessional.

■ Attends the rehearsal and ■ Witnesses the signing of rehearsal dinner. the marriage certificate.

■

■ Offers first toast to bride and groom at the reception.

■ Gathers and takes care of the groom’s wedding clothes after the reception.

■ Has a car ready for the bride and groom to leave the reception.

■ Pays for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding.

Usher Participates in the party for the groom if there is one.

■ Contributes to the ushers’ gift for the groom and usually gives an individual gift to the couple.

■ Attends the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

■ Makes sure people receive their special flowers or corsages.

■ Greets guests.

■ Seats guests.

■ Hands out programs.

■ Puts the aisle runner in place after guests are seated, before the processional.

■ Pays for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding.

■

ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES www.theknot.com

While we hope you don’t have emergencies on the big day, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Here’s a list of all those just-in-case items that will ensure your dream wedding goes off without a hitch.

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The essentials

❐ Aspirin (or pain reliever of

choice) ❐ Band-Aids ❐ Bottle of water ❐ Chalk (to cover up any last-minute smudges or smears on your dress)

❐ Clear nail polish (for stocking runs) ❐ Corsage pins ❐ Dental floss/toothpicks ❐ Eyedrops ❐ Extra earring backs ❐ Extra panty hose ❐ Hairpins/ponytail holder ❐ Hand towelettes ❐ Hem tape ❐ Matches ❐ Mini sewing kit ❐ Safety pins ❐ Scotch tape ❐ Sedatives (don’t ask!) ❐ Small folding scissors ❐ Smelling salts (for fainters) ❐ Spot remover ❐ Static-cling spray ❐ Straws (so the bride can stay hydrated without messing up her lipstick) ❐ Tissues ❐ Tweezers

In the MOH bag The maid or matron of honor should keep the following items on hand for the bride: ❐ Breath mints/spray ❐ Cellphone ❐ Comb/brush ❐ Cash ❐ Hair spray ❐ Linen handkerchief ❐ Makeup (for touch-ups) ❐ Mirror ❐ Nail file ❐ Perfume ❐ Tampons/sanitary napkins Optional items ❐ Granola bars or other easy-to-carry snacks ❐ Krazy Glue (for nail fixes, shoe heels, etc.) ❐ Sunblock Illinois Valley Weddings

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SERVICE PROVIDERS Beauty Care Salon: ___________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ________________________________________ Stylist: _________________________________________________________________________Price: ________________________ Appointment Date/Time: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Cake Bakery: _________________________________________________ Phone/Email: ________________________________________ Salesperson: _____________________________________________ Price: ______________________________________________ Appointment Date/Time: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Invitations and Stationery Name of Store: ___________________________________________ Salesperson: ________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________________________Price: ________________________ Quantity Ordered: ___________________________Date Ordered: _______________________Date Promised: ________________ Manufacturer:_____________________________________________ Style Number: _______________________________________

Jeweler Name of Store: ___________________________________________ Salesperson: ________________________________________ Phone/Email: ___________________________________________________________________Price: ________________________

Transportation Company Name: _______________________________________________________________Salesperson: __________________ Phone/Email: ___________________________________________________________________Price: ________________________ Type of Vehicle: ________________________________________________________________Capacity: _____________________ Pickup Date: ___________________________________________________________________Time: _________________________ Length of Rental Time: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Travel Agency Agency Name: ___________________________________________ Salesperson: ________________________________________ Phone/Email: ___________________________________________________________________Price: _________________________ Destination: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Departure Date: __________________________________________ Return Date: ________________________________________ Airline: ___________________________________________________ Flight Number: ______________________________________ Travel Notes: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Videography Studio Name: ____________________________________________ Videographer’s Name ________________________________ Phone/Email: ___________________________________________________________________Price: ________________________ Illinois Valley Weddings

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PHOTOGRAPHY CHECKLIST Of the Bride ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐

Bride Alone Bride with her Mother Bride with her Father Bride with Both Parents Bride with Maid of Honor Bride with Bridesmaids Bride Fixing her Make-up and Hair Attendants Receiving Flowers Parents Receiving Flowers

Of the Groom ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐

Groom Alone Groom with his Mother Groom with his Father Groom with Both Parents Groom with Best Man Groom with Groomsmen Groomsmen Getting Boutonnières Parents Receiving Flowers

At the Ceremony Guests Outside of Church Ushers Escorting Guests Bride’s Mother Being Seated Groom’s Family Being Seated Bride and her Father Entering the Church ❐ Groom and Groomsmen at Altar ❐ Attendants Coming Down Aisle ❐ Bride and her Father Coming Down Aisle ❐ Giving-Away Ceremony ❐ Altar During Ceremony ❐ Bride and Groom Saying Vows ❐ Ring Ceremony ❐ Flower Girl and Ring Bearer ❐ The Kiss ❐ Bride and Groom Coming Up Aisle ❐ Bride and Groom Leaving Church ❐ Bride and Groom Getting Into Car ❐ Bride and Groom in Decorated Car ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐

Of the Couple ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐

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Bride and Groom Bride’s and Groom’s Hands Bride and Groom Looking at Each Other Couple with Honor Attendants Couple with Wedding Party Couple with All Parents Couple with Bride’s Parents Couple with Bride’s Family Couple with Groom’s Parents Couple with Groom’s Family

At the Reception ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐

Couple Arriving Couple Entering Reception Receiving Line Couple in Receiving Line Parents in Receiving Line Buffet Table Cake Friends Serving Punch Couple Seated at Table

❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐

Bride Dancing with her Father Groom Dancing with his Mother Couple Talking with Guests Couple Cutting the Cake Couple Feeding Each Other Cake Couple Toasting Bride Throwing Bouquet Groom Removing Bride’s Garter Groom Throwing Garter Couple Dancing

Other ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________ ❐ __________________________________

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WEDDING BLOOMS Florist __________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________ Contact Person: _________________________________________Phone/Email: _________________________________________ COLOR

NUMBER NEEDED

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Bridal Bouquet

______________

______________

______________

______________

Maid of Honor Bouquet

______________

______________

______________

______________

Bridesmaids’ Bouquets

______________

______________

______________

______________

Flower Girl’s Bouquet

______________

______________

______________

______________

Floral Headpieces

______________

______________

______________

______________

Mothers’/Grandmothers’ Corsages

______________

______________

______________

______________

Hostesses’ Flowers

______________

______________

______________

______________

Groom’s Boutonniere

______________

______________

______________

______________

Fathers’/Grandfathers’ Boutonnière

______________

______________

______________

______________

Groomsmen’s /Ushers’ Boutonnière

______________

______________

______________

______________

Ring Bearer’s Pillow

______________

______________

______________

______________

Altar/Chuppah Flowers

______________

______________

______________

______________

Aisle or Pew Decorations

______________

______________

______________

______________

Reception Room Flowers

______________

______________

______________

______________

Head Table Centerpiece

______________

______________

______________

______________

Guests’ Table Centerpieces

______________

______________

______________

______________

Cake/Buffet Table Decorations

______________

______________

______________

______________

Total

______________

______________

______________

______________

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GETTING A GOOD RECEPTION Where it’s at Reception site __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ Price: ________________________________________ Contact person: ___________________________________________ Phone/Email: __________________________________

The caterer Name: __________________________________________________ Phone/Email: __________________________________ Cost _________ Deposit: ______Balance Due: ________________ Per-person rate _______________Flat rate: ________

Reception style: ❐

Formal ______________________________________________________________________________________________

❐ Hors

d’oeuvres _______________________________________________________________________________________

❐ Buffet

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Cake and Punch ________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated Number of Guests: _______________

Catering services Numbers of wait-staff __________How long will they serve at the reception? ______________________________________ Services they’ll perform __________________________________________________________________________________ What type of equipment does the caterer supply? ____________________________________________________________ What beverages will be supplied? __________________________________________________________________________ Will table service and linens be provided? ______ Who will provide cleanup? _____________________________________

What’s on the Menu?

Hors d’oeuvres _________________________________________________________________________________________ Soup/Salad ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Main course ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Side dishes _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Breads/rolls ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Beverages _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Extras _________________________________________________________________________________________________

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DECORATING DETAILS Balloons Decorator: __________________________

Phone: ___________________

Address: _____________________________________

Salesperson: ________________________

Delivery Date/Time/Place: __________________________________________________

Description: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rentals Store 1: _______________________________________________

Store 3: _______________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________

Salesperson: __________________________________________

Salesperson: __________________________________________

Items to Reserve for Ceremony/Reception: _________________ ______________________________________________________

Items to Reserve for Ceremony/Reception: _________________ ______________________________________________________

Pick-up/Delivery Date: _______________ Time: _____________

Pick-up/Delivery Date: _______________ Time: _____________

Return Date: ___________________ Time: _________________

Return Date: ___________________ Time: _________________

Deposit: _____________________ Cost: ___________________

Deposit: _____________________ Cost: ___________________

Store 2: _______________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________ Salesperson: __________________________________________ Items to Reserve for Ceremony/Reception: _________________ ______________________________________________________ Pick-up/Delivery Date: _______________ Time: _____________ Return Date: ___________________ Time: _________________ Deposit: _____________________ Cost: ___________________

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MUSIC Ceremony DJ/Musician(s) 1: _____________________________________________ Phone: _____________________ Price: _______________ DJ/Musician(s) 2: _____________________________________________ Phone: _____________________ Price: _______________

Musical Selections Processional: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ceremony: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Recessional: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reception Entertainer(s) 1: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________ Contact Person: ______________________________________________________________________ Price: ____________________ Entertainer(s) 2: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________ Contact Person: _______________________________________________________________________ Price: ___________________ Entertainer(s) 3: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________ Contact Person: ______________________________________________________________________ Price: ____________________ Entertainer(s) 4: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________ Contact Person: _______________________________________________________________________ Price: ___________________ Entertainer(s) 5: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________ Contact Person: ______________________________________________________________________ Price: ____________________ Entertainer(s) 6: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________ Contact Person: ______________________________________________________________________ Price: ____________________

Musical Selections Couple’s First Dance: ______________________________________________________ __________________ Wedding Party Dance: _____________________________________ ________________________ Couple/Parent’s Dance: ____________________ _____________________________ Other Requests: ___________ ____________________

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GIFTS Stores where gifts are registered

Bedroom Color Scheme: ____________________________________ Bed Size: _________________________________________ ❐ ____________________

Phone: ___________ Website: _____________________

❐ Bedspread ❐ Blanket ❐ Breakfast Tray ❐ Comforter/Duvet ❐ Electric Blanket ❐ Flat/Fitted Sheets ❐ Mattress Pad ❐ Pillows ❐ Pillowcases/Shams ❐ Throw Blanket

❐ ____________________

Store: __________________________________________

Other ❐ ____________________

Phone: ___________ Website: _____________________

❐ ____________________

❐ ____________________

Store: __________________________________________ Phone: ___________ Website: _____________________ Store: __________________________________________ Phone: ___________ Website: _____________________ Store: __________________________________________

Bathroom

❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________

Around the House

Color Scheme: __________________________________ ❐ Bath Mats/Rugs ❐ Bath Towels ❐ Facecloths ❐ Curtain Rings ❐ Hair Dryer ❐ Hand Soap Dispenser ❐ Hand Towels ❐ Laundry Hamper ❐ Soap Dish ❐ Scale ❐ Shower Curtain ❐ Showerhead Massage ❐ Toothbrush Holder ❐ Towel Rack ❐ Wastebasket

❐ ____________________

Other ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________ ❐ ___________________

Color Scheme: Table Size: ❐ Broom ❐ Camera ❐ Camera Equipment ❐ CD Player ❐ Clock ❐ Dustpan ❐ Fire Extinguisher ❐ Home Computer ❐ Iron ❐ Ironing Board ❐ Lamps ❐ Luggage ❐ Photo Frames ❐ Planters ❐ Sewing Machine ❐ Telephone

❐ Television ❐ Toolbox ❐ Vacuum/Sweeper ❐ Vases ❐ VCR/DVD Player ❐ Video Camera Other ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________ ❐ ____________________

Fun stuff ❐ _____________________________________________________________________________ ❐ _____________________________________________________________________________ ❐ _____________________________________________________________________________ ❐ _____________________________________________________________________________ ❐ _____________________________________________________________________________ ❐ _____________________________________________________________________________ ❐ _____________________________________________________________________________ ❐ _____________________________________________________________________________ ❐ _____________________________________________________________________________ ❐ _____________________________________________________________________________

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GIFTS

Dining and Serving Formal Color Scheme: _________________________________ Formal Dinnerware Manufacturer/Pattern: _____________________________________________________

Kitchen Color Scheme: ___________________________________ Table Size: ______________________________________

❐ Baking Dish ❐ Bakeware ❐ Blender ❐ Bread Machine ❐ Can Opener ❐ Coffee Grinder ❐ Coffee Maker ❐ Cookbook ❐ Cutlery Set ❐ Deep Fryer ❐ Dish Towels ❐ Dutch Oven ❐ Electric Skillet ❐ Food Processor ❐ Hand Mixer ❐ Ice Cream Maker ❐ Juicer ❐ Measuring Cup ❐ Measuring Spoons ❐ Microwave Oven ❐ Mixing Bowls ❐ Oven Mitts ❐ Placemats ❐ Roasting Pan ❐ Saucepan ❐ Skillet ❐ Slow Cooker ❐ Stand Mixer ❐ Steamer ❐ Stockpot ❐ Tablecloth ❐ Tea Kettle ❐ Toaster ❐ Toaster Oven ❐ Utensil Set

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❐ Wire Racks ❐ Wok ❐ Wok Utensils

Other

❐ ______________________

Formal Glassware Manufacturer/Pattern: _____________________________________________________ Casual Color Scheme: _____________________________________________________ Casual Dinnerware Manufacturer/Pattern: _____________________________________________________ Casual Glassware Manufacturer/Pattern: _____________________________________________________

❐ ______________________

Table Size: _________________________________________

❐ ______________________

❐ Tableclothes

❐ Placemats

❐ Cloth Napkins

❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________

❐ Bread Tray ❐ Cake Plate ❐ Candlesticks ❐ Chafing Dish ❐ Cheese Board ❐ Coasters ❐ Coffee/Tea Service ❐ Corkscrew/Opener ❐ Covered Casserole ❐ Cream/Sugar Bowls ❐ Decanter ❐ Dessert Dish Set ❐ Gravy/Sauce Boat ❐ Ice Bucket ❐ Napkin Rings ❐ Nut Dish ❐ Pitcher ❐ Punch Bowl Set ❐ Salad Bowl ❐ Salt/Pepper Shakers ❐ Serving Bowl ❐ Serving Platter ❐ Serving Tray ❐ Soup Tureen ❐ Trivet ❐ Wine Rack

Other

❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________ ❐ ______________________

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Balancing The Budget

Stationery

Announcements Invitations Thank-you cards/notes Stamps Other

Attire

Bridal gown Headpiece and veil Shoes Jewelry, gloves Other accessories Groom’s tux Bridal dresses Trousseau Other

Photography

Engagement Wedding/reception Wedding album Parents’ album Additional prints Videography Other

Gifts

Groom’s gift Bride’s gift Groomsmen gifts Bridesmaids gifts Parents’ gifts (optional) Other

Estimated cost

Actual cost

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

Parties

Engagement party Bridesmaids’ lunch Bachelor party Rehearsal dinner

Ceremony

Church, synagogue Officiant fees Organist, soloist fees Janitorial fees

Flowers

Ceremony arrangements Bride’s bouquet Groom’s boutonnière Wedding party Family Reception flowers Host and hostess Reception arrangements Other Reception Facility rental Catering/food Beverages Table decorations Rentals (tents, chairs) Rentals (tableware, linens) Band, DJ, pianist Coat check, valet Tips and fees Janitorial Guestbook/pen Cake knife Unity candle Monogrammed napkins Mementos for guests Birdseed or confetti Other

Honeymoon

Travel clothes Airfare, tickets Hotel reservations Car rental Meals Souvenirs Other Illinois Valley Weddings

Estimated cost

Actual cost

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

Estimated cost

Actual cost

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ 39

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SM-PR1492658

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